Certain - G Clair

He takes her love to meet his need
this bachelor is a selfish breed
she'll tolerate his cruelty for affection;
She's walked on eggshells, feeling sad
and breaking down she sees her dad
but why the anger, why all the correction?

Locked inside her cloud of love
so aimlessly she'll float above
the memories- each time his rage exploded;
and never being good enough
perplexed at why he seems so gruff
when only yesterday he swooned and doted.

She, the ever-loving type
would jump to fix his every gripe
and dance around him while his heart was hurtin'
believing then, "it must be me"
the source of all his angst, you see
but now she knows the truth, of this she's certain.

Taking one last chance she'll try
to reach out to this troubled guy
and longing to become his heart's desire
staged to win his softer side
she'll do her best to smile and hide
the fear, this saintly dear, her heart's a liar.

Never will there ever be
a stable point where they are free
to be, although she'd hoped their love was certain;
the disapproval in his eyes
is something she should recognize
it's been disguised until the final curtain.

Bad Hair Nightmare- G Clair

I asked for the color I had as a child
"Don't think so", he said, and that's putting it mild
I went to get up from the chair but soon found
the weight of that bib thing was weighing me down

the eyes of the stylist, so cold and unkind
were narrowing as he approached from behind
in his hand he held something we both recognized
'twas the braid from my worst childhood fear realized!

The one he'd cut off right here at the neck
and left me there wearing a 'shag', what the heck!
"You don't want this color, it's way too outdated
and what could be duller than the one God created?

What you need now is product I'LL mix
a light honey blond with some purple to fix
the damage you did with your cheap color tricks,
and the thing I hate MOST about all of you chicks!"

"Barberian justice would SNIP off your locks,
but you've suffered far worse when you turned to the box
and then to add insult you pulled through the cap
and expecting great highlights, got dried out straw crap!

Next time we'll just give you a 'shorty', it's called,
don't mess with my color...you may wind up BALD!

The Quest for Warmth G- Clair

captured there in orange, beneath the old street light
a cloud of breath exhaled, hangs heavy in the night
waiting on the 409 has never been this bleak
the fierce wind nips your ear lobe, and ice cold stings your cheek

I watch you turn your collar up, your back against the bite
one hand on that coffee cup, the other out of sight.
each morning getting colder, the forecast is for snow
in fleece and wool you face the frost, and how I'll never know

I see you’re green, my blue faced friend, the green before the fall
you've never been about the perks, it's conscience above all
the last thing on your mind just now would be to get a Lynx
traffic is lame, road rage insane, and air pollution stinks

don't EVEN get you started upon the SUV
spews out nitrous oxide and guzzles Texas tea
public parking, another rare find, for what you get they rob you blind
and what they miss, the vandal takes, leave you with migranes the car alarm makes

better for all we all take the train
or one car per family 'stead of one car per brain.
watching you stand there with ice crystals forming
Hypothermantic, you NEED global warming!

I know you ain't no girlyman, my ever-ready mate
but my duracel is waiting, and the 409 is late
I jump out from my hiding place, approaching from the rear
my work cut out, without a doubt, the ice lymric is near:

poetic license pending,
I call for a herione's ending
like a frozen filet
without word or delay
I can lift you without even bending

once inside and thawing, you start in about the gas
I turn down the heat, but turn up the seat that's warming up your carcass
and I'm certainly all for the planet, and all for your thinking what's best
but for mornings like these, with your jewels in a freeze, come with and we'll heat up the QUEST.

The Run Around- G Clair

He went around
and came around, and went around again
Then he came around, went back around
and came around again.

"What's with all the run-around?"
I asked my breathless friend
"What goes around, will come around
and right up to the end."

and holding back my laughter
I caught up with the clown
if it's women that you're after
just wait, they'll come around.

Been waiting my whole lifetime
and I don't think they see
that I can take them places
if they'd only come with me.

"Who runs this ride, you run beside,
and can't they cut the speed?"
"I have no clue, but maybe you
can jump this thing, and plead."

"One last run around, dear girl
it's worth the ride, you'll see
it won't be long, enjoy the song,
I'm a sick sorry son of a b."

I hopped aboard his dream machine
where ladies rode the poles
and pushed passed blown out bimbos
to the room which housed controls.

I peeked inside the window there
and much to my surprise
no one's mannin' anything on this
carousel of lies.

A sea of lovely lonelies
ride 'The Future' from the past
around again a few more times
our lives are fading fast.

Suddenly he's on the ground
and draggin' on his knees
with sweat upon his forehead,
I said, "Jackass, LET GO, please."

