Behind the pomp and circumstance
The celebrations and parades
Remember those who battled
The platoons and the brigades
Take some time to think now
Of the freedoms we possess
Of who fought the battle
Those who didn't second guess
Respect the soldiers duty
Give thanks to those who served
A handshake and a smile
Is worth a thousand words
It might be a long weekend
That many now will never see
Think of them this weekend
And give their life some dignity
Now, go and have a hotdog
Ride the float in the parade
Enjoy the fireworks exploding
Have a Happy Memorial Day

Your lies so killing,
This morning in May.
My screams internal.
I cannot stay away.

I must statue on,
Must parade this good day.
As your lies dismantle
This morning in May.

The big day was a week away
The streets were being swept
Folding stands erected
Where homeless, last week slept

To make a good impression
The Mayor told one and all
To step up and take note
To answer his loud call

We must show the whole country
We are the best at what we do
We have to show the country
The best side of me and you

This meant weeks before this
The police were out in force
Removing the imperfections
Both on foot and out on horse

A cleansing of the city
Make it nice for all to see
It brings up bitter memories
At least it does to me

It happened back in Europe
A little corporal took command
He did his little cleansing
With his little **** band

The town had hung up bunting
Like the banners in Berlin
being homeless is a problem
It's not where a cleansing should begin

The mayor had plans for plenty
Marching bands and lots of press
He'd only answer pre-set questions
In case it all became a mess

He had to have it perfect
It was his first parade you know,
the streets were freshly steam cleaned
There was nothing he didn't want to show

The displaced folks all huddled
Down in the park, a mile back
Veterans and soldiers
Whites, Hispanics, and some black

Their town was in transition
They were the cities hidden sore
They would never be accepted
Never let inside a door

The Mayor stood on the dais
Waved and smiled as folks went by
It was a town of smoke and mirrors
He showed the world a great big lie

Like the small Austrian corporal
who refused to change and would not bend
The Mayor lied to his country
It was the beginning of his end

I will charge in
and rain on your
parade
and only then
will you realise why
tornadoes are named
after people

Balloons red as strawberries
sail under the summer wind,
and like dandelion seeds each one 
is a selfish wish of mine.
I must try with all my childish might
to save one
before he floats forever up, up, in this strange room with no ceiling.
I'd be a hero!
My name would be written upon bathroom stalls and school house halls, whispered between sticks of gum and candy ***, father would finally be so proud.
But as my cherry-colored friend leaves this place
only a hint of sadness remains
because I know wherever he chooses to land, he will safely plant my wish beside him.

She wants the trumpets to play.
She wants them to play all day long until their lungs give out.
She wants to see them marching down the street, keeping the beat of another failing heart.
Don't start. I can't.
I cannot pick your roses,
I cannot breathe in the sulfur of your departed memories.
Don't make me weep at your parade.
She stayed long enough to orchestrate the players.
Stayed long enough to write the tunes.
Stayed long enough to make the costumes.
But not long enough to watch the charade.
Watch it blossom and screech and wail
There it goes down the street named after you.
There it goes with you at the helm,
Waltzing down to that other realm,
where we get to watch you pass.

from afar I can hear
the words travel long
oozing a trail of sweet

covered in camouflage
no one perceives
rose petal parade

north blowing wind
carries the souls
held in the strongest of arms

You can not rain
on my black parade.
Your words can't hurt me,
Are you playing a charade?

You are not in my mind
and I am not in yours.
Not understanding,
your word choice is poor.

Respect is but earned,
trust is simply kept,
honesty is but certain,
May you never forget.

We are just pawns
in the game of life.
Playing it solo
or living in strife.

So, I will take your words,
with a small grain of salt.
Taking it in,
it's not all your fault.