When I was young
My parents had a painting
It hung beautifully on the chimney breast wall
The strokes captured the image
Of many sailing boats
Floating on a green Hong Kong sea
The sky was dark with a last tint of sun
And the boats were lit up
By tiny orange flamed lanterns
You could see the tiny fishermen
Casting their nets
Under pale clouds and the slow emerging moon
Like a lightbulb it illuminated the water
I would stand for hours
And gaze into its colours
Longing to be there
Catching fish on one of those boats
Then it went
Put in the loft
A treasure stored up high
But I still see it now
And I wonder if it's the same
The painting of boats on a Hong Kong sea

Can I get you a comfy chair
Said the lady wearing glittering gold
No I said I'll just stand

Why have you come to this station
She uttered with a pendant for charm
It's quite possibly the worst in the land

My sister is ill and lonely
So I'm boarding a train
Replied I with honesty intact

You look old and tired
In need of some rest
I was struggling and that was a fact

Please sit yourself down
In this old comfy chair
I'll get you by your sisters side

But without a sleep
And something to eat
Your body will act like it died

Such a lovely person
With a charming face
An angel in my hour of need

Lie back carefully
And I'll find a place
For food so you can feed

My sister recalled to me
A wonderful dream
She had had the previous night

Where as a young lady
In Aldwych station
She helped an old man in his plight

I could see his suffering
Feel his pain
And I wanted him to be free

A tear welled up
In my baggy old eyes
When I realised that man was me

Call my name while you sleep
And I will lend my ear
Talk to me in your dreams
I will hear you loud and clear
Cause I am still around
All your troubles I can see
Yes I do listen to your prayers
So please carry on speaking to me
My body has now gone
Physicality exists no more
But the soul lingers for ever
Of that you can be sure
The chills that you often feel
Or the creaks you hear at night
Its just me dropping by
To let you know that I'm alright
I see happiness on the horizon
It's been cleared from high above
So rest your weary mind
Cause I'm still here with you my love

I stepped on the train
Which had an old fashioned feel
The little compartments looked warm and inviting
I opened a door
Made of wood and painted varnish
And a fear bolted through me like lighting
The two French gents
Gave me a curious gaze
As they spoke in their strong native tongue
Was it I they were discussing
As a guilt loomed over
I was thinking had I done something wrong
Back down the passage
Heart pounding
I slipped into another booth
But this one was worse
As the family produced smiles
My mind was a flow with untruth
The window was open
My head leaned out
I couldn't stand the torture anymore
A train rattled past
Think of the family
The misery it would bring to their door
A group of school children
All pushing past
Sir said a gentle hello
I nodded my head
Then closed my eyes
Hoping they'd hurry up and go
The train came to stop
Three stations short
Of the destination I intended to depart
But this was how it went
Every day on this train
As it stole my mind and then stole my heart

Angelic visions shroud me
In fields of lush green grass
I kick of heavy shackles
And listen to the crickets gas
The clouds slowly float by
A greyness lightly tints the sky
Nature exists in everything little thing
From the soil to a buzzing tiny fly
My sleeves are rolled half mast
Brown shoes have been left at my side
And I sprawl in a daze in the sun
It feels like the world has folded and died
A bird soars carefree above me
It's looks beautiful in black and grey
Shame birds cant understand people
Cause I think we all have plenty to say
Maybe I should do this more often
Just relax in a peaceful tranquil sea
Dream some dreams in the daylight
And just appreciate how it feels to be free

Litter walks idly on my floors
Food trays leave odours in the hall
I regularly ignore the door bell
When I hear my neighbour call
He rings a thousand times
But I don't care for his talk
'Hello Eddie' sounds his voice
Before I hear his feet start to walk
What did you think would happen
You left me when times were good
I believed we could be together
Naivety ran warm through my blood
My mother was right ofcourse
She said you were a waste of space
When you picked up those heavy cases
I just fell headfirst onto my face
Where do I go from here
Nobody can help ease the pain
Let's face it i'm washed up baggage
And I'm floating along in the rain

Picture in my hands
Smile when I view
The beautiful image
I remember belonged to you
Enigmatic character
Full of charm and subtle grace
In a realm trapped behind glass
Where you float through open space
I know I will see you one day
But I can't predict the date
We will fly through astral settings
And it won't be a day to late
The locket will pass the centuries
From house to box to pocket
We will be a reminder of the ages
As they clasp shut the glass locket