“Nothing More”

The memories are counted
The lobster boats are moored
Riding horses mounted
I’m ready now, I’m sure
  
The moonlight is now waning
The sunrise softly near
And
All those years of searching
Have somehow found me here

A shadow valley poet
Back alley troubadour
Though questioning I know it
It’s that and nothing more

Yes  
To turn around is ancient
To look behind is wrong
To walk ahead persistent
Is all that’s to be done

For
The days have been my challenge
The nights have been my friend
Still  
I’ve somehow found a balance
Somewhere near the end

Of
A journey filled with laughter
Adventures filled with strife
Hidden in the chapters
Of a long and colored life

For
I’m a
Shadow valley poet
Back alley troubadour
I know you know I know it
It’s that and nothing more

I walk ahead uncharted
To find the golden cure
And go home open-hearted
Down paths unseen, unsure

Where maybe sins are counted
Then cast off to the wind
And horses once more mounted
To run free, wild again

Where  
We’re all once more anointed
By the hand of One on high
With
Direction new appointed
Where heart and soul abide

For
One more crazy shipwreck
And one more crazy climb
And one more crazy heartbreak
Through
One more crazy rhyme

Then
The sun will once more warm us
The moon will once more shine
The sea will once more calm us
In this life of space and time

Yes  

I’m a
Shadow valley poet
Back alley troubadour
I know you know I know it
It’s that and nothing more

“All that’s left is Dust”

Down around the bend
Closer to the end
All the letters neatly penned
No more gardens left to tend

It’s just the way it goes
Dreams come to a close
New homes for old clothes
One last picture show

And the
Treasures are just stuff
Keepsakes are just junk
Heirlooms turn to rust
And
All that’s left is dust

We
Ask for one more day
Something more to say
One more friendly fray
And then
Take it as it lays

But the
Treasures are now junk
Keepsakes are now stuff
Heirlooms turn to dust
And
All that’s left is rust

Yes It’s a
Long and winding road
With
One more turn to go
A never ending show
That never ends you know

Then
One more happy high
Another tearful try
No more wondering why
And
So long, adieu, goodbye

Yes,
My  
Treasures are now stuff
My
Keepsakes are now junk
My
Heirlooms turned to rust
And
All that’s left is dust


Down around the bend
We can’t escape the end

“Maine”

I’ve been hunkered down
In the great north woods
And here’s what I will say

It’s harsh, it’s cruel
Beautiful and good
A uniquely different way


It’s the famous rocky coast
With foaming crashing waves
A quiet walk along the beach
In amber autumn days

It’s ice and snow and sitting
Waiting out the storm
It’s stocking up the woodpile
To keep the fire warm

It’s the sun and shadows softly
Dancing through the trees
Voices from the distant past
Whispering in the breeze

It’s ghostly souls from yesteryear
Walking well-worn paths
Generations long removed
When the journey was the map

Maps of struggle, maps of time
Of where a heart once stood
Maps of life’s rambling rhyme
Of what hard work made good

It’s family, friends and loved ones
And what’s been left behind
Hope chests from the “great north woods”
For young ones left to find

And find they will as time goes by
And life is handed down
From hidden, hardened, weathered lives
In shadowed pine tree towns

It’s one more time the wheel goes ‘round
And fills another mold
Then sets it down out in the snow
To winter through the cold

This is part of what I’ve seen
Gazing at the stars
In the silent, distant, northern nights
In the miles I’ve gone so far



I’ve been hunkered down
In the great north woods
And here’s what I will say

It’s harsh, it’s cruel
Beautiful and good
A uniquely different way

Faces

I’ve got my hat, I’ve got my gloves
I’ve got my leather boots
I’ve got a chord wrapped tightly ‘round
The anchor to my roots

And though the wind will sometimes howl
A high and mighty sound
If I’m straight of sight and soul
I will not run aground

The days are getting shorter
As I rumble down this road
And as each hour passes
I lighten up the load

Yet sometimes in the dark of night
I wake up with a start
And recognize the faces from the
Places in my heart

Faces from my childhood
Friends from far away
Lovers from another time
Who went their merry way

Faces who once shared a drink
And spared a little time
And listened to my tale of whoa
Of “can you spare a dime?”

Brothers from the battle lines
Of up and out the door
Who gave it up just one more time
To get a little more


Faces in my dreams at night
Who’ve long since gone away
Who’ve only left an inkling
Of what they had to say

Faces I remember
Faces I forgot
From places where I stood my ground
And some where I had not

People who have claimed their spot
By the twinkle in their eye
People from my heart of hearts
Who’ll never say goodbye

They’re all there in my treasure chest
Of faces from my past
Monuments to life’s refrain
Of “sturdy, built to last”

So

As I hunker in the woods
This frigid winter dream
I sometimes look outside the door
To see where I had been

And

The faces in the memory book
From long and far away
Come to say hello once more
And settle in to stay

When the wind comes pounding hard and fast
The cold cuts to the bone
They ask me just to say hello
And tell them “welcome home”

“America”

They’re coming from the hills
They’re coming from the fields
They’re coming from the streets
They’re reaching for a feel

With sweat upon their brow
With callous on their hands
With love inside their hearts
With strength they need to stand

And

They’ll give you what they have
They’ll tell you where to go
They come from where we are
They come from where we’ll go

Like rockets in the sky
Like eagles in their flight
They’ll take us on their backs
And
Lead us through the night
Into the dawn

So

Tell me it’s not America
On the move again

Tell me it’s not America
On the loose again

America

On the move
On the loose

Again

“Let Him who has Ears Hear”

I walked through the night
The moon shining above me
Thought I heard the whispers
Of the ravens cutting ‘cross the sky

I climbed to the crest
I stopped to drink from the river
Heard the coyotes barking
Lonely at the moon

And they were saying

Let him who has ears hear
Let him who has ears hear
Let him who has ears hear


The path led me on
Past landslides and ruins
There he was waiting
Like a ghost from deep inside my heart

I looked into his eyes
And saw visions of tomorrow
Then he was crying and I asked him
How to stop the pain

