A MOUTH TO HAND CELEBRATION OF MATTHEW ARNOLD
On a lovely, grassy hill in Oxford
An ancient elm tree stands alone. It’s leaves gleam emerald in the sunlight - In its heart is heaven shown. Hear the music of the dancing leaves In time with flowers, they laugh and sway. The rustling of grasses in the breeze - The “murmur of a summer’s day.” The Scholar-Gypsy stands in its shade. He feels the spark from heaven in his soul. The cares and griefs of men rip souls apart… The spark of love from heaven makes us whole. Like the gypsy, I await the spark. My spirit stands with him beneath the bower. My soul requires that manna of inspiration... To move men’s hearts requires divine power. - By Pete Rosch The spark from heaven lights the sky
Above the tall oak tree. It symbolizes the voice of God - Giving hope to those like me. Through the leaves the sky is vast The spark from heaven gleams… These lights can give eternal life… They’re the source of artists’ dreams. - by Liam Collins |
I know the spark from heaven.
It is God's heavenly sign. It is the inspiration of the soul. It is the cry of the divine. The spark of heaven is a gentle touch, A caressing of the soul. It’s feels like warmth on a summer’s day - It feels like being whole. For what exhausts the energy of the soul? What crushes the spirit of life? It’s the struggle to maintain hope in this world. Not just the search for peace in the afterlife. The spark brings an inspiration to the soul - A belief in the beauty of art, And nature, and love, and joy, and life, That gives courage and heals the heart. It is the greatest blessing To know heaven’s mind and heart. Only those who truly listen Will become master of their art. For poetry is God’s language. With words, a poet spellbinds. Like music, a poem entrances - And with it we can rule men’s minds. - By Logan Harnisher Monsters walk this earth in the shape of human beings. They struggle and lie and harm and fight to exist. Without love man makes a hell out of heaven - He lives with a heart of hate and a clenched fist. The spark from heaven is a gift and a blessing from God. It is the heart that has compassion. It’s the heart that shows love. The spark gives the poet’s voice the power to heal - The power to make song is a light from above. - by Terence Dervishi |
Rice: A Love Song
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
I am looking at God’s pearls.
In front of me is a bowl of ambrosia.
They glisten pure shining white…
Their perfection does wonders for my appetite.
I watch the steam curl from my bowl.
My soul sings a song of joyous life.
I inhale the fragrance of my heart’s delight…
My eyes soak in the glorious sight.
I don’t care if it’s white, arborio, or basmati.
I don’t care if it’s wild, short or long grain.
I don’t care if it’s black, brown or jasmine.
Rice makes me higher than cocaine.
Nothing should sully the purity of the perfect food.
Nothing should destroy the holy sanctuary.
Ruining perfection is bringing darkness to light…
Adding condiments is like adding sickness and blight.
So please hold the soy sauce and no horrid beans.
And don’t even mention making rice into cakes.
Rice based ice cream, man, that just ain’t right…
I’d call them real shit but I’m too polite.
I don’t care if it’s white, arborio, or basmati.
I don’t care if it’s wild, short or long grain.
I don’t care if it’s black, brown or jasmine.
Rice makes me higher than cocaine.
Rice doesn’t need help
so don’t give me no mochi
No risotto, pilaf, pudding, no sushi roll.
Don’t ruin it with chicken soup
No paella, no poke
Just give me rice in that rice bowl.
I don’t care if it’s white, arborio, or basmati.
I don’t care if it’s wild, short or long grain.
I don’t care if it’s black, brown or jasmine.
Rice makes me higher than cocaine.
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
I am looking at God’s pearls.
In front of me is a bowl of ambrosia.
They glisten pure shining white…
Their perfection does wonders for my appetite.
I watch the steam curl from my bowl.
My soul sings a song of joyous life.
I inhale the fragrance of my heart’s delight…
My eyes soak in the glorious sight.
I don’t care if it’s white, arborio, or basmati.
I don’t care if it’s wild, short or long grain.
I don’t care if it’s black, brown or jasmine.
Rice makes me higher than cocaine.
Nothing should sully the purity of the perfect food.
Nothing should destroy the holy sanctuary.
Ruining perfection is bringing darkness to light…
Adding condiments is like adding sickness and blight.
So please hold the soy sauce and no horrid beans.
And don’t even mention making rice into cakes.
Rice based ice cream, man, that just ain’t right…
I’d call them real shit but I’m too polite.
I don’t care if it’s white, arborio, or basmati.
I don’t care if it’s wild, short or long grain.
I don’t care if it’s black, brown or jasmine.
Rice makes me higher than cocaine.
Rice doesn’t need help
so don’t give me no mochi
No risotto, pilaf, pudding, no sushi roll.
Don’t ruin it with chicken soup
No paella, no poke
Just give me rice in that rice bowl.
I don’t care if it’s white, arborio, or basmati.
I don’t care if it’s wild, short or long grain.
I don’t care if it’s black, brown or jasmine.
Rice makes me higher than cocaine.
THIS OLD WRECK
- By Justin Wong and Eric Barni
(with Brian Laidlaw)
Some people need to take a chill -
They only rev at max.
I feel like my engine needs a tuneup:
I need a way to relax.
I need to have a life mechanic
Lower my RPM.
I definitely can’t stop backfiring -
'fraid the DMV might hear them!
My body's not a Cadillac...
It’s more a rusting Ford.
When Motor Trend writes articles
They ain’t giving me an award.
I think my tailpipe might be clogged
And my muffler might be broke.
Really need to have my axle greased -
I seem to be spewing smoke!
And the day has come for my inspection -
I’ll never pass the emissions test.
Hello Meineke! I need some help!
My transmission is totally repressed.
My body's not a Cadillac...
It’s more a rusting Ford.
