Previous Page COLLECTION OF POEMS Edward Smith Put Christ back in CHRISTMAS All the heavens came alive it seems with a bright celestial light when an angel came to shepherds tending flocks of sheep one night he told them of the Christmas Child who was born in Bethlehem and He called the child the son of God Then He praised His holy name Lets put the Christ back in Christmas Lets honor His presence with prayer Lets put the Christ back in Christmas Christ is the reason Christmas is here The shepherds left their flocks that night For the stable of the inn To wonder at this child who came to take away our sin They found HIM wrapped in swaddling clothes And they noticed that He lay In a simple wooden manger on a bed of straw and hay Through the ages times have changed it seems Traditions have been set With Santa Clause and Christmas trees How often we forget Though Christmas trees and Santa Claus Are really very nice We wouldn't have a Christmas If it weren't for Jesus Christ CHRISTMAS MOURN Christians raise their hands in praise they bow their heads in prayer they chant a phrase from bygone days and deep within ...they care But while they're looking upward praising God in varied sound I wonder if most understand whats really going down Have they known that single mom with baby in her arms who's been turned away from welfare and is forced to sell her charms Did they see that nice old fella wearing rags to fend the cold having dinner in a dumpster while his stomachs full of mold Have they heard that needed welfare cheque was late again today now the poor will wait til Christmas past to see the light of day Have they ever felt frustration due to hunger and to cold when greedy men and winter wind have taken of their toll Merry Christmas everyone and may the Christ child this day born protect you from such poverty that brings on Christmas Mourn. JESUS TAUGHT ME HOW I grew up kinda bitter like Angry for quite a spell And I kept my feelings deep inside Didn't think anyone could tell Never did get close to alot of folks Sorta kept to a special few So not many did get close to me And a wall of coldness grew There was a numbness way down deep within Like a void within a shell I could not feel the joy of love That others could so well No journey planned yet miles were spent In search of who and why Then someone taught me how to pray And i looked up towards the sky I felt a change come over me and I keep on changing still And it seems each time I turn around I feel a brand new thrill The numbness deep inside is gone And I'm a Christian now At last I feel the warmth of love Jesus taught me how THE BAPTISM Someone soon is coming... Far greater He than I That I'm not fit to be his slave For, with water I baptize Yet He that comes will cleanse you With that which means the most The blessings of our Father God Through heavens Holy Ghost Then Jesus came from Nazareth To be, by John baptized And when he left the water He saw an opening in the skies Twas then the Holy Spirit Descended as a dove and landed on this person We call the prince of love And then a voice from heaven Proclaimed I'd guess with might "You are my beloved Son You are my delight" Twas then Isaiah prophecy Became a living thing That God use John the Baptist To baptize Christ the king THE SEARCH I'd wander round with drink in hand through alcoholic daze with eyes half mast I'd light a joint and stumble through a haze I'd paste a smile upon my face and I'd hug the furniture But if you asked who I was I really wasn't sure I'd cross this land by way of thumb or in the bowels of some train Each town would see me settle down Then pack and move again I thought that satisfaction was one more move away I searched for something tangible But WHAT....I couldn't say I imagined that a womens love would save me from the world So I made my life a desperate search for that understanding girl I tried so hard and when at last I felt my search would end She'd fall for some smooth ROMEO and...I was just a friend My tears soon turned to anger My hurt to bitterness I formed a hardness round my heart and honed it with finesse I traded trust for caution true feelings I would hide very few got close to me 'cause I would leave if someone tried But my heart cried out in anguish as each lonely year passed by In public I would just laugh it off But in private I would just cry I would dull the pain with alcohol Til the time i learnt to toke and that's when I felt peacefulness and less like a walking joke But peace induced is not true peace Nor is it happiness It only tends to cloud the truth and leave ones life a mess All too soon the problem will raise its ugly head this time its much larger with the new lies its been fed Nearly forty years of life passed by before I learnt the way