When I look at you
you look past me
I look at you
You look away
I broke your trust
But I am trying
I am waiting
For the day

I broke a vow
I stand repentant
I love you more
Than you could know
For all the days
I will be waiting
I'll earn your trust
I love you so

It tore me up to keep the secret
I knew that you would find out in the end
I know it takes two folks to tango
And now I've lost a lover and a friend

A few quick drinks
And I was ******'
The devil took my
mind away
I've said I'm sorry
to you darlin'
I just don't know
what more to say

I look at you
And you look past me
I'll stay until
you see me here
I did wrong
And I am paying
I only wish
That you would hear

It tore me up to keep the secret
I knew that you would find out in the end
I know it takes two folks to tango
And now I've lost a lover and a friend

Do you know those Christmas Letters?
The one's that people love to send
The one's that make the family
Just feel like they're a friend

We get them every Christmas
And we cringe when they arrive
They make me want to  have a few
And go and drink and drive

I'd sooner jump off of a cliff
Than send these letters to
My friends and yes, my family
I hope that you would too

I don't care if you planted mums
or if the cat gave birth in May
You can phone if it's important
If you've got something good to say

I don't need to read a journal
Of every thing you did last year
If I really truly counted
You'd phone me up so I could hear

I like a card at Christmas time
But the letters have to end
don't even send them by e-post
Think twice and don't hit send

Next year I may send one myself
Something I've not done before
It's gonna be a long one
It will start in sixty four

So, please, although I love you
and I want you in my life
Don't send me Christmas journals
They're too heavy for my wife!!!

Land is disappearing
ok, farms to be exact
swallowed up by cities
they're gone, and that's a fact
developers are buying
what the farmers now will sell
for the subdivision builders
who are waiting at the well

standing in a parking lot
of what used to be a farm
I remember corn and animals
and I remember a red barn
now, it is a big box store
selling food from somewhere else
grown in little laboratories
from little dishes on a shelf

there used to be a farm right here
a place that grew our food
we knew what we were buying
now we don't and we are *******
the big box stores keep coming
and they're starting to intrude
we once had farms and churches
now we don't and we are *******

I remember driving out of town
twenty minutes at the most
you'd pass by at least four farms
now the farmland is the host
to development and wind farms
No parks, just urban sprawl
no fields of cows and horses
just another **** strip mall

There used to be a farm here
it was sold to pay the tax
it was auctioned off in silence
behind the farmers backs
no more farms or farmers
no more barns with painted names
just big houses with no back yards
where you don't know your neighbors names

there used to be a farm right here
a place that grew our food
we knew what we were buying
now we don't and we are *******
the big box stores keep coming
and they're starting to intrude
we once had farms and churches
now we don't and we are *******

the galumphers book


Every child knows there's monsters
Hiding in the closet and under the bed
But, I have a secret each child should know
And it's about a Galumpher instead....

Galumphers are watchers
They help keep the peace
They help keep the monsters in line

Three eyes watch the closet,
Three on the monster
And three more...did I mention they've nine?

Galumphers aren't dangerous
They live under the bed
They eat socks and the occasional mouse

But, the one thing that's certain
With a Galumpher, well fed
Closet monsters won't stay in your house


If you believe in those monsters
You'll believe in these too
They're as real as the monsters you fear

Just remember Galumphers
Eat the mice and your socks
With Galumphers , the monsters aren't near

I've never seen a Galumpher
But I know they are  real
I know this, because I once was a kid

My dad checked my closet
Before he'd turn out my light
That's where the bad monsters  hid

One night  he told me
Of the Galumphers that watched
With their 5 ears and nine eyes to see

And as my socks went missing
And the mice disappeared
The Galumpher was a new friend to me

Should you meet a Galumpher
Out from under the bed
Just smile and pretend not to see

For he's probably out
To get the dust bunnies off
And to go and have a long ***.

A group of Galumphers
Rarely is found
Say you've seen them and folks say "harrumph"

But just so you know
If you see three or four
A Galumpher group is called a clumph

A Galumpher is quiet
He keeps out of sight
He's protective and knows what to do

They keep children safe
Keeping monsters away
Eating one sock of which you have two

Some might be orange
While others are blue
You don't know what color they'll be

But, they stay in the darkness
There under your bed
So, you don't know what color you'll see

Galumphers aren't scary
They might make you jump
If you see one, it may scare them too

Just smile and nod
And lie down and sleep
Let the Galumpher do what he must do

Hero....easily described
but, not so easily found
I've two that I remember
Now, both six feet in the ground

Not firemen, or athletes
Not policeman or my dad
But these two people are heroes
And that I met them makes me glad

Simon, strong as true forged steel
A kid with only one speed in his head
He was always pushing limits
And now poor Simon's dead

He was ten when I first met him
He was in a chair, but hey, big deal
Simon was a true survivor
He showed me just how I should feel

He showed me I was handicapped
He told me off when it was due
Until I treated him like other kids
He showed me stuff I never knew

He left us far too early
A little boy, not yet a man
but, Simon, you're my hero
You showed the reason for "I can"

The other one, I only knew
For a short time years ago
He was two when I first met him
With skin as white as fallen snow

We both shared a room together
He wouldn't live a long long life
He had luekemia and was dying
Too young to have this strife

He was always smiling broadly
As happy as someone could be
He didn't know that he was dying
He didn't know he'd not see three

But, his smile and his shining eyes
They showed me what it means
To live each day like it's your last
And to not make big, sad scenes

Both these special children
Left impressions on my heart
They are my special heroes
Who never got a chance to start

I've been looking for a Christmas Tree
The search has been so hard
Last night, I found the perfect one
Outside in my front yard