When Motor Trend writes articles
They ain’t giving me an award.
The sounds I make not dulcet
I think they’re more like clunk, clunk, clunk.
I’ve had no calls from opera troupes
Just one-eight-hundred you’ve got junk. :-(
I’ll bring this old wreck to the garage...
I need some work, I know.
Some oil here, some lube right there
Will make this old wreck go.
My body's not a Cadillac...
It’s more a rusting Ford.
When Motor Trend writes articles
They ain’t giving me an award.
- By Justin Wong and Eric Barni
(with Brian Laidlaw)
Some people need to take a chill -
They only rev at max.
I feel like my engine needs a tuneup:
I need a way to relax.
I need to have a life mechanic
Lower my RPM.
I definitely can’t stop backfiring -
'fraid the DMV might hear them!
My body's not a Cadillac...
It’s more a rusting Ford.
When Motor Trend writes articles
They ain’t giving me an award.
I think my tailpipe might be clogged
And my muffler might be broke.
Really need to have my axle greased -
I seem to be spewing smoke!
And the day has come for my inspection -
I’ll never pass the emissions test.
Hello Meineke! I need some help!
My transmission is totally repressed.
My body's not a Cadillac...
It’s more a rusting Ford.
When Motor Trend writes articles
They ain’t giving me an award.
The sounds I make not dulcet
I think they’re more like clunk, clunk, clunk.
I’ve had no calls from opera troupes
Just one-eight-hundred you’ve got junk. :-(
I’ll bring this old wreck to the garage...
I need some work, I know.
Some oil here, some lube right there
Will make this old wreck go.
My body's not a Cadillac...
It’s more a rusting Ford.
When Motor Trend writes articles
They ain’t giving me an award.
The Perfect OCD Song
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
Let me tell you a sad, sad tale
About having OCD.
Have to cry me a river of tears -
This is a song of woe is me.
I wake at eight not a second late
And up I stand, right foot first.
I dress and eat like I’m choreographed
You’d think my whole life is rehearsed.
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It’s a world of hurt!
Before I let the misery flow
I gotta wash my hands, and then
I gotta wipe the table the billionth time
And then wash my hands again.
I want to take a step forward in my life
I want to change my luck
I want to do some different things -
I would but I am stuck.
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It’s a world of hurt!
Before I write the next verse,
Before I construct another rhyme,
I’ll just make sure the stove is off...
And then check it one more time.
It’s six o’clock so it’s checking time
The floor is clean, the pictures straight
The forks are lined up and so are the knives
But what is that?! A crooked plate!
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It’s a world of hurt!
OCD you rule my life
The same thoughts going round
And round and round and round
And round and round...
Someone kick me or I’ll keep making this sound.
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It's a world of hurt!
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
Let me tell you a sad, sad tale
About having OCD.
Have to cry me a river of tears -
This is a song of woe is me.
I wake at eight not a second late
And up I stand, right foot first.
I dress and eat like I’m choreographed
You’d think my whole life is rehearsed.
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It’s a world of hurt!
Before I let the misery flow
I gotta wash my hands, and then
I gotta wipe the table the billionth time
And then wash my hands again.
I want to take a step forward in my life
I want to change my luck
I want to do some different things -
I would but I am stuck.
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It’s a world of hurt!
Before I write the next verse,
Before I construct another rhyme,
I’ll just make sure the stove is off...
And then check it one more time.
It’s six o’clock so it’s checking time
The floor is clean, the pictures straight
The forks are lined up and so are the knives
But what is that?! A crooked plate!
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It’s a world of hurt!
OCD you rule my life
The same thoughts going round
And round and round and round
And round and round...
Someone kick me or I’ll keep making this sound.
OMG! OMG!
There’s a spot of dirt!
My brain’s on fire!
It's a world of hurt!
My Lazy Lyrics
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Lazy is middle name
And I define the word.
I spend my days on the couch
Spending energy’s totally absurd.
Look up the word and see my face -
I am the lazy ideal.
Just writing this song’s exhausting me...
A nap’s in store, I feel.
I am the most slothful person on earth.
Indolence is my job:
I love being idle and I love to loaf!
I am a perfect blob.
Some days I need to move from my bed
And the couch seems far away.
I just can’t move my lazy ass.
I’ll try another day.
I am so lazy, but like to eat
I make others get me food.
I really boss others to slave for me
This couch and my butt are glued.
I am the most slothful person on earth.
Indolence is my job.
I love being idle and I love to loaf.
I am a perfect blob.
People suggest I accomplish things
Read a book, or take a class.
I am accomplishing things, I say.
I work hard on growing my ass.
I love my sofa, I love my couch,
I’ve perfected lying down.
I have achieved fame for laziness -
My indolence is world renown.
I’m an eco-warrior who is saving the earth.
I conserve energy for all I am worth.
I’ve been on a mission since the day of my birth…
I store the world’s energy in my corpulent girth.
I am the most slothful person on earth
Indolence is my job.
I love being idle and I love to loaf…
I am a perfect blob.
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Lazy is middle name
And I define the word.
I spend my days on the couch
Spending energy’s totally absurd.
Look up the word and see my face -
I am the lazy ideal.
Just writing this song’s exhausting me...
A nap’s in store, I feel.
I am the most slothful person on earth.
Indolence is my job:
I love being idle and I love to loaf!
I am a perfect blob.
Some days I need to move from my bed
And the couch seems far away.
I just can’t move my lazy ass.
I’ll try another day.
I am so lazy, but like to eat
I make others get me food.
I really boss others to slave for me
This couch and my butt are glued.
I am the most slothful person on earth.
Indolence is my job.
I love being idle and I love to loaf.
I am a perfect blob.
People suggest I accomplish things
Read a book, or take a class.
