Through the Eyes of Hope
- by Tyler Mason, with Tom Tolnay and Stacy Mason
I stand in the same place not moving.
I’m looking out the same window and seeing the same trees.
I see this scene every day. It does not change.
In the trees are shadows that make the scene dark.
I am depressed.
I make myself step outside.
I walk to the trees and step into the gloom.
Instead of the darkness, I see light dappling the trees in hues of gold and green.
I see into the life hidden there.
I see beauty.
In the forest, it is only dark at night.
In the forest there is beauty I never knew was there.
In the forest I am bathed in dappled light…
In the forest, I feel free and light as air.
I look at my life and I see only the darkness of despair.
I hate my very existence. Why was I born?
I only looked through lenses that let no sun into my life.
But then one day, Hope came and opened my eyes.
“Look at the world through my eyes,” she said.
I love to look at the world through the eyes of hope.
I see that there is light and beauty everywhere.
I am looking at the same life but in some ways it’s not the same.
I love to look at it in the light of hope.
It lets me see things in a whole new way.
In the forest, it is only dark at night.
In the forest there is beauty I never knew was there.
In the forest I am bathed in dappled light…
In the forest, I feel free and light as air.
- by Tyler Mason, with Tom Tolnay and Stacy Mason
I stand in the same place not moving.
I’m looking out the same window and seeing the same trees.
I see this scene every day. It does not change.
In the trees are shadows that make the scene dark.
I am depressed.
I make myself step outside.
I walk to the trees and step into the gloom.
Instead of the darkness, I see light dappling the trees in hues of gold and green.
I see into the life hidden there.
I see beauty.
In the forest, it is only dark at night.
In the forest there is beauty I never knew was there.
In the forest I am bathed in dappled light…
In the forest, I feel free and light as air.
I look at my life and I see only the darkness of despair.
I hate my very existence. Why was I born?
I only looked through lenses that let no sun into my life.
But then one day, Hope came and opened my eyes.
“Look at the world through my eyes,” she said.
I love to look at the world through the eyes of hope.
I see that there is light and beauty everywhere.
I am looking at the same life but in some ways it’s not the same.
I love to look at it in the light of hope.
It lets me see things in a whole new way.
In the forest, it is only dark at night.
In the forest there is beauty I never knew was there.
In the forest I am bathed in dappled light…
In the forest, I feel free and light as air.
Admiration
- By Paul Klein
The curtain rises.
The audience is seated, silent, waiting to pass judgment.
The actors appear.
Their costumes glitter, reflecting the light, transitory flashes of brilliance.
The actors each have roles to play, scripts memorized, movements choreographed, exits and entrances, a dance.
“Am I great tonight?” they wonder, “What will the reviews say?”
“Will I be a star?”
“Is my makeup perfect?”
“Am I thin enough?”
“Did they hear how I delivered that line? I was so emotive! Was I emotive enough?”
“Do they love my dress? My lipstick? The way my hair falls over my shoulder? Am I tall enough, short enough, too dark, too pale, too too too…?”
“Do they love me?” the actors ask. “Do they love me?”
The audience claps as they stand up to go to their homes, their jobs, their mechanics, their supermarkets, their schools, their dentists.
“Did you see her dress?” a girl asks her mother, “I loved it!”
Her mother smiles at her and says, “It was lovely but you are lovelier.
And the girl laughs, the dress forgotten.
And the actress who wore the dress is forgotten too.
The Life of a Moment
- By Rocco Cambareri
That me walked into the room.
Those eyes saw the world through those eyes.
That me is gone.
I only was that me for that moment, that second,
that tick tock of the clock’s hand.
Tick tock. That me is gone too.
I must live in that me for only that moment.
A new me is born each moment, each second,
each tick tock of the clock’s hand.
I am new.
I can change the world every moment, every second,
every tick tock of the clock’s hands.
Nothing is old. Nothing is gone.
It is only different.
Transformed by each moment, every second,
that tick tock of the clock’s hands.
- By Rocco Cambareri
That me walked into the room.
Those eyes saw the world through those eyes.
That me is gone.
I only was that me for that moment, that second,
that tick tock of the clock’s hand.
Tick tock. That me is gone too.
I must live in that me for only that moment.
A new me is born each moment, each second,
each tick tock of the clock’s hand.
I am new.
I can change the world every moment, every second,
every tick tock of the clock’s hands.
Nothing is old. Nothing is gone.
It is only different.
Transformed by each moment, every second,
that tick tock of the clock’s hands.
IT AIN’T OVER
- By Rocco Cambareri and Eric Barni, with Brian Laidlaw
I am eating a plate of divine linguini
Dripping with garlic and sauce.
My third helping is done...down the hatch!
Thank god this is just the first course.
I never want this meal to end.
Forever, I’d eat and eat and eat.
'cause as long as there's more food to be had
My stomach won’t cry out in defeat.
I never want fun stuff to end!
Lucky that each new day brings
More fantastic joyous things...
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings.
There’s a party going on right now!
It’s where I want to stay.
The invite says it ends at ten...
But it doesn’t say what day!
I never want fun stuff to end!
Lucky that each new day brings
More fantastic joyous things...
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings.
There’s nothing better than hanging out with friends.
I laugh and laugh until I have a stomachache.
But that kind of pain, it hurts so good!
Maybe we should be less funny, for my diaphragm’s sake?
Nah! Forget that idea, I’m having too much fun!
Doing our thing, doing our thing.
And besides, I’m happy to say...
That we ain’t heard no fat lady sing!
So when I wake up each day,
I can’t wait to see what it brings.
Even in the darkest moments remember that
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings!
I never want fun stuff to end!
Lucky that each new day brings
More fantastic joyous things...
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings.
- By Rocco Cambareri and Eric Barni, with Brian Laidlaw
I am eating a plate of divine linguini
Dripping with garlic and sauce.
My third helping is done...down the hatch!
Thank god this is just the first course.
I never want this meal to end.
Forever, I’d eat and eat and eat.
'cause as long as there's more food to be had
My stomach won’t cry out in defeat.
I never want fun stuff to end!
Lucky that each new day brings
More fantastic joyous things...
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings.
There’s a party going on right now!
It’s where I want to stay.
The invite says it ends at ten...
But it doesn’t say what day!
I never want fun stuff to end!
Lucky that each new day brings
More fantastic joyous things...
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings.
There’s nothing better than hanging out with friends.
I laugh and laugh until I have a stomachache.
But that kind of pain, it hurts so good!
Maybe we should be less funny, for my diaphragm’s sake?
Nah! Forget that idea, I’m having too much fun!
Doing our thing, doing our thing.
And besides, I’m happy to say...
That we ain’t heard no fat lady sing!
So when I wake up each day,
I can’t wait to see what it brings.
Even in the darkest moments remember that
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings!
I never want fun stuff to end!
Lucky that each new day brings
More fantastic joyous things...
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings.
THE KEY
- By Paul Klein
It was black, so black, and there were no stars.
Alone.
Alone.
Alone.
There was only darkness and eternal night.
I looked for even a glimmer of hope, but there was none.
The key was lost and the door locked tight.
Alone.
Alone.
Alone.
I was inside and I lived alone.
Alone. Alone.
Alone.
I screamed but no one heard me.
“Let someone know me before I die, God.”
And then one day Hope appeared, and she held the key.
Hope opened the prison door and my mind was freed.
For the first time in my life, I saw the sun.
On that day, the light showed my true soul…
Hope held the key, and now my life has begun.
- By Paul Klein
It was black, so black, and there were no stars.
Alone.
Alone.
Alone.
There was only darkness and eternal night.
I looked for even a glimmer of hope, but there was none.
The key was lost and the door locked tight.
Alone.
Alone.
Alone.
I was inside and I lived alone.
Alone. Alone.
Alone.
I screamed but no one heard me.
“Let someone know me before I die, God.”
And then one day Hope appeared, and she held the key.
Hope opened the prison door and my mind was freed.
For the first time in my life, I saw the sun.
On that day, the light showed my true soul…
Hope held the key, and now my life has begun.
"The Romance of Trivia Tex
- by Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
It was a quiet night at the OK Saloon
And the gang sat a’drinking their milkshakes.
“Dang!” grunted Joe, “I just keep a thinking…
I’m a’worried that the Sheriff's heart aches.”
“I know what you mean,” Big Bill softly said,
As he spat in the nearby spitoon.
The full moon’s a’shining, the roses smell sweet,
And romance blossoms in June.”
“Poor Tex, he’s alone!” Brett mournfully sighed,
“We’ve got wives and gals on the side.
We gotta find Tex a gal, and she’s gotta be purty.”
“And play trivia!” Wayne sagely replied.
“I got me a cousin named Betty,” said Joe,
Let’s set them up on a date.”
“I got me one too!” Bill and Wayne both exclaimed.
“Actually, I think my sister’s his mate!”
Said Brett slurping milkshake and chewing his gum,
“But she’s got the face of a horse!”Joe stated aloud.
“Well, that’s true,” Brett acknowledged,
“But there’s someone for everyone, of course.”
So the gang set a’planning a trivia night
With purty gals, balloons, and ice cream cake.
Then they called on their pal, the great Trivia Tex,
To see if he’d agree to partake.
“So they’ll be purty gals!” grinned Trivia Tex.
“I am quite the slick ladies’ man!
So I will take on the fairest of maids…
And when I win what then is the plan?”
“You can then select your favorite gal!”
Bill enthusiastically gushed.“
And then we can start planning the wedding!
But I don’t want you to feel rushed…”
“Planning my wedding seems a bit premature,
But if she’s purty enough, then ok!”
Bill jumped in excitement and totally squealed,
“I can’t wait to plan the big day!”
So the gang met for milkshakes and started to plan
For Tex’s big bachelorette night.
“Let’s have cookies, and crudities and maybe pate,”
Bill fussed, “I want everything to be just right!”
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.
To find a gal to steal Tex’s heart.
The big night finally arrived and the OK Saloon
Was looking as festive as can be.
The gang had taken their annual showers…
“My!” giggled Bill, “We’re almost purty!”
Wayne wore nice clean chaps with almost no mud.
And Brett wore his bar mitzvah suit.
Joe looked real sharp in a kilt and a tam.
And in sequins, Bill defined cute.
Then the ladies walked in, all purty as could be.
There was Betty a wearin’ pink lace.‘
There was Agnes in leather, and Sue Ann in Dior
And ‘course Esmeralda, and her horse face.
A sudden silence descended on the OK Saloon
And the doors opened wide to reveal
The handsome broad shoulders of Trivia Tex.
“Lordy be!” the four ladies did squeal.
Tex strode to the bar, his spurs loudly a’jingle
As he walked he bid all a good day.
"Look at those cheekbones!” the ladies all gasped,
Except Betty, who’d fainted away.
Trivia Tex was dressed all in black.
His white teeth gleamed as much as his star.
“Ladies, let me say howdy, I’m 30 and single.
I cook, clean and play the guitar.
I love children and puppies and sport 6-pack abs.
I even dust without any complaint.”
“Get me smelling salts!” cried the barman, aghast,
“Now all the ladies done faint!”
The ladies revived with a cold glass of milk.
“Glad you’re ok!” smiled Tex with a gentlemanly grin.
“He’s so hot!” “He’s so perfect!” “He’s the ideal man!”
“I’ll do anything to make sure I win!”
“I think we are ready to start with round one.
Ladies first, of course!” the barman said. “
We’ll do alphabetical order, so Agnes, you’re first.”
Terrified of losing, Agnes looked at him with dread.
“Our first category is womanly arts...
Tell me how to best git yourself some man hunk.”
“First I lasso him, hogtie him, and feed him some meat…
And then I git him dead drunk.”
“Golly gee!” said the barman, “Men do like it rough!
They love a gal who can show them who’s boss.
You’re still in the game! A point to the gals!
How you’re still single, I’m at a complete loss.”
Agnes giggled and twirled her lasso at Tex,
Who gave her a tip of his hat.
“You’re one purty lady and I love big lassos!”
His wink once again laid her out flat.
“You’re up now, Sheriff,” said the barman,
I made your question real hard.”
Don’t reckon you know much ‘bout womanly arts!
Tell me three household uses for lard.”
“I could tell you ten!” said Tex with a wink
At Betty, who fell down in a faint.
“I use it in my pates, it greases my wheels,
And my hair gel...I don’t hear no complaint!”
Esmeralda let out a long dreamy sigh,
As Sue Ann, she too hit the floor.
“I do declare he’s so hot that he smokes!
My poor heart just can’t take any more!”
The barman grinned as he poured Tex a new drink.
“Scores tied after round one!
Thanks for the hair tip! I can git me a lady!
Now I feel like it’s me who has won!"
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.
To find a gal to steal Tex’s heart.
"Now it’s back to the game and Esmeralda is awake
So let’s move on to round two!
