Random pictures from Kuwait

First of all I apologize for my last post not looking that great. Now for some pictures.

Dressed up for a visit to the Grand Mosque:


Sandstorm from the hotel window:


The famous Highway 80:

Kuwait Journal (pt. 3)

1/05/08: Today we went to Al-Babtain library which is the group that paid for our Jordan trip. It is a very nice library with a lot of rare books, Arabic poetry, books for school from Iraq, etc. Saba and I were looking for the book that helped to inspired Eric Clapton’s song “Layla,” as we were being shown around. I love the view to the outside which shows the gulf not too far away. The building is awesome. I would love to have a library like that always around. Josh, Andrew, and I found out we had to write a paper about the Jordan trip for the director before we left.

After the library we went to the hotel to eat lunch. Then we went to the market for shopping. I was able to get a scarf, hijabs, prayers beads, sheesha, a full sized hookah, and a bunch of CDs. It was a very good shopping trip.

We then headed to the hotel and passed the time before going to talk to Saba’s father. He is a retired General and a lawyer currently. He talked to us about security, terrorism, and the laws of Kuwait. During the discussion everything from the prison system to alcohol to Irish people came up. After saying goodbye we headed to a shop to find a flag of Kuwait for Stephen and me. I think Josh got one too, but Stephen L. and I really wanted one. After getting back I did some writing and hung out with Stephen and Eduardo a lot.

1/06/08: Today was the big day of visiting the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). When we arrived we met Mohammad, and he is the guy that showed us around. After waiting for a bit we were taken to a room to eat breakfast. A presentation was given over the oil in Kuwait, the history, production, and other things involving the history of oil and the company. Afterwards we waited around because the new girl training under Saba and Olimat had to be cleared so we could have our tour.

As we began we were shown different parts of the refinery by bus, and we were even going to be given oil. Of course we had to think about the trouble of getting that on the plane, so we passed on it. It was really interesting to see the different operations rooms and to talk to workers. It is awesome to see all the work that goes into making the plant/refinery work. A lot of it can be over my head as it is more scientific.

Near lunch time we went back to the main office area, and we had a great lunch prepared with American and Kuwaiti food. Afterwards we toured the facility a little more, and Cole convinced them to let us dress up in the jumpsuits the workers wear along with helmets. We all had our picture taken together outside, and we had some of the group showing us around in the pictures too. It was very interesting, and we were there most of the day. We were there from around 8:30 to 3:30.

The day was really cold, and we had a sandstorm moving in which was fun to watch but not fun to breathe as it got closer. I spent time taking pictures from our rooms and writing my report for the director about the Jordan trip while waiting for our next meeting. We were supposed to speak with a female candidate from the last election, but she had to cancel unfortunately. Instead we went to talk to the professor from Kuwait University that we met a few days before. He gave us a tour of his newspaper offices. It was cool to see the place, but I enjoyed just sitting around hearing his thoughts and talking more especially once the dust from the sandstorm stopped bothering me. We talked about media and the U.S. Presidential candidates among other things. When we were done we went back to the hotel to eat and hang out. Stephen, Andrew, and I, maybe others, were going to go smoke sheesha, but we weren’t sure because of the sandstorm earlier. We ended up just hanging in our rooms.

1/08/08: The first thing we did today was going to the grilling of the Education Minister at the Parliament. Cina, Saba, and I had to set separately from the guys. Unfortunately, we had to leave before the grilling. Although it was still neat to see a Parliament session. Afterwards we went to the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce. The guys there were quite informative, and I loved hearing about the silk city that is being planned. The ideas for it look great. After the meeting it was around lunch time, so we all decided to go eat at the market area after dropping Olimat off at the hotel. The food was delicious and so cheap! It costs around one KD from each of us. To eat at the hotel it would have been around 10 KD!

When we were done eating we had to get to the U.S. Embassy. Saba could not make it, so the group went alone. The guys were really interesting. All spoke of their politics and how they had to keep that separate from the job. The first guy was easily a neo-con, and I personally couldn’t stand his views of Guantanamo and other things. It also seemed that he believes the Kuwaitis still owe us, and we can’t make them forget. Luckily the other guy, bigger guy named John, was great. He also kept his views to himself, but it was easy to tell that he is more liberal. He really made the job seem great after hearing the first guy. He is also so intelligent. I was quite impressed by him. Later that night we met with Sarah to talk to her about the trip and say goodbye. She brought gifts for us, and we all really appreciate what we got. I will definitely miss everyone. And it is too bad that Stephen and I fell asleep and didn’t go smoke sheesha since it is our final night. We were tired though. Too bad we have to leave.