I am accomplishing things, I say.
I work hard on growing my ass.
I love my sofa, I love my couch,
I’ve perfected lying down.
I have achieved fame for laziness -
My indolence is world renown.
I’m an eco-warrior who is saving the earth.
I conserve energy for all I am worth.
I’ve been on a mission since the day of my birth…
I store the world’s energy in my corpulent girth.
I am the most slothful person on earth
Indolence is my job.
I love being idle and I love to loaf…
I am a perfect blob.
THE ANNOYING MOTHER BLUES
- By Will Hansen (with Brian Laidlaw)
(For My Mom: Happy Mother's Day!)
This is a celebration of my Mom
She is the greatest mother.
She minds my business perfectly -
She does it like no other.
My Mom is the captain of my ship:
She commands with military precision.
She is the admiral of my navy
So I never have to make a decision.
Mom rules with an iron fist.
We all bow down to her in fear.
There’s no democracy in our house...
It’s a fascist regime we’ve got here.
She excels at bossing me around -
She’s the best, and that’s not bragging.
I never worry I’m making mistakes ‘cause
She’s perfected the art of nagging.
The household laws are strictly enforced.
“It’s seventy and you need a coat!
I don’t care that you’re sweating buckets in it -
Did you think that you’d get a vote?”
Mom rules with an iron fist.
We all bow down to her in fear.
There’s no democracy in our house...
It’s a fascist regime we’ve got here.
I get no choice ‘cause I’m only a serf
And she’s the queen of the realm.
I am only a galley slave
And Mom stands at the ship’s helm.
Mom can yell like the house is on fire
No one’s louder than my Mom -
I’m sure it registers on the Richter scale.
When she yells it’s a nuclear bomb.
Oh no! Oh no! There she blows!
The world stands still and time slows…
She’s letting loose, goodness knows!
Mom is lighting up and off she goes!
I can’t breathe without permission
To her dictatorial power we all bow
Gasp! Gasp! Mom I need to breathe
Mom, you crush both Stalin and Mao.
Mom rules with an iron fist.
We all bow down to her in fear.
There’s no democracy in our house...
It’s a fascist regime we’ve got here.
- By Will Hansen (with Brian Laidlaw)
(For My Mom: Happy Mother's Day!)
This is a celebration of my Mom
She is the greatest mother.
She minds my business perfectly -
She does it like no other.
My Mom is the captain of my ship:
She commands with military precision.
She is the admiral of my navy
So I never have to make a decision.
Mom rules with an iron fist.
We all bow down to her in fear.
There’s no democracy in our house...
It’s a fascist regime we’ve got here.
She excels at bossing me around -
She’s the best, and that’s not bragging.
I never worry I’m making mistakes ‘cause
She’s perfected the art of nagging.
The household laws are strictly enforced.
“It’s seventy and you need a coat!
I don’t care that you’re sweating buckets in it -
Did you think that you’d get a vote?”
Mom rules with an iron fist.
We all bow down to her in fear.
There’s no democracy in our house...
It’s a fascist regime we’ve got here.
I get no choice ‘cause I’m only a serf
And she’s the queen of the realm.
I am only a galley slave
And Mom stands at the ship’s helm.
Mom can yell like the house is on fire
No one’s louder than my Mom -
I’m sure it registers on the Richter scale.
When she yells it’s a nuclear bomb.
Oh no! Oh no! There she blows!
The world stands still and time slows…
She’s letting loose, goodness knows!
Mom is lighting up and off she goes!
I can’t breathe without permission
To her dictatorial power we all bow
Gasp! Gasp! Mom I need to breathe
Mom, you crush both Stalin and Mao.
Mom rules with an iron fist.
We all bow down to her in fear.
There’s no democracy in our house...
It’s a fascist regime we’ve got here.
SPRING BLUES
- By Will Hansen (with Brian Laidlaw)
Springtime is in the air and ballads are singing
odes and sonnets on the world’s rebirth.
Young love is blossoming, it’s nausea inducing…
Like rabbits they are overpopulating the earth.
The spring brings the the flowers:
Lilacs, petunias and lilies.
The thing is no one can enjoy it
‘Cause it also brings allergies.
Achoo! Achoo! Pass the tissues please!
All that spring makes me sneeze!
The spring rain is falling - it wakes up the world.
Rain is nature’s lifeblood.
Spring rain’s a misery that’s nasty and cold
Yes, flowers grow but so does the mud.
The spring brings vitality, new life and renewal
The grass starts to grow in the warmth of the sun.
Gardening trucks clogging the roads...
Move dammit! Have to get my allergy shot done.
Achoo! Achoo! Pass the tissues please!
All that spring makes me sneeze!
Spring breezes gently caress me.
Days get warm, nights are cool, I find.
Hot cold hot cold hot cold...
Can’t this stupid season make up its mind.
Spring is a time of romance.
It’s the favored season of some.
Love, mosquitos, pollen fill the air -
I can’t wait for summer to come.
Achoo! Achoo! Pass the tissues please!
All that spring makes me sneeze!
- By Will Hansen (with Brian Laidlaw)
Springtime is in the air and ballads are singing
odes and sonnets on the world’s rebirth.
Young love is blossoming, it’s nausea inducing…
Like rabbits they are overpopulating the earth.
The spring brings the the flowers:
Lilacs, petunias and lilies.
The thing is no one can enjoy it
‘Cause it also brings allergies.
Achoo! Achoo! Pass the tissues please!
All that spring makes me sneeze!
The spring rain is falling - it wakes up the world.
Rain is nature’s lifeblood.
Spring rain’s a misery that’s nasty and cold
Yes, flowers grow but so does the mud.
The spring brings vitality, new life and renewal
The grass starts to grow in the warmth of the sun.
