#64 HERE IT COMES
(Americana)
He showed up one day, summer I was ten,
Corner table of our diner.
Made mom giggle and made Dad smile,
Kept drinking coffee -- "Never had finer!"
He stayed, we all ate burgers way past close,
Hired him to help -- three days, then they'd see.
Mom asked "What's your name? You never said."
He just smiled. "Mr. Helper works for me."
"Here it comes!" Mom would say,
Pen in her hair, busy Monday.
Old man asks "You married? You look fun!"
Smiles, rolls her eyes "Here it comes!"
He was with us for two great months,
Scrubbed the grill, showed me his loaded dice.
One day he said he had to go. Made me sad.
He'd listen when I talked. That was nice.
Then a pallet slipped, Dad broke his foot
I see Mom talking to Helper "Please stay."
Looked worried, then at his cracked screen, then nods,
Said "Until things settle, just a few days."
"Here it comes!" Dad would say,
Smoking out back, busy day.
Mom glaring at him, no mood for fun.
He'd wink at me, "Here it comes!"
Dad's foot got worse, so Helper stayed,
But on our breaks, he no longer played.
Got a long message one day, bit his lip hard,
Said "Dan keep an eye out, stay on guard."
Bunch of nothing until one day, late July
Door quietly opens and in walks some guy.
Smiled at Helper, said "This time you can't run."
Then he sat down and I saw the gun
“What can I get you?” I hear Mom say
Big man just looks, flat eyes, says “Not today.”
Mom steps back, crosses her arms,
No smile, no “Here it comes!”
Black cars outside, more men file in,
Way they stood, I could tell they had guns
Then a small old man walks in alone,
Helper sighs, says "Here it comes."
Takes off his sunglasses, looks around
Sees me and Mom, frowns, says "Really want me to?"
Then looks right at Helper, nobody moves.
Helper smiles at me, says to the man "I'm Coming with you."
"Here it comes!" I now say,
Diner door opens, late in the day
Hoping for laughter, ready for guns,
Whatever happens, "Here it comes!"
Twelve long years gone by, and nobody can say,
Exactly who died in that warehouse that day.
Hope he made it. He showed me the score:
I'm ready when here it comes through my door.
#63 FIGHTING FAMILY FIGHTS
(Country)
"Are you dumb, or just wrong?" Uncle Al shouts,
We all hear that, then we know it's on.
Kids to the kitchen, moms & babies next door,
Dad and Al now arms up, saying "Come on!"
Always them, but some times others.
Saying "Listen here!" Short laughs, growls and frowns.
Pushing, grabbing, loud "You don't know!"'s
Til Granny asks the question, shuts it all down.
From "Are you dumb?"
To "Who wants pie?"
Maybe days, maybe nights,
Fighting family fights.
My family's fought since day one,
And sure, times I'd step up and join in.
Friends ask "You get scared?" I'd say "Hell no!"
"Know just how it goes, before things begin."
And what's worked for us, still works for us.
Same old sparks make us do what we do.
Like Dad telling mom the "right way" to do it,
Or Al yells at the TV "That ain't true!"
From yelling "Are you dumb?"
To asking "Who wants pie?"
No knives, no fists, no bites,
Fighting family fights.
My fiancé's family didn't fight,
I explained, she said "Doesn't feel right."
So just waited til she trusted me more,
Picked a night, said what would make her sore.
She starts yelling, then went like it should.
Slice of pie after, she said "I feel good."
Starts with "Are you dumb?"
Ends with "Who wants pie?"
Same old, same old, every time,
Fighting family fights.
Might be "Are you dumb?"
Could be "Who wants pie?"
Always a way back to pie,
Fighting family fights.
Long weekend's coming up, I have my plan
Monday night reservations at Callahan's.
The crab cakes and cold beer sure to hit right,
And close the book on a good family fight.
#62 THAT'S NOT MEAN
(Country)
Making my beef stew, you walk in
And take a quick taste, make a face.
You say "Better, and at least not burned."
"Use the recipe," then point at the bookcase.
I pick up a plate to throw, but then breathe,
I'm silent through dinner, my head down, no smile.
But stop breathing and start slamming dishes
When you say "You're always such a child."
You yelling, me crying,
"Tough love" -- I need to hear it.
You only say it 'cause it's true,
That's not mean, that's just you.
That's not mean, that's just you.
We're hosting my sister's birthday party,
Family and friends, mood bright and sunny.
Sis loves my gift, then you say to her:
"No thanks for me? She's spending my money."
