Robert Arthur Perkins

Robert A Perkins, 66, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on August 3, 2012. He was born July 16, 1946 in Milford, Massachusetts to Freedom Helon and Anne Louella Perkins. Robert served his country during the Vietnam War in the US Army; he then went on to join the Coast Guard. After the service, Robert worked as an electronics engineer for Motorola for many years. He was a devoted husband, loving father and brother. Robert is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy Perkins; son Steven Lee Perkins; brothers Fred (Carol) and Buddy (Cheryl) Perkins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, August 24 at 2:00 pm at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, 6747 East Broadway Road in Mesa.

The Singapore Sling

By Robert A. Perkins

I was sitting in Singapore sipping a “Sling”

The weather was soggy and hot

After a few I felt I should sing

The barkeeper felt I should not.

For as good as it sounded, it was hard to believe

The keeper, confounded, asked me to leave!

I mumbled and grumbled as I left the bar

I tripped and I tumbled without getting far.

Then, with nothing to go on but the soles of my feet,

I reckoned my way to my room,

I stepped from the sidewalk into the street

And that was nearly my doom.

Well the driver, he saw me and slammed on his brake.

The noise just gave me a chill!

Then he gestured a gesture I just couldn’t make

And threw him a snarl that could kill!

Ruffled a bit I gathered my wits

And I straightened my hat and tie.

I stuck out my chest and smoothed out my vest

And belched a final GOODBYE!!

Then I was singing my song while swaging along

‘till a cop, he told me to cease.

And if I didn’t mind, I’d surely be fined

I guessed for disturbing the peace.

At last I was back in my suite

Just watching the ceiling go ‘round

Not knowing if up was my head or my feet

And feeling my heart start to pound.

Next morning I paid for it all

Although in the shower I love to croon

I managed to lean and hang on to the wall

And cringe at the thought of a tune!

So, if you’re going to Singapore take my advice

Whatever you do don’t sing

If they hand you a drink, just suck on the ice

And forget the Singapore Sling!!