Gardening trucks clogging the roads...
Move dammit! Have to get my allergy shot done.
Achoo! Achoo! Pass the tissues please!
All that spring makes me sneeze!
Spring breezes gently caress me.
Days get warm, nights are cool, I find.
Hot cold hot cold hot cold...
Can’t this stupid season make up its mind.
Spring is a time of romance.
It’s the favored season of some.
Love, mosquitos, pollen fill the air -
I can’t wait for summer to come.
Achoo! Achoo! Pass the tissues please!
All that spring makes me sneeze!
LOVE FOOD FOOD FOOD!
- By Eric Barni, Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Let’s have a feast, let’s gorge ourselves!
Italian pizza being number one -
And the rice that means the world to me -
Bananas, berries, delicious grapes,
Chinese food and ice cream.
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
Let’s have a feast, let’s gorge ourselves!
Cantaloupe, pineapple, chicken, veal,
Cheese, fries, and meats like steak,
Lasagna, pasta, calamari, chips,
And hamburgers and chocolate cake!
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
I dream about everything edible on earth.
I give no thought to my widening girth.
I have happily eaten since the day of my birth!
I am here to tell you a gastronomic story -
My favorite word in the world is cuisine.
Have no time for people who want to stay lean.
When I stuff my face I know it’s a scene.
Food’s the greatest of God’s gifts, I sing its glory!
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
Let’s have a feast, let’s gorge ourselves!
Tofu, eggs, pizza again,
Wine, champagne, fruit of the vine,
Hot spicy Mexican food
Might not be your favorite, but it is mine!
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
- By Eric Barni, Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Let’s have a feast, let’s gorge ourselves!
Italian pizza being number one -
And the rice that means the world to me -
Bananas, berries, delicious grapes,
Chinese food and ice cream.
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
Let’s have a feast, let’s gorge ourselves!
Cantaloupe, pineapple, chicken, veal,
Cheese, fries, and meats like steak,
Lasagna, pasta, calamari, chips,
And hamburgers and chocolate cake!
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
I dream about everything edible on earth.
I give no thought to my widening girth.
I have happily eaten since the day of my birth!
I am here to tell you a gastronomic story -
My favorite word in the world is cuisine.
Have no time for people who want to stay lean.
When I stuff my face I know it’s a scene.
Food’s the greatest of God’s gifts, I sing its glory!
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
Let’s have a feast, let’s gorge ourselves!
Tofu, eggs, pizza again,
Wine, champagne, fruit of the vine,
Hot spicy Mexican food
Might not be your favorite, but it is mine!
I love to eat, (it’s so good)
If I could eat all day I would!
The Mirror
- By Vince Rinicella
What is compassion?
It is love between equals.
We are human.
We suffer
And we laugh
And we cry
And we rejoice
And we wake
And we sleep
And we love
And we feel.
Pity is a word that means nothing.
Pity demands nothing
Pity requires nothing of an empty heart that feels nothing real.
Compassion means doing.
Compassion means strength.
Compassion is beauty.
Compassion is the mirror of the human soul and the human heart.
Look in the mirror and see my face.
- By Vince Rinicella
What is compassion?
It is love between equals.
We are human.
We suffer
And we laugh
And we cry
And we rejoice
And we wake
And we sleep
And we love
And we feel.
Pity is a word that means nothing.
Pity demands nothing
Pity requires nothing of an empty heart that feels nothing real.
Compassion means doing.
Compassion means strength.
Compassion is beauty.
Compassion is the mirror of the human soul and the human heart.
Look in the mirror and see my face.
SPRING RAIN
- By Eric Barni and Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Rainy days are peaceful.
I really love the rain.
I have such peace on days like this -
Nights with rain sound like bubbles of champagne.
Spring rain is falling, and the lovely sound...
Rain is dreamy I have found...
Feel myself getting happy all around.
Rain is dreamy I have found.
I know rainy days aren’t everyone’s favorite
But they are mine.
I love the sound of rain on the roof.
I love how the wet roads shine
Spring rain is falling, and the lovely sound...
Rain is dreamy I have found...
Feel myself getting happy all around.
Rain is dreamy I have found.
The rain sounds like soft falling silk
And gentle fingers touching my skin.
The world is sleeping like an infant -
There is peace without and peace within.
Rain on the windows, rain on the grass,
Rain on my happy smile splashes
Rain on the roofs, rain on my face
Rain on my eyelashes...
Spring rain is falling, and the lovely sound...
Rain is dreamy I have found...
Feel myself getting happy all around.
Rain is dreamy I have found.
- By Eric Barni and Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Rainy days are peaceful.
I really love the rain.
I have such peace on days like this -
Nights with rain sound like bubbles of champagne.
Spring rain is falling, and the lovely sound...
Rain is dreamy I have found...
Feel myself getting happy all around.
Rain is dreamy I have found.
I know rainy days aren’t everyone’s favorite
But they are mine.
I love the sound of rain on the roof.
I love how the wet roads shine
Spring rain is falling, and the lovely sound...
Rain is dreamy I have found...
Feel myself getting happy all around.
Rain is dreamy I have found.
The rain sounds like soft falling silk
And gentle fingers touching my skin.
The world is sleeping like an infant -
There is peace without and peace within.
Rain on the windows, rain on the grass,
Rain on my happy smile splashes
Rain on the roofs, rain on my face
Rain on my eyelashes...
Spring rain is falling, and the lovely sound...
Rain is dreamy I have found...
Feel myself getting happy all around.
Rain is dreamy I have found.
JUDY, MY MUSE
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
I came today to see my muse,
And she worked hard to cure my blues.
My muse is my personal slave -
Now think of all the money that I save!
My muse asks me for a raise -
Her forwardness leaves me in a daze.
I spell, “You uppity piece of dirt!
