reflecting---G Clair

Don't know how to tell you this, but somehow it must be
that someone tells us something and today I guess that's me.

I've thought up lots of somethings and of all the thoughts I've got
the ones I could be sharing are the one's I'd rather not.

See I've made a lot of choices from the dull part of my brain
most without foreknowledge, and of course some caused me pain.

So I go about my business since I'm hired, this is true
when assigned you'd best be following the leader, and I do.

But when I'm free to think alone, I look out on the fields
and contemplate my choices now and how the future yields.

There are things you plan ahead in life and trust, though God is good,
that other folks will treat you well around the neighborhood.

Things we count on, days and nights, the seasons and the years
but words are gold, be bold and God will surely quell your fears.

The best book I am reading, besides the Bible's Truth
the story of George Washington, our founder, from his youth.

Considering the past is wise and don't repeat mistakes
do your best to state your quest, and stay away from flakes.

Give when you are able, do the right thing as it is said
a good man can't be faulted though he's human, heaven led.

Use your gifts, 'a future and a hope' He's promised man
Be wise, get wisdom, realize your time is in His Hand.

city of blame - G Clair

your memory serves you but mine is so lame
it bothers you still so please tell me again

who stole your lunch box and who smashed your toy
who failed to hug you when you were a boy
who broke your heart and who fractured your tooth
who sapped your energy, who took took youth
who who who who

and who wasn't there when you needed him so
who made you clean up and shovel the snow
who was a meany and who was a Grinch
who took a mile when you gave him an inch
who who wbo who

what is the reason you must take the shame
tell it to get off your back just the same
let out the anger and cut loose the pain
grab onto love, baby, run from this city of blame

who didn't choose you for kickball that day
who left you stranded to walk all that way
who took your Christmas and who stole your pride
who locked the door and then left you outside
in the rain

who robbed your innocence, who stole your crown
promised the moon and took off at sundown
the memories haunt us though we may forgive
forgetting is hard 'cause it is what it is

who took your hopes and your dreams to the floor
a lick a promise when you needed more
and who said "I Do" with his two fingers crossed
dumped you for somebody haggard and sauced

what is the reason you must take the shame
tell it to get off your back just the same
let out the anger and cut loose the pain
grab onto love, baby, run from this city of blame.

Someone Else's Song- GClair

I slid along the Avenue until I reached your place
I must admit I'd had a few but longed to see your face
The steps were barely salted, and I cursed them as I fell
and peppered my possessions on the sidewalk iced from hell.

Face down upon the Avenue I breathed the cold of night
and realized to my surprise my hip had twisted right
And not a soul was present to raise me from the dread
no, not a one to hear my cries or anything I said.

Chorus:
And never I've felt so foolish, though I've been a fool before
and every time I've done me wrong I'm lying on the floor
if maybe Someone Else's song will save them from their grave
I'll take the shame on New Years Eve if just one soul I save!

Well it's been my vain conception that I'm good in any storm
I'm graceful, no deception, all my landings, perfect form
pride reserved an answer for the blasted state I'm in
"only New Years Eve will bring out all the things I've never been."

I laid upon the Avenue, each minute like an hour
and I prayed that God was having you come down from your high tower.
to find me there, an old time square without a new years ball
much better to be found alive than not be found at all.

Chorus:
And never I've felt so foolish, though I've been a fool before
and every time I've done me wrong I'm lying on the floor
if maybe someone else's song will save them from their grave
I'll take the shame on New Years Eve if just one soul I save!

Well It must have been near midnight, turned my head to hear the riff
distant music on the river and my mind began to drift
when something kicked my ankle like the tip of someone's shoe
could it be the boot of heaven checking if my soul was due?

I'd landed near a tire, whose tread was laced with snow
which buried in the mire, had nowhere else to go
and glimpsing my reflection in the hub which shined like new
I witnessed my deliverance, the light of God, it's true!

Chorus
And never I've felt so foolish, though I've been a fool before
and every time I've done me wrong I'm lying on the floor
if maybe someone else's song will save them from their grave
I'll take the shame on New Years Eve if just one soul I save!

From somewhere deep inside the smokey bellows of my ire
a verse from someone else's song which rose up like a choir
Is it you my sweet beloved, come to raise me from my plight?
for I've fallen in my drunken state this cold dark News Years Night.

