John Yaws

We built on a solid foundation of lies-
And then it all crumbled, much to our surprise.
I know that I loved you, no doubt you loved me-
But the dreams we were building just never could be.
...

I guess the most effective-
Of writers, great are small.
Is the one who is objective..
Like a "fly upon the wall".
...

When the rose of romance withers,
And the heart is sere and dry-
And you gaze upon the wreckage-
Of your life and wonder why…
...

I find as I grow older-
I often contemplate-
My foolish past decisions,
My days of tempting fate.
...

I thought I wanted to Fortune-
Then I thought I wanted fame,
For everyone to know me-
My accomplishments proclaim.
...

It is the time of year, I guess-
When folks start thinking back.
Evaluating lives they've lived,
A way of keeping track.
...

I still recall, when, as a child,
I dreamed of grown-up things.
Then after I discovered books-
My fancy did take wings.
...

I just called you up to tell you-
I don't love you anymore.
I'll make it fine without you,
Just the way I did before.
...

I was driving down the highway-
Just headed who knows where...
I said, "I've got it all my way!
Without a single care."
...

I wanted so to call you,
And to hear your tender voice.
I stood beside the pay phone,
And I had to make my choice.
...

You know, I've been a drifter,
For over thirty years.
I've known my share of laughter-
And, likewise shed some tears.
...

I sit here in my study,
And I ponder what to write.
It's cold and rainy out of doors,
A bleak November night.
...

I sat down at the table,
In the shady, roadside park-
Tired from all my driving-
Thought I'd rest till nearly dark-
...

As a youngster in the country-
My world was very small-
The distances around me
Were a most effective wall.
...

It really doesn't matter
Where I've been or what I've done.
It is of no importance
Where I go- Or where I'm from...
...

I somehow can identify,
With your need to flee...
On more than one occasion-
Has that urge come over me.
...

I think of time I've wasted,
In the twilight of my years.
The pleasures I have tasted,
Often mingled with my tears.
...

I've been called a cynic, and maybe that is true.
If so, at least a little of the blame belongs to you.
I've been called hard hearted. I wasn't always so.
But that's a fact, my darling, that you most surely know.
...

A hot cup of coffee, long before dawn-
Denims and leggings, and spurs to put on..
Saddle old Sorrel, the dun, and the bay,
We're facing another long "can to cain't" day.
...

Every man's an actor-
We all play many parts
And operate behind facades-
And rarely bare our hearts.
...