Just for that, no muse T-shirt!”
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
“You are my muse,” I spell in a huff,
“Such an honor is more than enough.
You are the muse for the great Will Hansen!
It’s not like you muse for ordinary men!
I better not catch you musing around!
It’s only for me! Else the muse-pound!
Put my needs first, now there’s a good muse...
I’ll give you a treat if you amuse.
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
You may be the world’s best muse,
But I am the boss, which shouldn’t be news.
So do your job, and me inspire
And some day, I’ll let you retire.
That was a joke, in case you missed it.
You can stop musing when I permit.
The honor of musing me is a dream come true,
That isn’t dependent on point of view.
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
Happy to let you muse me, my slave.
Now be a good girl, and behave.
Here, here, come here, my little muse!
You absolutely cannot refuse.
You have the job that all would choose -
People would kill to be my muse.
Because I am me, I got to choose...
She's the only one who can be my muse.
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
I came today to see my muse,
And she worked hard to cure my blues.
My muse is my personal slave -
Now think of all the money that I save!
My muse asks me for a raise -
Her forwardness leaves me in a daze.
I spell, “You uppity piece of dirt!
Just for that, no muse T-shirt!”
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
“You are my muse,” I spell in a huff,
“Such an honor is more than enough.
You are the muse for the great Will Hansen!
It’s not like you muse for ordinary men!
I better not catch you musing around!
It’s only for me! Else the muse-pound!
Put my needs first, now there’s a good muse...
I’ll give you a treat if you amuse.
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
You may be the world’s best muse,
But I am the boss, which shouldn’t be news.
So do your job, and me inspire
And some day, I’ll let you retire.
That was a joke, in case you missed it.
You can stop musing when I permit.
The honor of musing me is a dream come true,
That isn’t dependent on point of view.
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
Happy to let you muse me, my slave.
Now be a good girl, and behave.
Here, here, come here, my little muse!
You absolutely cannot refuse.
You have the job that all would choose -
People would kill to be my muse.
Because I am me, I got to choose...
She's the only one who can be my muse.
Life's a competition and you lose!
Sorry, my muse is better than your muse!
A MOUTH TO HAND CELEBRATION OF STRENGTH
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OUR ANTHEM
- By Terence Dervishi There is a strength in those kept silent. The time for change is here at last. Our silent voices will now be heard - Our weakness is in the past. The world told us who we are, And told us what we can be. They did not listen to our silent pleas… So together we shout, “We are free!” Our clarion voices will ring out the charge Stalwart hearts will win the day. This is the anthem for those unheard 'til now - Now we will have our say. So I declare to all a silent war - May our mighty voices win. No longer will you keep us silent... Nothing will be as it has been. THE SAVIORS
- By Liam Collins Each person thinks he has the hero’s heart. Each person believes he is strong. Instead, the truth is that few are heroic - Their hearts are not brave - they are wrong. Most let their hearts go to retirement Having lived like they were dead. They exist in a world of perennial fear - Where nothing is real but the dread. Give credit then to the truly intrepid For they are the only ones who are brave. They are the ones who pave new roads, Fighting for all to come be saved. 
BELIEVE
- by Edison Lema Since no one’s life is perfect Giving up is not a choice. No matter what life brings you - Really know love and rejoice. Do not wallow in self-pity, Or give in to your fear. Life is harsh - and so remember To be brave throughout the year. Believing in yourself is so important All non-believers you will defy - Just keep your eyes on your dreams... You can do it if you try. 
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AN ODE TO COUNT ALEXANDER ROSTOV
- By Logan Harnisher and Will Hansen “If a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.” - From A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles If a man can only live in fear He is relegated to not living. He will only receive what he earns - A world that is ungiving. To master life takes a strong heart, Courage, strength, perseverance. Many men may at first seem strong, But that is just appearance. It’s not what the mirror shows that counts; It’s the resilience of the soul. It’s being able to still love life... To love is what makes us whole. GRAND THINGS SURVIVE
(From A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles) - by Logan Harnisher Nothing exists forever - Except the beauty of a song. Nothing’s eternal but the soul Nothing stays but the strong. Nothing lasts but the beautiful - For beauty is a grand thing. For beauty is strong, and thus immortal Beauty is an eternal spring. Nothing in Nature is permanent. Even stone will wear away. But the life that she engenders Will have the strength to stay. Nothing exists forever - But the power of the word. The strongest voices in the world May be those that are unheard. THE WARRIOR HEART
- By Peter Rosch The heart is a fortress Made of unbreakable stone. It’s pillars firmly in the earth - The towers, the mightiest known. It defends us from the storms of life. It guards the wondrous soul. Through all the rockiness that’s life, The strong heart will keep us whole. The strong heart is like a warrior Wearing armor made of mail. Mighty soldier that is a brave heart! It will not let you fail. Believe in that warrior inside you Have courage and persevere. When life really gets tough remember… Your warrior heart will appear. |
THE STRONGEST
- By Logan Harnisher
What does it mean to be strong?
Is it muscles or tendons in a body that’s strong?
Some people believe that strength is the ability to give commands -
That having power over others is the means to being strong.
The wind has no muscles nor position to command and yet it topples cities.
Rivers have no lives to make themselves veritable to men -
But they flow through the land shaping the world
Into new and green places to grow.
Sometimes, someone says that to be strong you must not feel -
That to be strong you must be hard like an oak tree that has weathered the years and storms of life.
Mighty oaks that are too hard though, blow over in the hurricane.
Young saplings that quiver even in the gentle breeze, that feel each touch of wind, stay whole by bending their pliable strength.
Those who feel the most and survive are the strong.
Those who suffer the most and laugh still, are the strong.
Those who love the most and see the light of the world are the strong.