"One last run around, dear girl,
don't you worry none 'bout me
appreciate your deep concern
I'm a sick sorry son of a b".

Well, it took some major doing
to release his grip of fear
and then I jumped, and bruised and bumped
was finally in the clear.

"we've cashed in all our chips today,
but we'll be back, for more-
you push to run the Future
and I'm lonely to the core.

We hobbled from the Carn-evil,
my weary friend and me
what goes around will come around
DEAR GOD please set us free.

Misery Loves Company - G Clair

I took a walk with Misery
we've been walking for a while
sometimes he says I go too slow
but I'll go that extra mile.

We don't say much and that's okay,
I'm not much one for talking
Silence makes good company
though some might find that shocking.

Well Misery's been up and down
these old familiar roads
prefers to walk with strangers now
who'll kick against the goads.

He's seen his share of Trouble
it invites him in for tea;
he walks the sullen pathway home
alongside Sympathy.

They take the train quite often
and meet up at the bars
Self Pity's always waiting
with her bottle, wounds and scars.

They buy a round and toast the clown
whose always got one-liners
to keep the crowd distracted
from the sad-sack whining piners.

Adversity can test your will
and take away your smile
you might meet up with Misery
and settle for a while,

to dwell upon the negative
will limit where you go~
and stuck inside, you'll just abide,
and surely miss the show.

Reflecting on old Misery,
I've often let him lead
through disappointments,
heartache,
and my own uncertain need.

I slow my pace and let him pass,
and turning up the sound
I bid farewell to Misery,
it's time to turn around!

Muted- G Clair

In the muted blue glow
of your favorite late show
with the light
from the bathroom
left on~
I can make out your face
and it's hard
to erase
from my memory,
although
you are gone.

In our silence
a sweetness,
a comfort, it's true
needing less
to be said
meant much more~
we lived well
in our day
and had so much
to say
but your smile,
it just cut
to my core

As we sat
side by side on the sofa
'twas your hand
on my ankle
that said~
'I am here,
you are there,
there's no distance',
I swear
you still whisper
sweet nothings
in bed.

So forgive me
for getting
all sappy
but our late show
is on

you are there
in the hazy blue den
I can't hear Letterman

got him muted
so music can blare,

Sunset Love Song- G Clair

Reminding me of shorter days the orange globe sinks into haze
no longer casting heated rays but shadows on the beach
the warmth and softness of the sand beneath my back and in my hand
it cools as evening takes the land and sleep, within my reach

Words are written in my mind with colors I could only find
in sunsets which were left behind like paintings dried with love
I turn to face the laughing lush who paints the skies without a brush
and every stroke, poetic mush, which lingers high above

fiery red excites the soul and sets the mood in motion
orange and pink elicit sighs like a full moon on the ocean
streaks of purple are always fun and bring on the blue-green hues
a symphony is the setting sun but gimmee the midnight blues

I want to gaze into your glory tell me another story
oh bring on the colors don't let me sleep too long
I want to sing of Your greatness in spite of all my lateness
with all my quirks and troubles, you see in me no wrong

Oh God, you are amazing all creation should be praising
and I'll wait for you forever 'til the sun sets on my song
the days, they pass too quickly but sunset is the best
this moonless night, we hear the waves, which won't disturb our rest

Bottom of the Bay- 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-away 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 illusion.
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 is no way a fish will drown
I'll let the current take me down
just one more gem in Neptune's crown
I guess that's 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 heep
the painful one's I'd rather keep
and as I swim this sea of *bleep*
none will be for snatching.

first surf lesson

High tide is making it's way to your door
while I on the sand feel the waves pound the shore
it's pulling me out and I'm wanting you more
it's high time and high tide is coming

the morning sun sparkles on waves the right height
you're finally here and I'm filled with delight
i can't help but hope that my suit's not too tight
In this light I'm a sight but not numbing.

we paddle out longing and wait for the ride
and filled with excitment, the stuff I can't hide
we'll take from each other whatever's inside
for the sea on my heartstrings is strumming

by noon I've been battered and ready to flee
I'm guessing you're feeling the need to break free
you take to the big waves, I'm burning for thee
if these breakers were ice you would melt them

Weary I let that old ride take me in
I float with the current, don't bother to swim
and soon I'm washed up on sand, for the win
and like high tide, I've worn out my welcome

Low tide is good 'cause we all need a break
we give till it hurts and quite often we take
and it's all for the best find those treasures and rest
cause it's low tide but high tide is coming

Heart Gallery- G Clair

Caught a glimmer of joy in his eyes 'twas so cold
as I left on that bus, he was 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 foretold, we're all growing old
with limited space and less time.