A good wife is real clean, so let’s discuss that.
How do you get the pig’s sty to look new?”
“Aw shucks! That’s easy! I just paint it a bit!
A quick mop and I get rid of the poo.
I got me an industrial Roomba!
Other folks’ll say it’s better than new!”
“That’s a point for the gals, now Tex you are up!
Tell me how to get me a gal.”
“Is that my question?” asked Tex confused.
“No! I just need a boost of morale.”
“Well,” said Tex kindly, “It’s all in the pecs.
But my rippling abs they don’t hurt.”
“Dang!” said the barman as he eyed his milk gut,
That strained against his tight shirt.
“But here’s a tip,” Tex told him as he fanned the downed ladies,
“Just learn to perfect the chocolate souffle.”
“Can’t thank you enough, Tex!” the barman gratefully wept,
“A point to you for making my day.”
“Round three is a tough one, I literally mean…
Betty, how do you make your jerky really hard?”
Betty winked at Tex. “I kill me whatever is near
And hang it to decorate my yard.”
“That’s a point for Betty,” the barman nodded,
As he pulled a chaw of gum from the jar,
“Tell me Tex, when you are charming the ladies
“What do you serve with caviar?”
“I find that the ladies like their caviar plain
But I make cucumber sandwiches on the side.”
“Talk slowly so I can write this all down!”
The barman eagerly replied.
“Oh, by the way, that’s a point for you.
After three rounds we are all tied.
“Now Sue Ann, if you’re conscious, it’s a question for you,
What’s your solution for a sore backside?”
“Ladies never have a sore backside
‘Cause we only have rear ends.
Which after a day in the saddle is tired…
It’s no wonder you have no girlfriends!”
SueAnn fixed her Channel scarf as she
Gazed at the barman with disdain.
“Pardon me, Ma’am, I wasn’t to know…
‘Cause my backside is in real pain!”
Tex’s teeth gleamed all white as he smiled at them all.
“Now folks, let’s have no hustle or bustle!
And by the way, no need to ask,
My rear’s never sore, it’s all muscle.”
“Not again!” cried the barman as the ladies passed out.
“Tex, stop being so perfect!” he said.
“Can’t stop!” said Tex smiling, “I’m just being me!
But I don’t let it go to my head!”
“That’s a tie then,” the barman said with a sigh,
“We need a winner though for the gals’ sake.”
He gestured at the ladies who were just waking up…
“So let’s do us a tie break.”
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.
To find a gal to steal Tex’s heart.
But at that moment the doors opened wide
And in strolled a dang sexy hottie.
“Howdy, pardners,” she smiled while twirling her guns,
“My name’s Trivia Lottie.”
Tex took a long look at her voluminous guns
And exclaimed, “She’s the gal for me!
She can ride, she can lasso, she can take down a bull.
She can handle a gun..and is purty!”
“I declare the game over!” said Trivia Tex,
But I got a question for Ms. Lottie.”
And with that, the Sheriff got down one one knee.
“Ms. Lottie, will you marry me?”
“Well shucks, Tex,” Lottie said, “Why do you think that I’m here?
I heard there was a game for your hand.
You’re the only trivia champ who’s as good as me…
So where is my wedding band?!”
Tex grinned as he took Lottie’s hand and stood.
“Folks, let me introduce you to my wife.
Up until now I’ve been a lone cowboy.
Where’ve you been all my life?”
Wayne shook Tex’s hand, and Brett gave him a hug.
“I’m so happy,” said Joe, “Milk all ‘round and I’m buyin’.
But someone please get a load of handkerchiefs now
‘Cause the other gals are all cryin’.”
The crowd was a roarin’ and clapping their hands.
Said Tex, “Let’s get hitched as quick as can be.”
“How ‘bout right now?” Lottie enthusiastically said.
“Oh my lord!” squealed big Bill, “I need time to plan this here party.
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.”
And Trivia Lottie stole Tex’s heart.
- by Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
It was a quiet night at the OK Saloon
And the gang sat a’drinking their milkshakes.
“Dang!” grunted Joe, “I just keep a thinking…
I’m a’worried that the Sheriff's heart aches.”
“I know what you mean,” Big Bill softly said,
As he spat in the nearby spitoon.
The full moon’s a’shining, the roses smell sweet,
And romance blossoms in June.”
“Poor Tex, he’s alone!” Brett mournfully sighed,
“We’ve got wives and gals on the side.
We gotta find Tex a gal, and she’s gotta be purty.”
“And play trivia!” Wayne sagely replied.
“I got me a cousin named Betty,” said Joe,
Let’s set them up on a date.”
“I got me one too!” Bill and Wayne both exclaimed.
“Actually, I think my sister’s his mate!”
Said Brett slurping milkshake and chewing his gum,
“But she’s got the face of a horse!”Joe stated aloud.
“Well, that’s true,” Brett acknowledged,
“But there’s someone for everyone, of course.”
So the gang set a’planning a trivia night
With purty gals, balloons, and ice cream cake.
Then they called on their pal, the great Trivia Tex,
To see if he’d agree to partake.
“So they’ll be purty gals!” grinned Trivia Tex.
“I am quite the slick ladies’ man!
So I will take on the fairest of maids…
And when I win what then is the plan?”
“You can then select your favorite gal!”
Bill enthusiastically gushed.“
And then we can start planning the wedding!
But I don’t want you to feel rushed…”
“Planning my wedding seems a bit premature,
But if she’s purty enough, then ok!”
Bill jumped in excitement and totally squealed,
“I can’t wait to plan the big day!”
So the gang met for milkshakes and started to plan
For Tex’s big bachelorette night.
“Let’s have cookies, and crudities and maybe pate,”
Bill fussed, “I want everything to be just right!”
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.
To find a gal to steal Tex’s heart.
The big night finally arrived and the OK Saloon
Was looking as festive as can be.
The gang had taken their annual showers…
“My!” giggled Bill, “We’re almost purty!”
Wayne wore nice clean chaps with almost no mud.
And Brett wore his bar mitzvah suit.
Joe looked real sharp in a kilt and a tam.
And in sequins, Bill defined cute.
Then the ladies walked in, all purty as could be.
There was Betty a wearin’ pink lace.‘
There was Agnes in leather, and Sue Ann in Dior
And ‘course Esmeralda, and her horse face.
A sudden silence descended on the OK Saloon
And the doors opened wide to reveal
The handsome broad shoulders of Trivia Tex.
“Lordy be!” the four ladies did squeal.
Tex strode to the bar, his spurs loudly a’jingle
As he walked he bid all a good day.
"Look at those cheekbones!” the ladies all gasped,
Except Betty, who’d fainted away.
Trivia Tex was dressed all in black.
His white teeth gleamed as much as his star.
“Ladies, let me say howdy, I’m 30 and single.
I cook, clean and play the guitar.
I love children and puppies and sport 6-pack abs.
I even dust without any complaint.”
“Get me smelling salts!” cried the barman, aghast,
“Now all the ladies done faint!”
The ladies revived with a cold glass of milk.
“Glad you’re ok!” smiled Tex with a gentlemanly grin.
“He’s so hot!” “He’s so perfect!” “He’s the ideal man!”
“I’ll do anything to make sure I win!”
“I think we are ready to start with round one.
Ladies first, of course!” the barman said. “
We’ll do alphabetical order, so Agnes, you’re first.”
Terrified of losing, Agnes looked at him with dread.
“Our first category is womanly arts...
Tell me how to best git yourself some man hunk.”
“First I lasso him, hogtie him, and feed him some meat…
And then I git him dead drunk.”
“Golly gee!” said the barman, “Men do like it rough!
They love a gal who can show them who’s boss.
You’re still in the game! A point to the gals!
How you’re still single, I’m at a complete loss.”
Agnes giggled and twirled her lasso at Tex,
Who gave her a tip of his hat.
“You’re one purty lady and I love big lassos!”
His wink once again laid her out flat.
“You’re up now, Sheriff,” said the barman,
I made your question real hard.”
Don’t reckon you know much ‘bout womanly arts!
Tell me three household uses for lard.”
“I could tell you ten!” said Tex with a wink
At Betty, who fell down in a faint.
“I use it in my pates, it greases my wheels,
And my hair gel...I don’t hear no complaint!”
Esmeralda let out a long dreamy sigh,
As Sue Ann, she too hit the floor.
“I do declare he’s so hot that he smokes!
My poor heart just can’t take any more!”
The barman grinned as he poured Tex a new drink.
“Scores tied after round one!
Thanks for the hair tip! I can git me a lady!
Now I feel like it’s me who has won!"
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.
To find a gal to steal Tex’s heart.
"Now it’s back to the game and Esmeralda is awake
So let’s move on to round two!
A good wife is real clean, so let’s discuss that.
How do you get the pig’s sty to look new?”
“Aw shucks! That’s easy! I just paint it a bit!
A quick mop and I get rid of the poo.
I got me an industrial Roomba!
Other folks’ll say it’s better than new!”
“That’s a point for the gals, now Tex you are up!
Tell me how to get me a gal.”
“Is that my question?” asked Tex confused.
“No! I just need a boost of morale.”
“Well,” said Tex kindly, “It’s all in the pecs.
But my rippling abs they don’t hurt.”
“Dang!” said the barman as he eyed his milk gut,
That strained against his tight shirt.
“But here’s a tip,” Tex told him as he fanned the downed ladies,
“Just learn to perfect the chocolate souffle.”
“Can’t thank you enough, Tex!” the barman gratefully wept,
“A point to you for making my day.”
“Round three is a tough one, I literally mean…
Betty, how do you make your jerky really hard?”
Betty winked at Tex. “I kill me whatever is near
And hang it to decorate my yard.”
“That’s a point for Betty,” the barman nodded,
As he pulled a chaw of gum from the jar,
“Tell me Tex, when you are charming the ladies
“What do you serve with caviar?”
“I find that the ladies like their caviar plain
But I make cucumber sandwiches on the side.”
“Talk slowly so I can write this all down!”
The barman eagerly replied.
“Oh, by the way, that’s a point for you.
After three rounds we are all tied.
“Now Sue Ann, if you’re conscious, it’s a question for you,
What’s your solution for a sore backside?”
“Ladies never have a sore backside
‘Cause we only have rear ends.
Which after a day in the saddle is tired…
It’s no wonder you have no girlfriends!”
SueAnn fixed her Channel scarf as she
Gazed at the barman with disdain.
“Pardon me, Ma’am, I wasn’t to know…
‘Cause my backside is in real pain!”
Tex’s teeth gleamed all white as he smiled at them all.
“Now folks, let’s have no hustle or bustle!
And by the way, no need to ask,
My rear’s never sore, it’s all muscle.”
“Not again!” cried the barman as the ladies passed out.
“Tex, stop being so perfect!” he said.
“Can’t stop!” said Tex smiling, “I’m just being me!
But I don’t let it go to my head!”
“That’s a tie then,” the barman said with a sigh,
“We need a winner though for the gals’ sake.”
He gestured at the ladies who were just waking up…
“So let’s do us a tie break.”
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.
To find a gal to steal Tex’s heart.
But at that moment the doors opened wide
And in strolled a dang sexy hottie.
“Howdy, pardners,” she smiled while twirling her guns,
“My name’s Trivia Lottie.”
Tex took a long look at her voluminous guns
And exclaimed, “She’s the gal for me!
She can ride, she can lasso, she can take down a bull.
She can handle a gun..and is purty!”
“I declare the game over!” said Trivia Tex,
But I got a question for Ms. Lottie.”
And with that, the Sheriff got down one one knee.
“Ms. Lottie, will you marry me?”
“Well shucks, Tex,” Lottie said, “Why do you think that I’m here?
I heard there was a game for your hand.
You’re the only trivia champ who’s as good as me…
So where is my wedding band?!”
Tex grinned as he took Lottie’s hand and stood.
“Folks, let me introduce you to my wife.
Up until now I’ve been a lone cowboy.
Where’ve you been all my life?”
Wayne shook Tex’s hand, and Brett gave him a hug.
“I’m so happy,” said Joe, “Milk all ‘round and I’m buyin’.
But someone please get a load of handkerchiefs now
‘Cause the other gals are all cryin’.”
The crowd was a roarin’ and clapping their hands.
Said Tex, “Let’s get hitched as quick as can be.”
“How ‘bout right now?” Lottie enthusiastically said.
“Oh my lord!” squealed big Bill, “I need time to plan this here party.
Yippikayo! Yippikaya!
Romance is blossoming at the OK!
One hot summer night the gang did their part.”
And Trivia Lottie stole Tex’s heart.
Dyspraxia
- By Jason Levine
I think my body’s thrown its circuit breaker.
I’m sitting in the cockpit and…no light.
The whole machine is having techno meltdown.
I cry out mayday, but no help’s in sight.
I am a helpless prisoner in this body.
I push the buttons, pull the levers, hard.
