Happy New Year! - G Clair

The poem I really want
looks great in gilded font
the words, they flow and mistletoe
is hung from verse to haunt

I'll try to draw a picture
to pull your mind away
though awkward were those first two lines
I think I'll let 'em stay

My fancy overrated
poems are soon created
down in the heart, true verses start
and imagery related

the thoughts that I am thinking
though strange are sometimes nice
I'll need some fluff to write this stuff
mere words will not suffice

so pour the steaming chocolate
and dish us up some pie
come sit here and have some cheer
and toast the year goodbye!

Let's snuggle up together
and contemplate time's passing
make some plans and rattle some cans
we'll have ourselves a gassing!

We'll get those angels humming
hymns with harps a-strumming
ain't it true, without the hue
plain poetry is numbing?

Say can't you turn that channel?
it's driving me to tears
a marathon is all that's on
it's been that way for years

and what's that thing you're wearing?
and aren't we going out?
"too cold!" you say, now swearing
I think I'm gonna pout!

You're taking down the mistletoe
and packing up the tree?
tired of pomp and all that stomp,
not much for poetry?

that's it, I'm done for New Years,
I need to get to bed,
had planned to write a poem tonight
but kiss this now instead.

warm your hands...

Walkin' Along --G Clair

Walkin' along
I hear his voice and get a skip in my step
I have to watch it cause I'm getting a rep
for acting crazy when I'm walkin' along
I hear his song
and nothing else is makin' me tingle
could be the way he put the jin in the jingle,
so amazing, all this talent of his
no wonder 'bout the best that there is

well he's old
though it's said
being old is better off than dead
but we know
where he'll go
who saved your soul and for your sins He bled

and when I'm blue
his voice can reach me in the worst places
bears the burden, then he ties up my laces
and he lifts me like the sun in his song
staying with me while I'm walkin' along...

take it, Bob~


Bob Dylan - Milano 2007 - Spirit On The Water

Kern ( I Want to Be Dylan ) Little | MySpace Video

you are so...

mercy me

Funny little frog connections

Free Video Hosting

my favorite

Whoville!

The Lord is My Shepherd

Cabby's Crown - G Clair

Haling down a cab that's going far to fast,
standing on the roadside as it's flying past
turn and watch the tail lights as the next one's slowing down
Picking up the pieces that were left behind
Thought that you were broken but I've come to find
all these things were welded into something of a cabbie's crown

you were cheap, you were easy,going my way, going sleazy
not the Ritz, hotel cheesy,down in Helluva, that's Hell
then you prayed, and you pondered, and at once your sins were laundered
now your past won't weigh you down,looks like you're holding up quite well

once incarcerated for a job you did
spent a year in prison, you were just a kid
didn't even know enough to cover up the video
the drinking and the drugging and the life you knew
da pimpsters and da players with da cooties who
left you feeling dirty but I see you've got a whole new show

you were free,you were lazy, going my way,going crazy
almost pushin' up a daisy,you were halfway home to Hell
then you prayed.and you pondered,and at once your sins were laundered
now your past won't weigh you down, I see you're holding up quite well

Choking on the ashes of your history
how you got away from them a mystery
the gas was on the burners babe, and someone blew the pilot out
so now you drive a taxi for the NYC
working nights, you tell me, "no one rides for free"
Got to hand it to you, you're a hacker, but you've worked it out

you were rough,you were noisy, going my way, back to Joisey
going anywhere, but Boise,not just anywhere, but Hell
then you prayed, and you pondered,and at once your sins were laundered
now your past can't weigh you down, you wear your cabbie crown quite well.


GCM 2.12.2008

holding out

Once there was a day when our sweet music wouldn't play until I'd say
I'm holding out just for you boo hoo hoo
but now I've got a clue, and I do believe it's true
that it's you who's been holding out for me

And so I'm holding out for you, well I'm not cold and I'm not blue
I've got my golden oldies too, to keep me warm, for your form
And when the skies get dark and grim and it's that lonely state I'm in
well I won't be caught in sin, unless I stray hey hey hey

(Chorus)
'Cause you're like music to my ears,you've dried my tears for all these years
it seems the only thing to do is wait for you, how do you do
that thing with the music in my ears, you calmed my fears for all these years
and so the only thing to do is wait for you

BRIDGE

Cause it's that melody You play, it's drawn me back,I'm here to stay
cause you're the Light and you're the Truth and you're the Way, hey hey hey
you put your music in my ears, you calmed my fears, for all these years
and so the only thing to do is wait for you

Marry Christmas!!

Mayhem Santa

run, run, as fast as you can!!!

Supposedly, this is The Best Recipe EVER for Gingerbread. We shall see. I've got 3 balls of it chilling in the fridge.

Prep Time:
20 Min
Cook Time:
12 Min
Ready In:
4 Hrs

Servings (Help)
US Metric Calculate


Original Recipe Yield 6 dozen

Ingredients

* 6 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 tablespoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly
* 1 cup molasses
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, until they are completely absorbed. Divide dough into 3 pieces, pat down to 1 1/2 inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When the cookies are done, they will look dry, but still be soft to the touch. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on wire racks. When cool, the cookies can be frosted with the icing of your choice.

Fit for a French cake walk

This very awesome cake model of The Eiffel Tower was created for a birthday by My niece, Laura Johnson, with her mother's (my sister) help and encouragement.

Oh Come All Ye Faithful (turned way up and in full flashing color)

Seriously...

i suppose we're...

i only want to...

There is no love
Quite like Your love
To quench the thirst of everyone
And I think of all the
Blessings that you give
And I can't help but learn to want it

And I'm not going back
To the way things used to be
To the place that I once was
And I'm holding on to the promises
You gave me
To the living Word that changed me

In my heart, I want You
And how could you love me with all that I do?
In my heart, I want You
And how could you love me with all that I do?
I get lost when I count the cost
When I try to figure You out

There is no love
Quite like your love
To quench the thirst of everyone
And I think of all the
Blessings that you give
And I can't help but learn to love it

And I'm not going back
To the way things used to be
To the place that I once was
And I'm holding on to the promises
You gave me
To the living Word that changed me

In my heart, I want You
And how could you love me with all that I do?
In my heart, I want You
And how could you love me with all that I do?
I get lost when I count the cost
And try to figure You out

And I get lost when I count the cost
I try to figure You out

freed....

