Through, On, Over, Down, Up, Around, and Through

Through the forest

And on the sand

Dodging droppings and hoof marks

Thorny vines and old roots

Leaping over ledges

And escaping mud pits

Down to the river

Seated still on a bench of branch



Back up from the river

Around those mud pits

Ladders of ledges

Old roots and thorny vines

Familiar hoof marks and piles

Tilling the sand again

Scraping through the forest

And to the road

Open mic 5/24/10

Every once in awhile I drop in on open mic night at The Ugly Mug. It's always interesting. Here's a few pics of me being the rock star that I am.







The audience watching me intently. "What's he going to do next? Make our wildest dreams come true?!" The answer is yes!

A Running Poem (with music)

See "A Running Poem" for lyrics

A New Arrangement

Me: Well, hello there life! Come on in. Take a seat!

Life: Uh, what's this all about?

Me: I'd like to have a little talk with you. It's nothing to be nervous about. Just standard procedure.

(Life gives me a blank stare)

Me: Over recent years I have willingly taken whatever you gave me. I've been very patient and understanding. I've allowed you the freedom to do your own thing...

(I allow life to process all that was just stated)

Me: Also, I have heard numerous reports concerning you. People are saying things like "life just happens" or "that's life."

Life: That's true! These are facts that have been proven over the centuries and-

Me: Hold up, life! Let me stop you there. Simmer down now.

(Life is stunned)

Me: The reason I brought you here today is to let you know there are going to be a few changes.

Life: (swallows dryly) Changes?

Me: Yes. Changes. You see, I've listened to you for a long time, but it's time now for you to start listening to me. Let's not forget who works for who here. Also, you should expect to hear some of the same reports about me that I've heard about you in the past.

Life: Like?

Me: Like, "That's just Joel" and "Joel happens" and "he'll do what he'll do." I know. It's a lot to take in.

Life: (wide-eyed) Yeah.

Me: And I wouldn't put this on you if I didn't think you could handle it. (Pats life on the back). That will be all for now. You just sit back and watch me happen. Hang in there, buddy!

Life: (laughs nervously) Okay.

A Running Poem

A sweet, gentle breeze
Blows petals down from trees
And spreads across the street for my feet to trod

A hopeful steady breath
Sets tempo to my steps
And gives and takes life simultaneously

A beating drum heart
Clutches and plods forward
And dances with joy at the voice it's been given

Overcast

Big Bad Brazen

Curtain Clouds Cover

Damp Dulcet Day

What kind of poem is this?

Fun and peaceful in

The backyard

Hiking and thinking

And running

Cocoon

This is my newest song. It's still a baby, so if you're going to laugh at anybody let it be me and my tired cracking voice. But you just wait. This song will grow up to be...just dang awesome. I'm stoked just to share this with you despite the poor recording. So, please keep in mind that this is only Cocoon's introduction! Okay, enough lame apologies.



"You are living inside a cocoon. Self-protecting inside your cocoon. Should you dare to crawl out all naked. You would find that you're still breathing. Don't let the cobwebs call me in. I've got a good life, and I don't want to waste it. Don't tangle me in. Cause I'm outstretched and you can't catch me. Wake up, wake up, and open those heavy eyes. Don't give it up like there's no more else to gain. It takes some strength and hopeful tenacity to be resilient in a state of suffering. I was living inside a cocoon. Paralyzed inside my cocoon. One day I dared to crawl out all naked. Was surprised to find i was still breathing."

uke jam

Playing some uke