Poetry of
We are:
Navigation
Top music downloads
1. Stare from Polished
2. Catch in the Graveyard from Polished
3. Exacerbation from Digital Compositions
4. Late Night Wakefulness from Polished
5. A Lass' Tale from Digital Compositions
Featured image:
I sit alone, save my guitar
The darkness sets the world afar
I have my music and my herb
Here I can play undisturbed
I get lost in my music fantasy
I'm know longer a part of cold reality
The chords sound... echo in my head
Memories of where my fingers have led
I'm a long way off, in a land unknown
There's nothing like playing your guitar while you're stoned
Phil Oslund 1983
You and I are not truly of this earth
We are born into this physical existence by birth
The spirit was produced long ago with Creation
We take human form to continue our esoteric education
The game is not won by having the most toys when you die
Just as the result isn't important as long as you try
Temporal concerns should be kept in perspective
It is of the spiritual aspect that we must be reflective
Be content with what you've got
Don't worry about that which you have not
In the end possessions are left behind
Take with you spiritual wisdom refined
The most important task is to continue to learn
Knowledge and wisdom cannot be returned
We must improve ourselves and relationships with others
Eventually we'll all realize that we're sisters and brothers
A smile can do more than you know to change the world
One small positive action could affect every boy and girl
We must strive to help each other at every opportunity
Become responsible citizens in our spiritual community
Be honorable in all that you do
Treat others with respect no matter how they treat you
Towards the end try to keep an open mind
Take with you spiritual wisdom refined
Phil Oslund April 29, 1998
Two eyes staring vacantly
Lost worlds floating within
Expatriated
Betrayal and emptiness reflect a living lie
Numbness from a statement
Gold circles symbolize naught
Words are but raindrops in a thunderstorm
Running off the umbrella of matrimony
Falling to the ground unanswered
Commitment exchanged for independence
Without knowing why
Mendacity fosters mendacity
Disbelief of displacement
Living union of lies
Without knowing why
Lost world left floating
In two eyes staring
Phil Oslund July 28, 1998
A white steed with no rider on its back
Proudly stepping, tail held high
Across a field of blue, green, and black
White of the light comprises its essence
Spiritual enlightenment honored
Faith affirmed for continuing benevolence
Blue of the sky situated above its head
A clear path of ascension to heaven
The ongoing promise of a new day heralded
Green of the field lays under its hooves
A stout affinity to mother earth
Where the cycle of life continually moves
Black of the unknown is its destination
The night faced without fear
Confidence of spirit through all creation
Phil Oslund 1999
The moon shines down on white sand and water
Laying arm in arm, things are getting hotter
As waves roll up the beach
Feelings of passion flow through each
Lips meet, tongues explore
Bodies writhe along the shore
White sand crawls in every form
Under clothing bodies are warm
So few stars shine in the sky
People don't notice us, they walk right by
We make love on white sand
Ecstasy fills both woman and man
Phil Oslund September 1985
We are all seeking for what to most of us is not there
Something precious and revered
It keeps eluding us... its not there
We see it in others and covet to our souls
No more ache or emptiness
The pain would fade and stop hurting the soul
We reach to feel it only to be denied by life's cold hand
Yet it always seems we get a little taste
To keep us coming back
Let me lay back and cover me with peace
Let my mind wander and fill me with ease
Let my soul lay quiet; anxieties release
Let me be myself absorbed with peace
You too can have it; it’s not complex nor simple to do
When the soul is clear and reflects like a mirror
You too will have it to share
You will know it's feeling, decipher right from wrong, when and how
Knowing what's yours and what's not
Then you will have it forever and now
There is a wholeness about it, from the center it emanates and flows
A quiet, calm power
It is strengthened as it grows
Let me lay down and cover me with peace
Let my mind wander and fill me with ease
Let my soul lay quiet under a joyous space
I am myself showered in peace
Phil Oslund 1996
I don't know what to do or say
I don't know why I'm feeling this way
I don't know if I'm a man
I don't know who the fu¢k I am.