He said

Let him who has ears hear
Let him who has ears hear
Let him who has ears hear


I stood near the edge
And looked out into the distance
There I saw angels
They were coming to take me away

I turned and I saw
The Lamb standing on Mt. Zion
Then I heard music
As if harpists
playing on their harps

and they were singing

Let him who has ears hear
Let him who has ears hear
Let him who has ears hear

“Since You Were Here”

I’ve seen two thousand sunsets
Since You were here
I’ve climbed two thousand hills

I’ve rode two thousand horses
Since You were here
Two thousand times been killed


I’ve heard two thousand bells ring
Since You were here
I’ve walked two thousand trails

I’ve known two thousand joys
Since You were here
Two thousand times been nailed

And
In two thousand moons since You were here
The stars burn bright
As we take every chance we get
And
While the tide turns and the night fades
You left us a shadow
We never can forget


I felt two thousand breezes
Since You were here
I’ve smiled two thousand times

I’ve shed two thousand tears
Since You were here
Two thousand times been blind

I’ve touched two thousand hearts
Since You were here
I’ve tried two thousand ways

I’ve fought two thousand wars
Since You were here
Two thousand times been saved

And
In two thousand moons since You were here
The stars burn bright
As we take every chance we get
And
While the tide turns and the night fades
You left us a shadow
We never can forget
We never can forget

“Tell Them”

Tell them there are kisses
Floating on the wind
Tell them there is sunshine
Coming from within
Tell them they’re a dreamer
If they expect they should win

Tell them of the mountain
Rising in the clouds
Tell them of a starving love
Dying to be found
Tell them of a secret
Hidden so deep in the ground


Tell them they’re forever
Tell them they’re alive
Tell them there’s a future
Tell them that they will survive


Tell them of the whirlwind
Moving with the dawn
Tell them of a savior
Coming from beyond
Tell them of a bright light
Showing the way to go on


Tell them they’re forever
Tell them they’re alive
Tell them there’s a future
Tell them that they will survive

Tell them that they will survive

“The Indian”

I’ve heard it said that every man’s alone
To walk the path his heart is shown
And in the end to say that he has grown
And in the end to know he has

I’ve walked a mile for every time I’ve heard
That truth is just a word
Well
Send me out on the never-ending search
I’ll find some for you

The distant trees
The rolling breeze
The burning sky
The tear in your eye

(I heard the Indian talking
From somewhere in the pines
I felt his soul a walking
Deep within the night
I saw his sky a flaming
Buffalo’s ran free
I heard the Indian talking
His words were meant for me)

The distant trees
The rolling breeze
The burning sky
The tear in your eye

I’ve heard it said that every man’s alone
To walk the path his heart is shown
And in the end to say that he has grown
And in the end to know he has

“Mr. Whiteman”

Hey Mr. Whiteman
You tell me that I’m free
Say I can choose my course
Be what I want to be
Walk along your streets
Live in your society
Still I cannot understand
Why you’re holding back your hand
Telling me I’m not a man like you
Can you prove
your words are true
Or is the talking all that you will do

Hey Mr. Whiteman
You tell me that you’ve tried
You give me figures
That deceivers have contrived
That tell about the ones
Who’ve sacrificed their lives
Trying to save our kind
Somehow educate our minds
Still we are left behind once more
When will you open up the door
When will you give me
a chance to be more

Hey Mr. Whiteman
I’ll tell you what I see
I see the rotting fruit
Heavy on the tree
Still you plant the seed
Hoping I won’t see
The hate that you still hold inside
Prejudice you try to hide
Destruction you have justified again
When will I ever call you friend
When will I ever find
A place to rest my head

“The Last of the Knife”

The mountain rises in the distant mist
The desert swelters with a pungent kiss
Could it be we’ll see the end of this
From underneath the trees

I thought I’d seen you running down the lane
Just a glimpse but I could feel your pain
Your face showed lines of running from the shame
Trying to hide the blame

How long has it been
How bad is the need
How deep cuts the knife
How much can you bleed

I’m looking for signs
I’m looking for life
I’m hoping to see
The last of the knife

Maybe someday we’ll see a world in peace
Where the common man can find release
Could it be we’ll see the hate will cease
Find the golden fleece

How long has it been
How bad is the need
How deep cuts the knife
How much can you bleed

I’m looking for signs
I’m looking for life
I’m hoping to see
The last of the knife

The mountain rises in the
Distant mist

“Raging Fire”

I woke to hear the tune the morning sings
Saw sunlight dancing upon silver wings
I reached to touch your hand and felt nothing
No matter how I tried
I could find no place to hide
From the feelings deep inside that were missing

I turned to see that bird had taken flight
I felt a loss that it had left my sight
My heart cried out to you with all my might
I could not stop the tears
Of all the hungry years
And all the endless fears that I’d held inside

The road’s a raging fire
That’s left its scars on me
And
The flames keep climbing higher
Blocking my route to the sea

I rose and dressed to face another day
Fighting hard just to make my way
I felt just like the child gone astray
You know the road is rough
These times they can be tough
I just can’t get enough of
What I need these days

The road’s a raging fire
That’s left its scars on me
And
The flames keep climbing higher
Blocking my route to the sea

I woke to hear the tune
The morning sings

“The Birds of Time”

There’s horses in them hills
Voices in the night
Time a standin’ still
A glimpse of city light

There’s silence in the dawn
Stars still in the sky
A vision from beyond
Taught me how to fly

Been running all my life
And never knowing why
Been walking on a trail
Toward mountains in the night


I’ve seen the birds of time
Cutting through the sky
They’ve shown me who I am
They taught me how to fly

“Horses Running Wild”

Sometimes you just got to be movin’ on
Searching for that valley green
Sometimes you just got to be up and gone
Chasing that elusive dream

I’ve been through your valley before
I’ve seen it’s leaves return to bloom
But her mountains are closing in around me now
I’ve got to hit that hard road soon

For
We’re all only chasing dreams
We saw on a movie screen
Some vague and distant summer as a child
And
Those dreams flow like the rolling streams
Below the rugged mountain peaks
On
The backs of horses running wild

I’ve
Searched the sky for answers to these sad affairs
Can no one teach me how to fly
It’s
Time that I went out the door and down those stairs
Time to find a different sky

