Why didn’t I say what was in my heart?
I pined for her each day we were at work
We had lunches, danced, we were good friends
But I never told her how I felt
This is how it ends

She left this morning for a job in a new town
We had a goodbye hug
But I didn’t tell her how I felt
So where am I now?
In love with someone who doesn’t know
I want her so bad
Why did she have to go?

Maybe it’s not too late
I should make a trip
Arrive unannounced
I cannot quit
If she is my destiny
I think she should know

I just gotta know you, baby
You will like me
Here are 15 reasons
First, I live and breathe for you
Next, I'm fun to date
If you like to laugh,
Just hang with me
I got a real job, I'm an MD, I'll bring that bacon home
And yes I saw you win on Jeopardy
Go ahead and quiz me
I can cook a meal so tasty
You'll demand them regularly
Oh, and I can kiss real good,
Go ahead, try me
I'm very considerate, dress elegantly
Of course, am trustworthy
Have my pilot's license
Am toned, touch my arm, now squeeze
People say I'm handsome
I'm kind to the elderly
But most of all I love you
That I already know
Give me a chance, my dear
Give me the say so

(Based on a true story)

This is a city with secrets
Surely it knows I'm in love
With one if it's residents
Who is playing hard to get
I can't get enough of her
I want her yes I do
It's just a matter of time
And time can be so cruel

I wander its cobblestones
Thinking what to do
Step by step I plan my moves
I try to play it cool
But this city knows I'm in love
And that I'm no fool
For she's the one
The only one
As I wander through
Its nooks and crannies
Under a jaunty sky of blue

I know I'd be good for her
She's perfection to me
We could live so happily
In this city of secrets
I have got to win her
I know she'll understand
She is my future
I am her man

It’s emotion, my business
I sing songs
Mostly about love
My job is to move the audience
To smiles or a tear
Make people snuggle up
Hold hands, disappear
Into a state of kindness and grace
I try to bring joy to each happy face

What about me?
Well, I’m just like you
I’m a fan of many
Those who croon
Who give life meaning
Who nurture the soul
When I need to dig deep
It’s where I go

So when I hear a special song
I smile and sigh, and find in my eyes
Condensation, a misty memory
That takes me back and aback
At the feeling that comes over me
When music entertains the heart
And yet again, emotion conquers me

I want to be somebody’s somebody
Who will give me a chance?
Somebody must want to be my baby
I believe in romance

Where is my darling?
What must I do?
I’m ready for anything
Just get me to who is the one for me
Fast, if you please

I want to be somebody’s somebody
I want to be in her arms
I just need to find her
With luck I’ll find her charms

Somebody, someday will come to me
Someday my someone will also believe
In stars that align, in dreams that come true
I know she’s out there and believes in us too

I’m the afterthought
Mr. Plus One
Available whenever she needs me
Just not on her mind
Hoping someday she might care for me
That really, she’d be mine

I’m always available
That I know she knows
I’m investing in our future
So I tell myself
That’s the way it goes
I’ll deceive my precious heart
If I must
Indeed, my love grows

I not giving up
No how, no way
I’ve got a hunch
She’s heading my way
Until then I’ll accompany her
Proud to be at her side
Believing that someday
We’ll go on that long ride

It’s a hot summer love
Three dates it took until the kiss
Meet Rachel and Dov
The secret for them: create some mystery
At the end of a long day, she’s his bourbon
The *** is good, they keep it fun
There’s a lot of laughs
He makes her feel beautiful during down times
It’s passion and push towards the other
When she blinks her lashes at him at night
That always gets him.

She’s the light at the end of my tunnel,
The road that takes me home,
The ship that keeps me afloat
And she’s mine alone
Who keeps me together
Gives me hope
Supplies the jokes
Keeps me stoked
Makes it all worthwhile
Down to earth
Always in style
We go good together
One long smile

I love everything about her
Love and affection endlessly
We just roll along an endless road
What should be is now reality

Where was I before her?
Looking for her
When she arrived, so did I
Happy to be her other half
With pride
Ready to please
As long as she is near
I’m happy anywhere

She makes everything beautiful
With her I breathe free
With her, with her
Is where I shall always be

