The Dance

Every morning I wake with the same old scene
Looking at this world through a velvet screen
Snow angels in bed and slide my feet to the floor
Wipe away seeds of monotony galore

Pour hot java and view life on the net
But never the day do I have regret
Cause each one I face is rich with chance
That receding finish line called romance

Too many years mired in the muck
Eden disappears and says what the fuck?
Took a long time to be the right fellow
To ride the wave and embrace the mellow

But now chucked away like a pair of holy shorts
Followed the path straight to the courts
Did it the right way in spite of the bitch
My heart and soul kept me more than rich

So for those of you who are about to choose
And they all say you have nothing to lose
Take your time and think it through
Forget the pretense and always be true

Family

I’m not sure when I started to think about my life being more than just the next party. I don’t know when I first learned that my parents were wise and experienced and not boring and un-cool. But I’ve always known in one form or another, the importance of family.

For as long as I can remember, I was surrounded by a big family. Between our cousins and friends, the house was never empty. Never…ever. To this day, I still get up at 5 o’clock in the morning because when I was young that was the only time I could watch what I wanted on TV. Of course my only choices were Gumby and Davey and Goliath, but I was glad to have it.

Family, through all the holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, there was family. Through all the fender benders, unscheduled tours of the country and the extremely rare, but innocently misguided damage, there was family.

Now I remember those years, when we watched the first TV families. There was the ultra patient parent that sent their child to his room for a compassionate “talking to” and the golden child, who learned their lesson and became the pillar of the community. It was the perfect home where the only purpose for a belt, was to hold up your pants. And then, there is our family.

Some of you may look at our family from the outside and wonder how we manage to stay so loyal to each other? I have no idea. We rarely see each other and I know there are other families that see each other more than we even call! These families eat dinner together on a regular basis, go on vacations together, and even buy houses on the same block. You know who you are. And then there is our family.

I remember being an energetic child, which frequently got me into trouble. After one such event, I remember galloping into the house with my “head in the clouds” as usual and was greeted by Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Cleaver and Mrs. Huxtable all rolled into one. To most people, my mom was a sweet and generous soul and would be there for anyone including a stranger in need. Unfortunately, when a neighbor calls the house and informs your mom that her son just destroyed their personal property, Mrs. Cleaver turns into Miss Demeanor.

Family. When friends drift away, there is family. When your personality has chased all acquaintances into the night, there is family.

I don’t know if all of us in the family grew up with the same sense of independence or whether it was the master plan from our parents, but it has been a positive influence in my life. I believe we are loving, warm, and generous people. I believe that if you need us for anything, we will be there. Need a loan? Just ask. Need a place to stay? Come on over. We will be there for you whenever you need us. Just don’t call after 8PM.

They are there for the holidays and the special days, and these days are special and photographically important because of our families. All the stories told at these events are what shape our personalities and define us as family.

Each of you have stories that are told time and time again while sitting around the table, with football on the TV and music surrounding the delicious scent of family. Our memories are full of these times of love, laughter, and happiness, but with all the commercialism, cynicisms and other isms, the only thing that keeps us from being pulled into the mechanical world of life is the warm embrace of family.

All of our family are here today physically and spiritually to celebrate this special day. Our brothers, sisters, parents, cousins, and friends have come here today to celebrate this new family.

These two beautiful people are bringing all those stories, traditions and love that they took from their family. So let’s celebrate this beautiful loving family of Frank and Pat Velez, because they carry with them everything that is special that they learned from their family.

Woodnick

On the steps of the north stands the lady of the wood
In the soft of the light in the meadow where she stood
Carrying with her the cradle of truth
Standing in the shadow of her beloved youth

I hid behind to watch her sleep
Stunned by the hush of her auburn weep
Breathless from her beauty and Donnyville smile
I craned to peek at the blend all the while

There have been many times when I thought way back
Reading of the book that painted it black
The leopard girl that stirred my drink
My Pinot sweet with her knowing wink

Thankfully You

What do you see when your eyes are closed
How do you feel with your heart exposed
Envelope my soul with your tender touch
Breathe for me,I love you so much

Think out loud and whisper discreetly
Radiant face with a smile so completely
Perpetually gracious, forever true
For every moment I thank you

You restored me from a distorted vision
Of a life headed on a course collision
I will never take it all for granted
My life that you have personally enchanted

So on this day of my special praise
I think very hard for just the right phrase
To wish you love with all my heart
The same as it was from the start