I venture past it every day
But, it never caught my eye
The tree is forty two feet tall
It reaches to the sky

Last night as I was leaving home
The moon shone oh so bright
It caught the snow on one low branch
And it really was a sight

I looked at it much closer
Saw perfection to my surprise
I'd been looking for the perfect tree
And here it was before my eyes

I couldn't bring it in the house
It would stay out front for all to see
We'd decorate it outside where it stood
The Perfect Christmas Tree

We started putting lights on it
We could only go so high
A neighbor stopped on his way home
with an idea he said to try

He came back by this morning
With some friends and just our luck
They came with two long ladders
And a bright red fire truck

In no time all the neighbors
Started coming by to see
They all bought decorations
For our giant Christmas Tree

It took two days to finish it
This tree that stood so tall
We planned to light it up that evening
To be seen by one and all

On Christmas Eve it happened
The fire truck made one last stop
They extended both their ladders
We put the star up on the top

It was perfect, and we knew it
The neighborhood was there as one
The lights and decorations
Made it light up like the sun

So, next time you need something
Look around and you might find
Perfection, like our Christmas Tree
Just as God designed

i was drinking
so i'm late
that's what started the debate

was it one drink
maybe two
i'm not sure, i wish i knew

in every single conversation
there's two sides that we see
but, besides ours, there's another
the truth and that makes three

was i dancing
did i meet
another woman, so discreet

you were home
alone you said
but, there's clean sheets upon the bed

little lies
and bigger liars
i didn't ride her, just kicked the tires

you just smile
and don't let on
it's just ten minutes since he's been gone

we can argue
what's the use
neither one can tell the truth

i go quiet
that's just me
there's still a third side i should see

so i drink
one shot or two
it shouldn't matter much to you

one side mine
another yours
the third side hidden behind closed doors

there's three sides known  to every story
the third one can be kind of gory
so it's the one we never see
mine, yours, and the truth makes three

A copper, crimson canopy
Backlit by the sun
Millions of transluscent leaves
Holding on for dear life
To ancient, old tributaries
Branches to another time
Feeding the life into the cover
Each branch reaching for the fall sun
Each leaf struggling to hold on
A battle of wills
To avoid the inevitable fall
And await the winter solstice
So far, the tree is winning
It's reds and browns showing their strength
Against the might of time
Who will win?
Sun, Tree, Leaves or time?

Six strings stagnant
Something's wrong
And then my fingers
come along
Revealing hidden
music....songs

Notes burst forth
From silent strings
The air is full
The air...it sings
Smiling, joyous
Love it brings

Six strings loudly
Emotions pour
This is what
A guitar is for
Making music
and l'amour

Fingers strumming
plucking, too
Tell me what
It means to you
To hear the music
Fresh....anew

Six strings silent
Once again
The song is over
But, it's not the end
Six strings waiting
...until then....

Christmas is the loneliest time of year
Christmas is the loneliest time of year
A time when all the wrapping and bows
Can't hide the pain you try not to show
Christmas is the loneliest time of year

Christmas is the loneliest time of year
Christmas is the loneliest time of year
The kids are grown and all moved away
They've all grown and can't come to stay
Christmas is the loneliest time of year

You think of all the Christmas' past
Some are blurred the memories don't last
You try to keep the feeling inside your heart
But wishing this just won't make it so
The sky is grey with clouds full of snow
The dreariness is where loneliness gets it's start


Christmas is the loneliest time of year
Christmas is the loneliest time of year
TV specials are not the same
You don't know anybody by name
Christmas is the loneliest time of year

Christmas is the loneliest time of year
Christmas is the loneliest time of year
The mantle has some cards, maybe three
You're all alone, you don't need a tree
Christmas is the loneliest time of year

You think of all the Christmas' past
Some are blurred the memories don't last
You try to keep the feeling inside your heart
But wishing this just won't make it so
The sky is grey with clouds full of snow
The dreariness is where loneliness gets it's start

Why do people die?
Why do I get cold?
What makes air air?
Why do we get old?
My child asks these questions
And I don't want to look dumb
So, being a good father
I say..."Go and ask your mom"

How many is infinity?
How can birds fly?
Where do babies come from?
Why do people lie?
Sometimes I can tell them things
That I know they might believe
I don't do it all the time though
I just do it so they'll leave

Questions from the children
Make me seem quite dumb
I always tell them half truths
Then I send them to their mom
She tells them she's busy
And they come back to see me
I guess we'll learn together
I hope they can teach me

Why are clouds so puffy?
Why is water wet?
What's a kit and caboodle?
How do you place a bet?
I love it when they ask me
It shows they want to know
Exactly why things happen
And what makes most things go

What is the moon made of?
Is it really cheese?
I get questions like this daily
Why do people sneeze?
There's one that I can't answer
My daughter wants to know
When I make my morning toast
Where does my bread slice go?