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.

and just when I've found that my heart's been around
and left beaten, embittered and cold
here's Walter Mitty, no sex in the city
self pity is making me old.

Over there in the closet, a huge bank deposit
I'm saving for something worthwile
been trusting the Lord, yet can never afford
that 'single and lovin it' smile.

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

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

Though my heart is your home I've n'er let You roam
through the passages marked 'Do Not Enter'
they lead to the room where the waft meets the loom
forming poems wherein I am the center.

The fabric you see in that heap seems to weep
burdened down with my aches and my pains
I've asked that you'd heal all this stuff while I sleep
but I wake and the damage remains

Your spirit reminds me, at home in my heart
you've taken my sin to the grave
your pleasure to clean up, yet I must forgive
and let go of the garbage I save.

Afraid now to look any further for fear
we'll discover the worst yet to come
You tell me to follow, for You hold me dear
since we're no longer two now but one.

Beginning to see how I'd lost all my hope
when I left on that bus in the rain
I forgive him for not being able to cope
without love and the will to sustain.

You Lord, my comfort have been here within
you know how my heart is in shambles
You've rolled back the stone, I'm no longer my own
and you smile though my poetry rambles.

So 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!

What It's Not- G Clair

come on in to what is real, and I will make a nice hot meal and
you can turn the TV on, sit back, and watch the game that's on...
put your feet up on the chair and grab that blanket over there
I'll light a fire, stir the pot, don't get me wrong, it's what it's not

it's not that I you are all that great, but good enough, the hour is late
it's not that you are all that cold, but last I looked, we're getting old
it's not that I am in the need of someone here to bathe and feed
a homeless, worse, an invalid, a chatty friend or someone's kid

so come on in to what is real, and I will make a nice hot meal and
you can turn the TV on, sit back watch the game that's on...
put your feet up on the chair and grab that blanket over there
I'll light a fire, stir the pot, don't get me wrong, it's what it's not

It's not that I invite your gassing, true we've seen our best years passing
Frankly I have much preferred one's tendencies, like those, deferred
and even though I am not the type to get involved with TV hype
it's not that I'd could really care, or even stare were you not there

so come on in to what is real, and I will make a nice hot meal and
you can put the TV on, sit back and watch game that's on...
put your feet up on the chair and grab that blanket over there
I'll light a fire and stir the pot, don't get me wrong, it's what it'snot

It's not that I am tired of being... here alone, and never seeing
anyone of any kind, I might be lonely, but you'll find
that I am good at making due and if you think you have a clue
then any time you want the best of what it's not, please be my guest!

The One- G Clair

I'm told a man from Nazereth
had taken time to plan His death
from somewhere way before the birth of time
would be a thing worth finishing
for none could wear His wedding ring
until the final pardon for their crime.

And taken from the midst of sin
an undeserving place I'm in
beneath the cross, I stare up at The One
whose blood poured down that gruesome day
in pain the man was heard to say
with his last breath, "That's it, My Work is Done."

They took his body torn and dead
removed the thorns which pierced his head
and crying for this Man they'd come to love
wrapped him gently in the way
as was the custom of the day
without a doubt, they questioned God above.

Now placed inside a darkened tomb
and sealed in stone by soldiers whom
could not be caught asleep lest they would pay
but something happened as He planned
His tomb was somehow left unmanned
as angels rolled the stone aside that day.

So WHO IS THIS who claims to save
in three days risen from the grave
who paid a debt which we could n'er afford~
now written into history
He wrote the world a mystery
and solved it one day, cause that's my Lord.

Fulfilling every prophecy
the Only One my heart can see
is Jesus Christ, be sure you cannot hide
you'll face Him on your dying day
the One True Love who made a way
to cover and protect his precious bride.

Undone-- G Clair

a million peices of my heart
in all the things I tend to start
but never finish
and every thing that's left undone
is just a sign I'm on the run
lest I deminish
and if I stop to take a breath
and contemplate my hour of death
I'd have to wonder
what would be my last request
to sit with winners who were blessed
or rather one more chance to be a blunder?

just like the worm who never made the hook
I slept too late and never read the book
thought I'd be freed from trouble in this life
but still I bleed from heartache and from strife

I dabble in the partial arts,
in tasting wines and shopping carts
with shaky wheels
and all the prizes never won
for half baked pies, and smiling eyes
and flaky deals
time will tell if this get's done
though time is never on the run
nor one for waiting
no matter what you do or choose
or what you keep or what you lose
that sunset's fading

just like the worm who never made the hook
i slept too late and never read the book
thought I'd be freed from trouble in this life
but still I bleed from heartache and from strife

Lights My Ways-- G Clair

Was thinking 'bout my life and how it's gonna be
I left it up to God, He put it back on me
went lookin' for direction but I'm just the average Jane
don't like all these decisions, the unknown mystifies my brain.

