"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 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?

“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

“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

“Paradise”

Still a long way to Paradise
still a hard line when you roll the dice
and
if you think you've found the road
that leads you to the Motherlode
all that I can say is
I don't know

Still a long day that's comin' down
still some jokers keep on runnin' 'round
tell us that they've found the way
tell us that we've got it made
all I can say is...........

Paradise
you're hiding somewhere in the dark
Paradise
can't you hear the soulful cries
Paradise
I'm still waiting to hold the spark
To light the fire in this life

Still some storm clouds a rollin' in
Yet still a chance to begin again
'cause when I see those cloudless skies
reflected in your endless eyes
I know
we'll find ourselves a different road

Paradise
you're hiding somewhere in our hearts
Paradise
can't you see our stressful strife
Paradise
I'm still waiting to shake your hand
and light this fire in my life

“The Accidental Caretaker”

The accidental caretaker
has found his way back home
He's traveled far and traveled wide
to find his birds have flown
The western wind will tell the tale
of journeys he has known
and all along the rugged road
his destination known

The accidental caretaker
will leave here once again
He's always heard the siren's song
somewhere 'round the bend
down along the waterfront
he'll find his journey's end
the moonshadow will lead him on
to find his long lost friend

The accidental caretaker
has put away his shoes
his time is done for spotlights filled
with other people's blues
He's found a place to hang his hat
and listen for the news
of how and why and where and when
he'll pay his final dues

The accidental caretaker
has found his way back home
He's traveled far and traveled wide
to find the words he'd known
The waves will crash, the sun will set
on journeys he has known
and all along the rugged road
his destination known
his destination known

"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

“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

“Prisoner”

I'm a prisoner of my heart
I'm a prisoner of my soul
of the silent nights apart
of your touch that made me whole
Of searching through the trees
to find the path I'd lost
of the overwhelming joy
embraced at any cost
of looking for the line
in the poem that you wrote
full of unfiltered truth
in a little post it note

I'm a prisoner of my heart
I'm a prisoner of my soul

I'm a prisoner of my mind
I'm a prisoner of our times
of the search for empty words
to fit in time and rhyme
Of the visions from my past
that haunt me in my dreams
of what's never meant to last
what's never what it seems
of listening to the wind
sing like old ceramic chimes
I'm a prisoner of my mind
I'm a prisoner of our times

Bound in chains
from the stardust that we're built from
Bound in chains
in the shadows where we belong
Bound in chains
in the deck this hand was dealt from
Bound to play this hand
Bound to sing this song

I'm a prisoner of my love
I'm a prisoner of my tears
of the long forgotten memories
from the long forgotten years
of the times when it was magic
when we held the magic wand
of the love that lasts forever
even as we're lost and gone
of the sight that keeps me blinded
of the blindness that's finally made clear
I'm a prisoner of my love
I'm a prisoner of my tears

Bound in chains
from the stardust that we're built from
Bound in chains
in the shadows where we belong
Bound in chains
in the deck this hand was dealt from
Bound to play this hand
Bound to sing this song
Bound to find the key
to unlock the chains all along

“Meet Me”

Meet me at the holligram
back to where time stood still
We'll buy new dreams at the old dream stand
them set them free to square the bill

Meet me where the church once stood
on the dirt road past the open sky
we'll lay down in the poppy fields
and hold hands once more, you and I

Meet me where the spirits dance
the crescent moon will lead the way
stone markers in the darkened woods
Softly, we will hear them say
Hallowed be
Hallowed be
Hallowed be

Meet me in the old north woods
where colored leaves drift to the ground
the whistling wind will sing the song
with silence as the constant sound

Meet me where the night dogs howl
sad and lonely in the dark
singing for a lover lost
calling to the crystal stars
Hallowed be
Hallowed be
Hallowed be

Meet me where the rolling waves
kiss the earth of sand and shore
to tell the tale of men in ships
lost and gone forever more

Meet me in the city streets
Brownstones that were once called home
We'll draw a map of life and times
of past, present and still to come

Meet me where the birds of time
spread their wings to sail the sky
to show us signs of freedom's flight
to mark this place we live and die
Hallowed be
Hallowed be
Hallowed be

Yes, meet me at the holligram
near the corner of 12th and time
We'll sell our dreams to the gypsy girl
Then square our bill yet one more time

“ The Other Side of Town “
  
Is the sunrise just as striking
does the snow come floating down
does the wind blow through the treetops
on the other side of town

  Do the leaves turn orange in autumn
do the blackbirds make that sound
  is the sunset just like magic
on the other side of town

  Do the old men still play checkers
does the ice cream truck come ‘round
do the kids still walk ‘round barefoot
      on the other side of town

And
  though I’ve never caught the train
  that takes you ‘cross the tracks
  I’ve often said that if I go
  I’m never comin’ back
I’ll sell the memories I’ve earned
  I’ll take the mailbox down
  I’ll find a place to lay my head
  on the other side of town

Do they sit out on their porches
do they wave when you come down
  can you walk downtown at midnight
on the other side of town

Can you take your *******
  moonlight walks
do you hear those baying hounds
  do the crickets tell the stories
from the other side of town

