CLOUDY DAYS

[Verse 1]
Looked out my window this morning
Past the skyline, steel and gray
The Sears Tower used to mean something
Now it just blocks the day
They told me the tallest get the glory
But the view don’t change your name
My tie’s too tight, the coffee’s bitter
And I can’t outrun the shame

[Verse 2]
Took the “L” in, half-awake
Headphones on, just hearing air
Pressed my face against the window
Saw my life reflected there
Last weekend at the Bean downtown
I caught a glimpse of someone else
Don’t know if I imagined it
But for a second, I looked like myself

[Chorus]
Cloudy days, fluorescent glow
Feels like I’m here, but I don’t know
If I ever meant to come this far
Or if I just forgot to go
Cloudy days, and I don’t speak
Light above me, but it don’t reach
And if this is how the story ends
Then I’ve got to write something different

[Verse 3]
She’s on the train most every morning
Reading something old and worn
Looks like she still knows the seasons
Doesn’t bend to where she’s torn
I wonder if she wonders too
What we’re all trying not to say
Would she smile if I said hello?
Or just fade back into gray

[Bridge]
If you’re chasing taller ceilings
Make sure your heart still fits inside
I bought into the pretty pictures
Now I flinch at my own pride
They’ll clap for you in marble lobbies
But won’t stay when curtains fall
You might reach the top by morning
And still not feel there at all

[Verse 4]
I started writing just to feel it
Didn’t plan for it to rhyme
But something real leaks through the cracks
When you’ve been quiet for too much time
Maybe I’ll ask her for that coffee
Maybe I’ll just walk through the park
No headphones, no disguise
Let this silence be my start

[Final Chorus]
Cloudless days — they’re still a dream
But I don’t need to fake the scene
I’m not a title, not a chair
Just a name and breath and open air
Cloudy days still come and go
But I don’t fold the way I did before
If this is how the light gets in
Then maybe I was meant for more
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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12
Stanworth Avatar
July 18, 2018 at 2:34 AM
Hi Lyric Man. I can relate to these lyrics very well, expecially the 'My suit and tie.. strangling 24/7' line. I have been working in an office for years whilst daily coming up with ideas for poems and songs. I keep dreaming about my tomorrow's too. Excellent lyrics once again Lyric Man.
Kerttula Avatar
July 14, 2018 at 7:25 PM
I like that this poem is coming from a man. Sometimes I think that most guys have so much drive for their job and that is all that matters. Nice to see that you want more. Thanks for sharing.
House Avatar
July 4, 2018 at 6:27 PM
Very good point about not wasting our time. Do what you want and see if it doesn't work out.
Mudumbai Acharya Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 6:08 PM
Soulful feelings from within
Stanworth Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 6:08 AM
I can relate to this as I work in an office. Great lyrics Lyric Man.
Raghunathan Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 4:54 AM
It is beautiful.. What I love about it is how it touches reality and brings it so close for others
Jones Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 2:30 AM
Although I've been retired a number of years now, I know exactly where you're coming from.
Macdonald Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 12:56 AM
Very well written . Its so true.
Mcmanes Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 6:21 PM
I recently retired from a place which checks all the boxes your poem covers. I managed to escape with my soul intact and while I miss my department people, don't miss the managing stuff.
Roper Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 2:06 PM
Love the lyric :-) My husband was a lot like this until it was too much for his heart. I'm so glad he finally retired. Good write..
Onclaud Avatar
July 1, 2018 at 11:02 AM
i can imagine you living in a suitcase and yet finding time to breathe, relish the beauty of life... fascinating melody; take it easy, D... huggs
Dietrich Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 8:02 PM
It truly was a wake up song for such a guy as this, Lyric Man. Great creativity!
Rigoler Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 7:00 PM
Thank God I am retired and retired before the recommended age! I enjoyed the work and made a nice pay but the longer I stayed with the company the more difficult was the work, so I threw in the towel. Have never regretted it. Your poem strikes a chord with most of read it. / M
Sensele Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 12:01 PM
Lyric Man, vivid imagination about the tough life we lead. Ferment captured in a captivating poem. Thanks for enlightening us on aspects of real life we sometimes take for granted. Keep such nuggets flowing more and more, Lyric Man. John, Zambia
Krutsinger Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 9:18 AM
Beautifully done! It clutched my heart. All we have is our time, until we don't.
Dutta Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 9:14 PM
I listened to your nice song. I specially admire those who write long poems. I can't. Joy n Peace.
Raven Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 5:16 PM
Hi Lyric, once again you sing another golden song. This read just rolls off the tongue. It is a song that is known to many my friend. We only have one shot at life and we have to make the best we can of it. I love the content and the wonderful rhythm. An excellent piece Lyric. This one goes into my faves. Have a wonderful weekend. Your friend always....Mike.
Mcguire Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 5:01 PM
The biggest regrets in life is what we didn't do, not what we did do. Good Job! Got me thinking....
Horsman Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 3:58 PM
Awesome message in there, LM, love how it just rolls along in a rhythm & Blues sort of way.
Man Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 4:42 PM
Thanks Harry.. there actually was some blues magic in this write as I was listening to Don Henley (my fav) and Paul Carrack when I wrote this today.
Pandit Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 3:41 PM
A deep message in your poem Lyric Man..a wake up call for us all. If everyone heeds your advice, life would be happier indeed..I want to go to that park where it is never cloudy!
Nicole Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 3:20 PM
Blessings are everywhere, if you stop to truly enjoy them. Everything falls into place as it should, and when the time is right. This I find to be absolutely true. A simple moment does create a beautiful memory. Your thoughts express this so well. Many are like this man, and that is very sad indeed. ~ Brandy
Was Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 1:05 PM
Very nice write! I definitely can relate. You'll get out of that eventually! ??
Man Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 2:05 PM
Ha.. I said no to that a long time ago. I have a great gig that allows me to chase adventure, see the world, and have time to read your poetry (at least when I'm on the road).
Riabi Dziri Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 12:33 PM
We are surrounded by beautiful souls.. We have our passions and ambitions.. We get inspired and we do inspire others.. Isn't that a bliss and a bless?! Isn't that a"real heaven that isn't hell?! I enjoyed reading your Lyric! Insightful write.. Thank you so much for sharing Lyric Man. Stay blessed.
Riabi Dziri Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 12:30 PM
"This heaven's become a living hell"! Absolutely true in a sense! We are getting more and more wrapped up into everyday life that stained by ugliness.. But "Is there a real heaven that isn't hell"?!. you penned the answer in a beautiful way Lyric Man! We do have a heaven of our own! We have our very genuine dreams..
Lee Sr. Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 12:02 PM
Wonderful. Verse LM. True, true, so very true.. Let' s take time off work life.... Imagine everything gonna burn one day even us if we're not careful...So let's use, but less material things spend more time with family and friends. Great write James
Man Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 2:14 PM
I'm not collecting stuff, I'm making and treasuring memories. I'm a minimalist. We don't need all that junk. Better to rent on rare occasions when you do. We can't take any of that mess with us when we pass over.
12
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