gentle dreams and simple truths -...

Gentle Dreams

And Simple Truths

Songs by

Keith Wayne Phillips

Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips

2

Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-

Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips

©2015- All rights reserved

ISBN-978-0-9919704-2-1

Quo Vadis Publishing

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-

Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips

Contents- Page

Introduction 9

Songs-

1) Troubled World 10

2) An Unfulfilled Dream 13

3) I Am Getting Older 15

4) A Question 17

5) I’ve Had Dreams 19

6) Be Alone 21

7) Francine’s Dreams 23

8) Feeding Time 26

9) I’ll Get By 29

10) To D.D. 31


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Songs continued- Page

11) I Was Born In Summer 33

12) I Knew A Girl 36

13) A Look At Christmas 39

14) Poem- Song For Darkness 41

15) Early Thought 42

16) Walkin’ To San Francisco 43

17) Where Are You Now? 46

18) Still Wondrin’ Why 48

19) Poem- To Claire 50

20) It’s April 52

21) Road To Freedom 54

22) The Songwriter 56

23) I Sing My Songs For You 59

24) If You Want To 61

25) To Sing My Song 63

26) Candle 65


5

27) Try To Love 67

28) While The World Goes By 69

29) Some Say 72

30) She Is The Reason 74

31) If I Were American 76

32) I Feel So Happy 77

33) I’ve Seen The World 79

34) Oh Blues 82

35) Biggest And The Best 84

36) Poem- Return To Dust 86

37) Poem- Gather 88

38) Steady Job 90

39) Dreams Are For Children 92

40) Got The Blues 94

41) Take A Look 95

42) I Am A Dreamer 98

43) Three Wise Men 100


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44) Seabirds 102

45) A Dream Called Freedom 105

46) I Was Not A Soldier 107

47) Wind Of Changes 110

48) A Stranger In Their Town 112

49) That I Would Marry You 114

50) Gentle Dreams And Simple Truths 116

51) To All The Women In The World 119

52) The House In Lower Mount Royal 123

53) Diamonds In The Dust 126

54) Since You Left Me Girl 128

55) Tiny Stars 130

56) I Guess You Wanted More 132

57) A Killing For Convenience 135

58) Sing Out A Song- 1976 137

59) 42nd Street-1976 139

60) Amongst The Grains Of Sand 142


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61) The Light Of The World 144

62) American Transcendentalists 146

63) The Road 148

64) Time 150

65) The Desert Storm 152

66) Hey There Young Lady (To Kobie) 154

67) Calling Out To You 156

68) Long Ago (In Underground Coffee Houses) 158

69) Lately- (We’re Living Together Alone) 161

70) All In All 164

71) The Questioning Song 166

72) Truth Is What We Are Seeking 169

73) Loving, Take Me Home 171

74) Moonlight On Still Waters 173

75) Blessed Trinity 175

76) I Won’t Be A River 177

77) I Don’t Know The Reason Why 179


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78) And I Don’t Think I’m Old Enough 181

79) The Apathy Song 183

80) Talkin’, Walkin’ And Hawkin’ 185

81) Walkin’ Around Cranbrook Blues 187

82) Poem- The Sandman 191

83) I’m All Alone/I Really Don’t Miss You 194

84) The Little Soldier 196

85) ‘Till The End Of Time 198

86) Take My Hand 201

87) I Don’t Need Nothin’ 204

88) We Landed Hard In Barcelona 207

89) I Have Found The Way 209

90) I Make My Promise Now 211

91) I Will Put My Life To Song 213

92) Let ‘Em Ride 215

93) And Now I Know That I Believe 217

94) Come Be My Light-(Mother Teresa’s Call) 219


9

Introduction-

I am a dreamer. Looking back, all that I remember are my dreams; both fulfilled and not; lofty and low; secret and shared. These visions kept me alive and led the way to adventure; and adventure led the way to Life. I cannot associate solely existing or surviving the day with living or Life. I know that I must progress; progress to know and then experience. I must cast aside my fear of losing what I have, what I am, and what I was and look forward to what I can be. I can imagine as much as may come true. My dreams can and will become my life.

So dream, imagine yourself as greater than you are. Know that you can become anything that you wish and you will then come alive in that dream; and it will become your life. You will be a dreamer, as am I, and together we will make our lives an adventure!

September 5, 1973


10

First Song- 1965 16 years old

Troubled World

I’m sittin’ here

Wondrin’ ‘bout another way

Do I really have to stay

In a Troubled World?

Seems to me

It’d be easier to run away.

A dream world’s not too far away

From a Troubled World.

So, come on there.

Sit up in the clouds with me.

Come and see what there’s to see

On a Troubled World.


11

People there,

Always sayin’ can’t ya hurry?

Haven’t got no time to worry

‘Bout a Troubled World.

Over there,

An army nears a jungle camp.

Wading through the cold and damp

Of a Troubled World.

Children care,

Will they get fed some other day?

Haven’t got too much to say

In a Troubled World.


12

Sacred cows

Bull their way throughout the streets

Knocking over what they meet

In a Troubled World

You and I,

We don’t really seem to care.

All we do is blindly stare

At a Troubled World

So come on there,

Come and run away with me.

Run so far, we cannot see

All this Troubled World.


13

Earlier Songs- 1965-1969

An Unfulfilled Dream

Sunday morning

On a winter’s day.

I’m out walking

The snows in my way.

Every winter the same old thing

Waiting for the Spring.

It gets so it’s lonesome here

Not doin’ anything.

Makes me wonder how it’s goin’ to be

In later years.

When I’m very old and grey

Will I shed a tear

At the dying of each summertime?


14

Will I last throughout the cold?

Will I die a little with each Fall

When I’m very old?

The Spring can revive a man

And set him on his feet.

But will it hide my old, old age

From the people that I meet?

No, one Fall this old man will die

Along with all the green.

And I’ll be covered with a blanket of snow;

An unfulfilled dream.


15

Earlier songs- 1965-1969

I Am Getting Older

Take these eyes and let me see

All that was created free.

That lives its’ life as it should be

For I am getting older

I am getting old.

Take these hands and let them touch

Nothing will be thought too much

For hands are tied when used as such

And I am getting older

I am getting old.


16

Chorus-

See, feel, touch and hear

All I want is to be freer

Emotions have been locked away

I want to set them free today.

Take these ears and let them hear

The sounds that man has heard for years

And then the sounds that may bring tears


I am getting old.

Take this heart and let it love

Make me believe in a peaceful dove

That brings down hope from up above


I am getting old.


17


A Question

Listen as the falling rain

Taps upon my mind

Beating out a melody;

A soft and moving rhyme.

It weaves a pattern carefully

Of thoughts and space and time

And leaves me wondering about the rain

And if these thoughts are mine.

Shimmering through the trembling leaves

The sun sends down its rays

To soothe and warm the human soul

On cold and dreary days.

Are these the bearers of the word


18

That somewhere someone stays

Watching everything that moves

Through the earth’s confusing maze.

Floating clouds, they block my sight

But I think that I can see

A power greater than us all;

He made the earth and sea.

But did He help to make the cannon?

Did He father greed?

And if He did, when this earth’s taken

Will He plant more seed?


19


I’ve Had Dreams

I’ve had dreams

I’ve had time

And now I know

The dreams weren’t mine,

They were my minds.

Floating on a cloud

High above the ground

Will I ever land at all?

Climbing on a hill

Getting very tired

Hoping that I will not fall.


20

Thinking about dreams

I’ve had before

Of going far away

I’ll dream no more.

Swimming in a lake

Moving very slowly

Will I ever reach the shore?

Fighting through the night

Blinded by the darkness

I think that I shall see no more.


21


Be Alone

Go and touch the sky my love, go and touch the sky

Go and touch the sky my love, go and touch the sky

And be alone, be alone, be alone, be alone.

Go and feel the dirt brown earth, go and feel the dirt

Go and feel the dirt brown earth, go and feel the dirt


Chorus-

The wonders of this earth and sea

And sky can just be seen

When you’re all alone and there’s no one

To tell you that you’re just a human being.


22

Go and taste the salty sea, go and taste the sea

Go and taste the salty sea, go and taste the sea


Lie down in the deep green grass, lie down in the grass

Lie down in the deep green grass, lie down in the grass


I have touched the sky my love, I have drank the sea

I have felt the dirt brown earth; lain in grass so green

And I’m alone, I’m alone, I’m alone, I’m alone.


23


Francine’s Dreams

Francine always dreams

Dreams that are unreal

Of fairy tales and full blown sails

And gods with winged heels.

Imagining a princess

With hair so gold and fair

Sugar cube within her hand

Will surely take her there.

She tastes the cube of sugar

And closes tight her eyes

Soon she’ll be away;

Away from a world despised

Soon she’ll be a princess


24

In a far off distant land

Soon she’ll meet a handsome prince

And hold him by the hand.

Her breath begins to falter

And she quivers with delight

Her medieval world of castles

Is entering her sight

But as she nears the castle walls

She knows something’s not right

For the castle seems so cold and damp

And dark as shadowed night.

Inside she sees a beggar

With hands so gnarled and dry

He looks at her with sorrowed eyes

He waits for life to die


25

And soon she realizes

She’s seen this all before

Far away in a newer world

In a country plagued with war.

Francine never dreams

Dreams that are unreal

Of fairy tales and full blown sails

And gods with winged heels.

