Heart ache, a road break off route sixty-six
Over each river and every state line
Tour bus travellers all finding their fix
Everyone hyphened is heightened this time
Lost luggage losing it's share of the light
American dreams with shutters pulled down
Memphis blues music feels alright tonight
Elvis themed runners surprising the town
Rocky road blue grass fades slowly away
In between cities and one horse places
Cocktail umbrellas recall brighter days
Appreciating these world weary faces
Neighbours, travellers, old lovers and friends
Ask for directions to where this tale ends.
Roses aren't all red and violets all blue
the grass is green most of nature is too.
_________________
Martin
Softly spoken, conscientious, thoughtful, union man,
The proud son of a nurse, no stranger to, “the pan”,
Loving the blues and blue grass, I’m a Bolton Wanderers fan,
Feeling hopeful, happy or sad, I walk outdoors when I can,
Fearing for the grand-kids, the planet, the common man,
Hoping for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan,
Bolton, North West England, made me who I am,
Challender
I can't believe the grand-kids used be so small,
they're two very special boys,
growing fast, they'll soon walk tall,
the time we spend is special, sharing hours of joy.
bluegrass music
fiddles playing
fun knee slapping
happy clapping
is uplifting
fine memories
upon blue grass hills
roan stallion grazed among mares
verdant and serene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Although not for her contest,
my regards to Tania for her
inspiration. Merci
Hard work - all day - in that hot Texas sun
Dad said - work boy - no need to have fun
Work hard- work long – and get off your ass
My dad - said his dad - said that
Church cloths on Sunday
Mamma washes the back of our neck
We pray to the good Lord
We show our respects
Preacher man says end of times coming soon
Dad says get in – moonshine comin at noon
The spirits we’re selling – help pay the way
My dad - said his dad – did it that way
Those blue lights - and red lights - are coming real fast
Dad said - grab the bottles - and get off your ass
All in – and locked in – that old cellar door
Dad strikes a match as he opens the door
Takes off his shoes - sits back and relax
My dad - said his dad - did that
The officer shined his bright light - and said step back from the door
Momma made some ice tea and gave him a pour
Dad said come in – and join in – we’ll sure have you back
My dad - said his dad - said that
Hard work - all day - in that hot Texas sun
Dad said - work boy - no need to have fun
Work hard - and work long - and get off your ass
My dad - said his dad - said that
Yea I was born beside the tracks
Out in a field - two bedroom shack
Rooster crows – they’re kept out back
That whistle blows and I react
Train whistle blows right down the track
Train whistle sound sure takes me back
To a life of misery
Train whistle part of my history
Daddy worked hard - and payed a price
The train yard became his whole damn life
Take a drink and switching tracks
Train whistle brings those memories back
He worked all day and drank all night
He’d have a smoke and start a fight
That southern weed would get him right
Kick back his chair and stare all night
Train whistle blows right down the track
Train whistle sure takes me back
To a life of misery
Train whistle part of my history
Momma said - he did his best
It was all part of a young man’s test
Well I was lost but now I’m free
Train whistle part of my history
Train whistle blowing down the track
Train whistle sure takes me back
To a life of misery
Train whistle part of my history
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