Daniel Henry Rodgers Poet Elegiac Lyric

Notes About The Poem

City Frozen Cold

Daniel Henry Rodgers

 

"Even in the presence of a thousand souls, the heart can feel utterly abandoned. For the world moves on, oblivious to the cries of those left behind in the frozen night."  - Poet

I wrote this as a song and thought I would give it a try to record it with my guitar and sing. I don't have professional equipment, so it might sound a bit raw and had to compress the bit rate, but I hope you can appreciate the sentiment behind it. Since Wednesday marks the last day of winter, I wanted to share it now. Enjoy!

 

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Listen to poem:

City Frozen Cold

Verse 1

His coat is torn his 
shoes are thin
The cold cuts deep beneath his 
skin
Little boy coughs small 
hands that shake
Winter's breath is much to hard 
To hard to take. 

Verse 2

Sidewalk echoes silent 
prayers
People pass but no one 
cares
Cardboard kingdom borrowed 
time
Every step is a mount- 
Mountain climbed. 

Chorus

And the city turns 
away
Like they never ever knew his 
name
Still he holds his boy so 
close

Chorus 1st Ending
Runs through streets to bring him 
home. (1x repeat back to beginning of chorus)

Chorus 2nd Ending
Whispers / "Son, we're going 
home." 

Verse 3
Once had a home once had a 
plan
Once held hope in calloused 
hands
But fate’s a thief it moves much too 
fast
Dreams dissolve like breath on 
Stained kissed glass. 

Chorus

Bridge

And he sings a lullaby 
so low
Soft as the falling falling 
Angel snow
A father’s love is his sheltering 
Wings of warmth
Even when the nights are 
Broken broken and torn. 

Verse 4 

"Daddy I’m tired my chest feels 
tight" 
His voice is weak his skin much too 
white
Stars above blur in his 
sight
The world fades into endless 
Endless cold night. 

Partial Chorus

And the city turns 
away
Like they never ever knew his 
name
Still he lifts his boy so 
close
Runs through streets…..to bring him 
home. 

Final Verse

He stumbles down an empty 
street
The world is ice beneath his 
feet
He kneels beside the frozen 
City of stone
Whispers "Son… we’re finally 

Finally home."

Chorus

Chorus 2nd Ending
Whispers / "Son 
we're finally 
home."

Outro 

The snow drifts soft the 
Sunday morning gray
No one stops and no one 
Left to pray
Two souls lost in winter’s 
hold
Together now, for- 
ever and ever

In a City Frozen cold

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Susan Ashley March 29, 2025 at 9:35 AM Dear Daniel, your creative, potent presentation on the invisibility, the pain, the hunger, the hopelessness, the angst of homelessness is poetically, vocally and musically striking! Your empathic voice and guitar accompaniment to your powerfully poignant lyric demands one to look, listen and to imagine oneself in this dire circumstance where life is lived exposed on the streets and death is one freezing night away. So impressive and expressive my dear poet friend. The beauty of your empathy and the stunning power of your poetry shines! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Duke Beaufort March 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM Daniel, ahh...we get to hear your voice. I think you have a future as a folk singer! Touching story of love and the difficulty of living in a "cold" place. It certainly takes a toll to be somewhere without care, and you describe it in a way that defines the sadness. Smiles! Daniel Henry Rodgers March 26, 2025 at 6:34 AM Hello Duke, I have always loved playing guitar and singing and my wife and daughters will attest to that. Thank you for taking the time to come and not only read but also listen, and that is some of the best compliments that I can receive. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich March 23, 2025 at 12:01 AM Something must be wrong with my phone. Darn I can't hear how you sound. Anyway. This is such impressive work. I would love to see more rhyming from you. So sad but very moving song. Bravo. And a fave Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 8:07 AM Dear Andrea, What a joy to see your note this morning and a Fav. You can listen to it on an I-pad or computer. It is a little raw but I enjoyed putting it together. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Yann Rolland March 22, 2025 at 1:52 AM so touching and gracious thoughts, like a song for the modest heart, great poem, thanks poet Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 8:06 AM Hello Yann, I am very appreciative of reading your note this morning and thankful. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Nette Onclaud March 21, 2025 at 5:32 PM just beautiful..i am a sucker for children's human condtion and you just hit me crazy, daniel...i like, like! Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 8:05 AM Dear Nette, Oh, I am so thankful for your note. I see the sad reality in the streets of Philadelphia. There are no children per se that I see but there are lots of adults, young and old. I do hear of children in other areas. Again I am grateful for your comments. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