I found a friend who really cared and she taught me how to pray these eyes that seemed so closed so long were opened with a start I have found the path to peace at last I have asked CHRIST into my heart SENTIMENTS OF TIME E.W.Smith I pause to think what might be said When our children’s children long are dead And we reduced to Sentiments of Time. Will what we deem today so wise Be merely folly in the eyes Of those who find our bones a’cake with grime? Will generations yet to be Who study us in history Dwell merely on our Politics of Shame … Then, cast our lot and all who rule As power-mad, corrupt and cruel? If so, I wonder where they’ll place such blame? And, I wonder too, as pen finds page, Will we, as Mankind come of age And work together for the good of all? Or, has the fate of Man been cast To shun the lessons of the past … If so, then sure as hell we’re going to fall! What will be our legacy As we succumb to history? Will we take our final bow with heads held high? Or, will we bow our heads in shame … Embarrassed to be called by name? The answer, friend, is up to you and I. I pause to think what might be said When our children’s children long are dead … And, we reduced to Sentiments of Time. PASS THE GAS E.W.Smith When your head is on your pillow And you’re trying hard to sleep, But, your belly’s just a’burnin’ And it damn near makes you weep … When the food you ate at bedtime Seems a solid, churnin’ mass; Then it helps to flip the bedsheet, Lift your leg and … Pass The Gas! When you’re strolling down the sidewalk And the weather’s cold and damp, And that old midriff starts churning And you’re doubled o’er in cramp … When each step you take is painful And the hurtin’ just won’t ease; Well, it doesn’t hurt to lift your skirt, Take a breath and … Cut The Cheese! When the party’s all but over And cleanup has begun, And you can’t convince your system That you really did have fun … When the tightness in your tummy Holds you in its potent grip; Sorta helps to grab the bedpost; Hang on tight and … Let ‘er Rip! Now, should you feel elation From your bouts of flatulation; Don’t try to hide the smile that comes your way. For, that moment of relief Saves you from a ton of grief … Just … Pass the Gas; Wipe your ass And … walk away. AT THE KITCHEN TABLE E.W.Smith We solve the problems of the world And … of our neighbourhood While sittin’ at a table Near an old stove burnin’ wood. We sip our tea or coffee As we phi-los-o-phy … And, then we feed our fantasy With homemade rappie pie. It’s at the kitchen table After supper, every night Where a bunch of good friends gather Rappin’ ‘cross a candle’s light. We listen to the winds that roar And wail across the bay … Sittin’ at the kitchen table Sippin’ mugs of steamin’ tea. The Summer brings the lobster boils And clam bakes in the sand. Starry nights and campfire lights Send shadows ‘cross the land. But, when the weather’s cold and damp, There’s just one place to go … Back to the kitchen table Rappin’ ‘cross that candle’s glow. We listen to the radio ‘Til shadows start to fall Along the kitchen table, ‘Cross the floor and up the wall. Then, we sip our tea or coffee And we phi-los-o-phy … Sittin’ at that kitchen table Eatin’ homemade rappie pie. And it’s … at the kitchen table After supper, every night Where a bunch of good friends gather Rappin’ cross a candle’s light. We listen to the winds that roar And wail across the bay … Sittin’ at the kitchen table Sippin’ mugs of steamin’ tea. VIEW FROM THE BLIND SIDE E.W.Smith One foot follows the other. The wind's a biting chill. My coat's threadbare and worn to lint And my mind will not stay still. To a place that houses homeless. That shelter from the storm For a short respite where a body might Feel the wealth of warm. But, cold is a constant companion For we who drift through time ... Judged by they ... the priviledged few ... Who deem us riddled with crime. Out on the street before sunup. Back when the sun leaves the sky. Too proud to beg the cost of an egg ... Yet, so hungry you just want to cry. Yeah ... one foot follows the other. Dancin’ With The Blues E.W.Smith Chorus and ending There ain’t no solace in the bottle. The bottle’s just for holdin’ booze. If you empty it too quick, that booze will make you sick And, that’ll get you Dancin’ With The Blues. Honey, you ain’t got a clue who loves you. Honey, I don’t even think you care. Honey, you just a’clingin’ to that bottle An’ you think you gonna get Salvation there. Now, don’t you go on thinkin’ you’re an island. That’s just the misconception from the booze. ‘Cause, if you keep believin’, you gonna keep on grievin’ An’ you’ll just keep on Dancin’ With The Blues. Now, the faithless, well they all get religion. It’s the crutch they use to twist around God’s views. They