For
We’re all only chasing scenes
We saw in a magazine
Some yesterday when we were still a child
And
Those scenes somehow became our dreams
And we were lost inside the scheme
Of
Searching for those horses
Running wild
Running wild

Sometimes you just got to be movin’ on

“Someday”

I used to be a painter
‘til the sunsets fell from my eyes
I used to be a writer
‘til my hand could pen no more lies
I used to be a lover
Until the day she went away
I used to be a dreamer
Until I lost the faith to say

I believe in the stars, I believe in the sea
I believe in you, I believe in me

I used to be an actor
Until the lines were to far from my heart
I used to be a laugher
‘til the tears tore me apart
I used to be a dancer
Until my shoes were stole away
I used to be a climber
Until I slipped and lost my way

I believed in the stars, I believed in the sea
I believed in you, I believed in me


Someday I’ll be a painter
When the sunsets again fill my eyes
Someday I’ll be a writer
When my pen transcends the lies
Someday I’ll be a dancer
If my feet can find their way
Someday I’ll be a dreamer
If I can find the strength to say

I believe in love, I believe in free
I believe in you, I believe in me

"Alone"

Alone is not lonely
Alone is not sad
What once made me happy
Still makes me glad

We're tethered by memory
We're grounded by heart
As the moon surely rises
The sea will then part

Alone's not a mystery
Alone's not a dream
A wonder of wonders
It remains to be seen

We're here for an instant
We're gone in a flash
What once seemed the future's
Already the past

Alone is not painful
Alone is not fear
It lives in the answers
We're waiting to hear

We search for a savior
We walk with a saint
We'll find the gold nugget
Hidden under the paint

Alone is my top hat
The suit that I wear
I wander the highlands
I walk through the fair

Yes,
Sometimes past midnight
In winters deep freeze
Alone's with redemption
In prayer on it's knees

And,
In mornings soft sunrise
By dawns early light
Alone's warming fire
Is where I abide

Alone is my angel
My guardian guide
Was there for my birth
Will be there when I die

"Stray Dog "

There's a stray dog sitting in the middle if the road
He looks lost and lonesome fending off the rain
It seems he doesn't know where he wants to go
But he's looking and he's sniffing and he's thinking just the same

There's a alley cat howlin’ in the middle if the night
He's creeping and he's crawling looking for some love
He's walking 'long the fences lookin' for a fight
But no matter how he tries he'll never get enough

There's a little child wandering, walking down the road
He's singing and he's dancing in his happy little world
He's headed for the riverbank to catch himself a toad
I hope he keeps that memory as tomorrows are unfurled

There's a teen girl dressing, going to the dance
The stars in the night are like the stars in her eyes
She's hoping and she's dreaming that this will be her chance
To find that special boy who'll never make her cry

There's an old man rockin’, sittin' on the porch
He's sipping on some whiskey as he smokes a big cigar
He's thumbin' through the memories when he held a flaming torch
The days of pretty women and a fast and shiny car

Everyday the clocks go 'round and 'round and 'round
Baby's come, old folks pass, grass grows, leaves fall
Somewhere in the shadows we here the subtle humming sound
Of tomorrow's echoes in a distant haunting call

Now,
There's a stiff wind blowing, covering the land
Dark clouds moving 'long the far horizon line
Things a lookin' crazy, people gettin' out of hand
I could be wrong but it seems to be that time

So,
I'm looking for a back road that can carry me away
I'll grab me some provisions for my journey back in time
I'll leave behind a painting for the ones who come this way
I'll wish them well with a candle burning and a rhyme

'Cause
I'm heading for the homestretch and I think I'm gonna’ score
I'm almost out of breath on my search for something true
As I go I'll make sure to lock up all the doors
I'll leave behind a coat and half worn pair of shoes

Down the road I'll turn to take a final look once more
At least I did my best and that's the best that I can do

"Good Horse"

I'm looking for a good horse
Who can run all day long
Who'll take me to a new town
Where they haven't heard my song

I'll saddle up a new rig
A woolen blanket underneath
And 'll lace up my good boots
And head out through the trees

I'll ride ‘til I find a place
Where the music never ends
And
Between the morning sun and evening moon
I'll find me some new friends

I'll lay out my bedroll
And get the fire burning
Lay my weary body down
And let my dreams start churning

Maybe then I'll have a home
Somewhere soft and quiet and warm
Fruit trees and a rippling pond
That'll keep me safe in the storm

Yes,

I'm looking for a good horse
Who won't seem to mind
If we never stop the riding
Never hold what we're looking to find

“Tomorrow and Beyond”

Help me up in the saddle
Stirrups 'round my boots
Whack the pony on the back
And turn that baby loose

I'll hold tight to the saddle horn
I'll grab firm to the reigns
And off we'll go in clouds of dust
For vistas yet un-named

I'll ride until my body's sore
I'll  bed down for the night
I'll dream big dreams of distant lands
Then head out at first light

And somewhere on the journey's path
I'll watch a wild hawk fly
I'll hear the song of solitude
That draws me near the sky

I'll feel once more that wanderlust
That leads me on and on
That makes one leave ones happy homes
And head out in the dawn


So,
There I'll be, a gypsy bard
Riding with the wind
Searching for that valley green
To put down roots again

And somewhere down around the bend
With many miles behind
I'll find the valley from my dreams
The dreams I've longed to find

I'll know my home when I step down
I'll gaze from far to wide
Ill mark a line down in the sand
And claim that land as mine

Then there I'll be and there I'll stay
The sunsets and the dawns
Will take my hand and lead me forth
To tomorrow and beyond

"Kaleidoscope"

Kaleidoscope of swirling leaves
Sunlight streaming in the wind
Aroma from the silent breeze
Brings it flooding back again

The far off laughter cutting through
Children running in the sun
Memories of things we'd do
In distant days of summer fun

As now I sit and watch the morn
Come sneaking past the last of night
I feel the need to rise once more
And hold those dreams, once lost from sight

And call the names from summer days
Where once we ran and jumped and fell
To drift off in a dreamy haze
And pray again where we once knelt

