An In-Their-Own-Words-Tribute

Inspired by Tim Grimm's riveting song "Dreaming of King Lear" as well as creations from other artists now passed. Thank you, make that bless you, for your musical illuminations

They weren't entertainers, artists of life if you will

all about humanity's truths and universal mysteries

their scriptures often complete stoppers of time

being terms of enrichment to those willing to hear

 

Al Grierson served as fire, fuse and muse

his ashes the flowers of the flames

always for the roses and the bread

and a non-pareil roller away of stones

 

Bill Morrissey being of that kind of mystery

peering into eyes and living forever

publishing reports from music heaven

with so many things in his life being unchosen

 

Dave Carter's borderline of death and resurrection

where a kick-ass Walmart tie wasn't de riguer

his songs the only sacred ground some knew

as we carried burdens in the cradle of his grace

 

It was Jerusalem mañana for David Olney

with eyes that were never blind

to the oak trees blossoming roses

and Barabbas only living for today

 

John Prine never had nothin' to say

let's kiss his ever so wry ass aloha

for offering a plaintive 'hello in there'

even when Daddy's arm had a nasty hole

 

Stan Rogers never booked a Northwest Passage

nor a life as a humble keeper of the lock

those being chains to some, life anchors for others

his work not to be lost to the knowledge of man

 

Terence Martin may or may not have been waterproof

but who knows 'cause that's the way it didn't go

yes, the problem is certainly in the human

it's that damn graffiti in the chambers of the heart

 

Eric Taylor traveled in sacred circles

so when the boatmen stole the Africans

did God ride or row

with the Angelina River always at his back?

 

Jack Hardy kindly offered to come by

if he ever passes this way again

to remind all who have gathered

that it's not the singer, it's the song

 

They weren't entertainers, artists of life if you will

all about being, humanity's truths and universal mysteries

their scriptures often complete stoppers of time

being terms of enrichment to those willing to hear