Field and Forest

the last they spoke he said it all
he said his back was to the wall
and far from being her best friend
a man who'd rather see it end
she just can't argue with his truth
it's not her way, for in her youth
she dreamed of places, not pretend
big open spaces, where they'd spend,
in long embraces, hours on end
through fields he chases lifelong friend
but that's not how her story goes,
she won't reaping what he sows.

Born at night, but not last night
I see the problem with her plight
she wants to make the pieces fit
complete the scene her mind has writ
but forcing love to take it's place
to glue the pieces down, a waste
just take a picture, make it last
'cause that one will be fading fast
Let him go and shut the door
Sow true love and reap far more.

the last we spoke I said it all
my tendency to blame the fall
and all the angst scorned love could spare
on fires of Hell, which can't compare
how well I argue with the truth
it's been that way since troubled youth
I dreamed of forests, not pretend
of wooded hollows with my friend
where trees grew tall but wind could bend
where fires could rage but love would send
the rain which hastens souls to mend
that's not my story, so, The End.

he was just back from vacation and THIS happens...

the man was clearly annoyed, staring straight-faced at chubby faced Cookie,
also wheelchair bound and refusing to budge from her spot in the doorway.
Excuse me, I asked him, what's going on here?
She's out of her mind, he replied in a steely tone
She won't get out of my way.
Yeah she's a strange bird, but
I don't think she's out to make you any trouble.
She is trouble, he answered back.
What happened to you? I asked.
I was hit by a car, while crossing the street.
I stepped out from in front of a parked bus, and the car hit me.
Head on? Did you get run over?
No, I hung on, clung to the door handles, but the guy was going fast, and kept going and I had to let go.
oh MAN, and you lived to tell the story. So did the guy stop?
Nope. Hit and run, but they got him. I'm going to court. That, AND the government owes me...
The government owes you? For what?
They gotta pay me, since they didn't let me go to my daddy's funeral when I was in jail
I was just outta prison, at the time of the accident, served my time.
Then this happened. Because of this, I had to sell my house.
Hmm...one thing after another...bet you don't miss the jail though this might seem like one.
I actually look forward to my time in prison...it's like a vacation.
What?
It's a break from work. Free bed, Free food. No bills. Vacation.
Hmmm....
I'll do stuff just to get back to jail. Been in 4 times.
Four times?
I been here a year but I'm getting out next month.
Well I hope you won't be doing anything when you get out,
You're not in any condition to be running from the law.
Not yet, he said, but I'm working on it.
(sigh)

do you have to?

didn't I accidentally tell you this?

...and the other one is making you a pie.

wild is the wind

killing the blues

bottom of the bay ( song version)- G clair

Staring into hazy eyes, I slowly start to realize
that you are several leagues away, and now I understand
tried to solve the mystery, went looking for some history
I'd dive back down if just to see and stir the sleeping sand.

We drown out all the pain we feel, far'way things seem not as real
but there's a ton of brokenness on the bottom of the bay
weighted well to keep it down in hopes that time would surely drown
the misery which hangs around to cloud the dreary day.

I didn't know just what you felt, the searing fire, the burning welt
the scars of life, of loss and such, which numbed your spirit, hurt so much
and wounds so deep, they should have bled, attended to would heal, instead
they linger painlessly, you've said, in places way too deep to touch.

I feel the tug upon my fin and draw a breath of water in
and surface here to find I've been caught up in love's allusion.
you nearly dried me in the sun and here I'm thinking 'so much fun'
but like all fish, I've come undone,awakened from delusion.

I'll never truly understand, for I'm a fish and you're a man
I swim in garbage, not my plan,it's only your pollution.
there's no way a fish will drown, I'll let the current take me down
just one more gem in Neptune's crown, and that is my solution.

I make my bed there in the deep, and on my watch, I rarely sleep
the nets they drag for memories, I keep them all from catching
the one's you've drowned there in a heap, the painful one's I'd rather keep
and as I swim this sea of *bleep, none will be for snatching.

happy birthday, Jesus- g clair

when I was a child, heard many a thing
'bout God in His Heaven and angels who sing
and streets paved of gold and the one at the gate
whose keeping a record of me on a slate
the things that I do and the things that I say
It scared me to think that I'd sin anyway
and I wanted to know how the God of great love
could measure our worth by the things we think of

not knowing Him then, well I listened to men
who knew less about God than they did their own end
so I prayed to the One asking right from my heart
tell me true, are you there have you been from the start?
can you please help me sort through the myth and the magic
the lies of religion, the hopeless and tragic?
can you meet me right here, just where i am
in my darkness and failures, are you really I AM?

and what of the others who labor for nothing
who have not and hunger for turkey and stuffing?
on the streets, in the cold, stumbling drunk in the alleys
red-handed, white lies, and deep blues in the valleys?
at our weakest, and numb from the heartache of losing
the ones that we love, left behind with a bruising
will we find you in throne rooms in the back of our mind
some Wizard of Oz that we're seeking to find?

A whisper, an answer, a thought I just had
was it me? was it you? could it be, that I'm mad?
But wait, there again, as I stifle my pride
" open the door and invite me inside."
"Ask Me, I'll tell you, I'll lead you along
NOT ONE WORD WAS WRITTEN disproven or wrong"
"And as for the poor, and the weak, and your past
your sins are forgiven, the first shall be last."

"I've chosen the weak things to confound the wise
and turn it around for the greatest surprise"
"The One that I loved, the Dearest of all
the babe in the manger, with the horse in the stall"
He grew to a man, we know him as Jesus
fulfilled the great plan, and oh, how he sees us
He bore all our burdens. and gave us the ring,
we are his bride, and He is our King

and the more that I trust him, the more I debate
I need to ask questions regarding our fate
is God all around us? Is heaven for real?
Does He care for our flesh and the way that we feel?
is one day like a thousand, as thousands are lost
in the floods and the fires and the wars and the frost?
I'll wait for the answers and try to be still
like the child in the manger and the cow on the hill

I will study to find myself well in your sight
while we sit by the fire and chat through the night
and when Christmas has finally dawned on our days
and we celebrate giving in so many ways
I must keep in mind how you wiped clean the slate
for once and for all you reopened that gate
and I must not forget though I'm often at fault
that you want me to shine, to be light, to be salt
and always remember that You are the reason
I celebrate Christmas no matter the season.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

What's with the towel and the floating torso? Men, with the fantasties.