She dreams of broken people

Who cannot reason war

And now she realizes that

She can’t escape no more.


26


Feeding Time

The rain is sifting down

Like flour into a pan

Running water wriggles past

Like fingers of a thin mans’ hand

And people with umbrellas

Go sulking down the street

Watching very carefully

For water on their feet.

And in the gap between two walls

Of two ancient hotels

Feathers flapping, beaks all gnashing,

Flashing eyes can tell

That the time is near for the seed of life


27

To feed their starving souls

And they wait in silent agony

For the hand that they all know.

An old man walking down the street;

He has gifts to bring.

Within his pocket lies the seed

To make his children sing

And with careful steps, he makes his way

On to his rendezvous.

And he hopes his children will be waiting

For his holy food.

He nears the place of meeting

And steps between the walls.

He holds the seed within his hand

And to his children calls


28

And a hundred strong, they dive together

On to his outstretched hand

And all peck hard at the holy food

And some peck at the man.

The holy food soon turns red;

Their manna is now spoiled

And off they fly to greener fields

Than another man has toiled

And the old man looks down at his hand

And sadly makes his way.

He is the God, they are His children

Another year, another time, but not today.


29


I’ll Get By

I’ve had dreams

I’ve had time

I have wandered

And I’ve roamed.

I’ve seen this country

With my own two eyes

There’s nothing there to call my own.

Chorus-

But it’s alright pa, don’t you worry

Don’t you even heave a sigh.

And it’s alright ma, don’t you worry,

I’ll close my eyes and I’ll get by.


30

I cannot be

The man I want to,

They won’t even let me try.

I tried so hard

To learn of living

But all I’ve learned

Is how to cry.

Chorus- then

All my hopes

Have slipped aside.

I’ve lost my strength;

I watch them die.

I’m so afraid

To just keep on livin’

But Lord I’m not afraid to die.


31

May 4, 1969 19 years old

To D.D.

Are you going far away, to

Leave your troubles far behind?

Listen to the voice inside;

You have got to use your mind.

Only lonely people go

Upon such distant journeys.

Never speaking anyway;

Everybody has that yearning.

Everybody needs a friend;

Do you think you’re the only

Individual that is lonely?


32

Sadness makes a female homely.

Listen to the voice inside you;

Open your heart to mankind.

Victory comes to those who live for

Every single moment of their lives.

Do you see the words I’m writing;

Are you going anyway?

Read again the lines before these.

Love can make you want to stay.

Everybody needs some freedom;

No one has his way.

Everybody needs a lover.

.Do your best to stay.


33

June 3, 1969 19 years old

I Was Born In Summer

A child is born

On a warm summer night.

With the aid of God

The child gains his sight.

And soon he’s taught

The wrong from the right,

And then the child grows older.

He’s sent to school

And he soon learns to hate

The fact that he’s different;

Destined by Fate.

Creative in mind,

But still second rate.


34


Turned out at last

His schooling is done.

He faces the world

But still he’s too young.

How could a child

Our businesses run?

Wait child until you are older.

He soon discovers

How different he thinks.

He’s not impressed

With fast cars, or mink.

To Dylan and Cohen

He wants to be linked.



35

He finds that he cannot

Live only on rhyme.

The meaning in life

Is losing to Time.

The hand in his pocket

Clutches a dime.

Starving can make a young man older.

He cannot return

To the false business line.

But no one will buy

His life’s work in rhyme.

Now he sits everyday

On a lone park bench crying.

And what can he do but get older?


36


I Knew A Girl

I knew a girl

I knew her quite well.

I used to share with her my time.

She had her hopes; I had mine.

Both of us knew

They would never entwine.

The meaning of words

You need not explain

To neither her, nor I.

We knew the meaning of telling the truth.

We knew the meaning

Of living a lie.


37

We used to sit

In a large darkened room

And Cohen passed away the time.

Sitting together; in two chairs, in silence.

Both of our moods;

A couplet of rhyme.

We used to walk

In a long darkened park.

Like the river we were free.

Never touching; just two friends together.

I understood her;

She understood me.


38

I knew a girl

I knew her quite well

I used to share with her my time.

She had her hopes; I had mine.

Both of us knew

They would never entwine.


39

December 1969 20 years old

A Look At Christmas

Bright colored lights

On sawed off trees

That you probably stole from my garden.

Bright tinted paper

Soon thrown away

Wrapped around gifts you’ve purchased or stolen.

Santa’s bring guns

To your little children

And teach them to shoot at the world.

You haven’t the time to talk to your children

So you purchase a Barbie to talk to your girl.


40

Chorus-

Where does Jesus fit in your Christmas?

I can’t see Him anywhere.

Where does Jesus fit in your Christmas?

I can’t see Him; do you care?

Bar stools are filled with

The spirits of Christmas.

All celebrate the holiday.

Turkeys are killed; people are starving.

But they’re in our prayers you all say.

A church of three hundred donates the money

To buy three turkeys for the poor.

Your generosity just overwhelms me.

How could you possibly give anymore?

Chorus- again


41

Early poem 20 years old

Song For Darkness

Darkness with your magic spell

Let your soul be seen

To this believer in your strength

Who knows that minds can be made

To see, to feel, to touch

More than they ever have before.

Let your blackness hide my clothes

And the objects around me.

They belong to another world

Not the world where mind meets mind

In holy union

To see, to feel, to touch

More than they ever have before.


42

Let the light of reason break your spell

But let none other.

Pamper me not with false emotions

That come and go as quickly as a smile.

I want to see, to feel, to touch

More than I ever have before.

If only in my dreams.

Early thought-

I am conscious of a world around me

But the world within me, escapes

My outward looking eyes.


43

March 1970 20 years old

Walkin’ To San Francisco

Walkin’ down the highway

Headed for the Bay

Got two thousand miles to go;

Still I’m on my way.

I’ve set my eyes on San Francisco

I’m goin’ to the Gate.

But now I thumb the passin’ cars

And now, I stand and wait.

Walkin’ past a prairie town

See the grass and grain.

Walk a million steps it seems

Still it looks the same.

I wonder if old San Francisco’s


44

Seen a Texas gate?

But now I thumb, the passin’ cars


Chorus-

Will you give a ride to a lonesome hobo man?

Will you give a ride to a lonesome hobo man?

Will you give a ride?

Wind has started blowin’ now

I try to stand upright.

Dust is blowin’ in my eyes

Tryin’ to block my sight

But I still dream of San Francisco

And the Golden Gate.

But now I thumb the passin’ cars



45

Funny how you see much more

Walkin’ on the road.

But it’s hard to make good time

With this heavy load.

But I’m still comin’ San Francisco

‘Though I may be late

For now I thumb the passin’ cars


Chorus- again


46

March, 1970 20 years old

Where Are You Now?

I knew a girl

And I thought that I could love her

And so she travelled far away.

She used to comfort me

When I was filled with sorrow.

Oh girl, I feel that way today.

Chorus-

Where are you now when I’m hurtin’ so bad?

How can you stay away when I feel so sad?

Where are you now when I need to have you near?

It’s not the pain but the darkness that I fear.


47

Made friends with a woman

And I knew I really loved her

But I knew that woman didn’t know.

She used to come with me

When I had to travel.

I just would ask her and she’ go.

Chorus- then

Soon heard of a God

And I thought that I could love Him

Because He promised to be near.

Well Lord I’m lonely now

Why do you stay away?

Is it my prayers you can’t hear?

Chorus-


48

March, 1970 20 years old

Still Wonderin’ Why

Every mornin’ on the run

Can’t even see the rising sun.

Got to run, got to fly

And I’m still wonderin’ why.

All we really need is love

They say He’ll send it from above.

What’s that I hear; it’s just a sigh


Chorus-

Tell a man you’ll try to be his friend.

Tell a God you think you may have sinned.

Knock on the door; He may let you in.


49

All you got to do is try.

People all agree to fight

For a cause they think is right.

Do they want to see me die?


People wanting to be free

But they’re trying not to see.

Bird that is blind, how can you fly?


Chorus-


50

Poem- March 27, 1970

To Claire

You’re here in my arms

So soft; so warm;

And so near.

It’s easy to get lost in your love.

A love so young;

And yet so old.

I’ve always known you in my dreams

And now; a dream come true.

All the world needed a girl like you

But you came to me.

And now I believe in miracles.


51

It’s funny how nice it feels

Just to hold you in a world

Of softness, and candlelight.

And then we kiss

With only the darkness looking on

And soon my mind is filled with new dreams

For tomorrow; and you;

And days we’ve yet to spend together.

I love you.


52

April, 1970 20 years old

It’s April

It’s April.

Feel the sun shinin’ down on me.

I’ve got no worries and I’m feelin’ free

Life is beautiful and I can see

It’s April.

It’s Springtime

Birds are coming back to find their mate

Some are early, but then some are late

Poor old early bird may have to wait.

It’s Springtime.


53

Chorus-

April comes but once a year

The rain seems to fall like heavenly tears

A time for going to the sun above

A time for peace; a time for love.

I’m happy

Can’t remember ever feelin’ blue

Ever since the day I first met you

I know I love you and you know it too.

I’m happy.

Chorus again


54

1970 20 years old

The Road To Freedom

Go to your true love;

Take her by the hand

Then journey off together

To find a place to stand.

And searching for the reason

You know she’ll understand

You’re looking for the road to freedom

In this, our promised land.