1/09/08: Today we left Kuwait. Eduardo, Stephen, Stephen, and I were upgraded I guess. Either that or we had the best seats in economy. It was really nice. The flight went very well. When we got to the airport we made it through customs and said our goodbyes. The two Stephen’s, Andrew, Josh, and myself were trying to figure out a way to get out of NYC and back home. Andrew and I didn’t want to leave if it meant being stuck in St. Louis. Anyway, we all went to the Kuwait Airways counter to get our hotel vouchers. Afterwards we headed to the airtrain so we could go to the AA counter. Andrew’s bag got caught on the escalator, and he missed the airtrain. Josh and Andrew had a misunderstanding, so as we all waited for him he was going to terminal one instead.

Eventually we headed for the counter, and we waited for Andrew there as Josh tried to find out information. Stephen LaChance was able to get a flight back to Texas right away, so we all said our goodbyes to him. Stephen and I thought Josh would go to St. Louis and we would stay, but Josh stayed also. Although we found out that we wouldn’t have to go to LaGuardia the next morning, and we would also get home an hour earlier by leaving at the same time! We immediately changed our tickets and Andrew arrived around that time too. Unfortunately we could not check our luggage. I had too much with the two suitcases, computer bag, purse, and hookah. Luckily, Stephen L. helped me until he left. After that Stephen was able to help me out. We went outside and waited for a cab big enough for our luggage for what seemed liked ages. The guy told us to take the next van or SUV cab, so when we saw one we did. Naturally the guy watching did not know and he gives a ticket to our cab driver! We couldn’t believe it. Although the ticket was only around $3, and we made sure to pay that.

At the hotel we got a menu for a pizza place because we all decided we were too tired to go out. The funny thing is Nick and Cole were there too and they were assigned the same room that Stephen was assigned. Stephen walked in on them. Then I called Stephen, and the guy said, “No, this is Nick.” I hung up, and a second later Stephen comes in Josh’s room. He told us that someone was in his room. I said, “Let me guess his name is Nick.” Stephen shook his head, and he mentioned Cole. Then it connected to me who it was. I had no idea. Naturally I called Nick back and apologized for hanging up. I also let him know about the pizza, and when the pizza arrived we all hung out in Josh’s room to eat. We ordered way too much. When we were done we talked a little. I headed to my room to shower and spend some time on the internet before going to bed.

Kuwait Journal (pt. 2)

1/03/08: Today we went the traditional shipbuilder’s building/museum. It was really great to see all of the model ships. We were told what all the different ships are for, and were even asked questions to see if we understood what a captain of a ship should know. The shop room, where the models are made, was very cool. It is interesting to see how long it takes and the work that goes into the building. Afterwards we headed to the home of Sami. He is an expert regarding Iran and the politics of the area. He spoke at great length about Iran, weapons, and his career working independently from governments. He was very articulate, smart, and nice. We had a traditional Kuwaiti meal made by his sisters. It was delicious! The pumpkin curry was the best. I could not get enough of it. Meeting Sami is definitely one of my favorite moments of this trip.

1/04/08: Today we went to the mosque. Well, the guys went to the mosque. Cina, Saba, and I were trying to find a place for us to get covered up. We decided to drive to an area where we could get out. Cina actually drove the bus! Granted I can sort of drive a stick shift, but I was not about to drive a bus in Kuwait. It was a little nerve-racking, but it was fun! And it was hilarious how we had to maneuver around the other vehicles. Then after the guys were done they went the wrong way, so we had to go pick them up. That was great.

Afterwards, I guess we had a free day, so we went to a grocery store for water and snacks before heading to the Iraq/Kuwait border. I was hoping we could cross over for a second and get our passports stamped! The grocery store was interesting. I thought I would find a bathroom before going, and as I was looking a guy was following me. Then he kept asking me to follow him by waving his hand. I was afraid because he asked if I was American. And was I ever in for a surprise. As I was waiting for a key to the bathroom he came over closer and tried to grab my hand. Then he grabbed himself! I was so disgusted! Luckily, I looked upstairs and saw Cina. I said there is my friend and pointed before dashing up to her and Andrew. Cina was so surprised when I told her. I could not believe it. The good thing is we got out of there and headed for the border. It was pretty cool to be there and get our pictures taken. It is too bad the chaos of that country. Of course and the checkpoint we had to turn back.