Yes,
Times and memories held dear
Though lost and gone and far away
Are clinging to my heart so clear
To live and breath another day

So,
Remember me from summer's past
Where once we ran from early dawn
Remember me in the summer dance
Of memories that have come and gone

Kaleidoscope of swirling leaves
Sunlight streaming in the wind
Aroma from the silent breeze
Tomorrow brings it back again

"Where I Go "

I take my music with me where I go
It doesn't matter rain or wind or snow
A place to rest my head and soothe my soul
Melody and words are what I know

Long ago I tried to climb the hill
I found a ledge that left me standing still
As Crowley said it's just "Do what you will!"
I did and I was left to foot the bill

Sometimes it seems there ain't no seeds to sow
I don't know much but here is what I know
Somewhere soon they're putting on a show
And everyone is free to come or go

I won't whine, just covering my tracks
I'll tell you all there ain't no looking back
If today you're standing in the past
You'll find you're rolling downhill mighty fast

Still,
Every now and then I need to rail
It's better off than ending up in jail
With great new friends you wouldn't want to fail
Waiting for their letters in the mail

I've always known when casting out my line
I better learn the meaning of sublime
There's more to words than learning how to rhyme
There's more to life than dancing on a dime

Sometimes the clouds are soft and  warm and white
Sometimes the darkness overtakes the light
Sometimes we're flailing wildly in the fight
Sometimes we're just not sure what's wrong or right

These questions that still lead us on and on
Are here today, the next we know they're gone
As we drive all night into the dawn
We'll stop and rest to make our way beyond

So,

I've finally learned to dance and sing in tune
I've finally learned that song about the moon
I'm finally filling up that empty room
Just in time for moving on so soon

It's said we just don't know what we don't know
I'll say I've learned on bumpy roads it's so
So,
Once more on that bumpy road I'll roll
And I'll take my music with me where I go

"Oddballs"

Sometimes me, sometimes you
Sometimes we can see right through
The ones who try to act so cool
Like somehow they're not oddballs too
Just like me and you

Oddballs here, oddballs there
Oddballs walking everywhere
Some don't even seem to care
If the crowd just stops to stare
Roaming 'round the oddball fair

Oddball moms and oddball dads
Oddball gram’s and oddball gramp’s
Turning on their oddball lamps
Collecting all their oddball stamps
living In their oddball camps

But once we know and once we've heard
Oddballs with their oddball words
Running round in oddball herds
Taking all their oddball turns
Teaching what all oddballs learn

We come to know their oddball ways
Wandering through their oddball days
Wearing mirrored oddball shades
Reveling in the oddball craze
In their rainbow oddball haze

Confusing as it all may be
The oddballs just like you and me
That don't swim in the oddball sea
Still feel left out so strangely
us Oddballs yearning to be free

So here we are, yes, me and you
Searching for the things to do
That separate us from the crew
And prove that we're not oddballs too
Even if that's just not true

We're oddballs in our own sweet ways
It doesn't matter what we say
Eventually there'll come a day
When all us oddballs hid away
Will come outside for oddball play
And everybody else will fade away

Sometimes me, sometimes you
Sometimes we can see right through
The ones who try to act so cool
Like somehow they're not oddballs too
sounds like me and you

"Junker"

There's a Junker in my Backyard
Gathering dust
Its been there for a long while
Growing rust
It used to be a good friend I could trust
Now it’s just a page from "boom to bust"

There's a Junker in the backyard growing weeds
It's past the point of ever paying heed
And taking time to find out what it needs
To get it up to *****, up to speed

There's a junker in my backyard shedding tears
once a trusted friend for many years
It's found itself abandoned full of fears
Never more to be shifted into gear

The Junker in my backyard fades away
With memories of a fondness from the day
Of being part of up and on the way
It's found it's way to where it finally lays


There's a Junker on the back roads of our dreams
That’s helped us tell the tales of where we've been
The far and wide, the places in between
The endless warm horizon’s we have seen

There's a junker in my heart that's never free
Forever needing more than I can be
Always meant to step up in the breeze
And head out for an island in the sea

There are junkers from tomorrow wanting more
A constant search to find that special door
That opens to the "land of nevermore"
Where you
Lay down in the sunshine on the shore

There's a junker in the moonlight's shining hue
Flashing moonbeams red and white and blue
Talking from the deepest part of you
Pages on the porch swing’s of our youth

There's a Junker in your Backyard
Gathering dust
turning slow from shiny chrome to rust
It once was an old friend you could trust
Now,
another page from one more "boom to bust"

“Dream song”


Sing me a dream, dream me a song
Don't make it too short, don't make it too long
Don't make it too happy, don't make it too sad
Right in the middle, is where I'll be had


Stories of mountains, tales of the west
Antidotes retold, by strangers, the best
A kiss in the moonlight, I'll never forget
These are the songs, that long to hear yet

Journeys on train tracks, that rumble through time
Back and forth life scripts, that turn on a dime
A vision of happiness, lost but content
Tearful eyed memories, of love letters sent

The dark senorita who called out your name
The shot of tequila's romantic refrain
Then next, the siesta that memory denies
A lost, lonely cowboy with stars in his eyes

The hot summer day, mescal, por favor
Bar room bravado, courage assured
A harsh word, a look, machismo commands
The next move, the next slight, a line in the sand

Battles with savages, outside the door
A march in formation to find the next war
The promised reward that can never come true
History's legacy, painfully true

Battlefield monuments lost in the woods
Where lines were once drawn and heroes once stood
Where blood was once spilled and questions remain
Hidden in shadows of yesterday's shame

A quivering peace that can never stand still
A new generation to march up that hill
With hope for salvation, foundationally true
A new culmination who's interest's accrued

Then one more recovery long overdue
The colors of sacrifice, red, white and blue
The stories of history, tinted and hued
The song that our grandfather sang me and you

A search for a gold mine, the dutchman's remains
The promise of new life, fortune and fame
The optimist's song, the pessimist's tune
Off where the rattlesnakes sleep before noon

One more Matilda, a shovel and pick
A search through the canyon where fools gold's the trick
Where water's the treasure and darkness the cure
And the road back leads empty, to adventure once
More