Questions from the children
Make me seem quite dumb
I always tell them half truths
Then I send them to their mom
She tells them she's busy
And they come back to see me
I guess we'll learn together
I hope they can teach me

Constantly in motion
Crafting a commotion
A sign of scared devotion
Of a love you can not lose

Lightning you must grab
Before you end up on a slab
You just have to take a stab
At the love you can not lose

Keep the butterflies in check
They'll want to leave and they will try
ou both have got to have them
Or what you have will die
Let them live forever
If you have them don't ask why
Keep the butterflies in motion
Don't let them settle, let them fly

A nervous situation
That causes consternation
Makes your mind go on vacation
Because of a love you can not lose

You both feel it together
Regardless of the weather
That is weightless as a feather
But, it's a love you can not lose


Keep the butterflies in check
They'll want to leave and they will try
You both have got to have them
Or what you have will die
Let them live forever
If you have them don't ask why
Keep the butterflies in motion
Don't let them settle, let them fly

I walk the stones each Sunday
I leave flowers as I walk
Not for certain people
Just in case the spirits talk

I left a rose for Eleanor
Gone 100 years
Just to let her know that
Someone still sheds tears

There's lots to learn while out here
Walking through the stones
Listen close to all the voices
That aren't as silent as their bones

There are soldiers who died fighting
For freedom they did die
From the beginning of our country
Who now beneath us lie

They fought the revolution
Some fought in Vietnam
Some died lost deep inside themselves
Now, folks don't give a ****

There's many here of children
From the old orphan home
They found them buried out in back
So, there their spirits roam

The grass is kept up nicely
Though the stones are left to rot
I try to clean them up a bit
I guess I'm all they've got

I started out just walking
Now, I clean the stones while here
I give them the respect they miss
I can feel their spirits near

So next time you're out walking
And you want to stretch your bones
Bring a brush down to the graveyard
We'll take a walk among the stones

this is the story of cedric hyde-fleet
the most un-cowboy cowboy you ever would meet
cedric was english, not british you see
but, being a cowboy was what  he wanted to be

he was from england
as i said before
never ridden a horse
and well, what's more
his image of cowboys
was of those on tv
but, being a cowboy
was what he wanted to be

he was all set to travel
and leave his home land
out to the west
but, he was allergic to sand
the dust would wreak havoc
with his pale, flaky skin
ten miles from home
was the furthest he'd been

he had a six shooter
which he'd nicknamed Old Burt
but, he didn't have bullets
they made his ears hurt
the smell of the powder
and the noise of the gun
made cedric wonder
if this would truly be fun

he needed a cream
for the chafing down there
and a specialized hat
to protect his thin hair
a brush wouldn't do
he would need a nice comb
he reacted to flannel
so he'd get shirts from rome

he'd fly out from london
head out west to a ranch
find a town just like gunsmoke
and a bar....the long branch
but, his stomach was tender
hard liquor was out
and the salt in the food
would just trouble his gout

but, cedric hyde-fleet
was determined to go
to the united states
to join a wild west show
he'd start out learning riding
how to shoot, and all that
he'd learn about cattle
he had his own hat

he was the most un-cowboy cowboy
they would have in the west
but, with his dedication
he would soon be the best
he would get all equipped
from dolce and gabbanna
his shirts and socks matched
his silk plaid bandanna

now, cedric hyde-fleet
never ever left home
never got on the horse
or got shirts made in rome
the things that he wanted
were the things that he'd seen
and he forgot about cowboys
when he first saw ....The Queen

Woke up late this morning
Wish the pain would pass
Cigarettes in the ashtray
lipstick on the glass

What in god's name happened
what did I do last night
Everything is fuzzy
It hurts to see the light

Hold that thought, I'll be right back
That's the last thing that I said
Now, here I am next morning
Feeling half past dead
Hold that thought, were my last words
From there ....I just don't know
Someone brought me home here
But, someone...I don't know

Cigarettes and lipstick
The pairing makes me think
A half a pack of winstons
And a nearly empty drink

I   am not a smoker
I  smoke what's close at hand
Right now, I'm feeling sea sick
And I'm still here on dry land

Hold that thought, I'll be right back
That's the last thing that I said
Now, here I am next morning
Feeling half past dead
Hold that thought, were my last words
From there ....I just don't know
Someone brought me home here
But, someone...I don't know

I'm gonna take a shower
Maybe that will help my head
I just don't know what happened
Or who brought me home to bed

A glass with lipstick on it
My cigarettes or not
The last thing I remember
is saying Hold That Thought

Hold that thought, I'll be right back
That's the last thing that I said
Now, here I am next morning
Feeling half past dead
Hold that thought, were my last words
From there ....I just don't know
Someone brought me home here
But, someone...I don't know

Watched Drag Racing...
How
Do they
run in those shoes?

IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
THE VOICE I HEARD THAT NIGHT
I WASN'T SURE FROM WHERE IT CAME
IT GAVE ME QUITE A FRIGHT
I CLOSED MY EYES AND SAID A PRAYER
I WAS SCARED TO DEATH
AND THEN I HEARD THAT VOICE AGAIN
SO  NOW...I HELD MY BREATH
IN ALL MY LIFE I'D NEVER HEARD
A VOICE AS DEEP AS THIS
IT SHOOK ME UP RIGHT TO MY SOULD
IT ALMOST MADE ME ****
IN CHURCH, I THOUGHT, THEY SPEAK OF THINGS
THAT MAKE YOU FEEL THIS WAY
SOME MAY GO THEIR WHOLE LIFE THROUGH
TO FEEL AS I TODAY
CHRISTMAS EVE WAS COMING SOON
BUT I GOT MY GIFT THEN
I STOOD ON UP AND TURNED TO GO
AND I HEARD THAT VOICE AGAIN
THE VOICE RANG OUT SO LOUD AND PURE
I TOOK IN EVERY WORD
YOU MAY ASK WHAT IT DID SAY
SO, THIS IS WHAT I HEARD..........





ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!