seem to take delight conspiring thru the night Then, spreading ‘round their sick, self-rightious news. And, you,Babe … well, you just chose to listen. But, you’ve only got your decency to lose. If you could just stop drinkin’, you might get back to thinkin’ ‘Til then, you’ll just be Dancin’ With The Blues. Now, you tell me your love for me is over. You tell me you don’t want me around. I think you should know better than the words there in your letter Where you take the time to tear me down. You listenin’ to half truths and lies And all you’ll get is alibis Should you ever want to see some proof. ‘Til then, you’ll keep on livin’ in your world of unforgivin’ And, you’ll just keep on Dancin’ With The Blues. The Government Coffers (They ring Ka-Ching) E.W.Smith Intro Billions in hand. We’re rich, my friends. Soon, we will see all this poverty end. Soon … we will have all this surplus in hand … Ka-Ching Ka-Ching Ka-Ching Chorus The Government Coffers They ring ka-ching They ring for the taxes They raise every Spring. They ring for the money Those taxes will bring … Yes … The government coffers They ring ka-ching. The food lines grow longer The richer we grow And, promises given Arrive too damn slow. But, you can’t find compassion For what you don’t know. Ka-ching ka-ching ka-ching The lies have been given; The ballots are in. And, all the excuses Are set to begin. Y’know, you face desperation When you know you can’t win. Ka-ching ka-ching ka-ching Too much of our money Is siphoned off-shore To avoid all the taxes Imposed on the Poor. Crime often follows The wolf at the door. Ka-ching ka-ching ka-ching This high cost of living Drives many insane And, this war on the Poor Only adds to the shame. You can’t know the loss With your eye just on gain. Ka-ching ka-ching ka-ching Those hospital line-ups Would be a lot less, And, the crime rate would lessen By half, I dare guess. If only we weren’t so Financially depressed! Ka-ching ka-ching ka-ching SUNSET Comes the time that I reach Sunset And my rainbow’s pot o’ gold … That pot of precious memories. More precious when retold. I pray that God will guide me, still As my soul goes ramblin’ on … Forgiving me of all my sins As I reach that Great Beyond. My mind, right now, recalls a time. A time when we were young … Sittin’ near an old wood burning stove. How sweet the songs we sung. We faced the brilliant sunrise, then Choosing hope instead of despair … And we forded all Life’s little streams When the bridges were not there. ‘Seems the years go by with a single sigh And precious more than gold … Are the times well spent with friends we’ve known And, the memories we hold. Our Sunset is our Guiding Light And it’s up to us my dear friend … As to how we look at the Mirror of Life When we reach our Rainbow’s end. Comes the time that I reach Sunset And my rainbow’s pot o’ gold … That pot of precious memories. More precious when retold. I pray that God will guide me, still As my soul goes ramblin’ on … Forgiving me of all my sins As I reach that Great Beyond. For Me I'm graced by the presence of somebody special. Someone I know I can be. Someone I'm learning to love with great passion. I'm graced by the presence of me. Now, one might peruse these words that I choose And deem me, at least, a bit vain. But, then ... who can say? Perhaps there'll be they Who will see why I chose this refrain. Y'see, love has to start in the depths of one's heart And grow through the passage of time 'Til it bursts from the soul all healthy and whole! Like a rhythm endowed with a rhyme. E'er the bards will evoke the words that are wrote In that tattered, old book on your shelf That the best love of all is the love one can call From the depths of the love in one's self. So ... stand tall and true. Be proud to be you. Be graced by the presence you pose. For, the best love, by far, is the person you are When the thorn bush of life produces it's rose. E.W. Smith (GOOD LORD) I’m Scrapin’ Bottom E.W.Smith Payday’s almost two week’s old … Another’s nearly due. The fridge is damned near empty; The penny jar’s gone through. I’m soppin’ up the gravy With bread that’s almost blue … Good Lord, I’m scrapin’ bottom The way us po’ folk do. Chorus Good Lord, I’m scrapin’ bottom. ‘Can’t afford to fill my cup. I just can’t wait ‘til payday To change this … lack of luck. There’ll be no more scrapin’ bottom After payday for awhile … For a week or so, come rain or snow I’m gonna fill my cup and smile. I miss my mornin’ coffee … All out of herbal tea. I walk around and make a sound That sounds like Woe is me! The cupboard’s all but barren; ‘Just this here can of stew … Good Lord, I’m scrapin’ bottom The way us po’ folk do. A po’ man’s pay is pathetic … Too soon the damn thing’s spent. But, in a day or two