I would pull stars from the sky
Swim the deepest ocean blue
If it gave me just a little piece
of more time spent with you

Do you want me to slay dragons
Beneath the mountain high
In order to spend time with you
or just pull stars from the sky?

Whatever it takes to win your heart
That's all you have to ask
Whatever it takes to win your heart
Just give me a new task
Whatever it takes to win your heart
I'll sail the ocean blue
Whatever it takes to win your heart
I'd do it all for you

How high, how much
How many, how low
just tell me and I'll do
I'll spin straw into gold
just to spend more time with you

how fast, how far
how quick, how slow
ask me something new
i'll make diamond out of chunks of coal
just to spend more time with you

Whatever it takes to win your heart
That's all you have to ask
Whatever it takes to win your heart
Just give me a new task
Whatever it takes to win your heart
I'll sail the ocean blue
Whatever it takes to win your heart
I'd do it all for you

I'll catch a star from the night sky
I'll navigate the seas
I'll go on an adventure
If you'll spend your life with me

I'll climb the highest mountain
I'll fly into the sun
Whatever it takes to win your heart
And hear that I'm your only one

Whatever it takes to win your heart
That's all you have to ask
Whatever it takes to win your heart
Just give me a new task
Whatever it takes to win your heart
I'll sail the ocean blue
Whatever it takes to win your heart
I'd do it all for you

From Austin on to Pensacola
from there I went to South Dakota
Moved on back to Arizona
Just trying to start a life

Went from Flagstaff to Daytona
then headed out just past Pamona
hung around and hit Sedona
Just trying to start a life

It didn't matter where I was
I had to move on just because
She'd find me in my dreams
I shut my eyes but couldn't sleep
Her image in my mind would creep
She'd find me in my dreams

Spent some time down in L.A.
There she was so I couldn't stay
Went and moved to Spanish Bay
But there she was again

Found a place in Monte Ray
only stayed there for a day
went down south down by Queens Cay
But, she followed me again

I shut my eyes and I did find
Her image burned into my mind
The girl was in my dreams
Although I tried to start anew
There was nothing I could say or do
And you should have heard my screams

I tried again, but had no luck
I even slept inside a truck
I woke up cuddled with a duck
And again her in my dreams

I'd been all 'round this country side
I'd walked, and flew and hitched a ride
It may be better if I died
But, I'm sure she'd find those dreams

I'm sure it didn't matter where
She didn't really care
She would always haunt my dreams
Hair so blonde and eyes of blue
I just can not get rid of you
You'll never leave my dreams

Standing silent, solid, firm, it's job is still not known
And as we stare back from below, our strength has only grown
It will not break me, beat me down, It will not make me bend
I do not care what it looks like or what message that it sends
It cannot hurt me, it makes me think, just what would this thing feel?
If it knew it's purpose, why it's here, would it? if it were real
It's just a symbol, nothing more, it not the thing I hate
It's there because the ownership won't sit down and debate
It represents their feelings and what they think of me
But I can stand beside it and I know my thoughts are free
I stand and wonder what most think when they drive by and look
And think about the extra time and costs that this thing took
It just stares down and  it looks at us, it doesn't say a word
It doesn't listen to our chants, we know that they're not heard
It keeps us out from where we work and want to spend our time
It looks at us without a sound just like a metal mime
It has two sides, one in one out, it won't let us inside
We'd rather that it disappear, we've talked and god, we've tried
I feel that it will not come down until the final day
When our jobs, our souls, our livelihoods are in The USA
It's power stretches miles and it doesn't make much sense
This thing that separates our worlds is only just a fence.

My teeth are smiling back at me
From a glass beside the bed
I wonder "Do they look that bad"
"When they're positioned in my head?"

They looked all kind of cloudy
***** brown, and green
I think I need to change the way
I make my teeth get clean

Right now I use polident
To make my choppers shine
But, if this is the way that they turn out
I'm embarrassed that they're mine

I took them out and washed them off
I stuck them in a glass of bleach
I thought, "This will make them whitey white"
The colours will all leech

Out of my clean choppers
And will brighten up my smile
Then you'll see me from afar
Well, at least a half a mile

I left them for two hours
and they came out brown and green
I thought, they look no better now
They look totally obscene

I even took to painting them
A glorious shade of white
I left them on my workbench
To dry and harden overnight

They still look brown and greeny
Like they were buried in the yard
I swear, I've never had a thing
That's made me work so hard

I cannot put them in my mouth
with out cleaning off the crud
It's looks like I am smiling
With a mouth that's full of mud

I took a pad of wire wool
And scrubbed them like you do
They didn't get much brighter
But, now at least...they're blue

I went down to the chemists
To get something for my teeth
I needed something powerful
To relieve me of my grief

The chemist said "please shut your mouth"
"You're scaring all who passes"
"Your teeth are oh so snowy white"
"The dirt is on your glasses!!"

It was one of those bad weather days
You know the stormy, flying monkey type
Where you end up chasing garbage cans
And watching the world wash down the pipe

The trees were whipping everywhere
Dropping branches, clipping wires
They were also downing hydro poles
Cutting power, starting fires

The rain ripped like small razors
The hail sandblasted exposed skin
The sewers swallowed slowly
They could not let the rain come in

My windows shook like aspic
Distorting all I saw outside
My house was all in darkness
Time to hunker for the ride

The clouds moved like a time delay
Three days compressed all into one
They circled and came back again
They blocked out all hope of sun

I thought of Margaret Hamilton
Flying above the world of Oz
It was just a random thought I had
Just an image, just because

My yard was now a shallow lake
The ground could not absorb the rain
It would break for a few minutes
Gather up and start again

Each storm it seems is harsher
Than the last one to come through
I have even thought that I should
Gather animals in pairs of two

At the end of every rain storm
I was taught to look and find
A rainbow in the distance
A light diffraction in my mind

I went to my front window
Looked and saw one in the sky
At the end there'd be a leprachaun
with gold a mile high

I watched the news that evening
saw the damage that was made
And at the end of my storms rainbow
They showed a PRIDE parade.

