let my inspiration flow
in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm
that will not forsake you
till my tale is told and done.
while the firelights aglow
strange shadows from the flames will grow
till things we’ve never seen
will seem familiar.
shadows of a sailor, forming
winds both foul and fair all swarm
down in carlisle he loved a lady
many years ago.
here beside him stands a man
a soldier from the looks of him
who came through many fights
but lost at love.
while the story teller speaks
a door within the fire creaks;
suddenly flies open
and a girl is standing there.
eyes alight, with glowing hair
all that fancy paints as fair
she takes her fan and throws it
in the lion’s den.
which of you to gain me, tell
will risk uncertain pains of hell?
i will not forgive you
if you will not take the chance.
the sailor gave at least a try
the soldier being much too wise
strategy was his strength
and not disaster.
the sailor, coming out again
the lady fairly leapt at him
that’s how it stands today
you decide if he was wise.
the story teller makes no choice
soon you will not hear his voice
his job is to shed light
and not to master.
since the end is never told
we pay the teller off in gold
in hopes he will return
but he cannot be bought or sold.
terrapin station
inspiration, move me brightly
light the song with sense and color;
hold away despair
more than this i will not ask
faced with mysteries dark and vast
statements just seem vain at last.
some rise, some fall, some climb
to get to terrapin.
counting stars by candlelight
all are dim but one is bright;
the spiral light of venus
rising first and shining best
oh, from the northwest corner
of a brand new crescent moon
while crickets and cicadas sing
a rare and different tune
terrapin station.
in the shadow of the moon
terrapin station.
and i know we’ll get there soon
terrapin station.
i can’t figure out, terrapin
if it’s the end or beginning, terrapin
but the trains put it’s brakes on, terrapin
and the whistle is screaming, terrapin.
terrapin station – at the siding
while you were gone
these faces filled with darkness.
the obvious was hidden.
with nothing to believe in.
sullen wings of fortune beat like rain.
you’re back in terrapin for good or ill again
for good or ill again.