I could have something clever to say
I could get myself outta the way
I could grow up and assemble a career
I could curl up and die right here.
I haven't got anything to say
I haven't got a smooth, polished way
I haven't got self-respect or esteem
I haven't got anyone else on my team.
I should come up with something to say
I should leave and run away
I should make a decision to decide about life
I should drop the gun and pick up the knife.
Why have I done this?
I know not
Why am I here?
Because it's my lot.
Phil Oslund Summer 1994
Sun shining bright breeze blowing just right on the outside
Our party explodes in joyous fun fire and poolside
Laughter everywhere music's loud blare people getting wet
Baby please party with me
Buconomett
Liquor flowing freely between good friends and new
Barriers come down with Bordeaux and good barbecue
The fun has just begun smoking and a cigarette
Baby enjoy it as no other
Buconomett
Music changes and so does the crowd through the limelight
So many conversations sparked imaginations ignite
Had some wine now I'm feeling fine watching the sunset
Baby bring on the night
Buconomett
When did you get here who is that do I know you?
My God look at that did you see you-know-who
Everybody talking posing posturing are you done yet
Baby pay no attention to them
Buconomett
Its been going long and too late past my youth
No more wine or beer from the keg that's the truth
It's two a.m. people everywhere but don't you fret
Baby I know just what to do
Buconomett
Late at night I take you in my arms holding you tight
Through the fire and the smoke we see things are all right
Away we walk hand in hand making music as a duet
Baby what you do to me
Buconomett
PJO 1997
The sun needs to shine like the birds need to fly
and you needed me
The trees need to grow like the wind needs to blow
and you needed me
Friends forever, lovers by night
Heaven on Earth with no end in sight
And you needed me
I needed you
And I needed you
you needed me
A sailor needs the sea like the honey needs the bee
And I needed you
A babe needs a breast like a cat needs to rest
And I needed you
Friends forever, lovers by night
Heaven on Earth with no end in sight
And I need you
you needed me
And you needed me
I needed you
A child needs a toy like a girl needs a boy
And we needed love
A singer needs a band like a woman needs a man
And we needed love
Friends forever, lovers by night
Heaven on Earth with no end in sight
And you needed me
And I needed you
And we needed love
BSA & PJO October to November 1989
Children, gather around
Time for a story
A story of sound
Everybody find a place and sit down
Now is the time to expound
This is about children
The children of rock
They're a misguided, undecided flock
God save the children
The children of rock
We all know about the day the music died
Bobby Fuller fought the law and lost his life
Jimi's overdose came at too high a price
Janice might as well have drank cyanide
Did the Lizard King really die in the bath?
Croce's time in a bottle ended in a crash
Elvis passed on the porcelain chair
Lynyrd Skynyrd lost more than their share
The way Moon partied was it suicide?
Stay with the children
Stay with the children
The children of rock
We are an unguided, many-sided flock
The children of rock
A fifth of vodka in shots took John Bonham
Then Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon
Stevie Ray Vaughan went down in a helicopter
Frank Zappa irreverently succumbed to cancer
Cobain found Nirvana in a twelve-gauge shell
Living in excess sent Michael Hutchins to Hell
He lost a finger as a lad but he sure could play
I will never forget the day Jerry was taken away
Where have all the stars gone
Hang on, here comes a new dawn
So stay
Stay with the children
Save all the children
Stay with the children of rock
May the winds be with you and all your brethren
And always
Always
Save the children
Stay with the children
Save the children of rock
PJO 1983 to April 1998
My head feels fuzzy as I raise it from my pillow
I try to stand and fall back causing sheets to billow
The world spins endlessly as I lay there wondering
What in the world is the cause for all this blundering?
My mouth is dry and tastes like an old sweaty sock
I hit the alarm as it goes off breaking the damn clock
I stumble to the bathroom, relieved to sit while I pee
I feel like pukin’, God, what has gotten into me?