And what have we beheld here, a woman in the snow
her hip looks out of socket though her face is all aglow
they rushed me to the hospital and just in time for tea
which warmed the cockles of my heart and thawed my love for thee.

Chorus:
And never I've felt so foolish, though I've been a fool before
and every time I've done me wrong I'm lying on the floor
if maybe Someone Else's song will save them from their grave
I'll take the shame on New Years Eve if just one soul I save!

My coconut is hollow but I've artichoke to spare
and the roads I chose to follow often lead to cupboards bare
I've made the best of nothing 'til the nothings left me cold
and filled my chest with stuffing out of fear of growing old.

All these years I've been a sinner, running circles, chasing youth,
with my hair as gray as winter, I come face to face with truth
Lying flat out on the sidewalk on that News Years Eve from hell
I learned to trust correction and I hope you're doing well.

Chorus:
And never I've felt so foolish, though I've been a fool before
and every time I've done me wrong I'm lying on the floor
if maybe Someone Else's song will save them from their grave
I'll take the shame on New Years Eve if just one soul I save!

I'm singing someone Else's song, for me it's not that true
I don't get drunk on New Years Eye and rarely think of you
If one day you should meet me on the street where you might live,
be sure to wave and greet me if you've got the time to give!!!

And never you'll feel so foolish, though you've been a fool before
and every time you've done you wrong you're lying on the floor
if maybe Someone Else's song will save you from you grave
then take the shame on New Years Eve, if just your soul you save!

Zzz the Day- G Clair

Zzz the day
Let's let this one get away
it's okay,
gave our best to yesterday
overtime
never was my cup of tea
yet they squeeze
press the very best of me
piling on the sugar now
promising the moon and now
complaining drains
life's pleasure out of me
gimmee z.

Skim the soup
otherwise we'll get too fat
trim the sails
and I'm off to where you're at
winter winds
sting my chin and mess my hair
better stay
wrapped in cozy blankets here
icy patches forming
on the windows, we lay warming
under covers, unaware
nothing bothers, not a care
let the phone ring
when in doubt
never mind,
I'm calling out

Stay up late
watching oldies on TV
lick the plate
leave it on the floor for me
it's okay,
make another can of soup
take a bath
and then shower off the bloop
wasting water, wasting time
waste not want not
never mind
let the toilet run and find
everything will
wait for you
you'll see~
catch your z
wait for me.

one more day to go around
nothings lost
but somethings found
the buzzing fan's
a welcome sound
draw the blinds
cause no one's gonna call
after all

take the shame! G-Clair

My sister sent some money 'cause things had gone to hell
She said, "You don't belong there Honey, a trip home will do you well."
On a three day smelly bus ride away from what had been obscene
turned my nose to New York City where the air was fresh and clean.

Pulled into Central Station, a different kind of highland
was met by my dear sister, a castaway on Gov'nors Isand.
Being broke was half the trouble,and we played it like a game
but the nasty shoe debacle, well it made me take the shame.

I didn't know quite what to do, but I knew I had a job,
a suit of hounds-tooth off 'The Give', and my hair cut in a bob.
The suit was fitting perfectly, for shoes we found some flats
pink with silver circled cut-outs, kind of clownish without spats.

Well I stood there in a laugh-cry, 'cause my job was in the city
I gotta make these babies black or be lookin' 'Hello Kitty'.
So she gets that strange expression, perhaps as from the Lord
In an empty apartment down the hall was some paint for the old baseboard.

We laughed the night we dipped the shoes,laughed until we cried
And early the next morning, it seemed the paint had dried.
You could see that they were shiny and ready for the weather
and from an eyeball's distance they could pass for patent leather.

I was ever careful as I slipped my stockinged toes
into brand new 'hello baseboard' shoes and no-frills tailored clothes.
Mincing along, but gingerly I hopped aboard the ferry
missed the bus to Beekman, in the dark, the walk was scary.

Made it the building not a minute did I lose
I tidied up my hair and then I glanced down at my shoes...
Blasted bloody got 'em muddy, bits of paper grass and sand
I heard my toes scream out, "Hey, buddy, for shoes, tar paint is banned!"

