Have Names!
sirens and lights
rape the night sky;
beaten, terrorized,
loaded like cattle
and taken away.
while on the stage,
the puppets turn,
voices piped in from afar....
the homeless family
breaks in a vacant house....
the children hushed and
huddling for warmth....
lights from a passing car,
on the sign, foreclosed!
food scraps taken from the trash,
a dog barking down the street.
pepper spray, batons, a blanket....
and a gas station closed....
even the pumps have names!
poem by Eric Cockrell
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Related quotes
Surroundings-36
Just out of station-Chain Verse
Just out of station
Station back found out just
Vacant neighbour's house
House without neibhour's dogs
Dogs that strayed all time
Timelessly barking to threaten
Threatened street sighing freed just
poem by Indira Renganathan
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Swollen (Final Chapter)
they talked throught the night
as the candle burned down, exchanging
the stories of their lives.
then finally, they just sat in the stillness,
listening to the walls of the old house
breathe.
he thought about his life, the work, the
family, the love... all gone.
she whispered, 'be still, they're coming...'
the lights of the cruiser inched up the
street. stopping, they shone a light into
the old house, like fingers probing.
they sat motionless, afraid to move..
finally, they moved on.
'they'll be back, someone's called...' she
began to cry.
he sat up and dug in his pocket. pulling
out a wadded up old black and white photo,
he straightened it out, taking out a fifty
dollar bill.
'i want you to have it... when they go to chasing
me, take the baby, and run...'
before she could say anything, he was up and
out the door.
he crouched in the bushes at the end of the drive.
when he saw the cruiser coming, he stood up and
let out a whoop. he took off running as fast as he
could go, trying to put distance between them and
the old house
when they finally cornered him, one street over, he
put up a struggle. as they beat him to the ground
with their batons, he imagined he could see the lights
of a car going down the street. it was the last thing
he ever remembered!
poem by Eric Cockrell
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Turn Some More Lights On
Roy orbison
Turn some more, turn some more
Turn some more lights on
Turn some more, turn some more
Turn some more lights on
I came by your house last night
I was feeling so blue
We didnt have a date
I was lonely for you
I walked all the way
To break my heart in two
I saw the lights turned way down low
Oh, someone else was kissing you
Turn some more, turn some more
Turn some more lights on
Turn them all, turn them all
Turn them all back on
Make him leave, make him leave
Make him leave, leave you alone
Im standing in the rain
See you there with him
Oh theres so much pain
See the lights so dim
I see you smile that same old smile
In that same old way
But you smiled, you smiled, you smiled at me
Oh yesterday, yesterday
Turn some more, turn some more
Turn some more lights on
Turn them all, turn them all
Turn them all back on...
song performed by by Roy Orbison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Morning Lights Outside The Kitchen Door...
must it be habit
that makes you turn off the light
outside the kitchen
at the break of day
when the birds start to
sing their songs
you save on electricity
in the same manner that you budget
your time and
money
i've tried it once
not putting off the lights from morning
till night
some early birds that pick the early worms
passing by the house
with closed doors and windows
with lights not switched off
think that i am
dead
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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I Dont Even Know Their Names!
his spirit left his body,
and walked through the hells.
a firm voice spoke:
'keep your eyes open,
look, and see! '
he saw dark skinned children,
their bodies frail and thin,
their features carved with hunger.
he saw women and children,
running from the bombs,
young men gunned down,
in the streets.
he saw the homeless family,
sleeping in a beaten old car,
hoping no one would come
to make them move.
he saw the young addict shaking,
the young woman helpless,
her baby crying in the bare apartment.
he saw the young man sent to prison,
trying to hide his fear,
a fear so strong they
could smell it on him!
he saw the woman who'd been beaten,
the man jobless and angry.
he saw millions of Native Americans,
slaughtered, and left for the crows.
he saw the old couple hungry,
in their apartment with no lights,
and no heat in the dead of winter...
'i cant take it any more,
what has this got to do with me?
i dont even know their names! '
'their names are anybody, and everybody...
they are why you must return.
they are your children, your
brothers and sisters, your father
and your mother...
they are your responsibility!
you must return to finish the work! '
poem by Eric Cockrell
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The Gospel, The Dharma, And The Breath
the darkened streets
haunt and whisper,
lights come and go,
eternity breaks the glass.
and right and wrong,
frozen on the ground...
smokestacks, abandoned cars,
vacant buildings ran by rats.
the hungry hand,
the mouth of poverty.
the addict's needle,
the body in the alley.
the woman beaten,
her face blackened and bloody.
the click of the hammer
on an empty chamber.
and the houses beckon,
with lighted rooms
where shadows move in
a most familiar way.
the smell of food,
and the warmth contained...
never quite reaching
the children sleeping
in the back of the car.
the churches gone dark,
no sound, no action.
down the street the bars
light up the night.
at a corner table,
he sits alone with a drink...
and a book he just opened...
he writes with a pen,
sure that no one can see:
we are the gospel,
we are the dharma...
we died on the cross,
we gave up our kingdoms.
we are the healers,
but the killers...
we are the medicine,
and yet the guns.
we are the hand dipped
in the infected wound...
and yet we are the giver
of that very wound...
both the breath of Satan,
and the breath of God!
from our knees we learn
the gift of flight!
poem by Eric Cockrell
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How Many Lights Do You See?