On our way back we went off road to a tent. The guys didn’t seem that welcoming to us, so we left before too long. We weren’t going too long again before we were off road, and saw a bunch of camels. We spent awhile with them, and it was a lot of fun. Some of the group went for short rides, and the crazy thing is how afraid Saba is of camels! She had me watch Bebe and take pictures of her. We all really enjoyed being around the camels. It was the first time for some of the group to see camels in person! The Bedouins who owned the camels invited us to their tent. They were very nice, and it was fun to sit and hang out. Bebe accidently kicked my tea all over me because she could not sit still. Before we left we found out the guys offered to kill a camel for dinner for us. I am glad we didn’t do that. First of all, that is a lot of work. Second, I did not want to eat a camel especially after being around them! When we got back to the hotel we had time to eat and hang out a little. Later we went to Starbucks to drink coffee, talk, and hang out at a popular spot for Kuwaitis.

A.J. Roach - Revelation

Great album. Check it out.
http://www.mediafire.com/?0hcwv4hgtm9

Official website:
http://www.roachmusic.com/

Soon

I will post the last half of my Kuwait journal soon. I hope to have it up tonight. The trip was magnificent, and I don't even think the journal does it justice anyway.

Some pictures

A preview of all the pictures. So many more are available at photobucket.

Never mind

Edit

My Kuwait trip so far

Kuwait Journal

12/28/07-12/29/07: Andrew and I left Poplar Bluff late which had us arriving around 3:00 a.m. in Springfield. I had to rush around washing/drying clothes, taking a shower, and packing before we had to take a cab. We left later than we wanted to, but getting at the airport at 5:30 a.m. was not a problem. We met up with Stephen, Josh, and I met Cina for the first time. All of us going to Kuwait were “randomly checked.” The lady told me it was random, and then asked if I was with a group. I pointed out the other four in my group. It’s something we laugh about with the supposed randomness of the check. All went well, and we flew to St. Louis which was a four hour wait. When we got to NYC we had a six hour wait until 9:15 p.m., so we decided to go out and eat. We weren’t very organized and had a tough time deciding what to do in the end, but we found out that our flight was delayed until 2:00 a.m. and then 5:00 a.m. in the end. Cina decided to go see a friend, so the rest of us went together. At Rockefeller Square we got separated leaving Stephen with Josh and Andrew and I together. Ultimately we saw Central Park, Rockefeller Square and then Andrew and I saw different areas including Times Square. There was a lot of walking and we dreaded leaving Angelo’s by Letterman’s studio, but when we did it was a short walk to 53^rd and 5^th Avenue. We were surprised. It seemed like we walked miles from it. I guess we did, but it was all around the same area. Anyway, we were the last to get back, so our voucher for the Holiday Inn meant nothing as there were no more rooms. After a long ride on the subway one way we got off to soon. A cool Jamaican guy helped us out, and we found out if we stayed on we would be heading back to the air train. We took an unnecessary 45 minutes or so. Once we made it to the airport we got our tickets and waited for the Holiday Inn bus for at least 45 minutes. Finally we made it back to the hotel. Once again we had no sleep. There was no use considering we had to be at the airport around 3 a.m. We used our vouchers given to us by the airline to get a few sandwiches, fruit, and drinks right at closing of the bar and restaurant. I was dying for water and juice. We all talked and took short showers to feel cleaner. Once we got to the airport we had a fun time making of Captain Obvious. Cpt. Obvious being the guy explaining the security check. Everything from the difference between liquids and other substances to how a conveyor belt works was explained. He mentioned my laughing and commenting when I got up to the point to show my passport. The guy was cool and found it funny. We waited a few hours for boarding. We boarded around an hour after the 4:30 time. On the flight I tried to sleep most of the way as it was really hot most of the time, and I really had nothing to do plus I was running on no sleep for awhile.

