The Aspiring Bard

Come sing a song of memory - That time we sat beneath a tree And you asked, "will you marry me?" So I replied, all properly, "You'll have to wait and see." I gifted you my ten-cent ring, And you gave me a rusty spring. And then you pushed me in the swing We'd made with boards and bits of string. It was the grandest thing! We wandered happily all day - Our clothing daubed with wet and clay - We set our active minds astray And drifted far and far away To a joyful land of play. The brilliant noon-time slowly passed To evening shadows creeping fast. We joined our hands, went home at last, Forgetting quite, in joys amassed, The question you had asked.

One whole year is Fading, dying. Winds of time go Sighing, crying. Mournful tears are Falling, dropping, Icy river, Flowing, going, Bears them all away.

Rustle, scuffle, scurry, scurry, Winter's coming, Hurry, hurry! Sniffing nose and active paws, Treasured acorn Clutched in jaws, Little squirrel goes questing, seeking Through the dead leaves Searching, peeking. Red tail twitching urgently, As he seeks With industry. Discontent with one small treasure, He must gather More together. Rustle, scuffle, scurry, scurry, Winter's coming, Hurry, hurry!

Please give me a room, A room with a view (Don't care if the color Is gloomiest blue). A view of the war. A view of two trees. View of a baby And two victories. Just give me a room, A room with a view. A place I can stand And look up at You.

There is a little Mystery Lurking just behind that tree. I'm almost sure That it is there. I think I feel Its impish stare. Look to see? I wouldn't dare! For, you know, I couldn't bear Not to have a Mystery Lurking just behind that tree.

Can you hear a silent clamor of Rage Throughout the land As your bejeweled courtiers Set up a fateful Stage For its most gruesome play? Can you see the common cattle Turning As you ride along, With whitened knuckles clenching, And down-cast eyes all Burning, As they await the storm? Can you feel their starvling fingers Tearing At your sacred flesh? Hard faces raving, craving, With lust-filled eyes and Staring To feast on your blue blood.

Do you remember that one dark night, When I woke up In a shivering fright? You came and sat down beside my bed. Your warm hands soothed My small, worried head. And then you sang me a simple song. You held each note Out sweetly and long, Then let it drop down into the dark - A calming prayer, Or a tiny spark - That somehow transformed a night of fear Into a place Where our God was near.