Chess Distress

Hopes in the mud, deception in the square
Too many little pieces, going nowhere
Opening moves, pressure from the side
Man with the crown, find a place to hide

Crazy little war, 32 implore
Millions of options, failure galore
L shape, diagonal, up and back
Trying to support my sneak attack

Start to doze off, on the black and white
Dreaming of moves in the middle of the night
Quaking, shaking and downright aching
The pieces laid out, just for the taking

The next morning comes, me without a clue
Staring at the board, eyes are all askew
Day after day, I stare at this spot
Chores on the list, I completely forgot

Inde Woman

Arrogantly reeking, barely a breath
Drones about nothing, chock full of Meth
Yawning and clocking does nothing but hurt
Wish we were bombed so I can hit the dirt

One by one they parade on by
I swore to my friends I would give it a try
I listen intently pretending to care
There’s only so much I can relate to her hair

I need a lover you read in the books
Who’s not too concerned with her precious good looks
She reads and laughs and loves red wine
Tears at the movies and curses divine

An inde woman with no the lingering crutch
Maybe it’s me who’s expecting too much
Likes baseball and a cool mountain hike
Expresses herself without the word like

I’m really not sure if she exists
Or resides in my dreams and all that’s amiss
But deep in my mind she fulfills a great need
For if she doesn’t, it will be time to concede

But until that time I will open my eyes
Remain upbeat and avoid the lies
Without all the drama and incessant exam
Finally happy to be who I am

Journey Taken

The best part of the journey is the hard road taken
Inspired and determined but are sometimes forsaken
We reach for the ring forever receding
Our egos abandoned excessively bleeding

They learn from none but pretend to know
Years of lessons that eventually bestow
Opens our eyes and ignites the light
We ask the author for another rewrite

But in the twilight of our dawn of reason
When the game reaches the end of season
The stands are all empty and full of ghosts
We bow and curtsey to imaginary toasts

All this time we had the key
To the covert plan in a grand decree
The palms of our hands reside the truth
The strength and passion of our fleeting youth

So take this road as you’ve done before
And announce yourself with a deafening roar
Help them see what we have known
That your unique talent is etched in stone

Corporate Carousel

They sing your praises with exalted phrases
Bootlicking on every blurb
Alma mater dotted with a police blotter
It is so damn absurd

Suited hacks spew out mimed quacks
All the little soldiers step in time
Emperor has no clothes they all suppose
Party is only for the sublime

Simply peeking in, we witness the sin
Part of the report nonetheless
The big bag of cache was reserved for the stash
Spilling over the banks of great excess

Now the well is dry and we can’t comply
Seeing all the promises go away
So here we sit with all the bullshit
Repeating the same old cliché

Every Day

Bushy hair and a gummy smile
You made my life so worthwhile
I held you close, it’s not a cliché
I will always love you every day

A little girl with grit and spunk
Too many toys crammed in the trunk
Barbies and puzzles to fill your room
Watching your flower start to bloom

Strong and determined was in your heart
I was always proud right from the start
Bragged to the world, this I convey
I love you more every day

I know there are times when we are apart
And I say things that aren’t so smart
It tears me up, to not have you here
Know this for sure, my love is sincere

So now as you age, I give you some space
And let you decide to set the pace
My door will be open and never decay
Cause I love you dearly every day

Amoureux

It was only yesterday when you started to talk
Laughed and giggled and tried to walk
With beautiful eyes and a smile to match
Hugs and kisses and all you could catch

Growing up quick with a defining grace
Fear and nerves were without a trace
Took on the world and those who robbed you
Came out clean, made yourself anew

I came along from the alley of doubt
Wondering what my life was all about
You dried my tears and opened my heart
Showed me it was not too late to start

Special day to signify your birth
Convinced me of love was still on this earth
Splash of youth, pinch of wise
My saving angel in disguise

I learned so much by your selfless ways
Fell in love with your unfeigned gaze
Respect for you more than I can show
More than I deserve, I hope you know

So as you treasure each passing day
Embrace yours scars and increasing grey
Take pleasure in the journey that you will take
Let others stumble in your magnificent wake

Pearl in Suprise

Been so long since I remember when
I could laugh and joke, take it on the chin
Years went by and I forgot more and more
Unknowingly shoved in the proverbial drawer

You took the step and opened the door
Showed me your beauty that you had in store
A bright smile and soul to match
Showed me the way through my rough patch

You wanted all that I had and was
Healed my anger, healed my scars
Scraped away the years of doubt
Gave me something to crow about

