Life: Here & Now II

when what i do touches you when my pains pain you too will we cry together? will it ever get better? or will I do this without you? there are things i can do on my own at some things I'm pretty good but there are so many things seen and unknown, mysteries and understood for these i need the hands of a friend for these I must have a kindly ear for these I was born to struggle through not alone, but not without tears sparks fly upward, the preacher said everyone gets to sing the blues some of us through grace get new words for our songs, we just have to choose to sing it well, or to ad lib to sing along, or sing alone to learn the harmonies written down or try to compose our cacophone the vanity keeps on keeping on unless something new is made under the sun, under the sky like using a lemon to get lemonade so squeeze me now, press in hard extract juice and pulp and seed and drink the results of your own hand and you and I will be pleased

big moon hanging over mountan's edge making our faces glow holding hands under the stars and never letting go it's easy to fall in a love so deep it's easy to lose your way every day, gotta work hard to keep making it right bring it to light making it new every day when i was young, and when i am old i think i will alway see that the simple things really satisfy and truth keeps me free there isn't anyone I can satisfy no one is always pleased with things i do and things I say but your love doesn't cease it's easy to fall in a love so deep it's easy to lose your way every day, gotta work hard to keep making it right bring it to light making it new every day

I used to be a pretty laid back fella I could sit doin nothin for hours But from the first time I saw ya, I gotta tell ya I've felt the dizzyin e-ffect of your womanly powers Now I can't sit still for nothin Always thinkin up things to do for you And every time I come up with somethin I instantly drop everything else I have to do I've been driven past the brink of distraction Right to the edge of insanity It's gotta be more than physical attraction Your sweet deep love is makin me ADD Your smilin eyes get my heartbeat racin Your sweet talk just puts a charge in me And it doesn't matter which way you're facin Everything about you creates hyperactivity! Used to get things done as a 9-to-fiver Now it takes me three times as long You've gone and made me a distracted driver Every time the radio plays our favorite songs My friends say I'm acting like a space cadet Wonder what the heck is happening to me Everything 'bout you is everything I can't forget...

through the little window I saw a diminished world where everything was smaller than it should be the ants were driving cars and places that had seemed far went by quickly underneath me like sweet potatoes, the clouds were laid out capped with untoasted marshmallows the wings shone brightly there catching the sun's hot stare the engine's droning like a cello i see too much from this tiny stratospheric window and yet, I never see quite enough I can't see enough of you or watch the things you do or ever view the depths of your love my ticket has me captive in the middle seat wishing I could be flying outside instead of looking through the windows going whichever way the wind blows I would instantly be at your side

beans ground to black dust soaked with scorching water dragged through paper filter fills my cup

in the morning light she rises, dressed in her fuzzy p.j.s a woman full of surprises, a woman with loving ways sure, her hair is dripping wet, when she hugs me and grins she's running a little late, and yet I love the way this day begins It's the early morning "i love you" s that see me through the day it's the promise of the evenings that keeps me going all the way when she holds me slow and tender, lets me lead her by the hand there's no denying the heart of a woman is the key to the heart of her man sure she's a great cooker and she dresses up so fine she's a real hot looker and I love to call her mine But the the things that keep me whole are sweet words from her heart give me strength down in my soul give each day a fresh new start It's the early morning "i love you"s that see me through the day It's the promise of the evening that keeps me going all the way When she whispers soft and tender, lets me lead her by the hand there...

when i woke up i had to smile in spite of my bedtime tears in spite of my restless dreams where you so freely roamed there you came and stayed with me there you were standing close by there you were holding my hand there you heard my sigh when i woke up i had to smile for reasons that waking made clear forgiving all that i hide, it seems, in this heart unhomed there your love cradles me there grace lets my hope fly there schooling helps me understand there is no unanswered cry when i woke up I had to smile I know you, and know you're there I know that you are safe, and cling to the renewal your love has honed

the problem with livin on a cul de sac is that all my problems always circle back and find me once again when i thought it was the end and i could be free

a song seedling There's a right way to be lovin you and that right way is what will get us through, we've seen all the signs and don't know what to do before it unwinds, and I really lose you I've got to find the right way to be loving you

I used to think I had it all straight, I knew the ropes, I knew the score. I was right most of the time, and when I wasn't -- well that was jut fine Why would I need anything more? I knew I was smart and so smooth every word off the top of my head But there were edges I couldn't see The worn and the roughest parts of me I never heard all of what I said till you made me right as rain put me back together again when I'm tired and dry it doesn't matter why you're love is always here, to make things clear and make me right as rain I'm finally starting to figure out what all I am, and all I'm not I feel like a genius without a clue about how to love, but i'm learning from you new ways, and everything I forgot till you made me right as rain put me back together again when I'm tired and dry it doesn't matter why you're love is always here, to make things clear 'cos you're making me right as rain straightening me out again when I'm ti...

