That 'Grab-The-Attention-While-I Can-Get-It' Thing
Excuse me!
I am new to this neighborhood.
And there are certain traditions,
I am yet to understand.
What are those people across the street doing?
'They are practicing their fear techniques.
But don't worry about it.
As you can see...
Those on this side of the street,
Are going about their business as usual.'
Why are they doing that?
'Well...
You know there are the terrorists.
Then there is the steady climb of those losing their minds.
The economy.
Undisciplined children.
Rumors of the end of the world coming.
And the most devastating thing many of them can not face...
The repossession of their high horses.
Along with those pretentious seats where they sat! '
Why aren't the other people affected?
'Oh...
We all are!
But some prefer to be more dramatic than others.
You know...
That 'grab-the-attention-while-I can-get-it' thing!
After 5 you wont see them anywhere near here.
They will all be meeting at a bar somewhere!
Watching the news on a wide screen TV...
And spending at least a hundred dollars apiece on drinks! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
The (Not-So-Great) Bailout of 2008
Gather round children,
as I tell the tale,
Of how all the banks
started to fail.
About how the government
bailed out the rich,
Rather than the poor,
which would have been a switch.
People were greedy,
for something called cash,
Brokers on Wall Street had plenty,
so what they did seems rash.
And so they started
robbing regular people blind.
That's how America (and the World)
got into a bind.
The banks began approving loans for homes,
to anyone who might need.
The value would go up,
and you could re-mortgage indeed.
People started spending
what they never had.
The way money was their religion
was awfully sad.
People would spend thousands of dollars,
On luxury items and diamond rings,
While poor children went without
food, braces and things.
The world was on a bubble
about to break.
Still banks pushed loans and investments
with ratings that were fake.
The economy crashed
like a run away train.
Regular people watched as their savings
and retirement went down the drain.
The president and congress
fearing another crash,
put together
a bailout plan fast.
They reasoned, if we don't fix the economy
the whole ship will sink.
'You don't understand, ' they claimed
the world is on the brink.
And so the government taught future generations,
handing (the rich) a bone,
That's it's okay to spend
more than you own.
poem by Joseph DeMarco
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Word Of Mouth
Ive been trying to get a message to you,
But the operator cant put me through,
Because the vandals went and wrecked all the telephones.
And all my enemies are spreading bad news,
You wont call me, thats why Im calling you,
To put you straight about the rumors theyre spreading about me back home.
I should have known, sooner or later,
Youd get the news, sooner or later,
The word of mouth will get right back to you.
Somehow we lost communication,
My only chance in my situation,
Is that the word of mouth gets my message through.
The word of mouth,
The word of mouth,
But who are they to say the things they do?
The word of mouth says that Ive gone insane,
That wine and women have affected my brain.
Well whos the big mouth spreading the news again?
The word of mouth says Im round the bend,
Its all over, this is the end.
Exaggeration sure gets the better of people who send[? ].
The word of mouth,
The word of mouth,
But who are they to say the things they do?
The word of mouth said I should be put in my place.
The word is out Im in disgrace -- a waste of space.
But if they say it, say it to my face.
People talking, trying to dig up the dirt,
There are so many lies around.
They spread their gossip and the rumors around this town.
Word of mouth, face to face,
My word of mouth has stated my case,
And Im saying Im coming back home to you.
You should have know sooner or later,
Youd get the news sooner or later,
The word of mouth will get right back to you.
The word of mouth,
Shut your mouth,
Shut your face!