I’m coming her way
But that’s about all
She, I won’t see
We’ve moved on
No regrets has she
Not the same for me
I wish we’d never met
That there was no history

I should have seen the signs
Besotted ‘ol me
She was smart and pretty
I wanted her
Lord I tried
She led me on
Then it was goodbye

So here I am
Years after
Ruminating about
This romantic disaster
Wondering if she thinks of me
Not that it matters
Her I won’t see
Just visiting her town
With my wife on my arm
As I try to forget
The heart she did harm

Lost love and might have been
Twins united in sorrow
The long yesterday
Facing tomorrow
There is no salve
Only time will wash it away
That’s what you hope
But some pain ever stays

So here we are
With our memories
She told me goodbye
I went weak in the knees
Now I’m in her city
Our love remains gone
Captured in time
As we carry on

“He touched my heart”
Said the lady in red
We met at a fair
Having good clean fun
I bought her a sarsaparilla
Invited her to sit
And she told me her sad tale
Her husband had been it
A wonderful man who loved her true
Perfect their marriage
Where love ran through
Still in mourning she was doing her best
To keep a brave face
Still happy she’d been blest
With the love of her life
For he was the best

That brings her to me
It’s now my story to tell
Our tete a tete went on for a spell
We went for supper, and drinks thereafter
You see, I’m a widower, and well
I could understand how she felt
I could really relate
For I felt the same, my wife was great
Still, we both knew we had to move on
Those loves we had did not disappear
They will never be gone

Cut to the present, this is today
I told her I loved her, that I would stay
Close to her, now and always
That our new love is strong
No more alone, from now on it’s “we”

We turned off our dating apps at the same time
We both knew
We were in this together
Going forward
It took one dinner
Followed by drinks
Then a kiss
Here we are today
Oh yeah, it all worked out
Enough to say
Wishes come true
And dating apps work
Here we are today
Exhibit A

I’m pre-old
Yep, not ready to say
I’m elderly
No way
Consider my energy and gumption
Hey! You want enthusiasm?
All you have to do is say
Something along those lines
Just don’t call me old
I’m not, no way

This is for you
What must be said
Simply and often
From my heart and head
You changed my life
You give me a thrill
Each time we kiss
Say you will
Be mine forever
Be kind to me
Forgive my failings
I want to be
Your best man
Every day
Give me your heart
In love all the way

I need you
I love you
Always
Be mine
We’ve made it this far
We’ll go to the finish line
Love me, don’t leave me
Forgive me my sins
I’m trying, really trying
I’ve so much love within
I can show you
Give me a kiss
Now wasn’t that nice?
Complete bliss?

All women are cool
Some so very hot
I appreciate them all
Not that I have got
The key to understanding them
As to that I’m lost
They are such a mystery
Usually, they’re the boss

I succumb to their humor
Liveliness and style
I like a woman who is demure
But tough as nails inside

Women rule the world
We work so hard for them
All to make them happy
To be a family man

It’s always been that way
Since Eve and old Adam
Women are so very cool
Ask any men who have ‘em

The luckiest guy in the world
With a wonderful girl
So happy they are
Ruling their world
They radiate bliss
It’s charming to see
That lucky guy has it all
Once it was lucky me

She’s pleasant when I run into them on the street
But I quickly turn away
I’m incomplete
Reeling from emotion
What is there to say?
How nice to see you?
Not the truth anyway

Lucky in love
We should all be
Like that lucky guy with that beautiful girl
Can’t you see
How happy they are?
Their world a charm
Then there’s me
As luck would have it
Unlucky me

This existential love affair lived on its own terms
What were we waiting for?
Our Godot did not show
Life, death, politics
Then there was us
Mordant philosophers we were
Bathing in ennui
The *** was good
Almost always is
The conversation in cafes our currency
Who had the best bon mot?
So savory  
Everything mattered
And nothing at all
We fought for our love because we thought we should
It died of its own accord
It moved on
Orbits still a satellite in my thoughts
Searching for its heart

Jenny and Richard for 12 years were friends with benefits
Very off and on
They had such different backgrounds
She was a corporate attorney
He ran a moving company
See what I mean?
She got a fellowship in Japan for a year but they were still in touch occasionally
Then she took a job with a prestigious firm in NYC
She came back to LA and sent a message to Richard
I’m back, but sorry I don’t think we’re meant to be
A bit later they ran into each other on the beach
Jenny said take me out on a date-date
Richard was pleased to do so
After 12 years of casual, it’s time to see if they are something more

If life is love
And love is life
What am I doing wrong?
I try so hard, try my best
I sing a happy song
But it’s to myself
My one and lonely
The man who has a heart
That needs someone he can care for
Where does he start?