So you start off on your journey

You soon lose your way

No one wants to help you

“I wonder why?”, she’ll say



55

You know that she will see

That you’re looking for the road to freedom

And the chained despise the free.

Travelling makes you weary

People make you cry

She’ll want to give up so badly

But you tell her you’re still goin’ to try


She’ll know the reason why.

You’re looking for the road to freedom

Some peace before you die.


56

August 1970 21 years old

The Songwriter

He lies there in bed

Stares at the wall

Sees his guitar on the floor

On the desk where his pencil

And paper still lay

There’s a song that won’t live anymore.

His thoughts they are dying

His words, they keep trying to rhyme

But they stumble and stutter

And fall in the gutter

And flow down the river of Time.


57

Chorus-

And the songwriter waits and he wonders will he write anymore?

A girl, she is sleeping

She’s soft and she’s dreaming

Of a time when her lover will star.

Fairytale fancies of travelling the country,

She knows that they can’t be too far.

But the songwriter weeps

And he stares at his sheets of rhyme.

And he hopes she’ll still love him

When she finds dreaming of him

Can shatter the hopes in her mind.



58

He looks at her there

And tries to compare

The songs he now writes with before

They’re lacking in feeling

His thoughts they are reeling

They’re not making sense anymore.

And the harder he tries

The songs fill with lies, and fall.

And he sees that he’s changing

His life rearranging

But he doubts he can write

Through it all.



59

September 1970 21 years old

I Sing My Songs For You

Smokey haze around my eyes

As I gaze around my dreams

I try to clear the way for love

And know the songs I sing.

I take my guitar in my heart

And let the notes flow in

And wonder if you’ll come to me

When I play again.

And I,

I sing my songs for you

And hope you really like them.


60

Flowing liquid all around

People on the run

I try to sing my songs to those

Who came to have some fun

But I, I sing the songs of life

And some they may be sad

I hope you’ll try and listen as

I sing of dreams I’ve had.

And I,

I sing my songs for you

And hope you really like them.


61

Fall 1970 21 years old

If You Want To

If you want to you can sing my song

If you want to you can sing my song

I won’t mind if you want to sing along

Then everybody will be singin’ a song

Then everybody will be singin’ a song.

If you want to you can laugh sometime

If you want to you can laugh sometime

You needn’t wait until you hear a funny line.

Then everybody will be laughin’ sometime

Then everybody will be laughin’ sometime.

If you want to you can have my love

If you want to you can have my love


62

I won’t mind ‘cause I get it from above

Then everybody will be gettin’ some love

Then everybody will be gettin’ some love.

If you want to we can live in peace

If you want to we can live in peace

Pray every day to have the devil’s hand released

Then everybody will be livin’ in peace

Then everybody will be livin’ in peace.

If you want to we can share a friend

If you want to we can share a friend

His name is Jesus and He’ll be here ‘till the end

Then everybody will be sharin’ a friend

Then everybody will be sharin’ a friend.


63

December 1970 21 years old

To Sing My Song

Love was here

Love has gone.

I think she cared

Or am I wrong?

I need someone

To sing my song

I am here

You are there,

You sit and read

I sit and stare.

I need someone

Who says she cares.


64

I watched you come

I watched you go.

You said you cared

I said-“I know”

And now you’ve gone

I need you so.

Love was here

Love has gone

I think she cared

Or am I wrong?

I need someone

To sing my song.


65

January 1971 21 years old

Candle

Candle yellow burning bright

Say your prayers for me.

Take my mind up through your flame

Let me rise to lesser fame

Let the world forget my name

And sail away.

Take my heart and make it whole

Give my life a better goal.

Leave my body, take my soul

And sail away.


66

Leave the world a blackened shore

Let me leave to fight no more

Give the dream I’m living for

To sail away.

Candle yellow burning bright

Say your prayers for me

And make me free.


67

January 1971 21 years old

Try To Love

A girl you know is there

She’s at your side

You want to say you care

You try and try

You know no reason why


But it’s hard to give your love to her

You know she’ll make you cry.

But try, try; try to love,

To love her

A God you know is there

You know not why

He makes you want to share

You want to try


68



But it’s hard to share your love for Him

They know you’re goin’ to die.

But try, try; try to love,

To love Him

Your life you know is there

It’s right ahead

Your dreams you want to share

You’ve often said



But it’s hard to share your dreams with them

You know they’ll make them die.

But try, try; try to love

To love life.


69

February 1971 21 years old

While The World Goes By

I’ve seen the sun come risin’ now

I’ve seen it ridin’ high

I’ve often wondered if the world around me

Ever wondered why?

Sun comes up every morning

If we live or die

Takes a place in a worldly heaven

While the world goes by

While the world goes by.

Take a lesson, sing the sun a song

Maybe then it’ll let you come along.

I’ve seen some birds a flyin’ freely


70

Headin’ for the sky


Ever wondered why?

Never thinking where they’re going

Never question why

They take a place in a worldly heaven



Take a lesson, sing the birds a song

Maybe then they’ll let you come along.

I’ve seen some grass a-growin’ green now

A perfect place to lie


Ever wondered why?

See the grass and head a warning


71

We can live or die.

Take a place in a worldly heaven



Take a lesson, sing the grass a song

Maybe then it’ll let you come along.


72


Some Say

Some say I might have helped them

On their way

Some say I might have done some good

Some say they heard the words

I had to say

Some say they thought they understood.

But I’m still the man I set out to be

But I’m still the man I set out to free.

Some say they like the songs

I have to sing

Some say they only like the tune

Some say I’ve led a life, found many things


73

Some say I’ve led my life to ruin.



Some say they’ve learnt so much

Of life from me.

Some say I’ve dreamt so much away

Some say I’ve won the right

To being free

Some say I’ve lost the right to pray.




74


She Is The Reason

Softly she wakes me and shows me the day

Sun comes up rising, lighting the way

My world comes before me while sleepy I lay

Softly she wakes me and shows me the day.

There’s many a reason for living they say

There’s many a reason for wanting to stay

There’s many a reason for feeling this way

She is the reason I’m living today.

Walking beside me she’s learning with me

Smiling she shows me two buds on a tree

We know we are growing and learning to see

Walking beside me she’s learning with me.


75

There’s many a reason for learning they say



She is the reason I’m learning today.

Softly she comes to the bed where I lay

She tells me she cares in her own special way

And we hold each other as dreams come to stay

Softly she comes to the bed where I lay.

There’s many a reason for loving they say



She is the reason I’m loving today.


76

April 1971 21 years old

If I Were American

If I were American

I wouldn’t fire a killing gun

I wouldn’t rob a black man of his pride

I wouldn’t go to fight a war

I couldn’t find a reason for

But maybe God’ll tell me when I get

To the other side.

I’d grab my bag, hop my bike

I’d head for places that I thought that I would like

I’d grab my daydreams and bring them all along

And if by chance I met with you

I wouldn’t tell you what I thought you should do

I’d be so happy that we both

Could sing this song.


77

1972 22 years old

I Feel So Happy

Oh I feel so happy inside


Take the time to find yourself

Everywhere you go

But never let it get you down

Never let it show.



I’ve got a love from above

It’s never goin’ away

A worry comes, I start to hum


78

And then it fall away.



So walk along, sing a song

Everywhere you go

Let the world know that you’re happy

Got to let it show.




79

1972 22 years old

I’ve Seen The World

I’ve seen the world

I’ve held in my hands

All of the fighting I don’t understand

I’ve cried for the people

Lost in their rights

I’ve looked for a reason

They’ve lost in the fight

But I can’t go on crying this way

I’ll take all the sorrow

And lock it away


And lock it away

Then I’ll start living again.


80



All of the loving I don’t understand

But man, that was living

And I cried every night

I was so happy, I knew that I might

Keep on just lovin’ you and all of the world

And take all the sorrow

And lock it away

Take all the sorrow

And lock it away

Then I’ll keep on loving this way.


81



All the religions I don’t understand

I know there’s a God

I know that He’s near

But I live on loving, I can’t live on fear

And I can’t go on dying this way


And lock it away

Take all the sorrow

And lock it away

Then I’ll start praying again.


82


Oh Blues!

Oh Blues, I’ve come to you

Oh Blues, I‘ve come to you

You know the man, he said I can

Stop all this foolish war

So he sent all the guns, and dropped all the bombs

Now there ain’t no country no more



You know the man, he said we can

Gather ‘round and talk of peace

So they talked through the years as the people shed their tears

Waitin’ for the bombing to cease.


83



You know the man, he’s doin’ what he can

To keep his serenity

So he’s hiding in a house, keepin’ quiet as a mouse

He’s afraid of what he really might be.


Oh, Blues, I’ve come to you

You know the man, he said I am

Standin’ on the brink of peace

So the people voted in, the man and all his kin

Now they’re tryin’ to find some kind of release.




84


The Biggest And The Best

I went a walkin’ down a country lane

Saw all the flowers that I knew by name

Started up a singin’ out a simple rhyme

But I knew that all the flowers

Would be gone with time.

Work your ass off, all your life

Try to find a better wife

Save your money to buy a car

So you can show the world

Who you really are.

Build yourself a gut with beer

Turn up the set, ‘cause you’re tryin’ to hear


85

Tell your kids to go off to school

So the can show the world

They’re nobody’s fool.

Buy a house, pay twenty five years

Keep a smilin’ face as you hide away the tears

Play the game until you’re laid to rest

And they’ll maybe mark your grave

With the biggest and the best.

