The Singer

I once lived in a small town in a remote part of the country.
Then, after 16 years,
I was shocked to find that I wasn’t fully accepted by
people I looked on as friends.
I left and vowed never to return.

***

The Singer

Where black rocks bare their fangs and roar
and sea shouts angry at the shore,
when rain comes sweeping wet-walled night
and lamps are pools of yellow light
the singer stirs from out the deep
where phantoms of his memory sleep.

He trudges by the lighted inn
as jest and laughter ring within...

“Blood is the bond of brother-love
...deep roots fit others for the glove.
But solo is a finite role
no mirror for the choirs deep soul.

My lonely strain was not a theme
that bound the past to future dream.
I played my part I sang it strong
but feel no call for further song.”

He wanders on along his way
where seas shed tears of spume and spray
now cries the wind as rain comes down
to draw a curtain o’er the town