Boogie Down with James Brown

public places

Went to church today. Found a seat in the back. There was a woman who had some kind of breathing problem directly behind me. Very audible wheezing, probably chronic disease and on the verge of needing hospitalization or at least a couple of puffs from her inhaler, and maybe some oxygen. People in that condition really shouldn't be out in this cold when they have those kind of breathing problems but they come out anyway, so what are you gonna do? So anyway, I was facing forward, waiting until they passed out the communion to get a look at her. Hmm...a black woman up in years, looking half asleep, half alive. I didn't like the sound or looks of her and decided to talk to her right after the service.

Just then, my cell phone started ringing. Rats. Forgot to turn it off when I went in. I hate when that happens. Good thing I was in the last row back there. Holding the little cup of grape juice, I jumped up, grabbed my bag and exited. It just so happened that my bible study leader was out there. This woman can't be much older than me, but she's a school teacher and for some deep seated reason, I feel like a student caught without a hall pass. Nothing goes unnoticed. I nodded, smiling, pointing to my bag which was still ringing, like a crying child. Of course I can't find the phone in the bag. Everything else, yes. So I head for the women's room, take the juice in the bathroom and put it on the counter. Going through the bag I finally locate the phone. By then it had stopped ringing and I thought I may as well listen to the messages.

Around that time, another girl from my bible study comes into the bathroom. She compliments me on my hair. That's the second time she said something about my hair. I guess I wasn't looking so great the first few times she saw me. No wonder, I'd have to fly home from work to make it to the woman's house on time and was usually late. That would trigger my schoolmarm fears. So anyway, I figured I oughta touch up my makeup after taking the juice. Oh man. Another woman from the bible study is standing on line. I pick up my stuff and say hello, and head out of there. By then, the lady with the breathing issue is gone.Gee I hope she gets some help.

So I've been wanting to sign up for a ministry. I used to teach the 3 year olds years ago at my other church, so I figured I'd give the nursery a shot. Last week I wandered in and checked out the nursery. Right off I was introduced to the head of the department, and we exchanged emails. Today I filled out the application. Asked if I was ever arrested for anything other than a traffic ticket. Hmm....does that one time I was handcuffed and read my rights count if it was just a misunderstanding over a court date? I don't think that's what they are looking for, so I left it off anyway. It was several years back and driving related. Nothing criminal in my background and no sense giving false impressions with potentially incriminating information. Probably not going to even show up when they do the background check. If they want that sort of thing they can do the paperwork. I want to present as SPOTLESS. Not some kind of whacked-out crazy woman driver or nut-job wanna-be nanny-hand that rocks the cradle.

One of the questions: Are you now or have you BEAN in counseling. Of course I've been in counseling. Good grief. Marriage counseling counts right? So what are they getting at here? Why no question about medications? If I had a child in the nursery, I would want to be 100% confident that my baby wasn't being touched by some addict with cigarette breath and nicotine stains on their filthy fingers. I'd have to have a look-see at the care providers before I would leave my child. The leadership in this church recognize that they have a responsibility to the children and their parents to root out the weirdos. I am not one of them, I tell ya! I Hold a job which requires toileting and bathing of ADULTs, many of whom are incontinent, and incoherent with dementia. Special needs, man. Do I seem defensive? I am. So. I am hoping that they will not find some small reason to keep me out of the ministry. I just want to fit in quietly. No scenes. Just show up on time and provide consistent and skilled tender loving care to the kids. That's it. Nothing fancy. No cupcakes or party games. Just do my time and go to service.

Following the service I went over to do my laundry. Packed it all in the car. Been doing my own AND my dads these days. I could use the parent's machine but I don't want to break it. I have a tendency to want to over pack. Anyway, I found 2 laundromats which are acceptable. The one is in Lakewood and it draws crowds of spanish speaking people. Weekends are rough, as you often have to wait for a dryer. They have 4 extra large flat screen TVs mounted in the center aisle facing all directions and each has a different screen going with different language. I guess the Hacitics have their own laundry as I never see any Jewish people in here. Maybe they all have their own laundry rooms in their nice houses. That's ok. Someday I too will have a laundry room. Not now, but someday.

I don't mind doing my laundry out. It's good exercise for now. I used to find the people in laundromats amusing but as I got older, the amusement wore off. Every once in a while if I am feeling sociable and have something to say, I will talk to someone, but for the most part, I mind my own business. Today I walked in and it was fairly crowded.

There was this one short heavy black man who reminded me of one of the characters from 'What's Happening?' I glanced at him as I walked past him. He was speaking very loudly on the cellphone almost non stop. He noticed me looking at him and said, "Disoriented?" I have no idea what he meant but I answered " Quite" and made a mental note not to look at him again. He came over into my aisle and continued talking really loudly, as if wanting everyone to get the impression that he had some powerful position. At one point I overheard him say, " ...and I made him look stupid, real stupid." I was thinking, "I bet you did." As I finished loading the machines I noticed he had moved closer to me, and so I headed the other way. Not interested in talking to this guy. What I didn't notice was that he also left the aisle and went around the other way, also toward the door. He followed me out, held the door. I avoided eye contact and kept moving. By this point I was getting the creeps. As I walked toward my car with my empty bags, he came toward me while reaching into his pocket. I was thinking here I am in broad daylight. Is this guy gonna pull out a gun or knife? I opened my door as he pulled out a card and handed it to me. Griffin something. Branch Manager for some financial corporation. I said " What's this for?" He sai, "It's my business card. Give me a call." Give him a call? I looked at the card. I certainly would not be calling him. " Are you a mortgage guy?" "Yeah. Give me a call." He turned and went back into the laundromat. I sat out in my car, looking at this guy's card, stunned that two seconds of eye contact and one word would warrant this kind of response. That's the end of that. I don't want to solicit attention or business cards from anyone. I sat in my locked car reading the bible and then went back in to throw my stuff in the dryer. There was Griffin. Standing over by his wife and kids. I walked past. "Hey... Griffin." He glanced up and then turned away quickly. I guess he didn't want any attention either.