I love the way you laugh at my jokes
The time we spend with your loving folks
My friends are never a challenge to bear
Eager you are with my poems that I share

I love your independence with a slice of need
In the face of obstacle, you take the lead
Not afraid, to admit you were wrong
Never let me forget I belong

I know you would catch me if I ever fell
Forgive my mistakes and never tell
Wipe my tears and never judge
Supportive always without a grudge

So in these words is my bond of love
We fit together like the perfect glove
I thank you always for who you are
My gift from above, my shooting star

Those Days

I think of those days, sitting in the drive
Laughing and giggling and feeling alive
Before the bumps, before the tricks
Before being covered with a ton of bricks

So long ago, but just yesterday
With Murray the K and the swinging soiree
Forty fives and book reports
Dirty subways and NY transports

I think of those days with a tonsil surprise
Putting out fires, we were so wise
Sunday mass and Alley Pond Park
Ice cream Joe, throwing up on the block

Skinning my knees from being called over
Like Charlie Brown, I was Red Rover
Tagging along, you never minded
A hassle I was but never reminded

Always there, for me to vent
A great sister, 100 percent
You housed me and helped me with all my debris
A great many memories, I do agree

As I look back and regret just a little
I know in my heart, that life is so brittle
Time is fleeting and here on loan
Linked we are and truly homegrown

So as the calendar starts to wane
I no longer feel the need to be vain
Those days rush back and bring a big smile
Proud to be your brother, all the while

Eye to Eye

Eyes half glazed with bloodshot minds
Time clicks away as the story winds
Mired in misery and bitter herb
Once was important now kick to the curb

It takes all I have to hang on tight
All my patience all my might
Not all alone but just as hard
No matter what we would of sparred

Two more years hardly matters
Don’t exist left in tatters
Tired of playing un winnable game
Can call me sometime there is no one to blame

I will always be here an inch from you
Whenever you decide to walk on through
No eyebrows or litmus for you to respond
Deep in my heart will store our bond

I hope to be there for all your triumphs
And dust you off when you take your lumps
Walk you down holding back the tears
Holding my grandchild in those golden years

Remember that I tried to ensure the best
Help you adjust show you are blessed
Think about me when you start to fly
I pray some day we see eye to eye

Niece Like You

Ten plus six makes a very short time
Fair and sweet as I watched you climb
Before my eyes you sprouted new wings
Decked in baubles and matching gold rings

Awkward stage complete with braces
Special shoes and off to the races
Style and grace remains the same
You’re my niece, I proudly exclaim

Loving photos of you and my son
Fleeting moments in the shining sun
Watching you grow to the woman you’ll be
Success will follow, I cannot disagree

Treasure these days and those tomorrow
For they are gifts that we only borrow
Be true to yourself and never waver
Cause times like this are for you to savor

So on this day of a life beginning
Let them wonder why you are grinning
While many fail with being so young
You remain poised and totally unsung

Pleasure it is to be a part of your life
To listen and support with any strife
And during this time of great celebration
I love being your Aunt without hesitation

Tangled Up in Blue

Early one mornin' the sun was shinin',
I was layin' in bed
Wond'rin' if she'd changed at all
If her hair was still red.
Her folks they said our lives together
Sure was gonna be rough
They never did like Mama's homemade dress
Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough.
And I was standin' on the side of the road
Rain fallin' on my shoes
Heading out for the East Coast
Lord knows I've paid some dues gettin' through,
Tangled up in blue.

She was married when we first met
Soon to be divorced
I helped her out of a jam, I guess,
But I used a little too much force.
We drove that car as far as we could
Abandoned it out West
Split up on a dark sad night
Both agreeing it was best.
She turned around to look at me
As I was walkin' away
I heard her say over my shoulder,
"We'll meet again someday on the avenue,"
Tangled up in blue.

I had a job in the great north woods
Working as a cook for a spell
But I never did like it all that much
And one day the ax just fell.
So I drifted down to New Orleans
Where I happened to be employed
Workin' for a while on a fishin' boat
Right outside of Delacroix.
But all the while I was alone
The past was close behind,
I seen a lot of women
But she never escaped my mind, and I just grew
Tangled up in blue.

She was workin' in a topless place
and I stopped in for a beer,
I just kept lookin' at the side of her face
In the spotlight so clear.
And later on as the crowd thinned out
I's just about to do the same,
She was standing there in back of my chair
Said to me, "Don't I know your name?"
I muttered somethin' underneath my breath,
She studied the lines on my face.
I must admit I felt a little uneasy
When she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe,
Tangled up in blue.

She lit a burner on the stove and offered me a pipe
"I thought you'd never say hello," she said
"You look like the silent type."
Then she opened up a book of poems
And handed it to me
Written by an Italian poet
From the thirteenth century.
And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page
Like it was written in my soul from me to you,
Tangled up in blue.

I lived with them on Montague Street
In a basement down the stairs,
There was music in the cafes at night
And revolution in the air.
Then he started into dealing with slaves
And something inside of him died.
She had to sell everything she owned
And froze up inside.
And when finally the bottom fell out
I became withdrawn,
The only thing I knew how to do
Was to keep on keepin' on like a bird that flew,
Tangled up in blue.

So now I'm goin' back again,
I got to get to her somehow.
All the people we used to know
They're an illusion to me now.
Some are mathematicians
Some are carpenter's wives.
Don't know how it all got started,
I don't know what they're doin' with their lives.
But me, I'm still on the road
Headin' for another joint
We always did feel the same,
We just saw it from a different point of view,
Tangled up in blue.

Bob Dylan

Ruby vs Nightshade

I lived in Tampa at the time, and me and my room mate Jason were at Frenchy's on the beach in Clearwater drinking beers and tequila. Anyway, we get tired of that and want to smoke some herb.

Side note: my roommate was a pathelogical liar. He swore up and down he was a navy seal, but had no proof of it other than a deep navy blue satin jacken that said "NAVY" in big bold yellow letters on the back of it. This is the same type of jacket you can find at your local fair, and win from the one eyed man with the killer BO.

Anyway, Jason says his cousin, which just so happens to live in Clearwater also might have some. So we go check it out.I'm driving a red '74 beetle at the time, my most favorite car ever. We pull up to what looks like a modern day Beverly Hillbilly's shack in search of the sweet sweet green. It's dark out so I'm sure I can’t fully appreciate the sheer trashiness of the place. We go inside. Not only are there 50 bajillion children running around, but their 'father' (Jason's cousin) has a rat tail. Mind you, this was 1999, perhaps. Rat tails are not fashionable no matter where you're living at the time.

Come to find out, he didn't have any weed, BUT his girlfriend might. This chick comes skating out of the back looking trailor trash hot, I must admit. However, she had no weed either, but might know someone that does. And if we take her to meet up with her John (yes her customer who is paying for her vagina, remember the boyfriend and oh yeah, the children) then she'll hook us up with this chick other chick that does have some.

On the way we pick up some more suds and head to TACO BELL. Ahh yes, Taco Bell, the place where all high-class prostitues meet up with their clientelle. We dump her off and pick up this chick. Much younger, a lot cleaner and much better looking. She takes us to her apartment, which just so happened to be in a very BAD area of town. It was a complex in which we (the hooker, Jason & myself) were the only white folks around. Most were perusing the area with saggy pants, boxer shorts showing, no shirt on & pimping the gangsta lean.

Once inside, her apartment closely resembled a closet with a toilet in it. This place was trashed. You know those free prostitution publications you get on the corners or at strip clubs? They were all over her apartment: the floor, the table, everywhere. So as she's packing a bowl she's proceeds to show Jason and I 'Nightshade's' advertisements in the mags. She had finally made the big time! Good for her! We smoke a bit and she is complaining how her rent is due tomorrow, and how she's short the money, etc, etc. Being the goodsamaritan that Jason is he asks Nightshade how much she would take to f*ck the both of us. Being my first time with a hooker I'm a bit nervous and say, "Oh, don't worry about it, dude. You go ahead. I'll just watch." He disagrees. After a long bout of negotiations she agrees to make the sweet sweet love to the tow of us for $160 dollars.

Jason's up first (he paid and all). She takes the money and tucks it away. He is nailing this girl. I mean the floor was shaking. There was absolutely no mercy coming from this man. After about 5 min and no rocks being broken she screams out "GET THE F*CK OFF OF ME! F*CK THE $HIT OUT OF ME FOR 160 DOLLARS!?! I DON'T THINK SO!" With much reluctance he dismounts and heads out the door.

I'm up. I'm very nervous. Yet she eases my nerves as she slides the condom on with her mouth (my first time to experience that). After a little more foreplay I go for the stab. Having never been with a whore before I begin to girate slowly, in a circular motion, making love to my whore. I didn't know you just f*cked them at the time. Silly me... So I'm loving like no one has loved before when I feel the matress move behind me. I look back and Jason has his arm shoulder deep beneath the matress. He puts his finger over his lips telling me to be quiet. No bother, I was in heaven making love to a hooker!

