Legacy (dulcimer poetry)

Re-posted at the request of a friend. I'd like to record this properly one day, but I suppose I never will. Anyway, the mediocrity seems appropriate somehow.

Time defeats all of us eventually. Some leave more behind than others. There can be solace, and even a small measure of dignity, in accepting the reality of one's insignificance. Still, my precious children, I'm so very sorry I could not have left you more ...

The poem:

Pacing by the pier side I am waiting for your child-like, wisened smile
Seven hours later I'm still waiting in the darkness -- but I'm not surprised

Fish are twitchin' in the nets on diesel-drinkin trawlers moored along the pier
Them fish have got it easy when you think about expectations lost on us

Twenty years ago, we were swimming in clear waters that were glistenin there
I told you I would fight for justice, you said you would wait for me — its only fair

And now we're so much older, every battle lost and every promise drowning in the briny air
The children blame us for the dirty ocean and the eyeless stare of a future drained of magic, not a drop of reason to resist.

Who'd of thought it'd come to this? The piercing blows did smite us like a harpoon from a rusty skiff, with flags ablazin' on the angry sea.
There's nothing on our shoulders and there nothing left within us, to swim, against the tide
_________
© Richard Latker. Recorded 28 Oct 2010 in Hong Kong with a Blue Lion baritone mountain dulcimer.

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[TanteA]

Thank you Ron for posting this song.

Nice greetings from Anette

[dholeton]

Richard

I think this is a "proper" recording. It's also a great song and your delivery is not something that others can easily duplicate. Your lyrics are a wonderful story but also make me wonder. The pictures in the video are very effective, especially right at "And now we're so much older".

Well done!!!

Dave

[JaniceVL]

Amazing! Post more, please.

[FlintHillVideo]

Hey, this is better than Henry Rollins and any number of others who make a living at this kind of thing.

With respect to recording, whether it's music or spoken word, 90% of us have to record and listen, record and listen again, until we stop hearing the defects (most of which are inaudible to everyone else) and begin to hear the spirit of the piece shine through.

It's not mysticism. It's desensitization. Everyone goes through it.

You have a gift. This piece is plenty good. Keep it up!

[jukejackie1]

please don't stop! we need these things said and as a lover of music of all kinds, everything is best said in a tune. BTW...I am picking up my first Mountain Dulcimer (an Anniversary Gift from my Husband) this afternooon!!! wish me luck in learning and keep those tunes a comin'

[jukejackie1]

did you write this? it's fantastic and thank you very much for reposting it

[psychodelicdragon]

great stuff!!

keep em coming!!