But the shorts are frying the connections.
Orders are met with utter disregard.
I am a general with no real power.
“Hands don’t move!” I issue the command.
“Mouth attend!” I pointlessly dictate.
“Legs stay still!” I fruitlessly demand.
My body’s a stone prison, caging me.
But my mind’s my own, and it is free.
- By Jason Levine
I think my body’s thrown its circuit breaker.
I’m sitting in the cockpit and…no light.
The whole machine is having techno meltdown.
I cry out mayday, but no help’s in sight.
I am a helpless prisoner in this body.
I push the buttons, pull the levers, hard.
But the shorts are frying the connections.
Orders are met with utter disregard.
I am a general with no real power.
“Hands don’t move!” I issue the command.
“Mouth attend!” I pointlessly dictate.
“Legs stay still!” I fruitlessly demand.
My body’s a stone prison, caging me.
But my mind’s my own, and it is free.
Snowflakes
- By Terence Dervishi
The snowflakes dance in joyous company.
All cold crystals, laughing as you fall.You are the children of the clouds and time,
Which give you birth when heeding winter’s call.
Sisters, brothers, yet you are unique.
Each shimmers, sparkles in its solo way.
None wear the same costume or icy crown.
You dance together: synchronized ballet.
Each of you is made of silken water.
But threads of different colors, you’re entwined
Into a faultless blanket of pure white.
Each sparkle makes such beauty when combined.
I am a snowflake. My soul is my own.
But like a snowflake…I am not alone.
- By Terence Dervishi
The snowflakes dance in joyous company.
All cold crystals, laughing as you fall.You are the children of the clouds and time,
Which give you birth when heeding winter’s call.
Sisters, brothers, yet you are unique.
Each shimmers, sparkles in its solo way.
None wear the same costume or icy crown.
You dance together: synchronized ballet.
Each of you is made of silken water.
But threads of different colors, you’re entwined
Into a faultless blanket of pure white.
Each sparkle makes such beauty when combined.
I am a snowflake. My soul is my own.
But like a snowflake…I am not alone.
THREE IS MAGIC
- By Justin Wong, Eric Barni and Rocco Cambareri, with Brian Laidlaw
The best things come in groups of three.
What would breakfast and lunch be without dinner?
Morning and noon need a night -
And red, white and blue are a winner.
Don’t make me a bacon, lettuce with no tomato!
No red or white wine without a rose!
We are the three little pigs, not two!
Two’s a crowd, three’s company, I say.
Three is a magical number.
For our trio, give three cheers!
We act like a three-ring circus...
We are the three musketeers.
We are a dynamic threesome...
Like the letters A, B, C.
Hallmark moment when we proclaim we stand
For happiness, life and liberty!
1, 2, 3...
You, you and me.
Triples is the way to be.
We get along swimmingly.
We are fabulous, I’m sure you’ll agree.
1, 2, 3...
We are carefree!
My bros are the greatest, I say joyfully.
No one can top our creativity.
My BFFs are my family.
Three is a magical number.
For our trio, give three cheers!
We act like a three-ring circus...
We are the three musketeers.
- By Justin Wong, Eric Barni and Rocco Cambareri, with Brian Laidlaw
The best things come in groups of three.
What would breakfast and lunch be without dinner?
Morning and noon need a night -
And red, white and blue are a winner.
Don’t make me a bacon, lettuce with no tomato!
No red or white wine without a rose!
We are the three little pigs, not two!
Two’s a crowd, three’s company, I say.
Three is a magical number.
For our trio, give three cheers!
We act like a three-ring circus...
We are the three musketeers.
We are a dynamic threesome...
Like the letters A, B, C.
Hallmark moment when we proclaim we stand
For happiness, life and liberty!
1, 2, 3...
You, you and me.
Triples is the way to be.
We get along swimmingly.
We are fabulous, I’m sure you’ll agree.
1, 2, 3...
We are carefree!
My bros are the greatest, I say joyfully.
No one can top our creativity.
My BFFs are my family.
Three is a magical number.
For our trio, give three cheers!
We act like a three-ring circus...
We are the three musketeers.
Ripples in a Pond: For My Mother
- by Trevor Mason, with Tom Tolnay and Stacy Mason
Around us is our home.
It is built of love and wood
And in it is safety, and love,
and fun and laughter.
And in the middle is Mom
cooking and watching TV,
and singing. She makes everything so right,
...it's music.
Just like ripples in a pond...
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
Our home is next to a lake, there are no others around.
She is sitting on the deck, the sun's in her hair.
I watch it sparkle and shine...gleaming curly black...
Rosy heat makes her sleepy so I am sleepy too.
She is my world's shining sun...
Just like ripples in a pond...
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
She is the center of everything...
My voice and my guide from above.
My heart's in the middle of everything
She surrounds me with love.
Just like ripples in a pond
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
She is the center of my world.
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
- by Trevor Mason, with Tom Tolnay and Stacy Mason
Around us is our home.
It is built of love and wood
And in it is safety, and love,
and fun and laughter.
And in the middle is Mom
cooking and watching TV,
and singing. She makes everything so right,
...it's music.
Just like ripples in a pond...
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
Our home is next to a lake, there are no others around.
She is sitting on the deck, the sun's in her hair.
I watch it sparkle and shine...gleaming curly black...
Rosy heat makes her sleepy so I am sleepy too.
She is my world's shining sun...
Just like ripples in a pond...
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
She is the center of everything...
My voice and my guide from above.
My heart's in the middle of everything
She surrounds me with love.
Just like ripples in a pond
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
She is the center of my world.
My universe spirals around my one.
She is warmth and she is love -
Rosy heat is my palace in the sun.
BROS
- By Rocco Cambareri and Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
How often in life do you love at first sight?
It may only happen once!
Love is special and love is grand...
But it’s not like I want to hold your hand...
It’s not like it was all planned out!
We met through the whims of chance.
We are brothers from different parents...
And this is a true bromance.
How often in life do you meet someone
Who is as nerdy as you?
I really like opera, I shyly confess...
And my dorky bro vigorously nods YES!
How often have I met an appetite like mine,
Someone who appreciates eating like a pig?
Quality matters, naturally we agree
But in the end, what counts is massive quantity!
It’s not like it was all planned out!
We met through the whims of chance.
We are brothers from different parents...
And this is a true bromance.
My BFF knows that I am always right.
And mine knows which one of us is bright,
Even when he looks like crap, I think he looks alright.
When he looks like crap I just turn out the light.
He is not A-type, just a bit uptight!
When I call him a big slob I don’t mean it as a slight!
And we never say we’re sorry and we never feel contrite...
There’s never any need, cause we never ever fight!
How often do you meet someone really hilarious,
Someone who tickles your funny bone?
To others we look serious and certainly quiet...
But inside we both know that we are a riot!
It’s not like it was all planned out!
We met through the whims of chance.
We are brothers from different parents...
And this is a true bromance.
- By Rocco Cambareri and Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
How often in life do you love at first sight?
It may only happen once!
Love is special and love is grand...
But it’s not like I want to hold your hand...
It’s not like it was all planned out!
We met through the whims of chance.
We are brothers from different parents...
And this is a true bromance.
How often in life do you meet someone
Who is as nerdy as you?
I really like opera, I shyly confess...
And my dorky bro vigorously nods YES!
How often have I met an appetite like mine,
Someone who appreciates eating like a pig?
Quality matters, naturally we agree
But in the end, what counts is massive quantity!
It’s not like it was all planned out!
We met through the whims of chance.
We are brothers from different parents...
And this is a true bromance.
My BFF knows that I am always right.
And mine knows which one of us is bright,
Even when he looks like crap, I think he looks alright.
When he looks like crap I just turn out the light.
He is not A-type, just a bit uptight!
When I call him a big slob I don’t mean it as a slight!
And we never say we’re sorry and we never feel contrite...
There’s never any need, cause we never ever fight!
How often do you meet someone really hilarious,
Someone who tickles your funny bone?
To others we look serious and certainly quiet...
But inside we both know that we are a riot!
It’s not like it was all planned out!
We met through the whims of chance.
We are brothers from different parents...
And this is a true bromance.
Feedin’ Time
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Calories mean nothing to me
I laugh in the face of those on a diet plan!
Oh look! There’s a milkshake no one’s drunk!
It goes down in one ‘cause I’m a hungry man.
I haven’t eaten in at least an hour!
I am starving absolutely to death!
If I don’t eat an ice cream soon
I will certainly breathe my last breath!
It’s only time for breakfast
And my first meal is robust.
Thank you, yes, I’ll have more of everything
If you absolutely say I must.
Eggs, bacon, sausages and more are heaped
High on my breakfast plate
I need a smoothie and some spare ribs
It’s not like I just ate.
It’s feedin’ time at my house!
The sharks smell blood and appear!
It’s feeding time at my house!
It’s an actual food frenzy here!
Oh wait! I guess I did just eat…
My stomach it demands more food
I need to eat some Chinese lomein
Whenever I’m in the mood.
It’s 2 in the morning and I’m in the kitchen -
Let’s see what the refrigerator got!
Mom cooked like a demon for our gluttonous clan
But I’ll get it while it’s still hot.
It’s 11:00! Is lunch served yet?
My belly is feeling forlorn.
“Mom, get some food!” I pitifully wail!
She grumbles, “It’s like having a new born!”
It’s feedin’ time at my house!
The sharks smell blood and appear!
It’s feeding time at my house!
It’s an actual food frenzy here!
Take a trip with me
as Mom visits the grocery store.
We are about to change from cash rich
To definitely being poor.
Mom lugs around two shopping carts
Filled as filled can be
That takes care of the next two days.
At least it does for me.
I love to eat snacks, on top of my meals,
Sometimes at the same time.
No one is safe from my pilfering ways
When I eat and run, it’s the perfect crime.
Not one crumb escapes my Pac-Man like mouth
There is no incriminating DNA.
“I don’t understand it! I left my chips here!
Where did all my food go!” you’ll sadly say.
My family is a group of sharks
Our grocery bill is terrifying
My parents, my brother, we all eat like pigs
Food every 2 hours or we’re dying.
It’s feedin’ time at my house!
The sharks smell blood and appear!
It’s feeding time at my house!
It’s an actual food frenzy here!
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
Calories mean nothing to me
I laugh in the face of those on a diet plan!
Oh look! There’s a milkshake no one’s drunk!
It goes down in one ‘cause I’m a hungry man.
I haven’t eaten in at least an hour!
I am starving absolutely to death!
If I don’t eat an ice cream soon
I will certainly breathe my last breath!
It’s only time for breakfast
And my first meal is robust.
Thank you, yes, I’ll have more of everything
If you absolutely say I must.
Eggs, bacon, sausages and more are heaped
High on my breakfast plate
I need a smoothie and some spare ribs
It’s not like I just ate.
It’s feedin’ time at my house!
The sharks smell blood and appear!
It’s feeding time at my house!
It’s an actual food frenzy here!
Oh wait! I guess I did just eat…
My stomach it demands more food
I need to eat some Chinese lomein
Whenever I’m in the mood.
It’s 2 in the morning and I’m in the kitchen -
Let’s see what the refrigerator got!
Mom cooked like a demon for our gluttonous clan
But I’ll get it while it’s still hot.
It’s 11:00! Is lunch served yet?
My belly is feeling forlorn.
“Mom, get some food!” I pitifully wail!
She grumbles, “It’s like having a new born!”
It’s feedin’ time at my house!
The sharks smell blood and appear!
It’s feeding time at my house!
It’s an actual food frenzy here!
Take a trip with me
as Mom visits the grocery store.
We are about to change from cash rich
To definitely being poor.
Mom lugs around two shopping carts
Filled as filled can be
That takes care of the next two days.
At least it does for me.
I love to eat snacks, on top of my meals,
Sometimes at the same time.
No one is safe from my pilfering ways
When I eat and run, it’s the perfect crime.
Not one crumb escapes my Pac-Man like mouth
There is no incriminating DNA.
“I don’t understand it! I left my chips here!
Where did all my food go!” you’ll sadly say.
My family is a group of sharks
Our grocery bill is terrifying
My parents, my brother, we all eat like pigs
Food every 2 hours or we’re dying.
It’s feedin’ time at my house!
The sharks smell blood and appear!
It’s feeding time at my house!
It’s an actual food frenzy here!
PARTY A-N-I-M-A-L-S
- BY ROCCO CAMBARERI AND JUSTIN WONG, WITH BRIAN LAIDLAW
You bring the vodka and I’ll bring the rum!
You bring the soda and I’ll bring the lime!
You bring the Twister and I’ll bring the music!
It is totally spellers' party time!
There will be balloons, streamers and food...
It will naturally be gluten free.
You bring the cupcakes and I’ll the wine...
And I’ll bring the hard cider and the iced tea!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Our letter boards got us riding high!
