Thursday, January 29, 2009

Crawl Inside Me


Yes

I’m so low and cold,
The beat of my heart
Is just slow and old.
I quake with shivers.
While numb to the light
I cry ice rivers.

Crawl inside me tonight.
Join me in my spite.
Crawl inside me tonight
Spark my pilot light.

Your hair hid your eyes
With one hand outstretched
You dared me to lie.
Then pounced like a cat
Claws bared, I was scratched
Bleeding and pathetic.

Crawl inside me tonight.
Join me in my spite.
Crawl inside me tonight
Spark my pilot light.

Need me‘til I’m up
I’ll fill your desires
Perfect and non-stop.
It’ll be hot and slow
Sparking my heart beat
With ember’s glow.


Dave Schipper © 2007 Rose Riversongs

Lady in Blue

by Dave Schipper © 2007 Rose Riversongs


A thought fixed in a venom moment
Surrounded by a harried world.
She sits alone with a personal torment.
A bottle of Jack numbs the senses
Maybe she’ll go dress up with pearls
Hit the bars and take some chances.

The lady in blue has a life to choose.
The lady in blue stuck in Hollywood.
The lady in blue turns to look away
The lady in blue will find the way.

Her tall and slender frame turns heads
She’s learned to ignore them easily
But with this she’s added a hard edge.
An armor of cold disdain for true love
Can crush those who approach weakly
Leaving her left with just the tough.

A trickle of hope is never really gone
She was raised in family of eternal joy
But left it behind to write her song
The lady will bump into life in the dark
Will she choose to notice or be coy?
Here’s a wish the ending is not stark

See the Songwriting202.blogspot.com for details.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Down by the Trestle









by Dave Schipper © 2006 Rose Riversongs

Down by the trestle is a mighty fine place
The river bends at a very slow pace
We met at the top of the hill that night
I said once, twice, you were such a site

Take me down the path in hand
Lead me to another land
A summer’s love one night stand
Maybe you’ll take me again

You had on jeans cut right to the top
With a smile and giggle that wouldn’t stop
God had placed a weird angel on earth
A little twisted but my prayers heard.

Take me down the path in hand
Lead me to another land
A summer’s love one night stand
Maybe you’ll take me again

To this day a railroad bridge takes me back
Meant more to me than a roll in the sack
Some day I’ll stand in that heavenly line
Sure to see you there looking mighty fine.



Manitowoc photo credit

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Look what they've done to my blog


Look what they've done to my blog Ma.
Look what they've done to my blog Ma.
Well it's finally something that looks have right,
And it's turning out a song, ma.
Look what they've done to my blog Ma.

Yes I have my poety blog Ma.
Plus I have my CD blog Ma.
And they are looking alright,
Keeping you up all night with Pa.
I know I put it in my songwriting blog Ma.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Ghosts of St. Augustine









by Dave Schipper © 2006 Rose Riversongs


The ghosts of St. Augustine are an eerie sight

On rooftops, porches, and trees they come out at night

They walk this ancient ground, while their stories are told

By guides with lanterns, recounting tales of old.

The white gown of the bride

The candle in the night

The widow on the stairs

The renters Miss Faye scares

Ghosts of St. Augustine

Are the sights to be seen

Walk the cobblestone streets

And enjoy whom you meet

Pass the Bishop’s shrine and see the wayward bride

Who terrified those children tenting that night

Woke them with a cold hand brought screams and bone chills

Now she walks alone, mourning a love unfulfilled.

The white gown of the bride

The candle in the night

The widow on the stairs

The renters Miss Faye scares

Ghosts of St. Augustine

Are the sights to be seen

Walk the cobblestone streets

And enjoy whom you meet

Gmen chasing rum runners stayed at her Inn

Smugglers paid top dollar for that information

A light on the widow’s walk, meant the coast was clear

Some folks still see it and feel a chill of fear.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

People's Magazine









by Dave Schipper © 2003 Rose Riversongs

Pickin up the People magazine, Wonderin if I’ll see the unforeseen
Ben & Lo, Ash & Demi, Caught in the places I’ll never be

Chorus:
Pictures from the paparazzi
Quotes from the wannabes
Fame on parade for a snapshot of time,
Til next week’s People magazine


A weekly dose of entertainment, fast food for the eyes look Heaven sent
A quick review of movies and song, the word is quick cause the stories ain’t long

Pictures from the paparazzi
Quotes from the wannabes
Fame on parade for a snapshot of time,
Til next week’s People magazine

I guess this song will never be seen, in the pages of the People magazine
Well I won’t fret & I won’t care, Cause when I’m on the street, people just won’t stare.

Pictures from the paparazzi
Quotes from the wannabes
Fame on parade for a snapshot of time,
Til next week’s People magazine

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Not This Time









Inspired by words from Barack Obama
Prose by Dave Schipper © 2008 Rose Riversongs

Words cannot mend a broken country
Where men died for their freedom
And then looked past those in slavery.

Scars of past humiliation are real.
Wounds either overlooked or used
By both sides with too vile zeal.

Not this time, hear us cry, Not this time
Let’s silence the cynics
Be our brother’s keeper
Fix schools, homes and clinics
Hear us Cry, Not this Time, Not This Time

Promised words on a parchment
Helped focus our path to justice
But we the people are impatient.

Imperfect as we are, we are family.
Farmers, artists, statesmen, doctors
We can’t disown our community.

Yes this time, hear us cry, Yes this time
We can embrace our past
Without being a victim
And forge a peace at last
Hear us Cry, Yes this Time, Yes This Time

Monday, January 19, 2009

He, She, Us, Them....

He walked the six steps and opened the door.
The entry through the garage, normal fare.
Left, right, he surveyed hoping to explore.
The feel of money, he’s nothing to compare.

He stands erect, with his best clothes on
The entry is full of hosts, guests, and family
Left, right, he looked for one to latch on
The feel of belonging, he needed commonly.

He reached out, eyes engaged, hand outstretched
The entry complete to some observant’s eye
Left, right, he looked for friends confirmed
The feel he’s succeeded is gusto denied

He turned away, knowing his vote is gone
The entry is nothing for some, but not him
Left, right, he looked designated pawn.
To feel he’s succeeded not now but then.

…. Or maybe it was she.?

Peace to the Democrats… They waged the war of the neglected person and the neglected Super Delegate; now they need to wage war of confidence and reconciliation. Pray for them.

Dave

Sunday, January 18, 2009

A New Light









by Dave Schipper © 2009 Rose Riversongs

No whisker or sharp edge because
He lived his life within tolerance.
Not born into a privileged life
He honed his innate common sense.

Oh he was a friend to many, close to none.
Living a balance between alone and lonely.
He found his form of sanity in writing.
But even that he chose to do silently.

One day he broke from the mold and form
Shocked by the loss of his employment
No longer productive he was told politely
He was too numb and broken to comment.

To start down a path of humbleness
Was a journey where none would recognize him?
He would control his wrath but be reckless
Free abundant love would be his new hymn.

Smart choice, but where was his manual?
No spec sheet, nothing in simple black and white?
This was right choice because he needed it.
The pilot passion light inside would ignite.

Everyone at church that weekend saw him smile.
No one brought up any of the sordid work details
Brimming, he laughed with no end; even shook hands.
Yes out of the dark of night, a new light prevails.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Inauguration Day









by Dave Schipper (c) 2009 Rose Riversongs


Their faces were all brimming
A melting pot over flowing
Historic, significant, incredible
No one grand word was possible.

They trekked from all over
States covering all corners
Just to see an oath taken
And watch barriers broken.

“Like winning a humanity lottery”
“And here she is: Living History”
“I remember separate water fountains”
“My boss approved my vacation”

All the stories set the scene
Filling streets as well as dreams
Tuesday, a new history begins
This country; never the same again.

Thanks to Olivia Barker’s article in the USA Today on 1/14/09 and the respective quotes from Dimitag Sullivan, Jaunita Blackshear, Saundra Kin, and Nasha Wanza.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Old

Old?

If only the good die young,
What went so wrong for me to be around?
If I’m old enough to know better,
Why do I make mistakes when it matters?

If my life began in September rather than May,
Why don’t we celebrate my Conception day?
If there is true heavenly life after death,
Why isn’t everyone wishing for their last breathe?

If I’m past my mid point in existence,
When will be the day of my last dance?
If I keep asking these questions,
Will God answer out of frustration?

Or just knock me off to get a little silence.


By Dave Schipper © 2009 Rose Riversongs

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Did you?

Did....
you ever want something?
That precious jewel, that little toy.
Would it have made your heart sing?
Would it really bring you joy?

Did you ever want someone?
That precious angel, that hot boy.
Oh it would make your heart sing.
But was the love real or a ploy?

Did you ever hide something?
Some deep emotions to deploy.
Oh the words you won’t sing.
Cuz the smile on your face is coy.

Did you, would you, ever?
You say,
“you won’t know, never.”


Did you by Dave Schipper © 2007 Rose Riversongs

Monday, January 12, 2009

Drift Away









by Dave Schipper © 2006 Rose Riversongs

White roses and a glass of zin
Take me back to where we began
A small café with a deck outdoor
With so many laughs to explore

Don’t you find it easier to drift away?
Let your mind replay a perfect day.
Would the same words be in play?
Free yourself and just drift away

Friends behind the scene wrote the plot
A chance meeting we would think not
We Both remember when we first met
It took two years to get the date set

Don’t you find it easier to drift away?
Let your mind replay a perfect day.
Would the same words be in play?
Free yourself and just drift away

Today the café is Taco Johns
A quick lunch with our little ones.
A few words within wild foray
And maybe a dream to drift away

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Bond Girl










by Dave Schipper © 2008 Rose Riversongs

Let’s skip danger across the water
I’ll be your 007; you be my Bond girl
Toss your hair back and saunter
We may be old, but let’s give it a whirl.

Dressed to kill in my best suit
We’ll go dancing tonight to some soft jazz
Don’t think about the money we’ll shoot.
We’ll just live life with pizzazz.

My hand in the small of your back.
I keep my eyes peeled for all the gawkers
The waiter will have the uncanny knack
To keep away all the nasty stalkers

Let’s skip danger across the water
I’ll be your 007; you be my Bond girl
Toss your hair back and saunter
We may be old, but let’s give it a whirl.

Our Accord is dropped off by the valet
Aware of the moment and without a care
We’ll end this fantasy and drive away
To end the night in passion, do we dare?

Friday, January 9, 2009

Calendar Girl



© 2005 Dave Schipper Rose Riversongs

I knew from the moment I saw you
In colors of black white and red.
It was January and I was so blue
But you brought a smile instead.

Chorus
Oh calendar girl,
My heart’s in a whirl
My day is complete
Each month and week
Oh calendar girl
You are the pearl
Some say profane
But your love is sane

A movie inspired a thought
Amazing how many it brought
A little fun and a moment to shine
Naked and captured in time

Pictures with class and tack
A lot of skin and a little crack
Did I see Beav’s mom on a page?
Wally would love the cleavage.

Oh calendar girl,
My heart’s in a whirl
My day is complete
Each month and week
Oh calendar girl
You are the pearl
Some say profane
But your love is sane

A little rivertown filled with grief
A few husbands sighing relief
Raise a glass to a loving bunch
Sure to see them more, it’s a hunch.

Monday, January 5, 2009

The Tide Curse

by Dave Schipper © 2006 Rose Riversongs

The streets emptied at 2:00, but breeze fed waves hit the dock.
This tiny tourist town slept, all except a soul in the dark.
What went wrong they’ll never know. If any knew, they won’t let show.
A tragic traveler story goes untold. He held the cards and didn’t fold.

Call it the curse of the tide, a love lost to pride.
Shout it out loud inside, and forget to claim the prize.

Was it the twinkle of gold in his eyes, or the gray and she thought wise?
There was no “come on” just hi, but in the end sadly no goodbye.
It can turn a town upside down, when woman who is so renown
Changes sails after years and years. Leaving the shocked shedding tears.

Call it the curse of the tide, a love lost to pride.
Shout it out loud inside, and forget to claim the prize.

Midnights turned into hot weeks. The pulse of town picked up a beat.
Cash flowed into places unheard, but most smiled and later whispered.
The night the boat disappeared, the two separated a little weird.
A turn, a head twilt and parted, as if something never started.

Call it the curse of the tide, a love lost to pride.
Shout it out loud inside, and forget to claim the prize

The waves settle to a seldom splash, she sighs walking toward the back.
What does she know of his past, did she know the thrill would not last.
She started a subscription to the Times, but in the world it’s not a crime.
What went wrong they’ll never know. If any knew, they won’t let it show.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Killin Time

by Dave Schipper © 2005 Rose Riversongs

Killin time with my guitar
Know some day I’ll be a star
Then I’ll buy a fancy car
Just to drive down to the bar
They’ll all say he went real far
Just him and his old guitar

Pen a rhyme, it sure feels fine
Write a verse, it’s not a curse
Find a groove, and let it loose
Get a singer, hot dinger
What a voice, just the right choice
Hope this time, you’ll make a dime

Limp back to realty
The song’s not the right country
Word fun is now history
Maybe even last century
Lift a glass, it was a blast
Keep the dream, sure not the last

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Killing me softly with Hard food


















by Dave Schipper © Rose Riversongs

Strokin my fur with his fingers
Singin my life with my purrs
Killing me softly with hard food x2
Telling him always to buy soft food
Killing me softly with hard food

Yea yea yea do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

I heard he has a good job,
I know he lives in style,
And so I came to see him and purr for a while
And there it was this food bowl
Stranger to my eyes

Chorus:
Strokin my fur with his fingers
Singin my life with my purrs
Killing me softly with hard food x2
Telling him always to buy soft food
Killing me softly with hard food

I felt all flushed with fever
Embarrased by the bowl,
I bet he’ll find my paws and understand the growl,
I pray he wasn’t so cheap
But he just walked away

Repeat chorus

Meowwwwa ohhhhhhhhhh graaaa la la la la la la ohhh la lmrrow

Maybe





















By Dave Schipper © 2009 Rose Riversongs

Maybe atheists speak some truth
Laws of science can all be proved
But in this world of history
There is love, art and mystery,

Maybe the Bible has hard facts
Bold and real incredible acts.
Or is it paraphrase and prose
One that a spirit helped compose?

Maybe this is too much for me
I have no answers you plainly see.
Were my talents naturally selected,
Or gifts a supreme being directed?

Maybe the debate will someday end
When we say goodbye dear friend
One life’s path will end up in vain
The other will whisper God’s name

Friday, January 2, 2009

Icy Blue Eyes

.









By Dave Schipper © 2007 Rose Riversongs

Increase my pulse with your graceful look
And I will not speak, or let on just a bit.
You are the grand prize that I cannot win
Thus to venture near, is a loss that I won’t begin.

Pierce my heart with your icy blue eyes.
I will not shout, nor even think to cry.
Numb to the pain of losing what I don’t own,
My soul is now made rock and ground.

Don’t pity me in my new existence.
I opened my eyes and saw your presence.
You owe no debt for common politeness.
It’s my imagination that made the rest;

That, and your icy blue eyes.