The professor was mad
it was clear to us all
fantastic ideas
right off the wall
seeing the world
through his crooked way
gave all of us students
laughter for days

We reported for class
on the 15th of May
I must now confess
a memorable day
his topic that day
was a paradise lost
deep in the jungles
he'd go at all cost's

An expedition he'd mount
would I like to go ?
adventure soon seemed
to grip my soul
I talked with my parents
I talked with my girl
they all encouraged
this voyage from home

We gathered supplies
that we thought we'd need
but not knowing for sure
a gamble indeed
we then secured passage
on a ***** steamer
destined for the island
where the valley lay hidden

The day soon arrived
when we bid goodbye
to friends and our family
my girl she cried
she begged me be safe
and stay far from harm
I turned to leave
and she grabbed my arm

The look in her eyes
I'll never forget
searching and longing
full of regret
I may never return
or if I can
I may not remain
the very same man

I gently reassured her
we will be safe
upon our arrival
we will celebrate
The professor will lecture
to very large crowds
we will get married
and then settle down

Two weeks at sea
torture to me
rolling and bobbing
like a cork in the sea
the professor would not
let this deter him
stolidly he put on
a very brave grin

Over the horizon
the island took form
soon we were being
rowed into shore
the coxswain advised
they'd be back at slack tide
we'd better be there
or they'd leave us behind

We gathered our goods
right there on the beach
took a read of our bearings
and set on our way
we climbed through the mist
that clung to the hills
marveling at all
the sights and the smells

Finally we reached
the valley we sought
the professor's composure
was completely lost
he laughed and he jumped
screaming "I was Right!"
I fell to my knees
after my very first sight

Paradise was before us
I could scarcely believe
we sat and drew sketches
and took photographs
wrote in our journals
observations we made
The professor was planning
a brilliant display

We descended into
the valley beneath
and then set up camp
to stay for the eve
we talked of our discovery
and of impending fame
the magic was broken
as if all at once
a terrifying roar
emerged from the brush

The Lizard it lunged
staring straight at me
the professor let out
an ear piercing shriek
another had grabbed
him from behind
he struck it with a stick
picked up from the ground

We ran for our lives
and left everything
scrambling back
out of the valley
lucky we were
lucky indeed
over the crest
we ran for the beach

We would be early
where could we hide
staying out there
would be suicide
the lizards were coming
out of the hills
tounges sniffing the air
searching for us
intent on the ****

We climbed up an out crop
just out of reach
and hoped that our perch
would really be safe
we stayed there for hours
until the next day
when a flare did signal
help on the way

Back on the steamer
we would then relate
our strange experience
narrowly escaped fate
we thanked the captain
for his returning
to that strange island
a little early

We arrived back at home
there was much hurrah
family and friends
and a very warm bed
my girl then asked me
just what we saw
I related the story
as she stared in awe

The professor retained
a place where to teach
to my girl I was married
we moved by the beach
often at night
we look out to sea
paradise lost
we'll never again seek

As the reel of past events
slowly does unwind
pictures and emotions
seem to drift like the tide

As the waves come rushing in
embrace the flowing light
take a trip upon the wind
like a leaf taking flight

Soaring ever higher
vision blooming like a flower
suspended in a tranquil mist
watching events transpire

Knowing you can't change events
a stunned witness you remain
muted as you shout inside
with regrets your soul is stained

Look into the future
with a heart that's burden free
don't take the past and wear it
just like Marley's chains

Make amends then move on
life is short you see
enjoy the days that you have
set your spirit free

Don't cry to me of hardships
we all have paid a price
everybody has a past
and another set of lies

The things I think that matters most
are the connections that are made
truly understanding
what the other has to say

When we meet eye to eye
on equal ground we stand
looking through the others eyes
examining ourselves

Smile a lot and say hello
to everyone you meet
together we can re form a bond
we once called society

Howling wind
and drifting snow
defies all bounds
that I know
a winter chill
does set in
to the bone
the cold creeps in

A clearing sky
few clouds remain
cold winds burn
bring you pain
as your flesh
freezes white
mind goes numb
frost starts to bite

As you gaze
up to the sky
you ask yourself
how and why
have you found
yourself out here
all that's left
is the fear

fear of what
will come to pass
a night out here
you will not last
a frozen corpse
in the morn
no worries left
after the dawn

I cast aside those
feelings of shame
focusing on
a burning flame
the one that lights
my path for me
the one that lights
for all to see

The path has been
a winding road
traveling hither
to and fro
always changing
through the years
but steadily on
despite my fears

the gift of a vision
so long ago
brought me this season
through which I flow
playing for love
playing for free
the song is my gift
that I give to thee

The feelings arise
at first in your gut
spreading so slowly
gripping your heart
the words seem alive
pulling you along
suddenly your singing
it seems from the heart

reliving your life
a lyric at a time
purging the feelings
held deep inside
feeling a bit lighter
after the release
a feeling that stays
sometimes for weeks

Your path it is paved
with music and with words
the people and places
the stories you've heard
situations created
sometimes without thought
bring forth a creation
making you who you are

Topsy - Turvy
watch the clowns
going up
or is it down

In this labrynth
made of lines
all sense is lost
of depth and time

Impossible angles
do veer off
magical visions
held aloft

A parchment square
upon the wall
reveals the path
careful, don't fall

A journey to
your minds eye
changing angles
smiles arise

is it in
or is it out
that's the question
there's no doubt

Topsy -Turvy
no one sees
the very same
thing as me

Blinded by wind
and billowing snow
frozen horizon
distant shore

Out on the ice pack
time is on loan
death's always stalking
which way will you go

Freeze in the night
or a treat for a bear
survivals the name
of the game out there

Maybe you'll drift
for many a day
slowly you'll starve
maybe your saved

Perhaps while your blinded
you'll step through a hole
drop through the ice
succumb to the cold

You cry for your mamma
how did you get here
traded a bit of adventure
and lost all that's dear

Farewell to Mamma
farewell to ye all
there's no hope for tomorrow
going for a stroll...........

The rain slashed down
the razor back ridge
misty wind spiraled
a cool autumn kiss

The moon casts a pall
that's rarely seen
casting wild shadows
a creepy feeling

gingerly approach
a darkened archway
seeking the shelter
get out of the rain

you reach for the knocker
a gnarled hand made of brass
grasping it firmly
holding your breath

Before you can strike
slowly the door
opens on hinges
squealing from the chore

A cold wind rushes out
and goes straight through you
raising the hairs
from your head to your shoes

from the dark entrance
a cadaver like form
beacons you forward
toward you it floats

You turn to run
but now it's too late
the door behind you
closes firmly in place

A lump in your throat
as your heart leaves your chest
sweat stars to pour
in rivers of dread

around and around
they swirl about you
tangents and visions
reaching for you

down the hall
you do take flight
laughter behind you
increases your fright

you look to the left
you look to the right
for an escape
from this deadly plight

a stairwell appears
your choice must be right
or you will not emerge
from this house tonight

if upwards you go
trapped you will be
if downwards you go
surely to the beast

A window to the left
through it you crash
falling though air
surely to death

you jolt open your eyes
as you strike the ground
only to find
sheets and pillows around

back in your house
safe from the dream
of that darkened old mansion
at the top of your street