On the way home, I thought I would stop by Pep boys for an oil change. OK, so they couldn't fit me in. Tomorrow night? OK I made an appointment for tomorrow night after work, and grabbed some water and gum on the way out. I love the woman who rang me up. She was wishing each customer a very happy holiday which I thought was nice.

Anyway, I left the parking lot and headed on down the highway. Turned down the next block, thinking I'd take a ride past this little crackerbox I had seen for sale which was now under contract. I really wanted and to see if I still got the creeps from that street. This was one of a couple of neighborhoods in Howell in which I had promised myself many years ago that I would NEVER EVER live! What was it that bothered me about this street? I was driving along thinking it was the narrowness of the road without curbs, and the piles of leaves with cars parked along the street, the junky little capes and ranches which reminded me of being poor and worse, my own poverty. Not being able to afford even a stinking house on this miserable street, thanks largely to NJ taxes irks me. Well sure it would help if I worked full time,, if I changed jobs, but I love my job. So I shouldn't complain. The whole self defeating lifestyle is fitting in quite nicely with the pattern I've established with each dumb decision I've made and this time I am going to wait. Against the advice of hungry mortgage guys and realtors who insist it's a BUYER'S MARKET. As I drove a little further, I noticed a father out with his 2 boys in a go cart. That was nice.

Many of the shabby little starter homes were being fixed up. Hmmm....People making the best of it. Yes, I thought, this little community was almost bearable. I continued down the street, checking out these little bungalows, and drove slowly past a tall man who stood out on his front lawn. I glanced at him, and yes for a second there was eye contact. Oh no...I have to NOT do that. Keep driving. I got down to the end of the road and turned around. There was a fork in the road and I could have taken that way, but decided to go out the way I had come in. Past the tall man who was now standing in the middle of the street. Oh man. What the heck is he doing out there? I approached slowly and he stepped back a few feet. Wierd. As I came up to him, he spoke some words. Instead of moving on, I stupidly decided to stop to see what he was saying to me. Rolled the window down a few inches?

"There are kids around here." He was looking rather disturbed with greasy hair, dry flaky skin and red rimmed eyes, blue eyes. Looked like a drinker to me.
"I am aware of that."
Then he told me that I needed to slow down.
" I know you are lost but you need to slow down."
" Actually I'm not lost."
" Well do you normally drive around places you don't live?"
" Why are you asking me personal questions?"
" I just don't want you driving fast on my block."
" Alright" as I pushed the button to close the window.
I continued slowly up the block and stopped at the guy with the 2 kids.
"Excuse me sir, but did you think I was driving too fast before?"
" Not at all. You're fine."
" That guy down there said I needed to slow down, but I wasn't driving fast at all."
"THAT GUY? Ignore him. He does that to everyone. He's strange. You're fine. Just ignore him."
"Thank you."

So that's it. I guess I am learning after all these years NOT to TALK to STRANGERS! Don't stop. Don't talk. Just ignore them. And if they talk to you first? Keep your distance, keep your answers short, or just yell " NOOOOO!!!!!" and run away. As my brother Vinny says, " Run, don't walk." His number one rule : DO NOT make eye contact with strangers. He has also advised me to NOT talk to people in laundromats, Burger King, or public libraries (since that's where the people go who are not eating or doing laundry). Happy Birthday, Vinny! We are the same age for one week.

Update!

little brother and me 1978

1978

Held

the randomness, the senselessness
you strive to make life count and then it comes to this
and in the end you're left with pain
and someone writes a song and it just seems inane

there is no way to justify, find meaning in your loss, you know
but still we try
there are no words you need to hear
you only want the comfort, and it seems so clear

it's in our hearts, we want to take
your misery, to share your grief and ease the ache
well-meaning words, it's just the thought
and sinking down, too weak to stand
with arms you're caught

held up and loved in silence there
is something more than words can say to show we care
just being there.

- Gina Morrone

zzzzzz.....

One. Two. One Two Three Four...

They met in a hurricane
Standing in the shelter out of the rain
She tucked a note into his hand
Later on they took his car
Drove on down where the beaches are
He wrote her name in the sand
Never even let go of her hand

Somehow they stayed that way
For those 5 days in May
Made all the stars around them shine
Funny how you can look in vain
Living on nerves and such sweet pain
The loneliness that cuts so fine
To find the face you've seen a thousand times

Sometimes the world begins
To set you up on your feet again
And ohh it wipes the tears from your eyes
How will you ever know
The way that circumstances go
Oh its going to hit you by surprise
But I know my past
You were there
In everything I've done
You are the one

Looking back its hard to tell
Why they stood while others fell
Spend your life working it out
All I know is one cloudy day
They both just ran away
Rain on the windshield heading South
Ohh she loved the lines around his mouth

Sometimes the world begins
To set you up on your feet again
And ohh it wipes the tears from your eyes
How will you ever know
The way that circumstances go
Ohh its going to hit you by surprise
But I know my past
You were there
In everything I've done
You are the one

Chiliman's Eye

The other day I phoned a friend, I shan't be usin' names
"Not alright, I tell ya, Gee, my eyeball's shootin' flames!"
"Owie! Owie! Owie! Oh!, Chiliman I like ya so
tell me what has happened though I know you will be well"

"While chopping jalapenos without the proper guise
I washed my hands both 'fore and aft' but much to my demise
I went to pop my contact in and soon would realize
a flaming side of poppers and a sizzling batch of fries!"

Well I knew he wasn't faking and it took me by surprise
that my heart was feeling something which I couldn't minimize
he must have sensed me crying, guess it opened up his eyes
T'was an awkward bit of silence there one-sided love implies

and sensing he could break me down, I felt I must disguise
so I layered up and told him, "I've got onions in my eyes!"
"Woe is you and oh so woe, Gee girl how I like you so
tell me what has happened though I know you will be well."

"While chopping up the onions without the proper guise
I washed my hands before and aft' but much to my demise
can't blame me now for hoping we could do without the lies
But I'm just a bloomin' onion and I need to guard my...eyes."

And with the sharin' of the troubles and the things that caused us pain
there's comfort in the knowing, for what else have we to gain?
And if I lose you then tomorrow, because today I have been real
far better to have loved and lost, than held back what I feel.