We're alone after, I point with my glass.
"You hate me? Or all this is what... a test?"
You start pacing, tell me stop being dumb,
Being ungrateful, being just a mess.
You silent, me sobbing,
You say I don't let you love me...
Is that right... or even true?
That's not mean, that's just you.
That's not mean, that's just you.
The kitchen, late at night,
Picture scrolling after our fight.
The one with you cutting my bangs, that was mean,
Hold my breath... I see it all clean.
Hands to my mouth, tears again
No longer if I leave, but when.
So I moved out one rainy Tuesday,
My sister's green truck, to my small place.
Two days later you're there, ringing the bell,
I open the door, flat look on my face.
You start to speak, but I shake my head no:
"I've one thing to say. Then just... leave."
I step forward, look you straight in your eyes.
"What you're looking for? No longer from me."
Just cruel and hurtful,
Calling what you did "tough love."
Who knows if you'll ever see?
That's not mean, that's just me.
That's not mean, that's just me.
I stayed far too long,
Wasting my time on you.
Now I can finally see,
That's not mean, I'm just me.
That's not mean, I'm just me.
#61 PORCUPINE WINE
(Country)
You want to spend some time,
With folks fancy and fine?
Well move along, keep trying.
You see this one starts with
Two dummies in a truck.
And they're flat out of luck.
Back road, Petey and Jake full stuck,
No gas, no cash, now what to do?
Petey grabs the bottles, pops 'em,
Tells Jake "Try it. Made something new."
Jake takes a sip, spits out a quill.
Petey nods "For the taste, not the sting."
Jake laughs, then drinks. Later he says,
"Hey! This feels good... I'm seeing things."
Time for porcupine wine!
Boy, we don't call it fine,
Hell, it's not even safe,
You can tell by the taste.
So just swallow that quill,
And let's drink til we're ill.
Raise 'em up to bad times,
Drinking porcupine wine.
So much fun, made a second batch
Petey got quills, Jake didn't ask.
So then they boiled down the ripple,
Topped off, then corked tight all the flasks.
One to each trailer in the park,
'Cause good times always love a crowd.
Drinks at their fire pit, Jake asks:
"Just me? Or is it getting loud?
Time for porcupine wine!
Boy, we don't call it fine,
Hell, it's not even safe,
You can tell by the taste.
So just swallow that quill,
And let's drink til we're ill.
Raise 'em up to bad times,
Drinking porcupine wine.
Folks, I've seen the video,
Night was plain nuts, you should know.
Red lights all over the park,
Well past dawn, called in at dark.
Women howling at the moon,
Tubas honking out weird tunes.
Guzzling wine like there's hell to pay
Strangest thing?... Nah, shouldn't say.
Packed courtroom that Monday morning,
The boys caked in glitter and Cheez Wiz.
Judge sorting out all the mayhem,
"Gentlemen, I don't know what this is."
"Half-naked ragtime bands marching,"
"Stuff my deputies can't unsee."
"Handing out ten days for you each!"
"No charge... for the three shaved hogs up a tree."
Time for porcupine wine!
Boy, we don't call it fine,
Hell, it's not even safe,
You can tell by the taste.
So just swallow that quill,
And let's drink til we're ill.
Raise 'em up to bad times,
Drinking porcupine wine.
Time for porcupine wine!
Boy, we don't call it fine,
Hell, it's not even safe,
You can tell by the taste.
So just swallow that quill,
And let's drink til we're ill.
Raise 'em WAY up to bad times,
Chugging down porcupine wine.
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
Porcupine wine! Porcupine wine!
Porcupine wine.
Think we’re done? You folks ain’t had enough?
Petey jumps up off his cell bunk -- looking rough.
Starts pacing, thinking hard, nodding, half-drunk:
Then says "Hey Jake! You ever squeezed a skunk?"
#60 SORRY'S JUST THE START
(Americana)
Fork's slightly bent, no time to fix,
Just right then -- you walk in.
Deep breath, steady smile, hands clench tight,
You're so tall... still got your father's chin.
You sit, I see the pulse in your throat,
Waitress arrives, order our food.
We lock eyes... then look away,
I start talking, a bit too soon.
"Thank you... thank you for... this,"
Tight smile, look down at my list.
Want to fix our time apart,
And sorry’s just the start.
Reading out things on my list,
I pause, take a sip of tea.
You look me right in the eyes and ask
"Why didn't you fight for me?"
I say "It's... complicated,"
With that, you're up and you're gone.
