Ben Shaw

I see sailboats finding better shores 
Ships built with three masts or more 
Other men fat off the catch they bore 
And I'm wondering how long I've been anchored for 

Diesel from the harbor is thick in my breath 
Pushing out what fresh air I had left 
Salt water rusts the parts I need to fix this busted up machine 
Currents pull but I try to keep the canvas clean 
Soon sails will fill with hopes of reaching home 
That storms will break and make way as you roam 
Keep land to your starboard side and be weary of the…

Alarm kicks on the radio 
Picking out words to a song I know 
Sunlight through an open door 
Shining on scars that weren’t there before 

Fell asleep in dirty clothes 
With muddy shoes and battered bones 
My body aches from heavy loads 
A mind weighed down by a laden soul 

Kettle will be ready soon 
Singing out its lonesome tune 
Morning tea that speaks to you 
Warming in ways my words can’t do 

Staring at your empty shoes 
Waiting until you have to choose 
Trying hard not to move 
Taking sips like you got nothing to 

…

I told you once, told you twice 
But you chose not to take advice from me 
Told you three times, thought you'd learn 
You can't change the direction that we turn 
By running in place, the world can't keep pace 
You lean to speak but hesitate, the time wasn't right 

It's hard to see you in any other light 
Than the one that hangs above your bed 
And although this diner may be brighter 
Makes it easier to hide behind your 
Sense of righteous sympathy 

Sarcasm seemed like your domain 
With each joke your interest wains…