The same as all the rest

The biggest and the best.

I went a walkin’ down a country lane

Saw all the people that I knew by name

Started up a singin’ out a simple rhyme

But I knew that all the people

Would be gone with time.


86

1974 23 years old

Poem-Return To Dust!

Old black boots, scuffed from Life

Shuffle the worn grey over-coated man

Down the dust filled streets.

Return to dust!

His memories gained from youth

Keep his eyes cast downward, lest his

Dream filled eyes trouble those that he meets.

Return to dust!

And he’s shared his dreams with no one

For none would understand the reasons

Although at first he thought that they would

Return to dust!


87

For all around him

Crumbles into a concrete mass

Of greying dust upon the shoulders

Of the younger feet

And they’ve become as settled

At the window sill

As the old man is in the street.

Return to dust!


88

1974 24 years old

Poem-Gather

Gather all the prophets

Who tell their tales of doom

For the waiting vultures,

And set them free among the flying sparrows

And watch them change

And see them gather.

Gather all the masons

Who build their walls of strength

Around sheltered people

And let them play their trowels

In children’s sand hills




89

Gather all the old men

Who memorize their lives

To show some worth

And push them on to new adventures

With younger dreamers



And then gather all the children

And set them free.


90

1975 25 years old

Steady Job

You moved away from Eastside

And found a steady job

But now you find, you’ve got no time

So where do you go to now?

Chorus-Oh time for some, means time to walk

Time to be alone

It’s hard to find your inner mind

When you’ve got a steady job.

Your money comes on Fridays

Before it didn’t come

But still you find, you own no time

So where do you go to now?


91

Chorus-then

So work away your life and save

For that far off time

When you lose your age and you lose your pay

And you wonder where you go to now.

Chorus


92


Dreams Are For Children

Dreams are for children

Or those that are childlike

Coming as daydreams, with stillness in soft light

Or falling as visions, that come in the dark night

Dreams are for children like you.

Chorus-

Oh people who dream and love are few

So let us continue this way

Perhaps if we show them, we’ll change all the grownups

Before all the dreams go away.


93

Love is for children


You want to be near those

Who can share what they’re like

And yet still be a seeker, seeking some insight

Love is for children like you.

Chorus-then

Hope is for children


Hope for tomorrow, a small hope for all life

To grow with the seasons

To become all that they might

Hope is for children like you.

Chorus-


94


Got The Blues

Got the blues comin’ down on me

Got the blues comin’ down on me

If I don’t get some money

I ain’t never goin’ to be free.

This bottle of wine- hmmm-sure tastes fine

This bottle of wine- hmmm-sure tastes fine

I think about workin’

But I ain’t got no time.

Got holes in my pockets, holes in my shoes

Got holes in my pockets, holes in my shoes

I think about workin’

But I don’t want to pay no dues.


95


Take A Look

Take a look at your life

You can see that you’re changing

Where will it lead; what paths to follow

On the way- on the way?

Take a look at your friends

Are they one, or are they many?

I don’t care, we can share

What truth we know- what truth we know.


96

Chorus-

Take a look around you ‘though you’ve seen it all before

There are truths that have yet to be found

Take a look around you as the planets trace their paths

Universal laws unfold, as they spin around.

Take a look at the stars

They can tell where you’re going

Take a look at your life

Where has it gone – where had it gone?

Chorus- then

Now I don’t know much about me

But I know that I’m growing

And someday, through many lives

I’ll be home – I’ll be home.


97

Chorus- then

Let’s take a look at ourselves

And the values we’re maintaining

We fought to win, and now we’re losing

We’ll have to change – we’ll have to change.

Chorus


98


I Am A Dreamer

I am a dreamer

I’ve seen many dreams go by

I’ve seen many dreams come falling down

But my dreams are goin’ to teach me how to fly.

Chorus-

But only through my dreamin’

Will my dreams come true

And only through my songs will I see

And only through the thoughts

That I am writing down

Will the feelin’s that I’m feelin’ set me free

Will the feelin’s that I’m feelin’ set me free.


99

I am a singer

I love singing to the sky

I love singing when old friends gather ‘round

And the feelin’s that I’m singing make me cry.

Chorus-then

I am a writer

‘Though I rarely have the time

‘Though it’s hard for me to write words down

I need to share the memories that are mine.

Chorus-


100


Three Wise Men

Golan, a piper, a piper is he

Golan, a piper, a piper is he

He’s been ‘round this world before

You can see it in his eyes.

Golan, a piper, a piper is he.

Ronald, a brother, a brother is he

Ronald, a brother, a brother is he

He can preach his sermon now

From the words there on his sleeve

Ronald, a brother, a brother is he.


101

Franklin, a rebel, a rebel is he

Franklin, a rebel, a rebel is he

He’s the son of a holy man

Who was killed while on his knees

Franklin, a rebel, a rebel is he.


102


Seabirds

There’s a light in the window

And it shines like a seabird

As it flies in the sight of the sun

And its rays are ever reaching

Like the arms of a woman

Who waits alone for the coming of her man.

And she flies like a seabird in the day

And she soars in her freedom all the way

But the night time brings the memories of her pain.

In the day, she’s a seabird

In the day, she has freedom

In the night, she’s a woman all alone.


103

There’s a ship in the harbor

With its bow headed seaward

And it sails in the light of the moon

And it leaves with its canvas covered cargo

And a sailor watching seabirds

As they fly away too soon.

And he flies like a seabird in the day

And he soars in his freedom all the way

But the night time brings the memories of his pain

In the day, he’s a seabird

In the day, he has freedom

In the night, he’s a sailor all alone.


104

And they’ve left each other trying to be free

And they’ve left each other trying not to see

All the years they’ve spent together

Making promises forever

And they never thought they’d ever say

“Good-bye”.


105

May 1977 27 years old

A Dream Called Freedom

It was the old pursuit of a dream called freedom

That left me living in this room

With its single bed, with its wrought iron headboard

And candle lighting up the gloom.

There’s a desk, with books, of ink on paper

And faded dreams have traced the lines

There’s an old guitar, with note-filled songbooks;

Melodies of younger times.

Chorus-

Can I write a situation for every song I see?

Let’s raise a glass of wine to being free

There’s no need for a friend, for a friendship ends

But it’s nice that you could share this night with me.


106

When I was young, I left, for endless highways

I saw them leading from the night.

I’d read the books, heard the songs,

Of time swept travelers

Who soon were lost in all their rights.

Then the road became and endless reason

For all the questions of the day

And my songs were filled with dying seasons

And all the dreams had gone away.

Chorus- then

It was the old pursuit of a dream called freedom

That left me staring at the door

With its key-turned lock, and its time-turned handle

Holding out the thoughts of more.


107


I Was Not A Soldier

I was not a soldier

I was not a man

I was just a young boy

Holding mothers’ hand

Holding mothers’ hand, boys



Holding mothers’ hand.

I had heard of fighting

I had heard of war

I had heard of young men

Who would fight no more


108

Who would fight no more, boys

Who would fight no more

I had heard of young men

Who would fight no more.

Father got his orders

Father went to war

Father took to flying

He will fly no more

He will fly no more, boys

He will fly no more

Father took to flying

He will fly no more.


109

Now the war is over

Peace across the land

How I lost my father

I don’t understand.

I don’t understand, boys

I don’t understand

How I lost my father

I don’t understand.

I was not a soldier

I was not a man



Holding mothers’ hand, boys



Holding mothers’ hand.


110

October 23, 1987- ten years later- 38 years old

Wind Of Changes

I can feel it; hear it calling

Wind of changes, comes to me

Gather dreams up; hold them closely


I can smell the fires of burning bridges

In the wind

I see my life turning around a bend.

Coming closer; feel its spirit


Taking no “buts” for an answer


And I know that I can never go back in time again



111

Chorus-

I can feel the wind of changes

As it’s blowing over me

I can’t go back now; I must move on

I can’t fight the wind of changes

As it carries me along

I can’t be weak; I must be strong.

I can feel it; hear it calling


Gather dreams up; hold them closely


I can smell the fires of burning bridges

In the wind



112

October 24, 1987 38 years old

A Stranger In Their Town

With melton coat and collar high

He wanders down the street

His footsteps sound on walls around

From boots upon his feet.

His hat pulled low and his gait is slow

The rain is sifting down

And all he sees seem ill at ease

He’s a stranger in their town

A stranger in their town.

He makes his way through alleyways

He knows his way around

In a small café, he stops to stay

With a musical background.


113

He sits alone with a coffee close

And listens to the songs

The eyes he meets, all look away



He pays his bill while the songs play still,

He opens up the door.

He steps outside and in darkness hides

He needs to walk some more.

A saddened face, he leaves this place,

This cold and bitter town

And all he met, he’ll soon forget




114


That I Would Marry You

It was written there in stars above

That I would marry you

Each moment knew that with our love


And now this day has come to pass

A prophesy come true

Each heartbeat knew that given time


That I would marry you.

I knew from that first day we met


And all our friends among them bet



115


I make my vow to you

By stars above and all my love



And now we stand; I hold your hand


Our loved ones there behind us stand



I give my ring to you

Each movement knew our love would last

And I would marry you



116

April 28, 1988 38 years old

Gentle Dreams And Simple Truths

Take me through confessions

Of holding dreams inside

I can see the reasons now

Swallowing my pride.

Take me down a winding road

Where the sun refuses to shine

And I will show you dreams I’ve had

In the shadows of truth in my mind.

