Thomas Harper

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

I started out with nothing…I can’t go down from there.
I’ve made my share of mistakes…but I do not despair.
Without a doubt, I’ll lose again…of this I am aware.
But as long as there’s a breath in me…I’ll live without a care.

Back when I had everything…what I feared most of all,
Was waking up and seeing…my presumed stature fall.
But when it all disappeared…I still was standing tall.
These fears were only in my head…losing, I wasn’t small.

Chorus:
I’ve been to the bottom…it didn’t drive me mad.
I’ve spent time at the top…then lost all that I had.
Losing’s an illusion…no reason to be sad.
Cuz I’ve been to the bottom…but the bottom’s not so bad.

I’ve seen people chase around…wanting to get more stuff.
Everything’s on plastic and…they still can’t get enough.
So they work an extra job…thinking that life’s too tough.
But it’s only greediness…that makes their hands so rough

Stressing over what we have…only robs us of joy.
Working just to amass wealth…can easily destroy.
So if you see your neighbor…holding his latest toy.
Just offer him your widest smile…and do not be annoyed.

Chorus:
I’ve been to the bottom…it didn’t drive me mad.
I’ve spent time at the top…then lost all that I had.
Losing’s an illusion…no reason to be sad.
Cuz I’ve been to the bottom…but the bottom’s not so bad.

Learning how to live with less…is worth the time it takes.
Never being satisfied…can lead to many aches.
But when things don’t go your way…don’t quit for goodness sakes.
Because each and every one of us…will make many mistakes.

Learning how to stand back up…and hold your head up high,
Isn’t easy, but it’s worth…the peace of mind it buys.
Don’t be tempted to sit down…and give in to the lie,
That failing once is a sign…that everything’s awry.

Chorus:
I’ve been to the bottom…it didn’t drive me mad.
I’ve spent time at the top…then lost all that I had.
Losing’s an illusion…no reason to be sad.
Cuz I’ve been to the bottom…but the bottom’s not so bad.

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

Salty Kisses

Passion and anger,
Frustration and love.
Sometimes you’re a raven,
Sometimes you’re a dove.

Although I don’t want to,
I can’t help but care.
I’ll always forgive you –
It’s a curse that I bare.

But I haven’t forgotten,
The pain that you brought,
With your indiscretions –
My trust is stretched taut.

So now you’re repentant –
You're seeking my heart.
Just cuz I forgave you,
Doesn’t mean I want part,

Of love that is foolish,
Of a love that is based,
On reckless decisions –
On those made with haste.

So please do remember,
That my heart dismisses,
Love married with drama –
I don’t need salty kisses!

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

Enough!

I wash the dishes.
You rewash them.
"You're worthless!"
Said without words.

Beautiful bouquet of
Bright, fall flowers.
Sent just because.
"Who the HELL arranged them?"

"I love you honey!"
Scribbled on a note,
Hidden to surprise you.
Your hurtful words surprise ME.

The lawn's mowed.
The kitchen's clean.
The clothes are put away,
Yet your anger remains.

Focused but maudlin,
I rummage through
My meager belongings,
As I pack them to leave.

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

Kind Of Bliss

Although I’ve struck another “END,”
I do not feel amiss.
What happened was what’s meant to be,
A truth I can’t dismiss.

The first night that I slept alone,
My slumber was remiss.
But when I woke up safe and sound,
I knew I had fate’s kiss.

It hurt to see our common friends;
It ached to reminisce.
But seeing they were still my friends,
Showed me their love exists.

So now each day that I endure
This trip through the abyss.
I realize that by facing fear,
I’ve found a kind of bliss.

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

Hands Off!

Searing torrents of molten asphalt
swelter inside my chest.
The catalyst that sparked
this raging inferno,
your words
still pound inside my head.
Blank-faced, devoid of emotion,
you offer an embrace.

Hands off!

Desire for reconciliation
mocks my pain.
Dreams of a white picket fence,
grandkids gathered around,
a collection of priceless, dime-store baubles,
dissipate in smoke.
Adorned in ignorance,
you reach to touch my face.

Hands off!

Comfort and pleasure,
desire and fulfillment,
memories of contact,
enjoyed,
burrow into my mind.
Herculean temptation,
overpowers my will.
~ Almost ~

Hands off!

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

Breaking Up

Oh cutie, you looker, you breaker of hearts.
Why is it I must go right back to the start?
Why must I again go looking around,
To find someone special who'll vanquish my frown?

I thought I had found, the day I met you,
My lover -- my soul mate, but it was not true.
I guess it was all just a dream of my head
An unrealistic indulgence I fed.

The truth, just our heads, not our eyes could see,
Was that romance for us was not meant to be.
I'm hurt, but I'm grounded, my faith is not lost,
Because when I met you, I counted the cost.

The gamble I took was a worthwhile risk,
To test for the chance that love might exist.
I am glad that I met you, I have no regrets,
If you want to stay friends, my answer is "Lets".

Thomas Harper Oct 2014

Love Pains

Little, tiny face slaps dominate my world,
Ever since the moment you became my girl.
The swats are mostly painless – so I just turn my cheek.
I guess I’m way too timid – I guess I’m way too meek.

I take you to the movies – you always choose the show.
I’d rather watch what you like, and see your face aglow.
Oops, I spilled the popcorn – it’s all across the floor.
So now here comes the eye roll that cuts me to the core.

We pass another milestone – I send you a bouquet,
Of lovely, bright, Fall flowers – perhaps a bit cliché.
In eager expectation I sit down by the phone.
Instead of adulation you call just to bemoan.

I’m not quite sure you notice. I’m not quite sure you see,
How much your little gestures have emasculated me.
I beg you to examine, implore you to observe.
The pain your actions cause me if our love we’re to preserve.