1968, I guess. Dad and I
finish watching some TV show. Surprise
as pro announcer lilts what’s next: Now! Si-
mon & Garfunkel…(quickly Dad’s blue eyes
glare)…Look for America! My pop’s voice
growls, Oh no! I counter, Oh yes! Dad, you’ll
like these guys. They’re balladeers. Mellow, nice
music. He relents. Halfway through he’s pulled
in, even laughs when Simon grumbles how
he hates his own 59th Street Bridge Song
as his guitar strums its intro. And now
Dad’s eyes tear to Homeward Bound. He belongs
with them. Then he turns to me with soft joy:
You know what, son, he sighs. They’re good ol’ boys.
Roger Armbrust
July 9, 2009