Take me by my fortunes

Show me right from wrong

Make me dance a waltzing step

Following my songs

Spinning ‘round, my weary eyes


117

Can only see what’s inside

Gentle dreams and simple truths

That time has taught me to hide.

Take me now, I’m willing

To try to love again

Lead me now, I’ll follow

I will be your friend

Ask me not to share the dreams

I keep locked away in my mind

For they will only tear apart

The love we’re beginning to find.

Take me through these lessons

Teach me worldly ways

I must learn acceptance

Gentle dreams don’t pay


118

I must learn to laugh with time

Through days that are all prearranged

Dreams may come, and dreams may go

But the world is unable to change.


119

July 28, 1988 39 years old

To All The Women In The World

To all the women in the world

Who walk the streets on lonely nights

Seeking meager compensation

For the hardships of their life

Your passionless behavior only serves

To prove men right

You’re an object of intentions and

A victim of their might

You’re and object of intentions

And a victim of his might

Your passionless behavior only serves

To prove him right

Seeking meager compensation

For the hardships in your life


120

You’re a woman of the world

Who walks the streets on lonely nights.


Who wait alone on weekend nights

Watching babies while their husbands

Go out seeking brighter lights

Reading books of sexual passion

While they dread the late night fights

You’re and object of intentions and

A victim of their might.



Reading books of sexual passion

While you dread the late night fights

Watching babies while your husband


121

Goes out seeking brighter lights


Who waits alone on weekend nights


Who sit in offices and type

Trying to please the men they work for

Wearing skirts a bit too tight

Having dreams that they’ll be cared for

By a white and shining knight


And a victim of their might.



Having dreams that you’ll be cared for

By a white and shining knight


122

Trying to please the man you work for

Wearing skirts a bit too tight


Who sits in offices and types.


123

February 10, 1989 39 years old

The House In Lower Mount Royal

In a three story house on the side of a hill

She lived on the upper floor

With a bay bedroom window, that faced to the east

All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal,

Her name was Joan.

Her possessions were few but her books were a-plenty

Her records were of a classical age

She lived in a room with fold-out bedding

All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal.


124

I have sat on her bed as she sat at her dresser

And watched in the mirror as she brushes her hair

Carefully combing, prepared for his coming


He is older than her my five years or more

I am younger than her by three times the same

And yet we were three friends

That shared alike daydreams


As the years carried on, I married another

While both of these friends watched from behind

They smile out at me from pictures in albums

Are they alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal?

Or all alone?


125

For twenty odd years I have pondered the question

Of how we are close and then drift away

Of how we can change; leaving the daydreams


Her name was Joan.


126

February 1989 39 years old

Diamonds In The Dust

Black is the night

Stars light up the sky

Each one- a tiny sparkle

Bringing dreams to life.

Black is my fathers’ face

As he takes me by the hand

This land is our true birthplace

Try to understand.


127

Chorus-

Black is this hole in the earth

Diamonds in the dust

We work our lives- placing starlight

On hands that lust

For diamonds made from dust.

Black is our source of power

We shall overcome

When all that sparkles is the starlight

We will know we’ve won.

Black is the night

Stars light up the sky

Each one- a tiny sparkle

Bringing dreams to life.


128


Since You’ve Left Me Girl

My world is falling down

Like raindrops on the ground

I spend my time just crying

Since you’ve left me girl.



You’ve taken all my hope

I’m trying hard to cope

I spend my time just sighing





129

Chorus-

Since you’ve left me, I can’t sleep

Struggling on my own

Planning dates that I won’t keep

‘Cause I’m all alone.

I’ll learn again to care

I’ll open up to share

I spend my time just trying

Since you’ve left me girl



Chorus-then





130


Tiny Stars

Chorus-Tiny stars, far above

Lead me to the one I love

Guide me through this chilly night

Lead me home by mornings’ light.

I’ve been like a river now

Flowing through my days

Following the easy paths

Being led astray.

I’ve been lost and I’ve been found

I’ve travelled all alone

But now I need a guiding light

To take me to my home- to my home.


131

Lead me to the mountains now

Help me learn to climb

Ever reaching higher ground

As the paths unwind.

Learning what I need to know

Travelling on my own



Chorus- then

Like a bird I want to fly

High without a sound

Leaving all my troubles there

Laying on the ground.

Heading through the darkness

As I fly alone




132


I Guess You Wanted More

Take my hand, I’ll lead you there

It’s just across the way

Follow me, I’ll show you where

A man like me can stay

A man like me can stay.

Just pass on through the doorway there

Never mind the drunks

They’ve got stories, just like mine

Of living out of trunks

Of living out of trunks.

Careful now, as you climb the stairs

There’re people comin’ down


133

Although it seems, it’s noisy here

We won’t make a sound

We won’t make a sound.

Now I have unlocked the door

Won’t you come on in?

Place your coat upon that chair

Would you like some gin?

Would you like some gin?

Never mind that old guitar

I haven’t played in years

It only brings back memories

Memories and tears

Memories and tears.


134

Never mind the books you see

They’re from another time

I used to write a poem or two

Now I can’t write a line

I can’t write a line.

I only want your company

We needn’t share the bed

I only need to hear some words

That someone else has said

That someone else has said.

Why are you pickin’ up your coat?

Headin’ for the door?

I never promised anything

I guess you wanted more

I guess you wanted more.


135

September 5, 1989 40 years old

A Killing For Convenience

There are reasons for conceiving

That each one of us must believe

The results of simple actions

In the tangled lives we lead.

The results of simple actions

May bring life that’s hard to face

A living, growing embryo

In a woman’s’ sheltered place.

When can life be beginning?

The moment we conceive

That if we left the life alone

It would someday live and breathe.


136

Her body has the shelter

His body has the seed

These facts of life will never change

‘Though different lives we lead.

The pattern of gestation

Is simply Natures’ way;

Preparing for eventual birth

On the appointed day.

Once begun; it shouldn’t end

The seed will soon awake

A killing for convenience

Would be a grave mistake.


137

Earlier songs found in my guitar case

Sing Out A Song-1976

I’ve had a good life, I can’t complain

Some troubles I’ve had, and they may come again

But now I feel happy and nothin’ seems wrong

So if you feel happy, please sing along.

Sing, sing, sing out a song


Oh, now I feel happy and nothin’ seems wrong

So if you feel happy, then please sing along.

I’ve got a good wife, I can’t complain

We’ve worked out some problems and we’ll do it again

I know I’m in love though, and nothin’ seems wrong

So if you’re in love, then please sing along.



138


I know I’m in love and nothin’ seems wrong

So if you’re in love, then please sing along.

I look to the future and know what it holds

Some questions may come with the answers not known

I know I’ve got hope though, and nothin’ seems wrong

So if you’ve got hope, then please sing along



I know I’ve got hope and nothin’ seems wrong

So if you got hope, then please sing along.


139

Earlier songs found in my guitar case

42nd Street-1976

I was walkin’ down 42nd street

I had nothin’ left to lose



Well I saw a pretty woman and said

“Hey babe, I got the blues”.

She said- “slow down there mister

There’s no need to hurry on”

She said- “slow down there mister

There’s no need to hurry on”

“if you got the money honey, come on

Let’s have some fun”.


140

I said- “Hey babe, you’re such a pretty woman

And I like your style”

I said- “Hey babe, you’re such a pretty woman

And I like your style”

“I’ve got lots of time and

I’d like to stay with you awhile”.

She said- “Hey babe, I think you’re forgettin’ something

Have you got the bread?”

She said- “Hey babe, I think you’re forgettin’ something

Have you got the bread?”

“All this talk about beauty, well

It ain’t goin’ to my head”.

I said-“we don’t need money, honey

And my wallet’s kind of low”

I said-“we don’t need money, honey


141

And my wallet’s kind of low”

She said- “Come up with the money, honey, or

No dough, no go!”

Well I was walkin’ down 42nd street



I had nothin’ left to lose.

Well I lost that pretty woman

And I still got the blues.


142

March 15, 1990 40 years old

Amongst The Grains Of Sand

The evening light is fading now

It fills my world with grey

Washing all the colors down

As blackness ends the day

Overhead, the starry night

Begins its peaceful reign

I walk alone through sands of time

And watch the waves again.

Chorus-

Heading on to nowhere

With no intended plan

Accepting Fortune where it lies

Amongst the grains of sand.


143

My footsteps mark a shallow path

They’ll soon be swept away

By crashing waves of endless haste

As Nature has its way.

My place is marked by where I stand

And this cannot be changed

I whirl around, ‘though standing still

The paths are prearranged.

Chorus- then

The waves of life will come and go

And then come back again

Be lifted up by sunny skies

And then return as rain

I’ll walk alone amongst mankind

As each one does the same

Accept my fortune as a gift

As I accept the game.


144

March 26, 1990 40 years old

The Light In The World

There’s a light in the world

Shining on all mankind

It was there at the first

And will remain for all time

And I won’t be afraid if I cannot see it shine

For it dwells in my soul; and in my heart;

And in my mind.

There are men in the fold

Who worship a God

That is different than mine

But it’s what they’ve been taught.

And I won’t be afraid if their words are not mine

Each plan will unfold at the end of all time.


145

We must live every day

As each scripture book says

For they’ll all become one

As the judgment brings death

And I won’t be afraid if the light shines on me

I have lived with the faith of a bird that is free.