I grab my things, rush behind,
And just keep pushing on.
Bad at this, it's all so new,
Have... ideas, I really do.
And I -- well, there's parts.
Because sorry’s just the start.
We walk out, still making my plea,
At your car, you turn to face me
Angry breath in, then I say the worst:
"But why? Always you first"--
You raise your palm, reached your end.
"I Never want to see you again."
Next morning, I stand by your car.
You walk up, keys and coffee, then freeze.
Roll your eyes, shake your head, turn to go.
I raise my hand up, and say "Please."
You just stare... way off a dog barks,
You flick your fingers -- like "go on."
I start your name, then stop --
Say "I'm... selfish-- I was wrong."
Roped you in to fix my past,
That's wrong. Wish I didn't ask.
I'm so sorry that I left you,
And sorry’s not even the start.
Months later, locking up the shop,
Spring day, pale blue sky, think I'll walk.
Just past the bus stop, there you stand,
I stare, you nod, say "Can we talk?"
#59 THAT DEPENDS
(Americana)
"That depends," I tell the guys at work,
"She gets me, but I just don't know."
Look away, start tidying my desk.
John smiles when I say "Taking it slow."
Next day, lunch out back, watching the ducks,
John takes a bite, turns, leans in close.
Says "Had a girl, mystery for five years,"
"But with some, one look and you know."
Tries to hide how he feels,
What he knows, just won't say.
Grins and shrugs to the end,
When a man says "That depends."
"That depends." I say to mom and dad,
Dad leans back in his chair, gives a nod.
Says "Bring her by for a cup of coffee,"
"Now your mother always tells me don't prod."
Mom just looks and tilts her head,
I may be selling, but she ain't bought.
Nods, then small smile when she sees me,
Change the subject on the spot.
Watch them hem and then haw,
Something slips -- can't walk it back.
To their moms and their friends,
When a man says "That depends."
We're in my car, not yet driving,
Scared to look at you, know you're crying.
You turn away, shoulders shaking,
I breathe slowly, can't risk breaking.
Silence, watch the wipers work the rain.
You turn sharply, ask me to explain.
Why you're hearing about us from your friends,
That I keep saying "That depends."
"That depends," I say straight to you,
"I can't... I don't know... I get scared."
Look at you, then away, then look back,
"I love you. And I need to share."
Finally said it, in this car, in the rain,
I laugh, so much for all my plans.
Your bright blue eyes look right through me,
You reach out, hold my hand.
Eyes slowly open, smell your hair,
Feel the love, then get scared.
Promise me, God, don't let this end,
That's why I say "That depends."
Faye, you cracked me wide open.
Woke up this rusty heart.
One day I won't say it, but 'til then,
Less and less "That depends."
#58 HOUSE AT THE LAKE
(Country)
Tall pines, sun sparkling on bright blue,
White clapboard, porch facing the water.
Tire swing -- cold splash -- all summer long,
Mom lit up when dad first brought her
And then for me and my sisters,
Each year, July mornings, August days.
On the boat -- skipping rocks -- cook-outs,
Mom laughs, dad smiles, porch swing sways.
It lives in my mind.
Moments I can't shake,
My house at the lake,
My house at the lake
A dad now, bring my own family,
Boat with son, on porch with daughter.
Card games, long family dinners,
We're at our best by the water.
My Janey loves frogs and lizards,
On our walks, squeals when she finds one.
Jars them, then her brother lets them loose,
Wife watches, smiling, takes in the sun.
It lives in my mind.
Moments I can't shake,
Our house at the lake,
Our house at the lake
Last summer, she trips on a frog walk,
Large bruise that wouldn't heal at all.
Weeks of tests, then the specialist,
Whose sad dark eyes tell it all.
Kitchen table, looking out at back yard,
Pretend for a breath, it's all a mistake.
Small voice calls out, wife goes to see,
Comes back -- "She wants to be at the lake."
It lives in my mind.
Moments I can't shake,
The house at the lake,
The house at the lake
Porch swing, after she's gone,
Cold wind -- wood smoke -- grey dawn.
Wife and son headed home,
I just swing there alone.
No thinking, nothing planned
Empty jar in my hand.
Snow coming down, but roads still clear,
Holiday drive with my new wife.
Familiar road, park just to look,
Clapboard painted, porch kept up nice.
The house lively, holiday party,
Faint laughter, smell mulled wine in the air.
See through the front window,
Large Christmas tree, baby's high chair.
It lives in my mind.
