A Rolling Stone

I saw my doc a week or so ago, and heard what I’ve been hearing for quite some time. While everything looks just fine right now, there’s no guarantee melanoma won’t crop up in some internal organ. So, I sometimes wish I could implant what’s left of my brain into an android body and starting seeing a cyber mechanic for maintenance rather than an oncologist. But since that ain’t happening, I guess I should just be thankful for how far I’ve come.

So, I’ll sign off with a new version of Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone”…



Once upon a time you tanned so fine,
Had some burns at times in your prime, didn't you?
Skin docs’d call, say, "Beware Sol, you're bound to fall,"
You thought they were all a’kiddin' you.
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was palin' out.
Now you don't talk so loud,
Now you don't seem so proud,
About having to be paler less you squeal.

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
With Hotel M your home?
Like a complete unknown?
Like a rolling stone?

Aw, you've gone to the finest docs all right, you boomer,
But you know you only used to get ‘fused for it.
Nobody’s ever taught you how to go out in sunscreen,
And now you're gonna have to get used to it.
You say you’ll never compromise
With this mystery C, but now you realize
Doc's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say, “Can you someday make me heal?

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
Hotel M’s now home?
With no prognosis known?
A complete unknown?
Like a rolling stone?

Aw, you never turned around to see the frowns
On the doctors in their gowns
When they all did tricks for you.
You never understood that sun ain't no good,
You shouldn't let tanning salons get their kicks with you.
You used to tan on a chaise lounge with no ‘screen or hat
You bronzed out on your shoulders where freckles sat.
Ain't it hard when you discover that
Tan really wasn't where it's at
After it took from you everything it could steal?

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
Hotel M’s now your home?
With no prognosis known?
Like a complete unknown?
Like a rolling stone?

Aw, pink is on the steeple and all the football people
They're all pinkin', thinkin' that there’s sales to make.
Receiving all precious gifts,
But you'd better wear your blackest things, you'd better flaunt it babe.
You used to be so confused
‘Cause oncologists are drags with the language that they used.
Go to them now, they scan you, you can't refuse.
When you do have something, you’ve got something to lose
C’s invisible now, it’s got some secrets to conceal.

How does it feel?
Aw, how does it feel?
To make C your own?
With no prognosis known?
Like a complete unknown?
Like a rolling stone?