12/30/07: We arrived at the airport today. Nice airport. It’s nothing huge or super fancy, but very nice looking. We got our luggage after a wait where Olimat was being checked out. Everyone had their luggage arrive safely except for Stephen E. It is weird because it is not like his luggage blends in completely. We waited around for him to report it, and then we got on the bus to get to the hotel. I don’t even know where to begin in regards to the amazing hotel. We pulled up on a sweet Four Points Sheraton! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Once we got inside we all had our mouths dropped open. We sure didn’t expect something this great no matter what Olimat said. I was astounded that I’m paying such a minimal price and staying there on top of everything else. I am so thankful for this trip for sure. And if the people being nice along with the lobby wasn’t enough we got to our rooms and soaked in everything told to us after seeing the beautiful rooms. We have free room service, buffet meals, mini bar fridge, laundry service, and local calls. Free! Insanely cool. After five hours of sleep we gathered downstairs in the lobby to head to a meeting with Abdullah Al-Khalidi, director of the Foreign Media Dept. of the Ministry of Information. He was a very nice guy that told us about the freedom of the media there, and compared to some countries he was quite right. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about others in the country. After that we headed to the Kuwait Stock Exchange. It was quite an experience to see all doing their work. Next, we headed to the Grand Mosque. It’s the seventh biggest in the world counting Mecca and Medina. It is an amazing, beautiful building without a doubt. The special reception room was off the charts really. Ever moving we continued on to meet Dr. Naser Al-Saneh, parliament member. He was a very nice guy, but I was weary of what he said about women. He said he supports their right to vote. I am not so sure. The room though. Wow! It was awesome. I’m continually amazed by the architecture and styles of buildings and rooms. At this rate I won’t have any adjectives to use without being redundant. Later that night we went to the market which was a lot of fun. One street reminded me of Fremont in Vegas without the images on the ceiling though and with a traditional Arabic market area. I know what I mean even if I cannot describe it.

12/31/07: At 9:00 a.m. we had a meeting at Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. I really enjoyed hearing about their work and how it’s expanded outside the Arab region. I really couldn’t think of anything to ask, but the questions asked helped to clarify. At 10:00 we went to the Humanitarian Operations Center (HOC) which I greatly enjoyed. I think I would like to work for them as long as they are in operation. It is sort of a place that brings NGO’s, governments, etc. together to help out in Iraq when it comes to medicine, food, etc. They seem really helpful though I’m disappointed that people are pulling out of their when troops pull out of Iraq. HOC is a good thing. It is not about hurting people. Lt. Col. Johnson works there, and she seemed quite nice, and I think she really enjoys helping on the medical side. Although I think she was justifying the war somewhat when I heard certain things she said and the way she said it. I could be wrong, but that is my view. Afterwards we went back to the hotel to eat and hang out, and at 5:30 we met the Kuwaiti Women Society. They make sure they have great press coverage for sure. Then again they should. I really couldn’t focus with 12 cameras flashing in my face non-stop plus one crew recording. It seems the group really tries to do great things to advance the rights of women. I love that since I’m a feminist myself. Anyone should be though. I need to read the information given to us to find out how much more they do other than helping educate women about voting, breast cancer, and other concerns. We ended up stopping at the Kuwait Towers afterwards to take pictures and I guess reserve for our dinner later in the week. It was an amazing view being 600 or so feet up looking over Kuwait City. The building itself is beautiful especially at night. We finally made it to the main Sheraton for our New Year’s Eve party. The place was even more amazing than our hotel! The food was delicious per usual, and we really started to get the party hopping an hour or so before NYE. We even did a countdown in Arabic and shouted “Happy New Year!” I am not so sure noise makers should be given to our group. Also, I think we broke a law along with the waiters and some of the Kuwaitis there. It was a blast! To end the night most of us headed to a sheesha place close by. In the end Eduardo, Stephen, Andrew, and I were left there after about two hours. We got back to the hotel around 2:30.

1/01/08: Today was pretty much a free day. We first went to see some Kuwaitis with Harley-Davidsons. Some members of the group went for rides. It was pretty cool to see, and the guys were cool. After we went to the area of the gulf with the mall and looked around. I saw a Hard Rock Café, and I had to go there. Josh, Eduardo, Stephen, Stephen (Texas), Andrew, and I went. It was nice to see though quite small. I bought a shirt for a souvenir. Afterwards we went to look at the harbor area and wait around. Unfortunately, Cole ate something with peanuts and had to be taken to the hospital. I was somehow oblivious to this, and maybe Eduardo and Stephen (Texas) were too. We went to the Virgin Megastore since I could not resist. I bought four Arabic CDs and could have easily gotten more. When we found our way back to the bus everyone but Olimat, Cole, and Saba were there. That is when I found out about the allergy. We waited and waited and eventually they showed up. We made it back to the hotel in time for a late lunch before going back to our rooms. We thought about seeing a movie or something as we had the night completely to ourselves. All of us ended up asleep. I fell asleep from 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. I have been up since then with no plans to go back to sleep until tonight.

1/02/08: As I said, I’ve been up forever today so far. I have had time to upload photos, catch up on the journal, talk to friends, email, and I’ve been drinking everything juice from the mini bar fridge. I went down for breakfast for the first time. It was really good. We met in the lobby around 10:00 a.m. to go to the Kuwait National Museum. It is about the occupation and liberation mainly although also the history of Kuwait such as independence in 1961. It was really cool actually with the models and lights to document the history in sort of a play scene with models. I think it’s understandable, but I am not sure how to describe this all of a sudden. Our next stop was the Parliament again. We were supposed to meet Marzouk Al-Hubain of the Foreign Affairs Committee, but unfortunately someone was in an accident. We did get a tour though which was cool. We sat in the Head of Parliament’s chair and later in the Amir’s chair. Our last stop today was the Sabu Museum to show traditional outfits, carpets, etc. that are made. It is to preserve the history of Kuwait. Some beautiful items there at the museum. Not too long ago we came back to the hotel for lunch, and we are probably about to go out and smoke sheesha. At 6:00 p.m. the guys will go to a party of the men from a wedding. We are still a little unclear about it. Cina, Saba, and I will go do something else. Saba will probably show us around somewhere. I am not sure.

Suffocate Me

I want love to come on down and suffocate me
Does it pain you to see
Someone enjoying your sad, fucked company
Get used to it honey
I’m going nowhere fast
This love is a slow burn killer like the cigarettes you have
In my lungs I’ll breathe it in
22 or 93 I’ll die of a broken heart disease
But you’re lucky you are getting no second hand effect
If you breathed it in maybe you would
Although pure, unfiltered it will burn you up fast
You can’t take this shit if your soul’s too black
Yeah, you can’t take this shit if you can’t give a little back

So let love come on down and suffocate me
Bury me in its avalanche to see who resuscitates me
Could be it’s all in vain but I don’t feel any shame

While I can’t breathe I wonder if it’s killing you
‘Cause you are all alone still and can do as you please
And I’m all alone to do the same
But I’m not afraid that you’ll change me into a stranger
If you love me it’ll be for me
And if I want you to stay awhile it won’t be to build you up to an image I see

Please, love fall down and suffocate me
Let’s enjoy the sad, fucked company

In The Womb

In the womb
Warm and safe
Why go forward
Where I’ll have no face
Just another number
Of the human race
Just another body
To participate
In this earthly disgrace

Bury me not in your coffin
Let me regress to the beginning
Innocence of thought
No social training
Love of my fellow man
No everyday killing in the name

Bury me not in your ideology
Going back is best for me
In the womb
Retreat from this mess

In the womb
Warm and safe
Where innocence still has a place

Jeff Hanson - Jeff Hanson

I don't feel like writing much about this right now, but if you like Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, or others in that vein I think you'll like Jeff Hanson. Give him a try.
Link in comments.

And from the biography section of http://www.jeffhanson.net:

Jeff Hanson's voice may be unique, but it has very little to do with the actual sound of it. Rather, the St. Paul, Minnesota singer-songwriter's musical vocabulary and songwriting prowess makes his oft-mentioned high voice seem like a moot point.

Hanson cut his teeth playing in Midwestern emo-rockers M.I.J., but opted to trade the Marshalls for Martins upon going solo. Jeff was signed to Olympia, Washington's influential Kill Rock Stars label based on a demo alone, to give you an idea of what kind of first impression the singer/songwriter leaves. His first solo album, 2003's critically acclaimed Son, followed, to almost unanimously glowing reviews.

While fan's of Son won't be disappointed to find any real departures on Jeff Hanson, they will be struck by the vast maturity the young songwriter has undergone since that album. No, he's not singing baritone now. But the new album's songs are more fleshed out than its predecessor, concentrated as ever on the craft of songwriting, sonically bolder, and more meticulously arranged. It also shows Hanson, having already paid his respect to his record collection, continuing to find his own songwriting voice.

