Featuring the works of Andy Patton
by Andy Patton
Words cannot save you,
from the guilt and regret
feelings that I'd never show
I built it up, and then tore it all down
but I was young then,
and I didn't know.
The first time I saw her,
a beauty unseen
covered up in the light of the day
The wheels went in motion-
I thought I should have her-
nothing would stand in my way.
And so, she resisted,
unsure of herself
but I would not be denied
She'd tell me no,
and then give me a smile
so harder and harder I tried.
When at last, she relented,
as I looked in her eyes
shocked at what I could see
This wasn't a game,
it wasn't for fun,
and it clearly was no longer about me.
When I shut the door,
I knew it was over
I left when I should have stayed
She'd write me letters,
and call on the phone
but there were other games to be played.
Time cannot save you,
from the guilt and regret-
feelings I won't get to show
I don't know where you are - and it's too late -
but I'm sorry I was young then,
and I didn't know.
by Andy Patton
One summer day, not long ago
a tiny star fell from the sky
I picked it up and held it near
I listened to it cry
Kept it close, safe and warm
and always by my side
we laughed, we played
we learned new things-
the world I tried to hide
But I could not keep it small, you see
it grows up way too fast
the days the star shines on me
I know they will not last
So back up it goes, tall and true
brightly does it shine
daddy's girl - forever more
that precious star of mine
by Andy Patton
We're sittin pretty little one
now listen what I say
I know it's cold and your belly aches
but I reckon one more day.
One more push up one more ridge
we'll get up there somehow
We've come too far and suffered so
don't give up on me now.
Your mama and your sister
are ridin happy trails
We done tore apart the wagon
for a coffin and some nails.
I guess we should a stayed
back St. Louis way
But your mama she had faith in me
until her dyin day.
I promised her I'd get us thru
and that you would be just fine
A warm home in some pure valley
in the fir and in the pine.
You'll grow up, tall and true
raise a family of your own
I'll see you have it all one day
no fingers to the bone.
Damn I swear I see my mother
right about your eyes
A sweeter woman never known
but the old man told her lies.
I can see her cookin supper
worried lines upon her face
For he had one foot out the door
gone and left no trace.
I prayed this would be our answer
thought we could make a change
A land of opportunity
just off the western range.
I didn't know we'd pay a price
for such a heavy load
I guess we should a never come
down this wagon road.
So hop up on ole Blue
I see weather comin on
Soon sunny skies will warm your bones
dark clouds they will be gone.
Don't you worry, papa's here
and everything's ok
We're sittin pretty little one
now listen what I say.
by Andy Patton
I'm one of many, bright and sleek
we start our lives here in this creek
I'm one of many, small are we
to begin our journey to the sea
I'm one of many, catch some air
this swollen river will get us there
I'm one of many, to the blue and deep
for miles and years and never sleep
I'm one of many, big and strong
smell the water it won't be long
I'm one of many, headed home
back to our stream to never roam
I'm one of two, almost there
so many gone it's never fair
I'm one of two, here's the nest
we'll never leave and never rest
I'm one of two, all scars and weak
we end our lives here in this creek
I'm one of many, still and done
drifting toward the setting sun.
by Andy Patton
These five peaks I got to know,
thru summers heat and winters snow
thru autumns blaze and spring's too fleet,
sunrise at six thousand feet
Moonlit nites as bright as day,
a soft patch of grass where we did lay
past maple leaves and antlers bone,
a million stars yet all alone
Black pups run on a field of white,
hurried geese aligned in flight
hard work will make your garden grow,
these words that rhyme I had to show
A plume of smoke in silhouette,
one dream that I won't soon forget
cool water stings in sweet relief,
we stopped it short in disbelief
A wood so deep for us to play,
now we can leave but always stay
with smiles for you to get back home,
let's plant our feet, no more to roam
So say goodbye to your big sky,
I did not look, I did not try
but found you at the perfect space,
in my faded tracks upon this place
"Who doth greener pastures seek"
I left them all out on Deer Creek
by Andy Patton
Is it so long and farewell then,
enough of this silence and gray
spirits you lost, and the souls you saved,
are still pointing the way
did you make sense of it all,
could you go back there today?
or has it best been forgotten,
in hopes it all fades away
Can you remember the good,
and make your peace with the rest?
we asked for all of your days,
then took only the best
at 7:55 time fell off it's track
all gave up something,
so many never came back
With no second thoughts,
and no doubts in your mind
one people united,
for all of mankind
hard to find the right words,
saying "thanks" just won't do
everyday I can choose,
I'll be thinking of you
We lose a thousand a day,
but no need for goodbye
for you will all be together,
beneath one beautiful sky
may time slow in remembrance,
may time pass in regret
we'll keep this light from the dark,
and never forget.
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