Quickly then I kicked 'em off and tried to wipe 'em clean
but every little thing unstuck took off the tacky sheen.
I did my best to conceal a sob but had to pay my dues
as more than one allergic snob caught sight of battered shoes.

I tried to blacken out the pink, with a big old magic marker
but folks complained about the 'stink', and not a day was darker.
At 5 PM, back on the street, with nowhere else to roam
my misery was made replete, as I tracked some more dirt home.

Summer Pearl - G clair

My summer pearl fell from the train
it was a fake, but just the same
sad was the day I left your side
for fear of love bereft, I cried
and waved goodbye without restrain.

You gave me popcorn and a prize
and I could see it in your eyes
just like a diamond in the sand
you found my heart when you took my hand
and gave me Cracker Jack's surprise.

I wore that ring as if it were
a symbol of your love that summer
as seasons go, there came a day
you asked if we'd come back to stay
we never did, I was a kid and life's a bummer.

Long-distance is a lonely thing
your letters made me want to sing
daydreams and photographs
time passes trains and laughs
I kept the t-shirt and the ring.

You asked me once how I could cry
over a plastic pearl gone bye
because I loved you so, you see
we were like real to me, and gee
it hurt me more that you'd ask why.

Hello I just turned turned forty-nine
I saw your Facebook page online
you have a wife I see,
and a growing family
a little girl named Clementine.

Your other daughter is fifteen
won't friend her father cause she's mean
she met a guy she loves, a cook
he gave her cashmere gloves, and look
she's posting pictures on the screen.

Don't know you now, you don't know me
one chapter from our history
although it's long been lost and such
and though it didn't cost you much
that summer pearl was never free.

Before the Office Christmas Party - G Clair

For every miserable office worker at Christmastime. Cheer up!


When you feel taken for granted
thinkin' they just don't care
wanting to move away again,
but again, you don't know where~
burned-out, tired of trying
to be all the bossman wants
to be everything to everyone,
reading in between the fonts~

We who sit beside you
in the office and the stall
who sing along, the same old song,
while you stand and take the fall~
in a cubicle, with mistletoe,
this lonesome caroler hums
it's all benign,
please don't resign
before the yule tide comes

(Chorus)
Want to see you here on Christmas
don't leave us all alone
want to hear you 'woe ho ho' again
so don't slam down the phone~
don't make that snap decision
when the pressure starts to build
just let the steam out somewhere else
and let your heart be filled
with joy

At the meeting, you suggested
wrap the garland and a bow
and all the trimmings, here and there
around whose neck, we know
the one about the lighting
the star atop her head
and now the head of operations,
wants to move you to the shed.

They just don't understand you,
your work is so complex
you didn't sign his Christmas card
but the boss still signs your checks
so don't be rash, just try to hash it out
and make a deal,
and let bygones be gone
before the office Christmas meal.

(Chorus)
Want to see you here on Christmas
please don't leave us all alone
want to hear you 'woe ho ho' again
so don't slam down the phone
and don't make that snap decision
when the pressure starts to build
just let the steam out somewhere else
and let your heart be filled
with joy

Bailey's Song - G Clair

( To the tune of Girl from Impanema)

Short and fat and blonde and stunning
the girl from Crestwood Village goes running
and when she chases the squirrels
they all run away...

the forced readings of Nagi Ramone - G Clair

In my box, with rictus grin
they could not straighten with a pin~
I lay before my friends and folks
and seemed to smile at silent jokes~

and some did wonder, what was planned
but little could they understand
how I looked on from up above
and hovered over those I love~

it all went off without a hitch
the biker said I was a bitch
and with that word, the motley crew,
they blocked the doors so none passed through~

They dimmed the lights, to set the mood
and turned the music down to 'brood'
and every guest then took a seat
and fanned the sweat of stinky feet.

The biker wiped his eyes, and said,
'It's very hard to see her dead,
but it should come as no surprise,
that Nagi, with her smiling eyes,

made this request of all her friends,
and here's the list, and there's some pens.
She'd like you all to listen, while
her written works are read 'in style'.

And if one title strikes a note
of relevance, is what she wrote,
then jot it down and pass it to
the one beside you in the pew.

and at the end of every row
stood someone with a basket though
it wasn't clear where this would go
my friends and family had to know

the basket filled to overflowing
you read the one you picked, not knowing
I was watching from on high
and busting out, my old laugh-cry

'Twas several hours that had passed
and people dying to be gassed
Could this one be the very last?
the final poem that Nagi cast?

The friends and folk of my rich past
applauded, it was done at last!
and headed for the open air,
and as they reached the doorway there~

a book was handed to each guest
My dying wish, you'd all be blessed,
and finally you would have, to own,
a coffee table book, a tome

And every poem I ever wrote
contained within the pages, note
the title, it was all my own
'The Forced Readings of
Nagi Ramone.'

swkinpa- G- clair

Appreciate the way you think
the simple life, our common link
the words we share, the subtle smiles
which pass between so many miles.

The Ancient Rhythm of Ebb and Flow- G Clair

Eb pulls back, he holds his peace
he's done with Flo, he's wined the beast
and as it's said, 'don't tread where sands are shifting'
ebb and flow, they come and go
ebb draws us out, the tides are low,
but as we yearn, return, and stop our drifting.

i stand on rock, alone at last
and mourn for what is done and past
but still, with broken heart, recall the surges;
the times when you were out at sea
and when you finally wrote to me
I laugh at how you satisfied my urges.

The words we shout from distant shores
the ones which fall on heavy oars
which make the trip back home far less than pleasing;
far better are the words on wing
which land with olive branch and sing
a song of love which keeps the flow from freezing.

but even in the closest knit
where scarcely will the piece not fit
there's comes a rhythm known as ebb and flow.
and marriage is a special bond
and Eb and Flo they looked beyond
and understood the way it had to go.

and through the laughter and the tears
and late night dances, sharing beers
they always knew the highs would lead to low.
and now Flo waits on lonesome shore
for time apart was forced before
as time would have it, 'twas Eb's time to go.

Gina Morrone

Big Eddy - G Clair

I don't have a clue what to write in this song
the chorus is fine but the words are all wrong
although it's been said that these lines should be read
thought it best if you sung them instead, dear Ed,
drag a comb through your darling bedhead

Well I came home to find you asleep on the couch
and tiptoed around you my big hungry slouch
if I knew you were home I'd a planned something nice
but this chicken's still frozen on ice, anyway
let us pray that you'll take my advice.

(Chorus)
Don't say you do when you don't
Ed I'm talking to you honey
Don't say you will when you won't
you know it really isn't funny
Don't say you'll come when you know that you can't
and I won't say a word when you rant
no I shan't, not a whisper from me when you rant!

Last month I told you my car's rather beat
the muffler that's hanging? it dropped in the street
the cops heard me coming and followed me home
on the back of my ticket, your poem- it's a tome
on the lips of my lover is foam

Paint me a picture, I'll pay for your time
Inspire one stanza, I'll write the last line
if you'd bring me some hope for I'm failing to cope
we could spice up our rhythm with rhyme, one more time
give me something worth more than a dime

(Chorus)
Don't say you do when you don't
Ed, I'm talking to you honey
Don't say you will when you won't
you know it really isn't funny
Don't say you'll come when you know that you can't
and I won't say a word when you rant
no I shan't, not a whisper from me when you rant

one small dream G Clair

one small dream was all i had
not much but still it grew into a photograph
not much but still it flew on one fond memory
let me fly this one small dream into reality.

Do you mind? G-Clair

Do you mind if I borrow your rose-colored glasses
my day's been a shade of deep blue~
and by chance could you spare me your spit-fits of laughter
while I sort through these bills that are due?

Gina Morrone

keep the change - G Clair

There's a hole in my pocket where change used to be
for one cup of coffee, the second one's free
do I go where I'm led though I haven't a key
and eat what I'm fed without question of fee?
Across sits a friend who cares for my soul
he fears for my safety, my wholeness his goal
so without any greed or selfish intent
he pays for my dinner and cancels the rent.
He knew what I needed, like father knows best
food, clothing, shelter, a clean place to rest
I call him my savior, my king and the boss
He won't take the glory but points to the cross.
I soon find a job, and a home for my stuff
it's all that I have but it's more than enough
The courage to change what I could was the key
the burden's been lifted, I'm finally free.
Without faith in God I could easily fall back
'cause there's always that vice like a Big Mac attack
tested and tempted I use what I've learned
stick with The Truth and you're less often burned.
So where are you now, and where have you been
did you latch onto God, and spit out the sin?
just take a deep breath, you're here 'til your death
trust in the Lord and then start again fresh.
There's change in my pocket where a hole used be
for one cup of coffee, the second one's free