Am I
  just a fool for dreamin’
I can turn the clock around
Can I find what I still long for
on the other side of town

And
  though I never caught the train
  that takes you ‘cross the tracks
  I’ve often said that if I go
  I’m never comin’ back

  I’ll sell the memories I’ve earned
  I’ll take the mailbox down
I’ll find some peace beside the trees
on the other side of town

  I’ll find that dream
   inside my heart
on the other side of town

“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

“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

"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

"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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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”

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“Your God, Your Mother and Me”

If there's anything left in this world you want
anything left in this world to see
if there's anyone left in this world to trust
it's your God, your Mother and me

If there's anywhere left in this world to go
anyone you'd like to see
is there anything left you'd like to show
to your God, your Mother and me

It's almost time for that long hard walk
so you better come clean
before the rooster crows
and I'd bet a dime against
a solid sawbuck
that down among the rubes and cons
there's somebody that knows

If there's anytime left in this world to cry
anyplace that you feel free
then give it back
in a prayer and a dream
to your God, your Mother and me

It's almost time for that long hard climb
so you better come clean before you dot your I's
and I'd bet my life
on your soul's surprise
it's your God, your Mother and me
the faces in your dreams are
just what you think it means
your God, your Mother and me

“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 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

“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

"When Fiona Smiles"

When Fiona smiles
It's like sundrops from heaven
Moonbeams in the night sky
Rainbows in the valley

When Fioana smiles
It's like stardust in the northwoods
A sea breeze in the harbor
The sunrise in the morning

And the angels sing as the trees sway
The birds wing, the children play
It's made easy, the many miles
On this journey
When Fiona smiles

When Fiona smiles
It's butterflies in the sunshine
A warm breeze in the valley
Feathers in the moonlight

And the angels sing as the trees sway
The birds wing, the children play
It's made easy, the many miles
On this journey
When Fiona smiles
When Fioana smiles

“This Dream”

I'm looking through the ruins to find Socrates
I'm thinking there's a clue he's sending me
to lead me to the forest green
Mountain meadows rarely seen
Answers to the riddles that have always been
part of this dream

I'm looking through dusty shelves to find Sophocles
I'm thinking there's something new he's telling me
That gives to me a sense of sight
to lead me through this darkened night
into the brilliant morning light to see
this dream

I'm listening to this Gershwin rhapsody
I feel there's s special way it's touching me
sending me above this rhyme
beyond the sense of space and time
to know a love so sublime and free
as part of this dream

“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

"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

“ 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

“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

‘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!’

“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

“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

“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

"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"

“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

“One True Companion”

I used to live in wide open spaces
I used to look in forbidden places
I used to run like there was no tomorrow
I used to laugh with forgotten sorrow

I used to walk down paths in the moonlight
I used to sing my songs under spotlights
I used to see my dreams like a street sign
I used to look for gold in a coal mine

and when the storm came fast
through the highlands
I used to run with
my one true companion
My friend, my foe
my overwhelming choice
to lay my love beside at night
to find my hidden voice
My friend, my foe
that warm caressing hand
that cooled my heavy heart
that helped me understand

I used to hitch rides on the A train
I used to search for love in the cold rain
I used to scream out load after midnight
I used to roll through the mist in the daylight

and when the rain poured
down on the mountains
I would hold true to
my one true companion
My friend, my foe
my overwhelming choice
to lay my love beside at night
to find my hidden voice
My friend, my foe
that warm caressing hand
that cooled my heavy heart
that helped me understand
helped me understand

"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

"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

“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

“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

“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

“ 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

“ Time  Goes  By “


Time  goes  by and it frees  the  pain
  time  goes  by and  we
bless  the  rain

The sun shines through  and then
         once  again
  we find our hearts  in the
      hearts  of  friends

     The  door  swings  back and  we
      see the past
     we find the place  where  we’re
       free at last
     the door  swings  back and  we
          finally  know
     if we  loved  them, we  let  them  go

   We’ll sing  of  the  summer  nights
we’ll sing  of  the  falling  leaves
  we’ll sing  of  the  tender  times
  the  reasons  we  believe



Time  goes  by and it  gives  us  peace
  gives  us  moments
of sweet  release

The  moon  shines through  as the
clouds  roll  by
our  hearts  will  find  that our
tears  have  dried


      The  door  swings  back and  we
   see the past
     we find the place  where  we’re
    free at last
     the door  swings  back and  we
      finally  know
     if we  loved  them, we  let  them  go

We’ll sing  of  the  summer  nights
we’ll sing  of  the falling  leaves
we’ll sing  of  the tender  times
the reasons we believe

     the reasons we believe

“Gently”

Gently hold my hand once more
and look me in the eye
let me see you smile again
before you say goodbye

For all the miles and all the trials
and all the tears we've cried
right now all I want to do
is stay here by your side

And hold you once before I go
for my time's yet to come
and as you know I've got to go
and face another sun

So, gently I will kiss you now
and gently say farewell
where our paths will cross again
only God can tell

But
I'll hear you in the evening song
that whispers through the trees
and I'll see you in the morning sun
that rises in the east

yes,

I'll remember all the love
you gently gave to me
and I'll forever give it back
as you did, so gently