I wake up feelin’ all funny, so tired and weak
I don’t know what happened to make me feel so bleak
I gotta find a cure and you know that won’t be cheap
All I can think of is that I was drinkin’ in my sleep
I slowly crawl back to bed when I get done expelling
The bed is soft and cool, but what’s that I’m smelling?
I went to bed last night at a decent, respectable hour
Didn’t eat anything weird so why’s my stomach sour
By the way I’m feelin’ you’d think that I’m drunk
Gotta get myself up, gotta pull myself outta this funk
So I try to stand and fall hard back into my bed
I can’t get past the image of shot glasses in my head
I wake up feelin’ all funny, so tired and beat
I don’t know what happened but I hope not to repeat
Now I’m countin’ empty bottles instead of sheep
All I can think of is that I must be drinkin’ in my sleep
PJO May 4, 1998
I look to night's sky for the path I seek
I sit in tree shade at times that I think
What a marvelous world do I envision
But alas, my life is indecision
No fine line, no wrong or right, no division
I dream big dreams I have second sight
I am always right
I see big things in the vast dark cast light
I am always right
I know utopia's golden bright light
I have ways to help the sick and the weak
I calm nerves and bony creaks
What a horrible world that calls to me
And alas, that's all life will be
No right or wrong, life's fine line, who will help me
I heal the hurts I cover the dead
Screams fill my head
I birth the babes into this world they're led
Screams fill my head
I know life and death are united
Both are bound to their worldly beliefs
Dreamer and Healer seek their release
What a simple world in which they exist
Alas, each other's life they resist
Of rights and wrongs, and fine lines, they consist
The Dreamer and the Healer offset
What each regret
They know it’s from their will that we're beget
Still they regret
The uneasy peace goes on upset
PJO & PKN November 26, 1989
The morning ride was a bit brisk
The sun was shining with a cool breeze whisk
I passed the multitudes rushing to the festival
In their eyes the hunger for fun and all things digestible
I continued south guiding my mount a little to the east
Toward a friend and comrade whom I was to meet
Soon upon his camp I did descend
His chores nearly completed I did commend
Hail and greetings, friend Arat, well met
Are you set for a day we shall soon not forget?
Aye, good sir, I await the lasses and the taste of mead
Mount up for it’s off to the festival with Godspeed
Affluent, armed and armored we set off
Not before the horses had their fill from the trough
The clouds were parting and the sun warming
Our minds drifted thinking of maidens performing
As we approached the hamlet anticipation swelled
My stomach rumbled from the cuisine I smelled
Folk were all about excited for the day
We were bid to tether the steeds in a field of hay
As we gained the gate the crowd became a throng
The din rose and ebbed into a festive song
We made our way past the barkers and thieves
Beggars and wenches out to deceive
A lass with hair of flax was chewing her breakfast bread
We rudely interrupted her to secure our weapons instead
Her friend grumbled that the gentlemen were being ill mannered
As I passed through I took note of the wench for another matter
Just inside the gate is the bakery run by the Abbey
Heavenly aroma that would brighten even the most crabby
I stopped and joined the crowd mesmerized by that scent
Arat forcibly led me away much to my discontent
We flowed with the rabble and it began to gently disperse
Just ahead were three lovely sisters singing verse
Quite a few coins I dropped into their jack as I passed
I met one’s eyes which she quickly downcast
I would have spent more time with one so demure
But we made the rounds looking for the familiar
To the east we started taking note of the falconer
A stop at the King’s Nuts to pay tribute and honor
Further down look for a teacher from years passed
Then north past the potters moving quite fast
We both took note as we strolled by the armory
To our left the jousting field where men try to win glory
Barkers called us to amusement games but on we pressed
At the cafes, vintners, and confectioners we turned to the west
Audiences were forming at the stages awaiting a performer
Shops were passed on either side, as the day grew warmer
Soon we descended into the infamous gypsy camp
Here you could buy anything including a belly-dancing tramp
We did not linger but turned south to the scent of turkey
We followed a lass with breasts round and perky
The path we took brought us back to the gate
We each were obliged with a mission so we did separate
My errand I quickly accomplished and proceeded to the meeting spot
Anticipating my friend’s arrival and noon for mead spicy and hot
The cannon sounded high noon and the vintner opened the shutters