Moments I can't shake,
That house at the lake,
That house at the lake.
In the rearview, driving away past the shore,
The house fades until I can't see it anymore.
#57 WHEN
(Americana)
Started marking the calendar,
Mark each day I notice something weird.
Sitting in my quiet kitchen,
Counted the marks, worse than I feared.
Right knee bounces, left hand itches,
Time for action, writing down clues.
Read the list, chew end of my pen,
Where to start? Too many to choose.
Silent house feels wrong,
Pictures don't belong.
Closets are less full.
Floor vent whistles. Then…
When does this end? When?
Long days of investigation,
And many nights of short sleeping.
Sketch the problem -- break my pencils,
Dark glasses to hide my weeping.
Walk in circles, talk out options,
Allergies? Maybe the weather?
Draw stares at work, me in same clothes,
Barely keeping things together.
Empty house feels wrong,
Dead plants don't belong.
Half-finished jigsaw.
Open last box of pens,
When does this end? When?
Worn down by running blind,
Gather whole life in my mind.
Close my eyes and just stare…
You’re not there!
Struck numb by your absence,
Hang my head in silence.
Since you've been missing,
Wrong is... everything.
Close my eyes, see you.
Who can tell me then,
When does this end? When?
My life is frantic,
But you made calm stick.
You smiled, I exhaled.
Can you tell me then,
When does this end? When?
Grab my phone when I know the words to send.
Text you "Please meet me. Please -- let's start again."
Three dots...
Waiting...
At last your answer:
"When?"
#56 TWO TIMING ME
(Country)
He smiled, I melted. Twelve years old.
Made him cookies, watched him always.
His golden hair, dreamed I’d hold his hand for years,
Those lonely nights and longing days.
College, his long dark hair, bright blue eyes.
What we did, choices never mine.
Everywhere we went, girls gazed at him
Now seems tragic how I spent my time.
Hard to love yourself,
Before anyone else.
Loving these men was
Me two-timing me,
Me two-timing me.
My man checked his hair, ring store window
Smiled at the salesgirl, last June
Then sees me, sighs, says "Okay then."
"I'm gonna ask, you're gonna swoon."
Later that night, gave the ring back,
He looked at me with wrinkled brow.
Said "What do you want anyway?"
Wanted to change, didn't know how.
So first love yourself,
Before everyone else.
Loving these men was
Me two-timing me,
Me two-timing me.
Weeks crying, too much wine,
But thinking, not wasted time.
To change, what should I do?
Then this morning, I just knew,
Put men first, learn my heart,
Time to stop, time to start.
Must first love yourself,
Before anyone else.
Loving these men was
Me two-timing me.
Me two-timing me.
Learning to love myself,
Before everyone else.
Loving my men was
Me two-timing me.
Me two-timing me.
Gotta go now, I don't want to be late,
Me and my new best girl have a big date.
#55 EVEN MORE
(Country)
Iced tea, our small porch, you knit, I read,
Across the bay, chimneys of my old place.
I lived there, dripping money and fancy,
Couldn’t imagine the peace here in our space.
Parties, drinking, blue bloods, idle rich,
Fine clothes, sad eyes, mistook more things for more.
We walk the beach, I look at the mansion,
You smile, squeeze my hand, call it my "dark before."
I found and lost,
And paid the cost.
All I could see,
Was stormy seas.
Now safe at shore,
You're all I want,
And even more.
Beach scarf today -- you wore when we met,
Your flower van, my gatehouse, your smile.
Strong spark when we shook hands, I asked for a date,
I show off -- caviar, champagne -- missed by a mile.
Your lovely eyes, gentle laugh, so unimpressed
I pouted and drank, your smile narrows, quiet sighs
Kept rewinding our date later in my mind
Needed badly to impress you, didn't know why
I found and lost,
And paid the cost.
You helped me flee,
Those stormy seas.
Now safe at shore,
You're all I need,
And even more.
Months later, I ring the bell
Of your small flower shop,
You smile, my heart almost stops.
I say "I've been thinking."
"Birdy -- I stopped drinking,"
"Done with the man I was before,"
"You need help in your store?"
No longer lost,
Paid all my costs.
You set me free,
From stormy seas.
I'm safe at shore,
You gave me life,
You gave me love,
And even more.
#54 JUST KNOW THIS
(Country)
Drinking wine, picture of us
You, me, our fuzzy stray.
E-Frame shows more, fill my glass.
Us at the beach -- great day.
Packed and ready to go,
Why stay? Nothing to gain.