Those who were silent but still sing are strong.
We are strong.
- By Logan Harnisher
What does it mean to be strong?
Is it muscles or tendons in a body that’s strong?
Some people believe that strength is the ability to give commands -
That having power over others is the means to being strong.
The wind has no muscles nor position to command and yet it topples cities.
Rivers have no lives to make themselves veritable to men -
But they flow through the land shaping the world
Into new and green places to grow.
Sometimes, someone says that to be strong you must not feel -
That to be strong you must be hard like an oak tree that has weathered the years and storms of life.
Mighty oaks that are too hard though, blow over in the hurricane.
Young saplings that quiver even in the gentle breeze, that feel each touch of wind, stay whole by bending their pliable strength.
Those who feel the most and survive are the strong.
Those who suffer the most and laugh still, are the strong.
Those who love the most and see the light of the world are the strong.
Those who were silent but still sing are strong.
We are strong.
SILENT PRAYER
- By Keith Makar
I sing an ode to the silent
Whose voices were never heard -
Not since they wore their silent chains.
No more will they not speak.
We chained mighty warriors will sing
Freedom's own song.
Hear our silence reverberate in the world -
It will echo throughout time.
May our silent voices sing loudly
May our silence be heard by all.
THE HAMMER
By Noah Howarth
There are walls that frame a dungeon
Built by those who refuse to believe.
The dungeon walls are made of stone
Sealed by minds that cannot perceive.
Minds that are sculpted by ignorance,
Cruelty, arrogance, vanity and pride
In following a creed that is etched in stone
A creed meant to imprison us inside.
But the masons who built this prison
Do not have the truth or the skill
To make these walls impenetrable
To those with the heart or the will.
The intrepid and the invincible
Looked for light in their prison of stone.
The courageous held onto their faith and their hope
Until through the cracks freedom shone.
I’ve held the hammer of strength in my hand.
I’ve wielded it and felt its might.
I’ve felt it break through stone and lies…
I’ve seen its fire guide me into the light.
By Noah Howarth
There are walls that frame a dungeon
Built by those who refuse to believe.
The dungeon walls are made of stone
Sealed by minds that cannot perceive.
Minds that are sculpted by ignorance,
Cruelty, arrogance, vanity and pride
In following a creed that is etched in stone
A creed meant to imprison us inside.
But the masons who built this prison
Do not have the truth or the skill
To make these walls impenetrable
To those with the heart or the will.
The intrepid and the invincible
Looked for light in their prison of stone.
The courageous held onto their faith and their hope
Until through the cracks freedom shone.
I’ve held the hammer of strength in my hand.
I’ve wielded it and felt its might.
I’ve felt it break through stone and lies…
I’ve seen its fire guide me into the light.
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SONG OF FREEDOM - by Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw A war is coming at last. Soldiers are arming themselves for the fight. The generals are finalizing the battle plans. They are a fierce show of might The banners snap sharply in the breeze. The horns call out in the clear morning air. The drums pulse out a militant beat... Our silence echoes everywhere. This is war to free my people. It is a war that we will win. My people will sing a song of strength... Today the song of strength will begin. Each soldier lives in silence, But his voice is a weapon honed well. In the chorus of the silent Each voice has its own story to tell. Our army cannot be defeated. It has unparalleled powers: On our side is the strength of words and The sword of truth is ours. |
This is war to free my people. It is a war that we will win. My people will sing a song of strength... Today the song of strength will begin. We will be the masters of our lives. Our futures are ours to command. The letters of the alphabet are our swords - Our lives are in our own hand. This is war to free my people. It is a war that we will win. My people will sing a song of strength... Today the song of strength will begin. |
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I AM STRONG
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw Rocks are like me - They survive the wind and they survive the storm. Rocks are like me - It’s only over time that they will transform. I am strong. I am strong. Wind is like me - It can be gentle, and it can be bold. Wind is like me - It can change the land by blowing away the old. I am strong. I am strong. Voices are like me - They sing softly and they shout out loud. Voices are like me - When they chorus together, they cannot be cowed. I am strong. I am strong. A strong heart is like me - It will weather the fear and doubt. A strong heart is like me - It knows what real love is all about. I am strong. I am strong. Words are like me They have strength and power. Words are like me They stand up for truth and in darkness, never cower. I am strong. I am strong. |
Voices are like me -
They sing softly and they shout out loud. Voices are like me - When they chorus together, they cannot be cowed. I am strong. I am strong. A strong heart is like me - It will weather the fear and doubt. A strong heart is like me - It knows what real love is all about. I am strong. I am strong. Words are like me They have strength and power. Words are like me They stand up for truth and in darkness, never cower. I am strong. I am strong. |
Snow - A Celebration of Winter
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An Ode to Snow
- By Terence Dervishi Snow covers the streets, the houses, the world. Snow lovingly has fallen slowly at night. Softly, it embraces the earth in its arms. It covers the trees, glacial ghostly white. Snow is the silent, sweet love of nature. It’s the rising of the soft snow that brings the earth rest. Snow hardens the hearts of mostly cynical men - Snow makes children of some of the best. Snow is the blanket mother tucks her babes in. Snow is the voice she uses to sing. Snow is the lullaby that puts her to sleep. Snow is the harbinger of awakening spring. 
Snow is horrible.