song performed by by Kinks
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Next Big Thing
Walking down the street, it's everywhere you see
Looking right at you and staring right at me
You can't escape it cause it's in your face
The stars are out, they're bright today
It's the latest craze it sets your eyes ablaze
They're just hopin' this ain't just a passing phase
Turn the cycle to a faster spin
Throw the has been's out bring a fresh face in
This is your only chance knock 'em dead
Show it if you got it. The world is watching you
Take it if you want it. What have you got to lose
Raise your glass you made it
Everyone's waiting for the next big thing,
The next big thing
So now you won the fight, there's no end in sight
Everyone's your friend, might as well take a bite
You've just made it while the others dream
But just make sure the cash register rings
They all know your name, it's such an easy game
If all goes well, you'll have you're minute of fame
Suddenly people want to help you now
Plug it in, make sure you play it loud
This is your only chance knock 'em dead
Show it if you got it. The world is watching you
Take it if you want it. What have you got to lose
Raise your glass you made it
Everyone's waiting for the next big thing,
The next big thing
Show it if you got it. The world is watching you
Take it if you want it. What have you got to lose
Raise your glass you made it
Everyone's waiting for the next big thing,
The next big thing
Keep that spotlight on, breath it in
Cause when it's over you will know your friends
Yeah you enjoy yourself, appreciate the help
You'll need all the help you can get
Show it if you got it. The world is watching you
Take it if you want it. What have you got to lose
Raise your glass you made it
Everyone's waiting for the next big thing,
The next big thing
Show it if you got it. The world is watching you
Take it if you want it. What have you got to lose
Raise your glass you made it
Everyone's waiting for the next big thing,
The next big thing
song performed by by 1208
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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O'.. There Comes My Fiancee!
All the teen boys playing in the street
Stop their play and suddenly turn into adult!
On that street side in the fading sunlight …! !
Even the swaying elderly men
Tries to steady them throwing the stick!
On that street side in the fading sunlight …! !
The ape which jumps tree to tree
Made its mind to sit on the wall watching!
On that street side in the fading sunlight …! !
Even the drivers of speedy vehicles stop
And look keenly at the sides of speed breaker!
On that street side in the fading sunlight …! !
All the teen age girls are disgusted,
And discouraged at their sight on the platform!
On that street side in the fading sunlight …! !
O'.. I see! There comes my fiancee!
On that street side in the fading sunlight …! !
poem by V.K. Kanniappan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Fundamental of Liar Chapter CXV: Common Thing
It’s not a kindness of heart
It’s not strong solidarity
It’s just a common thing
It’s not local wisdom
It’s not old tradition
It’s just a common thing
It’s not call of duty
It’s not sense of right
It’s just a common thing
It’s not formal greeting
It’s not automatic response
It’s just a common thing
It’s not a matter of guessing
It’s not a part of instinct
It’s just a common thing
It’s not natural reaction
It’s not act of compassion
It’s just a common thing
It’s not regular news
It’s not lack of awareness
It’s just a common thing
It’s not general knowledge
It’s not piece of memory
It’s just a common thing
It’s not statistic range
It’s not operational standard
It’s just a common thing
It’s not moral excuses
It’s not people ignorance
It’s just a common thing
It’s not public secret
It’s not rhetoric question
It’s just a common thing
It’s not different mindset
It’s not basic solution
It’s just a common thing
It’s not absolute law
It’s not blind obedience
It’s just a common thing
It’s not sweet revenge
It’s not getting even
It’s just a common thing
It’s not constant worry
It’s not planted fear
It’s just a common thing
It’s not usual bickering
It’s not daily fight
It’s just a common thing
It’s not die hard habit
It’s not strange behavior
It’s just a common thing
poem by Maria Sudibyo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Ruins
Its so quiet in the ruins walking though the old town
Stones crumbling under my feet I see smoke for miles around
Oh its enough to make you weep, all that remains of the main street
Up in the park on sunday, dogs chasing and the children played
Old man with his head down, cant see nothing more around...no
But he remembers how it used to be, back in the old days,
So nice to see you coming back in this town again
Its nice to see a friendly face come peeping through having tea
In the afternoon, so nice to see you coming back in this town again...
Ah but its all changed winter turned on a man
Came down on day when no-one was looking and it
Stole away the land, people running scared, losing hands
Dodging shadows of falling sand, buildings standing like empty shells
And nobody...helping no-one else
Young child with his hands high, aint able to see no reason why...no
But he remembers how it used to be, back in the old days,
So nice to see you coming back in this town again
Its nice to see a friendly face come peeping through
Youd better know what youre going through now
You came back here to find your home is a black horizon
That you dont recognize, evil destruction has taken everything
Youd better walk on the side while youre still walking
Just keep on walking on down the street keep your distance
From the people you meet. oh lord and youd better watch your eyes
cause if smoke gets in them, baby you wont rise again.
Wheres it leading to freedom at what cost
People needing more and more and its all getting lost
I want back, I want back
Back to the time when the earth was green
And there was no high walls and the sea was clean
Dont stop that sun to shine, its not yours or mine...no.
song performed by by Cat Stevens
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Main Street
(For S.M.L.)