Leave the fancy corkscrew,
But I will take the frame.
Just know this -- I saw you caress her hair,
Just know this -- my stuff's out, key's in our door,
Just know this -- you've felt our last slow dance
I don't want -- or need you anymore.
I still care -- Sunday morning, lounging, laughing,
Just know this -- in your hugs I always grin.
Just know this -- I can love you while I hate you,
Just know this -- knock on my door? I'll let you in.
Drinking wine, new apartment,
Frame on kitchen table.
Flip it down, then back up,
Stop watching? Just unable.
I thought things now would change,
But new place, same old weather.
Fuzzy purrs in my lap,
Frame plays our life together.
Just know this -- I've seen her in our house,
Just know this -- You can't do better than me,
Just know this -- mother was right about you,
It feels good -- my days are all mine and free.
I still want -- to see you arms out, smiling
Just know this -- I miss gently scratching your chin.
Just know this -- I can love you while I hate you,
Just know this -- knock on my door? I'll let you in.
Flip the frame up. -- Sunday mornings!
Flip the frame down. -- You touch her hair!
Flip the frame up. -- When you held me.
Flip the frame down. -- Why don't you care?
Just know this -- I'm tired of fighting me,
Just know this -- One day finish, next day start.
Just know this -- I'm happy, heart-broke, angry
I can't stand -- how loving you pulls me apart
I'll still feel -- a need to hold you,
Just know this -- tell me, I'll begin again.
Just know this -- I can love you while I hate you,
Just know this -- knock on my door? I'll always let you in.
#53 A FOREST OF PINE
(Americana)
Buried them deep beneath a forest of pine,
But it started long before.
I dared him -- he tried -- and they died ugly.
Two souls I loved most — and miss even more.
I rob and I kill -- know it's not in him.
Things a man just knows about his brother.
Always reaching, more than he should,
Last two months, he's been with my lover.
A forest of pine rains down needles,
Gentle bed falling from above.
Soft dirt turns easy when covered,
Rest for those you’ve killed and those you love.
Worse places to stay ’til the end of time,
Than a still corner in a forest of pine
I'm a hard man, do things that make men pause,
Work for John Paxton, deal in rough trade.
Angry at my brother, though he didn't know,
Good beating would leave most his debt paid.
Laid out my dare, tried to play to his pride,
"Up-and-comer with stones would jump at this:"
"Pick a late night, go in fast and quiet,"
"Nice things in that desk in Paxton's office."
In a forest of pine, sun only dapples,
In a forest of pine, you don't feel the rain.
I felt the sting of their betrayal,
Though the pain didn't cut the same.
See, my brother didn't know she was mine,
But I pointed them both at that forest of pine.
I said "office," meant at the docks,
Few guys patrolling, even less locks.
To know why he did it, I’d give the world
He chose different, and brought my girl.
They tried to break in Paxton's estate,
His fully alarmed office -- One foggy night, late.
Paxton walks in, draws a blade, says "Good evening!"
"Don't know you two that well, I do know you're not leaving."
Cut my brother's throat right there, then left him,
Took my girl somewhere else, did their worst.
They told me later what happened, where to find them,
Now I know how it feels to cast your own curse.
Paxton said "You'll keep quiet. Know which end's up."
He leans back in his chair, big hands and big gut.
"You know what I can't get my head around?"
"My best earner's brother's just a stupid mutt."
I didn't pull the trigger, would have been better.
Carry the guilt like a sack of sharp blades.
The least I owe them is love and witness,
Take myself deep under the pine shade.
Walk the needles, then stand for a time,
Two small stones beneath a forest of pine.
#52 WHISKEY'S BETTER FOR GUN
(Americana)
"Whiskey’s better for gun,"
"Cold beer after fighting."
"Stay the hell away from rum:"
"That shit's bottled lightning."
Old man gasps when he speaks,
But Razor swears he's the best.
Found him in a dive by the dock
Left ear just lobe and scar -- where's the rest?
Check my watch as he and Razor keep talking,
We need better or I'm walking.
All he's said on how the job's done?
Whiskey's better for gun.
Look around -- see who's watching,
Bartender not looking, talking up some girl.
Old man hunches up, pulls in breath,
Gasping, his only advice unfurls.
"Roll in fast, guns out, pointing,"
"Nerves sparking hot, cling to your plan."
"Things go bad -- it gets ugly and noisy."
"Whiskey steadies heart and hand."
He shuffles off hunched, no more to say,
I look at Razor "Wasted our day."