I guess it’s just a matter of time
Optimism, I say
Here she comes
I just haven’t met her yet
I know I will someday

So I hope and pray
Try to meet her as best I can
From church to meet and greet events
I understand
That could be her at the end of the bar
I’ve got that sense
I just might be her man

She’s my best friend’s girl
She used to be mine
Til he stole her from me
With her help, making time
Such sadness
I’m the last to know
They’re out tonight
Getting a glow
Me, I’m nearly crying
Wishing it wasn’t so
I want her back
But no, no, no
He’s got her
I’ve got alone
I didn’t see the signs
I should have known
Now I’ve also lost my best friend and my girl
A disaster full blown
I’ll get over this
So I tell myself
But I don’t believe it
No one can help
I’ve lost my way
So torn inside
If I see them together
I’ll just hide

She’s a two timer
Let me know if you see her
Talking with Jim
Once there was us
Then there was him
I didn’t know, never will
Understand
How I could be taken to
Then removed from
The promised land

Oh I loved her
Really loved her
I bought the farm
I was in heaven
Safe from harm
Protected I thought
By her loving arms

Mistaken I was
Out of luck I am
I gave my all
Then wham

She’s a two timer
And she got me
Double-crossed I am
What came to be

Some things you want to remember
Some things you can’t forget
Some days are filled with joy
Some days are full of regret

Some days are meant for love
Some days that love is gone
Some feelings last forever
Somehow you just carry on

Everyone’s got a someone
Their good old used to be
Someone who still lingers in a heart
But will never be
That one and only
Yet is a lifetime love
Here’s to those special loves
Some have more than one

It’s in the bag
A matter of fact
Stone cold sober
He realized he was in over his head
A word to the wise
You better fly straight
And never blind
Before you’re cut down to size
Time is money
Money makes the world go round
Life is short
Love is blind
Misery loves company
All is fair in love and war
Except when you’re shooting blanks
When everything is picture perfect
You just give thanks
Which is no cliche
Try to rank at the pinnacle
With a touch of class
It’s now or never
Just a matter of time
Right out of the movies
Yet truth is stranger than fiction
For the camera never lies
But watch for those who’ll drop a dime
Don’t need reason or rhyme
Unless the train has left the station
And you’re not the sharpest tool in the shed
Instead of a fish in water
Then it’s a pirate’s life for me
You can’t make this stuff up
Or you’re barking up the wrong tree

I saw you on the street
Tall and thin and beautiful
We talked on the corner
Waited through the next signal
We gazed into each other’s eyes
Then we both moved on
OK, a missed connection
But still a connection
So this is my only chance
An online call out
I know I’m just a voice in the wind
But it was chance meeting you
And by chance we will really connect again
Until then, I have hope in my heart
I’m looking for you
I’m 6’3”, and wore a beret

It’s a good morning
Good morning to you
Good morning to life
Good morning to all
A bright day ahead
Soon I’ll surprise
My lover and let her discover
That if we try
We’ll build her a future
A beautiful sigh
For today is the day
I’ll ask for her hand
Today is the day
When she’ll understand
How much I love her
That I always will
Today is the day
Today is a thrill

She’s awakening now
Those big bright eyes
Greet me with a smile
It’s a natural high
Hanging together
Hanging forever
Hanging today
For the rest of our lives

Savvy and sultry
Jeanine is such a beauty
Paul — lean and lanky
Both of them free
And single
Let’s see what happens
When happenstance arrives
Paul likes her personality
They meet at a job in the nice part of town
He’s the handyman
She plants flowers
They chat so pleasantly
Share some lemonade
They both think
“It’s been such a long time
Since I went on a date”
It was time to give it a chance
Yes, they could relate
So Jeanine asked the house owner
For his number
Immediately called
They’re down by the lake right now
Each enthralled