I like to look at the blossomy track of the moon upon the sea,
But it isn't half so fine a sight as Main Street used to be
When it all was covered over with a couple of feet of snow,
And over the crisp and radiant road the ringing sleighs would go.
Now, Main Street bordered with autumn leaves, it was a pleasant thing,
And its gutters were gay with dandelions early in the Spring;
I like to think of it white with frost or dusty in the heat,
Because I think it is humaner than any other street.
A city street that is busy and wide is ground by a thousand wheels,
And a burden of traffic on its breast is all it ever feels:
It is dully conscious of weight and speed and of work that never ends,
But it cannot be human like Main Street, and recognise its friends.
There were only about a hundred teams on Main Street in a day,
And twenty or thirty people, I guess, and some children out to play.
And there wasn't a wagon or buggy, or a man or a girl or a boy
That Main Street didn't remember, and somehow seem to enjoy.
The truck and the motor and trolley car and the elevated train
They make the weary city street reverberate with pain:
But there is yet an echo left deep down within my heart
Of the music the Main Street cobblestones made beneath a butcher's cart.
God be thanked for the Milky Way that runs across the sky,
That's the path that my feet would tread whenever I have to die.
Some folks call it a Silver Sword, and some a Pearly Crown,
But the only thing I think it is, is Main Street, Heaventown.
poem by Joyce Kilmer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Dead End Street
Theres a crack up in the ceiling,
And the kitchen sink is leaking.
Out of work and got no money,
A sunday joint of bread and honey.
What are we living for?
Two-roomed apartment on the second floor.
No money coming in,
The rent collectors knocking, trying to get in.
We are strictly second class,
We dont understand,
(dead end!)
Why we should be on dead end street.
(dead end!)
People are living on dead end street.
(dead end!)
Gonna die on dead end street.
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
On a cold and frosty morning,
Wipe my eyes and stop me yawning.
And my feet are nearly frozen,
Boil the tea and put some toast on.
What are we living for?
Two-roomed apartment on the second floor.
No chance to emigrate,
Im deep in debt and now its much too late.
We both want to work so hard,
We cant get the chance,
(dead end!)
People live on dead end street.
(dead end!)
People are dying on dead end street.
(dead end!)
Gonna die on dead end street.
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
(dead end!)
People live on dead end street.
(dead end!)
People are dying on dead end street.
(dead end!)
Gonna die on dead end street.
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
Head to my feet (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
Hows it feel? (yeah)
Hows it feel? (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
Dead end street (yeah)
song performed by by Kinks
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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On Yonge Street
See the people walkin up and down
See the people movin all around
On the streets of my hometown on yonge street
Longest street in the world they say
Summertime soon slips away
I hope Ill see you one fine day on yonge street
Everywhere you go in a city by the lake
Back there in the flow you may give a hand a shake
Everyone you pass seems to wanna say hello
Even late at night on the freshly fallen snow
See the children jumpin all around
See the parents looking up and down
Upon the streets of my hometown on yonge street
Its a mean street if you choose
Its a lean street when you lose
An in-between street when you cruise on yonge street
Everywhere you go in a city by the lake
Youll be sure and find its a case of give and take
Everyone you pass seems to want to say hello
Even late at night when the streets are all aglow
Its the longest street in the world
With the most feet in the world
Another street where boy meets girl on yonge street
See the people walkin up and down
See the people movin all around
Those are the streets of my hometown on yonge street
Everywhere you walk people almost say hello
Even late at night when the streets are all aglow
On yonge street
On yonge street
song performed by by Gordon Lightfoot
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Keep It Real
Excuse me.
I hate to annoy you!
'Oh,
You're not! '
Those people?
Those people that were taunting you.
About your abilities and lack of qualifications...
To teach and be a good role model for their children?
What has happened to them?
'Either attending funerals or visiting the prisons.
You know...
The ones seeking to identify appropriate role models,
For their...er, uh...children? '
You say that as a matter of fact!
'Oh,
It is!
And if you've noticed...
I've been in this same spot,
Watching them pass judgement.
But of late,
They seem to have stopped! '
You shouldn't let that hamper your progress.