There's days I swear I see him
Sitting out on the front porch
Whittling away the time of day
With his pipe and dog, Scorch

I smell the pipe tobacco in the hall
Makes me think he's still around
Sitting out front whittling away
But he's nowhere to be found

I wish he were still here
Telling me Grandpa things
Like how to make a fishing pole
Out of a stick and some old string
I wish he were still here
I know he'd be proud of me
Just to see who I've become
I just wish he were here with me

I know he's looking down upon us
Although, I know that he sneaks in
I smell his Hai Karate out in front
That's how I know Grandpa's been

I miss having the old man around
I just wish he were still here
Just to teach me grandpa things
And sit and laugh over a beer

I know that it's impossible
I know he's truly gone
But, every now and then I know I hear him
Whistling his favorite country song

I wish I could have just one more day
I know just what I'd say
But, I'm sure that my old grandpa
Is still around today

I wish he were still here
Telling me Grandpa things
Like how to make a fishing pole
Out of a stick and some old string
I wish he were still here
I know he'd be proud of me
Just to see who I've become
I just wish he were here with me

It's nice to know that people
are people .... all the same
They aren't known by a colour
They're just people...all the same
It used to be that people
Were coloured...that's not right
Chinese folks were yellow
And I was known as white
A man born in Africa
Was black...and that was it
Indians were known as red
That colour doesn't fit
But now...people are people
I think it's great ...don't you?
But I cannot help but wonder
Why is it I feel blue?

(spoken)
ready, set...here we go
time to start another show
Where we'll go...I do not know
God, I love to feel this buzz

The lights are on and I'm
Down to my last dime
I know that is time
To change direction

But, standing here on stage
Get's my blood hot and enraged
I'm not set to turn the page
And move along

I stand up here and sing my songs for you
I know that this is what I's born to do
I'll sing until this whole **** night is through
And then I'll have a drink and start again

My life is making music
I love playing for the crowds
I love to see them dancing
I love to have it loud
My world extends beyond me
From the left side to the right
As long as I've got music
I can stay and sing all night

I'm sorry that you're hurting darling
I wish that I could ease your pain
But, it's not something that I can do
Until we meet again

I'm standing at attention
Watching, knowing what you feel
As you struggle in your mind
To figure out if this is real

I love you and I'll be with you
Although I am buried here
There's other soldiers with me
They say there's nothing you should fear

Veterans from others wars
Who laid their life down on demand
Others, valiant women and men
Who followed country and command

As they fold my flag for you
You wipe away a tear
And smile up so bravely
There is nothing you should fear

I'm standing at attention
Watching silent with no sound
As the guns go off is sequence
And I'm lowered in the ground

I love you and I'll be with you
Although I am buried here
There's other soldiers with me
They say there's nothing you should fear

Veterans from others wars
Who laid their life down on demand
Others, valiant women and men
Who followed country and command

Remember what we always had
A bond that only death could break
As strong as any hurricane
That only love could make

I am standing at attention
Here, with veterans who went before
I know that we will meet again
I'll be waiting at the door


I love you and I'll be with you
Although I am buried here
There's other soldiers with me
They say there's nothing you should fear

Veterans from others wars
Who laid their life down on demand
Others, valiant women and men
Who followed country and command

Now be my strong brave soldier
Take a breath and count to ten
For I'll always be here with you
Until we meet again

Pumpkins carved and brightly lit
Children knocking at the door
Celebrate All Hallows Eve
With candy by the score

Somewhere on the moon you'll see
A shadow in the light
Celebrate All Hallows Eve
With spirits in the night

Don't let a black cat cross your path
It signifies bad luck
Celebrate All Hallows Eve
As the children run amuck

Avoid the haunted houses
Who knows what you may find
Celebrate All Hallows Eve
Keep the darkness far behind

Keep the werewolves howling
Let the ghosts and witches fly
Celebrate All Hallows Eve
And look for shadows in the sky

I think of people, gone now
And my eyes well up with tears
Memories come flooding out
As I time trip through the years

A New Years eve, a movie night
A Christmas Night with snow
A Birthday with a football game
And a car that wouldn't go

No music or a photograph
Nor a book or an old smell
Brought these pictures to my mind
but, the teardrops they just fell

People, friends and family
Some are here but many not
I don't know what woke these images
It may have been a random thought

Another year is almost done
More memories have gone by
I can't think of these things normally
But, today...I need not try

No triggers, set my mind aflame
But there's a sensory projection
All random, flowing freely through
My mind with no direction

It's better uncontrolled, I think
Seeing snippets of my history
I don't know what will come up next
It's a mental mind scape mystery

My eyes are full, my sleeve is wet
The tears are flowing hard
As I think of people who loved me
And I loved just as hard

I'm glad there was no trigger
And I went into this mind slip
I'm going to have a drink now
And toast my mental trip

It doesn't happen often
I can't explain it when it does
But, I am glad I lived this life of mine
And that it still gives me a buzz.

Every year things stay the same
Things have to be that way
We've done it since forever
And that's how it's gonna stay

The tree goes in the corner
Then the tinsel and the lights
Leaving it the same has stopped
So many, many, fights

The music never changes
The films we watch don't change
It's just a family tradition
Though it may seem kind of strange

In the hallway hangs the mistletoe
It's pinned up in the same place
It's where over perfumed aunties
Kiss and slobber on your face

The wreath hung on the front door
Has been fixed over the years
But, nothing has been added
Gran bought it way back when at Sears

The food, now we're talking
I'm surprised we aren't obese
With the butter and the crisco
And all the other types of grease

The women hit the kitchen
While the men all go and drink
For once the feast is finished
It's the mens turn at the sink

The younger ones do clean up
And they help to do the dishes
For as Uncle Leo said if they don't
They'll be swimming with the fishes

There's the same old conversation
About Christmas' long past
There's no talk of politicians
That get shut down fast

There's fewer there each Christmas
Time will wait for not one man
As the elders make their exits
We try the best we can

We try hard to get the dinner
The way grandma used to make
We make sure to put the money
In the dried out Christmas cake