The world is filled with obvious things which no one ever sees
So says Sherlock Holmes, he's talking about me
For I did not detect someone shadowing me
Making herself indispensable in my life
It happened so subtlety
You see, I'm an ordinary man, with habits all his own
In the very early morning, I must be left alone
To gather my thoughts, take in the morning news
Then I go about my day, easily amused

I'm not quite sure how it happened but one lass caught my eye
Her name, if you must know it, is Cindy, and, whoa, she is sly
One thing led to another, until finally, this is where it's at
She's pretty much running the show, imagine that

It should have been obvious to me I would fall for her
I mean, take a look at those legs, they'd make any dude insecure
Combined with that personality, oh, and does she cook!
I'm not sure I needed more than one good look
At her and who she is and why it ought to be
That I should be with her and she should be with me

Obviously, I love this magnificent specimen of femininity
Meet my true love, say hello to Cindy

I see the trace of her outline as she walks into the sunset
A silhouette against the twilight
Soon the moon will rise and with it my hopes
Just as I know she will return
We reveled in these good times
As this day turns into night
We shall cherish all we have
We shall love with all our might
This portrait shall stay with me
In my heart, alive

It’s the end of our beginning
Beyond infatuation
Real commitment
The realization
Each day shall bring us closer
Even when we are away

This feeling we share
Unites us in so many ways
Crashing through our lives
Like so many waves
Ever in my thoughts
Her radiance so desired
I just want to be close to her
We have arrived

In wonder
I give thanks for a brand new day
Moving forward
Maybe ahead of the game
I’m feeling up
It’s gonna be all right
I got my baby
She loves me
I’m full of fight
Ready to learn
To see the light
Dreaming together
A holy mystery of love
Living for today
For her and me

Some things you want to remember
Some things you can’t forget
Some days are filled with joy
Some days are full of regret

Some days are meant for love
Some days that love is gone
Some feelings last forever
Somehow you just carry on

Everyone’s got a someone
Their good old used to be
Someone who still lingers in a heart
But will never be
That one and only
Yet is a lifetime love
Here’s to those special loves
Some have more than one

Today is our 15th Anniversary! Lucky guy I am.

This is for you
What must be said
Simply and often
From my heart and head
You changed my life
You give me a thrill
Each time we kiss
Say you will
Be mine forever
Be kind to me
Forgive my failings
I want to be
Your best man
Every day
Give me your heart
In love all the way

I need you
I love you
Always
Be mine
We’ve made it this far
We’ll go to the finish line
Love me, don’t leave me
Forgive me my sins
I’m trying, really trying
I’ve so much love within
I can show you
Give me a kiss
Now wasn’t that nice?
Complete bliss?

Hold me baby, tell me it will be all right
I’ve been running in circles, I’m uptight
Need a break, some rest and recoup
The pressure is constant
Thank God I’ve got you

There go the years
Our times in the sun
It’s not over yet
More is to come
I’m yours forever
Your companion for fun

So here’s to our past
The present for sure
The future is ours
Our love is secure

Hold me baby, tell me it will be all right
Hold me baby, with all of your might
Thank God I’ve got you each and every night

No two ways about it
There’s only one of us
Two for all the good times
Win place and show
In the winners circle
We always go
The plan is to keep on
All the days and nights
To please each other
We won’t give up the fight
We appreciate our good fortune
We know what to do
Keeping it together
Each day something new

I’ve had good fortune, lovers, and certainly bad luck
I’ve lived a full life and really shouldn’t complain about mistakes I shouldn’t have made
I’m trying to forgive myself, but some stains ever stay
I’m flawed, but not broken
Facing the end of my days
How much longer will I be here?
Am I accomplishing enough?
So much to be proud of
Still, there is shame and disappointment
I shall go on just as life goes on
Trying to be better every day
Doing my best to love
To keep my dear wife happy
It’s enough to make a man pray

Nobody wants a broken heart
Especially me
Broken hearts are for losers
Who wanted to be
In the thrall of it all
Vulnerable
Having a ball
Chasing love
Embracing love
And then it ends
What was infatuation
Became elation
Turns into desperation
Why must that be?
What am I to do
With this emptiness?
What’s to become of me?