And when everything which must be added is put in the Chili-man's crock
a five-to-one hand wash of water and bleach is best to avoid pepper shock.

-Gina Morrone

New Day

looking back I kind of sensed my story
the sparkles in my heart were stuck like glue
i colored way outside the lines, elated that I'd have to find
my own way, not be tied to something blue.

seems like choosing all the safe things, all those things that make most sense,
can't be right without the input of the heart
soon heart-broken it would seem, had to run, forget the dream
back to safety, where the love was from the start.

so maybe things have not turned out the way I wanted,
though both careful and adventurous, I've tried,
my youthful zest for life has left me haunted,
by shattered dreams, the very thing which was denied.

at the same time there's a hope on the horizon,
an excitement,as i look to God, the One,
and while I'm free to make the choice, I choose to listen to His voice
and in that confidence, a new day has begun.

let the day begin, begin again and cleanse away the past
let the love flow in and out again but this time make it last

Video Illusions

Listen to this with your eyes open, and then with them closed. Try listening to part of it with your eyes closed and then halfway through open them...

oh no...

0l' Pearl

She reaches out for love but it eludes her
He spits her out but not before he chews her
she blames herself for his mistake,
for giving him a belly ache
no wonder why she's feeling like a loser.

and then one day she noticed she was slipping
the mirror never lies, she wasn't tripping
within her empty eyes she saw
the wear and tear had worn her raw
and tears behind the veil of shame were dripping.

Standing in the dim light of the morning
In want of something more of an adorning
she lifted up her golden hair,
and smiled though no one else was there
and realized she'd never heard the warning.

No one ever spoke of inner beauty
though the boys around her said she was a cutie
Daddy always wore the pants
but never asked his girl to dance
she learned her moves from guys who loved her bootie.

Light music broke though silence of dead winter
Warm rays of sunshine thawed the ice within her
the local farmer loved his Lord
would never take, but could afford
and in his eyes, a pearl, and not a sinner.

She stands with him before the mirror now
her heart refreshed, she's seeing more somehow
the rounded apple of his eye
and no one else should wonder why
he bought the milk because he loved the cow!

Gina Morrone

Sunshine Girl

With a beaming smile that could warm the tile
She came flying down the corridor
the sun was setting, so I asked her heading
and she said, "I'm going to Florider!"

Well she seemed to like to talk
and I'd like to think I listen
so I pressed her for the details
and her eyes began to glisten.

"Been staying in this rest home
since I lost my dear departed"
and I asked her when he died and she said,
"Oh, I meant my leg".

So we stood there, well I stood there, and
she sat in her new wheel chair
I asked her what's the hurry.
and if she's gonna get a peg.

"Maybe if I lose this weight~
Gotta get down to 220
trouble is, I love to eat.
I know it's not that funny."

"I've had my share of heart attacks
and twice I had a stroke
Buried my husband, lost the house
and gee I love to smoke"

"I can't move these three fingers
but I manage in this chair
on nice days take it to the road
for excercise and air".

She went on to share her story
was from somewhere up in Queens
married twice, no children
and lived well within her means.

She talked about her childhood home
how chemicals from the pool
splashed onto the strawberry patch
and grew fruit the size of stool.

The best of all of her stories
was one about her dad
who had worked for Sunshine Biscuits,
but once fell into a vat.

no sooner had she told me
that I knew I'd have to write
a lymric for this lady
whose smile brings such delight.

The folks at Sunshine found him
pulled him out but hound him
was one lucky catch, 'til he met his batch
when those lady fingers done nearly drowned him.

Of Terror and Tyranny -G Clair

What are the rules in the war against terror?
Did we foil their plans or was it simply their error?

How do we know when we've won the big fight?
Will they run for their lives? Raise a flag that is white?

Does someone announce when the suicide bombers
turn a blind eye to virgins, or whatever they're promised?

Can we sweeten the deal, make them an offer?
live belly dancers, free tickets, gold coffer?

What will it cost us to buy back a brain?
to turn a sick mind back to thinking again?

These 'holy warriors' choose death over reason
to back out on Jihad would sooner be treason

believing it's Allah that leads them to take
their own precious lives and far more is at stake

Those innocent victims we cannot defend
those caught in the crossfire of terror and friend

How can we justify, how will it look?
when all this is put in the history book

What have we gained by the loss of their lives
We kill for our cause, but the madness survives

We've stood up for freedom and bravely gone in
not once, but two times and then over again

The Jihad, and what not, and now look to Zion
where Jewish extremists hate the Almighty Lion

Terrorists plot for the end of the West
while we who are faithful are put to the test

What ought we do then, when challenged with threats
the further we dig, the hotter it gets

Over thirty four hundred have paid with their blood
not counting civilians, who've died in the mud

On innocent soil, the war will continue
If you think this will end, then the truth is not in you

to challenge our freedoms to peacefully dwell
will surely bring death, high water and hell

to live free of terror from tyrant and creep
of fear that our lives are not safe while we sleep

We all know George Washington stood in the boat
crossed over on Christmas, the enemy to smote

to take them by nightfall while drunken and dazed
the victory lingers, and we're still amazed

our cause was for freedom, and freedom was won
by might and by power, in the spirit of one

brave William Wallace raised up his men
to fight for their freedom, and won in the end

He built up their pride, and the love of their home
picked a fight with King, and thus ends this poem

with you ( with you) - G Clair

looking back I couldn't see
 the storm clouds rising up inside me
here alone I've faced a darker day

hard to know where you begin just like the rain
you touched my skin and suddenly I'm drenched
and looking for a place to hide away

 with you ( with you)
 hide away with you ( with you)

take me back to where you're from
and dry me off beneath the sun
and speak to me the words which turn cold winters into summer

melt the ice within my heart please make it safe
and never part my life with you is so much more
 than what it was, a bummer

 with you (with you)
summer fun with you (with you)

Clouds move in and storms roll past
the darkness comes but never lasts
and through it all the Lord, our closest friend

First and Last, He's still the same and
trusting in His Holy Name
He's sure to bring us sunshine in the end

 with you (with you)
in the end with you (with you)

very very very much so

The Self Help Cure

I saw Him first or He saw me
and fear struck lonely in the knee
and I did stumble, but then caught
compose yourself', the guru taught

Still the urge to run and hide
lest someone see what lacks inside
I took six steps and then back three
this war between self-help and me

and he took nine from where he stood
the other way, but that was good
the farther off, the less the chance
that lonely would be asked to dance

Now hidden in the second aisle
my strength returned and I could smile
and feel the heat come to my face
and as I looked, my heart did race

For he too lingered in this aisle
the other end and for a while
perusing through the magazines
should I be wondering what this means?