I wouldn't let that drop!
'You asked me about the people who were taunting me...
Did you not? '
Yes!
'From your point of view...
Who would you say has made more progress?
And keep it real!
Although it seems like I'm not doing a thing,
Does it?
Here take this.
It's a copy of my book.
You can have it.
I'm working on a new one.
Entitled, 'There's Nothing Like Minding Your Own Business'
Especially if your business does not please.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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There are people who take rumors and embellish them in a way that can be devastating. And this pollution has to be eradicated by people in our business as best we can.
quote by Bob Woodward
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Heat Street
What can I hear? Who can I see?
What's this I fear that's followin' me?
It's getting louder, it's coming near
I can not stand it, I'm gettin' outta here
You'd better beware now
You'd better take care now
The street of the sinner
So you'll never be a winner
The rain is falling around my feet
The night is calling on this well-lit street
People in doorways just stand and stare
Castaway shadows that really aren't there
You'd better beware now
You'd better take care now
The street of the sinner
So you'll never be a winner
What can I hear? Who can I see?
What's this I fear that's followin' me?
It's getting louder, it's coming near
I can not stand it, I'm getting outta here
You'd better beware now
Yeah you'd better take care now
The street of the sinner
So you'll never be a winner
You'll never be a winner
On heat street
song performed by by Def Leppard
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Dorothy fields / jimmy mchugh
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Cant you hear a pitter-pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But now Im not afraid
This rover crossed over
If Id never have a cent
Id be rich as rockefeller
Going to set my feet
On the sunny side of the street
song performed by by Billie Holiday
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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There Wont Be Many Coming Home
(orbison/ dees)
Listen all you people
Try and understand
You may be a soldier
Woman, child or man
But there wont be many coming home
No, there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many
Maybe ten out of twenty
But there wont be many coming home
Now the old folks will remember
On that dark and dismal day
How their hearts were choked with pride
As their children marched away
Now the glory is all gone
They are left alone
And there wont be many coming home
No, there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many
Maybe five out of twenty
But there wont be many coming home
Look real closely at the soldier
Coming at you through the haze
He may be the younger brother who ran away
And before you kill another
Listen to what I say
Oh, there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many
There may not be any
But there wont be many coming home
If they all came back but one
He was still some mothers son
And there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many coming home
Oh, there wont be many coming home.......
song performed by by Roy Orbison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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On The Street Where You Live
(alan lerner, frederick loewe)
I have often walked
Down the street before,
But the pavement always
Stayed beneath my feet before.
All at once am i
Several stories high,
Knowing Im on the street where you live.
Are there lilac trees
In the heart of town?
Can you hear a lark in any other part of town?
Does enchantment pour
Out of every door?
No, its just on the street where you live.
And oh, the towering feeling
Just to know somehow you are near
The overpowering feeling
That any second you may suddenly appear.
People stop and stare
They dont bother me,
For theres no where else on earth
That I would rather be.
Let the time go by,
I wont care if i
Can be here on the street where you live.
~interlude~
People stop and stare
They dont bother me,
For theres no where else on earth
That I would rather be.
Let the time go by
I wont care if i
Can be here on the street where you live,
Let me be on the street where you live.
song performed by by Nat King Cole
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Andy Warhol Was Right
Twisted Little Daydreams
Memories with pain
Locking me behind the closet door
I will be a good boy
Promise I wont run
Sit quite in my room
Playing with my toy gun
Now I'm older but the memories
still eat me like disease.
Alone in the darkness
watching you on my t.v.
Why did God make you so famous
when he only spit on me.
I want to bathe in your light.
I want to be on the news.
If I take your life
its nothing personal.
Just a boy and his toy gun
dying for attention.
I'm sitting on the steps.
The sun is sinking low.
The world gets very quiet
as the street lamps start to glow.
I step out and I raise my gun
time just seems to slow.
For a moment I can see myself
trapped in your reflection.
I'm angry and I'm lonely
and I'm dying for attention.
I want to bathe in your light.
I want to be on the news.
If I take your life
its nothing personal.
Just a boy and his toy gun
dying for attention.
Dying for attention.
Mama
song performed by by Warrant
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Mind Your Own Business
Mind Your Own Business
(Words and music by Hank Williams, Sr.)
