Tom Flannery Atticus Finch
I wanted to name my kid Atticus Finchbut we had 2 girls
instead
'called 'em both 'scout' for a time
until I learned that Gregory Peck was dead
don't seem right now that he's gone
to remember things his way
to stand when they'd rather you sit down
and let others join in the fray
Neon lights of the corner bar
have led me home for years
wrapped me up and then spit me out
with an all knowing sneer
then family called and it was time
to take that magical mystery ride
with one eye closed and picture frames
sitting by my bedside
Years go by and people too
and so few can you recall
like an assembly line in a factory
or faces going by at the mall
and whatever powers you thought you had
over the dangers of this world
they slide through wrinkled fingertips
and laugh as you as you grow old
but something still comes over you
when you watch your children sleep
and I think about old Atticus Finch
and it damn near makes me weep
I wanted to name my kid Atticus Finch
but we had 2 beautiful girls instead
'called 'em both 'scout' for a time
until I learned that Gregory Peck was dead
but something still comes over you
when you watch your children sleep
and I think about old Atticus Finch
and it damn near makes me weep