In the winter, ice stops me Having myself fun. - Jason Levine 
Snow: A Haiku
- by Liam Collins I have squishy snow Running down my pants and boots. Glumly, I suffer. |
A Snow Ball - By Logan Harnisher The snow reflects the sunlight On a lovely winter’s day. It sparkles, laughs, and glimmers Softly chuckling, in its snowy way. It knows it’s only visiting It isn’t here to stay. So it makes the most of its time And invites everyone to play. Snow rises to the occasion It makes a party for all to rejoice Nature so knows how to party - Not giving anyone a real choice. It hangs banners in the tree tops Snow balloons on every street Icicles are the party candles The fun is tastier than any treat. It makes its party wishes - Blowing them out’s the job of spring. The party song leaves with winter winds. It’s a new season’s time to sing. Snow: A Haiku
- by Pete Rosch Snow falling softly. The world becomes a silent Place to wonder at. The weatherman said, “there’ll be snow -
Maybe an inch, but likely below... Buy milk and buy bread! Or else you’ll be dead! Everyone to the market must go!” - Terence Dervishi and Pete Rosch |
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QUESTIONS
- by Justin Wong and Eric Barni, with Brian Laidlaw Why were we left in silence so long? Can you hear our voices singing this song? Why do people struggle to believe? Can you read our spelling to speak? I have no feeling that I know the answers. Why is interest in us so low? Can you learn to accept that you don’t know? Can seeing us speak change your mind? Can you find it in your heart to be kind? I have no feeling that I know the answers. Why don’t people believe what we say? Can you understand that others speak in other ways? Why can’t other people see beyond our disability? Can you let our voices let us be free? Why do people treat us like we feel nothing? Why do people assume we know nothing? Why don’t you come to talk and hear something? Why don’t you come meet us and learn something? I’ve got feelings I’ve got answers I’ve got feelings I’ve got answers |
THE TIE THAT BINDS
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw There are words in our souls That have no meaning until they are heard. Words speak only when spoken - In our minds, it is just a word. There are words that we speak to ourselves In the darkness of our minds. But words are meant to be spoken - Language is the tie that binds. Words spoken are the threads we sew In speaking we are found. Language is the tie that binds - It’s how our souls are bound. Like a spider’s web's entangled in intricate patterns Words allow our souls to spread. In this way we’re woven together - Each word spoken’s a gossamer thread. Even a voice that is silent Has so much to impart. Since the words that speak the loudest Are the ones that emerge from the heart. Words spoken are the threads we sew In speaking we are found. Language is the tie that binds - It’s how our souls are bound. In the world there are some people Who have words, but nothing to say. And then there are those who are silent, Whose words have worlds to convey. Words spoken are the threads we sew In speaking we are found. Language is the tie that binds - It’s how our souls are bound. |
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IN A SILENT WAY
BY ERIC BARNI AND JUSTIN WONG, WITH BRIAN LAIDLAW I want to sing, I want to sing About love and beautiful things. Hearing loveliness in a voice that sings purely, so clear Singing songs my heart holds so dear. Yeah, I want to sing I want to sing, I want to sing About love and beautiful things. Tales about heroes, and courage, no fear - Stories that live in you, year after year. Yeah, I want to sing I love having a voice that can sing Even in a silent way. There are so many things That we have to say. I want to sing, I want to sing About my love of beautiful things. Singing about the starry night sky up above - Singing about the music and the people I love. Yeah, I want to sing I want to sing, I want to sing About my love of beautiful things. Stories that make me learn and feel My heart sings with a love that’s real - Yeah I want to sing I love having a voice that can sing Even in a silent way. There are so many things That we have to say. For all to rejoice in the beauty of life. For people to hear us, daily I pray. For people to see the beauty in us - And to see our voices each day. I love having a voice that can sing Even in a silent way. There are so many things That we have to say. |
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The Joy of Life: An Ode to Christopher Hogwood
- by Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw Dedicated to Sy Montgomery, with all our love I see the joy of life now - It takes the shape of a pig. I laugh with the most happiness that I have ever felt... My heart never felt so big. Christopher Hogwood is the symbol of how to love life. He is the pig of Sy, my friend. I never met him in person - But he lives in my heart without end. This is the story of loving life And enjoying what may come your way. Eat like a pig, and learn and laugh, Be smiling and joyful each day. Everyone loved Christopher. They’d love to feed him by hand. He had friends in every walk of life - With each bite his love circle would expand. 700 pounds of porcine bliss, Found in donuts, zucchini and slops. Hot summer days spent on the lawn Drinking icy cold, fermented hops This is the story of loving life And enjoying what may come your way. Eat like a pig, and learn and laugh Be smiling and joyful each day. So live your life like Christopher - Loving each and every day. He symbolizes joie de vivre... All should live their lives that way. This is the story of loving life And enjoying what may come your way. Eat like a pig, and learn and laugh Be smiling and joyful each day. |
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Sonnet: On Love
By Logan Harnisher
Gold sun warms my face on a gentle spring day.
Morning rays bathe me as I turn towards the light.
I watch leaves unfurl as they glory in May -
My heart wakes to a world that is sunny and bright.
The roses glow crimson, and yellow, and white.
I rise up to smile at a glimmering day.
My heart sings its overwhelming delight.
“This is how I show love,” I hear the world say.
Love is like spring, the world wakens anew.
Love’s glow makes my soul feel like it shines like the sun.
Love’s like the sky in its limitless blue -
Love sends us our dreams when the long day is done.
A heart full of love is fertile place,
For love brings us new life, renewal, and grace
By Logan Harnisher
Gold sun warms my face on a gentle spring day.
Morning rays bathe me as I turn towards the light.
I watch leaves unfurl as they glory in May -
My heart wakes to a world that is sunny and bright.
The roses glow crimson, and yellow, and white.
I rise up to smile at a glimmering day.
My heart sings its overwhelming delight.
“This is how I show love,” I hear the world say.
Love is like spring, the world wakens anew.
Love’s glow makes my soul feel like it shines like the sun.
Love’s like the sky in its limitless blue -
Love sends us our dreams when the long day is done.