No sign of my friend so I became one of many like calves to the utters
Having gladly paid for my steaming cinnamon mead I took a seat
The wait was not long before Arat’s arrival brought me to my feet
He acknowledged me and proceeded directly to the winery
I noticed he found what he sought by the newly adorned finery
With mead in hand my friend sat down across the table
I laughed out loud at his outrageous shopping fable
Our wine we finished and decided to return to our mounts
Deposited goods to saddlebags so we carried a smaller amount
Before our return we enjoyed a very special smoke
As we walked back to the festival at length we spoke
Our strategy and plan for the afternoon we discussed
The same little lass at the gate still stirred my lust
The birds brought forth by the falconer were impressive
Hawks, eagles, owls and all other birds aggressive
Apprentices mined their wizened master to the letter
The awe-inspiring performance could not have been better
We both gladly gave coins for the bird handler’s work
It was obvious that their duties they did not shirk
We looked at each other with a definite thirst
To the privy then the winery or else I’ll burst
The vintner was glad to see us more coin in his purse
We had several mugs of mead and were feeling none the worse
The afternoon passed us quickly due to the excellent wine
We sought to fill our bellies with the best food we could find
Something tasty, something Greek
Something on a stick, and something sweet
Our hunger abated and our heads somewhat cleared
We turned around and a human chessboard appeared
We laughed, we booed, we regretted to see it end
We were reminded that the festival was passing the bend
Another walk around the grounds for purchases to be made
The sun cast long shadows as the light began to fade
We stopped to get a last mug of mead when we heard a call
The sound of distant drums asking for you to give your all
We moved on our way and found the mob gathering to dance
Arat handed me his jack joining the crowd in their trance
Drums pounded to a feverish pitch the crowd began to chant
Bodies swayed and spun incited by the musical intoxicant
Then came the thunderous boom of the final cannon sound
Out we flowed to the steeds with the enchanted crowd
So it was over filled with energy and good will
Let us go back to camp and pick-up the quill
PJO September 97 to September 98
The other night as I lay in bed trying to sleep
I tossed, turned, and kicked off the covers with my feet
I was warm and sweaty, a clammy feeling of flesh
I thought about baby powder to help me feel fresh
But I stayed in bed hoping to soon be at rest
It worked and slowly into sleep I began to coast
That is when, I’m sure, I was touched by a ghost
I felt a touch, like that of a tip of a finger
It was cold as ice and caused a cramp that lingered
I was laying on my right side, left leg over right
It ran through the left calf from side to side
The muscle knotted and grew intensely tight
The cramp was painful but what bothered me most
Was that I had just been touched by a ghost
As to who the ghost was, I have no clue
If you are a ghost, it could have been you
The cramp loosened when I walked it out
Not before I woke my wife with a shout
I still don’t know what all this is about
Don’t think I’m special, this is not a boast
Somehow I was picked to be touched by a ghost
PJO May 28, 1998
Cry for the living
We cry for the living, we cry for the living
Tears are shed, tears are shed
The tears that are shed are shed for you
Mourning and grieving do nothing for the dead
The body is just matter after the soul has fled
Life is a journey
Life is a journey that must come to an end
Take to the road
A road that takes you up, down and around bends
Remember the good times and learn from the bad
The conclusion is to be celebrated; be not sad
Do not cry for me, my child
Death is nothing but completed life
It doesn’t end here and now
Do not cry for me meanwhile
Cry for the living
We cry for the living, we cry for the living
Tears are shed, tears are shed
The tears that are shed are shed for you
Mourning and grieving do nothing for the dead
Enjoy a pleasant memory and be thankful instead
Death is a journey
Death is a journey that must someday begin
Go to the light
Go to the light and let it guide you in
No physical confines just spiritual freedom
No appointments to keep just the chance to become
Do not cry for me, my child
Death is nothing but completed life
It doesn’t end
Soon we’ll be together again
PJO November 30, 1999
Sometimes in life you have to wonder
What you have to do to keep your head from going under
There is always someone bigger and better than you
But you have to keep doing what you do
Winning isn’t everything, or so they say
The winners don’t care how the losers play
If it’s a three person race
Why do I come in fourth place?
