I live my life from hand to mouth
its always been that way
I wouldn't call it doing great
at best its just ok

To have a buffer would be nice
something for a rainy day
but for twenty years those cats and dogs
have always come my way

But I get by with what I have
its all I really need
To want much more than what you see
is just a sign of greed

The people that come into our lives
do so for a reason
It may only be for a day or a month
or may just be for a season

But when two paths cross, no matter how brief
There's a lesson somewhere to be learned
It may be just that we're on the wrong path
and there's a corner that needs to be turned

It may be to teach us that we can still fly
and soar in the heavens above
or it may be a brief and torrid affair
to show us that we can still love

And maybe my words are speaking to you
and I'm part of some message you need
To show you the signs that surround you
so between the lines you can read.

In this less than perfect world
I say less than perfect things
Instead of soaring like an eagle
I'm forced to walk with clipp-ed wings

It's not that I'm not truthful
just careful in what I say
In this less than perfect world
it has to be that way

In this less than perfect world
I'm a less than perfect guy
with a less than perfect record
when it comes to loves gone by

But if the world was perfect
I would still be me
so would this less than perfect guy
be someone you'd want to see?

Remember how it used to be,
when we would go outside,
and hang out with folks in person?
But now we stay inside.

We used to write each other letters,
with paper, pen and ink.
Once delivered you would read it,
then write back with what you think.

And remember in the old days,
when you could just be "out"?
And things could wait for your return,
there was never any doubt.

But now if we're unreachable,
then something must be wrong.
'Cos everything is urgent,
our time to us does not belong.

Well I don't know bout the rest of you,
but I miss the olden days.
They used to be less stressful,
better in many ways.

So I think I'll turn my cellphone off,
and shut my Facebook down.
Write letters to those friends of mine
who don't live in this town

But I think my plan might hit a snag
there's something that I lack
I don't know where these people live
and they probl'y wont write back

So I guess I have a choice to make
tell me, what would you do?
Would you give your address to me,
so I could write to you?

I trace my fingers cross the carving on the tree
Letters in a heart mean you for me
I still remember clearly that day
and the love we have that never went away.

Was the perfect summer day fifty years back
You and me and a picnic in a pack
Sandwiches and cake and lemonade
Two grown up little kids in 7th grade

I remember we went swimming in the creek
Something we looked forward to all week
Then we took a walk together holding hands
and told stories bout the folk in far off lands

We talked about our families and our folk
told more stories, now and then a little joke.
And then we talked about the ones we miss
and I wiped away your tears with a kiss

Right there and then we knew we were in love
and swore we be together fore him above
I told you I would marry you one day
you said if they wouldn't let us we'd run away

It was then I carved our names into this tree
those letters in a heart mean you for me.

Each day I wake, open my eyes
The first thing that I do
I breathe in deep, and wrap myself
In memories of you

For at one time, when I would wake
You would be right there
And I would pull you close to me
Our life had not a care

But then things changed tween you and I
You no more could believe
That I could be the man for you
And so you chose to leave

I blame you not for what you did
I know that I was wrong
The choices that I made for us
Caused all to be undone

So now my life's a dusty shelf
and nothing lingers there
But memories of you and I
Your eyes, your skin, your hair.

And when that breath I take no more
the pain at last disposed
a new chapter starts within my life
The old one finally closed.

Let us find again the beauty in simple things
not just in designer labels and diamond rings
for the worth of what we crave
should not be drawn from sweatshop slave
Let us find again the beauty in simple things

Let us see things once again just like a child
In the days when we'd go out and explore the wild
Building tree forts in the woods
cops and robbers, robin hoods
Let us see things once again just like a child

Let our innocence and trusting be our strength
not something that gets drummed out of us at length
lets not live our lives in fear
of dangers far away from here
Let our innocence and trusting be our strength

Let us open up our hearts without reserve
and let someone in without trying to conserve
let us love just once again
like we'd never know pain
Let us open up our hearts without reserve

Let us die without one outstanding wish
live our lives with nets always full of fish
lives with bounty all around
all friends and loved ones have we found
Let us die without one outstanding wish

Each of us has been granted an amazing gift
Most of us don't see it yet but as the years pass we will come to cherish it.
And with any luck we will get the chance at some point to pass it on.
You will abuse it.
You will neglect it.
You will most likely take it for granted.
And on those darkest of days you may even consider yourself unworthy of having it.
But you are wrong!
If you were unworthy, you wouldn't have been given it in the first place.
I only hope each of you realize just how fortunate YOU are to have it and in doing so promise yourselves never to waste another minute of it.

When do we stop being children?
Is it when our parents are gone,
is it when we leave home and get married,
or when we have kids of our own?