Explosions of springtime, a park bench called home
The birds and the squirrels and the church bells of
Gold
The mothers and children and promise of youth
A new day brings new ways, a new search for truth

School buses roll, people commute
Businessmen tow the line 'til rebuke
The homeless and destitute scrounge for their fare
Passersby glance on, unwilling to share

Yes,
Here's one more season come 'round the bend
Some start anew, some find their end
Some take their orders from voices on high
Some walk this earthly path, never to fly

Some take the train their father's once rode
Some walk the city streets, lost and alone
Some gain the riches of power and gold
Some keep their hearts, some lose their soul

So here lie the stories, the songs and the dreams
Of one among many, of all, so it seems
Unique and unusual, we all ring the bell
Then set off in search of our heaven or hell

These are the songs that I'll hear once again
These are the dreams that I'll send you, my friend
So sing me a dream, dream me a song
Through ages, these pages are where I belong


So sing me a dream, dream me a song
Don't make it too short, don't make it too long
Don't make it too happy, don't make it too sad
Right in the middle is where I'll be had
Somewhere in the middle is where I'll be glad

“Blame”

I sure don’t blame the hills
Nor do I blame the trees
I do not blame the summer bugs
Or winter’s endless freeze

I cannot blame the wind
That winds around the bend
And I will not blame the history
With fences still to mend

I sure don’t blame the view
Nor the colors in the fall
I do not blame the quiet nights
Or the sounding of the call

I cannot blame the birds
Or the squirrels up in the trees
In the end there’s only one
To blame and that be me


It’s not the Billy’s that I blame
Their stupid, stubborn ways
Or coldness that eludes the view
Of dark and dreary gaze

No, more than them, it’s me I blame
For ending in this maze
For strapping in to drive my dreams
Through cold and foggy haze

It’s me I blame for clinging to
This dream that never dies
For thinking there’s a quiet place
Somewhere in these skies

Believing that the days will run
Down warm roads in the sun
And lead me to a rocking chair
To rest when days are done
But truth is hard to swallow
When the Northwind howls your name
And though you try to hit the mark
There’s noone left to blame

Yes,
Path I took and the path I take
That leads me to the end
Can never be my lover and
Will never be my friend

No, blame is not for lovers
And blame is not for fools
And blame is not a simple prayer
That plays by simple rules

No, blame is not my partner
And blame can’t point the way
So
Blame will have to suffer on
to rule another day

“Adieu”

Shed me no tears for my hasty demise
For I’m off to the races in bright sunny skies
I’ve bought a new wardrobe that fits like a glove
Yet, the one thing I’ll miss is the warmth of your love

Shed me no tears as I’m drifting away
As the light draws me near, as I’m yearning to stay
As the dreams of a lifetime still play like a song
As all that lives passes, to the life that’s beyond

Shed me no tears as I walk out the door
From a life filled with memories I’ll carry no more
For all who’ve shared love as I’ve shared love with you
For all who’ll come after to find what is true

Shed me no tears I’ll tell you once more
As I anxiously wait to see what’s in store
As a glimpse of the future that waits for me there
Has lessened the fear as I walk up those stairs

So, shed me no tears I will ask once again
As I call you lover, as you call me friend
As you embrace me and embrace you
I’ll bid you a fond and final adieu

“What we Can”

I reach for the stars
I reach for my dreams
I’ve journeyed so far
To know what that means

I’ve known you before
I’ve seen you in time
We sang a love song
We spoke it in rhyme

We gaze at the moon
We dream from the heart
It’s over to soon
It’s doomed from then start

But here we still are
And here we will stay
‘til we find us a cloud
To take us away

So
Kiss me again
And hold tight my hand
As we reach for the stars
As we do what we can

“Torn Curtain””

The end of illusion brings
The sanding of the surface
Back to the original state

The start of reunion rings
The bells of clarity certain
Through the presents
Adjacent gate

The flight to communion sings
Of a melodies torn curtain
On to tomorrows
Unstained slate

“This Train”

This train keeps a rollin’ on
Takes us further down the tracks
Sometimes East, sometimes West
And once on board
You can’t go back

We journey onward day by day
Coast to coast, sea to sea
And every now and then we stop
To catch the fleeting
Summer breeze

A step ahead of Winter’s chill
We’ve neatly packed up all our gear
We only carry what we need
And keep our topcoats
Ever near


For on this train that rumbles on
Through soft and silent dark of night
Gives us leave to rest our bones
‘til misty eyes
Meet mornings light

For
We have no choice but to step on board
And find our seats as best we can
Settle in ‘til journey’s end
Then disappear
Around the bend

Yes
This train keeps a rollin’ on
Through the tunnels time has kept
And while we’ve chased another day
A distant whistle’s
All that’s left

“Partners “

Partners,
     Until the stars fall
Partners,
         Hear the wind call us
Partners,
           See it written in the sky

Charted,
       It seems our lives have been
Charted,
        Since the very day we
Started,
     To make our journey through this life


Anywhere it will lead us
      Every phase we go through
     I’ll be here beside you
Until we reach our journey’s end


Together
Like stars within a constellation
Until we reach our destination
Until our last card has been played


Anywhere it will lead us
      Every phase we go through
     I’ll be here beside you
Until we reach our journey’s end


                                         Lovers,
    Before our paths crossed we were
Lovers,
   Our love has been alive forever
    And will be ‘til the end of time
    And will be ‘til the end of time

‘My Robert Frost”

I danced along the diamond road
That led down to the sea
I took my place along the ledge
And said a silent prayer

I gazed into the mirror
Of the water flowing free
I fetched my endless yesterdays
And tossed them in the air

I listened to the morning birds
That sang out in the breeze
I caught a whiff of salty air
That captures but a few

I watched a bit of magic
Weave its way between the trees
I felt the rising sunshine
Burn away the morning dew

So
I reached into my backpack
And I grabbed my Robert Frost
Put a checkmark on the list
Another line’s been crossed

I reached into my memories
Of what is clear and true
And once again my Robert Frost
Says, “This one is for you!’