I’ll be packin’ stew And dishin’ out the rent. And, the cupboard won’t be empty; There’ll be things for my hands to do … And, I won’t be scrapin’ bottom. ‘Least … not for a week or two! (repeat chorus) ‘NEATH YARMOUTH SKIES E.W.Smith Come on down to Paradise And spend some time ‘Neath Yarmouth skies … Where peaceful dreams So oft come true As you gaze upon the setting sun From the rock called Cape Forchu There’s a little place called Yarmouth On the rocky, southern shore Of a land called Nova Scotia ‘Midst the mighty ocean’s roar. She’s protected by her lighthouse On the rock called Cape Forchu And, her arms are always open To share her warmth and love with you. There are beaches shining silver ‘Neath a blue, Atlantic sky And, Chestnut trees wave at the breeze With a whisper and a sigh. Heaven opened up one day, And, what the angels saw When God formed Nova Scotia Made them shake their heads in awe. In that little place called Yarmouth, If you take the time to spend, You will find there are no strangers … Only those you’ll know as friend. And, when the time for you to leave us Finally takes you by the hand … Know that … here in Nova Scotia You’ll be welcome back, again. So, come on down to Paradise … And, spend some time ‘Neath Yarmouth skies. SOLITUDE E.W.Smith They stand basking in the brilliance Of a midday Autumn sun. The reds; the golds … the yellows; The changing has begun. Those stately elms and maples, In their majesty, surround The blue and crystal waters That echo sky and ground. There embraced by fauna fair, Mid’st the shadows of the land, A cabin carved in manner such It seem’d like nature planned. Beyond the layer’d outer crust And, deep within the shell Peace and Love rule hand-in-hand To cast a magic spell. A fireplace with log a’blaze Lights up a decored den And gives one pause to close one’s eyes; Breathe deep … then, breathe, again. The anxious mind’s at last at rest. The heart is calmed and soothed. Alone, or with your chosen few In peaceful solitude. SON E.W.Smith Hi there, Son; Welcome to your new home. Go say hi to Mother … She’s in the other room. It’s an answer to a Father’s prayer To see you home again. How long’s it been? Nigh twenty years? My, you sure have changed since then. Ahh … there’ll be time enough for talkin’ After dinner’s o’er tonight. But, now we’d best go down the way To welcome home your wife. Yes, son … we saw the accident. ‘Twas such an awful scene … But, look … you’re here at home, now. Much worse, it could have been. Now, let’s go pick up Katy! You’ve done real well by her. Those kids of yours are dandies. They’ll grow up fine, fer sure! Yeah … we’ve really missed you, fella. To get in touch with you, we tried. But, we couldn’t … so, we made this our home And, we’ve done quite well Since the day we died. Those Honky-Tonk Blues E.W.Smith I’m lighting up my pipe; I’ve got my feet on a chair … My head is on my pillow and it’s comfortable there. I have never been so happy ‘til I changed all my views … And, caught this thing I like to call Those Honky-Tonk Blues. I used to wake up somewhere near a local bar … Curled up in the back seat of a cold, damp car. I would stumble through my doorway and pass out on the floor … And, then I’d wake up in the morning just to lock my front door. My honey used to nurse me back to being a man … And, then she used to curse me for the fool that I am. Yeah … I have never been this happy ‘til I changed those old views … And caught these sweet and everloving Honky-Tonk Blues. Now, I pass that Honky-Tonk just smiling inside … I’m filled with so much happiness and bustin’ with pride. Yes … my baby treats me better since I conquered that booze … And caught … God bless ‘em … Those Honky-Tonk Blues. Life gets so much better With Those Honky-Tonk Blues. WELFARE DAY What do you say Come welfare day When I go get my groceries With my welfare pay When my sons and my daughters Need pens and books just for school What do I tell them Mr Harris That our Premier is a fool When he cuts money from the poor But won’t touch the rich What kind of heart does he have To make people live in the ditch In the men’s hostels from Hell For 112 dollars they prayed This is what they lived on Now it’s a 7 dollar pay So now beggars in the street New crime that you force But Mr Harris thought about this That’s his intelligent course New jobs you will create In new jails we will need Prostitution and drugs will grow From your demon seed The educational programs And job training we need One of the most intelligent nations Even the minds will you bleed ‘Til our society does crumble This must be your master plan Until this once great nation See you as the next “Son of Sam” ------------------------------------------------- A View From The Blind Side E.W. Smith One foot