And when do we have to be grown ups?
When we reach a certain age,
or when the books that map out our lives,
come to a certain page?

So when do we really start living?
Is it when we take that first breath?
And why for some does it not start,
until they have little time left?

And why do some choose to stop living,
long before they get put in the ground?
Cos as long as I wake in the morning,
I'll make **** sure you know I'm around!

See I've in the shadow of happy
gotten by in my own little way
but I finally realized, life is too short
so I'm gonna start living today!

You will find me tilting at windmills
on a familiar old landscape
Or running and jumping as high as I can
as my shadow I try to escape

Ungrounded in reality
preferring to live in dreams
of what might be but probably wont
tis my lot or so it seems

I believe my future is mine to make
the same way yours is for you,
and if there’s a dream you truly want
then it really can come true

So climb aboard and hold on tight
we can share the journey to its end
shape our future together
go and see what’s round every bend

Better that than sitting here
and waiting for life to arrive
after all it’s a life that’s meant to be lived
not one that we can ever survive

We don't have to like it
but sometimes life gets in the way
sneaks up and overtakes us
interferes with our day

We may not get the time we want
because life gets in the way
its just the way it is sometimes
it's no biggie, its okay

Perhaps one day there'll come a time
when life cant get in the way
because life is what we'll have together
each and every day

Lazy afternoon.
Everyone is sound asleep.
Music softly plays.
Gentle breeze explores the house,
while birds sing among the trees.

Heavy humid air.
An explosion overhead.
Brings forth cool weather.

The duality of man
torn tween the shadows and the light
can only gaze on one
while t'other's always out of sight

For he who looks upon the shadow
will have light upon his back
but chasing after darkness
fills a soul with naught but lack

And he who looks upon the light
casting shadows in his wake
will always see the brighter side
where exists more give than take

Lipstick and Chanel,
is all she left behind
and scratches on my back
I hope my girlfriend doesnt find

I didn't stand a chance
she knew exactly what she wanted
and now I know prey feels
how it feels to be hunted

Everything she said was right
she played me like a toy
coming on all flustered, scared
innocent and coy

By the time I knew it was too late
she had me in her spell
and now that I have been released
I'm left alone in hell

You have no idea the torment
the guilt and shame I feel
it was like something in a movie
it just seemed so unreal

Its like I stood there watching
like some kind of sick ******
as she gave herself right to him
and he gave himself to her

But now the movies over
cast and cameras spent
and all I can remember
is that colour and that scent

Lipstick and Chanel,
bright red and oh so sweet
only time will tell now
the future that I'll meet.

Its the little things that mean so much
The whispered dreams, the slightest touch

Catching the smile you tried to hide
Being met at the door, arms open wide

Feeling your hand reach for mine
not having to read between the lines

Brushing the hair back from your eyes
watching comets cross the skies

Picking you up whenever you're down
using a kiss to cure a frown

Knowing it matters and knowing you care
Waking each morning and feeling you there

Its the little things and what they mean
that make this life we share a dream.

Work, eat, sleep, death.
Is that what it’s all about?
Just treading water every day.
Counting breaths til time runs out.

Life, laugh, love, live.
Accepting and forgiving.
Isn’t that the way that life should be?
Not spectating but really living.

Which is better,
loving and losing
or avoiding the pain,
avoiding the bruising

missing out on the moments
the memories to keep
by saving the tears
thus not having to weep

to extinguish the fire
before it starts burning
in a bid to escape and
put an end to the yearning

What if self preservation
is not worth the cost
as what could have been
can now only be lost

Is it my lot in life
to want that which cannot be
to want things others deem too difficult
but yet seem simple unto me

Is it that I'm too willing
or unthinking in my haste
that I see little point in waiting
or have less time to waste

For everyone thats in my life
who came along and chose to stay
I wish I'd known them longer
even if just one more day

for when I shuffle off my mortal coils
and the time comes to depart
you'll find you cannot add time at the end
only at the start

Close your eyes and feel my arms,
around you as you sleep.
Feel my breath upon your neck,
as I breathe you in so deep.

Don't let my kisses wake you,
as I place them on your cheek.
As my hands pull you close to me,
you find the honesty you seek.

Sleep in the warmth of passion,
and dream only of the truth.
Of the man who's soul you captured,
with the intensity of youth.

And as you wake and look around,
you will not see me nor will I hide.
For at present moments such as this,
only in dreams reside.

That look is my undoing
yeah you know the one I mean
its not angel, its not devil
but something in between.

It a look that say's "I'm trouble"
and most definitely you are
dangerous when up close
exhilarating from afar

I know there's more to you than that
perhaps Trouble is your shield
an alter ego of protection
you wear til safe to be revealed

But I'm addicted now to Trouble
thinking perhaps she is the one
Will she share herself with me one day
Unmasked, undressed, undone.

What is this thing called life of which we speak?
Is it experiences we have or those we seek
Is it something to be earned
or lessons to be learned
as we travel through it blindly week to week

And what about this other thing called "me"
Am "I" not there for all the world to see
Or is that just my skin
just a vessel "I" am in
Is that the place where the "me" I seek should be

And finally there's that little thing called love
The quest to find who fits you like a glove
It starts with a first date
interview for a soul mate
And  ends with the release of a single dove.

Now seeking all these treasures is a ride
and once discovered there's no place for them to hide
So believe me when I say
they're close to home not far away
Look closely at yourself, for they're inside

Where are you now my Valentine,
When I need you the most,
Will you come see me once more,
Or vanish like a ghost.

Are you there my Valentine,
Were you ever real
Did I ever hold you close,
Or just dream the way I feel.

I hope and pray, my Valentine,
You wait somewhere for me,
Just out of sight,
And out of reach,
This day to set me free.

Love can make you deaf
and love can make you blind
love can make you take your friends
and leave them all behind

Love can lift you up
and love can bring you down
love can make you sink or swim
or wish that you had drowned

Love can make you happy
and love can make you blue
in spite of all these pro's and cons
I still fell in love with you

How can something that brings so much joy
turn around and cause such pain
It takes you out to bask in sunshine
yet leaves you naked in the rain

It fills your stomach with dainty butterflies
and ***** you in with its **** pout
then the moment you let your guard down
it pulls your guts right out

It leaves a gaping cavity
and an ache inside your chest
makes you feel your very worst
after feeling your very best

Where once you were king of the world
now you only want to hide
building walls that would make Hadrian proud
you lock yourself inside

But alas we are too stupid
our optimism too sublime
because we tell ouselves in a year or two
"it'll work out different this time"

Only it doesn't.

To me love is quite simple,
not a complicated thing,
sometimes written on a paper,
and sealed with a ring.

Sometimes carved into an oak tree,
or written out in verse.
Sometimes spoken in the words,
for better or for worse.

But all those things just demonstrate,
to others how you feel.
They are not what love is all about.
They are not what makes it real.

Real love is not just passion,
not just desire and not just lust.
Real love involves integrity,
honesty and trust.

Real love is truly everything,
and holding nothing back.
It is there in times of plenty,
and grows in times of lack.

Its the first thing that you feel,
at the start of every day,
and its with you all the time,
in what you do and what you say.

Its the reason for that smile,
that just appears on your face.
Its why you sometimes end up laughing,
wiping tears from your face.

Its that midnight warm embrace,
that soothes you as you sleep.
Its a feeling oh so wonderful,
that will sometimes make you weep.

Its the reason we accomplish,
things we never thought we could,
and find ourselves attempting,
things we swore we never would.

Love isn't just a part time thing,
in a lover that we chose.
It's a spiritual possession,
we don't ever want to lose.

Could it be that you're my Lucy
and I'm your Charlie Brown?
As yet again you can convince me
that you'll keep the football down

And as I take my run up
in the hope I'll kick the ball
deep inside I know you'll pull away
and on my *** I'll fall

Now we're not cartoon characters
but I share in his belief
that one day things will be different
that there'll be no "Oh good grief!"

Love isn't...
forever like they say
Love isn't...
something that never fades away

Love isn't...
all the lies and the deceit
Love isn't...
just what goes on between the sheets

Love isn't...
where you expect that it will be
Love isn't...
something new to you or me

Love isn't...
dependent on being rich or being poor
Love isn't...
something I remember anymore

Love isn't...
insecurity and doubt
Love isn't...
something I want to be without

Love isn't...
always happiness and laughter
Love isn't...
sadly, happy ever after.

Whatever made me think,
That settling would do,
Did you settle for me,
Like I settled for you.

We live as flatmates you and I.
I'm you cook and I'm your maid,
But this is the bed I've chosen,
And in it I am laid.

Our relationship it has no love,
No passion, no desire,
Was I really so naive,
To expect a sparkless fire.

Is it time for me to walk away,
Before it is too late,
To find the love this woman needs,
To start with a clean slate.

Oh how I wish that I could just,
Get up, walk out the door,
But duty, guilt and vanity,
Keep my here once more.

I pray someone will find me,
And give me what I need,
The strength and love to make the change,
To reclaim, what is me.

Know love, know loss
No love, no loss.