Santa stood by the fire
With a pipe in his teeth
With smoke in the air
Circling him like a wreath

Clement Clarke Moore
Said this so long ago
But, what kind of pipe
I'm sure you don't know

Santa, a smoker
That's nothing new
If you remember the poem
Then you'll know it's true

The pipe, oh so slender
A small bowl at the end
A slight whisper of smoke
In the air, it would send

It arched to the floor
To the end of his beard
If it ever got close
Then his beard would be seared

The tobacco he smoked
Was a Turkish fine blend
With cloves and some nutmeg
Just how much, would depend

Was he giving out presents
Or sitting down by a fire
That determined just what
He would put in his briar

The pipe had a name
It was a Churchwarden pipe
Made of briar so old
A now long extinct type

Red Man tobacco
Some days he'd switch
But, not very often
It made his nose itch

The pipe is a classic
It shows Santa had style
Though it had a small bowl
It would last him a while

He could make rings appear
And they would circle his head
Or he'd just taste the spice
And form a small cloud instead

A Churchwarden pipe
Can be smoked by so few
It's a long way to draw
It's a tough thing to do

The scent that it leaves
Is of burnt spices and pear
And if you should smell it
You know Santa was there

So, this Christmas instead
Make it your pre bedtime goal
To leave out some OHM Turkish
To replenish his bowl

She's dancing in her skin tight jeans
Little boots with little tassles
When in the bar another comes
And you just know they're gonna wrassle
Hair all up, and dressed the same
I mean, these two could be twins
You know that fur is gonna fly
There'll be someone slappin' skin

There's rules in bars
At times like this
The most important one I'll mention
Is get the bartenders eye just when
You can feel the building tension
The bartender's job is now
Not serving drinks to you
So when you know a fight is on
You'd better order two
That my friend is my advice
I give it to you free
But, when I am out and it is on
I make sure I get three

Bubba's had just one too many
And you know he's gonna blow
It doesn't matter what you say
He's right and you don't know
Just grab a seat and hold on tight
And bud, take my advice
Before the bartender leaves the bar
You'd better order twice

Dancing close is always good
It doesn't do no harm
Except when the one you're dancing with
Came on another's arm
You'd better get your order in
Because, the fists are gonna fly
And you'll be waiting for a while
Before another you can buy

There's rules in bars
At times like this
The most important one I'll mention
Is get the bartenders eye just when
You can feel the building tension
The bartender's job is now
Not serving drinks to you
So when you know a fight is on
You'd better order two
That my friend is my advice
I give it to you free
But, when I am out and it is on
I make sure I get three

Everybody's learning how to wash their hands now,
C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
It's about as easy as a certain dance now
C'mon baby, do the Covid Motion
My little baby sister can do it with ease
It's easier than learning your A B C's
So c'mon,  c'mon, do the Covid Motion with me

(chorus)

You scrub your finger tips, c'mon baby
Now front, now back
Well now I think you got the knack...whoa whoa

Remember when you do it, leave some space now
C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
And you must make certain you don't touch your face now
C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
Wash for twenty seconds babe, that's all you'll need
Some soap, and water and I know you'll succeed
So come on, come on, do the Covid Motion with me


(Interlude)

Yeah yeah yeah, do the Covid Motion
C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
When you wash your hands, it's the Covid Motion
Standing still and dancing like the locomotion
It's the way to do it, just listen to me
Do the Covid Motion now 1-2-3
So c'mon , c'mon and do the Covid Motion with me

chorus

C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
C'mon baby do the Covid Motion
C'mon baby do the Locomotion

fade out

If you grew up in Canada
Or in the north of The States
You know of the rules
Road hockey creates
shoot the ball wide
and it's your turn to chase
Keep shooting wide
And you'll surely lose face
Keep the stick down
don't slash and don't hack
Or once this game is done
You'll never be back
Don't run up the score
Don't shoot for the head
You can shoot at the nuts
But, if you hit them...you're dead
It has it's own language
It's a world different by far
And there's more game to play
But right now......CCCAAARRRR!!!!

I like to drink in taverns
Where you get beers and a shot
Where the glasses all are *****
And the women all are hot
Where there's blood stains on the dance floor
From a brawl the night before
And you know there'll be some more there
Before they close the doors at four

Line Dancin' Badonkadonks
or Boot Scootin' Prima Donnas
Are never on our floor
There's none of them among us
The good ol' Texas two step
Is all you'll  find round here
With both dancers smokin' smokes
and both holding a beer

We're not a bar for yuppies
We're a bar your dad would go
We're a bar with old time music
We're a bar you all should know
We're a bar with old time values
We're a bar with out a name
We're your bar son, your bar
We're your bar son, your bar


Umbrella drinks and blue lagoons
They can keep them in the city
For any guy who drinks that stuff
Well...to me...he's too **** pretty
A shot of Beam, a glass of draft
Waylon on the old juke box
Another shot, a few more beer
And this place really rocks

We don't serve drinks you can't pronounce
Or that take too long to pour
We like our music really loud
Hell...that's what country's for
You don't come here to sit and talk
You come to have a party
So, barkeep...one more time around
And lets start drinking hearty

We're not a bar for yuppies
We're a bar your dad would go
We're a bar with old time music
We're a bar you all should know
We're a bar with old time values
We're a bar with out a name
We're your bar son, your bar
We're your bar son, your bar

It doesn't matter if you're set
Christmas always comes
Even if you do forget
It doesn't matter if you're set

Even if real ****** you get
On egg nog with five different rums
It doesn't matter if you're set
Christmas Always Comes!!

I've questions to ask you
Things I need to know
I want to be with you
I don't want you to go

Are these roles we are playing
Or are we as shown
Do I believe what you're saying
Or is the truth still unknown?

Relationships keep changing
Are we lover or friend?
As our life's rearranging
We continue to bend

I've questions to ask you
Things I need to know
I want to be with you
I don't want you to go

Are we stronger together?
Or does one pull the load?
Are you only fair weather?
Because that's how you showed

There is better still waiting
I'm moving on with my life
I'm just too tired for hating
To be your now sometime wife

I've questions to ask you
Things I need to know
I want to be with you
I don't want you to go

The questions aren't needed
For the answers they'll bring
Have all been conceded
And they won't mean a thing

Once you realize your error
And you wake up alone
Of this news I'm the bearer
Don't you dare try and phone!!

I fell into a bottle
Four Presidents ago
looking for the hidden song
Just before a show

Once I thought I found it
I was in about half way
When I took the stage I found out
I was far too drunk to play

Every bottle has a song
somewhere deep inside
I haven't found one yet though
but, ****...i know I've tried

Each line upon my weary face
And scar upon my fingers
is the end result of searching for
the song that always lingers

If it isn't in one bottle
in the next it may be there
so for now, i'll just keep searching
for the song that isn't there

there's songs in other places too
too dark for me to go
some find songs inside a needle
those aren't songs I want to know

I come by my songs honestly
my scars show I've looked deep
But, when I'm almost there and see it
That's kinda when I fall asleep

when I'm sober, I can't find them
once I'm drinking, then I hear
The song calling from a bottle
I'm like an alcoholic seer

I know I'll find the right one
And it just may be today
I only hope I find it
Before I'm too **** drunk to play

I only hope I find it
Before I'm too **** drunk to play

Phone calls were made, meetings were held and the new group was set to get started

There was lots to be learned and so little time for the lessons to all be imparted

The plan was immense, it was larger this time and the time was going by fast

They would all act as one, getting everything done and their goal was to not finish last

It was done every year, in the schools through the town, it was something the kids all enjoyed

But this year was tough, with all the closings and stuff and the fact there was more unemployed

Each school was set up to blitz through the town and to collect all the food that they can

But with more on the list and those who would surely be missed were the ones who set last years plan

Team leaders were picked in each group at the school, and their job was to get this all done

And to beat last years tote by at least one more pound and to make sure that it was all fun

Pep rally's were held to get the students involved and help motivate those involved

But with more needing help and less firms out to help, they had problems they had to get solved

On December the first, the kids all set out ringing bells in the malls and the stores

From there they would go with buses and trucks and collect food by knocking on doors

The school who did best bringing in the most pounds would be win a cup and awards

But to all those concerned, they had to get out and blanket the town in great hoards

People backed out from tasks all assigned, It was cold and they had too much to do

There was homework as well, and jobs on the side and alot wouldn't see the task through

But they all persevered and the food all came in, cans and boxes and crates and in bags

There was food left at school from donators unknown, just good wishes all written on tags

The goal was to raise an amount more than last and to do it in twenty two days

The total to date was behind just a bit but there was still time to make this year pay

So with one last great push the students went out and they held one last drive at the mall

If they collect one more ton, then all would be done and they could all know they answered the call

On Christmas Eve morn the principals met and they said they had all reached their goals

They shook all their hands and they stuck out their chests for they knew that they'd fulfilled their roles

The students were told at assemblies too, and the food was dropped off through the town

They had beat last years numbers by about fifty pounds even though they all thought they'd be down

So for all those they helped for the one day that month, where they had Christmas dinner and laughter

Was brought  back to earth by one voice in one school, who asked "What would these families eat the day after?"
.

Listen to the winter wind
Hear the cold on nature's breath
Get inside before the moon
Or you will surely catch your death

There's nothing for protection
When winter wind comes through
It's nature against your will to live
You'll lose, that much is true

The desert is a harsh place
With heat that matches hell
But the cold you feel in winter
Will do you in, so fast as well

It's a land of extreme harshness
A place where you can surely die
It's a place so full of beauty
It's enough to make you cry

In summer you are melting
In winter frozen hard
You may ask why I stay here
The answer's easy pard'

I live here for adventure
I'm a cowboy through and through
I share my life with Mother Nature
I guess, it's just the thing I do

I'm gonna die here in the desert
But, not because of winter wind
I'll die here for one reason
So I can come back again

The desert, she recycles
Takes what's here back home
I'll die out here in the desert
But, until that time....I'll roam

Is love just another demon
That controls us every day
It's a painful heart affliction
We endure...come what may

It's as painful as addiction
Withdrawal hurts twice as bad
The high is always higher
Than any that we've had

A demon from inside of us
It rules our heart and brain
Love ....it is a demon
That can give you joy and pain

It's sneaky, comes on slowly
You don't even know it's there
It's a demon like no other
And it never plays quite fair

You like it when you're in it
You know **** well when you're not
It's a demon sure as shootin'
It controls most every thought

A demon from inside of us
It rules our heart and brain
Love ....it is a demon
That can give you joy and pain

I'm drinking for tomorrow
I gave up drinking for today
Because tomorrow never comes
Or so they say

I figure if I'm drinking
and tomorrow does arrive
then I have found a new way to survive

I was drinking yesterday
towards tomorrow, now today
It's a deep dark endless circle
that keeps tomorrow far away

I'm going to continue
Until tomorrow is today
though tomorrow never comes
or so they say

Somewhere there's a bottle
with my name there on the label
I have to find the tavern
and I have to find that table
one day I will find it
as long as I am able
to reach into tomorrow from today

so, right now I do my drinking
for tomorrow, not today
I did some drinking yesterday
but, that's now far away
I'll try to reach tomorrow from today

it is an endless circle
on a track without a train
tomorrow holds the sunshine
but today is filled with rain
one day I know i'll reach it
and forever I will gain
the fact I reached tomorrow from today

Rumours were flying all around
Someone was moving in
They question at the table was
Just how long has it truly been?

Windows boarded, papered over
Not a good sign most times
But, there in the shop window
Coming soon "Broken Spines"

The street folks all were questioned
By other street folks who
knew nothing of the tenant
On the whole, nobody knew

The Bluesman worked the alleys
finding out just what he could
But, in the end, he came up empty
And here, empty was not good

The building had been vacant now
For at least ten years plus four
It was at least the old millenium
Since someone used that door

The building was a shoe store
Selling discount boots and shoes
A new tenant or an owner
Gave the street some cherished news

The bartender told the others
She tried to see in on her way
But, the window was well covered
That was all she had to say

No one knew the agent who
Brokered the deal at all
They were surprised someone was coming
Most new stores went to the mall

Cy, the Pawnbroker ventured
It must be a medics shop
No one understood the name
And the questions wouldn't stop

A young woman in the corner
ordered her breakfast and sat back
she listened closely to the council
and followed them on their mind track

She had coffee from Gianni
He served it up himself
Joe had cooked her breakfast
"Two eggs, bacon, and a shelf"

The Bluesman coughed and ventured
We'll know all we need to know in time
I'm off to have some med-cin
and rest my weary spine