pondering- G Clair

well you always give me reason
to believe that you'll come through
be it in or out of season
seems you're steady and you're true
never questioning my motives
never asking for my heart
never lighting up the votives
loving freedom from the start
yes. the love you give is fitting
always proper, keeping pace
with a girl whose sick of sitting
now you're motioning for space
you'll be waving from the sidewalk
as I'm running down the street
lest you'd have to hear that I'd walk
several miles with you in heat
so i have to stop and wonder
why you'd bother then to stay
when you hear the distant thunder
fear the rain that's on the way...

On Vanderveer - G Clair

I wanna live on Vanderveer, where everyday's the same all year
Just start the car, it's not that far and take us there, I'll show you where
Verdant hills on Vanderveer lift the burden, stills the fear
free to all who hold her dear, Fairfield farms are also near

So come with me my silent love to old back roads I'm dreaming of
we'll park the car, and take our time and find a way to make it rhyme
You wave goodbye, "Farewell, my dear, it sure was nice to have you here,
but you'll be back, we'll have a beer and toast to life on Vandervyme"

I spent the night on Vanderveer, and in the morning it was clear
the sun broke treetops glistening on grassy fields and everything
and early up I drank in dew, I felt the chill but warmth came though
I lit some twigs and ate some figs and not once did I think of you.

I hid my gear on Vanderveer and walked for miles on trails back there
with Autumn near the leaves appear to welcome change and I declare
that change will come and lead to drear but not before the colors cheer
the lonely woods of this frontier and suddenly I shed a tear

Truth be told I'm getting old the moldy ground is bloody cold
my back is sore my butt was bitten on Vanderveer, though I was smitten
I guess too quickly after all and swallowed up by nature's call
but left alone my thoughts are clear I'd hurt you more by staying here

'Cause who'd be there to steer you clear of Satan's brew and backwash beer
to bust your chops and mend your rear and warm your toes and bend your ear?
and who to take my great advice on vita veeta vega vice,
and read my poem and get the joke and buy me gingerale with coke

when I get rough without enough,you pull me though the bitter stuff
and put up with my lack of taste and bring me to a better place
and wait for me and pray for me and sometimes a charade for me
but better off than being here the lonely life on Vanderveer

and so before I lose my fear and wander back there with the deer
quick grab some cash for Mickys, Dear and pick me up on Vanderveer

Unspoken- G Clair

they wandered down the path alone
and hand in hand she longed to own
a place inside his cautious heart
but never told him from the start

the pieces of that puzzle fit
but never did they speak of it
and waiting on the words to say
in time her hair was feathered gray.

but who'd have known and who'd have guessed
they had their time together
they spent their days and both were blessed
in clear and stormy weather

And all this time you'd think she'd know
since everything he did, did show
and almost sure, she'd never ask
but left him to that silly task

the years flew by and they grew old
and still no word of love was told
and in the end he held her hand
and knew somehow she'd understand

they spent their days and both were blessed
in clear and stormy weather
with three small words, she breathed her last
and left him there, together.

sweet old life - G Clair

You're packed within a mystery
can only guess your story
of how you came to be this way
and who should get the glory
I cannot blame your mother
nor your dad for they were young
although the stars were out that night
your spark had yet to come
they had no clue when they made you
that you would be a man
who likes his dogs with ketchup
and his beans right from the can
while no one knows exactly why
you act within your means
the books suggest a tie between
environment and genes
while smarter guys philosophize
and science can't be wrong, ha!
the life we lead is just the seed
of folks who'll come along
for life, designed in secret
as well it ought to be
dates back before the science books
a sweet old mystery.

Sunshine Girl- G Clair

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 really love to 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"
I asked her when he died and she said,
"No, 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 her hurry
and if she's gonna get a peg.

"Maybe if I lose this weight
Gotta get down to 220
but the 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 a strawberry patch
with fruit the size of stool.

The best of all of her stories
was one about her dad
who had worked for Sunshine Biscuits,
and 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.