David Crandall March 21, 2025 at 2:53 PM hi Daniel, Nice song - really sad! Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 8:02 AM Hello David, Thank you, and the idea for the song comes from the sad reality of working in Philadelphia and seeing the homeless population. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Jerry Brotherton March 21, 2025 at 1:40 PM Daniel, this is an amazing lyric and a hauntingly beautiful song. Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM Hello Jerry, Thank you for stopping by and leaving a wonderful note. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman March 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM Dear Daniel, this poem brought tears to my eyes and sorrow to my soul! Beautifully written to touch even the coldest heart of stone. Is there a melody to go with it? It reminds me of my songs Lazarus and Jericho Road. I think both lyrics are here on PS. You have such a marvelous ability to reach the deepest part of the heart. Blessings of spring renewal to you, dear friend.

Sam Kauffman March 21, 2025 at 12:13 PM Dear Daniel, this poem brought tears to my eyes and sorrow to my soul! Beautifully written to touch even the coldest heart of stone. Is there a melody to go with it? It reminds me of my songs Lazarus and Jericho Road. I think both lyrics are here on PS. You have such a marvelous ability to reach the deepest part of the heart. Blessings of spring renewal to you, dear friend. Sam Kauffman March 27, 2025 at 12:35 PM Hi Daniel! Just listened to your song. It is wonderful and you have a magnificent voice. Really nice guitar work! So glad I got to hear it. I think you need to record it! So powerful! To answer your question, "yes" both songs are recorded. Jericho Road can be found on Apple music. Both songs can be found on iHeart. Hope you enjoy them!! Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM Dear Sam, You are the greatest!! On the poem page there is a recording of me singing and playing guitar for this song. I hope you like it and it is a little raw since I do not have professional equipment to go with it. I am going to look up Lazarus and Jericho Road. Did your record them? Thank you so much for your support and comments. Spring Blessings, my Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya March 21, 2025 at 11:08 AM The first day of Spring has sprung, as a musician's song is sung. Daniel thank you for this gift. "Runs through streets….. (hammer on-pull off)…to bring him" Beautiful! And impeccable plucking and children's beseeching ballad, unplugged acoustic’s my favorite. "home….The world is ‘ ICE’ " in your lower voice, was very nice. Christian folk song's come to mind, your's one of a kind. You have so much talent, inexhaustible. Love guitar! I’m faving . I just downloaded it! ~ xhugs dear poet, musician Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 7:57 AM Dear Anaya, You honor me with your sweet praises and download, I am so grateful. You must either play guitar or you listen to a lot of guitar music with the hammer-on and pull-offs. I grew up in Blue Grass Country back in central Pennsylvania. But I have had many influences through the year. I hope to write more and record them and post. Again, Thank You!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daneil