But, as people leave the circle
They take their tradition to the grave
And each year it just gets harder
Knowing which ones we should save

So, as you gather round this Christmas
Sitting in the same position
Don't change a thing...not one thing
And remember it's tradition

The tree still in the corner
The men awaiting dinner's call
And a group of perfumed aunties
Set to kiss you in the hall

Merry Christmas

No time for your little games
Misplaced accusations
Best that I should just move on
Sayonorah....salutations

No time for the little snips
No time for all the crap
No time for all the snide remarks
No Time.....this is a wrap

No time for all your misplaced anger
No time for things you say
No time for all your Drama Mama
No Time...to stay and play

No time to work on what we're doing
No time to be a team
No time to hear your nasty comments
No time to hear you scream

No time to be your whipping post
No time to feel the sting
No time to be the one and only
No time to wear your ring

No time to live as we intended
No time to share in bed
No time to  wait until it's ended
No time to clear my head

No time to figure out the problem
No time to stick around
No time to bite my tongue again
No time for us is found

No time to be a perfect couple
No time to be a spouse
No time to spend one more minute
No time to sit and grouse

It's time for me to move on forward
It's time for this to end
It's time to say that this is over
It's time for me to mend.......

I remember it like yesterday
That night I saw you dance
You were alone, and I was watching
You had me in a trance

I was celebrating nothing
as you danced to the Bo-Deans
I knew I had to find out more
When I saw you in those jeans

It may as well be carved in stone
I'm never gonna change my mind
It's as good as done once I decide
I'm never gonna change my mind

We dated for a couple months
Marriage, well why not?
It was just the natural course of things
I didn't need a second thought

My friends kept working on me
Saying you're moving much too fast
She's nice but, do you know her
Are you sure that this will last?

It may as well be carved in stone
I'm never gonna change my mind
It's as good as done once I decide
I'm never gonna change my mind

Next in line, was having kids
That just made too much sense
And the the dog and the big house
with the old white picket fence

The rumours kept evolving
I just laughed at their attack
They said that you were cheating
That you had knifed me in the back

It may as well be carved in stone
I'm never gonna change my mind
It's as good as done once I decide
I'm never gonna change my mind

I chose not to believe it
You loved me, and I loved you
They were jealous we were happy
This was not what you would do

Then I caught you with our neighbor
You begged to stay, and I said no
I truly, once did love you
Now, it's time for you to go

It may as well be carved in stone
I'm never gonna change my mind
It's as good as done once I decide
I'm never gonna change my mind

You're never gonna change it
I'll never change my mind
It's set as hard as concrete
I'll never change my mind

Put away the paper, the ribbons and the bows
Put away the tinsel, the labels, keep the snow
A candle in the window, a wreath hung on the door
Just spending time together, that's what we need more

Running 'round the shopping malls for super, super deals
I hate the store congestion , I just hate how it feels
People running up the high street buying things they do not need
I don't know why at Christmas, our minds just turn to greed

We buy things that we do not use, or really even want
Things that die off in a closet, our future now to haunt
Gift cards that expire and books we will not read
When did we confuse our wants with what we need?

Just give me time alone with you sitting down to talk
Or an hour in the country taking the dog out for a walk
Christmas isn't shopping, showing love by who buys more
Christmas is spending time with loved ones, not something from a store

We need to help out others, and remember what Christmas means
Christmas is a time for sharing, not just buying brand new jeans
Until we learn to give the way that Jesus said we should
Then Christmas will be lacking, of what we all know to be good

So, even if this Christmas, you try to make a start
A simple thing to do is just to give something from your heart
Spend some time with someone who, you love and want to see
And if you find your way 'round here, you can spend some time with me.

Too **** drunk to play

I fell into a bottle
Four Presidents ago
looking for the hidden song
Just before a show

Once I thought I found it
I was in about half way
When I took the stage I found out
I was far too drunk to play

Every bottle has a song
somewhere deep inside
I haven't found one yet though
but, ****...i know I've tried

Each line upon my weary face
And scar upon my fingers
is the end result of searching for
the song that always lingers

If it isn't in one bottle
in the next it may be there
so for now, i'll just keep searching
for the song that isn't there

there's songs in other places too
too dark for me to go
some find songs inside a needle
those aren't songs I want to know

I come by my songs honestly
my scars show I've looked deep
But, when I'm almost there and see it
That's kinda when I fall asleep

when I'm sober, I can't find them
once I'm drinking, then I hear
The song calling from a bottle
I'm like an alcoholic seer

I know I'll find the right one
And it just may be today
I only hope I find it
Before I'm too **** drunk to play

I only hope I find it
Before I'm too **** drunk to play

I've been back
To where I came from
I've been back
To where I started out
I've been back
To where I came from
I've been back
To where I started out

Nothings changed
but, all is different
It's a place
I don't belong
Nothings changed
but, all is different
I just feel
that something's wrong


Trees are bigger
as expected
I see where I carved
my name
House is old
and been repainted
but, it just doesn't
feel the same

Play  the hand that you were dealt
Bet, the river or the flop
Play the hand that you were dealt
Life will tell you when to stop
You can't go back and do it over
Play the hand that you were dealt
Win or lose, the cards are over
Play the hand that you were dealt

Seeing places
long forgotten
of where you once held court
empty fields
and empty school yards
no longer home to sport

two lane roads
now four lane highways
a river long since dry
little stores
now parking places
built up as time went by

Play  the hand that you were dealt
Bet, the river or the flop
Play the hand that you were dealt
Life will tell you when to stop
You can't go back and do it over
Play the hand that you were dealt
Win or lose, the cards are over
Play the hand that you were dealt




cloudy skies
and ***** water
and trees that once stood tall
something's wrong
it's gotten hotter
and the trees are now a mall

picnic tables
by the beach
initials carved in hearts
beach is closed
with long forgotten
the initials in our hearts

Play  the hand that you were dealt
Bet, the river or the flop
Play the hand that you were dealt
Life will tell you when to stop
You can't go back and do it over
Play the hand that you were dealt
Win or lose, the cards are over
Play the hand that you were dealt

I can not sing songs, but I do
I used to not write, but who knew
So I sing and I write
And I do both every night
I can not sing songs, but I do

My voice is not good, but so what
It's the only **** voice that I've got
I sing what I know
I sing high and sing lo
My voice is not good, but so what?