146


American Transcendentalists*

He was a well-read man

Sitting home at night

Reading Emerson by one small shining light.

He believed in Character

And Compensation for ones’ worth

And so he wound up spending

One more Self-Reliant night -alone.

American Transcendentalist

american transcendentalist

He was a walking man

Seeking nature for the truth

Trying hard to simplify as Walden did Thoreau

He cast aside his need for love


147

And raised his eyes to the glaring sun above

And blinded by the many rays,

He wandered down the road- alone.


american transcendentalist

He was a witty man

Writing poems on Leaves of Grass

Stating thoughts that were not allowed

For many years to come

The people asked him not to write-

Shielding hands over younger eyes

And so he left the world despised

To write the naked truth- alone.


american transcendentalist.

*published in the Thoreau Society Bulletin-issue 281


148

December 1, 1990 41 years old

The Road

The road is for travelers seeking their freedom

Noting the truth as they make their way

Carrying burdens, previously purchased

Through worthy endeavor

Each moment of the day.

Each moment of the day.

The road is for dreamers following visions

Of temperate nature, soon led astray

Promising futures of unbridled freedom

Shackled by sellers

They’ve met on the way

They’ve met on the way.


149

Chorus-

The road is fire, burning desire

Dampened by earthly burdens

Bought by the buyer; sought by the buyer.

The road is for answers to all of the questions

Posed by the seekers; standing alone.

Hands raised in silence, begging for freedom

Wanting direction

Seeking their home.

Seeking their home.

Chorus again then-

The road is for travelers seeking their freedom

The road is for dreamers following visions

The road is for answers to all of the questions.


150

December 4, 1990 41 years old

Time

Time traces patterns

Moving in circles

Gathering dreams on the way.

Building on visions

Memories fading

Lost at the dawn of each day.

Moments are taken, stolen by seconds

Life’s running sands

Held in its’ hands.

Time teaches lessons

We must move forward

Nothing will stand in its way

Mountains are pebbles


151

Waiting for rivers

Knowing they’ll soon wash away.




Time waits for someone

Lost in the moment

Accepting Life as a game.

Always progressing

Never regressing

All we bring forth is our name.





152

January 23, 1991 41 years old

The Desert Storm

The Desert Storm’s awaiting; blue sky overhead

A newsman says that birds are flying

And wonders if they’ll soon be dead.

The “Forties” child is bent on fighting

And he leads his men to war

His mind is filled with days of glory

And comradery he’d felt before.

Each generation has its’ way of fighting wars

We memorize our books of history

But do we know what for?

The Desert Storm’s beginning; fire overhead

The missiles land on Arab towns

An unmanned bomb can’t count the dead.

The “Sixties” child was through with marching


153

And now he needs to march again

He gathers up his children

And calls for “brotherhood of men.”




The Desert Storm is ending; the sky is bloody red

Troops need reassuring

A camera’s eyes will count the dead.

The “Nineties” child reacts in wonder

At the images he sees

The Pentagon is playing arcade games

The victims aren’t allowed to bleed.





154

November 13, 1991 42 years old

Hey There Young Lady (To Kobie)

Hey there young lady who’s leaving her childhood

And now stands a woman, moving out on her own.

I am your father who was never prepared for

The hurt that I’m feeling; it cuts to the bone.

Hey there young lady who’s finding her own way

Please don’t reject the way that I see

I sought my own way; rejecting my parents,

And now twenty years later it happens to me.

Hey there young lady, I only want the best for you

I don’t want to dampen the fire inside

I don’t want to dampen the fire inside.


155

Hey there young lady, I know how you’re feeling

At twenty years old I was crazy inside

Overwhelmed by a world that I couldn’t quite fit in;

Overwhelmed by some feelings I kept trying to hide.

Hey there young lady, believe what I’m saying

It only gets better, there is nothing to fear

Each day as you struggle through your many battles

Remember your father will always be here

Remember your father will always be near.

Hey there young lady, I only want the best for you

I don’t want to dampen the fire inside

I don’t want to dampen the fire inside.


156


Calling Out To You

I can hear your voice call my name

It doesn’t need repeating

I can hear your lips softly say

Friendly words of greeting.

I can hear my voice calling out to you

Calling out to you; I love you too!

I can sense your thoughts come my way

Gentle souls are meeting

Even though the world is filled with hate

I sense love competing.

I can sense my thoughts calling out to you



157

Chorus-

Calling out to you

I can hear my voice calling out your name.

Calling out to you

I can sense my thoughts driving me insane

Calling out to you

I can feel my heart beating out for you


I can feel your heart close to mine

I can feel it beating

I can feel your love build inside

I know where it’s leading.

I can feel my heart calling out to you


Chorus again-


158


Long Ago In Underground Coffee Houses

Long ago in underground coffee houses

We would go to hear the music.

Sitting close; our coffee warming up the dreams

We’d come to share and set to music.

Where have those places all gone?

How could they all change?

Why have the poets stopped their writing?

When did it all become so strange?


We would go to hear the music

By candlelight; candles stuck in old wine jugs,

On checked cloths; we’d hear the music.



159






Long hair, flowing skirts and turtle-necks,

With books of poems we’d set to music.







Tortured souls would play their Martin 28

Singing written rhymes they’d set to music.


160








161


Lately – (We’re Living Together Alone)

Lately, I’m trying so hard to be right

I don’t mean to be wrong.

Lately, I’m trying to shed some new light

On what I’ve known all along.

Lately I find myself wishin’

That I was the light in your eyes

And lately I’m fearing

The fire has gone out of our lives.

Lately, I’m hoping you’ll want me again

Where has the time we loved gone?

Lately, I’m hating the silence of rooms

Knowing I’ll end up alone.

Lately I find myself hopin’


162

A time when we’re close will arrive


The fire had gone out of our lives.

Chorus-

Lately I sense you don’t need me

We’re living together alone.

Partner-less dancing, through days without touching

Not even hearing the song.

We’re living together- alone.

Lately, I’m wanting to go back in time

And capture days when we met.

Days that were filled with laughter and love

And none that were filled with regrets.

Lately I find myself dreamin’

That I feel your warmth at my side


163


The fire has gone out of our lives.

Chorus-

Lately I sense you don’t need me

We’re living together alone.

Partner-less dancing, through days without touching

Not even hearing the song.

We’re living together- alone.

Lately we’re living- together-alone.


164


All In All

There are roads that will refuse to wander

There are seasons that will not be named

There are winds that will not blow an answer

All in all, it’s just another game.


There are men that will not fight for freedom

There are souls that will not rise in pain

There are truths that will not bear repeating




165

Chorus-

All in all, it’s a simple life we’re leading

We are born and then we soon will die.

In between we will carry many burdens

All in all there is no reason why.

There are songs that do not have a meaning

There are poems that will render men insane

There are books that wise men won’t be reading



There are hours that seem to last forever

There are days where memories remain

There are times that are not really changing




166


The Questioning Song

Mary had a baby child, oh why, oh why?

To bring me life.

Mary had a baby child, oh why, oh why?

To bring me life.

Oh why? - to bring me life-

A Holy Child!

Mary had a baby child, oh why?

To bring me life.

Jesus spoke in parables, oh why, oh why?

To spread the Word.

Jesus spoke in parables, oh why, oh why?

To spread the Word.

Oh why? - to spread the Word-


167

A Holy Child!


To spread the Word.

Pilate sent Him to the cross, oh why, oh why?

That He might rise.

Pilate sent Him to the cross, oh why, oh why?

That He might rise.

Oh why? - that He might rise-

A Holy Child!


That He might rise.

And then they found an empty tomb, oh why, oh why?

To bring me Hope.

And then they found an empty tomb, oh why, oh why?

To bring me Hope.


168

Oh why? - to bring me Hope-

A Holy Child!


To bring me Hope.

And now He’s livin’ in my soul, oh why, oh why?

To give me Peace.

And now He’s livin’ in my soul, oh why, oh why?

To give me Peace.

Oh why? - to give me Peace-

A Holy Child!


To bring me Peace.


169


Truth Is What We Are Seeking

Truth is what we are seeking

Reaching out with open hands

Under guidance from each other

Thoughts we try to understand.

Hands encompass solemn moments

In the grasp of Times’ embrace

Sensing openness around us

Waiting for an eager face.

How can we progress much further?

And discover all we know?

Truth it seems has many answers


170

Waiting for the winds that blow.

Enter all with true compassion

Adding to your knowledge base

Reaching out to all around you

Empty thoughts of Time and Space.

Seeking strength amongst each other

Enter now this place of Peace

Excess thoughts will soon abandon

Kindred souls will find release.

In the quiet of these moments

No one will be sure of Grace

Give a gentle gift of knowledge

.Truth will find the human race.


171


Loving Take Me Home

I’ve been lost on roads to freedom

I’ve been found inside myself

I have lent my inspiration

I’ve received your hands of help.

Take me home, home.

Take me home, home.

I have opened eyes to loving

I have closed my mind to hate.

I’ve been in the mood for going

I’ve been out in time to wait.

Take me home, home.

Take me home, home.


172

Chorus-

Loving, take me home; loving take me home.

Loving, take me home; loving take me home.

I’ve been far away from darkness;

I’ve been close enough to see.

I have strength that keeps me thinking;

I am weak on bended knee.

Take me home, home.

Take me home, home.

I’ve been cold when I’ve been seeking

I have warmth to give to you

I’ve been numb to new emotions

I can feel your love is new.