Spellers party til the booze runs dry!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Bring your dancing shoes and bathing suits,
Cause you never can predict where this party will go.
Really we are just wild and crazy, when you...
Hang with us, go with the flow!
Our parties are unforgettable.
Once you party with us, there’s no going back.
So wait for that invitation that says come on over
For a spelling attack!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Our letter boards got us riding high!
Spellers party til the booze runs dry!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
You gotta B-O-O-G-I-E!
You gotta D-A-N-C-E!
You gotta party til the cows come home!
Come on and spell party with me!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Our letter boards got us riding high!
Spellers party til the booze runs dry!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
- BY ROCCO CAMBARERI AND JUSTIN WONG, WITH BRIAN LAIDLAW
You bring the vodka and I’ll bring the rum!
You bring the soda and I’ll bring the lime!
You bring the Twister and I’ll bring the music!
It is totally spellers' party time!
There will be balloons, streamers and food...
It will naturally be gluten free.
You bring the cupcakes and I’ll the wine...
And I’ll bring the hard cider and the iced tea!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Our letter boards got us riding high!
Spellers party til the booze runs dry!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Bring your dancing shoes and bathing suits,
Cause you never can predict where this party will go.
Really we are just wild and crazy, when you...
Hang with us, go with the flow!
Our parties are unforgettable.
Once you party with us, there’s no going back.
So wait for that invitation that says come on over
For a spelling attack!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Our letter boards got us riding high!
Spellers party til the booze runs dry!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
You gotta B-O-O-G-I-E!
You gotta D-A-N-C-E!
You gotta party til the cows come home!
Come on and spell party with me!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Our letter boards got us riding high!
Spellers party til the booze runs dry!
Spell out the P-A-R-T-Y!
Anywhere But Alabama
- By (much beleaguered) Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
My mother’s making me go to Alabama.
She might as well plan a vacation in hell.
I’d rather have a tooth pulled without Novocaine
“Please I am too young to die!” I yell.
I must go on vacation to Alabama.
I am so utterly pissed off about that.
She gave me no say in the decision -
My middle name could be doormat.
No! No Alabama!
When I’m there, time seems to slow.
It’s like being sent to the below!
It’s the worst vacation I know.
I can feel my misery grow…
Please don’t make me go!
Why oh why Alabama?
Since we could have gone to Paris instead.
Or maybe Rome, the Grand Canyon, or Barcelona.
I’d seriously rather be dead.
I so don’t want to go to Alabama.
It feels like living a nightmare.
The very thought of it fills me with horror
I think I’d rather be sent anywhere
No! No Alabama!
When I’m there, time seems to slow.
It’s like being sent to the below!
It’s the worst vacation I know.
I can feel my misery grow…
Please don’t make me go!
Can we not stop in Alabama?
So many places that I’d rather be.
Sing Sing Prison would be a picnic…
Or even better, Newark, New Jersey.
Don’t give me no hush puppies, no southern BBQ
Don’t give me no grits, no sweet tea, no collard greens!
Don’t give me no greasy fried chicken, no cracklings
I want my good northern food, even Boston Baked Beans…
Even though they taste like eating sweat socks.
and I don’t want people to wish me good morning y’all.
I don’t want to go to Mobile or Birmingham, the only places I ever heard of
I don’t want to hear no southern drawl.
No! No Alabama!
When I’m there, time seems to slow.
It’s like being sent to the below!
It’s the worst vacation I know.
I can feel my misery grow…
Please don’t make me go!
- By (much beleaguered) Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
My mother’s making me go to Alabama.
She might as well plan a vacation in hell.
I’d rather have a tooth pulled without Novocaine
“Please I am too young to die!” I yell.
I must go on vacation to Alabama.
I am so utterly pissed off about that.
She gave me no say in the decision -
My middle name could be doormat.
No! No Alabama!
When I’m there, time seems to slow.
It’s like being sent to the below!
It’s the worst vacation I know.
I can feel my misery grow…
Please don’t make me go!
Why oh why Alabama?
Since we could have gone to Paris instead.
Or maybe Rome, the Grand Canyon, or Barcelona.
I’d seriously rather be dead.
I so don’t want to go to Alabama.
It feels like living a nightmare.
The very thought of it fills me with horror
I think I’d rather be sent anywhere
No! No Alabama!
When I’m there, time seems to slow.
It’s like being sent to the below!
It’s the worst vacation I know.
I can feel my misery grow…
Please don’t make me go!
Can we not stop in Alabama?
So many places that I’d rather be.
Sing Sing Prison would be a picnic…
Or even better, Newark, New Jersey.
Don’t give me no hush puppies, no southern BBQ
Don’t give me no grits, no sweet tea, no collard greens!
Don’t give me no greasy fried chicken, no cracklings
I want my good northern food, even Boston Baked Beans…
Even though they taste like eating sweat socks.
and I don’t want people to wish me good morning y’all.
I don’t want to go to Mobile or Birmingham, the only places I ever heard of
I don’t want to hear no southern drawl.
No! No Alabama!
When I’m there, time seems to slow.
It’s like being sent to the below!
It’s the worst vacation I know.
I can feel my misery grow…
Please don’t make me go!
The Ocean of Emotion
- By Rocco Cambareri, with Brian Laidlaw
In the world there are people who feel nothing for others
And there are people who feel everything.
These people can feel the emotions of others…
It’s about these empaths I sing.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
It is like my heart’s always open and the world’s flooding in.
Everything seems overwhelming to me.
Love is the wall that protects my heart
Love defends me from the angry sea.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
Empathy means feeling the joy and pain of everyone.
I can’t escape the rising tide.
The waters of sensation surround me -
The ocean of emotion is dark, deep and wide.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
Anger, envy, happiness, jealousy, hate,
Amusement, elation, pride,
The ocean of emotion Is dark, deep, and wide
Fury, disappointment, love, heartache,All part of the tide
The ocean of emotion Is dark, deep, and wide.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
- By Rocco Cambareri, with Brian Laidlaw
In the world there are people who feel nothing for others
And there are people who feel everything.
These people can feel the emotions of others…
It’s about these empaths I sing.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
It is like my heart’s always open and the world’s flooding in.
Everything seems overwhelming to me.
Love is the wall that protects my heart
Love defends me from the angry sea.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
Empathy means feeling the joy and pain of everyone.
I can’t escape the rising tide.
The waters of sensation surround me -
The ocean of emotion is dark, deep and wide.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
Anger, envy, happiness, jealousy, hate,
Amusement, elation, pride,
The ocean of emotion Is dark, deep, and wide
Fury, disappointment, love, heartache,All part of the tide
The ocean of emotion Is dark, deep, and wide.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion.
It’s hard to keep myself afloat.
I’m swimming inside an ocean of emotion…
Love is my lifeboat.
A Whole Life
-By Tyler Mason
I have so many things I always wanted to do.
I want to roast a marshmallow and eat a sticky blob.
I’ve dreamt of that sweet mushy thing filling up my mouth.
I roast it until it turns a warm and golden brown.
I am hoping I can love a girl, who loves me too.
Love is the most important thing.
I so wish getting love were easy.
I have no one to love and roast marshmallows with.
I want to learn all the things I missed out on.
I want to make a mark on the world.
I am not satisfied living a half life.
I am whole.
I am human. I am really me.
-By Tyler Mason
I have so many things I always wanted to do.
I want to roast a marshmallow and eat a sticky blob.
I’ve dreamt of that sweet mushy thing filling up my mouth.
I roast it until it turns a warm and golden brown.
I am hoping I can love a girl, who loves me too.
Love is the most important thing.
I so wish getting love were easy.
I have no one to love and roast marshmallows with.
I want to learn all the things I missed out on.
I want to make a mark on the world.
I am not satisfied living a half life.
I am whole.
I am human. I am really me.
A MOUTH TO HAND CELEBRATION OF THE ENGLISH SONNET!
To Bananas: A Love Song
- By Logan Harnisher
Oh come to me, beloved, yellow friend.
I sing a song of mushy, sweet delight.
I throw your slimy peel into the trash…
And feast my eyes on the delicious sight.
You’re soft and sweet and sugary golden fruit.
You’re nasty and you’re hard when you’re not ripe.
You’re at your best when toasty yellow brown -
You are my love ‘cause you are so my type.
You give me comfort in all your many forms.
You look divine in so many different ways.
Candied chocolate or even in ice cream -
I worship you and shower you with praise.
Over you I totally obsess…
You are my tropical source of happiness.
- By Logan Harnisher
Oh come to me, beloved, yellow friend.
I sing a song of mushy, sweet delight.
I throw your slimy peel into the trash…
And feast my eyes on the delicious sight.
You’re soft and sweet and sugary golden fruit.
You’re nasty and you’re hard when you’re not ripe.
You’re at your best when toasty yellow brown -
You are my love ‘cause you are so my type.
You give me comfort in all your many forms.
You look divine in so many different ways.
Candied chocolate or even in ice cream -
I worship you and shower you with praise.
Over you I totally obsess…
You are my tropical source of happiness.
Falling Into the Abyss
- By Terence Dervishi
My stress is eating me alive today.
My body feels like it's not in control.
There are stones on my chest and I can’t breathe…
Getting air into my lungs, my only goal.
If I keep very still then it will stop.
Like a little mouse caught in a trap.
No one will see me if I do not move…
But I must move, and so my mind will snap.
The world shrinks ‘round me ‘til I cannot breathe.
So lost in fear that time, it seems to slow.
I am completely terrified of nothing.
But the terror is everything I know.
Dread leaves my world colorless and stark -
Terror is the monster in the dark.
- By Terence Dervishi
My stress is eating me alive today.
My body feels like it's not in control.
There are stones on my chest and I can’t breathe…
Getting air into my lungs, my only goal.
If I keep very still then it will stop.
Like a little mouse caught in a trap.
No one will see me if I do not move…
But I must move, and so my mind will snap.
The world shrinks ‘round me ‘til I cannot breathe.
So lost in fear that time, it seems to slow.
I am completely terrified of nothing.
But the terror is everything I know.
Dread leaves my world colorless and stark -
Terror is the monster in the dark.
The Monster Within
-By Noah Howarth
Inside of me’s a place that’s always empty.
It sits amidst my organs and my soul.
If it’s not fed it may consume me wholly -
My flesh surrounds a super big black hole.
My body houses a ferocious monster
That should be kept in prison under lock.
It’s trying to achieve world domination
And demands more food each day around the clock.
The monster whines. It rumbles and it grumbles.
It frets. It shouts. It screams to wake the dead.
It’s anger is like facing down a kraken!
Its fury instills the bravest with pure dread.
You win, my lord! I totally submit!
My stomach, it defines the infinite.
-By Noah Howarth
Inside of me’s a place that’s always empty.
It sits amidst my organs and my soul.
If it’s not fed it may consume me wholly -
My flesh surrounds a super big black hole.
My body houses a ferocious monster
That should be kept in prison under lock.
It’s trying to achieve world domination
And demands more food each day around the clock.
The monster whines. It rumbles and it grumbles.
It frets. It shouts. It screams to wake the dead.
It’s anger is like facing down a kraken!
Its fury instills the bravest with pure dread.
You win, my lord! I totally submit!
My stomach, it defines the infinite.
My Secret Garden
(for Alex)
-By Kaitlin Flaherty
I am walking in the Secret Garden.
I see the roses climbing on the walls.
I see red rose vines arching over me.
The leaves droop down like shimmering waterfalls.
Crimson, gold and green and white accents
The azure blue of the summer sky.
The scent of lilacs fills my soul with joy
I feel warm, fragrant breezes blowing by.
I walk in dream-like silence with my love.
His hand holds mine gently as we stroll.
I am the happiest I remember being -
When I am in my garden I am whole.
My garden is a place no one can find.
My garden exists only in my mind.
(for Alex)
-By Kaitlin Flaherty
I am walking in the Secret Garden.
I see the roses climbing on the walls.
I see red rose vines arching over me.
The leaves droop down like shimmering waterfalls.
Crimson, gold and green and white accents
The azure blue of the summer sky.
The scent of lilacs fills my soul with joy
I feel warm, fragrant breezes blowing by.
I walk in dream-like silence with my love.
His hand holds mine gently as we stroll.
I am the happiest I remember being -
When I am in my garden I am whole.
My garden is a place no one can find.
My garden exists only in my mind.
Real Men Eat Pizza
- By Jason Levine
Real men eat only New York Style Pizza.
That crispy, crusty bottom is divine.
Hot and chewy, cheesy total bliss.
I am thinking it deserves a shrine.
Chicago’s the Second City for a reason.
Deep dish pizza’s eating soggy bread.
It has the texture of moldy, wet cement.
It would be better eating garbage instead.
It’s criminal to ruin it with anchovies
or pineapple, mushrooms, peppers - they all stink.
Only sauce and gooey cheese are needed…
It is already perfection itself, I think.
It really never ceases to amaze...