I tried to think but drew a blank
what to do, then my heart sank
around the corner came his wife
with 4 small children, yes, his life

Of course, you fool, you can't be thinking
everything that tics is winking
stop the nonsense, drop the strife
count your blessings, get a life

Bound by lonely? Just get free
kick it in the other knee
get a dog and take it out
and don't forget, you're kind of stout

Lose the weight and get some style
feeling fat? An extra mile!
take your self-help to the bank
get some money, fill the tank

Bring your fear out for the ride
drop it off the other side
fear found lonely in the brew
Find yourself and lose those two

don't be waiting on the show
'cause when it's meant to be you'll know
Pack a bag and take a few
drive all night to somewhere new

but self-help, where we going to?
time is short, you cannot stew
but why the running, why the haste?
Why, can't you see? Your life's a waste!

trying all this new advice
I'm on the rocks, please hold the ice
i just can't fix these strange new drinks
and I don't care what that one thinks

I took that ride out to the cliff
and if's that's true, then what's the diff?
I've spent a lot of time on these
and burned my eyes right down to peas

And so I opened up the door
and took the books out, from the floor
and THREW them off the cliff that day
dust to dust or come what may!

To the woods, from whens you came
before your words would cause me shame!
before they bound you into books
and scarred your spine with fonts and looks!

you had no say in what was done
but someone gained a pretty sum
and all well meaning, surely so
but in the end, a heavy snow

And spring has come, and all things new
I'll try not to remember you
but hope to God that come the thaw
I'll not be sought out by the law

for dumping is illegal here
and though my conscience, fairly clear
at least I saved another soul
from thinking self-help makes you whole

when life is just one smaller part
of whats to come, what's in the heart
and how you act and what you do
the evidence of what's in you

As human being, we tire and fall
and need the strength of someone tall
but not a man, a loving God
who knows just how our feet are shod.

who wore our shoes and walked behind
who bore the sin of all mankind
and took the beating for the worst
the ones who hated, those who cursed

And asks us just to trust in Him
to wash the stain of human sin
to let Him carry, be the Lord
a Savior we can all afford

Whose perfect Love cast's out the fear
the lonely hearts club band is near
and knows the pain, he's led the herds
he wrote the music and the words

the sheep can't really help themselves
though self-help books have filled my shelves
but when I trusted Jesus Christ
he gave me more, the BEST ADVICE!

Gina Morrone

Too Much Turkey...ohhhhhh....

Semolina

SEMOLINA - G CLAIR

Semolina...
your'e the queena
my cold morning
Sweet Farina
Cream of Wheat without adorning
and no one makes it like my mom
who has a knack
for food transforming
she melts the butter in a lake
and the mountains are so warming

Semolina, Semolina,
Semolina I love you

Sweet Wheatina
how you stick with me
all morning
in the steama
from the pot
us kids were swarming
and we loved the one who
got us up
and sent us bundled off
to school
well you made us feel
much happier
since the lunch was not as cool

Semoleeena,
My Semolina
I love you

Semolina
well you're the queena
my cold morning
and i do dreama
bout how far you came
to warm me
cause your the creama
all the crops
that are grown
out in Italy
and I'm thankin' God for
every grain that came
from you to me.

Semolina
Semolina, I love you
Semolina
Semolina, I love you

"Wheatina and Cream of Wheat
From the box, water sugar, salt, butter
Warm, delicious and simple with a large chunk of butter melting on top. Always perfect. The wheatina was taken a bit sweet and the cream of wheat was always buttery and salty. Nothing fancy, no dried or fresh fruit ever came near of these breakfasts." http://www.foodevents.com/tastestours/local/jan_tasting.phtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semolina

Five Minute Oats- G Clair

FIVE MINUTE OATS -- G Clair

Pacing the floor
in the middle of this
watching the kettle
'til steam starts to hiss
A strange fascination
we have with the bliss
with nothing behind us
but one heated kiss.

Underneath an umbrella
I stand in the rain
and wait on the platform
for the 6 O'clock train
well you never quite hold me
and I rarely complain
and soaked with frustration
I walk home again.

We bid for each other
in some Chinese auction
and you got the booby
one mixed up concoction
we checked out our prizes
at a much closer range
What were we thinking
and can we exchange?

And without any memories
to dry up the tears
we long for the fire
and the comfort of years
but it's just one more lesson,
a good one we learned.
the slow-cooker is better
and we're less often burned.

And then as I ponder
you come in the door
I smile at your tired eyes
and looking for more
I stir up the pot
as you take off your Totes
and you ask me to make
you some 5-Minute Oats.

"I made em already"~
to warm up your cockles
the seat of your heart
and without the debacles
I sensed that the cold rain
would stir the desire
so I whipped up a batch
and rekindled the fire.

And inspite of my rambling
it seems rather clear
that 5-Minute oats
can mean something more dear
it's that person who waits
in your kitchen above
stirring 5 Minute oats
into passionate love.

Magicult- G-Clair

Oh how I would love to see
from where you stand, that part of me
which clung to all you said and all you do
the part which made me buy a chance
to hear the truth, I'll need to dance
around the words you speak which can't come true.

Words not spoken, never mind
this heart was broken but I find
that sometimes people fall when hope is due
needing God? well here's a man
with promises, just take his hand
he'll show you things no one can see but you.

Magicult, you've got a plan
to mesmerize the simple man
convinced that you have something we should see
Tell us all what we must do
to glimpse the place, first pay our due
and never mind the bible, pay the fee!

Get their minds to turn against
their Only Hope, if on the fence
be sure to make it hard, they want to earn it
The One who paid, right here on Earth
was Jesus Christ, his virgin birth
the Gift of God, the Cross, you want to burn it

Back in time, and filled with strife
for want of something more in life
something more to fill me than religion
I listened to a man who said
he knew a better way and led
me into some dark hole, much like a pigeon.