Take me home, home.

Take me home, home.


173

August 15, 1994 45 years old

Moonlight On Still Waters

Moonlight on still waters

Shadows chasing fire light

Darkness tries to cover all I see

But I know you’ll be spending Life with me.

Darkness is pervading, but

Daybreak will be waiting

To bring enlightenment to me



174

Chorus-

I know you’ll be spending Life with me

I know we’ll be sharing our memories

And tonight as I sit by the fire and hold you

So close and so tenderly

I know you’ll be spending Life with me.

Days filled with frustration.

Time is wanting payment.

Dreams come, and then they fade away


Chorus again


175


Blessed Trinity

I was alone and you came to my open heart

And beckoned so softly- come with me!

I was alone and you came to my open door

And entering, called out- come with me!

You showed me love; you showed me love,

You showed me love.

I entered the world and walking down empty streets

You kept on repeating- come with me!

I entered the world and ‘though I was feeling lost

You guided by saying- come with me!

You showed me love; you showed me love

You showed me love.


176

And walking through Life I met many other souls

But you kept on calling- come with me!

And walking through Life I learned how to give and take

With your voice insisting- come with me!


You showed me love.

And now I await, comforted by your strength,

I hear in the distance- come with me!

And now I await; I am feeling no sense of alarm

As you keep on urging- come with me!


You showed me love.

Blessed Trinity, Blessed Trinity, Blessed Trinity.


177


I Won’t Be A River

I’ll wait, I won’t be leaving

I’ll bide my time

I’ll wait, I won’t be grieving

I know what’s mine.

And I, I won’t be a river

I won’t move on.


Flowing on and on.

I want your present daydreams

To match with mine

I want your living reasons

To mark my time.



178

I won’t move on.


Flowing on and on.

I’ll watch your twinkling starlight

Warm up my night

I’ll watch your soothing sunrays

Measure my sights.


I won’t move on.


Flowing on and on.


179


I Don’t Know The Reason Why

There are times when all is said and done

When I get tired of waiting

And I gather up my dreams

And venture down the road.

I know not where I will be heading

But I know I’ll be surviving

And I don’t know, I don’t know the reason why.

I have hope for the future

And I know it will be coming

Every step that I take upon its path; making me free.

And the burdens that I carry

Keep on falling down beside me



180

Chorus- Take the magic- of the moment

Hold it firmly in your hands.

And I see God in every atom of this world

And Grace within me

And I’m joined to all creation

As a link within its chain

And I see power and I see beauty

In all the faces there before me


So take my hand and I will guide you

Through the dawning days adventure

And we’ll gather up believers

With the enlightened steps we take

And those who follow will be freer

And will shine with power and glory



181


And I Don’t Think I’m Old Enough

I gather memories from the shelf

And lay them on the floor.

Scattered pictures measure off

Dreams I’ve had before.

I take a moment in my hands

And wonder if it’s mine

And I don’t think I’m old enough

To have gathered so much time.

I filter feelings from within

And leave them on display.

Ordered actions from without

Are left in disarray

I feel emotion in my heart


182



To have filtered love inside.

Chorus-We measure years in time we’ve spent

Circling the sun.

I measure life in moments

In tune with All and One.

I measure life through melodies;

I orchestrate the tunes.

Words, they come in harmony

Some are left in ruin.

I struggle with this poetry



To have measured up through rhyme.


183


The Apathy Song

He said now- “I gotta move my bed tonight.”

He said now- “I hope I don’t have another fight.”

He said now- “I need a blanket to keep me warm.”

He said now- “Some people think I’ve got a lot of charm.”

Chorus-

And I said- “Oh!” And I said- “Oh!”

And I said- “Oh!” And I said- “Oh!”

She said now- “I got a husband who’s been bad to me.”

She said now- “I hide the kids so they will not see.”

She said now-“Sometimes I hate it when I go back home.”

She said now- “Sometimes I wish I lived all alone.”


184

Chorus-then

They said now- “There’re people starvin’ in some far off land.”

They said now- “We better organize and lend a hand.”

They said now- “There’re people dyin’ by the thousands there.”

They said now- “There’re goin’ to think that the rich don’t care.”

Chorus- then

You said now- “We’ve all been looking for a better life.”

You said now-“We can’t be bothered with what’s wrong or right.”

You said now- “we can’t feel guilty ‘cause we got no say.”

You said now- “just blame the government and go your way.”

Chorus again.


185


Talking, Walking and Hawking

I’ve been talking

I’ve wagged my silver tongue on many a topic

I’ve strung wisdom pearls on views myopic

While I made my point.

I’ve been talking

I’ve stated my piece on many a war that was calling

I’ve reinforced my stance that society is falling

While I aired my views.

Chorus-

But now I seek to understand

And then to be understood.

I stand quietly now, knowing that all that is good

Will come to me; will come to me.


186

I’ve been walking

I’ve stepped over many a line that tried halting

And discovered many a find that was faulting

The way that I lived.

I’ve been walking

Pushing my way through days full of seasons

Carrying my burden of a bag full of reasons

That I had to give.

I’ve been hawking

Selling my wares to those that would buy them

Giving incentives to keep on believing when

They began to lose faith.

I’ve been hawking

Leading troops while we tried to force changes

Engaged in a battle for freedom that ranges

From run to wait; from love to hate.


187


Walkin’ Around Cranbrook Blues

Chorus-

I’ve been walkin’ ‘round Cranbrook

A singin’ this song


Why don’t you sing along?


Singin’ the Cranbrook blues.

I’ve been walkin’ down Baker Street

Lookin’ for a bar.


Lookin’ for a bar.




188

Talkin’-

When I first came out to Cranbrook in December I said to myself- “Man, they’ve got a lot of snow- it must be ten feet high, and I don’t exaggerate! How’s a guy like me supposed to walk around after he’s been to the bar?- a singin’ this song?”

Chorus- then

I’ve been walkin’ down Van Horne

Listenin’ to the trains.


Listenin’ to the trains.



Talkin’-

Yeah, my home away from home is the Sandman Inn. It’s pretty close to the railroad tracks, then again, everything in Cranbrook is pretty close to the railroad tracks! When a train comes the windows rattle- the floor creaks- the bed shakes- the T.V. goes fuzzy. I think that you can tell that I barely even notice those trains


189

anymore!

Chorus- then

I’ve been walkin’ down the Strip

Why can’t they plant a tree?

I’ve been walkin’ down the Strip

Why can’t they plant a tree?

I’ve been walking down the Strip


Talkin’-

Remember all that snow that I was talkin’ about? Well on the Strip they piled it on the sidewalk- at least I think that it was the sidewalk! Anyway, so I had to walk on the road. Now it may have just been my imagination, but it seemed to me that those guys in pickup trucks- with a skidoo on the back- with a hat that says-“Kokanee” on the front- were tryin’ to run me down! –while I was singin’ this song.

Chorus- then

Talkin’-

I turned on the T.V. and watched a city council meeting.


190

At first I thought that I was watching a scene from that movie- you know the one- the one called “Grumpy Old Men”- but it wasn’t that movie. Anyway, those men were trying to figure out what to do with all that snow. And they talked for hours and hours and I don’t think that they ever did figure out where to put all that snow- ‘cause it sure stayed around here a hell of a long time!

Chorus- then

Talkin’-

You know, ever since I came out here somethin’ has been botherin’ me. North doesn’t seem to be North; South doesn’t seem to be South; East doesn’t seem to be East; and West doesn’t seem to be West! Who the hell set this town up?

But I’ve grown to like Cranbrook. I’m goin’ to buy myself a house- on high ground- away from the railroad tracks. I’m goin’ to buy myself a pickup truck- and a skidoo- and a hat that says-“Kokanee”on the front, and I’m goin’ to be alright! And I won’t be needin’ to sing this song- you know the one- the one that goes like this---

Chorus again-


191


Poem-The Sandman

I’m sitting in this hotel room-

A bottle of wine half finished.

It’s ten o’clock and I’ll be sleeping soon

If I’m not already.

I’ve taken off my glasses

So that I can see much better

And closely examine the words

On the page.

The television talks to me

But I’m not listening-

Hearing the hum of the various topics

But not really taking it in.

I marvel at the words as they

Flow from my pen.


192

An inner beauty emerges in script;

Expressions of belief.

How do we tell others of

What we are feeling

Except by words spoken

Or written in rhyme?

We each have a gift

That must be expressed.

We can’t keep it suppressed

If we are truly alive.

I feel the vibration

Of a train as it passes.

I pulse with the movement

Of dreams I express.

Others enfold me and hold me

In abeyance-

Not wanting my visions


193

Nor needing my presence.

I miss you; your room

Full of bustling and cleaning

And exact organization.

I’m organized, but lonely;

No one to distract me

From my precious thoughts

And recurring visions.

We’ll be together soon

And I may be losing

Some part of myself

But gaining that of another.

-the Sandman Inn-Cranbrook


194


I’m All Alone/I Really Don’t Miss You

I’m all alone and I am reading

I fill my head with empty words

The thoughts between the lines

May be misleading.

The more I read my vision’s getting worse.

Chorus-

I really don’t like you baby

I really don’t need you hangin’ around

I really don’t miss your loving arms

Holding me tightly; holding me tightly.

I’m all alone and I am walking

I watch the lovers kissing in the park


195

The tavern light is soothing and inviting

I sit alone and drink long after dark.