He comes in 5 min later saying, "Dude! My brother’s in trouble. We gotta go!" I tell him, "Dude, 10 more mintues! I'm almost done." The beer and THC had prolonged my love making skills, and I was quite proud indeed. Time passes, and much lovemaking was made. Jason comes barreling in. He means business this time. "DUDE!!! My brother's REALLY in trouble. We gotta GO! NOW!" No stalling this time. So I dismount. I put my clothes on being rushed by Jason all the while.

We hop into Ruby (the red '74) and she starts with a sputter. About that time the front door to her apartment flies open, and there stands Nightshade in nothing but her white lace panties with an orange bottle of Saint Ides. She’s screaming something. I look over at Jason and he shows me a wad of cash and laughs. He says, "GO DUDE! GO!" I hear Nightshade scream again this time in vile anger and disgust, "YOU MOTHER F*CKERS TOOK MY MONEY!!!" She chucks the bottle of Saint Ides, and successfully dings Ruby near the rear passenger side quarter panel. We peel out of there as fast as Ruby can take us.

Now, what I didn't tell you is that Nightshade liked to keep her hookin' money underneath the matress upon which she did business. Jason was making a grab for the cash when I looked back and saw him. Everything came together at that point. We came out on top with not only the original 160 bones, but made 120 on top of that.…We drank for a few days on that money.

written by Rikooprate

Simpatico

It is strange that people never seem to learn the lessons of the past. We are quick to shun the old and ignore their experience. To step over the poor and blame the helpless. We value money and denounce integrity. We as humans were born on this planet and have done everything to divide and destroy it. We stand on our soap boxes and shout at the moon that we are the best.

"Blessed are the humble" People like Lincoln, Sadat, Ghandi and many others who gave their lives for the greater good. The great leaders of the world have been ignored and abused when all they try to do is improve our moral fiber.

Ghandi once said "However much I may sympathize with and admire worthy motives, I am an uncompromising opponent of violent methods even to serve the noblest of causes."As civilized human beings, we have an obligation to lend a hand when we are busy. To focus on the truth when we want to turn our eyes. To humbly respect the ideas of others when we feel the urge to supress.

Emma Lazarus wrote "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, Stalin's ethnic cleansing, The slaughter of Native Americans, the Holocaust and many other periods in history where man has raised his ugly head to show why our world is in a state of chaos. The U.S., Great Britain, China, Russia, Japan and all other great nations need to teach their children the ways of the meek, the unselfish and the courageous and reject the old imperial ways.

I was born and raised in NYC. I was devistated by the events of 911. Just like all people in other countries who have felt similar pain. Sometimes I think my country is great and sometimes I do not...just like all other countries. Because all countries are run by humans, humans who make mistakes, who are greedy, uncaring, compassionate and beautiful. Let us rejoice in our similarities and not dwell on our differences.

Human Conscience is the Almighty and the Eternally Damned

“Let your conscience be your guide,” wise words spoken by Jiminy Cricket in the Disney animated film Pinocchio. This singular phrase encapsulates so much of what I envision in regards to reverence of a higher power.

Many denominations survive through the use of primitive scare tactics. If the Almighty, “the all-forgiving God” does exist, wouldn’t it make sense that he/she would rather have a kinder, more forgiving relationship with his/her children?As it stands, “God” poses as a parental figure that, if crossed or disobeyed, will exercise a punishment so severe that those that follow the “wrong path” will experience this punishment for all of eternity. Eternity. The one place where time stops.

Religion is the ultimate hypocrite. All-forgiving yet relentless in judgement. Therefore, I propose a new doctrine, a new truth: Jiminyism. Let your conscience be your guide. “God” and “Satan” live and exist in our minds, in our figurative imagination. They make appearances every waking moment of our lives. We have such an entrenched relationship with our conscience, our minds, our power of choice that we fail to give it the proper recognition it deserves.

As young children we are taught what is wrong and what is right. We are given a set of morals and ethics that we receive through our loved ones, the media and day-to-day interaction with other people, places and things. Humanity, at large, regardless of location, race or religion share an extremely similar core set of values. Stealing is wrong. Murder is wrong. Telling false truths, for the most part, is wrong. When a situation occurs where temptation and morality collide, we are occupied by a presence with the sublime. “God” and “Satan” are present and “exist” due in large part by our natural given desire to label that which we do not fully understand, in the individual’s conscience at these very common, but oftentimes disregarded divine moments.“Satan,” evil influence, socially unaccepted thoughts and mentalities have the ability to influence out paths of choice.

