The Last Gramophone

I have wept your words so many times; their hurt’s become my own,
These groves worn thin, then begin again; myth and memory intoned.
An impostor I, to sing your songs, they could never sound the same,
These crippled fingers cannot hold the hands that once chronicled such pain.

I am not the breath, the soft wet sweet, that carries out the harm,
I am not the breeze that falls your hair; such gently misplaced charm.
I am not the pen in steady hand that writes the words you feel,
I am not script that captures it, too honest and surreal.
I am not the tears that trace your cheek, but jealous of their touch,
I am not the sun that warms your skin, I envy oh so much.
I am not the hope and innocence, still residing in your words,
I am not the sighs and unslept nights, nor apologies never heard.

All I am is gears and wood; all too human this empty shell,
Cursed and blessed to but repeat, these songs I know too well.
Before you sleep, this sound you’ll keep; all I can give you is my heart:
It stops and starts,
It stops and starts,
It stops and starts,
It stops and…

Written 2010 © Charles L. Liotta

A Night On Earth

Sew your tale of star-crossed love across the stars tonight,
Rest well between Orion’s arms and yon adoring sky.
I’ve always known the moments here were stolen from the Gods,
My heart has sinned and body placed my mind and soul at odds.
Exiled earth where men are weak is where one must be brave ,
Immortality is archaic with both feet upon your grave.
So cast your eyes, such gentle spies, down to the world below,
Wait for fate with patient gate to pass with tales of woe.

Here we are tonight, in an embrace we can’t remit,
I, seeking a night to remember, you, a few moments to forget.
Forgive my fumbling fingers, they are feeling for your sighs,
As we dream of all the music that makes you close your eyes.
In a time when sad songs mean more, all songs seem so sad,
Honest whispers waste what once again has failed at being had.
Am I a fool not to remember, or a fool to still believe,
Here I wait for you to fall in love, though it will never be with me.

Written 2000 © Charles L. Liotta