Sara Kendrick March 21, 2025 at 10:10 AM Well, my speakers on my computer have totally quit working. Maybe when I get my new monitor with the speakers installed, I can listen to it. Thanks for sharing. Your visit to my work always is uplifting. Sara K Daniel Henry Rodgers March 24, 2025 at 7:53 AM Dear Sara, I am sorry your speakers aren't working. It is somewhat raw but I enjoyed recording it. I am always appreciative to see your comments and kind notes. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Laura Breidenthal March 21, 2025 at 4:19 AM This tells such a heart warming endearing story… you convey it beautifully through the tender guitar playing and warmth of your singing. Like a lullaby … I was enamored from begging to end, Daniel. This reminded me of the father son relationship of the characters from The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Maybe yours is a warmer vibe though. Stunning!!! Your word is so impressive Always Laura Daniel Henry Rodgers March 21, 2025 at 6:09 AM Dear Laura, You warm my heart with your words and I am so grateful. I love playing my guitar and singing and I find healing in both. Thank you for being a wonderful PS friend. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joseph P. DiMino March 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM Very moving...well done. Yep, a city can seem cold and heartless. Strange, one would think that the more people, also the greater chance for meaningful, close relationships...often the exact opposite. Daniel Henry Rodgers March 21, 2025 at 6:07 AM Hello Joe, I think you are so right that more people do not mean more caring hearts. I see the reality every single day in the streets of Philadelphia, and there is no solution to the problem, or at least there is no true action. Thank you for your comments!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joseph May March 20, 2025 at 8:28 AM A poignant write on the apathy of big cities and the sorrow that takes hold " in a city frozen cold", Well penned and well sung Daniel Daniel Henry Rodgers March 21, 2025 at 6:05 AM Hello Joe, Thank you so much for your wonderful word. Yes, sometimes the city can be totally cold and frozen over even in the dead of summer. Thanks again!! Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Oliver Mckeithan March 20, 2025 at 1:59 AM Hello Daniel, well written and sung. This has a folk song feel to it. Powerful song and poem. It is an impressive piece. Thanks for sharing this one. Daniel Henry Rodgers March 20, 2025 at 5:19 AM Hello Oliver, How wonderful and inspiring are your words and I am so thankful for you! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Lin Lane March 19, 2025 at 5:39 PM I read this twice yesterday and didn't know how to respond to it... the writing, the singing... so I didn't but please don't think it's because I didn't love everything about it. Your voice is very appealing, Daniel with a folksong flavor but with more of a quiet quality... if that makes sense at all. I'm very impressed, but then everything you write is outstanding. Daniel Henry Rodgers March 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM Dearest Lin, You see and hear things others do not and that is just so fulfilling. When I wrote this song so many tears flowed because I see the reality every day in Philadelphia. When I recorded the song, I had many more tears flow and sometimes could not finish the recording. My goal in the recording was to bring vocal aspects of a starving, freezing, and dying dad and his son, which required more subtlety to my own voice since they would not have a lot of strength left. The most amazing thing is that you heard that and no one else did. I applaud you and thank you for being a wonderful confidant and outstanding poet who I am grateful for. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress March 19, 2025 at 10:18 AM Dear daniel, I agree with silent one below, about how refreshing it is to listen to a natural voice singing, as it gives us an idea of how well you can play the guitar and sing too! You did an amazing job! Multitalented you are for sure! I really love the simplicity and seamless flow of your lyrics, and my favorite amongst all is "And the city turns away Like they never ever knew his name Still he lifts his boy so close" so evocative and poignant! A father and his love and how they go beyond to provide shelter! Thats just so heartwarming to read and i must say this definitely deserves all the accolades! Well done! On so many brilliant levels! Fave it is Daniel Henry Rodgers March 20, 2025 at 5:10 AM Dear Empress, It is great to see you back and it fills my soul. I am very grateful that you took the time to read, listen, and comment. Working in Philadelphia, I see homeless people everywhere and there never seems to be an answer. It breaks my heart because giving money is rarely used for food but for alcohol and drugs, which is also a huge problem. Thanks for being a special friend. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose March 19, 2025 at 9:52 AM wow, I like to sing, wish we could do a duet together :) seriously Daniel Henry Rodgers March 20, 2025 at 5:07 AM Dear Rose, Ahhh, you make my heart sing and I wished we could do a duet together. I appreciate you! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Anne-Lise Andresen March 19, 2025 at 6:22 AM - Impressive... song and music... the lyrics are beautiful and deeply emotional, Daniel :) - I could listen to your songs all day long :) - hugs Daniel Henry Rodgers March 20, 2025 at 5:06 AM Dear Anne-Lise, I am so thankful for your comments this morning that have lifted my spirits to new heights. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Valsa George March 18, 2025 at 11:15 PM This has made my eyes so misty. What a touching tale, freezing the interiors of one's mind. The father's unfailing love to his son is so evident. In a heartless world where no one cares to extend a helping hand to the Dad and son, they plod through frozen roads while the biting chill cuts through every nerve of them. The sad whisper of the father, 'Son, we are finally home' makes reverberations in my soul. Dear Daniel, you are so gifted by God. You are not just a poet, but a doyen in poetry and great singer too. Thank God from the depths of your heart. Daniel Henry Rodgers March 19, 2025 at 5:12 AM Oh Dear Valsa, You have lifted my spirits a little higher today and I am so thankful for that. Because I work in Center City Philadelphia I see the sadness of the homeless every single day. Some sleep on cardboard or down in the subway stations. They are always asking for money or food and unfortunately many times the money is spent on alcohol and drugs. I know that it is a systemic issue that spans the world and there seems to be no solution. I think the people who have somewhat normal lives grow numb to those that are in true need. I once counseled a homeless man for several months and then he got to move into subsidized housing and I was thankful. God Bless you, and many, many thanks. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel.