However, “God,” truthful and communal influence, socially endorsed thoughts and mentalities, influence, ultimately what choices we make. You see, we always know what is right, but we don’t always make that choice, consciously. Therefore, dependent on the severity of the wrong choice, say for example, Murder, guilt plays a pivotal and debatably religious role.Guilt can carry such gravity that one’s mental stability can crumble and disintegrate. Coping with such stresses might cause a snowball effect in that it self perpetuates itself.

So, with regards to human existence, this guilt can last until death; the end of the human experience. Definition? Guilt = Hell. Damnation. Suffering for all of what we know as eternity. Eternity = the time we spend as a conscious entity that exists and interacts on this planet. Yet guilt can be conquered when one follows the influence of their negative conscience. At which time that individual begins to lose sight of what is right and what is wrong, and therefore become a slave o their own misguided thoughts. Religious-speak: one becomes a slave to or a tool of the Devil. Heaven?

Those moments in life that bring one of many pinnacles of joy and clarity in our lives. Birth, music, accomplishments, reunions, Love.Heaven and Hell vary from person to person of course depending upon their likes, dislikes, fears and passions. Heaven and Hell may exist, but there are no Pearly Gates or Fire and Brimstone. Heaven and Hell may only be a state of mind, which grows and evolves with us as we ourselves grow and evolve. Our power of choice is amazingly simple, yet it is also the single most influential aspect of the human psyche.

Choice and Conscience guide our lives. It tells us: where we go, what we do, who we are, who we become, and those whom we influence.For those that frown upon atheism, this is my personal solution to your conflict with natural independent thought and beliefs: I do believe in “God” and “Satan,” or more appropriately labelled, Good and Evil. The powers that guide our lives are not beings that lead us on strings, but are our own choices and the guilt or joy that accompanies those choices.

Of course, these are just random thoughts that I’ve put on Paper, and the ideas contained within these pages, although recorded on a solid medium, make it no more significant or factual than the philosophy used to create it.Faith? Have faith in yourself and your own choices. Have faith in those around you. Have faith that life supplies many rich rewards in good time and in bad. If the mentality shared in these pages can be adopted, I believe a greater number of people can enjoy a little slice of their own Heaven by enjoying peace, humility, and appreciation in themselves.Start Jimmineyism in your own community and your own circle…

written by Rikooprate

It's Just a K

Numbers like pieces are all they see
Moving around the board of life
They shout their ideals in a grand decree
Till they cut through us all like a knife

One by one, they march to the beat
On the glory that was built before them
Trusting and praying for all to compete
In the stage that the suits laid before them

They say they were losses that were factored in
They are collateral damage, the pundits say
But are lives and souls that are lost for the sin
And for all they care, it’s just a K

True heroes go to battle with fear and mettle
A band of brothers they all are
Oblivious to the ignorance we all settle
Not caring for the deeds of afar

We turn the page to watch our shows
And escape the reality of life
While the dogs of war take their blows
Know the real meaning of strife

We cry about vacations and discomfort and aches
And swift boat and taxes and pay
About the winners and losers and the stakes
While the powers shout, it’s just a K

So as they come home, draped in the flag
In rectangular boxes of darkness
As those who never fought, start to brag
We all have to live with the madness

In math I was taught that numbers are power
From decimal to metric to binary
But the men who sit in their ivory tower
Are only concerned with the refinery

So the time has come in the fall of O-four
To send a message, the old fashion way
To send our voice, our words, our roar
To show them it’s NOT just a K

Empty Fridays

She closes it quietly and stumbles to bed
Not enough time for the clothes to shed
Steps on the cat and tears her hose
Wafting smoke invades her nose

Curled up in a blanket, playing the role
The years go by, taking their toll
Suppose to be different, her mother complains
Another Tanqueray to ease the pains

Carousel of Princes, promise her more
Gets caught up, the borderline whore
Feeling special while the lights are low
Bullshit from heaven, the lying beau

Week after week, she believes the game
Hoping and praying for someone to claim
Back in her room, she starts to weep
Until she falls into a restless sleep

As a young girl she played it all out
The loving wife, without a doubt
Dressed up her Barbie’s and created the theme
Middle class America, the perfect dream

Many years later, they call her by name
Has her own stool, no one to blame
Cigarette breath and slow gin tears
Empty speeches are all she hears