Chorus- then

I’m all alone and I am waiting

I watch the telephone but it doesn’t ring.

The chords on my guitar are melancholy

The words to all our songs I can’t even sing.

Chorus again- then

I’m all alone, I really don’t miss you

I’m all alone, I really don’t miss you.


196


The Little Soldier

See my weary eyes and scream my name out loud

I’m a soldier, who longs to hear you talk.

See my weary eyes and drag me to my feet

I’m a soldier who needs to learn to walk.

See my weary eyes and open up the door

I’m a soldier who needs a loving home.

See my weary eyes and hold me in your arms

I’m a soldier who cannot be alone.

Chorus-See my weary eyes that cry

See my weary eyes that try

To understand as days go by

Why we need to fight.


197

See my weary eyes and try to understand

I’m a soldier who needs to have you near.

See my weary eyes and take me by the hand

I’m a soldier who cannot live in fear.

See my weary eyes and even though I’m young

I’m a soldier who’s learning how to fight.

See my weary eyes and know that as your child

I’m a soldier who knows that it’s not right.

Chorus- then

See my weary eyes and know I need your love

I’m a soldier who’s reaching out to you

See my weary eyes and call an end to war

I’m a soldier who wants to start anew.


198

August 31, 1998 49 years old

‘Till The End Of Time

Some people out there keep on askin’ me

How can you dare to dream?

There are so many illusions out there

Things; they are not what they seem.

But I say, I’ll keep on dreamin’ ‘till the end of time

I’ll keep on dreamin’ ‘till the end of time.


How can you dare to love?

There are so many broken hearted people out there;

More than the stars above.

But I say, I’ll keep on lovin’ ‘till the end of time

I’ll keep on lovin’ ‘till the end of time.


199

Chorus-

Keep on dreamin’; keep on lovin’; keep on hopin’

As your paths unwind.

Keep on dreamin’; keep on lovin’; keep on hopin’

‘Till the end of time.


How can you dare to hope?

The world is filled with so much complexity

It’s getting hard to cope.

But I say, I’ll keep on hopin’ ‘till the end of time

I’ll keep on hopin’ ‘till the end of time.


Why did you write this song?

The words are pretty simple now and

We’ve been asked to sing along


200

And I say, I’ll keep on singin’ ‘till the end of time

I’ll keep on singin’ ‘till the end of time.

Chorus again.


201


Take My Hand

He sits across from her in a small town coffee shop

And gazes out the window,

As she says she’s leaving him.

He places a tarnished spoon into an empty cup

And stirs away at nothing

And then he says to her.

Chorus-You say that you love somebody,

Well I don’t understand

How you can give your love to another man.

You say that you need somebody

To take you by the hand.

Well my hand’s reaching out as far as it can

Take my hand.


202

He looks away from her as the waitress comes to say-

“How are ya doin’?”

And he says that they’re doin’ fine.

She pours some coffee back into

His waiting coffee cup and then she walks away

As he says again-

Chorus- then

He lifts the cup and tries a sip

And watches as a tear flows down her cheek

And it’s tasting bitter.

He puts it down, and grabs the cheque

And looks at what he owes

And it’s come to this

As he says again-


203

Chorus then-

She’s standing up; she grabs her coat

And she’s headin’ for the door

And he’s left scramblin’

With a hand full of pocket change.

And the coffee that was once so hot

Is starting to turn cold

And he’s left thinking about all he said to her-

Chorus


204

May 2001 51 years old

I Don’t Need Nothin’

Chorus-

I don’t need nothin’ ‘cause I already have.

I don’t need nothin’ ‘cause I already have.

Got a wife who loves me-

Got three children too.

Got a wife who loves me

And my three children love me too.

Chorus- then

Got a house with a view of the ocean

That I cannot believe.

Got a house with a view of the ocean;

Winchelsea Islands there before me.


205

Chorus- then

Got a job and I make big bucks

And I love what I do.

Got a job and I make big bucks

And I love what I do.

Chorus- then

Got some friends and they come to see me

And we share a bottle of wine.

Got some friends and they come to see me

And we share a bottle of wine.

Chorus- then

I’ve got a guitar and I write some songs;

I get to sing to people like you.

I’ve got a guitar and I write some songs;

I get to sing to people like you.


206

Chorus- then

Every day is a blessing, said the busker on the street.

Every day is a blessing, said the busker on the street.

Chorus again.


207


We Landed Hard In Barcelona

We landed hard in Barcelona

And headed for our hotel.

Dropped our bags and walked down to La Rambla

It’s after midnight and they’re still raisin’ hell.

Chorus-

The Spanish girls, they hurry on by

Smokin’ their cigarettes.

We’ve tried every Spanish wine that they have to offer

But we still ain’t got drunk yet.


Saw a Gaudi church touch the sky

It has twelve towers for the Apostles


208

Awaiting Christ’s tower- twice as high.

Chorus- then


Met a man standing all alone

He said- “My passport says that I’m Spanish

But Catalonia is my home.

Chorus- then


Saw Columbus starin’ out to sea

The Mediterranean is bluer than I thought

And the cork that stops my wine grows on small trees.

Chorus again.


209


I Have Found The Way

See the young man standing there

He’s calling, wanting, striving, needing.

He’s been lost on many roads before.

Now he’s standing at the crossroads

Searching, seeking, crying, pleading.

He can’t seem to wander anymore.

Chorus-

There are many roads to follow

We all see them everyday

There are many dreams to hope for

I can tell you now, I have found the Way.


210

See the young girl laying there

She’s dreaming, hoping, planning, sighing.

She’s tried to love in lonely times before.

She has dreamt so many times of

Caring, loving , holding, giving.

But she can’t find the one that she’ll adore.

Chorus- then

Read again about the One

Who came here- preaching, healing, bleeding.

He only asked that we would follow Him.

There is no other path that will give our lives

This promise.

He died for us so that we might live again.

Chorus


211


I Make My Promise Now-

(Arden and Bobby’s Wedding Song)

I see your hope filled eyes through mine

And all the love you’re holding

Through faith each day I know we’ll find

Our dreams in life unfolding.

I know, I am truly grateful

I know, I feel truly loved now.

Chorus-

Holding hands we’ll walk together

Side by side, in love forever

I will live my life with you

I make my promise now.


212

Say your promise to me now

You will always care for me

Yes, in sickness and in health

You will always love me.



Chorus- then

Holding hands; we’ll walk along

Through many life adventures

In times of trial, we’ll find we’re strong.

The gift of love, we’ll treasure.



Chorus again.


213


I Will Put My Life To Song

I won’t leave my chance to fortune now

And I won’t leave my love to fate.

I won’t let my strength be bound in chains

And I won’t fear enough to wait.

Chorus-I will move slowly now,

But I will move on.

I will not rest on prior gains

And I will put my life to song.

I won’t let my gift of days go by

And I won’t waste another dime

I won’t try to follow easy paths

And I won’t waste away my time.


214

Chorus- then

I am grateful for the gifts I have

And I won’t squander them away

I know that these are all gifts from God

And I am thankful when I pray.

Chorus- then

Each note becomes a melody

Each word becomes a song

Each chord becomes a symphony

As I try to sing along.


215


Let ‘Em Ride

I don’t make my livin’ easy

I don’t make my livin’ hard

I don’t make my livin’ usin’ anything

That I didn’t already have from the start

So take those dice, and throw them down

And let ‘em ride.

I’ve been walkin’ down the middle road

Right and wrong on either side

I ain’t carryin’ a heavy load

I’ve got nothin’ to hide.


And let ‘em ride.


216

You may think that I’m a cultured man

You may think that I’m a helpin’ hand

You may think I’ve got a lot to lose

You may think I’ve got a right to choose.


And let ‘em ride.

I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout a better life

I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout an end to strife.

I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout my gamblin’ ways

I’ve been thinkin’, I should start to pray.

Yeah, take those prayers and send them up

And let ‘em ride.

First verse again


217


And Now I Know That I Believe

I was lost but now I’m found

I had wandered off alone

Many years passed by, with many wasted days

I was lost but now I’m found.

I was old but now I’m new

I had travelled many ways

I was standing firm, but now I bend my knees

I was old but now I’m new.

Chorus-

I was lost but now I’m found, and now I see,

And now hear and now I know that I believe.


218

I was blind but now I see

I had closed my eyes to God

I had seen the light but then I closed my eyes

I was blind but now I see.

I was deaf but now I hear

I had closed my mind to Grace

I had heard the Word but let it slip away

I was deaf but now I hear.

Chorus-again


219

June 2008 58 years old

Come Be My Light-(Mother Teresa’s Call)

Come be my light, He asks of me.

Come show them how they can serve me.

Come be my hands; teach them to love.

Give them my peace, I send from above.

But I am so small, how can I serve?

How can I give all You deserve?

What can I do, where do I start?

How can I love with all of my heart?

He answers me- look in the street.

I am there in all that you meet.

Lift up the poor; look in their eyes

There you will see Me in disguise.


220

But I am so small, how can I serve?

How can I give all you deserve?

What can I do, where do I start?

How can I love with all of my heart?

Come every day, fall on your knees.

I’ll give you strength, all that you need.

Then go out and serve all those you see

As you serve them, you are serving Me.

I am so small, but I will serve.

I’ll try to give all You deserve.

All that I do, all that I start

I’ll do out of love for Your precious heart.

gentle dreams and simple truths -...

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