The others laughed at his words
Saw him off and watched him go
He went back out to his alley
Away from where the wind did blow

The Captain followed closely
He was heading to the bar
The others closed the meeting
before he ever got too far

The woman in the corner
Paid her bill, and left a tip
She left ten dollars on the table
With a yellow paper slip

She also left beside it
A small card of olive green
She was gone and on her way
Before the little card was seen

Gianni, read it , looked around
There was now nobody there
So he read it to himself and smiled
No use, just reading to the air

It said "Catherine A. "
Seller of used books
Owner of Broken Spines
Books in need of second looks

Gianni didn't know the name
But the store just fit the street
Everyone here was damaged, flawed
Second hand....to be discreet

There has to be a story
To go with our young Catherine A
I guess we'll find out more
On the street....another day

Voices in my head
Gain life on the page
Showing their all
Upon a new stage

Bits of me are in there
Some in more than most
You just have to find them
the paper is the host

I may be the blues man
I may be the painter too
But, just what parts are me
Well, that is up to you

Each character, each story
Is a part of me
But each part is well hidden
You have to dig to see

I'm in every story
Somewhere in the words
I may be just a shadow
I may be singing birds

Look and you will find me
And learn just who I am
In the river of the story
Or hiding near the dam

Each page contains a segment
Of me there in the rhyme
Look hard, I'm really hidden
Don't worry, it takes time

I'm in every story
Every character is me
Just know that I am with you
Look hard, I'm tough to see

My life may be a train wreck
I drink hard to hide the pain
Even though I am a train wreck
I'm still the driver of this train

Haven't been derailed as yet
But,  I've almost left the track
Even though I am a train wreck
I keep on coming back

I've spent some time in lock up
Just in county for a night
For being drunk in public
And a few times for a fight

My life is heading nowhere
But I'm making **** good time
My life is just a train wreck
Brother, spare a dime

The rabbit hole is calling
Do I venture down to see?
Do I listen to the voices?
Even if the voice is me

I'm a train wreck set to happen
I went to church once to confess
I passed out while I was waiting
Even sober, I'm a mess

I won't go into details
About the mistakes I have made
Let's say in life's account book
I didn't make the grade

My life it is a train wreck
One day I'll leave the rails
It's a 50 50 bet though
I chose heads and I get tails

One more drink tonight though
Then some shelter from the storm
I'll find a dumpster somewhere
One that's full so I keep warm

My name it's not important
You won't remember, so don't ask
I can see the whole way through you
There are cracks there in your mask

Let me live in silence
Let me die the same way too
My life it is a train wreck
And there's no room here for two

I thought a bit today
That I've shed more tears
For those I don't know
These past two years

I cry for those who've battled
For those who lost their fight
For the workers who aided them
As they pass on day and night

I've cried at situations
When I'm safe behind my door
For those who are unable
To see the arrows on the floor

I cry because the future
Isn't coming soon enough
Solutions are just smoke rings
Disappearing with a puff

My eyes are all blurry
Red and always burning
I cry because from what I see
So many just aren't learning

My tear ducts keep releasing
Prayers for those now dead
Hope for those still living
Believing lies that they've been fed

Anger, I don't feel it
I haven't for two years
I only feel frightened
And I can only share my tears

All is forgiven
When one side gives in
You know that it's over
And will happen again

Two sides, one victor
But who does decide
If a man died a hero
Regardless of side

A President taken down too soon
In a Dallas motorcade
A hero now has fallen
And to rest a hero's laid

Two more shot dead
No war involved
both supporters of a cause
The questions answer never solved
It makes us think, take time to pause

Another hero laid to rest
Now his time is done
Some are resting where they fell
And some in Arlington
It doesn't matter much to me
They fought for their beliefs
Now they lay where heroes lay
May their soul now find relief


A simple man with nothing
Just a family by his side
Gunned down by errant gun shots
He still deserves a hero's ride

What makes someone a hero
Not war, not even peace
The fact they are remembered
And the battle does not cease

Two men of music passed our way
Both died within a year
They were both considered heroes
Though one, you rarely hear

Man, woman or child
A hero has no age
No colour, race or interest
Will mark a hero's page

Another hero laid to rest
Now his time is done
Some are resting where they fell
And some in Arlington
It doesn't matter much to me
They fought for their beliefs
Now they lay where heroes lay
May their soul now find relief

Listen for the silence
That's when you know you have been heard
Listen for the silence
Then you dare not speak a word
Listen for the silence
As they think of a reply
Listen for the silence
But, don't confuse it with a sigh
Listen for the silence
You got your point across
Listen for the silence
You know you have them at a loss
Listen for the silence
It's when they're backed up to the wall
Listen for the silence
You know they are about to fall
Listen for the silence
You know the arguement is won
Listen for the silence
Say no more, the fight is done

It's the day before Christmas
And I'm not prepared
I've got lots of stuff here
There was no expense spared

The baking is finished
The drinks are on ice
The tree looks delightful
I've put it up twice

The first time it went up
The cat climbed inside
It went for a tumble
Now, the cat is outside

The presents aren't wrapped up
The stockings aren't hung
I can't find the scissors
I just bit my tongue

The stress is increasing
With one day to go
At least it is cold so
We're gonna have snow

I've forgotten the crackers
I can't find the plates
I've the wrong kind of cheese
So, I can't stuff the dates

There'll be 14 for dinner
A houseful to feed
But, I am not ready
Not ready, indeed

I must leave you reader
As this is my last word
I just looked in the kitchen
And I've forgotten the bird!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Best Wishes from our house to yours.

Want to get a mortgage?
A loan to buy a car?
Tickets to a Aruba?
You need not go too far

You want to take a photo?
Check to see if it will snow?
Do a search and you will find
All you need to know

Oh...buddy, there's an app out there
For all you want to do
Even things you do not like
There's apps for those things too

You're in to online gaming?
You need groceries, maybe beer?
Don't worry, bud, it's out there
Thousands more show up each year

Lyrics for a song you like
You can find them in three notes
You want to lay a bet in Vegas
You need to buy some extra totes

Oh...buddy, there's an app out there
For all you want to do
Even things you do not like
There's apps for those things too

You want to find a certain app
There's an app that does that too
There's an app that knows just what you want
Before you know you do

If you want to write a novel
Who cares that you can't spell?
I'm sure that you have figured
There's an app for that as well

Oh...buddy, there's an app out there
For all you want to do
Even things you do not like
There's apps for those things too

So, now, in summation
Listen close to me
There's an app out in the ether
You can download it for free

If you want to buy your groceries
Get a girlfriend, buy a cat
You can always know that somewhere
That there's an app for that.