hearing you fall asleep is the sweetest thing knowing, that in spite of soul-scraping day's work you will rest and drift off softly breathing it's the lazy stretch in your voice cuing my smile to spread in tender amusement while your half-finished words tumble whispering slumbered limp arms are softly framing hair compressed and ironed into frenzy as legs twist and tuck, pillowed comforting with lips pursed from sleep's puffs you lie awaiting a fairy tale's end to the waning night and I, energized, rise to don the armor, shining

lifting, shifting, drifting fog: over dew-soaked Kentucky blue the sun: on the rise, lightens skies, sighs with a morning stretch uncovered night crawlers: realize their fate, too late, undulate

Note: This is a song extension, in which I've taken lyrics from a song and then added to them as an extension / application of the thought. Robert Randolph & The Family Band "I need more love" All of the cold winds blowing Through our neighborhoods While my frustration’s growing Through concrete, steel and wood I need more love I need more love every day of my life I’m tired of feeling tension Everyone’s talking black and white When will something change me And help me get my mind right I need more love I need more love (------- additional lyrics by me --------) If I go lookin for reasons For all this anger and despair I'd find one right inside of me And my choices are keepin it there New choices on the horizon Not gonna throw myself away Get myself in line with who I'm made to be That's changing what I feel and what i say I need more love I need more love every day of my life

As he waited for Windows to boot, he skimmed his finger across the scratched surface around the laptop's touchpad. His lips formed a crooked smile at the sounds that had accompanied each scratch. Over and over, those scratches had irritated him. Now they made his heart ache. John and Tara had met at the university, each pursuing their separate degrees, but on paths that would cross. His first encounter with Tara was hearing her yell across the commons.... "Mister!"

Note: This is a song extension, in which I've responded to the lyrics of the song. Listen and then read my application of the song lyrics. I know why I say the words that cut so deep I know why I make it hard to sleep It's my own pain that drives my heart to spew out a nasty phrase I tell you that I love you, then I say it again Doesn't mean my love isn't true, but then It's hard to stop the flow, once it has a start and a moment becomes days My hurts have made me angry, though I call it something else But no matter what the label, I can't deny it's in myself Healing my heart will heal my voice And give me a place to start Your goodbye of sorts might make the distance grow And though walking away makes sense to me, I know That a louder "I love you", a stronger choice Comes from deep within a whole heart

Note: This is a song extension, in which I've responded to lyrics from a song. Please listen to the song first, or as you read my response. dust rises emphasizes a carefree trail doesn't fly far cakes on the car get the soap and pail even if not seen it's better clean a happy tale

a list is forming lines are drawn columns created remorses now known for each hurt a name for every line a memory for each action an effect for each person forgiveness for me freedom a list is forming a heart groans choices are made graces now sown

flow over me, till i am rinsed clean. cool refreshing love warm me. flow over me, prepare me to eat. gentle kindness disarm me. Photo: J. Shuflin

Will it begin with a word does it start with a smile can we predict where it will go if we be simpatico Does it grow with kind intention find fuel in truth spoken clearly is there only one way it can go if we be simpatico Can it be over before the end will it strengthen and build is a transformation sure to follow if we be simpatico Aligning hearts within his grace making choices that can only heal gives life and will to the path we go we will be simpatico

I remember when we first met, I didn't know I was clueless and yet Inside I was ready to learn and grow. I looked at her eyes as she spoke Started laughing in my heart, though it wasn't a joke Her words full of fun and hints of where we could go. And every time I tried to respond, The words my  head chose came out all wrong So I let my heart lead, and that's when I opened up and said "Ahhhhh" Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh! I opened up and said "Ahhhhh" Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh! Pretty soon after that we were touchin hands Just a simple thing, no big demands Lettin the nervous fears fall to the ground She would walk over there, and I'd stand near Feel her presence, tryin to make it clear Where I wanted to be without making a sound. By the time we got to that first kiss The vortex was spinning, it was more than bliss But we got balance enough to lean in and then We opened up and said "Ahhhhh" Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh! I opened up and said ...

when you welcomed me I didn't realize the bad shape i was in but you've patiently worked with me so i can begin you let me take your hand and squeeze it hard and tight you've shown me where I was wrong, how to let go of being right your eyes of love have seen inside and gazed past what I said schooled my heart in those things i couldn't quite get through my head but in the end you've taught my mind and heart to be one and free and it all started on that day when you first welcomed me you welcomed me, and let me in you welcomed me, let me begin when others put me out when my love had its doubt you welcomed me when i lay down at night I can feel you tuck me in as I hang on and treasure this love I'm soaking in your heartbeat overshadows mine as I climb inside and you uncover more in me, things I have denied now I cannot watch the stars without your pounding in my heart and I believe that there is nothing here that can tear us apart for there's something lasti...

to have a day of infamy pass me by like any other day without a mourning thought or reflection on the political complexities of the long history of displaced peoples, tyrants and profit seekers is it un-American to not shed a tear today? It's very American not to.