I wish that I was Paris,
Rihanna or Britney,
Then people wouldn't pass me by,
They'd stop to look at me.

If only I was pretty,
then I truly would be free,
And wouldn't only feel some love,
When it got took from me.

I made myself be sick today,
And all those bad thoughts went away,
No longer did I feel so fat,
It wasn't nice to feel like that.

So why is it, I still can't be,
Like the girls in books and on TV,
If I lost just a few more pounds,
My life would have more ups than downs.

But now I cannot see so good,
My body has betrayed,
A life I just wanted to live,
But sadly threw away.

So here I am again
left staring into space
I played the jack of hearts again
and got ******* by an ace

I thought the hand a little shaky
still I played it anyway
they say feint heart ne'r won fair maiden
but just who the hell are "they"

So I think I'll give up playing
forever end my losing streak
I don't think I have the heart left
too many beatings left me weak

I have no winning chips to cash out
no iou's to pay
So I stand up from the table
turn and walk away.

I've rolled the dice too many times
I've gambled and I've lost
and finally I realise
the pain of losing, ain't worth the cost.

What does the guy in the mirror see
when he's looking back at me?

Does he have the same questions,
about who I used to be.

Does he know where the grey comes from
or the crows feet on my eyes

Does he see his own reflection
and wonder what inside

Does he wonder where the boy went
so confident and sure

Does he know when this old man showed up
who knows nothing anymore

Does he see the honesty that lives behind my eyes
Does he feel my pain, can he hear my sighs

Each day he looks me in the eye
and sees right to my soul
But holds for me no answers
on why life takes such a toll

Why is it when women have troubles
they're straight round their friends for a cry
But when guys feel low
and have taken some blows
we just **** it up and get by.

Is it doing us some kind of favour
or putting ourselves at some risk
will there come a night
after losing this fight
that we'll drown in this deep abyss

What is it that makes us say nothing
makes us keep it all locked up inside
Why is it that men
don't speak to their friends
like its a weakness they're trying to hide

Is it the way that were told as children
that boys and men don't cry
That not to be strong
is totally wrong
Right up till the day we die

None of us are unique in our troubles
and the struggles of life never end
so if you're down in that pit
forget macho *******
grow some ***** go and speak to your friend

Chances are he's been there too, if he isn't there right now

What cruel twist of fate it is
that our paths were meant to cross
at a time when everything aligned
and conspired at our cost

We convince ourselves "another time,
a different life, some other place"
because karmic interference
is easier to face.

I wonder will there come a time
the pain becomes so great
that you abandon life with one unloved
and pursue a leap of faith

You see I lack the strength I need
to turn and walk away
and so I sit and wait in hope
you'll come to me one day.

I bumped into God the other day
he was looking pretty sad
I guess he’s kinda dissappointed
bout all the stuff that’s going bad.

It seems it isn’t working out
the way he had it planned
we’re supposed to love each other
and all things upon this land

we’re supposed to love our neighbours
no matter how they look
not hate and try to **** them
because they read a different book

and we’re all created equal
not one better than the other
and we’re all part of one family
every man here is my brother

we’re supposed to love our children
and teach them right from wrong
not raise them via videos
but take the time to make them strong

but somehow we seem to lose the plot
people, church and state
instead of living peace and love
its all intolerance and hate

So I asked how it feels
to have all this done in his name
at which he looked me in the eye
and said he felt ashamed

churches serving churches
abusing children hiding truth
amassing wealth beyond comparison
then making us pay for the roof

spreading hate and not forgiveness
preach sacrifice practice greed
while enough gold adorns the altars
all the starving for to feed

So I asked him why he told me this
as he crossed me off some list
He said “Because I knew that you would listen,
because you don’t think that I exist”

He explained that he’s in all of us
always has been, always will
that he loves if we go to church
and if we don’t he loves us still

I think I understand it now
its what he says that counts not him
so the values in the message
and the message lies within

I think I'll have a dinner party
and I'll invite myself
to see what it is that others see
maybe that will help

I mean I look into the mirror
and I see me looking back
and sometimes in my head
myself and I we have a chat

But thats really not the same
there really is no doubt
that what I see in my reflection
is not what you see from without

So I thought that we could sit down
over dinner me and I
And get to know me better
as if through someone elses eye

Well the invitations been extended
and I provisionally accept
but you'll have to read the sequel
to see what happens next....