Two kids
watching life go by
while learning
how to live it
moving slow
but learning fast
blink and
you will miss it

same two kids
ten years on now
still learning
and advancing
less watching
life as it moves on
but, a little
more romancing

holding hands out on the porch
drinking sweet tea too
knowing eyes are watching us
and everything we do
always must be proper
on the swing with you at night
they're watching us hold hands with one
while the other's out of sight

married now
and it's twenty years
since we
first sat out here
still watching life
and time pass by
holding hands
tea switched for beer

we've two kids
the house
is ours
thirty years
since we first sat
we're now the age
our parents were
sitting exactly
where we're at

holding hands out on the porch
drinking sweet tea too
knowing eyes are watching us
and everything we do
always must be proper
on the swing with you at night
they're watching us hold hands with one
while the other's out of sight


we've been married
forty years
we still sit
watching time pass
funny how
the simple things
stay a constant
from the past

fifty years now
we're still here
and just like it
used to be
we're still sitting
holding hands
still being watched
by grandkids three

holding hands out on the porch
drinking sweet tea too
knowing eyes are watching us
and everything we do
always must be proper
on the swing with you at night
they're watching us hold hands with one
while the other's out of sight


nothing changes
still the same
being watched
just like before
the house is now
our daughters
and the grandkids
number four

some days
we're still the
same two kids
moving slow
and learning fast
we don't watch
time go by no more
we close our eyes
and watch the past


still.....holding hands out on the porch
drinking sweet tea too
knowing eyes are watching us
and everything we do
always must be proper
on the swing with you at night
they're watching us hold hands with one
while the other's out of sight

Are you King?
or are you Queen?
Which one of these are you?
Or, are you someone else instead?
Are you someone new?

Do you play the intellect?
Are you smarter than the rest?
If you are the intellect
What makes you the best?

Is your role the writer?
Putting words upon a page
Or, maybe you're an actor
Portraying characters on stage

Whichever one you choose to be
Always play it well
Is what you are a secret?
One you'll never tell

I can't play an instrument
A musician I'll not be
My brain won't work with science
A doctor, that's not me

At times I have played many roles
Sometimes, way back in school
I lost myself for a short time
And in the end, I played the fool

There are many roles that you will play
As you work your way through life
Husband, brother, father
Mother, daughter, wife

No matter which you choose to play
The fool is only one
Story teller, wordsmith
Make sure that you have fun

So, in the morning sunshine
Ask yourself "who shall I play?"
A new one, or an old one?
Just who am I today?

I went down to my local bar
It was country music night
I sat and listened for a while
Then, called it a night

I didn't get the music
It was poppish, bubblegum
I finished up my beer and  left
I wished I hadn't come

When did we lose Western?
When did Western cease to be?
They may call it Country music
But, it don't sound right to me

All I saw were baseball hats
On backwards I should stay
Kids were doing jello shots
And the "band" just couldn't play

They didn't sing of horses
Old Glory, or the West
They sang of drinking on a plane
And getting drunk and messed

When did we lose Western?
Where did Western go?
This isn't   country music
It's something I don't know

On Tuesday I went back again
Open Mic night would be fun
I came in with my guitar
But, I didn't bring my gun

I got on stage and started out
Singing songs...all Western
I was the only one without a cap
I was wearing my old Stetson

When did we lose Western?
Where did Western cease to be?
This wasn't what I grew up on
It isn't right to me

Cowboys, farms and Johnny Cash
Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline
That is what I like to hear
That's the music that is mine

Next time I go in there
And it is Country night
I'm gonna ask "what country?"
And I'll end up in a fight

When did we lose Western?
When did Western cease to be?
This may be Country Music
But it don't sound right to me

we earned our stripes
playing out on the road
in towns you won't find on the map
we play whatever
the crowd wants to hear
and one time we even played taps

yeah taps...that's right
one time we even played taps

played a bar last night
real funky place
the backroom was also the jail
you got drunk on one side
then they'd lock you up
and you could pay the bartender your bail

yep...you could pay the bartender your bail

The towns that we play in
Aren't really that big
What most call a forest
The band calls a twig
we play country music
we can knock off a jig
but to call us that famous
is like kissing a pig

we've got two pickups
an suv too
and a minivan rusted to bits
we play rock paper scissors
to see who drives where
then we pack up and hope it all fits

yep...most nights we hope it all fits

we play behind wire
in some places we go
it stops the bottle from hitting the drums
we asked the bartender
if he thought we should leave
he said you do....next they'll all pull out their guns

yep...everyone there all had guns

The towns that we play in
Aren't really that big
What most call a forest
The band calls a twig
we play country music
we can knock off a jig
but to call us that famous
is like kissing a pig

Thoughts are overflowing, spilling out on to the page
Some are filled with humour and some are filled with rage
I try not to keep them bottled up, I let them all go free
'cause when I keep them deep inside, they all play hell with me
I'm not sure if my writing's good, but, still I write it down
Do I call myself a poet or am I just a clown
I used to keep things hidden, where others can not see
But now I need to let them out, or else I'd cease to be
About four years or so ago, I kept my feelings in
If I'd let them out four years ago, I'd really be quite thin
You see I had a heart attack, a small one all the same
I then was told to let things out, or I'd be exiting this game
He said "you're fooling no-one, your lying to your self"
"this one was a warning, the next will put you on the shelf"
I had to find an outlet that wouldn't cause me stress
I had to come to terms with me....and make my troubles less
I worked on through my issues and the pain it went away
And except for some small flare ups, I feel better now today
Go and yell at nothing when you're walking in the park
Just don't let people see you, go and do it in the dark
For when somebody sees you standing screaming at a tree
They'll lock you up so ****** fast, before you count to three
Take some time to calm yourself, watch tv or read a book
go and take some photographs, wash the car, learn to cook
For if you do what I did, and you keep it all inside
You may not be so lucky, we may find out that you've died
Try to live each day through as though it was your last
But, remember all the days before, think about your past
You are not being macho when you will not even cry
You're only speeding up the trip to the day that you will die
If this poem can give you anything, and you want to talk to me
I may be out, down at the park, standing yelling at a tree!