I wish I wrote songs, but I can't
My poems mostly rhyme, and some rant
I can not write songs
But, I'll write all day long
I wish I wrote songs, but I can't

I can not play music, I just write
I don't write real deep, only light
I wish I could play
But, I can't so I say
I can not play music, I just write

I'm glad that you like what I share
I can't sing a song, but who cares
I'll feel like a ****
But, next stop....youtube
I hope you drop by...once I'm there!!!

Although I wished it different
It wasn't all that good
I'd been drinking pretty heavy
And I didn't have much wood

we fumbled in the back seat
I got her nickers past her knees
She leaned in close and whispered
Be gentle with me please

No pressure on this ******
I thought she knew her way around
Now, I'm drunk and she's all tensed up
I said "let's get outside upon the ground"

The cold air on my *******
Made things go from bad to worse
My ***** was a dead as
A corpse inside a hearse

so, I got on top and rode her
where I thought that other blokes had been
and after seven minutes riding
she asked me "is it in?"

A house that needs a cleaning
Gardens that need tending
Groceries for the larder
And a fence that needs some mending

Grass is nearly one foot high
The dog, he needs a walk
He's gotten just so overweight
But, who am I to talk

Donations to deliver
Things that need be done
A tree to trim a little
But no time to have fun

It takes up all of my spare time
It almost makes me dizzy
I've been retired seven years
And I've never been so busy

We were like brothers
forever
We are still even today
When he moved
We both parted angry
With one word we never did say

My grandpa was something
so special
He passed while I was away
I miss him and I want to tell him
The words I did not get to say

I know I won't see you forever
I'll think of you until I die
I know I'll remember the good times
But I wish I did say goodbye

We did most things
together
Where I went you were there too
My shadow, my little brother
I missed a lifetime with you

I grew up and moved onto
college
Got married and started life's play
I felt trapped and so dear we parted
I left you with one word to say

I know I won't see you forever,
I'll think of you until I die
I know I'll remember the good times
But I wish I did say goodbye

Life leads us in different
directions
Paths cross, and sometimes they end
Lovers, and brothers remembered
One goodbye, would still make us friends

Old wounds can always
reopen
Once opened they can be healed in some way
Remember the good in your lifetime
And the one word you just didn't say

I know I won't see you forever
I'll think of you until I die
I know I'll remember the good times
But I wish I did say goodbye

Baby, I don't know why I love you
I'm just caught up in your spell
I don't understand the magic
Maybe that is just as well

As long as we are both together
My heart will be always true
I don't understand exactly
How I ended up with you

If I could have just three wishes
I would wish to be with you
As long as that one wish was granted
I'd never need the other two

All I have is yours forever
You're the one who makes me whole
I don't understand the magic
That made me offer up my soul

Baby, you and I have something
No one else will ever get
I don't understand the magic
That caught this fish in your net

If I could have just three wishes
I would wish to be with you
As long as that one wish was granted
I'd never need the other two

If I could have just three wishes
I would wish to be with you
As long as that one wish was granted
I'd never need the other two

I'm sure the day will come
When you'll look back in time
And think of all the hearts you broke
And one of them was mine

You won't look back regretful
I'm sure you will not remember when
My heart was in your orbit
Along with those of other men

Broken hearts and empty beds
Are littered in your wake
You've done more damage than Katrina
And just for your own sake
You're nothing more than selfish
Although I used to love you so
I am grateful for the blessed day
That I grew up and made you go

Loneliness is awful
No one around as you age
You may still be an actress
But, you're the only one on stage

The character you're known for
Is a nasty one I fear
A heartbreaking shrew witch
to put it kindly dear

Broken hearts and empty beds
Are littered in your wake
You've done more damage than Katrina
And just for your own sake
You're nothing more than selfish
Although I used to love you so
I am grateful for the blessed day
That I grew up and made you go

I know men that once did love you
They are doing better now
There are more than I imagined
Stand on up and take a bow

Feelings of resentment
Not from this well mannered guy
I just thought I'd take a moment
To write this and say good bye

i can taste your lips
when we share a kiss
i feel your breath
and watch you
when we share a kiss
i hear your heart
stop beating
i can smell
you get excited
when we share a kiss

should i ever be left senseles
i will never ever miss
everything we ever had
when we shared that kiss

my mind will form a picture
of the lips that i shall miss
the touch of gentle sweetness
of when we shared a kiss

forever will i savor
the way your breath did slip
the gentle cherry flavour
that did linger on your lips

my mind will also linger
on the sight of your blue eyes
wide open as i kissed them
the silent whisper of your sighs

should i be rendered senseless
i will never ever miss
everything we ever shared
when we first shared a kiss

What do you expect from me?
Am I your entertaining clown?
Am I always supposed to clicked on
When your friends come around?
Am I here for your enjoyment?
Am I here to make you laugh?
Do you want me for my company?
Or am I just on your staff?
The light goes on, and I'm on stage
Regardless where we are
I'm the center of attention
I'm a bug trapped in your jar
When I'm quiet you ignore me
When I'm on, you're by my side
I am just another plaything
Being taken for a ride?
I'm funny when I need to be
But, that's by your request
I'm a puppet on your little stage
When I'm on, I'm at my best
I hide behind my greasepaint
Wearing masks through out the day
But, when the footlights shine
And I'm in front, that's when I come to play
Am I funny just to please you?
Or am I really pleasing me?
The doorbell rang, your friends are here
Another show for free.

