Take Your Pick ~ Philip Brent Harris
When I have fallen to the blows Lie in the gutter; no one knows, Struggle to stand up on my own, Refuse to take help from anyone.
What shall I do? What shall I do? Since none can begin To live without any sin.
If I shall be forgotten by kith and kin, And lie awake, nowhere to begin, Out daily, pretending I have a destination Neither high nor low, but I am a close relation.
Still, I have travelled all the roads Enjoyed brief company, felt the goads, Chased from highways by local cops No $200.00, don’t cross Go, But only stops. I’ve met others On the same journey, aware, Our quest over land, To reach what we dared. Parted for a time, then joined once again, Together. Mere acquaintance Now seen as friend. Some parted or settled down, others found, Somewhere close, On a new stomping ground.
What shall I do? What shall I do? Since none can live Without any sin.
When I have sought Great reward, won the fight by battling hard, it makes me No different than anyone, No more likely To answer the call. Always having less But wanting more, Rich, with a guard beside my door. I, like all, was naked born, And time my history will suborn. Until ashes, dirt or dust are mine, New chances written in every line. The choice is always Mine to make, To smile and give Or frown and take. Whatever lessons I have learned, To know what mattered, Why I yearned.
What shall I do then? What shall I do then? Since none can live Without any sin.
Will you greet me when I depart, Wave hello before I start? Will you help me find my path Crunch the numbers, do the math? Might you run so far ahead, I can no longer see you, Wonder where you have sped? Till I fear my journey only mine, Yet, find you waiting When I cross the line? Know I’ll see you Rain or shine. We’ll talk and laugh and On ambrosia dine.
Shall I know what to do then, Whether I quit, or I begin, Be together, enjoy our friends, And lovers As we hunt, Gather or simply fend? Sin is such a freighted word, Mistakes I made, What’s been misheard.
So, I shall always wait for you, Would choose to walk Side-by-side; I do. You will lift me up When I am down. I will always know where Sunshine may be found. Son and daughter, Father and mother. For we are all, and Walk with all together,
Shall I sing praise to creation, when I imagine what will be; Remembering all that has been. Knowing neither Where nor how, Yet, I am well-aware There is only now.
What shall I do then? What shall I do then? Since none can live Without any sin.