How many lights do you see?
How many lights do you see?
There's one to say that night has come
And there's one that guards this jagged shore
And there's one to call the children home
And there's one to light the path they take
How many lights do you see?
How many lights do you see?
There's one to keep the shadows off
And there's one that tells me she got home
And there's one to read his novel by
And there's one that warms this dreary room
And there's one to watch the baby sleep
And there's one to count the blinking stars
And there's one that I just can't forget
And there's one that I remember too
How many lights do you see?
How many lights do you see?
There's one that waits for closing time
And there's one that gets left on all night
And there's one that marks the western sky
And it shines down on the quiet street
And there's one that floods the darker parts
And there's one that hurts my tired eyes
And there's one that says she's not asleep
And there's one that waits for her to wake
How many lights do you see?
How many lights do you see?
There is one that spills out on the beach
And it sparkles on the jetting rocks
And there is one that waits for tired ships
That sleep within this tired port
song performed by by Bright Eyes
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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An Accident
Among the rain
and lights
I saw the figure of a woman
hazy in the rain
against the furious lights of the car
in the middle of the city
it is tense
i mean the feeling when you are
in the middle of the street and it is raining
and there are furious lights of the car
on a busy street
and what you see
is the figure of a woman
against the howls
of the sirens of the ambulance
and people running
wanting to see
what happens finally
inside that
yellow line
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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Lights Out
Wind blows back and the batons charging
It winds all the way
Right to the butt of my gun
Maybe now your time has come
From the back streets theres a rumblin
Smell of anarchy
No more nice time, bright boy shoe shines
Pie in the sky dreams
* lights out, lights out in london
Hold em tight til the end
Better now you know well never
Wait til tomorrow
Lights out, lights out in london
Hold em tight til the end
God knows when Im comin on [my] run
Heaven help those who help themselves
Thats the way it goes
The frightening thoughts of whats been taught
And now it shows
* repeat
[instrumental]
* repeat
You keep comin, theres no runnin
Tried a thousand times
Under your feet grass is growin
Time we said goodbye
* repeat
Lights out, lights out in london
Lights out, lights out in london
song performed by by Ufo
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Young Lover
One life to live
No time to pretend
No wins no loss
No heroes in the end
No dreams no plans no promises
Young lover
Just turn out the lights
One kiss
One softly whispered yes
No talk oh no, no tears
No hearts to repossess
No names no chains no hostages
Young lover
Just turn out the lights
Slip under the cover
Of the night
Young lover young lover young lover
Everythings all right
Young lover
Just turn out the lights
song performed by by Gino Vanelli
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Red Lights
Red lights - on the highway
Headlights - blinding my eye
Red lights - keep me waiting
White lights - drive me insane
Red lights - in the city
Streetlights - high in the night
Searchlights - Im looking for someone
Red lights - young bloods alright
Try as I can but (? )
I cant keep away
No no no no way
Red lights - she knows what Im here for
Headlights - look me in the eye
Red lights - are you looking for danger
White lights - drives me insane
Try as I can but (? )
I cant keep away
No no no, not for one day
Red lights - no questions
Streetlights c youths desire(? )
Red lights - burning desire
White lights c put you to bed (? )
Red lights- in the city
Streetlights - shadow the night
Sunshine - if you need some one
Headlights - that young bloods alright
Try as I can but (? )
I cant keep away
Not today
She brings me to my knees
Try as I can but (? )
I cant keep away
I want you babe(? )
Red lights - oh, I want you
Red lights - I need it
Red lights - you get too heavy
Red lights
song performed by by Uriah Heep
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Lights Go Down
(the lights go down...)
One day
I gotta get out of here
I gotta make everything clear
I gotta see you, oh, oh.
I know
The way that I feel is wrong, so wrong
But I gotta carry on
When you aint around.
Chorus:
I believe things are going wrong
And the night goes on and on
All your dreams have flown away
And the sun wont shine today.
The lights go down (I want you, baby)
The lights go down (I need you, baby)
The lights go down
And theres no one around.
I know
Youre waiting so close to me
But how will you ever see
As time rolls away?
Lonely
But trying to be so proud
And just as I turn around
The lights go down.
Repeat chorus:
The lights go down (I want you, baby)
The lights go down (I need you, baby)
The lights go down
And theres no one around...
song performed by by Electric Light Orchestra
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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See The Light
Well I came down here from manhattan
to see the lights on the mall
but when I got here early this morning
well I couldn't see any at all
so I walked a little further
and much to my surprise
there was a hot cool woman
in a chevy staring into my eyes
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
Alright
She said now don't walk any further
Just jump into my car
And we can head on down the highway
But you'd better not go too far
'Cos my daddy he's big business
So we've gotta be back by tonight
But we can still have some fun now
If we head on downtown to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
Well, we ended up in this cafe
'Bout twenty-five minutes to one
See, she took me to this nightclub
And the music went on and on
Well we were set down to get coffee
When in walked her old man
No matter how we tried to explain it well
We couldn't make him understand
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
I've just got to see the lights
song performed by by Def Leppard
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sea Parting
The sea shall part before your eyes
And you will not learn of darkness.