If the wife and I was fussin', brother that's our right
Me and that ole woman bought a license to fight
Why don't you mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Yeah,mind your own business(Mind your own business)
If youmind your own business, you won't be mindin' mine.
Well, the woman on the party line's a nosey thing
She picks up her receiver when she knows it's my ring
Why don't you mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Yeah, mind your own business(Mind your own business)
If you mind your own business, you won't be mindin' mine.
--- Instrumental with ad libs ---
Well, I got a little girl that wears her hair up high
The boys all hollar when she walks by
Why don't you mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Yeah, mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Just mind your own business, you wont be mindin' mine.
--- Instrumental with ad libs ---
I may tell a lot of stories that may not be true
But I can get to Heaven just as easy as you
Why don't you mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Yeah, will you mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Mind your business, and you won't be mindin' mine.
--- Instrumental with ad libs ---
Now, If I want to honky tonk 'til around two or three
Darlin' that's my headache, don't you worry 'bout me.
Why don't you mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Go on and mind your own business(Mind your own business)
If you're mindin' your business, you won't be mindin' mine.
--- Instrumental---
Mindin' other people's business seems to be high-toned
Well, I got all that I can do just to mind my own
Mind your own business(Mind your own business)
Yeah, mind your own business(Mind your own business)
If you mind your businessmyou won't be mindin' mine.
Dear Lord, If you mind your business, you'll be busy all the time...
song performed by by Alan Jackson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Smearing Done Condoned
People finding they can't keep up.
Or have voices that will not speak up.
Spending sad lives fast asleep,
To awaken in groans alone.
People stealing sneaky peeks,
From window sills in cushioned seats.
And can't believe these times they see...
Trouble coming near their homes.
They wont accept,
But must condone...
Although they wish to reject,
What's going on.
And block out,
What they choose to hear...
If it's not the smearing of people.
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done of people.
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done condoned!
People stealing sneaky peeks,
From window sills in cushioned seats.
And can't believe these times they see...
Trouble coming near their homes.
But,
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done of people.
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done condoned!
They love it!
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done of people.
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done condoned!
They wont accept,
But must condone...
Although they wish to reject,
What's going on.
And block out,
What they choose to hear...
If it's not the smearing of people.
They love it!
They love it!
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done of people.
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done condoned!
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done of people.
Many love it and they wont give it up,
The smearing done condoned!
They love it,
Many love it and eat it up.
They love it,
Many love it and eat it up.
They love it,
Many love it and eat it up.
The smearing done of people!
The smearing done condoned.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Ye Flags of Picadilly
Ye flags of Piccadilly,
Where I posted up and down,
And wished myself so often
Well away from you and town--
Are the people walking quietly
And steady on their feet,
Cabs and omnibuses plying
Just as usual in the street?
Do the houses look as upright
As of old they used to be,
And does nothing seem affected
By the pitching of the sea?
Through the Green Park iron railings
Do the quick pedestrians pass?
Are the little children playing
Round the plane-tree in the grass?
This squally wild northwester
With which our vessel fights,
Does it merely serve with you to
Carry up some paper kites?
Ye flags of Piccadilly,
Which I hated so, I vow
I could wish with all my heart
You were underneath me now!
poem by Arthur Hugh Clough
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Caged Prisoners
They take a vote to decide,
Whether or not they should move forward?
And another to decide if they should abandon,
Those limitations of thought and the process of it!
This may seem ludicrous...
But people like this actually exist!
They think of themselves as being progressive...
With an exactness,
Even caged prisoners would petition against.
And despise they do,
Those who protest their degraded quality of life.
They prefer that such issues be kept quiet...
And not attract attention.
Lessons received from their ancestors.
With content and comprehension...
Has been released and is nonexistent!
And yet...
At odds with the delivery, purpose and perception.
When in celebration of historic events...
Although clearly maintaining the routine of values meant!
Nothing more!
Just the pretense of it!
Even though an hypocrisy kept,
May be in conflict with the hip hoppers...
Unwrapping disrespect gone unaddressed.
With presentations that expose cracks on naked butts!
As minds fly high around warning signs posted on trees,
Above the pictures of missing neighborhood children!
But who really cares...
When there are still those who are trying to 'project' traditions.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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