Another walk through towering pines
To sea and sun and sky
I find a distance yet unseen
On my travels down this road

And many changing landscapes
Has this ever wandering eye
Chanced upon along the trail
To hold like bars of gold

So
I reached into my backpack
And I grabbed my Robert Frost
Put a checkmark on the list
Another line’s been crossed

I reached into my memories
Of what is clear and true
And once again my Robert Frost
Says, “This one.
Yes, this one
This one is for you!’

“Goin’ Home Tonight”

Take me to the secret spot
Where you cast your magic line
We’ll lay out on the riverbank
And let the sun just shine
It won’t make no nevermind
If we ever get a bite
‘Cause we’re all goin’ home tonight

Take me to the ruins
Of the good ol’ family farm
We’ll dig up bones and carry stones
And search for buried charms
We’ll leave a little weary
As it drifts on out of sight
‘Cause we’re all goin’ home tonight

Take me to the battlefield
Out behind the bar
We’ll take a ride down Glory Road
In that ***** beat up car
Take me where you took the snort
That spun you out of sight
‘Cause we’re all goin’ home tonight

Take me to the railroad tracks
Where the ***** deeds are done
Take me where our hopes and dreams
Lie rotting in the sun
Take me where you draw the line
And we’ll have ourselves a fight
Still, we’re all goin’ home tonight

Take me down the road of trudging
Happy destiny
Take me where those single steps
Will finally set me free
Take me where the healing hands
Will help regain my sight
For we’re all goin’ home tonight

Take me to that secret place
Hidden in your heart
Take me down that rugged road
We traveled at the start
Take my hand and lead me
Through that starry, starry night
For we’re all goin’ home
Yes, we’re all goin’ home
Cause we’re all goin’ home tonight

“Fly Away”

Let’s fly away
To the land where dreams are real
And to be seen
Let’s fly away
To the dreams of what we feel
And what it means
Let’s fly away
To a land where time stands still
To a time where hearts are filled
Let’s fly away

Let’s fly away
From this place of darkened heart
And saddened soul
Let’s fly away
From the heart of hardened times
And heavy toll
Let’s fly away
To heal our broken bones
In our hearts and in our homes
Let’s fly away

Let’s fly away
To a land where truth breathes free
And sounds its horn
Lets’ fly away
To the truth of what’s been seen
And what is known
Let’s fly away
To sing out in the wind
With a magic heart again

Let’s fly away

“Eyes of Blue”

We surely knew in younger days
Our eyes of blue would never change
The paths we walked, the dreams we held
The hearts we touched, the love we felt

The hand we shook, the trust we gave
The moments lived, the memories saved
The days we laughed, the nights we cried
The truths we told, the hidden lies


We knew as well as the stars at night
Our aim was true, the time was right
Our words were gold, the map was new
We’d never change our eyes of blue


We fought the hearts of jaded hue
Who’d walked this road with eyes of blue
And told the tale of fading dreams
Of setting sun and raging streams

Who said it’s all a compromise
The color changes in your eyes
But bold as youth with voices clear
Our hearts of gold would be our mirror


We knew as well as the stars at night
Our aim was true, the time was right
Our words were gold, the map was new
We’d never change our eyes of blue


Our minds were young, our vision strong
We’d found the ground where we belonged
We’d ride that train into the sun
We’d play that song ‘til it was done


And though the road was full of holes
When days were hot and nights were cold
We set the course to save our souls
Our eyes were blue, our hearts were gold


We knew as well as the stars at night
Our aim was true, the time was right
Our words were gold, the map was new
We’d never change our eyes of blue

We knew as well as the stars above
Our song was real, the word was love
Our dreams were true, the map was old
With
Eyes of blue and hearts of gold

“By and By”

It seems like so long since you left here
It seems like an hour ago
It seems like you’d be here forever
It seems that I’m missing you so

I still see your face in the water
I still hear your voice in the wind
I still feel your touch on my shoulder
I feel it again and again

And
I won’t forget you, I won’t let you
Fade like the clouds in the sky
For
You are with me, you’re always with me
Even though you’ve kissed me goodbye



Did you know that your smile lasts forever
Did you know that your love never dies
Did you know I’ll be seeing you later
I’ll be holding your hand
By and by

And
I won’t forget you, I won’t let you
Fade like the clouds in the sky
For
I am with you, I’m always with you
Even though you have
Kissed me
goodbye

“Boats and Valleys”

I need a boat that can manage the sea
I need a valley with woods free to roam
I need a sweet memory between you and me
I need a lost dog that will follow me home

These are the things that live in my dreams
The unpolished diamonds, pieces of gold
These are the things that live to be seen
These are the things that my heart longs to hold

I search for the moments of love’s simple smile
I cling to the wind that blows through the trees
I relish the laughter in all of life’s trials
I hold close the sorrows that yet set me free

I’ll wait for an angel who can color my dreams
I’ll look for a fire and a hearth to call home
I’ll need that companion who’ll lay at my feet
I’ll need that sweet valley with woods free to roam

These are the shadows that live in my heart
These are the places where the winds always blows
Hard shards of granite, pieces of bark
Boats on the river that carry me home

"Jazz Between the Trees"

Snow's melting on the back roads
The sky, it shows some blue
The fog and sleet have come to meet
The ending of the season too
And in the changing daydream
From the dark and dreary scene
Floats a little Jazz bewteen the trees

Yes, even in the pine trees
The far and distant woods
Miles and dreams from city scenes
You hear those sounds so good
The magic in the music
As it's been and still will be
Floatsa little Jazz between the trees

Give me Coltrane, give me Miles
Give me Brubeck, makes me smile
Give me Louis, give me Getz
Dizzy in a whirlwind yet
Hand me Evans, Billie too
Even a touch of Frank will do
Once more in that 6/8 time
And I'm just sure to lose my mind

Yes, as the days come winding down
And one more cold night's on it's way
The Shamans of the magic sound
Are coming home to stay
They'll gather on the front porch
In a gentle summer breeze
And float a little Jazz between the trees

Give meColtrane, give me Miles
Give me Brubeck, makes me smile
Give me Louis, give me Getz
Dizzy in his whirlwind yet
Hand me Evans, Billie too
Even a little Frank will do
Once more in that 6/8 time
And I'm just sure to lose my mind
So
Chow to Old Man Winter's
Never ending freeze
Here comes a little Jazz between the trees

