Trying to force my thoughts into rhymes I’ve started over too many times. Lost my way more often than I can count Paying for the future from an empty account.
I lived in a palace that is now Smoldering ash and dust. I thought I was a Man of Steel Turns out I’m a bucket of rust.
Running down-hill you can only go so fast Falling head first, now your feet aren’t the last. Told a good story, played the main part Some if it science, some of it art.
I lived in a palace that is gone Smoldering ash and dust. I thought I was a Man of Steel Turns out I am a bucket of rust.
Sometimes you are forced to gamble Usually there is no preamble. For some it’s fun to shop until you drop For me it was just impossible to stop.
I thought I was a Man of Steel What’s left is a bucket of rust.
I stole the main theme from my older brother. He would often say he thought he was a man of steel but looking around he saw a bucket of rust. He was a wrestler and chess player in school…. an avid reader and ready for any challenge. Even after his third stroke and 2nd seizure this year, he remembers his wrestling days in high school more clearly than many other accomplishments. It is plagiarism, but he is my brother so I think I can get away with it this time.
A common topic shared on this platform as I reach 70 years old.
Another friend of mine has died unexpectedly. He was ten years younger than me. My posts have bragged about the people I have met over the years, and he is one of the special ones. Jay Aronoff truly loved music…. in all it’s forms, but he made it his own. Life had it’s struggles but he always had time for good friends.
Son of former Ohio Senator Stan Aronoff but he chose his own path. I met him when I worked at a local music store chain. I managed the store and he was a guitar instructor. Even when he was not in a lesson, the guitar was strapped around his shoulder and he encouraged impromptu renditions of our favorite prog-rock songs. He was easy to love.
Jay was stunned I had never had a cup of coffee. He persisted until I had my first and only cup of coffee with him. It wasn’t that bad but not as good as the smell of fresh ground coffee in the old grocery stores so I decided to stick with tea!
I did a video of Jay’s band Mara performing live. My wife Ellen and I did all the camera work on two separate nights, and I did the post production video and timing by ear. In memory of Jay Aronoff, here are links to that video filmed in 1988:
I also have some lyrics to share with all who knew Jay, and those who know me:
This is all Unpredictable The end to a terrible day. A phone call from another friend; This would be the last day with Jay.
He was a very special soul Who bound so many together. I thought he’d be the one To remember us forever.
Jay had his demons to face I’m sure he faced many alone. None of that matters today Because from now on, Jay is gone.
This is all UnPredictable The cruelty cannot be more clear This would be the last day with Jay. So I raised another glass of beer.
This is all UnPredictable The cruelty cannot be more clear This would be the last day with Jay. So I raised a glass of beer.
I have shared a lot of pictures from local city parks in the past. Readers know one of my favorite city parks is Ault Park. Ault Park is actually the cities third largest park. Recently revived from years of neglect, I have shown pictures of sunsets at the park, the construction of connecting bike trails along with the floral gardens and overlooks.
Part of the park’s revival funding comes from renting the pavilion for weddings, corporate and local sponsored events. Here are some pictures of the pavilion when they are preparing for events:
The park has also been a place for celebrations like the 4th of July. On these occasions because the park is at the center of a number of neighborhoods, people come from all over to enjoy this wonderful area. This year we had beautiful weather and a full crowd to celebrate the freedoms we still have. I will share a few pictures but will try not to bore you with all of them.
I know it has been a while since I have posted much, but in reality I have been pretty busy. I have a lot to catch up on, but for now I want to share a new song with you. I wrote the lyrics to “Trap” a while ago and now have music for it. The lyrics have changed a bit so I will include an updated lyric sheet as well.
I have a vocalist coming in to redo the melody track to replace mine, and I will keep my harmony track. Soon another friend will send me bass guitar tracks, but for now, here is “Trap”.
When you think you are making the right decision Everybody you connect with is on your side. Well, buckle up your seat belts and hold on to your cap You don’t know it, but you just walked into a trap.
A trap you can’t get out of. X2 A trap you couldn’t see. A trap of your own making. Trapped for all eternity.
Still struggling and squirming trying to believe Yellin’ ‘I don’t understand’, makes you look like a fool. All bundled up nice with a box, bow and pretty wrap However you say it, you’re stuck in a trap. Lashing out at anyone that comes even close. You keep pushing yourself further and further away.
Suddenly you hear a loud and powerful snap Now you know it, you just walked into a trap.
When you think you are making the right decision Everybody you connect with is on your side. