A Tribute to Les Paul

Les Paul

in his arms, he cradles

Black Beauty, she sings

lofty phrases, poetry

his deft left hand strokes

her ebony neck, she breathes

polyphonic harmonies

and as her soulful aria soars

and fills the air with muted tones,

he lives forgotten memories…

and the crowd sways to the legend’s song,

the ragtime rhythm catching on

as feet tap, fingers snap

it’s a hit, and

everyone mouths the simple words

that tell the tale of every heart…

and as he plays the final note,

the call goes out again for more;

and so he smiles that knowing smile,

and strums another op’ning chord --

neon lights slowly dim

the spotlight’s his, and

every eye is set on him

he leans into the microphone,

names the tune -- this stage

is fully his, and his alone

and as the lively chorus breaks

and pours into the quiet streets,

the dormant city night awakes…

and once again it’s ‘53, and

he’s sitting on top of the world,

in his proper element

as four, five, maybe six generations

mix and mingle ‘round the stage --

‘cause he’s a legend, and they know

that in their fondest memories

this night will never die.

-- c.noel, circa 2010

               

Two Roads Diverged (Long I Stood)

Between my dreams and others' expectations,
Between my hopes, and others' hopes for me,
I now must choose -- no more procrastination!
My Lord, my Light! I choose to follow Thee!

-- c. noel

Don't We All?

I'd like to think I'm worth somebody's while,
But don't we all deceive ourselves the same?

The years go by; the world forgets a name,
As age decays the hope behind a smile.

-- c. noel

Chapter 2: Reinvention

Dreams built high were burned and turned to ash;
Fragile hopes were dashed like glass on stones.
From this dust will rise a wiser man;
He is Love, Who breaks -- remakes -- these bones!

-- c. noel

A Fool's Course Of Action

I mistook attraction for honest connection
A common distraction when seeking perfection
A fool's course of action, a fool's predilection
And your sole reaction was crushing rejection

What I Think I Might Have Learned.

Trade future good for future best;
And lay your broken dreams to rest.

-- c. noel

Todo Que Será, Ha Sido.

I stand alone in darkness, asking questions
concerning possibilities, impossibilities
shutting from my mind the cruel reality
that I am he who stands alone in darkness.

-- c. noel