“O’hara’s Gone”            

O’hara’s gone now
he left just the other day
   They say he left his wife a schilling or two
Opened the door, tipped his hat
then was on his way
   Nobody knows the direction he took
   Nobody noticed that faraway look


O’hara’s gone now
they say he was a steady type
  Worked in the factory ten years and a day
Would go with the boys to the pub
on the Friday nights
  Everyone figured he’d had it his way
  Everyone knew just the words that he’d say


O’hara’s gone now
the town doesn’t seem the same
  Some say he longed for the love he once had
His courage and spirit
he’d left for the younger men
  Some say the way that it ended was sad
  Some say that surely he’d finally gone mad

  
But

off in the thunder that
rolls through the stormy night
  Sometimes I see old O’hara again
He lifts up his glass and he
toasts to the dogs that bite

  Now he no longer has to defend

  Now he no longer has to pretend

"Ready to Go"

You showed to me the stairway
That leads up to the light
You told me that some secrets
Are hidden deep in time
You said I'll understand
What I never thought I'd know
But don't know if I'm ready to go

You've shown to me a river
Flowing endless on and on
You told me of a footprint
That's left here when I'm gone
You said that there's a message
Waiting, from somebody I know
But I don't know if I'm ready to go

The distance is calling like a voice from a dream
Offering glimpses of places that I've seen
Whispering softly like stars up in the sky
It's time to walk that path by and by

You've shown to me a vision of someplace far away
Yet
I still have tasks undone, I still have words to say
I still have songs unsung, things I need to know
So, I don't know if I'm ready to go

The distance is still calling like voices in a dream
Offering glimpses of places that I've seen
Whispering softly like stars up in the sky
Come walk this path with me
With me you'll walk this path
By and by

“ Riding for the Brand “

Used to be a time, not so long ago
You’d lace ‘em up and head on out
   Driving rain or snow

Used to be a time
you’d always lend your hand
Never was a question
   You were riding for the brand

A place to hang your hat
  A place to rest your bones
    A warm and friendly fire
      Never felt alone

A job that must be done
  A callouse built with time
    Gloves and rope and wire
      Down along the line

Used to be a time
you gave it all you had
A cup of joe to help you go
   Neither good nor bad

Used to be a time
you’d rise to make a stand
A battle line once more drawn
   You were riding for the brand

A tale told once again
  A whiskey helped you hear
    A long lost love left behind
      Could bring a man to tears

A sunrise mornings chill
  Brings it  back again
    Hitch ‘em up and head on out
      Another chapter penned

Riding for the brand
The way it once was done
You did your time out on the line
   Then porched it in the sun

Riding for the brand
The way it used to be
I’d take care of them that cared
   Then they’d take care of me

Used to be a time
somewhere in the past
A handshake done, one on one
   A bond was built to last


Used to be a time , the labor of the years

  Would pay your way to own a space
  Keep your spot on a mountaintop
Clean your slate at the dinner plate
    Keep you warm ‘til the early morn’
  Hold the sun when the day was done
Through a lifetimes smiles and tears

Used to be a time
not so long ago
You’d lace ‘em up and head on out
   Driving rain or snow

Used to be a time
you’d always lend your hand
Never was a question
   You were riding for the brand

“Second Time Round”

I’m going on a search
     Pulling out the map
I’m going through the open door
     There'll be no turning back

I’ll go on down the road
     I’ll walk along the shore
I’m going back for something
     ‘cause I know there’s something more

I’ll talk to all the workers
     I’ll talk to all their friends
I’ll ask them if they know the place
     Where the means equal the ends

I’ll kneel down with the Protestants
     I’ll pray with Catholics
I’ll ask them for the rosary that
     They make their magic with

I’m going back for happiness
Gone for peace of mind
I’ll go to find the state of grace
My heart could never find

I’m going back for laughter
Going back for joy
I'm gone to find the old cliché where
Country girl meets city boy

I’ll find the kiss I missed
I’ll hold the girl who smiled
I’ll find the love I left behind
That left me so beguiled

I’ll walk out to the rocky point
   I'll cast fate to the winds
I’ll fill my lungs with salty air
And there begin again

To find the folks who wear my skin
     To see the ones who don’t
To shake the hands of ones who care
     To hug the ones who won’t

I’ll climb up to the mountain high
     And ask God for a sign
And as his hands then lift me up
    I’ll say a fond goodbye


And then again my path begins
To start this life anew
New  roads start where
Old roads end
And I’ll walk the road with you
I'll walk this road with you

“ Sometimes “                  

Sometimes the ship sails
    Deep into the night
We wave goodbye but it’s
      Long gone out of sight
Sometimes our dreams
       Come crashing to the ground
Sometimes our tears fall
        And never make a sound

Sometimes I’d wonder
  If the night would ever fall
I’d look for starlight
     Shadows on the wall
Sometimes I’d pray for
Mornings brand new day
Sometimes I'd know that
      Love will find a way

Lead me Anam Cara

Sometimes I laugh
  Just before i cry
And keep on fighting
      Though never knowing why
Sometimes I look through
       Scrapbooks of the past
Sometimes it feels like
      I’ve found my home at last  

Sometimes I’m running
      Blindly down the lane
Singing wildly
    Dancing in the rain
Sometimes I’m lost in
  A whirlwind of our time
Sometimes I feel like
I’m paying for my crimes

Teach me Anam Cara

Sometimes I feel like I’m
     Walking on the moon
I sing to the heavens
     But am woeful out of tune
Sometimes I’m holding
A winner in my hand
Sometimes it seems like
   I’ve found my place to stand

Sometimes the light comes
   Just before the dawn
My feet are planted
     But I must be moving on
    Sometimes it seems that I’m
    Swallowed by the tide
Sometimes I pray that
   God is on my side

Free me Anam Cara

Sometimes the ship sails
Deep into the night
Sometimes this dog
is always in the fight
Sometimes my love is
Lost along the way
Sometimes I've said
All there is to say

"Strange Breed"

