they want your first words—your last words
but nothing in between

do not read between the lines

there is nothing written there

I just want to cry
Christmas Eve came accompanied
by a trip to the ER
dad in the back of my car
his breath
uncovering his secret
"I have prostate cancer..."

sit and listen to the quiet
it's outside the christmas norm
because now, when all is silent
it's the calm before the storm

the kids are upstairs sleeping
you're resting, sitting with a drink
in a few hours ...storms a brewing
it'll push you to the brink

the kids are up and yelling
paper wrapping all around
until the house is empty
no more rest today is found

the kids are outside playing
hockey games out on the drive
you just look around and wonder
if the day you will survive

next, arrive the in-laws
re-gifting what you gave last year
and good old uncle charlie
bee-lining for the beer

bad jokes and boring stories
arguements about the past
snide comments and back handers
how long will this all last

you sneak outside for a quick drink
grab a smoke on the back porch
if it wasn't your house they were in
the whole **** thing you'd torch

phony smiles and airy kisses
and the folks are on their way
the storm is almost over
for another Christmas Day

the kids are in and up in bed
there is silence once again
the calm once more before the storm
tomorrow, your folks come at ten!!!!

This ship setting sail
Destined to sink
A whole crew disappeared
No bodies found
Mayday!
Somebody come and save us
Mayday!!
Please I'm begging you
Is anybody out there?!
I'm drowning in the sorrow
The seemingly endless questions
I just need a savior
Not bleeding from a cross
I need a hand in the dark
A reason to pull myself out of this
I'll just keep falling back in
Slipping deeper and deeper every time
MAYDAY!
Can someone answer me
MAYDAY!!
Please I'm begging
IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?!
Guess I'm just another soul lost out at sea