follows the other. The wind is a biting chill. My coat’s threadbare and worn to lint And, my mind will not stay still. To a place that houses homeless. That shelter from the storm, For a short respite where a body might Feel the wealth of warm. But, cold is a constant companion For we who drift through time … Judged by they … the privileged few Who deem us riddled with crime. Out on the street before sun-up. Back when the sun leaves the sky. Too proud to beg the cost of an egg … Yet … so lonely you just want to cry. Yeah, one foot follows the other … ------------------------------------------------------- Early Christmas Morn E.W. Smith The lights have been strung along Main Street. Store windows are aptly adorned. The music we hear is of seasonal cheer … It’s early Christmas morn. Stockings, once stuffed, now lay empty. Young faces are all flushed with glee As the family sits opening presents Placed ‘neath a lit Christmas tree. Family and friends start appearing. They sit near the fire keeping warm. Eggnogs and fruitcake and cookies that Mom baked … It’s early Christmas morn. Gift wrap and ribbon lay tattered In bunches all over the floor. Breakfast is done and it’s time for more fun … It’s early Christmas morn. The bells in the chapel are pealing. Bright faces are filling the pews. And, the songs that the choirs are singing Are happy and fill’d with good news. The long distance phone calls have started. Warm words of cheer being formed. God bless you. I love you … and, I really miss you … It’s early Christmas morn. Sleighs pulled by horses are gliding ‘Cross meadows where snowdrifts have formed. Caroles are sung. Mistletoe is hung … It’s early Christmas morn. Merry Christmas, Everyone. -------------------------------------------------------- Mom and Dad E.W. Smith ‘Wasn’t much more than a kid, myself, When Junior came along. That’s when I first learned to change a diaper. And, yes … I got it wrong. We would wheel that child all over town In that old carriage Mary had … How proud we felt when that child learned to say: I wuv you, Mom and Dad. Time sure flies … I’m tellin’ ya. The kid was turning five. We registered our son in the neighbourhood school And we watched the young fellow strive. He got on well with the kids his age And, was soon a Grade School Grad. When he walked on stage, he mouthed us these words: I love you, Mom and Dad. Those teenage years sure are tough. They certainly were for me. So, at times when he tripped on some mental bump, We just let bygones be. He would play his summer baseball games And would try each passing fad. And, our eyes would shine each time he’d say: I love you, Mom and Dad. Yeah … time sure passes quickly. He started dating Julie-Anne. And, before we knew what was happening, They had their wedding planned. We were slow to offer our blessings Tho, deep down inside we were glad. When we did, he smiled with those six precious words: I love you, Mom and Dad. The big day came and the church was full. ‘Came the groom and his stunning bride. I was so overwhelmed with so many thoughts, And, yes … I’ll admit it. I cried. Then came the big reception. We were as happy as heck … also sad. How we smiled when they uttered those six little words: We love you, Mom and Dad. Mary and I are grandparents, now And, those kids are nearly all grown. We have this old house all to ourselves But, seldom are we all alone. The kids would come by and we’d laugh and we’d cry At the up-to-date news that they had. When leaving, they’d whisper those heart-warming words: We love you, Mom and Dad. Well, Time gets the better of all of us And, Mary and I got the call. No sadness required. We’ve had a good life And, we seem to be loved by all. Each week, our kids drive out to our home To talk of the week they just had. Then, those beautiful words, they leave on our tomb: We love you, Mom and Dad. ---------------------------------------------------------- The Cleaner Of The Can E.W. Smith When you’re sitting all alone On that shiny, porcelain throne And you find that paper tissue is at hand You look around and what you see Is just as shiny as can be … It makes you proud to be the cleaner of the can. You will rub and you will scrub Toilet, sink and tub And you’ll rid the floor of all that grime and sand. You may work throughout the night But, when you’re done it’s clean and bright … It makes you proud to be the cleaner of the can. Take the trash. Replace the bag. Wash the sinks out with a rag. Make sure you’ve got a broom and a good dustpan. Take a mop and wash the floor. Wipe the handprints off the door … It makes you proud to be the cleaner of the can. The mirrors need a buff So you take your window stuff And you rub until there’s blisters on your hand. When comes the time to take a peek And