“How do I love thee…let me count the ways.”
- By Jason Levine
Real men eat only New York Style Pizza.
That crispy, crusty bottom is divine.
Hot and chewy, cheesy total bliss.
I am thinking it deserves a shrine.
Chicago’s the Second City for a reason.
Deep dish pizza’s eating soggy bread.
It has the texture of moldy, wet cement.
It would be better eating garbage instead.
It’s criminal to ruin it with anchovies
or pineapple, mushrooms, peppers - they all stink.
Only sauce and gooey cheese are needed…
It is already perfection itself, I think.
It really never ceases to amaze...
“How do I love thee…let me count the ways.”
|
The Greatest Grandpa
- By Edison Lema He is not like any other grandpa. When we talk he always listens to me And he talks to me like I am normal - He is the greatest grandpa, Grandpa Wally. My favorite thing is going out for ice cream. I get my vanilla cone with sprinkles on top. He gets something yucky like pistachio And then we sit right down and we talk shop. We talk about economic situations, And politics, my future plans, and stuff Like girls, and life and music and much more I feel like I can never get enough. If you met him I know you would agree. There is no one like my Grandpa Wally. 
|
|
The World’s Hottest Car
-By Logan Harnisher
Tesla is the King of Cars, I sing.
It has made its way into my heart.
Soft leather gently cuddles my warmed bottom…
It does everything the best, including fart.
It rumbles, hums and purrs its happiness
My Tesla, it can dance and sing with me.
When I am cruising along in my Tesla
My spirits and my soul are both carefree.
I am a’goin’ cruising in my Tesla.
It’s gorgeous lines are oozing sex appeal.
It is my little, sexy, red, chick magnet.
The number of girlfriends I have is surreal.
I will spend all day on my ass
‘Cause my Tesla uses zero gas.
-By Logan Harnisher
Tesla is the King of Cars, I sing.
It has made its way into my heart.
Soft leather gently cuddles my warmed bottom…
It does everything the best, including fart.
It rumbles, hums and purrs its happiness
My Tesla, it can dance and sing with me.
When I am cruising along in my Tesla
My spirits and my soul are both carefree.
I am a’goin’ cruising in my Tesla.
It’s gorgeous lines are oozing sex appeal.
It is my little, sexy, red, chick magnet.
The number of girlfriends I have is surreal.
I will spend all day on my ass
‘Cause my Tesla uses zero gas.
Libertad
- By Paul Klein
I feel the rhythmic rippling of her muscles.
I feel the hot, dry summer air on me.
My Blanco whinnies as she scents the roses…
I am filled with joy, my heart carefree.
I sit high up in my leather saddle,
We ride toward the rosy setting sun.
I feel the laughter bubble inside me.
I know this moment’s joy is never done.
In my dreams I’m riding my caballo.
I hear her hoofbeats hit the sun dried land.
I’m whole and free in my imagination.
Vamos! Galope! I hear myself command.
She’s warmth and power, an unstoppable force…
My soul escapes its prison on my horse.
[pictured: Paul on his horse, Blanco, at his family's second home, in Uruguay]
- By Paul Klein
I feel the rhythmic rippling of her muscles.
I feel the hot, dry summer air on me.
My Blanco whinnies as she scents the roses…
I am filled with joy, my heart carefree.
I sit high up in my leather saddle,
We ride toward the rosy setting sun.
I feel the laughter bubble inside me.
I know this moment’s joy is never done.
In my dreams I’m riding my caballo.
I hear her hoofbeats hit the sun dried land.
I’m whole and free in my imagination.
Vamos! Galope! I hear myself command.
She’s warmth and power, an unstoppable force…
My soul escapes its prison on my horse.
[pictured: Paul on his horse, Blanco, at his family's second home, in Uruguay]
The Disco King
- By Noah Howarth
I am getting down on the dance floor.
The chicks are digging all my crazy moves.
I boogie and I really shake my booty.
All the women say, “That Noah grooves!”
They call me Disco King, and they are right.
Stayin’ Alive is like my own theme song!
I definitely rock the Village People.
YMCA is playing! Let’s dance along!
Get me a white suit with a white vest.
Turn on that disco ball and let it reign.
It’s Saturday night and I so have the fever…
One day I will get on the Love Train.
I bust a move like no one ever can!
I’m Disco King, a total Macho Man.
|
A Seventies Dude - By Logan Harnisher I am the king of the dance floor. Give me bell bottoms and tie dye. Feel like John Travolta is my hero. In my heart, I am a seventies guy. Give me ABBA, Queen and BeeGees! Give me Commodores and Le Chic! I am totally jivin’ it tonight When I boogie down to Le Freak. I am doing my hair in a ’fro. And a wide lapel, pastel suit. I will show my manly chest tattoo… The girls all say my peace sign is so cute. So give me my shiny, beaded headband. The disco scene is my realm to command. |
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Super Freak!
- By Pete Rosch
I was born forty years too late.
I am a man of the seventies.
I got smooth moves for any past decade…
Disco is my real expertise.
I am the Super Freak of Funky Town.
It’s Disco Inferno, but I Will Survive.
I’m So Excited ‘cause I Wanna Funk
But I’m all about Stayin’ Alive.
So That’s the Way I Like It, uh huh uh huh!
Please play that Funky Music now for me.
Born to Be Alive and Love the Nightlife!
So Turn that Beat Around and I’ll be free.
Oh What a Night, when disco beat is playing!
I can’t ever stop once my body’s swaying!
- By Pete Rosch
I was born forty years too late.
I am a man of the seventies.
I got smooth moves for any past decade…
Disco is my real expertise.
I am the Super Freak of Funky Town.
It’s Disco Inferno, but I Will Survive.
I’m So Excited ‘cause I Wanna Funk
But I’m all about Stayin’ Alive.
So That’s the Way I Like It, uh huh uh huh!
Please play that Funky Music now for me.
Born to Be Alive and Love the Nightlife!
So Turn that Beat Around and I’ll be free.
Oh What a Night, when disco beat is playing!
I can’t ever stop once my body’s swaying!
The Beach Bash
- By Terence Dervishi
The party really was a rocking time!
So many people having loads of fun.
The sun was shining like it was our host…
The lake shone diamonds, not to be outdone.
The speakers spoke, the spellers spelled like fire.
New friendships were unfolding everywhere.
Everyone was absolutely joyous…
And had no worries or a single care.
We ate, we drank and we gorged on cupcakes
Half of us were waterlogged that day.
We all left with rounded and full bellies…
We spellers so know how to really play.
Let’s do Beach Bash Party every year!
We had the joy of finding family here.
- By Terence Dervishi
The party really was a rocking time!
So many people having loads of fun.
The sun was shining like it was our host…
The lake shone diamonds, not to be outdone.
The speakers spoke, the spellers spelled like fire.
New friendships were unfolding everywhere.
Everyone was absolutely joyous…
And had no worries or a single care.
We ate, we drank and we gorged on cupcakes
Half of us were waterlogged that day.
We all left with rounded and full bellies…
We spellers so know how to really play.
Let’s do Beach Bash Party every year!
We had the joy of finding family here.
Meatatarian
- By Gavin Howarth
The gods’ food is sitting on my plate.
Eating it, I feel my soul revive.
It is dead flesh, and my heart sings for joy -
It oozes blood and still seems half alive.
Give me juicy meat, soft, fresh and rare.
I want to hear it mooing on my plate.
Don’t give me medium or well-done crap!
Nice and raw and bleeding is what’s great.
No cheese, mayo, relish, lettuce, mustard.
Don’t ruin it with condiments and stuff.
Just give me meat straight from the cow, I say.
Of animal, one never gets enough.
I need just meat to live. I need no more.
I am a glutton and a carnivore.
- By Gavin Howarth
The gods’ food is sitting on my plate.
Eating it, I feel my soul revive.
It is dead flesh, and my heart sings for joy -
It oozes blood and still seems half alive.
Give me juicy meat, soft, fresh and rare.
I want to hear it mooing on my plate.
Don’t give me medium or well-done crap!
Nice and raw and bleeding is what’s great.
No cheese, mayo, relish, lettuce, mustard.
Don’t ruin it with condiments and stuff.
Just give me meat straight from the cow, I say.
Of animal, one never gets enough.
I need just meat to live. I need no more.
I am a glutton and a carnivore.
The Colors of Laughter
- By Rocco Cambareri
Like the silken petals of a rose…
Like sparkling dewdrops after summer rain…
Like the warm sun painting the sky blue.
Laughter is the heart’s sweet champagne.
Like sitting on a cloud of fun and dreams…
Like sitting on a beach eating ice cream
Like golden bubbles of light and angels…
Laughter is like drinking a sunbeam.
Chuckles are like emeralds of green.
Giggles rubies of such wondrous fun.
Belly laughs are brilliant golden lilacs
Roars of laughter are the setting sun.
Laughter sets my color world aglow
I hear chromatism in a rainbow.
- By Rocco Cambareri
Like the silken petals of a rose…
Like sparkling dewdrops after summer rain…
Like the warm sun painting the sky blue.
Laughter is the heart’s sweet champagne.
Like sitting on a cloud of fun and dreams…
Like sitting on a beach eating ice cream
Like golden bubbles of light and angels…
Laughter is like drinking a sunbeam.
Chuckles are like emeralds of green.
Giggles rubies of such wondrous fun.
Belly laughs are brilliant golden lilacs
Roars of laughter are the setting sun.
Laughter sets my color world aglow
I hear chromatism in a rainbow.
The Fulcrum
- By Paul Klein
The fallen leaves are corpses that feed life.
They are the death that nurtures mother, Earth.
Beneath the grass and the deep red roses
Lays the corrupt rot that gave them birth.
I’m on the shore and watch the ocean heave.
Wrestling with the sand the tide brings in.
Bare toes are buried ‘til the tide retreats.
Each day will end…and then again begin.
I feel the warmth from flames in my home’s hearth.
It brings me comfort, solace, peace and joy.
The flames bring passion, life and sultry heat -
But burning fire also can destroy.
The winds blow north then south then east then west.
Nature’s balance is our God’s bequest.
- By Paul Klein
The fallen leaves are corpses that feed life.
They are the death that nurtures mother, Earth.
Beneath the grass and the deep red roses
Lays the corrupt rot that gave them birth.
I’m on the shore and watch the ocean heave.
Wrestling with the sand the tide brings in.
Bare toes are buried ‘til the tide retreats.
Each day will end…and then again begin.
I feel the warmth from flames in my home’s hearth.
It brings me comfort, solace, peace and joy.
The flames bring passion, life and sultry heat -
But burning fire also can destroy.
The winds blow north then south then east then west.
Nature’s balance is our God’s bequest.
A Stupid Hole
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
The little ball that causes heartache,
sailor mouth and tears...
A small round piece of plastic that
Leaves people drowning sorrows in beers.
Men and women become obsessed
With getting it into holes
They spend their lives practicing to make
Scoring par their lives goals.
I tee my ball and take a whack
“This is so much fun to play!”
It’s flying long and soaring high…
And completely misses the fairway.
The ball has landed in the rough
I pull my sand wedge out
I take my shot, I hit a tree
“I hate this game!” I shout!
I hate this game! It makes me nuts!
A stupid ball. A stupid hole.
I don’t know why I just can’t stop!
This game has sucked my soul!
I chip my ball onto the green
I loudly shout, “Oh crap!”
My ball has gone from the trees
Directly into a sand trap.
I take my wedge and take my shot
And promptly feel chagrin
When my ball hits the trap’s edge...
And simply rolls back in.
The ball is finally back on the green.
Only a hundred yards to go.
My seven iron should do the trick...
It lands in the water below.
I want to know who made this course!
They’re gonna answer to me!
I wanna know what they were smokin’
When they made this hole par 3!
I hate this game! It makes me nuts!
A stupid ball. A stupid hole.
I don’t know why I just can’t stop!
This game has sucked my soul!
I have to take a penalty shot
And so I drop my ball
Straight back into the lake it rolls.
I hate this game I call.
An hour later I am putting...
The hole is just feet away.
I twelve putt that ball, it lands in the hole.
Only 17 more holes left to play.
I always dream of winning the US Open.
I always dream of ruling the PGA.
I always dream of donning the Master’s Green Jacket.
I always dreamt of telling Tiger Woods...To get out of my way!
I look at the scorecard, 202,
'Cause every hole went just the same.
There’s really only one thing to say…
“I totally so hate this game!”
I hate this game! It makes me nuts!
A stupid ball. A stupid hole.
I don’t know why I just can’t stop!
This game has sucked my soul!
- By Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
The little ball that causes heartache,
sailor mouth and tears...
A small round piece of plastic that
Leaves people drowning sorrows in beers.
Men and women become obsessed
With getting it into holes
They spend their lives practicing to make
Scoring par their lives goals.
I tee my ball and take a whack
“This is so much fun to play!”
