Berkeley / Oakland
May/June 2006

I could see you after midnight,
For what it’s worth.
Or in the early morning
When you finally get off work.
I could find you on the hillside
Sifting dreams
Reading letters you never received.

You are so good
With words
She says to me.
But I am not so good
With meaning, apparently.
I am so good with words
She says to me.
But these words
Cannot keep you, cannot keep.

If I could meet you
To sit with me
In silence.
To understand the beauty in simple things.
If I could somehow share
How to love the longing
I might find meaning in my reach.

I could see you after midnight
Without a word
Taking out the ghost ride
When you finally get off work.
I have seen you in the sunrise
Waking up
Gathering belongings
When we should be making love.
But I see you on the shoreline
Skipping stones
And each bears a wish to be alone.

You are so good
With words
She says to me.
But I am not so good
With meaning
Apparently.
You are so good
With words
She says to me.
But I believe
I’m long since
Out of reach.

I stare out the window and see time
And constance
The sadness in all things.
And it’s beautiful
Though I cannot expect
Anyone to see the same
That’s the madness I keep.

I never meant to be good, only
To understand myself
And why I can’t feel right.
And every well-written word
Eases my unquiet mind
Just confides to realize twisted

You are so good
With words
She says to me
But I am not so good
With staying
In your reach.

You are so good
With words
She says to me
But I am not so good
With love
Apparently.

May 24, 2006 – Oakland

Color
Your cheeks are burnt beneath the sun.
Another
Line you use to say you’ve gotta run.

I’m only sayin’
You should be stayin’.
I’m only sayin’
Don’t be afraid to be right here.

It’s summer
It’s been the longest winter yet.
And I cannot afford
Another summer of regret.

I’m tired
I’m mired in my mind.
And you’re wired you’re inspired.
Inspired now.

Yeah, I’m tired
Of every lonely day.
And I don’t see no use
In goin’ our separate ways.

I’m sayin’
You should be stayin’.
I’m only sayin’
Don’t be afraid to be right here.

Work just works to keep us alone and weak
Trading art or meaning for some task.
But we’ve got this porch and a quiet day
And there’s nothing more I’d ask.

We’re perfect; we’re far from being burned.
We’re perfect, hey
As far as I’m concerned.

I’m only sayin’
You should be stayin’.
I’m sayin’
Don’t be afraid to be right here.