And then one day, when forced to eat
discarded crumbs upon the street
I saw my own reflection in a pool
a shell of what I'd been before
not filled, but empty to the core
and lowering my eyes, I said, "you fool"

To coin a phrase, deceived is he
who makes his life a mystery
apart from what is seen, he has a way
and it seems right and it seems good
but deeper in the neighborhood
of witchcraft which will only lead astray.

Believing on a gift of Love,
which turns a dead bird to a dove
'cause hearing of The Truth, transcends the soul
nourishing the man within,
it purges out the lies of men
His burden, light and easy, made me whole.

strange and beautiful are the stars...

Thank you, BT!

Uncle John's Story - G Clair

My sister's brother in law, John (Uncle John to you), is a gifted conversationalist and story teller. We also know he loves to read and has amazing retention of information. Uncle John is also an entertainer, the natural Master of ceremonies, and a musician, as well as the Lucky Charms Leprechaun come to life on St. Paddy's Day. At a recent ceremony commemorating his brother, Master Chief Charles Farrell's retirement from the Coast Guard, we all had the pleasure of hearing Uncle John recite a passage from, uh, I can't recall... but whatever he was reading, Uncle John held the crowd captive. He might has well have been reciting Shakespeare. Who knew? I thought about Uncle John, his talents and how a couple of years back, he had recounted a few tales of his youth; growing up on the Jersey Shore in the late '60s, early '70s.

UNCLE JOHN'S STORY

He's Uncle John to you, but John to the rest of us
Got a way of telling stories without the fanfare or the fuss
He can jump into any conversation, has a lot of stuff to say
and every bit is interesting 'cause that always been John's way.

There was one about his summer job before 1970,
paid to push a Swan-shaped boat off a dock in Asbury
With a grapple hook on a ten foot pole, or something of that sort
well he'd push 'em out and pull 'em in wasn't doing it for sport~
The same guy who owned the swan boats, tunneled love across the way
twice a week John worked the darkness, but preferred the light of day.

Played rhythm at the Upstage in band called 'Cory' later
workin' Perkins in West Belmar, took the name from the percolator
Around that time he grew his hair out, it was like an Afro-sheen
mistaken for Tinker, a surfboard chinker and drummer with Springsteen.

Cruisin' down around Brookdale in his '39 LaSalle
Met 'Stinky' Tink at Thompson Park, where he was singing with his pal
Hey John, you look like Tinker,

but now you favor Gere
a live ringer for Mike Richards,
and don't forget DeNir-

Oh, if you can't remember anything from 40 years ago
just ask your Uncle John who knows the time in Tokyo.

Big A Rocker

Plopped down in the rocking chair in a mix of joy and gloom
the memories come flooding back, my sweet old childhood room
no doubt it's been my resting place since life had dealt hard blows
unable to keep up with the pace, sometimes that's how it goes.

Moved back home last summer, the only place for sure
could offer me some comfort, and a quick financial cure.
She said you can take your old room, or sleep in the garage
that room is cold and drafy, got my ego to massage.

and in that room a rocker, like a granny before my time
I'd sit and read and sip on gingerale, coke, lemon and lime.
Eyes are tired, mind is wired, I know it's getting late
I throw the switch and in the dark I'm back to being eight.

I suppose that worry burrows, deep within the genes
'cause I would lie and comtemplate the most disturbing scenes.
I'd worry about a robber, and double check the locks
or catching double pneumonia, and always wore my socks.

I'd worry about a bad man, and check under the bed
about a fire breaking out and everything else I dread.
and as a child, that simple prayer, we recite each night
it added to the trauma, for it filled me with such fright.

"If I should die before I wake", now scared that I was dyin'
"I pray the Lord my soul to take." , and THAT should stop my cryin'?
"If I should live another day, I pray the Lord to guide my way"
And guide He did, but I did stray and wound up in this room today.

The truest test of character, not money or allure
but how you act and what you do in secret when you're poor.
Sometimes you're feeling downright spent, and think you'll fall apart
it's hard to grasp the gift, to see the ending from the start.

Sometimes you need to get some sleep or eat, and have some wine,
other times you're reaching out to someone on the line.
But even through the worst of it when to God I drunken dialed
The Lord, He taught me once again to trust Him like a child.

Now I'm grateful just to sit on mom's fine throne of wicker
Gotten past the worst of it, but wait here is the kicker:
Taking the backroads home one day I drove by a mountain of junk
mostly discarded furniture and someone's stinkin' trunk.

But wedged between a credenza and unwanted Christmas cheer
an antique wide-assed rocker, wired to rock away fear.
With the same determination, as if salvaging a soul
I forced that rocker in my car,where there's a will's a hole.

And one day when I am ready, and fit for moving on
Gonna find a warm place, and beaming with grace
set that rocker in the sun
And If you need sedating, to talk with someone dear,
my rocker will be waiting, with a seat to fit your rear!

( I finally did refinish that big assed rocker and again it waits in storage for my next home)

the joy of socks - G Clair

Not to be the only one who feels
that it's important
to keep your shirt on
to keep your patience
of this I'm certain
with understanding
in quiet waters
are sunken
treasures
found.

Catching wind of something that you said
I'm quite relieved that
you are the type who
can see the end from
a rough beginning
and in forgiving
you make it clear
that there's no
fear in
love.

Letting go of all that is behind
we can be freed from
old silly notions
wasted emotions
vain devotions
useless worries
about a future
and of all
temporal
things.

Reaching out for something that is good
and latching onto
discarded socks you
were thinking 'clearly
they don't deserve you'
but still you serve so
it will continue
and you will
never be
alone.

BT's Perfect Storm- "The Woman's Affliction"

(The ponderings of guest writer BT. I choose the illustrations around here.)


While driving to Pathmark to pick up some provisions I was hit with some thoughts that though not poem worthy(for now atleast), still notable.

As I drove down Durham Rd. I glanced over my left shoulder. And behold, there he was. The great betrayer. Mr. F. Moon in all his radiant glory. The one who is to inspire romance. Who songs have been written about. That, for the exception or werewolves, is something to anticipate. Little would I know he would play a part in determing the outcome of my relationship with my love.