You've told me in the past
my eye's show the truth in me
I wonder if you saw them now
just what it is you'd see

Would you see the pain I'm feeling
the disappointment and regret
of losing something never held
yet impossible to forget

Would you see right through the veil of tears
thats building up inside
tears I vowed again I'd never shed
tears I want so much to hide

Or would you see what the world sees
mr happy go lucky me
the guy with time for everyone
in a mask they cannot see

How do you know
which path is best to take
if you don't want to end up walking
just for walkings sake

It used to be you stumbled on
without a path even in sight
lack of purpose and direction
kept you awake at night

Now suddenly, not one but three
routes forward you can see
one paved and clearly visible
on this one should you be?

Or perhaps one of the other paths
like the one shrouded in mist
the allure of its mystery
is not easy to resist

And then there is the well worn path
thats fallen to neglect
yet still lined with scents so heavenly
and blooms with petals so perfect

Perhaps what makes the choice so hard
is not knowing what awaits
do these paths lead to utopia
or walled in chained up gates.

If music is the food of love
are tone deaf people doomed
Are only those with perfect pitch
for lasting romance groomed

And what of they eye o' the beholder
where beauty is supposed to lay
Do only those with twenty twenty
get to be blessed this way

And if a picture paints a thousand words
and the viewer cannot read
Did the artist therefore waste his time
sowing unfertile seed

We talk a lot of metaphors
about music, love and art
but does really help explain
or just make us sound smart?

There’s many nights I wake up
and lie here and watch you sleep
and memorise each line upon your face
Scan each crease in every sheet
picture your body underneath
and fight the urge your contours for to trace

Other nights I sleep right through
and I’m lying next to you
my arms around you and your head upon my chest
with your leg laid over mine
our two bodies intertwined
at those times it seems my life, well it’s the best

But each morning when I rise
and I get to see those eyes
looking at me from across my coffee cup
it truly makes me feel
that miracles are real
and happen every day the sun comes up

Misery's having a party,
say's we should all get drunk
Say's be sure to bring Sadness with you
and we'll get out of this funk

Bring Loneliness and Depression
Despair and Anger too
but leave Empty Promises at home
cos we've had enough of you

Oh and someone pick up Broken Heart
Bad Fortune and ****** Luck
And who's that guy that doesn't care?
Couldn't Give A you know I can never remember his last name

So now that were all here together
lets drink and forget all thats wrong
Who's drunk the most and sings the worse
you can lead us off in a song

Show us the way to go home
we're tired and we wanna go to bed
we had a little drink about an hour ago...

Don't ever think you're all alone
or that everythings your fault
And please don't lock your heart away
inside some kind of vault

Because everything thats happened
happened not only to you
there are others who have played their part
you think the blame might be theirs too?

Can you look into the mirror
and say you did your best
with honesty and integrity
when others did much less

If so then maybe just perhaps
you shoulder too much blame
tell me do the other parties
seem to be doing just the same?

Chances are most prob'ly not
after all they've you for that
you ever think that nows the time
you start to give some back

Don't to this yourself my love
the burden is too great
forgive yourself for what they've done
before it is too late

No arguments were made
or evidence exposed
convincing bad assumptions
turned the open sign to closed

If that is all it takes
baseless suspicion, fear and doubt
perhaps thats the sign you're looking for
the one that lets you out

There's been no misinformation
no vagueness and no lies
but every now and then
I see doubt creep in your eyes

I can't help you solve this issue
only you choose who to trust
but there's no relationship without it
you can't get by on lust.

As for me well I trust everyone
until they show me I should not
better that than throw it all away
over something soon forgot

My thirst it has been slaked
my hunger has been sated
today I feasted on your words
drank all that you created

A drought it was that I had suffered
these past few lonely days
I had lived among the starving
missing your poetic ways

But today the rains came once again
and what a crop they brought
I hope it rains again tomorrow
so others see what I have sought

Everything is grey.
Grey rain falls from a grey sky.
Colours washed away.

Worry not for where the steamer heads
it simply helps us run away
But before you close this door for good
please listen to what I say

I'd never keep you from your loved ones
only your pride could e'er do that
and just because we sail away
doesn't mean we won't sail back

Why content yourself with hearsay
and yet insist I give you proof
The love you feel for me is real
but for him much more aloof

I can't promise you a lifetime
any more than any man
but what we have is here right now
with him its just a sham

You ask of me some guarantee
and then provide your own
That to live with one you do not love
would be worse than if alone

My love is not a lie my love
and never could it be
it's simply a dream thats unfulfilled
a dream of you and me

But if you choose to go to Sussex
please do not take me there
For these memories will haunt you
and lead you to despair.

Instead cast memories aside
both of me and of this week
I will think of you in Sussex
each time your name I speak

For though my this dream may not come true
I'll not deny it came to pass
For I will see its memory
in every looking glass

I'll not say another word my love
the decision must be yours
We both know that truth and happiness
starts through the cabin doors