everything is clean and sleek … It makes you proud to be the cleaner of the can. As your shift comes to a close And it’s time to change your clothes And you find out that your boss is your best fan, Well, it fills your heart with pride And you feel so good inside … It makes you proud to be the cleaner of the can. ------------------------------------------------------- Winds Of Freedom E.W. Smith I can feel the Winds of Freedom on the rise. And, They’re blowing clouds of darkness from our skies. Someday, soon, we’re going to see How this Earth was meant to be For, the Dove of Peace is learning how to fly. I can sense the Breath Of Love drift thru the trees And, it’s picking up and spreading with each breeze. Our skies will soon be clear and blue As the Rays of Hope shine thru Bringing with them seeds of Happiness and Ease. I can hear the Shouts of Glory in the air And, the shouting’s getting louder as people learn to care. Love is bringing us together; Peace is strengthening the tether And Hope is ours to take. And Hope is ours to share. I can feel the Winds of Freedom on the rise And, I can see the seeds take root before my eyes. And, I know it won’t be long Before we celebrate in song That the Dove of Peace is learning how to fly. Yes, I can feel the Winds of Freedom on the rise. ------------------------------------------------------------- You Just Never Know E.W. Smith I had just pulled in the city Off a long and winding road. I was bent and tired and dirty And carrying a heavy load. I was looking for the shelter That harbors men like me In dire need of a shower And long overdue for something to eat. I was cold and it was windy And, I cursed what I called fate. For the wind was getting to me And the hour was getting late. I was approaching a small cathedral And saw upon the stairs A cold and shivering little girl All awash in tears. It touched my heart to see her there So sad and oh, so alone Clutching a little rag teddy bear. I asked her if she shouldn’t be home. It seems that her dad was a drinking man With a tendency toward the cruel. To abandon a child in a manner like that Gave me reason to call him a fool. He had taken this child to the doors of this church And told her to never come home. When I found her she was shivering and bitterly cold And frightened and … so very alone. I threw down my backpack and rifled inside. ‘Wasn’t much there, all the same. So, I sat down beside her and took off my coat Which I wrapped ‘round her shivering frame. I picked up the child and walked to the manse Where a priest finally opened the door. I wept as I related what I’d come upon by chance For it touched me as nothing has ever before. I’d been moaning all day ‘bout the troubles I’d had. Self pity can easily flow … I thought my life tough ‘til I found that young child. My God … You just never know! The Lost Highway E.W. Smith Hank, he wrote about it, So, I should have seen the signs. But, when it comes to loving, I guess my heart is blind. I really should have listened 'Cause, now I'm old and grey .... Just stumbling down that lonely line They call The Lost Highway. It ain't no sense regretting The turns I've made thru life And, I've got no time for fretting On the turns that turned to strife. My woes are far from over. 'Guess they'll never go away .... A heavy load down a winding road They call The Lost Highway. If I had listened closely To the sense my forebears made, I would have found a peaceful town, Settled down and stayed. But, God made me a ramblin' man And, I guess that's why, today .... I find myself on this lonely road They call The Lost Highway. Hank, he wrote about it So, I should have seen the signs. But, when it comes to loving, I guess my heart is blind. I really should have listened 'Cause, now I'm old and grey .... Just stumbling down that lonely line They call The Lost Highway. If There Is No Tomorrow E.W. Smith I watched you walk away, my friend, With heaviness of heart. For, Time has touched the two of us And, I grieve each time we part. Once we were rebellious folk. A'breast of every fray! Now, ... the tides of life have drifted in And, washed our youth away. We scaled the heights of freedom And, we relished every stage! Life became our paper; Each day ... a brand new page. Now ... our tides are waning From that old, familiar pier ... And, each time we say that old goodbye I choke back a brand new tear. For ... how many more tomorrows Are we to have in store Before God puts our frail ships To berth at Heaven's shore? No ... it's not a sign of weakness That makes me want to cry ... You are my best friend in this whole damned world And it hurts to say goodbye. The angels took you home, my friend. To God's celestial touch ... And, I just want to say, in my very own way I Love You Very Much.