I can be alone anywhere
Sauntering down any rue
Taking in the sights
Yes, and missing you

How did this happen?
So I ask myself
Here by my lonesome
While you’re with someone else

Cities are filled with people
All the connections they do have
You and I were once an item
Now I’m Mr. Sad

All by my lonesome
That’s no way to be
You are gone forever
What has happened to me?

I promenade alone
I see lovers grin
That used to be us
Remember when?

John wrote love stories as a writer in a particularly singular voice given that he was particularly single and didn’t want to be
He’s always written great loves for his characters, but there wasn’t one in his life
Kimberlee owned a literary website about romance and picked up one of his books
To her delight, she liked the groove of this romance novel so she friended him on social media
John began to follow her and eventually asked her to read his latest manuscript
Hmmm, the female lead was strikingly similar to Kimberlee
As you know, one thing leads to another and inevitably they met
It took a while, a pandemic intervened
Came the day at the Mexican restaurant where they had first met when a ring was placed on the table
And two hearts did sing

Drew was much older than Cecilia
No matter, his love was pure
Cece didn’t view him as a father figure
She knew he was the right one for her
Look, Chaplin had Oona
Then there was Serge and Jane
It could happen, it did happen
It was love by any name

In the desert they would roam
They lived to hike
He was a gourmet
Who cooked for her at night
Over a nice rose, by candlelight
They would nuzzle
As the years turned into decades
They aged without fear

So judge ye not
For they have got
As tight a bond you’ll ever see
Evidenced by what each never takes off
A matching wedding ring

He didn’t have much time
Cancer was killing him him
He had a few good friends who he wanted to see before the end
So they met at Perino’s
My dad was among them
As this good guy going down feted his mates
Graciously and with love
There were smiles through tears
Goodbyes and amens
When your time is ending
Life gets clearer
My dad told this story
It brings a tear to my eyes
Before I go I want to thank my dear friends
We’ll  have dinner at a fine restaurant
Then say our goodbyes

There will never be another you
Nor another us
What we have is so perfect
Excellent A-plus
Perfect company
At a ball or on the town
Or hanging in the desert
With no one else around
There will never be another love
Like the one that’s ours
Nothing could takes its place
How it has flowered
Each day is nirvana
Just to see your face
To surely, simply love you
Always been the case

This is to your heart
Coming from mine
Heart to heart
Soul to soul
Sending my best
Remembering the time
We were together
Entwined
A love for forever
Yours and mine
Some days more than others
How my heart aches
As I ruminate about my mistakes
But I soldier on
Secure in the thought
That what we had was not all for naught
It’s twilight now as I send these thoughts
Hoping they reach you
And if not I know that you know
Our love still lives on
In my heart and yours
Though those days are gone

Clickety clack
Down the track
It’s honeybunch and me
In our own sleeping compartment
Ooh wee!
Chasing adventure
Finally free from the humdrum
Of daily life
As we see what America is all about
It’s beauty
Little league
Big outdoors
Commerce everywhere
People holding hands
Desert stars
Swaying to the rhythm
Shacks and mansions
Kids at play
What a way
To see this land
While traveling with the babe
Clickety clack
Down the track
We got it made

I’m at the Museum of Memories
The only one here
It’s a great collection of romance
The loves of yesteryear
I’m one of the leads in each story
Almost all of the endings are sad
I don’t know why some didn’t work out
Some I wish they had
I go from teary to melancholy
Occasionally, I smile instead
I don’t visit the museum very often
It’s just too hard to take
Life has moved on and I should too
This is a museum of many mistakes
Here is another broken heart
It happens to be mine
I went all out for this princess
I was her never mind
This one I let get away
Boy was I wrong
Now she lives far away
All that remains is our song
Over here is the dear
She still comes around
Even though I led her on
I lost what we had found
What I did was wrong
It’s time to leave now
I can’t take it anymore
So much pain and heartache
Truth from the days of yore
No one else can visit, only me
Usually I do so when I need a dose of reality

I want an old-fashioned love
Starting with you and me
Starring each other
Giving freely
Strong as a rock
Gentle and deep
Each for the other
Ever to be
An old-fashioned love
We are destined to be
It’s all about you
It includes me
So tell me you’re ready
For the ride of your life
The ultimate journey
A man and his wife
An old-fashioned love
Yes, we can be
Cozy and comfy
In pure harmony
An old-fashioned love
So we shall be
Living and loving in pure harmony