Then I pondered the effects of PMS, perimenopause, and the very existence of hormones altogether. I already knew that I was woefully inept in dealing with the outward signs of the female affliction. So inept. Then, as if I wasn't already at a handicap, the two conditions conspired against me. I never saw it coming. Never had a chance.

I wish that I was smarter, wiser, calmer, stronger, kinder, patient, loving, etc. Sounds like the makings of a fruit(of the Spirit) salad.

Another thought was about my own life. The sense of loss. That it seems to be a series of short term gains in the midst of long term heartaches and losses. A feeling that nothing has changed since my youth. And if that is the case, wishing I could give up the ghost and go home. But alas, that is not my choice. So how long this time? When will I feel normal again? Not even looking for the next short term gain. Just normalacy. No more hope deferred. Peace.

Heart Gallery

Caught a glimmer of joy in your eyes, 'twas so cold
as I sat on that bus, you were smiling,
though the memory's quite old, and the shimmer has dulled
it's a full color, framed, out of filing.

Sepia pictures more often I hold
old negatives covered in grime
it's a shame, though fortold, that we're all growing old
with limited space and less time.

The clock on wall tells me just where I stand
and it's chime brings the heartache of doom
the seconds tick by, and I can't help but cry
in the heart of my hearts old dark room.

Despite all the charm my countenance exudes,
these tattered old blinds can't conceal
soft light filters truth from my cheap platitudes
and the good from the dark stuff I feel.

Thought about leaving this filth covered tomb
take the best of my memories with me
better to clean up than run from this room
keep the babe for the bath water's free.

Watching my step, I tread deep within
without the desire to save face
gaze up at a skin, done by guilt of that sin
in the light of God's Love and sweet Grace.

To break from this nasty cold miserable cave
let go of the sadness and gloom
forgiveness unlocks the door of the grave
and there's nothing left here to exhume.

Welcome, my friend, yes it's been quite a while
since we've bathed in the sun and run free
got a mind for preserving your beautiful smile
in my state of the heart gallery!

Mr. F Moon - G Clair ( for BT)

Just follow the bouncing ball.(1- 2- 3- 4- 1- 2)
Hey Mr. Moon (badunt dunt dunt)
shine a light on all of our blues (badunt dunt dunt)
we passed around the bottle of gueze (badunt dunt dunt)
while lookin' down at skuffied up shoes (badunt dunt dunt dunt dadee)

hey Mr. Moon-(badunt dunt dunt)
your gettin' on my hormonal rythym, my chemi hemi-spheri-cal schizm
reacting to your lunar deluge

so strike up the band (badunt dunt)
won't ya shine a light on all of us crazies
we love you 'cause your foolish and lazy
and you do it for attention and news(badunt dun dun, dumpedy dun)

::well your the orchestrated leader
of the criminally insane
and the bona fide heater
of the hearts on lovers lane
and what's it to ya anyway
just what all do ya gain
when ya push the tides around
and do a number on my brain::

Mr. Moon! (badunt dunt dunt)
I hope you come around real soon ( dadunt dunt dunt)
I'll try to write a song for the sun ( badunt dunt dunt)
who keeps a dark old rock in his fun ( badunt dunt dunt duntety)

Mr. Fool Moon ( Budunt dunt) un-
aware that you're a pain in my rump (badunt dunt)
keep the rhythym 'til we're over hump~(badunt dunt)
'cuz you know I like the light of your lump ( badunt dunt dunt bumpety oh)

Mr. Moon i love you,
Mr. Moon i love you,
Mr. Moon
i love you,
Mr. Moon.
*************
FYI:
Gueze (gooze): Beer term for a blend of young and old lambics.
http://www.beerliquors.com/buy/beer/Boon_Gueze_Lambic_Beer.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambic

which by the way, ryhymes with Iambic pentameter:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iambic_pentameter

with all I am

Pondering Religion and Politics/ Religious War on America- G Clair

Pride, like a river before a great fall
flows swiftly like thunder to crash down a wall
the heart is rebellious and easily sways
when drawn from the path, corrupt in it's ways
for evil was present before there was light
to kill and destroy is it's only delight

When Light overcomes it, the darkness can't stay
but still, in some hearts it's dark anyway
this is the world and this is the steeple
and these plans were made without asking the people
And then from our pews, seems like something had died
or maybe ignited, don’t know, you decide
A peace-loving nation come hell or high water
'til freedoms were challenged, the fire grew hotter
extremists offending extremely can bring
an unprepared nation to most anything

A paranoid nation with anger and fear
not knowing our enemy lurking so near
With nine-one-one burned in our souls we were shocky
our leader like most, at the start seemed quite cocky
War books will speak then of fortunes and fools
of defense and offense, but where are the rules?
Believing our God is the True One who saves
but what does He say about kings in their graves?
Does the God that we're claiming to trust on our money
have a plan for the end can it ever be funny?

The Word says to pray for God's got a plan
will He fix all the messes or mess up the man?
Look to the bible within it are books
history lessons with good guys and crooks
Where Wisdom and Truth are present with power
the Word speaks today and right up to this hour
The King of the world was crazy with pride
Nebuchadnezzar was fit to be tied
Read it in Daniel, the last days are near
but don't be too quick to be crippled with fear

Daniel knew well of his God, the big G
the One and the Only forever is He.
Finding God's favor while serving this king
Faithful obedience, blessing will bring
And how does that lesson apply to today
The Same God forever, what does He say?
He's not about killing the lost infidel
but bringing salvation from certainly Hell
Through one act of God and nothing from man
came down from heaven and finished His plan
Reopened the 'gates', settled the score
Forever "I AM" not mad anymore

Forgiving ALL sin with the simplest prayer
from the heart that is aching for wholeness in there
Weakness! A Crutch! Pathetic are you!
ironic from those who can't offer a clue
Speak for yourself! I've 'oft heard it said
we're Godless but gracious, without any dread
No pressure from heaven, you're free to decide
if you think long enough, you might save your own hide
So when will this end? Can it ever be over
ask peace-loving poets who daydream in clover

ethereal pondering not here my goal
my noggins a noddin', it's taken a toll
But where should America stand in this war?
The best-est defense is to even the score?
Whatever our forefathers meant for this nation
whatever intentions with God's affirmation
without a strong faith and fear of the Lord
we'll bind up our wounds, but fall on the Sword