Why do some son’s repeat the sins of their fathers?
Why do some daughters copy their mother's mistakes?
How is it that some of us strive to end the world’s hunger?
While others are content to just let them eat cake.
Why do we forgive those who commit terrible crimes?
Yet persecute others for the slightest of things.
We complain about weather and the changing of seasons
Yet delight in the colors and beauty that it brings.
Why do we see each other by our faith or color?
When we all belong to the same human race.
Why do we praise an athlete for being a fast runner?
Yet scold those unable to pick up the pace.
We find contentment in complicated matters
But lose our composure at a simplistic task
Is it easier to hate than to love one another?
Why, is the question we all have to ask.

I walked into our parish church
A total stranger there I'd be.
I choose a pew where I was on my own
As I didn't think I needed company.
I bowed my head and closed my eyes
Intending to say a prayer.
I tried to focus on what I'd say
But the words just were not there.
I lit a candle in your honor
On the left side of the knave.
I promised myself I would not cry
But I guess I’m not that brave.
I saw the candle flame flicker
And I felt a warmth down deep inside.
In my mind I heard your voice
Like you were there right by my side.
Your presence gave me courage
And the prayer that I could not say.
Came to me in that instance
Then it slowly faded away.
If anybody had seen me
I wondered, what they would have said.
I was talking to your candle
As if you'd risen from the dead.

I understand heartache, I understand pain
I’m familiar with extravagance and also with plain
What I don't understand is, why you’re here again.
I said, you’re not welcome anymore.
I tolerated your mood swings, I put up with your lies.
I gave in to your wishes and your threatened goodbyes.
But here you are again, right before my eyes.
I said, you're not welcome anymore.
I packed up your things and gave them to your mom.
She had the nerve to tell me I shouldn't do this to her son.
So, I told her we are finished, that I'd had it, we are done.
I said, you're not welcome anymore.
I've had the locks changed, so I don't need your key.
Now show some respect and stop bothering me.
No, we can't talk about this, over a nice cup of tea.
I said, you’re not welcome anymore.

Walked for me

Some people embarrass me, by the way they stare.
Others talk about me, like I'm not even there.
They doubt my sensibility, because I’m stuck in this chair.
But you, you walked for me.
I was finding it hard, just to pay my bills.
Struggling some weeks, to afford my pills.
I had to have them, so I skipped on meals.
But you, you walked for me
I'd be guest of honor, that's what they said.
A day out in town, and not confined to bed.
To welcome home a hero, was the title I read.
But you, you walked for me
They pushed me up the ramp, and in through the door.
A hall full of people, most, I hadn't seen before.
And there you stood, in the middle of the floor.
Because you, you walked for me.
You told me you were working out of town
For three long weeks you haven't been around
Did you know that silence is the loneliest sound?
And you, you walked for me.
When the speeches started, my eyes filled with tears.
They explained what you'd done, I could not believe my ears.
You then handed me a check, thus, relieving all my fears.
Because you, you walked for me
Seventy-five thousand dollars, I read it out loud.
The shock in my voice, was heard above the crowd.
I was welcoming home, a hero of which I'm so proud.
Because you, you had walked for me
While others had stared, or turned their head away.
Without knowing or caring, how I managed from day to day.
You solicited sponsors, then set out on your way
Yes you, you walked for me
To raise that much money, you must have walked far.
Without trains or buses, or even your car.
Welcome home my hero, because that's what you are.
As you, you walked for me.
Don't think me ungrateful, when I tell you this?
Although I'm trapped in this chair, it’s not my legs that I miss.
It’s the way that we danced, which always ended with a kiss.
And then arm in arm, you walked with me.
When we got together, I will never forget
And the answer I gave, I have no regrets
To the very first words you said, when we met.
Will you, please come and walk with me.

Moving in a straight line while going round a bend.
One step forward, two steps back,
Can't remember where I started, unsure if it will end.
A never-ending journey on a nonexistent track.
Getting nowhere fast I hear voices say.
Weights hold me back as I try to proceed.
Using all my strength so I'm weaker every day,
But I have to keep pushing if I am to succeed.
The chains of my heritage bind my limbs
Restricting any progress and physical motion
Remembering words from an old church hymn
Before I lapsed in my beliefs and my devotion
Fire in my throat makes it hard to inhale
As my breathing becomes labored and shallow
Thorns from the undergrowth try their best to impale
As the path becomes darker and narrow
For seventy years plus I've endured on my way
To a place that no person has seen
By regaining my faith and taking time to pray
I will go where nobody has been.
So, I must soldier on to find the bright light
No complaints will I make, nor will I moan
There will only be winners at the end of this fight
And pure joy that we have found our way home.

When I was young and always running free
Always playing sport is, where you would find me.
Slight injuries never slowed me down
I still found a way of running around.
After all, playing sport would keep you fit
Arthritis, I'd never heard of it.
Now I’m having to have joints replaced
And doing things at a much slower pace.
Not everything that, when you’re young you are told
Will help you when, you’re getting old.
So, let me give you some sound advice
Although playing sports is really nice.
Pace yourself and your body too
Because, when age catches up with you.
Aches and pains follow you around
And grind you slowly into the ground.
I’m not trying to tell you not to play
Just listen to others and what they say.
When I was young, I was always being told
You'll regret that, when you’re getting old.