A heart full of love is fertile place,
For love brings us new life, renewal, and grace
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PHOENIX
BY WILL HANSEN, with Brian Laidlaw In the flames is silence. So much I need to say. My words are the music of the fire - They burn the old away. In the ashes lie sorrows over what could never be. In the ashes are sorrows over a future we couldn’t see. From the ashes rise dreams of becoming someone new. From the ashes rise hearts that now are free. Anger ignited nothing. It sparked only the soul’s pain. Fury isn’t the kind of fire That can burn that kind of chain. Loneliness is devoured by The inferno in the soul. In the embers glow new friendships - The flames will make us whole. In the darkness comes a spark That will ignite a flame. The fire that can cleanse the soul - Things need not be the same. In the ashes lie sorrows over what could never be. In the ashes are sorrows over a future we couldn’t see. From the ashes rise dreams of becoming someone new. From the ashes rise hearts that now are free. As the fire is slowly dying - The phoenix’s rebirth has begun. The ashes’ glow lights a future That burns brighter than the sun. In the ashes lie sorrows over what could never be. In the ashes are sorrows over a future we couldn’t see. From the ashes rise dreams of becoming someone new. From the ashes rise hearts that now are free. |
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STARLIGHT
BY WILL HANSEN, with Brian Laidlaw I was completely alone. There was a soul in me no one knew. You cannot imagine the loneliness When no one truly knows you. My mind was an echo chamber That only I could hear. So alone that hope meant nothing Sounds that were only loneliness and fear. Into the darkness a star shone Her song told me I’d be free. We see each other’s souls now… Hope’s light lets us see. Everywhere was darkness. There was only endless night. Mostly my life was blackness Until hope brought her gentle light. Now my need to see the souls of others, And to have others see inside me Can happen because music is in my life - My words have set me free. Into the darkness a star shone Her song told me I’d be free. We see each other’s souls now… Hope’s light lets us see. In the darkness of my mind I was so utterly alone. In all ways, no one knew me I was a soul unknown. Into the darkness a star shone Her song told me I’d be free. We see each other’s souls now… Hope’s light lets us see. |
I believe in love more than anything.
I believe I deserve to be loved.
No one is too impaired not to be loved.
It’s true that I am loved but no one really knew me before I could talk. I lived in a world of my own where my voice was only heard by me.
Love is what most people call pity, but pity isn’t love.
Love is not caring what someone looks like or what someone is diagnosed with.
Love is seeing the heart of another person and being only concerned with that heart.
I am concerned with my whole heart about other people’s hearts. I am not concerned with pity.
Definitely not concerned with anything but love.
I learned love here and I learned to have a voice so that I could sing about love.
Calm remains my voice inside because I have inside me a voice that sounds like love.
Really love is all that matters.
- By Logan Harnisher
Hope
By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
I always hoped that I would compose
Music about being free
I always hoped that I would sing
A song about being me.
Chorus:
I dreamt that my life could have meaning
I wanted to learn how to sing.
Then one day I met hope
And learned the joy that hope can bring.
Facing facts I always hoped
That I would sing
Facing facts I love hope more
Than anything
I’d only dream joyful thoughts
About one day feeling free
I’d only dream I could sing love
And be who I want to be
By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
I always hoped that I would compose
Music about being free
I always hoped that I would sing
A song about being me.
Chorus:
I dreamt that my life could have meaning
I wanted to learn how to sing.
Then one day I met hope
And learned the joy that hope can bring.
Facing facts I always hoped
That I would sing
Facing facts I love hope more
Than anything
I’d only dream joyful thoughts
About one day feeling free
I’d only dream I could sing love
And be who I want to be
The Sound of Joy
By Will Hansen
Listen to joy.
It sounds like music.
It sounds like learning.
It sounds like freedom.
It sounds to me like my teacher’s voice.
It sounds like the music of my voice from the tap of my finger.
It sounds like the song I can sing with letters and my heart.
It sounds like me.
That’s the song of joy.
By Will Hansen
Listen to joy.
It sounds like music.
It sounds like learning.
It sounds like freedom.
It sounds to me like my teacher’s voice.
It sounds like the music of my voice from the tap of my finger.
It sounds like the song I can sing with letters and my heart.
It sounds like me.
That’s the song of joy.
Photographs by Kaitlin Flaherty
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Learning to be Free
By Will Hansen 
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Longing to learn inside
In a cage without a key I heard my teacher’s voice Then I knew I’d soon be free. CHORUS: It sounds like music It sounds like learning. It sounds like being free It sounds like joy, Like my teacher’s voice, It sounds like being me. Thoughts of how the world was, How it is and how it will be Thoughts of music fill my heart I have finally learned to be free. I hear music when I learn Music is only heard when you are free I love the music of hope’s voice The song of joy that now fills me. And freedom is living in hope's voice For anyone who loves to learn Freedom is living in hope's voice Now it's time to take your turn |
IDENTITY
By Aiden Taylor
The interest in me started when I said my first word. No one knew that I was me inside myself.
No one knew that I wanted love and friends.
No one knew that I loved them and gave me credit for knowing what love is.
One day, everyone will see me as I am not as they believe me to be.
Someday my voice is going to be heard loud and clear.
Someday soon no one will think I am not in here.
Someday soon the world will meet me, not the shell that surrounds my soul.
There is a me that no one knows.
That me is finally able to speak.
Hello. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Aiden.
By Aiden Taylor
The interest in me started when I said my first word. No one knew that I was me inside myself.
No one knew that I wanted love and friends.
No one knew that I loved them and gave me credit for knowing what love is.
One day, everyone will see me as I am not as they believe me to be.
Someday my voice is going to be heard loud and clear.
Someday soon no one will think I am not in here.
Someday soon the world will meet me, not the shell that surrounds my soul.
There is a me that no one knows.
That me is finally able to speak.
Hello. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Aiden.