I pondered over all the things I've done before
thought I could walk on water, knocked on every door
and nothing much was scary then and nothing much was out of place
Well I walked by faith. and left the rest to grace.

When I said that I would follow, wasn't hard to do~
I stayed away from magic, idols, and taboo
and doing the right thing, the only thing that mattered
You planted the Word, and by the wind those seeds were scattered.

Turned my back on old religion, not the way for me
well you can have your catachism and your rosary
never being sure your gonna make it to the promised land,
God showed how much He loved us when he took the nails in his hand.

You raised me out of darkness way before I'm dead
left the puzzle all undone, and lit the way instead
I'm thinking again, but far much higher this time
It's not my will but yours that I am hoping to find.

I've got some time to spend and time is on my hands
I wanna do your will and follow your commands
I know it's not by might, and not by useless power
But by your spirit I will serve to my last hour.

And as I'm on my way, just doing what I do
I'm gonna try my best and kiss it all to you
Well I make mistakes and I've seen some wicked days
but out of every darkness, your faithful love, it lights my ways.

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)

you are LOVE -- G Clair

You are here in the light
in the darkest of the night
and you surround me
You surround me
I was lost, but was found
wandered off again
but You came out and found me
You surround me

speak softly
tell me not to be afraid or to consider
any other way, that which is bitter
keep me from religious law and letter
in You things work together for the better
for You are Love, simply Love

not alone, never was
but I struggle to be what they have expected
and rejected~
once again, not enough
while these words come off the cuff
there's something waiting
but hesitating

speak softly
tell me not to be afraid or to consider
any other way, that which is bitter
keep me from religious law and letter
in You things work together for the better
for You are Love, simply Love

came away from that place
filled with pride I needed grace
and how I shivered
yet you delivered
took these rags, then this cart
wrapped your arms around my heart
and in your clothing
no more self-loathing

speak softly
tell me not to be afraid or to consider
any other way, that which is bitter
keep me from religious law and letter
in You things work together for the better
for You are Love, simply Love.

Sewer Break Blues- G Clair

To the Tune of Bob Dylan's "Rollin and Tumblin".

Well we smelled something bad and went lookin for the cause
I said we smelled something bad and went lookin for the cause
well we opened up the basement, and our minds gave way to pause~

there was a stench so strong that it gave my nose a pain
I said a stench so strong that it gave my nose a pain
well the floor was flooded and the ceiling pouring rain~

well the sewer line broke and it and it's arainin' down like crap
said the sewer line broke and it's arainin' down like crap
and never before have I seen this stuff on tap~

Mr. Rooter. God bless you, gonna pump out all our brown
Mr. Rooter, God bless you, gonna pump out all our brown
but we can't use the can, and these sewer blues are gettin' us down.

and if we don't pay the plumber, well our bladder's gonna burst
Said if we don't pay the plumber, yeah our bladder's gonna burst
well I'd go outside, but I'm sittin here dyin' of thirst.

A billable job, said Phil, it's gonna be okay
Well it's a billable job, said Phil, it's gonna be okay
just give me a workin' man's bowl for the business of the day.

Well these sewer break fumes, enough make me wanna spew
I said these sewer break fumes, enough to make me wanna spew
and if you don't mind the outhouse, baby you can work here too.


Sound of Flushing toilet

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 nothin' else is makin' me tingle
could be the way he puts the gin in his jingle,
so amazing, all this talent of his
ain't 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 his soul and for his sins He bled

and when i'm blue
his voice can reach me in the worst places
he 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

it seems to be true
when it's pouring down he'll break out the moonshine
and while you're soaking up the melody's sunshine
he'll take the rhythm, leave the singin' to you
and walk you through it though you haven't a clue

well he's ripe
as a goat
with all the hype he's got the right to gloat
though he knows every note
prefers just talkin' through whatever he wrote

awalkin' 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 nothin' else is makin' me tingle
could be the way he puts the gin in his jingle,
so amazing, all this talent of his
ain't no wonder, 'bout the best that there is

Field and Stream -- G Clair

the
boonies
where you are
in the outback, and
the middle of nowhere, but
y'all like callin' it "God's Country"
cuz it's a place which is tended by God
where businessmen have yet to overrun and ravage
to fell forests,and clear the land for pretty developments
and it's a place where you are dangerously closer
to the wild elements and are self-reliant
comfortably near to the natural
free of the 'pressures' who
could encroach upon
your space and
freedoms
wow

Field and Forest -- G Clair

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.