Talking to Old Soldiers

Sitting at the library today, I was wedged between two fellows as physically different and historically identical as anybody could hope to find. Both ex-Navy (well, one was a Marine, but after as long as he's been out, and the time he spent when he was in, who really cares anymore?), both tracing back family roots, both winding up on the Carolina coast in the 1800's. Neither one a long-time local. One of the two included me into his conversation, and it turned round to me handing him my business card. "Get a doctor's clearance, see if he thinks we can do your friend's wife any good, then give us a call. Scott's a fine PT. Peace be on you, man. Take care." as he walked away. And after a minute, the other fellow leans back, says "Did I just hear you say 'peace be on you'?"
"Well. Yeah.. ?"
"Man oh man. How old'd you say you are? I'm beginning to understand why you don't think we're geezers."
"'S what I'm saying, man..."
"Ain't heard that since Viet Nam..."
And he and I chatted about how time's a manmade thing...As he's leaving, he lays this one on me, or at least the first lines of its chorus...

If you waste your time a-talkin' to the people who don't listen,
"To the things that you are sayin', who do you think's gonna hear.

...Keep reading the lyrics. They twist back upright.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Been thinking lately that Coyote's a damn fine friend to have--one o' the best--but if I want to get one thing done, and maybe done right so it's the last bitterness I have to drink, then maybe I ought to ask Raven's opinion now and then, and balance between the two... 'Cause our beloved fuzzy friend is a hell of an idea man...and oh baby, the ideas ~snaps teeth, grins~... but...execution's never been his strong suit.

...Thought's still in the chew toy stage.
Most everything is.
.....
Hm.

( Lyrics for the road: )

Take it easy, guys.
Peace be on you, too.