Maria Williams March 18, 2025 at 9:08 PM Dearest Daniel,your song is absolutely heartbreaking and beautifully written and sung. The imagery is raw and powerful, pulling the reader into the cold, unforgiving streets and the deep, unbreakable love between a father and his son. The repetition in the chorus and outro adds to the sense of loss and inevitability, making it all the more haunting. It holds so much emotion and depth, and it’s clear that it comes from a place of compassion and understanding. It paints a painful reality with poetic grace, and that’s a rare gift. A fave for me...Hugs Daniel Henry Rodgers March 19, 2025 at 5:07 AM Dear Maria, I loved reading your comments this morning and I am so thankful for you and also your Hubbie! I want to start laying more tracks for future projects and I will probably have questions that I will send you and Ron. Thank you for all that you do for many appreciate it. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

CayCay Godwin March 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM How blessed to write like an inked angel, sing like a captivating emotion and compose music that accompanies to deliver it - WOW. I got a vibe that I can't identify, maybe the feel of some Simon and Garfinkle (I know I trashed the spelling) songs. You just gave me a gift ... CayCay Daniel Henry Rodgers March 19, 2025 at 5:04 AM Dear CayCay, I so loved your wonderful and insightful comments. The only song I can think of by CSN&Y was "Immigration Man." But I do know that when Graham Nash was with the Hollies, they had a song, "King Midas in Reverse." I am so thankful for your friend!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel CayCay Godwin March 18, 2025 at 2:49 PM Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Nash sings a song titled - oh, something like 'Midas Touch' - does that mean anything to you?

Hilda Greenhough March 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM It's like an earthquake. I feel shaken. Cold weather with no where to go, you described it realistically. Someone Help! Daniel Henry Rodgers March 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM Dear Hilda, I so appreciate your comments. I know we have our Lord who will be with us until the end. Thank You!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues March 18, 2025 at 1:34 PM Very nice, Daniel! I enjoyed your sad song <3 Daniel Henry Rodgers March 19, 2025 at 5:01 AM Dear Kim, thanks for your words of inspiration. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Silent One March 18, 2025 at 10:13 AM Daniel is that you singing? Refreshing to see a natural voice rather than an AI generated one... You wrote a poem about a very very sad reality in life.. I hear that in LA, there are rows of homeless people... What is Trump doing about this? Great lyrics you have produced here.. sounds great also.. Daniel Henry Rodgers March 18, 2025 at 11:03 AM Hello Silent One, Yes, that is me putting myself out there with just me, my guitar, and some cheap recording app. Thank you so much for your support and I am always appreciative to hear from you. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel