Cloaked
held in the tight embrace
weighted down by  a presence
a parasite consuming  your soul
Darkness
deeper than black
lives in that place
unwilling to look upon the hope of dawn
Discovery
the chance to grow,  renewed
a fresh petal to the wind
puts forth thy face
for all to see
the battle  t'was  joined
is almost complete
suffered the losses
tasted defeat
Rage
a look to the past
reveals the lie
twists and distorts
the real reason why
the pain that is felt
can be all too real
facing it all alone
a lonely cold meal
Reason
starts to take hold
a light in the tunnel
shelter from the cold
to knowingly arise
from this fetal state
rising above bitterness and hate
becoming the change
that you want to see
is the only way
to set yourself free

The day was fast approaching
I could hardly wait
three days of sun and fun
were what was on my plate

They came from other countries
as well as from my own
gathering for what would be
an amazing show

Hero's from the 60's on their last hurrah
giants from the 70's were surely going to rock
then there was the newbies
thrown in like fresh meat
going to do their best to serve
a heavy musical treat

We packed the van and headed south
gathering friends along the way
hoping that the sun would shine
and stay that way for days

As we got closer to the entry gate
a thrill it went right through us
I remember  to this day
the excitement built incredibly
it seemed to come in waves
passing a spliff between us
peering through the haze

We entered the event site
and quickly set up camp
close to the gate
so we would not be missed

The late arrivals came at last
and then we did all toast
to our great fortunes
who would drink the most

The air was electric,
energy pouring from the crowd
the first band came to take the stage
a roar was let out

The crowd it  did move
as if it were one
giant breathing mass of flesh
in the blazing sun

We danced and sang till it was dark
the first night had begun
the music pounding out it's love
to the sinking sun

The heat it was oppressive
early the next morn
running behind the water truck
soaking away the sun

The next three days were a blur
but oh what a blast
The time made me appreciate
the love of the past

This happened back in '97
but to this very day
I wonder have I spent a better weekend
in  all my waking days.

I've read the words
left unwritten
between the lines
bye bye crocodile

You touched so many
with your words
and your smile
bye bye crocodile

You've seen so much more
than many in this life
bye bye crocodile

Born of two minds
balance is the key
reading your thoughts
but never feeling your pain

Felt the emotions
as days turned to nights
victories no matter the size
still extract a price

Wish I'd had the chance
to spend a little time
sometimes there's more in life
than meets the eye

I hope you've found the peace
you needed in your life
I'll be missing your words
while writing this I cry

bye bye crocodile

Rolling fields remind me
of the distance I feel
staring out at the darkness
trying to be real
left cold shoulders behind me
round and round go the wheels
putting miles between us
seems so unreal

but I'll go down swinging
for my friends
make my mark and stand
but I'll go down swinging
believe me
you don't want
to know where I've been

As I look around me
am I a lucky man
friends stand beside me
always seem to understand
as the headlights search out
shadows to the right , to the left
strait white lines deceive you
lines and horizon start to blend

But I'll go down swinging
for my friends
make my mark and stand
I'll go down swinging
believe me
you don't  want
to be where I've been

Seems I've come full circle
beat myself once again
stronger when we're together
than alone against the wind
how we let something divide us
robs me of my words
standing now beside you
I feel whole again

But I'll go down swinging
for you friend
take you by the hand
I'll go down swinging
believe me
you don't want
to be where I've been

If I could be so bold
the times I've spent with you
have brought me joy beyond compare
opened up my heart to you
we laugh and sigh, share good times
and sorrows like good friends
yet still when I look in your eyes
I can see heavens gift
your aura glows and reaches out
to comfort other souls
I was drawn to your light
like a wandering soul

If I could be so bold
the things I'd say to you
looking deep in your eyes
wrapping my arms around you
to take you gently by the hand
and lead you to my bed
then we'd be together
gently moving, locked in bliss
releasing waves of pleasure
we never knew could exist
showering you with kisses
the sweet taste of your lips
ecstatic emotions blossoming
fireworks behind our eyes
the room begins to spin about
while we're quivering inside

If I could be so bold
the things I would tell you
how special you have made me feel
when I am with you
it's easy for me to see now
some things aren't meant to be
so I cherish all the moments spent
as fleeting as they may be
time was spent in many places
learning to be free
of all the problems life presents
and challenges we perceive

If I could be so bold
one thing that I'd tell you
slowly day by day it seems
I've fallen in love with you

Lofty expectations
often do give rise
to disappointed feelings
when things go awry

Friendships seem
to come and go
like the seasons
natural flow

Painfully aware
am I this day
of many things
I'd like to say

But I choose
to shower you
with blessings for
this open door

to come and go
without so much
as a note
or a thought

of whom we've
touched, and sought out
lessons learned
lessons taught

I see the world
in this new light
moving on
starting tonight

I'll be back
someday you'll see
it's never to late
to be set free

"A penny for your thoughts"
she said, with a sultry smile
looking at me sideways
as we passed away the miles

The journey that had brought us here
was really quite a ride
ups and downs and storms endured
but promised so much life

I must confess my mind was blank
but stuttered out a reply
I can't remember what I said
but she smiled and stroked my thigh

We continued on our present path
moving through the night
the morning sun looked down on us
as darkness turned to light

the mountain air was bracing
refreshing feeling so divine
descending through the mountain pass
we searched each others eyes

"A penny for your thoughts" you asked
well this is what I say
I can't believe the luck I've had
since our wedding day.