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| THE LONELY OLD MAN He sits by himself in his kitchen Reflecting on what might have been. Alone in the darkness he's sitting Peering back to the things he has seen. With the only real friends he can count on: Two dogs who are always around; Their loyalty without any question, Their friendship the best he has found. They lie near his chair, And they show how they care, For the lonely old man sitting there. He reflects on his life with a teardrop. Many years he has been on his own. Though people have shared in his life line, Every time they had just let him down. Those who came close to his life path Just used him to their selfish end. Taking all that he cheerfully gave them, Their love he just had to pretend. Though they said they would share, They just didn't care For the lonely old man sitting there. Through all his life he gave of his all To those who had need of his skill. Giving time, understanding, and with love, This help was out of goodwill. But like many who'd walked before him, He was totally misunderstood: People just couldn't really accept it That he gave just because that he could. And they just wouldn't share, 'Cause they just didn't care For the lonely old man sitting there. Though his life had been much of a torment And alone he had walked on its path. He never considered he'd change it In spite of the aftermath. Though he craved for a love that was special No-one came but his two trusted friends. They were loyal through his years of aloneness, Thankful that all their needs he attends. Just those two who would share, All the trust and the care Of the lonely old man sitting there. © Bob Burling - 1997 (from the book Rhymes Of Our Tymes) |
THE PATCHWORK TYRE As I look at the life that's around me One thing stands out from the crowd. Those who make rules are unable to see That all they do is just talk real loud Hoping to cover the issues with mire: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. The education system has problems galore, The teachers are trying their very best. The student no longer compelled by the law Seem bent on just creating unrest. Authorities know how to deal with the ire: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. We're having some trouble in the gaol tonight, The prisoners rioting, the guards in array. The people are asking that things be put right, And that it be done before break of day. It's easy to fix before we retire: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. Now the health systems trying to fall apart, Nobody really cares about the old or the sick, Just as long as its seen to have a gold heart, The people don't matter, just give them the flick. Change all the benchmarks, use a good liar: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. The money's a worry, it won't go around. It has to be spent is the practice we take. And when it's all spent and no more to be found We'll pretend its not happened that in fact its a fake. And folks will be told to keep up desire: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. As more and more people clamour for work, A shuffle is done to pretend its not true. The figures presented hide truth in the murk, Our workforce okay - and that is true blue. Tell all the people to go out and hire: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. The rising crime rate is just cause for alarm: People restricted in hours because of the crime. Something must be done to avoid any harm, We'll just close our eyes and bide our time, And hope that others will put out the fire: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. If crime's not enough there's corruption that's rife. Starting right at the top and affecting us all. The matter shrugged off: "It's just part of life." We'll try and ignore the people's loud call By telling them leaders are an angelic choir: Add another patch to the patchwork tyre. And that's just the way that we deal with our times. Sweep them under the carpet, they'll be out of sight. If we cover it up then it will look like its fine And all of the nation will think all is right. But the tyre has all gone and all that is left Is a mess with no links and a society bereft. © Bob Burling - 1997 (from the book Rhymes Of Our Tymes) |
| RUNNING THE STREET He is seen on the corner; she is seen in the lane, Their actions a national disgrace. But what do we care, though we make a great noise, Condemning the parents but not to their face. When all's said and done, it's a ‘natural thing', Their knocking up points for the scheme. Following examples of the history they've seen, A notch on the gun is the theme. They have no respect for community life. Others as targets are seen. Their talents are used to plot the next crime So as not to be a has-been. Unloved and despised is what's driven them here Onto the streets where they live. Touched by hypocrisy of generations before, Their motto: no longer to give. But who is to blame for what has gone wrong? We're slow to admit who's to blame. But the truth of the matter it’s what was expected, The product is to our shame. We removed from their lives the model they need, Discipline outlawed for life. So what can they model self discipline on If the only model is strife? And without that foundation to life in their mind Self respect is an alien form, One that is totally foreign and lost Disrespect must become the norm. So when we created this so called blessing for kids We removed their foundation, it's true. So when it comes to pointing the fingers of blame, It's clearly at me and you. © Bob Burling - 1997 (from the book Rhymes Of Our Tymes) |
WHY DON'T WE GET IT RIGHT? Society around us is falling apart, Things just go wrong right from the start. People don't care nor try to depart From the matters that tear out the heart. It's a throwaway age for one and for all. Nobody wants to hear the heart's call. If it doesn't work now, just let it fall, Then we try once again. Does it matter at all? When marriages fall apart at the seams. Shattering lives and everyone's dreams. With never a thought for the victims, it seems, The children can suffer, ignore all their screams. Now its okay to just sleep around, No longer a thought for love to abound. Who really cares, so long as we've found Another to share our body and sound. And friendships appear to be a disdain, Instead we use others for personal gain. Running for cover, like from the storm rain, Feelings for others slaughtered and slain. Already the price is being actually paid. Society gone and relationships frayed. It will only get worse as standards downgrade. Are we numb to the slide, or really afraid? We can change it all, its not too late. Bring on the love instead of the hate. All is not lost if we'd communicate. Destruction should not be our final fate. © Bob Burling - 1997 (from the book Rhymes Of Our Tymes) |
| THE TEARS IN OUR EYES Why does she listen to all of his lies Filling her head with untruth, as she cries? Treating her just like she was only dust, She has become like a slave to his lust. The children are fed with so many lies And all that they do is bring tears to our eyes. They will not allow them the pleasure to see The one who so loves them: that is just me. Their only intent is for their own joy; Consider the kids like an unwanted toy. Causing these children sorrow and pain: So many tears in their eyes, just like rain. The pain and the sorrow increases every day; For these little children, the price that they pay. But it doesn't matter just what they feel, Who really cares if their hurt is so real. Deep in their eyes are the pictures of fear, But what do they care if the kids shed a tear. And when there's a glimpse of the children to see, It's easy tell that their lives are not free. Why should they suffer? They didn't do wrong. All that they want is to really belong With someone who cares for just how they feel. The life that they live under only hatred reveal. Their mother is happy to take what I give But could not care less if I die or I live. Intent on the falsehood she thinks is real life Not realising that all is nothing but strife. If only those children were back in my care: Back to a place where there's love they can share. But too many times they are told all these lies That just cause them pain and put tears in our eyes. © Bob Burling 4th February, 2010 | |