October 4, 2002

Unexpected this day comes

Eating up the morning

Getting to the best part
before I even know it

Melting through rain
and burning through my so-called better judgement

Insisting this way
at least you've got something to do

So I go out on a limb
and here I am twiddling my
ever-twiddling thumbs again
and again and again and again

Uninvited this soul goes
opening the front door

Getting to the punch line
a second later than I might

Throwing all caution
and heaving these bricks

Straining my back
with the worry of empty-handedness

So here I lay me down

October 4, 2002

Don't shoot the messenger

Not mine to give
this note I have to pass you
though it's written there in my own hand
it's still not mine to give

Well I've got someone else's need
here in my pocket now to give you
folded tight and holding urgency not mine
Don't shoot the messenger

So here it is just take it
I don't need it, never did
And though I wrote it, every word there
Not a one is mine
Don't shoot the messenger

If you read it and you smile I hope you thank me
If you read it and you groan I hope you'll not
take it out on me
I'm just trying to be useful
I'm just doing my good deed
I'm just the messenger