Kingman, Arizona

I had landed in a jail cell
in Kingman, Arizona
the victim of a four-night drunk
and more bad luck
waiting everywhere

in the times when I have hope

in the times when I have hope
(which isn't very often)
my defenses start to shake
and my heart begins to soften
I can picture opportunities
I never thought I'd know
and consult my own map and compass
to see which direction to go
I can rise from my usual plateau
in the times when I have hope

different towns

man, the songs we used to sing
we sure did sing them, one by one
singing at the break of day
to another rising of the sun
I miss your voice in harmony
I'm imagining the sound
'cause I still hear you in my heart
though we live in different towns

make believe conversation

you will be my friend
even if you aren't 
because I've
memorized
all your words by heart
what should we discuss?
where should I start?
in my make believe conversation

I'll tell you 'bout my history
I'll tell you 'bout my dreams
I'll tell you 'bout
my deepest doubts
my bouts with Benzedrine 
I'll talk to almost anyone
except a real human being
in my make believe conversation

consolation prize

I always win the consolation prize
my dreams of being number one
always go up in smoke
the winner always smiles
thanks Jesus and the family
and I always feel like
a punchline of some stupid joke

baby steps 2

          I want to rearrange the alphabet
          move from step C to X
          which is as hard as you can get
          when taking baby steps

I'm so fuckin' tired
of taking baby steps
it makes me mad
I'm really pissed
'cause I finally figured out
maybe baby steps 
are all there is
you'll never reach 
your idea of perfection
be glad you're moving
in the right direction
maybe baby steps
are all there is

baby steps

I'm so fuckin' tired
of taking baby steps
I want to jump
I want to run
but all I ever do
is take baby steps
and that ain't any fun

nothing drives me crazy
like baby steps
I want to race
without a pause
when people say
"just take baby steps"
I want to punch them 
in the shnozz 

          I don't need any interference
          with how I live my life
          you could put your advice on clearance
          but I will not recognize
          what you are saying

I don't need
no stinking baby steps
it's getting old
you must admit
you can take 
your baby steps
and stick them in
baby shit