Memo to: self RE: Things I need It has come to my attention that you keep forgetting what I need, and you inevitably start paying more attention to things I don't need. Please use this list to help you stay focused. Honest speech: I'm not just talking about telling facts - I'm talking about honestly saying what you're feeling -- and honestly identifying what you may unconsciously express when you talk. If the language to label these feelings is a problem, use a dictionary. Regular exercise: That would be three times a week, not 4 times a month! Starry nights: I need to get out and gaze upward, for inspiration, for humility, and for fun. Application of the lessons: I've been through a lot of schooling, and need to stay focused on putting it into practice, no matter how tough it is. A hand to hold: I just do, that's all. A Stetson: Maybe I'm trying to replace the one my grandfather had, and was passed down to me and got....well it's gone now. A band of mus...

Every little boy has a girl next door who makes his smile grow when she comes out to play she lets him play the hero waits for him to rescue her she lets him build her dolls a house in the sand shares her milk and Oreo gives him the last one when she dresses up he gets to hold her hand But while the boy plays games in his own little world That girl next door grows up and moves away.

She was a cute little blondie with a great big smile, She lived just a few doors down Her bright green eyes and precocious ways were the talk of the whole town. Older folks would nod and grin at those cute little curls Dangling from her pretty little head Only fools thought it was empty but they paid attention when she said "Mister! What are you doing?" She said "Mister! What you got goin' on here?" There is power in her sweetness Command in her meekness And her love is oh so very clear... I could never figure out just how she always knew what i meant before I'd start to ask her to dance i had to be a man and finally tell her what was really in my heart To hold her in my arms, press into that smile under a starry sky in the autumn air I linked our fingers, squeezed her hand but when I ran my fingers through her golden hair She said "Mister! What are you doing?" She said "Mister! What you got goin' on here?" There is power in her sweet...

is it done this is the time to let go treasure's gain to travel the less kind road hardened without rain til at last with renewed heart and strengthened soul and mind i can hold and treasure again this love, pure and refined

with a love like yours, a man could be completely satisfied -- he'd have no more fears, he'd have no more tears he'd have no more need to hide you have saved me from myself (larry norman) with a love like yours, a man could finally be free -- to chase his dreams, to find what seems to be the end of futility with a love like yours, I could have a quiet place to wrap my worn out arms, my head and my alarms to rest safely on your lap you have saved me, you have saved me, you have saved me from myself

Dusk slips coolly across trees abuzz With murmured secrets of the night Sunlight fades, love's longing stays strong Gripping promises sure to come While sighs mark the first day done.

wave hello pale fingertips beckon to safe haven of tenderness warm breeze's caress love's rest wave goodbye lips pursed in air-borne kiss not seen in the fading light returned when out of sight love's plight

deep fears churn here, swirl in murky depths life fights heart's hopes with unrelenting tears light breaks in, transcends the billowed smoke grasping what is left, a thirst that true love slakes cries yearn, 'hear me now - do not go away" and echo, til at last they fade 'round one last turn deep life hoped for, but as yet in me unfulfilled comes surely at the cut of a loving surgeon's knife

hand-ripping rope burns tug, yank me off balance slippery dew-wet lawn-dents suck my twisting feet asphalt road-rash rakes the dermis raw golden-oak door corners poke mercilessly at my skull low-slung coffee table joins at the shin over-worked razor's edge yanks hair, cuts neck all of which i could avoid, but I up i jump to do it again

pulling apart tugs molecules this way and that pulling apart breaks adhesive bonds in ruins pulling apart splinters wood fibers at joints pulling apart leaves a pounding ache in here

solar baking heat packs soil hard neglect numbs the earth impermeable to rain's wash floods with disaster fork digs deep, exposing each turn rich muddy loam forms

staring down my own displeasure is a more desperate measure than striking back with lingual barbs that pierce the toughest armor for love and life, for freedom's gain i will grapple with my own disdain and the simmering frustration, though unlabeled, I know as my own anger timorously I will speak it no longer afraid to show or leak it or let its reality in and with the language of my heart become self-literate

A Proverb: 1.1

In morning light, sheeted sight, smiles greet the rising boy. Eyes agleam with love's daily song in morning's newest light.

capped tips lap quick on wet toes foamy rush fast flush rhythm grows while inside i'm sailing across the deepest blue green eyes, quiet surprise in the depths of the lake cool air smiling there with every breath I take and still inside I'm sailing across the deepest blue sheets full, tugs and pull, laughing at the tangle holding tight, shimmering light, anchored in a wrangle and now inside I'm sailing, tacking ever closer to you.