I do not see a future world
Unless it is with you
I'm happy in the present though
Because it is with you
The love you show behind your eyes
Makes me love you more
Because you make me better
And that's what love is for

For better or worse
The two of us were told
No matter what he said from there
I had my *** of gold
Every year we celebrate
But, it is not just one day
Our marriage is worth celebrating
In so many different ways

Music brings back memories
Of places we have been
Of people we have been with
Of places we have seen
Each song a different vision
Of something from our past
And because of our musicianship
The visions will all last

The future music that we make
And the songs we have not sung
Are equal to the loudest choirs
And all the church bells that are rung
The love we have between us
Is a fire that won't die
For we always work together
To keep us we instead of I

I passed myself the other day

Walking down the street

Heading back from where I'd come

Just a mirage from excess heat

I knew where I was going

I was faced the other way

I was leaving for no reason

I was not prepared to stay

It seems my mind was wandering

And that is what I saw

Just a daydream for a second

As it snuck out my brains door

I focused and I stopped myself

Turned around and headed back

I enjoyed my time out wandering

But I'm glad I'm back on track

If you pass yourself while walking

It's okay for just a while

Just wave and say hello to you

You might answer with a smile

A little trip away at times

A daydream makes the day

As long as you come back from it

And you don't decide to stay

As long as you're out walking

When you pass you on the street

Just be thankful you're not driving

That would be a dangerous feat

Sometimes going backwards

Takes us where we want to go

Going backwards takes us forwards

To places we don't know

I passed myself the other day

I know that I had fun

I hope you pass yourself one day

And I'm not the only one.

Can  you see
Just what I see?
The things that make you you

Can you see
Just what I see?
Exactly as I do

Hidden right before you
Is a woman full of poise
But, you cannot find her in there
Hidden behind all the white noise

Name brands and faux labels
Do not show off who you are
No one cares who's name you wear
Or who designed your car

Do you see
Who I see?
Strong and full of class

Do you see
What   I  see?
Something special no one has

Strong, yet hiding in the shadows
Keeping distance from the world
A chrysalis hiding beauty
Waiting just to be unfurled

You are special and I know it
I want you to know it too
Do you see, what I see?
I can only hope you do

Do you know
What I know?
That you're perfect, yes you are

Do you know
What I know?
I am proud of who you are

I've had enough of winter
I've had enough of snow
I handle freezing weather
Just like an eskimo

My snowblower is finished
It's blown more than it should
It's blown more snow this winter
Than the whole **** neighborhood

Spring....when the hell you coming?
When will you be here?
I'll close my eyes and I might miss you
That is my biggest fear

Last summer we set records
With the **** oppressive heat
We did the same with snow this winter
We had nearly 7 feet!!

I saw some grass last Tuesday
But, by Wednesday it was lost
Buried by a fresh snow dumping
Preceeded by a sudden frost

The sidewalk plow has torn up
Ninety square feet of my lawn
I won't find all of the damage
Until all the snow is gone

I promise that next summer
I will not once complain
Because I'd rather have the heat way up
Than shovel snow...or pump out rain

Spring...when are you coming?
When will you be here?
I'll sleep with one eye open
So, I'll be up when you appear!!!

To truly love another
You first must love yourself...
Just don't do it in public !!!!

I remember growing up with Mum
I had so many "uncles'", though I don't remember one
She said that she loved us lots
though we really never knew
Just what was there for two young kids to do

Apartment blocks and trailer parks
these were home till rent was due
Then we pulled a runner in the night
Running off was nothing new
When times got tough we made a move
I don't think she really tried
She told us that she loved us lots
But deep down, I think she lied

I've been running on this road
Though I do not know what from
Something deep inside me keeps me
running on and on
I can not say just what it is
That leads me down this road
It's just something deep inside me
Something hidden, I don't know

Stepping over bottles in the living room
Stepping over bottles in the hall
Scorch marks on the old **** rug
Numbers written on the wall

An ashtray full of last nights dreams
The light is filtered through the haze
It's almost time to run again
I step through the bottle maze

I've been running on this road
Though I do not know what from
Something deep inside me keeps me
running on and on
I can not say just what it is
That leads me down this road
It's just something deep inside me
Something hidden, I don't know

One day I will find my way
But for now, I'm running hard
I still sleep with one eye open
My mind is always keeping guard

I remember broken bottles
And the dust lit by the sun
Scorch marks and the phone calls
It means it's nearly time to run

I've been running on this road
Though I do not know what from
Something deep inside me keeps me
running on and on
I can not say just what it is
That leads me down this road
It's just something deep inside me
Something hidden, I don't know

Went drinking alone at the tavern
all by myself drinking beer
When suddenly out on the dance floor
A denim clad angel appeared