It's a strange breed we are
Wandering blindly in the mist
Stumbling, bumbling, rumbling and fumbling
Ranting and raving, pounding our fists

One thing's for sure
We think we know more than we do
When we start to believe
The shadow webs we weave, we're through

It's a strange breed we are
Winding our way through the days
Laughing and crying, living and dying
So helpless and lost along the way

It's a strange breed we are
Sharing and loving, heartless and cruel
Saints and sinners, losers and winners
Polished and fine like a jewel

One thing is true
It's me and it's you on this train
If we hold real tight, we'll get through the night
And the rain

One thing's for sure
There's always a door to go through
Grab hold of my hand and we'll get to the land
of the new

It's a strange breed we are
Wandering blindly through this mist

“Struggle”

Struggle  to reach the sea
    As it steals you from the wind
Struggle to find the sails
    To bring you back again
Struggle to kiss the sky
      As it hands you another chance
Struggle to get back to the dance

Struggle to kiss her face
    Familiar as it seems
Struggle to hold her smile
     Forever in your dreams
Struggle to reach the stars
       As distant as they are
Struggle to see that far


      Have you ever considered that

Often in the distant night,
The angels called your name
And in the morning lights
you answered with the same

Struggle to find your love
      As you knock on every door
Struggle to steer the ship
        On course to distant shores
Struggle to feel your heart
        Beat against the night
Struggle to find your sight


      Have you ever considered that

Often in the dreamland
The angels gave you wings
And in the morning silence
You heard the rivers sing

And

Once upon a rainbow
The angels set you free
And someday on a windy hill
      They’ll
      Come again for me

"Symphony"

I'll take you 'cross the universe
I'll lead you through the fields
I'll show you places never seen
I'll give you dreams unreal

You'll gaze deeply in my eyes
You'll gently hold my hand
You'll show me all your secret dreams
You're castles in the sand

I'll kneel down in the tide
I'll bow my head in prayer
I'll ask to taste the special love
And one with whom to share

You will turn and smile once more
You'll give your heart to me
Your tears of joy will fill my soul
And free me magically

We'll take each other to the edge
And sing out to the sea
Then
one more time our simple song
becomes a symphony

So
Take me 'cross the universe
Lead me through the fields
Show me places never seen
Give me dreams unreal

I'll
Bring you flowers in the night
I'll leave you will a smile
I'll take your hand and hold it close
For all the endless miles

"The Carnival is Coming to Town"

I've heard the local gossip
I've seen it on the tube
I've heard they want to set up shop
They're looking for a rube
Rolling down the valley road
With their tigers and their clowns
Cloaked in magic's mystery
The carnival is comin' to town

There's a whisper in the moonlight
There's aroma in the air
We've heard about the slight of hand
That plays on love's despair
The tickets for the ferris wheel
That goes 'round and 'round and 'round
Are free to all who rode before
The carnival is comin' to town

We've seen them in the desert
We've seen them by the sea
They're popping up in parking lots
Giving rides for free
They know if they're hear long enough
We'll surely all come 'round
Flags and lights and marching bands
The carnival is comin' to town

They've been 'round here forever
Like spirits in the woods
Hiding in the shadows
Until the the time seems good
For a fee they'll change your world
They'll give you smiles for frowns
Magic rabbits pulled from hats
The carnival is comin' to town

So
Don't you turn your eyes away
The curtain's risng soon
With elephants and dancing bears
A trapeze 'cross the moon
The gypsy girl will read your mind
Will lift you off the ground
Dizzy, dazzling double talk
The carnival is comin'
The carnival is comin'
Yes
The carnival is a' comin' to town

“The Dutchman“

As we journeyed through the night
Over on the western side
Off among the northern lights
   Searching caves by candlelight

Calling from beyond the hills
Deep into the midnight chill
We took a seat to take our fill
   And hoist one for the Dutchman’s will

Somewhere down that mountain road
The Dutchman struck his winner's pose
Standing with his *** of gold
   Seems he’d found the mother lode

Between what is and what’s been told
Far inside those peaks so bold
The Dutchman waits to show the road
   That leads us to his hills of gold

But

   Victories with winners die
They drift off in the western sky

Yet

   Dreams live on with wings to fly
You only must believe and try

As we journeyed through the night
Over on the western side
Off among the northern lights
   We searched the caves by candlelight

“The Lights”

The lights are shining through your heart
They carry you away
Looking down through dusty dunes
You  know you’ve heard them say

    The lights

The lights are shining through your mind
You hear the distant roar
They lead you down a lonely road
You’re never really sure, but it’s

  The lights

Have you seen the lights ?

  They’re staring in your eyes
Looking through your helpless soul
Kissing you goodnight


       Have you seen the lights ?

They’re carrying your dreams
Giving you another chance
Seems just like it seems to be

      The lights

The lights are shining through your past
You feel them once again
They lead you into yesterday
And bring you back again

    Have you seen the lights ?
                  
They’re reaching in your soul
Tearing at your history
Left you there alone

Have you seen the lights ?

They’ve taken all you have
They left it on some mountaintop
And they’ll never give it back

Have you seen the lights ?

The lights are shining through your heart
They carry you away
Leading you down dusty dunes
You  know you’ve heard them say

    The lights
  Have you seen the lights?

“The Lost Child”

If you haven’t learned by now,
     You probably never will
It’s not about the grand escape,
     It’s not about the thrills

It’s just about a young child's face,
     And how it made you feel
A place you lost so long ago,
     A world that once was real

   Before the secret deal was cut
     With forces dark and wild
   That set you on the journey
     That forever lost that child

Yet

   You have the choice and you have the chance,
     To find that child once more
        He’s sitting on the sidewalk,
     Waiting by the door

        He’s asking for a second chance
     To step into your heart
       So take his hand and let him in
     To lead you from the dark

        Back into the sunshine
     That forever warms the day
     And gives you back the happiness
   That once was stole away                                                             ­   

If you haven’t learned by now
     You probably never will

"The Mystery and Majesty"


As the earth turns to
  meet the day

and the birds dance
     through the trees

my heart fills with
  life's bouquet

of the

  Mystery and Majesty