The heart grows fond of this miracle
As length of the rivers do not match.
We are in safety, we are in a house
That worked upstairs and downstairs.
Some lights are delighting the company
In the house or palace of wonders.
This night the lights are out
With the sea parting forcing us to drown
With the lights off, with the house in floods.
The real saviour is the man in the house
Who is the landlord, the only warrior of water.
poem by Naveed Akram
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I am Not Homeless
I am not homeless
there is a number on my door
a room mate cat quilt desk sofa
spray bottles under the sink.
I am not homeless
on the train initiated
showing a monthly ticket to the guard
I am not homeless
at my desk in the office
expected to talk beg
bring in the business
give them the business
business as usual or get the hell out
I am not homeless
in a world of obligation
scrambling to pay rent
electricity gas oil phone commutation
food food food
I am not homeless —
unless I am expected
to feel at home.
poem by J. Barrett Wolf
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A House With No Curtains
(alan jackson/jim mcbride)
We still wear our rings
We still say I love you
We both play the part
Oh so well
But everyone knows
Its just a sad show
And were only foolin ourselves
Its like living in a house with no curtains
The whole world can see whats inside
You can turn out the lights in a house with no curtains
But the heartache has nowhere to hide
We could pack up and leave in different directions
If we just had somewhere to go
We just keep on pretending
Afraid of the ending
Admitting what everyone knows
Its like living in a house with no curtains
The whole world can see whats inside
You can turn out the lights in a house with no curtains
But the heartache has nowhere to hide
You can turn out the lights
In a house with no curtains
But the heartache has nowhere to hide
song performed by by Alan Jackson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The City Children
Around the city places are particular children
Wandering like cruel expenses during the day,
And only in the night do children sleep in the city,
But the city does not turn off its lights in the deep night.
When do they spin the cars and race in the city?
In the night the children play as if wondering,
When they wonder the lights go out.
What does the mission entail?
A commencement of hostilities, a burning desire,
One of alacrity and higher purpose than any older person.
Those wise men in the whole city rely on the night
To quell the minds of the young, the young who might bite.
poem by Naveed Akram
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Dead Lights' Lies
Something, anything, anywhere
I’m scared, shut off, closed in
In a darkness to heavy to bear
That is where I will sing
It is a song of sadness
Loneliness but also braveness
In this dead light my fear I must suppress
I’ve my life, my hope and soon I shall impress
A star I see so far away
Is it my hope, my lights first sign?
Will it keep this darkness at bay
Will it show the way, will it shine?
Eyes that show a soul
Voice that melts this cold
A life to fill this black hole
A presence that cannot be sold
All songs must end
The sun will always rise
Even if pain is what darkness will send
Never fall for the dead lights lies
poem by Rebecca Pepper
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Turn Your Radio On
Come and listen in to a radio station
Where the mighty hosts of heaven sing
Turn your radio on, turn your radio on
If you want to feel those good vibrations
Coming from the joy that His love can bring
Turn you radio on, turn your radio on.
Turn your radio on
And listen to the music in the air
Turn your radio on and glory share
Turn your lights down low
And listen to the Master's radio
Get in touch with God, and turn your radio on.
--- Instrumental ---
Everybody has a radio receiver
All you got to do is listen for the call
Turn your radio on, turn your radio on
If you listen in you will be a believer
Leanin' on the truths that'll never fall
Get in touch with God, turn the radio on.
Turn your radio on
And listen to the music in the air
Turn your radio on and glory share
Turn your lights down low
And listen to the Master's radio
Get in touch with God, turn your radio on.
Turn your radio on
And listen to the music in the air
Turn your radio on and glory share
Turn your lights down low
And listen to the Master's radio
Get in touch with God, turn your radio on.
Turn your lights down low
And listen to the Master's radio
Get in touch with God, turn your radio on...
song performed by by Randy Travis
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Poor Children
They are the future of humanity
But many of them living in poverty
And without shelter homeless on the street
Searching through rubbish bins for scraps of food to eat.
Poor children are victims of circumstance
In life they never really get a chance
Or have opportunities as privileged children do
The road from the poor suburb to prison leads them to.
From broken homes they are condemned to fail
Their abusive and drug addicted parents serving time in jail
Their parents too homeless in their teen years
On no hope street no laugther only tears.
The Government does not care about those who live in poverty
No political advantage in philanthropy do they see
Their tally men for them have taken note
That few in the poor suburb ever bother for to vote.
Poor children without homes and sleeping rough
And life for them already hard enough
At the wrong end of the social divide
Any chance of a good future to them is denied.
poem by Francis Duggan
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