We got a late start, harried at work The sun was below the horizon and there was a band already playing At the park when we arrived We unfolded our chairs in the cool cut grass just outside the covered pavilion It was already filled with people seeming to know each other Murmurs of talking and Occasional bursts of laughter Provided a backing track To the building bluesy sound The band was from Tulsa They played well enough The singer had a raspy voice I liked But if they had ever had a prime, they were past it now I love the dirty sound of live music And the horn and snare and bass of blues I love the look of pure joy the members of the band Wear as they play And we sat in the night air as the dew fell Under a hazy dome of stars Surrounded by blues, cigarettes And the scent of mosquito repellent Driving home it hit me that no matter How old you may grow to be You can never outgrow the things you love Unless you let it happen by not paying attention