Way down south
beneath the line
where stories muddle up
with time
there are some trees

leaves of green
and flowers white
decorate the
southern night
from these trees

branches marked
but not by time
burned out by
jute and knotted twine
from these trees

close your eyes
and think when
these trees
were weapons of the men
these trees

nothing grows
out from the root
of these trees
no strange fruit
on these trees

once the fruit
that hung up here
filled many folks
with mortal fear
of these trees

not apples, pears
grow here today
and no strange fruit
of Billie Holliday...
grow on these trees

remember those who left us
be they family or friends
you can make the new year better
but, first wait until this one ends

don't rush into the future
it will get here soon enough
and with it comes new memories
and lots of other stuff

don't criticize the past year
what is done is done
just live the new year slowly
and remember to have fun

the old year held emotions
the new one holds them too
but, make each interaction
one  that shows that you are you

love more than you've ever
loved another living soul
share your whole hearts contents
make that your new years goal

i wish you all good wishes
may this year be better than the last
may the time go slightly slower
as i age, time goes so fast

If you stay up until midnight
start the new year with a toast
may the new year be much better
now the old year is a ghost.

This year is finished
A new one will start
For all those you lost
Keep them close in your heart

Make this year much better
Than the last if you can
Live each day for tomorrow
Each woman, each man

We lost famous people
Yes, a lot are now gone
So, remember them fondly
And now...Let's move on

Happy New Year 2017

I'm not one for religion
I believe in what I choose
I am not one to comment
on Christians, Hindus, Jews
Put your faith in something
It's not my place to say where
But, if it doesn't work the first time
Don't just leave it there
I believe there is a reason
But, I still do not know what
Things are not determined
Make the best of what you've got
I can't explain to someone
the things I do not know
And I hate religion salesmen
On TV selling faith there on their show
Having faith is something special
It's something I can't quite get
Many people talked to me
But, I don't get it yet
I have been to church to listen
And see if I find God
But, I leave still feeling empty
I feel such a silly sod
Mary, Joseph, Angels
I can put a face to these
But it doesn't give me solace
I can't drop to my knees
The last time that I went there
I sat in back beside a lad
And when the service finished
He was sitting, rather sad
He looked at me and questioned
Between some sniffles and some sneezes
If I could help him understand
About the baby cheeses !!

For all things there's a reason
I understand this, but tell me what
Is the method for deciding who
Gets afflicted and who does not?

Good people made to suffer
Bad people left to live
They say that there's a reason
So..a reason...will you give

There are places named for heroes
Some for leaders, some for Kings
I would like to tell of one lad
who's namesake was these things

The child that I speak of
Is a prisoner of his own
He is afflicted with an illness
That is known as Brittle Bone

Simple movements, they can injure
A simple sneeze may break his neck
So, please tell me the reason
who up there, said "What the heck?"

A child with no grievance
What exactly can be learned
By afflicting this poor child
Did God miss, was his back turned

This child is a leader
He is special, here's the thing
He is named after a great one
Alexander is a King

For all things there is a reason
This is one I do not get
This child needs a lifetime
And with his family...that he'll get.

I'm dancing with my darling
To the New Covid Waltz
She looked up and she said to me
"I can not see you"
"You're so far away"
For now, that's the way it must be

I remember the time
That we danced until morning
Watching the night turn to day
Now, when we're dancing
I can't even touch you
You have to stay six feet away

I'm dancing with my darling
To the New Covid Waltz
She looked up and she said to me
"I can not see you"
"You're so far away"
For now, that's the way it must be

I remember when we
Would dance in  the moonlight
Cutting a path 'cross the floor
Now with N ninety five masks
And gloves to your elbow
We cannot do that anymore

I'm dancing with my darling
To the New Covid Waltz
She looked up and she said to me
"I can not see you"
"You're so far away"
For now, that's the way it must be

So, remember this
Keep your distance while dancing
Doing whatever you please
Don't get too close though
Please keep your distance
In case one of you happens to sneeze

my crocuses are frozen
my hyacinths are wilted
my snow drops are still hiding
and my tulips all are stilted

my lawn is buried deeply
my door bell doesn't ring
all of these together are
signs of Canadian spring

lawn all ripped to ratshit
flyers frozen to the fence
*** holes every fifty feet
student residences to rent

icicles on my eavestrough
and the damage that they bring
all of these together are
signs of a Canadian spring.

The actor burst into the bar
"Give me a double shot"
"And get ready with another"
"The strongest stuff you've got"

The barkeep, poured the whiskey
Pushed the glass across the bar
The actor downed the double
and put a twenty in the jar

"Tonight at my audition"
"As I finished up on stage"
"I was questioned by a fellow"
"Who was from a different age"

The barkeep poured another
And he downed this one himself
Then he turned for just a second
And grabbed a bottle from the shelf

The actor told the barkeep
Every single solitary word
The barkeep was transfixed
By everything he heard

"I came off stage...just to the right"
"There was a man there in the dark"
"He said that I was wonderful"
"Though his voice was rather stark"

"He said he didn't know the play"
"That I had just read for"
"I told him it was Webber"
"He asked if I'd done any more"

"I told him of my background"
"Phantom and Waiting for Godot"
"He said those must be recent"
"Those are two I do not know"

"He told me that he'd been working there"
"For almost all his life"
"He spoke of Ziegfields follies"
"That was where he'd met his wife"

"He asked if I'd done anything"
"Something maybe he would know"
"Something with some music"
"A gala kind of show"

The phone rang, breaking up the tale
The barkeep let it go
This tale was more important
Than anyone would ever know

"I told him, I'd done Joseph"
"Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice"
"He just looked clear on through me"
"He said that that was nice"

"He talked of all he'd seen there"
"Chaplin, and others out on tour"
"He told me of the strippers'
"And many, many, more"

"These were way before my time though"
"These were way back in the day"
"He mentioned shows in blackface"
"I knew not what to say"

"I tried to focus on him"
"But, I truly couldn't see"
"He spoke about the theater"
"He asked a bit 'bout me"