Bronze, silver and gold
Fourth place has nothing to hold
I’m not some special case
But I’m always in fourth place
When I’m in my final resting space
My tombstone will say “Fourth Place”
I don’t mean to be a disgrace
What else are you in fourth place?
There is no thrill in the chase
When you finish in fourth place
Sometimes I want to disappear without a trace
Then there’d be no one in fourth place
Your time I don’t mean to waste
On a loser stuck in fourth place
PJO June 1998
Above the red-hot coals steel is born
Sweat, craftsmanship, and dedication sworn
Keen eyes, a steady hand, inherited skill
Creating weapons with powers beyond the kill
Hammer and fold, hammer and fold
This is how the masters made the swords of old
(Katanakaji)
Traditional scabbard carved and finished
To enhance the beauty and not diminish
Carved ivory handle and tsuba of gold
A dragon's head, beautiful to behold
Once the steel is forged and the blade set
Assembly is completed and the blade whet
(Katana)
Long, curved, single-edged
To defile the blade is sacrilege
Holy, beautiful, and dangerous
Only the brave, never timorous
(Katana)
Extension of the soul of the samurai
(Bushido)
The spirit of the steel will never die
Never die, never die
Don't ask why
(Katana)
Kenjutsu rather than strength
The opponent faced at arm's length
Grace and beauty's most perilous form
As two circle death's dance performed
Engage and break warfare refined
Strict rules of conduct defined
Extremely sharp to cut or skewer
Not for use by an amateur
Capable of taking the enemy's head
The blade releases the spirit of the dead
Elegant, deadly, and full of grace
Bushido and Kenjutsu embrace
As
(Katana)
Long, curved, single-edged
To defile the blade is sacrilege
Holy, beautiful, and dangerous
Only the brave, never timorous
(Katana)
Extension of the soul of the samurai
(Bushido)
The spirit of the steel will never die
Never die, never die
PJO February 1998
Gotta enjoy the season
I gotta enjoy the season
Take the picture to get out the cards to mail more in return
So many people, so many commitments, you think I'd learn
Gotta do Christmas
Gotta get to the mall
I gotta get to the mall
Cut that car off, don’t bother to signal
Fuck you and to hell with the bells that jingle
I gotta get to the mall
Gotta find a place to park
I gotta find a place to park
Cruisin’ the lot for hours lookin’ for that perfect spot
I coulda been done if I’d parked at the back of the lot
I gotta find a place to park
Gotta hit all the stores
I gotta hit all the stores
Weavin’ between people in the crowded corridor
Get outta my way, honey, or you’ll be eatin’ floor
I gotta hit all the stores
Gotta get the right gift
I gotta get the right gift
Excuse me, excuse me, can I get a little help here?
Oh, where in the hell is the cashier?
I gotta get the right gift
Gotta get these wrapped
I gotta get these all wrapped
Paper, tape, ribbon, tissue and tags
Dammit, next year everyone gets theirs in a bag
I gotta get these wrapped
Gotta go to the party
I gotta go to the gathering
The family is getting together, what a mess
Deal with her depression and his drunkenness
I gotta go to the gathering
Gotta get home safely
I gotta get home soon
People driving poorly enough to make a Preacher swear
She’s goin’ 40, traffic’s a fuckin’ nightmare
I gotta get home
Gotta survive the season
I just gotta survive
I need stamps to get out the cards and mail more in return
Too many people too many commitments, you think I'd learn
Gotta do Christmas
PJO December 1997