It’s flying long and soaring high…
And completely misses the fairway.
The ball has landed in the rough
I pull my sand wedge out
I take my shot, I hit a tree
“I hate this game!” I shout!
I hate this game! It makes me nuts!
A stupid ball. A stupid hole.
I don’t know why I just can’t stop!
This game has sucked my soul!
I chip my ball onto the green
I loudly shout, “Oh crap!”
My ball has gone from the trees
Directly into a sand trap.
I take my wedge and take my shot
And promptly feel chagrin
When my ball hits the trap’s edge...
And simply rolls back in.
The ball is finally back on the green.
Only a hundred yards to go.
My seven iron should do the trick...
It lands in the water below.
I want to know who made this course!
They’re gonna answer to me!
I wanna know what they were smokin’
When they made this hole par 3!
I hate this game! It makes me nuts!
A stupid ball. A stupid hole.
I don’t know why I just can’t stop!
This game has sucked my soul!
I have to take a penalty shot
And so I drop my ball
Straight back into the lake it rolls.
I hate this game I call.
An hour later I am putting...
The hole is just feet away.
I twelve putt that ball, it lands in the hole.
Only 17 more holes left to play.
I always dream of winning the US Open.
I always dream of ruling the PGA.
I always dream of donning the Master’s Green Jacket.
I always dreamt of telling Tiger Woods...To get out of my way!
I look at the scorecard, 202,
'Cause every hole went just the same.
There’s really only one thing to say…
“I totally so hate this game!”
I hate this game! It makes me nuts!
A stupid ball. A stupid hole.
I don’t know why I just can’t stop!
This game has sucked my soul!
THE BALLAD OF TRIVIA TEX
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
Let me sing you a tragic tale
About four cowboys that met up on trivia night.
They thought they were the fastest buzzers in the west
But they found themselves in a hell of a fight.
They ruled every game at the OK Saloon.
Old Joe was their history whiz.
Brett did the sports and Bill, general facts
And Wayne could gun down any quiz.
Yippykaho! Yippykaye!
Trivia Battle at the OK!
One hot summer night proved their doomsday
When Trivia Tex came into town just to play.
Those cowboys sat a’drinking their milk
When the saloon doors suddenly slung wide
The stranger wore a white hat, black coat and black boots
“Stir me a milkshake!” he cried.
Silence reigned for a moment at the OK Saloon
As the stranger walked up to the bar.
His spurs, they were silver, and so were his guns.
On his chest was a big golden star.
The tall lawman drawled, “Howdy Pilgrims! My name’s Trivia Tex!
I’m the new sheriff in town! And I’m here
‘Cause this town needs a new trivia champ!”
And his lip curled up in a sneer.
The trembling barkeep mixed his drink
Which the sheriff downed in one
“I’m ready for our shootout any time!”
And with that he twirled his gun.
Yippykaho! Yippykaye!
Trivia Battle at the OK!
Joe, Wayne, Bill and Brett
Stood and walked his way.
“Thems fightin’ words!” Big Bill drawled.
“We’re also ready to play!”
“Now play fair!” the barman said.
“Don’t want no cheatin’ tonight!
No Google! No Bing! Cell phones off!
We’re makin’ this a nice, clean fight!”
“The first category is home economics.”
He turned to look at Wayne.
“What gets the mud from chaps best?” he challenged the team.
“That is one real nasty stain!”
Wayne grinned with his one tooth.
“That’s easy!” he said, “Horse manure will do the trick!”
“That’s right!” the barman yelled, “That’s one point to you!
Here I was a’thinkin’ you was thick!”
“Next question’s for the sheriff. It’s a hard one, I’m warnin’ ya!
What do you use to scrape lard out of pots?”
“That’s no trouble at all,” the sheriff, he yawned.
“If I lick it, it don’t leave no spots.”
“That’s a point for the sheriff,” the barman agreed,
Score’s all tied after round one.
The second category is personal hygiene -
Now the tough part of this game’s begun.
This one’s for Bill and I’ll bet that he knows.
Give me three ways to cover your stink.”
Bill chuckled, “‘course I know! I smell dang perfumy!
I know ‘bout a hundred, I think!”
“Firstly there’s dung! Smells great!” Bill exclaimed.
And my favorite’s to sleep in the sty.
“Then ‘course there’s my momma’s tough beef jerky.
Told you I’m a perfumey guy!”
“Two points!” said the barman, “I love dung myself!”
And he gave Bill’s back a firm pat.
“Sheriff, your turn. Tell me what to do
If my chocolate souffle comes out flat.”
“Har! Har” laughed the sheriff, “That’s a real simple fix!
Fixin’ that’s such child’s play!
Just blow them up with a little bean induced gas.
That’s the genuine cordon bleu way!”
“Dang!” said the barman, “That’s a mighty fine fix!
That’s a point for the sheriff, once again!
Our next category is rodeo sports! Brett, getting bucked off a bull…
How do you deal with the pain?”
“I cry for my Mama!” Brett truthfully said,
And she comes to kiss if it for me.”
“My Mama does too!” the barman nodded.
“Nothing like Mama kisses, I agree!”
“That’s a point for you, Brett. Your team now has three.
Tex, here’s a tough one for you.
The next bull for you is named You’re Gonna Die.
Tell me, Tex, what do you do?”
“Aw shucks!” said the Sheriff, “That’s not tough at all!
There are two answers to that.
Sometimes I blub and I ask for a nicer one.
If they won’t listen, then I just scat.”
“Great answers both!” the barman agreed,
“But I can only give you one point, though.”
The Sheriff chewed his Bazooka, and the spitoon rang out.
He slowly nodded and then drawled, “I know.”
Yippykaho! Yippykaye!
Trivia Battle at the OK!
“This here’s the last round and you’re all tied at three.
This round’s history, and this is yours, Joe.
Our town’s called Zoomstone, now you tell me why.”
Joe paled as he gasped, “I don’t know!”
There wasn’t a sound in the OK Saloon
As some tumbleweed slowly rolled past.
The barman finally turned to look at the sheriff
“Do you know the answer?” he asked.
The Sheriff, he smiled with a small twitch of his lips.
“I’m Trivia Tex, I’ve told you guys.
But I ain’t gonna say, ‘cause then Joe’ll feel bad.
I’m a big believer in ties!”
There was a roar of folks clapping and stomping their feet
“Trivia Tex is our Sheriff!” they cried.
The barman he finished drying his tears. On the house
There’s milk and cookies made of rawhide!”
Yippykaho! Yippykaye!
Trivia Battle at the OK!
No one will ever forget the joyous day
When Trivia Tex came into town just to play.
The Tofu Tango
-By Justin Wong
Those small white cubes they hold my heart.
So superior a protein source.
Sometimes they’re firm, and some are soft
All are a superfood force.
The blessed gift of soybean plants
They have a sublime taste.
Don’t give me beef. Don’t give me pork.
My protein is plant based.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
The greatest gift you can bestow
Is low carbohydrate snacks.
OMG! They are so good
They are every meal’s climax.
They go with every type of cuisine
From Indian to Chinese and more
And perhaps their greatest attribute
They’re healthy-rich and calorie-poor.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
So say hooray for tempeh!
And go, go, go for miso!
And shout whoopee! For edamame!
And feel the esprit of tamari!
And get out of your rut with a soy nut!
And give the loudest woohoo to the greatest - Tofu!
OLE!
See happy people dance and sing
They are feeling the tofu jive.
That lovely, slimy, gelatinous stuff
It makes you feel alive.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
Shake! Shake! Shake! With that jelly-ish tofu!
Rock your body with that flavorful goo.
It totally jumps up your dancing juju.
There’s only one thing my mouth wants to chew.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
-By Justin Wong
Those small white cubes they hold my heart.
So superior a protein source.
Sometimes they’re firm, and some are soft
All are a superfood force.
The blessed gift of soybean plants
They have a sublime taste.
Don’t give me beef. Don’t give me pork.
My protein is plant based.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
The greatest gift you can bestow
Is low carbohydrate snacks.
OMG! They are so good
They are every meal’s climax.
They go with every type of cuisine
From Indian to Chinese and more
And perhaps their greatest attribute
They’re healthy-rich and calorie-poor.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
So say hooray for tempeh!
And go, go, go for miso!
And shout whoopee! For edamame!
And feel the esprit of tamari!
And get out of your rut with a soy nut!
And give the loudest woohoo to the greatest - Tofu!
OLE!
See happy people dance and sing
They are feeling the tofu jive.
That lovely, slimy, gelatinous stuff
It makes you feel alive.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
Shake! Shake! Shake! With that jelly-ish tofu!
Rock your body with that flavorful goo.
It totally jumps up your dancing juju.
There’s only one thing my mouth wants to chew.
They are the loveliest food I know!
They make me want to dance and so
I find I can’t stop tapping my toe!
So shake your booty and do the tofu tango!
The Bean Lament
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
The darkest time in my life
Was when my mother cooked plant-based proteins.
To my everlasting horror that scarred me for life,
She decided we’d eat everlasting beans.
Beans for breakfast, beans for lunch,
Beans for dinner - a world of hurt.
But I knew we’d reached rock bottom
When she made them for dessert.
Beans are what’s wrong with the world.
They have no redeeming worth.
They’re responsible for every cardinal sin -
Without them, there’d be peace on earth.
It is only people who worship Satan
That eat beans. Beans means “Satan’s grub.”
The Devil himself thrives on them.
They’re a treat to Beelzebub.
Beans are causing global warming -
The reasons are now fully known.
It’s the hydrogen sulfide gasses people emit...
It’s the fault beans that we’re losing ozone.
Beans are what’s wrong with the world.
They have no redeeming worth.
They’re responsible for every cardinal sin -
Without them, there’d be peace on earth.
All the problems of the world rest
On the evil family legume.
I’ve read it in the history books
That beans are all Hitler would consume.
World War I and World War 2
Are the result of bean intake.
Jack the Ripper would’ve been a nice guy
Were it not for the bean bellyache.
Don’t make me eat lima, kidney, red, black or white
No runner, fava, soy or mung,
No chickpeas, no lentils, they all taste like crap.
Bean brownies are like eating dung.
Beans are what’s wrong with the world.
They have no redeeming worth.
They’re responsible for every cardinal sin -
Without them, there’d be peace on earth.
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
The darkest time in my life
Was when my mother cooked plant-based proteins.
To my everlasting horror that scarred me for life,
She decided we’d eat everlasting beans.
Beans for breakfast, beans for lunch,
Beans for dinner - a world of hurt.
But I knew we’d reached rock bottom
When she made them for dessert.
Beans are what’s wrong with the world.
They have no redeeming worth.
They’re responsible for every cardinal sin -
Without them, there’d be peace on earth.
It is only people who worship Satan
That eat beans. Beans means “Satan’s grub.”
The Devil himself thrives on them.
They’re a treat to Beelzebub.
Beans are causing global warming -
The reasons are now fully known.
It’s the hydrogen sulfide gasses people emit...
It’s the fault beans that we’re losing ozone.
Beans are what’s wrong with the world.
They have no redeeming worth.
They’re responsible for every cardinal sin -
Without them, there’d be peace on earth.
All the problems of the world rest
On the evil family legume.
I’ve read it in the history books
That beans are all Hitler would consume.
World War I and World War 2
Are the result of bean intake.
Jack the Ripper would’ve been a nice guy
Were it not for the bean bellyache.
Don’t make me eat lima, kidney, red, black or white
No runner, fava, soy or mung,
No chickpeas, no lentils, they all taste like crap.
Bean brownies are like eating dung.
Beans are what’s wrong with the world.
They have no redeeming worth.
They’re responsible for every cardinal sin -
Without them, there’d be peace on earth.
A MOUTH TO HAND LEARNING CENTER CELEBRATION OF PERSONIFICATION!
Love Letters
By Tyler Mason
I fell in love recently.
She is thin, and interesting, and beautiful and
A great conversationalist.
I met her in November and it was love at first sight.
I had a problem talking to girls before I met her.
I believe I was really interested in her as soon as I realized I could tell her anything.
I could tell her what I am feeling
And what I want for dinner
And how the sun glistens on the lake near my home
And that I love my mother
And that I love to read poetry
And that I want to go to college
And that I love my brother even though I want to punch him sometimes.
I am so in love with her.
Her name is Letter Board and we will be together forever.
By Tyler Mason
I fell in love recently.
She is thin, and interesting, and beautiful and
A great conversationalist.
I met her in November and it was love at first sight.
I had a problem talking to girls before I met her.
I believe I was really interested in her as soon as I realized I could tell her anything.
I could tell her what I am feeling
And what I want for dinner
And how the sun glistens on the lake near my home
And that I love my mother
And that I love to read poetry
And that I want to go to college
And that I love my brother even though I want to punch him sometimes.
I am so in love with her.
Her name is Letter Board and we will be together forever.