Following in the tradition of great songwriters from John Lennon to Nick Drake, and great vocalists from the Everly Brothers to Simon & Garfunkel, Hanson's sweet falsetto and ear for melody distinguish each of the ten tracks on his new, self-titled album from any other artist. While reverent enough to leave telling footprints leading back to both the Beatles and Folkways legacies, Hanson's sound is all his own - he's just smart enough to have all the right influences.

You know those records where every track sounds like a dynamic first song or an epic last song? Albums you imagine were hard to sequence, because it's often difficult to front load an album of minor masterpieces? Albums on which every song catches you off guard? Albums that, even at close to an hour in length, breeze by like EPs? That's Jeff Hanson. Listen and hear for yourself.

Truth In The Symmetrical

This is from April/May of 2006. If I remember correctly someone at a Pearl Jam message board had the line "lacing the floor boards with what's uncertain" or part of that, and wanted to see what others would write. I ended up having this just spill out of me.

Truth In the Symmetrical

The moon shines through the curtain
Lacing the floor boards with what’s uncertain
Embroidering the carpet with a new illusion
And two bodies in a physical fusion
Searching for a heart beating in time
Looking for the truth in each symmetrical line
Of the form next to her tonight

If his mind can stay his body will follow
If he can drown, he’ll drown in her
She’s never been living in the shallow
And if he needs faith it can be her
She would never preach falsely to him
Her love is a knot that can’t be untied
He is not man enough for her he sighs
Insecurities can end a love before it begins
Devil on your shoulder, call it what you will, it’s a sin
Look for yourself with eyes wide open
Possibilities are endless with the answer to your question

And don’t you know if it started over she would love you again
She was told it’s not living without pain
He believes it in his heart -- a true solitary man
He’ll take the pain without the happiness of this woman
She knows that every side can be two-fold
They could grow together be happy and old

Searching for a heart beating in time
Looking for the truth in each symmetrical line
Of the form next to her tonight
If his mind can stay his body will follow
If he can drown, he’ll drown in her
She’ll be his life vest at each uncertain turn
Never waver, never change
Even caught within his moody ways

And she was told it’s not living without pain
He believes it in his heart -- a true solitary man
He can't find the truth in any symmetrical plan
No, he won't allow it
That's his kind of stance

Ideal Place Called Nowhere

Ideal Place Called Nowhere

Is this a waltz
A dance where we participate
Anticipate, estimate
I like you, you don’t like me
You like me, I don’t like you
A futile movement of a lifetime game
A feeling that puts me to shame
I walk away to avoid your pushing
But I’m not far, I’m within reaching distance
I need some faith, something to seal my compliance
I need some hate, something to be defiant
I’ve got nothing and I’ll like it
No telling how long it will take
But the best of it I’ll make

Love isn’t free no matter how much it’s said
Love isn’t blind because we can see
You would have to be blind to make that true
Love isn’t in your bed, love isn’t anywhere
It’s just in my head
An ideal place called nowhere
Just a place called nowhere

Nowhere is where I go
If I need to be wanted
Nowhere is what I need
After plunging my heart in the sea
Nowhere is cold, but that’s good
Because I’m dead to me
But seriously, my heart you see
It committed treason on me
It went and felt love when I was avoiding
The longing is just a way to show there is no belonging
I severed my ties to love a long time ago
Before I even needed hope for such a thing
I must have tripped over the severed ties
Because I fell in such a way I wouldn’t believe

Love isn’t free no matter how much it’s said
Love isn’t blind because we can see
You would have to be blind to make that true
Love isn’t in your bed, love isn’t anywhere
It’s just in my head
An ideal place called nowhere
Just a place called nowhere

I’ve got nothing and I’ll like it
I’ve got nothing and I’m gonna like it!!!
Yes, I am

Walking Contradiction

Another January 2006 contribution, but this was written before the last two posted.


Walking Contradiction

What’s one to do
What am I to think
I don’t pray
Yet I’m on my knees
And pleading

I work to slave
I work to save
Material not for me
Yet I’m buying
And dying

Walking contradiction
Of who I am
Here is my contrition
Try to be the best I can

Love the human race
But even I hate
Sometimes I don’t care
Yet I’m trying
And crying

Animal or man
Change the plans
I understand
Yet I’m confused
And teaching

Walking contradiction
Of who I am
Here is my contrition
Try to be the best I can

I don’t pray
Yet I’m on my knees
And pleading

Just a walking contradiction
Of who I am

Delirious

This was written the same day as the last piece posted.