"I'm not getting boozed up. Is he making fun?"
Whiskey's better for gun?
Eight steps in -- goes to hell in a snap.
Guard gut-shots Razor -- locks on me like a trap.
Shaking hands -- gun up -- firing as I turn,
Miss the bank guard, hit a little girl.
Ended her life before it began,
Fled the bank, tossed gun, then I ran.
They caught me in an alley later that night,
Lying if I said I put up any fight.
Judge said best place for me,
The tight end of a short rope.
"Where you go next is a small box,"
"Squeeze out the last of your hope."
Twelve years on, world's a small and sour cell,
Every morning mirror, face stitched with shame.
Time drags, warm yard mornings, cold cell nights,
Lawyers keep playing paper games.
At last ready to go where they'll spark me,
Time I didn't listen -- can't be undone
Didn't learn much this life, did learn he was right:
Whiskey's better for gun.
#51 SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE GOLDEN GOAT
(Country)
Shows me her empty glass, makes a sad face.
I smile, quick wink, "Get you another?"
She leans across the bar, tries to whisper,
Then shouting and yelling -- here comes my brother.
Says beer delivery's late, not my fault.
Liquor's not stocked, well, that one's on me.
Starts waving receipts like I'd even know.
Not my problem -- got pretty girls to see.
Saturday night at The Golden Goat,
Leave your thinkin’ at the door.
Drink ’em up and drink some more,
Slide those boots across the floor.
Lose yourself in every note,
Saturday night at The Golden Goat.
Al sees Petey and Jake, corner table,
Asks if they've still got their big tab.
"Less than the moon, if that's what you're asking."
Can’t help it -- fun making him mad.
Now he's storming 'bout costs, waving papers,
Trips on the bar mat, tumbles right down.
We all freeze for a moment, try not to laugh.
He gets up red-faced, yells "Don -- out back, now!"
Saturday night at The Golden Goat,
Leave your thinkin’ at the door.
Drink ’em up and drink some more,
Slide those boots across the floor.
Lose yourself in every note,
Saturday night at The Golden Goat.
Rain-slick back alley, Al's ranting, I'm smoking.
He says wheels'll come off, I don't stop joking.
Petey stumbles out, says the crowd's needing drinks.
I tell Al "Money's there, no matter what you think."
"Rest of the week we can still fight."
"But now let's have some fun. It's Saturday night!"
Back in the bar, band's storming, swinging free,
Pour us two shots, toast my bro "You and me."
Al slams back his shot, smiles at last with glee.
Shouts "Saturday night -- next round's on me!"
Saturday night at The Golden Goat,
Leave your thinkin’ at the door.
Drink ’em up and drink some more,
Slide those boots across the floor.
Lose yourself in every note,
Saturday night at The Golden Goat.
Drop all thinkin’ at the door.
Drink ’em up and drink some more,
Slide those boots across the floor.
Lose yourself in every note,
Every Saturday night at The Golden Goat.
Saturday night at The Golden Goat,
Drop all thinkin’ at the door.
Drink ’em up and drink some more,
Slide those boots across the floor.
Lose yourself with every note,
Every Saturday night at The Golden Goat.
End of the week and end of your rope?
Time for Saturday night at The Golden Goat.
#50 THE EMPTY PARADE
(Americana)
At half-past dawn, this lonely fair begins.
Dusty tables set with cracked porcelain.
Sped up by all the sparkle of our stones,
Slowed down by all the rust in our bones.
At just-past noon, the swirl and whirl grows loud.
Where once lurched stragglers now sways a crowd.
Perhaps we'll shout, perchance we'll sing a song.
The revels just started, the day's running long
The empty parade advances,
Catches sunlight, almost dances.
Slowed down by a backward glance,
At all the pomp and circumstance.
At the edge of the revel,
some see tatters as reminder.
Those in the center just
Speak louder, tighten their blinders.
Voices rise to drown the whisper,
Truth grows faint beneath the clamor.
At soon-past dark the faded shindig's done.
It raced through the day, ground down with the sun.
We say we'd planned to dance, we thought to twirl,
Too tired to pull such dreams into this beaten world.
At well-past midnight, debris rustles in the breeze
The party came to revel, the festival to please.
Now unheard whispers, unseen hands to chores,
For soon the great circle will unroll once more.
Now the dark empty parade does not advance,
Frozen stance, bereft of chance.
Let that urge to backward glance,
'Til next light's pomp and circumstance.
We try once more to dance.