Walked that Walk

I’ve been there as sand meets sea

Hiked where flowers grow wild and free

I’ve seen sharp mountains pierce the sky

Witnessed mighty redwoods standing by

I’ve also been knocked down and thrown about

I’ve been disordered by what life hurls out

I’ve been a good friend, and a lying cheat

I’ve marched in time, then to my own beat

I have walked in a happy world
Relaxed and unfettered as life unfurled

And I’ve wallowed in waves of grief

Because illness stays and life is brief

Realized a balanced life is merely metaphor

Real life a teeter-totter, a revolving door

But I’ve treasured tasting wild and sweet

Treading on feet either heavy or fleet 

When you reach out, I hope to be near

But if I’ve fled, I may not be here

Because sometimes I need some space

At times I need to set my own pace

To march out into the desert so dry

Questioning the emptiness; asking “Why?”

But call me, if you need to talk

I’ve been there; I’ve walked that walk

I’ve sat vigilant beside the bed

Mopped the brow of a fevered head

I’ve rocked the young and held the old

I’ve helped the weak and praised the bold

And I’ve run away when it became too much

Used every vice I could for a crutch

Now all I have to offer you

Are stories of being there too

So call me if you need to talk

I’ve been there; walked that walk

Though perhaps not precisely the same

Not deeply enough to presume to name

But I’ll give what I have to you

The stories of being there, or close to

Though you may feel bare as bone

I’m with you-- you’re never alone

Wish it Were Easy

The pain running down my face

I think I may be losing the race

I don’t know where to turn, where to run

Someone said I’m supposed to have fun

But I feel like I’m pushing through paste

Afraid that all my effort’s a waste

I wish it were easy, I do

I wish I knew just what to do…

But there is no map I can see

No sideline supporter cheering for me

Or are they there and I’m stupidly blind?

Is it here, yet I’m still looking to find?

I thought if I figured out what it meant

I’d live happy, strong, and content

I wish it were easy, I do

I wish I knew just what to do…

I heard it’s the journey that counts

But my journey is just filled with doubts

Time makes you wise when you’ve learned

How little you knew when youth burned

And you threw it away in a rush

Believing it would stay fragrant and lush

Oh, I wish it were easy, I do

I wish I knew just what to do…

Roaming Shadows

All those shadows roaming ‘round

All those shadows gaining ground

Deepening from grey to black

Carrying your memories back

To a time of trembling tears

Forming clouds of festering fears

Long stretches of arctic cold

Times when only lies were told

Hearts patently distressed

Limbs nakedly un-caressed

Why do we hurt each other so

Instead of simply letting go…

Thrumming music deep inside

Touching fears and tears and pride

Stinging, twisting writhing pain

Wriggles in then backs out again

Forgive yourself and let it go

A minor dance in a larger show

Snow drifts with precious flakes
Life is bigger than your mistakes

Winter comes and calls you out

Then spring returns without a doubt

And life renews itself once more

A window closed but an open door

Embrace the shadows and light

Embrace beauty in day and night

For we are all humans flawed

Both grief and hope in our blood

You are one; and one is all

Hearts respond to mystery’s call

All those shadows roaming around

All those shadows gaining ground

Sweep them back to whence they came

Don’t get drawn into their game

Feel the currents both warm and cool

Let life and music lift your soul