Delirious

Swirling thoughts in your head
Go on keep dreaming
Let the colors dance behind your eyelids
When you sleep
I bet I could fall in deep
A fall so far it would hurt me
Since you don’t love me
I just wanted to feel
I just wanted you to feel

Grief never shows beauty
It doesn’t look good on me
Rage isn’t the best look for you
It leaves you lost in your solitude
And I didn’t want to be a burden
Tragic end at the final curtain
I just wanted to feel
I just wanted you to feel

I felt like a soul mate
I felt heart heavy
I was on a train to fate
Looking for a reason…for me

Love is misery
Love is hell
Love is free
Love is swell
Love is beating me
Everyday, everyway
Too bad I’m serious
In love, delirious

And when you sleep
I bet I could fall in deep
A fall so far it would hurt me
Since you don’t love me

I just wanted to feel
I just wanted you to feel

Ribcage

This is something short I wrote in January of 2006.

Ribcage

It’s your rib, rib, rib
My origin, my crib
It’s your rib, rib, rib
Existing to be solid
Oh, I should be thankful
Thankful for the lie

That one part your missing
We should fit like a glove
Receive like a message from above

My origin, my crib
Oh, I should be thankful
Thankful for the lie

Streetcore - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros

Joe Strummer. I think this man quite possibly embodies everything good in the world. It is too bad he went way too soon. And by being that embodiment, even with his flaws that we all have, he made some of the greatest music around. Whether it was with the 101'ers, The Clash, solo, or later in life with the Mescaleros. His music speaks to the very soul of me. Music of redemption, political and social consciousness, and music of fun. Check this album out. It was his last.

Link in comments. And remember to buy this as soon as you can.

Missing What I Never Had

Missing What I Never Had

I’m starting to miss
What I haven’t had
You know they tell me
Give it some time
It won’t be so bad
Yet it hurts
And it’s something I’ve never had
How can I miss
What you won’t give
How can I miss
What I haven’t lived

If I’d never seen the sun
Would I miss the light being gone
If I never had fun
Why would sadness make me feel alone

But I’m starting to miss
What I haven’t had
Ain’t one drug that can
Turn my mind back
Cause I’m missing
What I’ve never had

If there was no love
Why do I miss it so
Can anyone answer me

Oh, oh yeah
Oh, oh yeah
I’m starting to miss
What I haven’t had

Oh, oh yeah
And there’s not one damn drug
Can turn my mind back
Cause I’m missing
I’m missing so bad
I’m missing what I never had

Our Friend

Our Friend

Ever so often you go talking
Talking to anyone walking along
Who will listen now
And on your face you wear the look
The look of hate you couldn’t learn from a book
And hook, line, sinker
They are hooked

A smirk of stupidity
Disguises somehow insipidity
And you kiss the babies
Leaves them smiling
Go tell the family
He’s really our friend
The world could come to an end
But we’ll be here
He’s really our friend

Oh god damn, what a lie we live
Oh no, we drown in it
But he’s a friend
A true blue friend

Nuclear fall-out
End of life possibilities
Sacrifice
Become our vice
Oh, it’s taking a life
But we’ll be here
My friend makes it clear
Superiority you see
Jesus selected me
From sea to shining sea

And hook, line, sinker…

The world could come to an end
But we’ll be here
He’s really our friend

Searching Blind

Searching Blind

Heavy dose of you
Like death from above
I’m to serve you
You’re the only one
And I’m like you
Same flesh and blood

All of us take the drug
Think like we’re told
Opiate for the masses
Social structure, higher classes
Doesn’t bother, thoughts are sold
Same damn story is getting old

I’ve never seen a thing
All the words come from your friends?
Give me a sign, more than the clouds in the sky
Speak more than some prophet’s sigh
It’s coming closer the end of time
And with these eyes I’m searching blind
With this mind I’m searching high

All my friends tow that line
Sweet sedative of the mind
Greatest story of all-time
When the pill dissolves what will I find?

And with these eyes I’m searching blind
With this mind I’m searching high
Angel wings might let you fly
But they’re back ordered with halos in the sky

And with these eyes I’m searching blind
Don’t know what I’ll find
But I’ll take it with a grain of salt
That’s why…
I’m searching blind