I watched when she went to her table
Bought a beer and I asked to sit down
I mumbled some lame words of greeting
As I looked into her eyes deep and brown

she looked at me and said

you gotta do better than that boy
if you want me to follow you home
if that's the best that  you got boy
then you're gonna end up home alone
you've got to work harder to get me
i'm not one who falls for cheap lines
if that's all you've got then forget me
you need game or you're riding the pines

i made my way back to the barstool
ordered a beer and a shot
the bartender smiled and he said bud
you don't look like you did quite so hot

i smiled, and i ordered another
forgot all the cheap, cheesy lines
then i wandered on back to her table
i was giving off all the wrong signs

she looked at me and said

you gotta do better than that boy
if you want me to follow you home
if that's the best that  you got boy
then you're gonna end up home alone
you've got to work harder to get me
i'm not one who falls for cheap lines
if that's all you've got then forget me
you need game or you're riding the pines


i gave up and i went to my bar stool
maybe i should give up, she was right
then a redhead sat down right beside me
and she smiled, so it may be my night

i looked over and saw the girl watching
as i treated the girl with success
it was then that the first one came over
and that's when it became a big mess

she looked at me and said

i was ready to leave here  beside you
getting her was not what i meant
you've game to keep up my interest
you just missed on the signals i sent

and i said

baby, if you want to come with me
you had your chance twice, and you passed
i smiled at the red head beside me
and i said we should leave, and leave fast

we've been together for nearly a decade
and it started with one corny line
i smile when i think of her answer
it was almost as corny as mine

she looked at me and said

you've got to do better than that babe
if you expect me to leave on your arm
but, i've time to teach you the right way
and to be the one who may fall for your charm
i think that you have some potential
lose the lines and you'll improve your game
it was then that she grabbed my hand lightly
and it was then that she told me her name....

rural or urban
urban or rural
no matter who says it
it always sounds turrible

It came out all wrong
when joe biden tried it
tonight watching the news
our newscaster fried it

two little words
that everyone knows
say them together
your mouth sounds all froze

city or country
nor urban or rural
they both mean the same
But the second pair sounds turrible

Like Harry Chapin's Mr. Tanner
I live an uneventful life
I have a day job and a puppy
And a strong and loving wife
Mr Tanner was a cleaner
Who sang while pressing clothes
I , myself am nothing more
Than a man who's writing prose
His friends and neighbors
Praised the voice that came out from his throat
My friends do just the same for me
They all like what I've wrote
But, now I take the step
The one that Tanner took
I'm opening myself on up
I'm now sharing my book
My poems, they are my children
The characters are me
I hope that you enjoyed all this
At least the show was free
If you like what was read
And you'd like to hear more
Just look for me on facebook
For these poems aren't in the store
Now, I 've shared who I am
Like Mr. Tanner did before
Now it is time for me to leave
And I hope you're wanting more.

I first saw her on a Friday
Dinking beer and doing shots
And as I gave her the once over
I thought...******* she's hot
She showed me something that night
Something I know I ain't got
Something inside you
That can not be taught

I sent a drink to her
To just say hello
She left it alone
And she started to go
As she passed on by me
She said "I want you to know"
"that something worth having's"
"not just found at hello"

I was the hunter
At least that's what I thought
I found I was mistaken
I was the one that was caught
I chased this young woman
At least in my head
Chased her till she caught me
That was just what she said

I chased her till she caught me
I was the one that was caught
She'd turned my game on me
And that man...was hot
I thought that I had her
with a beer and a shot
I was the one being hunted
And I was the one that was caught

Don't think you are special
And that you know the game
Just what we are playing
They're playing the same
By the time you make contact
And set your sights on her
You're already in trouble
And you've taken her lure


I chased her till she caught me
I was the one that was caught
She'd turned my game on me
And that man...was hot
I thought that I had her
with a beer and a shot
I was the one being hunted
And I was the one that was caught

A child arrives today...
Unencumbered, new life in your world
No dreams yet, ideas, are still light years away
Your image of them has yet to be unfurled
Perfect, amusing, not knowing what's to come
No imprints have been made, a blank slate in your arms
You promise the world, to keep your child safe
Unknown situations set off your new alarms
Taking their world in, they look up wide eyed
The world that they see is one that you will shape
But now as you hold them, and watch them drift to sleep
This bundle of wonder makes your eyes go all agape
This child has changed you, it's already plain to see
You take in all you see, remember each moment as it goes
A blank slate, unpainted canvas, waiting to be formed
You see your mum's eyes, and also your father's nose
You're full of dreams and ambitions of  who this child will be
You have so much to tell them, a lifetime to be friends
Experiences are waiting, but now....they need to rest
You kiss your new child, your miracle...say Amen
There is one more  thing say....Welcome and Hello.

Heaven or Hell
Which way to go?
It's all up to you
Above or below

Do unto others
as they would to you
or Do unto others
Before they do you

Are you respectful?
Or are you a ****?
Your first impression
Is one that will stick

No one is perfect
We all try and try
But which way are you going
When it's your turn to die

Angels or Demons
Who shall open your door
Your reputation is tallied
Do you know your score?

An occasional prayer
Might wipe out one sin
But not if you're praying
That your team will win

Choices...so many
Go wrong or go right
Can determine if you
Will enter the light

I am not religious
But I know I'd choose
Which ever location
Has comfortable shoes!!!!

If I say I love you
Does that make me weak?
Am I stronger for not showing
Or is it better that I speak
I'm crazy when I'm with you
I'm crazy when I'm not
If I say I love you
Am I better off or not?

My mind is doing circles
My stomach feels the same
I don't know just what I'm feeling
Is it real or just a game
My body just can't figure
Which way that it should go
I'm sure the right direction
Is one my heart will know

I love you girl, like crazy
You know you tie me up in knots
I'm worse when I'm not with you
You control all of my thoughts
I love you girl, like crazy
I'm just a wreck when you're not here
I don't trust myself completely
I need to hold you, have you near