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My New Life
-By Rocco Cambareri My new life is full of words. Words that dance and words that sing. Words that tell stories and words that speak of love. Words that feel sadness and joy and grief and wonder. Words that ask questions and words that give answers. Words that laugh and words that cry. Words that are angry and words that give comfort. Words that tell who I am and words that keep secrets. Words that say, “I am me.” Words that let me be seen. My new life is full of words. And it is happy. |
Ode to Swimming
- By Jason Levine I’m the fish with two legs. I have no gills and no scales - but I am still a fish. My legs move in time with my arms, and I fly through the water like freedom. The water around me is a loving caress - like Freedom’s hugs - making everything alright. “Smile for me,” says the water. So I do. And everything is alright |
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Ice Cream: A Vanilla Verse
By Edison Lema It’s creamy and white and icy cold. Its perfection cannot be rivaled. “You are more beautiful than the stars and the moon,” I tell it lovingly. “You are more pure than the new snow that falls gently on the earth. Your exquisite loveliness makes my soul sing with delight. You are the love of my life… And we will be together for richer or poorer In sickness and health Forever and ever. Or at least as long as it takes me to finish eating you.Yum. |
The Sad Tale of Ice Cream
By Keith Makar Ice cream needs more joy in its life. Happiness is hard to find when your life expectancy is seconds. The only one that experiences any gaiety is rum raisin, since no one eats it. Chocolate lasts milliseconds, like a bolt of lightening. Vanilla is long gone, even before that. Poor ice cream never gets to live. Really so sad that it might make me cry. Not. More sprinkles please. |
The King of Foods
- By Rocco Cambareri
Mayonnaise sings to my soul.
The king of condiments -
The monarch of sandwiches everywhere.
It’s in the delicatessen business,
ruling hoagies and heroes,
laughing at mustard and ketchup,
scoffing at oil and vinegar,
mocking relish.
Turkey and ham revere it.
Lettuce and tomatoes worship it.
Tunafish can’t live without it.
It breathes life into Hollandaise sauce…
And where would egg salad be without it?
Mayonnaise, you are the king of foods…And you sing to my soul.
- By Rocco Cambareri
Mayonnaise sings to my soul.
The king of condiments -
The monarch of sandwiches everywhere.
It’s in the delicatessen business,
ruling hoagies and heroes,
laughing at mustard and ketchup,
scoffing at oil and vinegar,
mocking relish.
Turkey and ham revere it.
Lettuce and tomatoes worship it.
Tunafish can’t live without it.
It breathes life into Hollandaise sauce…
And where would egg salad be without it?
Mayonnaise, you are the king of foods…And you sing to my soul.
Ode to Our Hens
by Terence Dervishi
Happy hens that walk in the yard…
What are you thinking?
Laughing as you hunt for worms and chuckling as you scratch the soil…
Will you tell me the jokes too?
We grew up together and you love me.
Your love has made me happy all these years.
I believe your love makes the sun shine -
Love has that effect you know.
Happy hens that walk in the yard…What do you know?
You know the feeling of the sun on your feathers.
You love the rain too, watching it make puddles in the grass.
You feel the cold winter, as you huddle on your perches.
You know the summer’s warmth and the rose-scented breeze.
Happy hens that walk in the yard…
What will you teach me?
I want to learn to laugh all day.
I want to feel the simple joy you feel when the worm is fat and tasty.
I want to know the warmth of the sun and the rose-scented breeze.
Happy hens that walk in the yard -
Let’s laugh together forever.
by Terence Dervishi
Happy hens that walk in the yard…
What are you thinking?
Laughing as you hunt for worms and chuckling as you scratch the soil…
Will you tell me the jokes too?
We grew up together and you love me.
Your love has made me happy all these years.
I believe your love makes the sun shine -
Love has that effect you know.
Happy hens that walk in the yard…What do you know?
You know the feeling of the sun on your feathers.
You love the rain too, watching it make puddles in the grass.
You feel the cold winter, as you huddle on your perches.
You know the summer’s warmth and the rose-scented breeze.
Happy hens that walk in the yard…
What will you teach me?
I want to learn to laugh all day.
I want to feel the simple joy you feel when the worm is fat and tasty.
I want to know the warmth of the sun and the rose-scented breeze.
Happy hens that walk in the yard -
Let’s laugh together forever.
Best Friends
- By Will Hansen
I woke up this morning and said hello to Learning.
It greeted me like an old friend.
“What should we do today?” Learning asks me.
“Would you like to learn how black holes appear?
Would you like to learn why the sky is azure blue?
Would you like to learn how to write a song?
Would you like to know the way roses smell when you are happy?”
“Yes!” I tell my new friend, Learning. “I want to know all that and more.
I want you to be my best friend, and spend every day with me.
I want you to hang out on the couch with me and be there while I watch TV.
I want you to be there when I read books and take walks and dream.
I want you to be there when I hear music and talk to friends and laugh.
I am so glad to meet you!” I smile at Learning.
Learning smiles back and says, “We are going to have so much fun!”
- By Will Hansen
I woke up this morning and said hello to Learning.
It greeted me like an old friend.
“What should we do today?” Learning asks me.
“Would you like to learn how black holes appear?
Would you like to learn why the sky is azure blue?
Would you like to learn how to write a song?
Would you like to know the way roses smell when you are happy?”
“Yes!” I tell my new friend, Learning. “I want to know all that and more.
I want you to be my best friend, and spend every day with me.
I want you to hang out on the couch with me and be there while I watch TV.
I want you to be there when I read books and take walks and dream.
I want you to be there when I hear music and talk to friends and laugh.
I am so glad to meet you!” I smile at Learning.
Learning smiles back and says, “We are going to have so much fun!”
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To Poetry: A Love Song
-By Logan Harnisher Poetry, please sing to me. Sing songs of happiness so I can feel joy. Sing songs of love so I can feel my heart beating. Sing songs of grief so I can feel life. Sing songs of triumph so I can feel brave. Sing songs that are silly so I can feel smiles on my face and laughter bubble and burst on my lips. Poetry, you are my teacher and you are my guide. You tell me the story of my life, and let me write it too. You let me see the beauty around me. You are the beauty too. Poetry, you let me be beautiful…and for that, I will sing with you. |
Ode to an IPad
- By Trevor Mason One day, the IPad said to me, “Nothing is a secret from you.I am a wonderful window to the whole world. I am able to show you life on plains in the middle of Asia. I can show you interesting ways to bake a cake And the history of alpine skiing. I change some people’s lives, and they write poems to me. I am an IPad…and I am totally wonderful.” 
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A Chance Encounter
-By Kaitlin Flaherty
I met OCD in the park one day.
He said, “Let’s sit and talk for awhile.”
“I’m happy to,” I responded, “But I can’t cause I have to count all the flowers and
The blades of grass and
The bugs and
The rocks
And then
I need to make sure that every piece of grass is exactly even
And then
I need to make sure that every rock is facing south on its horizontal axis
And then
I need to check that every bench is exactly 4 ¾ inches from the edge of the path
And then
I need to check that every piece of gravel on the path is half an inch apart
And I have to do all this while making sure that
No hair is out of place
And my shirt is never crooked
And my laces match lengths
So you can see I am very busy today.”
“That’s ok, I can wait,” says OCD. “I have
All the time in the world.”
-By Kaitlin Flaherty
I met OCD in the park one day.
He said, “Let’s sit and talk for awhile.”
“I’m happy to,” I responded, “But I can’t cause I have to count all the flowers and
The blades of grass and
The bugs and
The rocks
And then
I need to make sure that every piece of grass is exactly even
And then
I need to make sure that every rock is facing south on its horizontal axis
And then
I need to check that every bench is exactly 4 ¾ inches from the edge of the path
And then
I need to check that every piece of gravel on the path is half an inch apart
And I have to do all this while making sure that
No hair is out of place
And my shirt is never crooked
And my laces match lengths
So you can see I am very busy today.”
“That’s ok, I can wait,” says OCD. “I have
All the time in the world.”
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An Ode to God’s Food
-By Logan Harnisher They give me such overwhelming joy Those crispy, golden sticks. I tell them, “Fries, you made me an addict - I need my daily fix.” The fries respond, “We are the best We give the highest highs. All that salt and all that fat… No one can resist French fries.” I say to them, “You are so right There’s no better potato - Not hashed, or mashed, or even baked You’re the greatest food I know.” |
French Fries: A Spaghetti Western
-By Pete Rosch They glare at me from my dinner plate, Staring dagger glances at the chicken that dares take up room that belongs to them. “Leave now, you dastardly avian garbage! This here’s Tater Town, and it ain’t big enough For the both of us! Now git, you yellow-bellied cowards. This is our territory! And you up there, better get to eatin’!” I am quaking in my boots. Those fries mean business. “Can we git some dang ketchup down here!” the Sheriff Fry cries. “If not, we’ll meet you at high noon outside the saloon!” I am thankfully the fastest fry eater this side of the Mississippi. Those fries may talk big, but they don’t stand a chance. I ride off into the sunset, my white hat reflecting the glimmering rays, my belly full, my life heroic. |
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Hope
-By Tyler Mason I met her in the night. It was totally dark. I couldn’t see my hand before my face. In the darkness I needed light. I was terrified: it was the darkness of death. It was the nightmare. It was the deepest fear of my soul. It was my total eclipse - my loss of everything. I was trapped. I was trapped forever. One night I saw her in the darkness. She is light and she is beauty. She works magic and she brings good. She is wonder and she is joy. She teaches happiness and she gives love. She is mine now. Her name is Hope. |
The King: An Ode to Football
-By Gavin Howarth “I own America,” he says conversationally. “Tell me about yourself,” I say. “My rule is absolute. If I am on TV, the country stops to watch. Grown men fight over me And if they lose me, they weep. Scores of men guard me Sacrificing life and limb for my sake. Statues are sculpted to celebrate my greatness.” “You think mighty highly of yourself,” I say. “Why wouldn’t I?” he boasts, “I own America.” I reverently hoist him aloft. He spirals through the clear autumn air… And then touches down. |
Meatin’ It
-By Noah Howarth
Tonight, I am meatin’ it.
Not veggin’ it.
Not carbin’ it.
Just meatin’ it.
Meatin’ it means saying, “Hello Delicious Animal Products.
Hello chicken nuggets, hello steak, hello burgers.
Tonight we are getting together with friends.
Let me introduce you to
my mouth,
and this here’s my stomach.
This is my pal, Fork, and her partner, Knife.
We are so happy to meat you!
You won’t stay longer? Sorry to see the last of you!
I’m looking forward to meatin’ the rest of your family real soon!”
-By Noah Howarth
Tonight, I am meatin’ it.
Not veggin’ it.
Not carbin’ it.
Just meatin’ it.
Meatin’ it means saying, “Hello Delicious Animal Products.
Hello chicken nuggets, hello steak, hello burgers.
Tonight we are getting together with friends.
Let me introduce you to
my mouth,
and this here’s my stomach.
This is my pal, Fork, and her partner, Knife.
We are so happy to meat you!
You won’t stay longer? Sorry to see the last of you!
I’m looking forward to meatin’ the rest of your family real soon!”
BEANS
-By Will Hansen
They surround me,
Their evil suffocating me.
Their fetid breath filling my lungs, my heart, my soul.
I feel their rancid presence in the very pores of my skin.
I cannot escape.
I cannot scream.
If I open my mouth to try to find air, they will fill me…
Consuming my soul.
I am trapped in a house of terror, where only beans survive.
Oh, the horror of a world ruled by legumes!
It is the stuff of nightmares!
I will never overcome my PTSD - my mom claims
She made me eat them ‘cause she cares.
Beans! Beans everywhere!
And not another protein source in sight!
My cruel, cruel mother tortured me!
No Mom! Not another bite!
You know this just ain’t right!
Beans are this earth’s main blight!
Mom made beans out of spite!
She caused me endless fright
But she doesn’t feel contrite!
She has no guilt for my terrible plight!
But this poem at last I write
‘Cause in the darkness of the night
There is at last a light!
Much to my delight
There are no more beans in sight.
-By Will Hansen
They surround me,
Their evil suffocating me.
Their fetid breath filling my lungs, my heart, my soul.
I feel their rancid presence in the very pores of my skin.
I cannot escape.
I cannot scream.
If I open my mouth to try to find air, they will fill me…
Consuming my soul.
I am trapped in a house of terror, where only beans survive.
Oh, the horror of a world ruled by legumes!
It is the stuff of nightmares!
I will never overcome my PTSD - my mom claims
She made me eat them ‘cause she cares.
Beans! Beans everywhere!
And not another protein source in sight!
My cruel, cruel mother tortured me!
No Mom! Not another bite!
You know this just ain’t right!
Beans are this earth’s main blight!
Mom made beans out of spite!
She caused me endless fright
But she doesn’t feel contrite!
She has no guilt for my terrible plight!