"He said this one's an old girl"
"I said that much was true"
"I said it holds a spirit"
"He smiled, like he knew"

The bottle now half empty
The words were pouring just as fast
The barkeep grabbed another
For this one wouldn't last

"I said I've heard the spirit"
"Sits up , right over there"
"In the upper level seating"
"Row three, right by the stair"

"He didn't look to see it"
"I'm sure he knew the seat by heart"
"He said to keep the theater living"
"We all must play a part"

"You, you are an actor"
"Though I know little of your work"
"But, it's part of the grand circle"
"It's a duty, not to shirk"

"Me, I'm ....well I' guess you'd say"
"I'm a caretaker if you will"
"I help to keep the status quo"
"Though I'm never on the bill"

"I moved a little closer"
"To where the voice was coming from"
"There was a coldness and a silence"
"And the old man, he was gone"

"I heard a seat get lowered"
"Three rows in beside the stair"
"And I looked and saw his shadow"
"In the velvet, theater chair"

"I may just be an actor"
"But, this spirit was my host"
"I'd spent nearly an hour"
"With the Bijou's theater ghost"

The barkeep, stood in silence
Two more glasses to the brim
"Are you sure that's who you talked to?"
"Are you sure that it was him?"

The actor pushed the stool back
"I am as sure as sure can be"
"I saw the keeper of the theater"
"And I know that he saw me"

I took a snapshot of my life
And wondered what if I was not.
If I never had existed
What would our lives had frought?
would my wife be just as happy?
Even thugh I was not here
Would my brother be more social?
What would he hold so dear?
If I had never come along
And come into the world
Just how would life be different?
How would their lives unfurl?
Would my mum still be in England?
Would my dad be with her still?
Would my Megan be as happy?
With someone else for her to thrill
The fabric that has been my life
Would have gone a different path
For fifty years are missing
I'm not there to share a laugh
Are my family just the way they are
Because of how I act?
Or would they all have been so different?
I don't know and that's a fact
A fifty year time difference
In all that's come before
because I didn't make conception
I didn't break on through that door
It's strange to think of what might have been
But all the same I'm glad I'm me
And that you've all been part of my world
And seen the things that I can see
I know that I'm a better man
for having you all in my life
I've got so many friendships
And I have a loving wife
To think that if I'd not been born
Just what your worlds would be
I hope that it is better
Because you all know me.

Kids grown up, they've both moved out

They have families of their own

Now you're just empty nesters

All you do is sit and moan

You've reached  the demarkation point

Where your lives go separate ways

You both would like the other gone

You're both counting the days

At first you were the world to me

I meant all that I said

But now that thirty years have passed

You're worth more to me dead

You're both insured like crazy

The house is free and clear

Did I mention, there's a pension?

These are all that you hold dear

We no longer share vacations

You have your friends, I have mine

And it seems when we're together

Al we do is bide our time

At first you were the world to me

I meant all that I said

But now that thirty years have passed

You're worth more to me dead

We still have ***, but not together

We both eat, but never dine

We live as singles, although married

You've your friends and I have mine

When you sleep, I check your breathing

Just to see if you're alive

I want you dead, but I won't **** you

I just think of things you won't survive

At first you were the world to me

I meant all that I said

But now that thirty years have passed

You're worth more to me dead

I used to love you more than ever

For our two kids, it's you I thank

But now that love is for another

That love is for what's in your bank

We have no interests left worth sharing

When we're alone we make no sound

You know that we just want the other

In a box six feet below the ground

At first you were the world to me

I meant all the things  that I said

But now that thirty years have passed

You're worth  much more to me dead

At first you were the world to me

I meant all the things  that I said

But now that thirty years have passed

You're worth  much more to me dead

It's time for an adventure
Where and how is up to you
With fantastic tales and creatures
Where everything is new

Just use imagination
Pick a place nobody knows
Add a creature you invented
And let's see where the tale goes...

Griffins, witches, warlocks
Are in books upon your shelves
In castles, caverns, forests
With dragons, orcs, and elves

There are unicorns and magic
Things fantastic, born of old
Leprechauns and fairies
Guarding mystic pots of gold

You can choose your own adventure
Make them all do what you wish
You can have birds with legs of lions
You can have dogs with heads of fish

The choice for each adventure
Is yours and yours alone
You can have a sword that glitters
Or one that is stuck inside a stone

Kings and Queens and Princes
Fighting quests to win one's heart
With three headed bearded lizards
It's up to you just where to start

A wall that moves at random
Stairs that lead up to the stars
Submarines and Narwhales
Time travelling in cars

An adventure full of wonder
With a dog that sees through walls
A cat who sees the future
And a mouse who does duck calls

The key to each adventure
Is in the books, that you will find
Give birth to what is hidden
Deep inside your mind

Add wings to a small pony
And make a creature that now flies
Add snakes in places of fingers
Try that one on for size

Mother goose this isn't
This is fantasy by you
No one has set boundaries
Just do what you can do

Why aren't my dreams in colour?
On the nights that I'm alone
Why do I dream in black and white
Whenever I'm alone?

Is there something I am missing
Just because you're not with me
Why can't I dream in colour
and see my dreams as they should be?

Come back and bring back the hues
That add technicolour to my life
I feel that I am incomplete
I'm a fork without a knife

My world is not exciting
When your'e not here to share
All our words and thoughts and dreams
I always need you to be there

My world loses it's colour
Even for a little while
My world is stuck in black and white
When I do not see your smile

Help me dream in colour
You know I'm awful on my own
I sitting waiting for your swift return
For there's colour when you're home

Stress and other problems
Make our lives lose all control
Some can deal with issues
Because that's how they roll
But others, well, they aren't as strong
And they need to find a way
To come up with a solution
To make it through the day
There's groups that they can turn to
To unload what they feel
To some, there is not problem
That others see as real
Some drink and turn their minds off
While others turn to drugs
These are just blocking the problem
While others turn to hugs
Depression is a crisis
That's affecting many who
Would rather talk of taxes
Than why they're feeling blue
It's a dark and lonely cavern
When depression gets your soul
You just want to close your world off
You just want to find a hole
Now, others choose the method
To deal with all this strife
They choose to end their problems
By ending their own life
This sure isn't the answer
There are people on your side
You sure won't find the answer
On the other side
But, what if all your problems
Seem so much larger than you are
And you have no one to turn to
No matter who you are
There has to be an answer
To stop the death of one so young
As a grade 5 boy who killed himself
Because a bully thought it fun
To beat him up, and knock him down
And then to steal his phone
There has to be an way
To show them they are not alone
Now, adults have their outlets
To help them, and to stay alive
Please someone can you help?
The young lad in grade five
There's not a magic bullet
To help them when they keep it in
But, ****** somehow, somewhere
This is a fight these kids can win.