There was a boy who loved the girl
But it all went awry
I can’t say their names or give you hints
That’s not the way it works
If you think you know who I’m talking about you won’t be the first
It’s Sunday mourning
The spirit has come to town
Arriving with remembrances
Of when she used to be around
That boy really loved that girl
She loved him right back
Call it fate, bad luck or happenstance
Doesn’t matter much
It just turned out bad for both
They miss each other’s touch
Loving each other from a distance
Ever it shall be
They had so very much

I was born the day I met you
And I died the day you left
It was perfect in between
We were on a quest
Chasing rainbows
We found the gold
Walks on sandy beaches
We never got cold
Rainbows are ephemeral
They only last so long
I’ve never figured out
Why it is we went wrong
Dreams can become reality
That happened to us
Then it all evaporated
There’s nothing left to see
Sometimes I dream of the past
The way we used to be
When I see a sunset
I think of you and me

He spent his early years in the south of France employed at the Hotel du Cap
He started off as the pool boy, then worked up to waiter then maître d’
He loved the guests and they loved him
But he grew bored and decided to better himself
At 35 he entered the university
Ultimately obtaining a law degree
Then he met Suzette and they started a family
The years went on, they thrived
An entertainment avocat was he
The famous adviser to the stars of Paris
Living a life of luxury
He never forgot the Hotel du Cap
And vacationed there once in a while
He’d swim in the pool on top of the rock
Sip on a Long Island Tea
He made it, he thought, such a lucky man, he
He’s now retired living outside of Nice
So happy to be living in the south of France
In good health and peace

Kokomo Joe is on a roll
No more on the run
It’s Saturday night
The moon is bright
Here comes serious fun
Lolling on the library steps
The statue of a lion by his side
Annie arrives to greet him
Her eyes open wide
At his sartorial splendor
For he wears a midnight blue vest
He’s looked forward to this all week
They kiss with zest
The amorous pair walk arm in arm
To the nearest bar
Resisting another caress
Then it’s off to the park
Where doves coo, indeed sing
Surprise, surprise he drops to one knee
Then presents her a ring
A passerby stops to take a picture on his phone
As she accepts and Joe feels like a king

On a beautiful day with the clouds and the wind
The bridge in the distance, we just just fit in
I am there with my baby
We sneak more than one kiss
We are entwined
We cannot miss

She loves me in spite of my faults
My best friend above all else
Our love makes us free
She floats our boat
Otherwise I’d be in the water
Woe would be me

With those doe eyes
She captures me
Her voice so soothing
Gives me hope
Our love makes us free
She believes in us, in me

From innocence to deliverance
What happened to me
I was born the day I met her
We are so very happy

The Princess needed to get away
A humdrum life she led
Movies have been made about this predicament
But this one is real, at a head
She wanted, needed, a holiday
So one day she slipped out of the palace, no one could see
She was off to have fun on her own, for the first time sightsee
Our young man had a day off, did not keep track of royalty
He spotted our lass at the patisserie
Invited her for pastry and coffee
Conversation ensued
It went so well, it imbued in their thoughts
That it was right that they should be enthused
At the prospects, the sheer happenstance
Both so alive, both so entranced
He worked as a doctor, healing the poor
She was coy about her life to her new suitor
Eventually she relented, told him who she was
She was trapped in royalty, that big because
You’ll be pleased to know they found a way
To kiss in bliss before the end of that day
And many thereafter, so many more
They now have two kids, one more in store
She’ll be queen one day, her love life secure

I was going through some boxes today that brought back old memories
Reminding me of when I gave all, how much in you, in us, I believed
It cost me everything, set me back years
If only you had told the truth, there would have been no tears
Anger and sorrow are all that’s left of us
Life has surely gone on
But sometimes love is left in the ditch
I surely know you are gone
What could’ve been and will never be
It’s such a bitter end
You didn’t love me, you just needed me to help you out
While you dallied with your new and now permanent friend
So it is us I remember as I went through that box
What I did for you and your family ... and what I lost
And how much different my life would’ve been
Had I not been double-crossed