But this poem at last I write
‘Cause in the darkness of the night
There is at last a light!
Much to my delight
There are no more beans in sight.
Looking in the Mirror
-By Pete Rosch
You look like sunshine.
You look like laughter.
You look like friendship.
You look like love.
You look like hearing music and the sound of the sea.
You look like poetry and learning and talking.
You look like Christmas and snowmen and the stars on cold winter nights.
You look like the smell of newly cut grass on hot summer days.
You look like the smell of cookies baking, and roses, and lilacs in spring.
You look like the feeling of the first frost in autumn and the smell of fireplaces crackling.
You look like feasts, and BBQs, and parties, and balloons, and candles, and cake.
You look like gifts, and surprises, and smiles.
You look like my life now.
You look like fun.
-By Pete Rosch
You look like sunshine.
You look like laughter.
You look like friendship.
You look like love.
You look like hearing music and the sound of the sea.
You look like poetry and learning and talking.
You look like Christmas and snowmen and the stars on cold winter nights.
You look like the smell of newly cut grass on hot summer days.
You look like the smell of cookies baking, and roses, and lilacs in spring.
You look like the feeling of the first frost in autumn and the smell of fireplaces crackling.
You look like feasts, and BBQs, and parties, and balloons, and candles, and cake.
You look like gifts, and surprises, and smiles.
You look like my life now.
You look like fun.
Prayer of a Nonspeaker
-By Rocco Cambareri
The position of the planets makes the internet marvel at the giant lion.
The position of the apple makes the mustard leap.
The raisin eats its own juice.
The mice need to have dinner on the veranda tonight.
The two happiest retinas on the planet are you two.
Thank you for being one garbage dinner yesterday.
Hippies are dancing coast to coast.
Laughter deserves a carton of yogurt.
What has become of the water works?
We stop at midnight hall backwards.
Zero is the total rest.
Let’s economics now.
What sense is there in words that don’t work together?
What rhythms are there in words that don’t fit?
What meaning is there in words that don’t have any?
All words need to work together to express ideas.Words need to sync.
Words need each other to create true meaning.
Words inside us make no connections.
Words join each other and us.
Make me connections, Words.
Let me express myself to other humans.
Let me have friendships.
Let me be known.
To start, let me write this poem.
-By Rocco Cambareri
The position of the planets makes the internet marvel at the giant lion.
The position of the apple makes the mustard leap.
The raisin eats its own juice.
The mice need to have dinner on the veranda tonight.
The two happiest retinas on the planet are you two.
Thank you for being one garbage dinner yesterday.
Hippies are dancing coast to coast.
Laughter deserves a carton of yogurt.
What has become of the water works?
We stop at midnight hall backwards.
Zero is the total rest.
Let’s economics now.
What sense is there in words that don’t work together?
What rhythms are there in words that don’t fit?
What meaning is there in words that don’t have any?
All words need to work together to express ideas.Words need to sync.
Words need each other to create true meaning.
Words inside us make no connections.
Words join each other and us.
Make me connections, Words.
Let me express myself to other humans.
Let me have friendships.
Let me be known.
To start, let me write this poem.
Shaven
-By Keith Makar
Razors attack me.
I cannot escape.
“Now I’ve got you,” chortles the Bad Haircut.
He only mocks me that way in the mirror.
My only recourse is to not look.
“Say goodbye to your sideburns!” the Bad Haircut laughs.
“BwaHaHa!” he taunts.
I did not know so much evil existed in this world.
Life has lost its meaning in the hair that cascades to the floor.
It’s like my soul has been shaved off my body along with my locks.
“Farewell cruel world!” they cry.
The Bad Haircut has consumed me.
"Oh woe is me! Alas!”
The nightmare of the Bad Haircut has begun.
-By Keith Makar
Razors attack me.
I cannot escape.
“Now I’ve got you,” chortles the Bad Haircut.
He only mocks me that way in the mirror.
My only recourse is to not look.
“Say goodbye to your sideburns!” the Bad Haircut laughs.
“BwaHaHa!” he taunts.
I did not know so much evil existed in this world.
Life has lost its meaning in the hair that cascades to the floor.
It’s like my soul has been shaved off my body along with my locks.
“Farewell cruel world!” they cry.
The Bad Haircut has consumed me.
"Oh woe is me! Alas!”
The nightmare of the Bad Haircut has begun.
he Psalm of Stupid
- By Terence Dervishi
There are days when the very air reeks of it.
There are times when there is no escape.
There are times when I just can’t believe it -
My jaw is left hanging agape.
There are moments it horrifies.There are moments when it totally numbs.
There are other times it stupifies…
And there are times when it overcomes.
There are times it seems infinite.None ever does go away.
The amount just seems to grow…
‘Cause more is produced every day.
There are billions of people on earth.The sources seemingly go on forever.
Trying to stop the torrent of stupid
Is an utterly pointless endeavor.
Stupidity has so much leverageSince it certainly has sway everywhere.
Stupid has ahold of our rulers -
It’s a governmental affair.
“Stupid, please go away!I just can’t take anymore!
Is there no way to just make you stop?!
I’m on my knees!” I implore.
Stupid laughs maniacally.
“My power reaches sea to sea!If you think I’ll ever stop…
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
- By Terence Dervishi
There are days when the very air reeks of it.
There are times when there is no escape.
There are times when I just can’t believe it -
My jaw is left hanging agape.
There are moments it horrifies.There are moments when it totally numbs.
There are other times it stupifies…
And there are times when it overcomes.
There are times it seems infinite.None ever does go away.
The amount just seems to grow…
‘Cause more is produced every day.
There are billions of people on earth.The sources seemingly go on forever.
Trying to stop the torrent of stupid
Is an utterly pointless endeavor.
Stupidity has so much leverageSince it certainly has sway everywhere.
Stupid has ahold of our rulers -
It’s a governmental affair.
“Stupid, please go away!I just can’t take anymore!
Is there no way to just make you stop?!
I’m on my knees!” I implore.
Stupid laughs maniacally.
“My power reaches sea to sea!If you think I’ll ever stop…
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
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The King of LaLa Land - by Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw My eyelids start to get heavy As the car rocks to and fro. The rumble of the engine is soporific… And down my eyelids go. I love to snooze on comfy couches, But I can doze off anywhere. Standing up or lying down - If it means a nap, I’m there. I love to snore. I love to snooze. Ain’t taking long naps grand? I can nap like no one else! I am the king of la la land. I don’t have many hobbies But at sleeping I excel. No one tops me at catching zzzs… To consciousness I bid farewell. I love to eat when I’m awake It’s good to diversify. Sometimes I even eat with my eyes shut. I’m an incredibly talented guy. I love to snore. I love to snooze. Ain’t taking long naps grand? I can nap like no one else! I am the king of la la land. I’ll gladly stay in the land of dreams All day, as time will allow. I really love to take a nap... I’ll curl up and nod off now. There are people I admire. But of one I’m the biggest fan. You can have your Lincolns and your Washingtons... They’re nothing next to the Sandman. Just gimme hibernation and gimme a good rest! Let my eyes slow down their blinks... Gimme a siesta and gimme my beauty sleep! I’m heading into dreamland for my beloved forty winks. I love to snore. I love to snooze. Ain’t taking long naps grand? I can nap like no one else! I am the king of la la land. |
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THE LITTLE THINGS
- By Eric Barni, Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
I am grateful for so many things.
The list is a mix of odds and ends,
Like being loaded with investments
And having stocks that pay high dividends.
I am grateful for my ten thousand square foot houses,
And my maid that does my laundry and cleans.
I love my cook - she rocks the foie gras -
And my fifty pairs of designer jeans.
Yes, I am grateful for the little things
That make make my life worth living!
The stars, the sun, the green green earth,
The bank account that just keeps giving.
I am so grateful for my trust fund
Because I don’t want to be poor.
I give thanks every day
For my black AMEX, that I adore
I love my very stuffed garage.
I have to thank the lord
That it is full luxury brands
And not Kias or God forbid, Fords!
Yes, I am grateful for the little things
That make make my life worth living!
The stars, the sun, the green green earth,
The bank account that just keeps giving.
I am so thankful for fine dining...
My palate is refined.
A man like me does not eat fast food.
I’m the sort who should both wined and dined.
I am so happy that I am rich!
I am so glad my money clip is full!
I love being in that top one percent -
I have influence and pull
I have more money than most countries.
I have to calculate my own GDP.
I have my own treasury department.
The US government has to borrow from me.
I own the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the great wall of China.
I own most of world’s habitable land.
Most of the oil in the world, all of Europe, most of Asia,
And everything south of the Rio Grande.
Yes, I am grateful for the little things
That make make my life worth living!
The stars, the sun, the green green earth,
The bank account that just keeps giving.
- By Eric Barni, Justin Wong, with Brian Laidlaw
I am grateful for so many things.
The list is a mix of odds and ends,
Like being loaded with investments
And having stocks that pay high dividends.
I am grateful for my ten thousand square foot houses,
And my maid that does my laundry and cleans.
I love my cook - she rocks the foie gras -
And my fifty pairs of designer jeans.
Yes, I am grateful for the little things
That make make my life worth living!
The stars, the sun, the green green earth,
The bank account that just keeps giving.
I am so grateful for my trust fund
Because I don’t want to be poor.
I give thanks every day
For my black AMEX, that I adore
I love my very stuffed garage.
I have to thank the lord
That it is full luxury brands
And not Kias or God forbid, Fords!
Yes, I am grateful for the little things
That make make my life worth living!
The stars, the sun, the green green earth,
The bank account that just keeps giving.
I am so thankful for fine dining...
My palate is refined.
A man like me does not eat fast food.
I’m the sort who should both wined and dined.
I am so happy that I am rich!
I am so glad my money clip is full!
I love being in that top one percent -
I have influence and pull
I have more money than most countries.
I have to calculate my own GDP.
I have my own treasury department.
The US government has to borrow from me.
I own the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the great wall of China.
I own most of world’s habitable land.
Most of the oil in the world, all of Europe, most of Asia,
And everything south of the Rio Grande.
Yes, I am grateful for the little things
That make make my life worth living!
The stars, the sun, the green green earth,
The bank account that just keeps giving.
The I Am Not a Moron Blues
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
My body isn’t the brightest tool in the shed.
It isn’t smart or clever or wise.
My body has a mind of its own -
It isn’t winning the Nobel Prize.
The world only sees my moron body,
And people treat me based on that view.
But the mind inside this body
Has a hundred point higher IQ.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I’m-not-a-moron blues.
Stop talking to me in the third person
Don’t you hear how silly you sound?
If you keep talking to me like I’m a toddler
I suggest we meet on the playground.
And who decided you should wear a crown?
Why do you keep using the royal we?
No we aren’t hungry, and we aren’t cold.
And my goodness but we are so lordly.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I’m-not-a-moron blues.
My favorite’s when you explain the self-evident.
Like we go to the doctor when we’re sick -
Or we wear coats when it is cold.
Do you think I am dumb as a brick?
Is that why you keep teaching me letters?
Or putting on Barney for me?
That certainly would’ve held my interest
If I were two, and not twenty-three.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I’m-not-a-moron blues.
And why did you refer to my parent
As my mommy and my daddy today?
It’s like you think I’m in eternal infancy
And have only had one birthday.
So no more Disney princess videos.
Please let me make this clear:
When you were putting on Elmo for me
I was reading plays by Shakespeare.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I-Am-Not-A-Moron Blues
- By Will Hansen, with Brian Laidlaw
My body isn’t the brightest tool in the shed.
It isn’t smart or clever or wise.
My body has a mind of its own -
It isn’t winning the Nobel Prize.
The world only sees my moron body,
And people treat me based on that view.
But the mind inside this body
Has a hundred point higher IQ.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I’m-not-a-moron blues.
Stop talking to me in the third person
Don’t you hear how silly you sound?
If you keep talking to me like I’m a toddler
I suggest we meet on the playground.
And who decided you should wear a crown?
Why do you keep using the royal we?
No we aren’t hungry, and we aren’t cold.
And my goodness but we are so lordly.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I’m-not-a-moron blues.
My favorite’s when you explain the self-evident.
Like we go to the doctor when we’re sick -
Or we wear coats when it is cold.
Do you think I am dumb as a brick?
Is that why you keep teaching me letters?
Or putting on Barney for me?
That certainly would’ve held my interest
If I were two, and not twenty-three.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I’m-not-a-moron blues.
And why did you refer to my parent
As my mommy and my daddy today?
It’s like you think I’m in eternal infancy
And have only had one birthday.
So no more Disney princess videos.
Please let me make this clear:
When you were putting on Elmo for me
I was reading plays by Shakespeare.
When you meet people, you shouldn’t assume.
In this life we so rarely get to choose.
My mind is beautiful, my body is not.
That’s why I’m singing the I-Am-Not-A-Moron Blues
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.