Ever since time began
Man looked to the stars
At Saturn and at Jupiter
And at Venus and at Mars

I know each star up in the sky
Each star is a bright flame
It's the spirit of someone you've lost
And each star now has a name

A star's a spirit waiting
To start again, for a rebirth
A star's a soul of someone
Who will soon return to earth

Even if the sky is dark
And the stars are hidden for the night
I look up through the inky shroud
And see them twinkling oh, so bright

My list of star names grew
A little more this year
Which makes the sky much brighter
And makes it seem so near

I look up in the heavens
I think of who they next will be
And hope that one day in the future
Someone thinks the same of me....

I'd lasso down the moon for you
If I only had the rope
I'd ask you dear, to marry me
If I only had the hope
I'd not be stuck in prison now
If I didn't have the dope
I'd not have such a sore arese hole
If I hadn't dropped the soap

A singer sings of love in song
But, I can't sing a note
I try to sing, but it sounds wrong
But, you must hear what  I wrote

I don't have much to give to you
But, I think I'll make a start
By writing down that I Love You
And by giving you my heart

I can't sing to say I Love You
But , it's for you ,And for you I'll try
My tears have blurred the words I'm feeling
And I will until I die


I can't find the notes and words
There's no music backing what I say
It's a lyric that will not be heard
Until there's music there to play

An empty page with dots and dashes
Missing from the story told
In my mind, the cymbal crashes
Making all I write seem cold


I can't sing to say I Love You
But , it's for you ,And for you I'll try
My tears have blurred the words I'm feeling
And I will until I die

i looked out at the weather
the clouds were moving fast
Winter was incoming
The season would not last

With fences needing mending
And cattle still to ship
Winter would be early
I could feel it in my hip

Every morning I would  get up
Stagger down to get a brew
The pain was getting worse now
I'd lost a step or two

My daughter told me "Daddy"
"You need to see to that"
I'd grumble at her, smile
Then take my coffee and my hat

I'd go outside and wait some
Look out north for there I'd see
The last great wild pony
He's a stubborn one like me

I've chased him round these hill for years
Caught him once or twice
But, no one here could break him
No matter how we rolled the dice

He runs a herd of forty
I just let them go their way
I see them in the hills sometimes
And that's where I'll let them stay

There's other wild horses
Running round here that we chase
But, his...we let them venture
We let all forty have their space

Time has slowed me up some
It's got to him, I know as well
His is just from aging
Mine is where I fell

I was chasing wolves up on the ridge
They'd been running round the ranch
My horse slipped up and threw me
I landed sideways on a branch

I heard the pop and felt the pain
A searing burn through me
Beside me, lying helpless
My horse looked up at me

I did just what I had to
One swift shot between the eyes
Now, there I was out lying
A broken hip and ****** thighs

I'm not sure how when it happened
By rights I should have died
But, somehow, I can't tell you
That lone pony saved my hide

He saw me lying helpless
Knew the wolves were there as well
He took off once he saw me
Left his herd right where I fell

They walked in a tight circle
Kept me safe right where I lay
He took off to get assistance
His herd, knew they should stay

Like I said, I don't remember
How long I was lying in that space
But, I remember waking up and
I saw with him, a friendly face

They told me he wreaked havoc
Broke the fence down at my place
Kicked a fuss enough up
Then led my ranch hands on a chase

They chased him till they had him
This pony wild and free
He brought them to his herd of horse
He brought them out to come save me

He kicked the ground and whinnied
Looked at me, to say ok
The men loaded me up with them
I'd live to see another day

Fifteen years have passed since
I see him up there on the hills
While I sit outside just watching
The pain, it's helped some by my pills

A thousand wild horses
Well, for certain...forty one
Couldn't drag me to a doctor
Not while I can see the sun

He's a stubborn one that pony
Comes around I think to show
He ain't gonna go before me
And, I think he's right you know

My daughter keeps on trying
And I love to hear her try
But all the wild horses
Wouldn't even let me die

He's a part of me I guess now
Just like I'm of him of course
This stubborn limping cowboy
And that stubborn wild horse

No one really knows me
What really makes it tick
Why I always keep on moving
Why I live my life so quick

what lies beneath the surface
No one really knows
And I do my best to let on
That nothing really shows

Scratch beneath my surface
And enter in my mind
Don't go deep my darlin'
You may not like what you might find
I'm a puzzle wrapped in onion skin
Don't dig too deep with me
Go too far beneath the surface
And you won't like what you will see

I smile lots, and walk away
Never showing how I feel
You only see the face I want
You don't know if it's real

I'm a shaman with a changing soul
Selling snake oil on the side
Don't dig too deep into my mind
You won't like what is inside

Scratch beneath my surface
And enter in my mind
Don't go deep my darlin'
You may not like what you might find
I'm a puzzle wrapped in onion skin
Don't dig too deep with me
Go too far beneath the surface
And you won't like what you will see

Everyone's a sinner
I'm certain that is true
I am...that's a given
and I guess then...so are you

Argue if you want to
There's ten, so it's not hard
To break one on occasion
It doesn't hurt, and you're not scarred

I see bony little fingers
Twisting little tiny beads
Praying quiet for redemption
Rubbing little holy seeds

Sitting in the church pews
With rosaries in hand
Little wrinkled people
In churches all across the land

Some will pray in silence
Not a whisper will you hear
They're addicted to the motion
Of the beads they keep so near

I hope they get to heaven
If the beads help, then they win
They sit praying for redemption
From the earthly hell they're in

Some may light a candle
For a loved one they have lost
Then, they sit and ask redemption
No matter what the cost

Little wrinkled fingers
Working nimbly at the beads
They say their prayers in silence
Clutching tightly at their seeds.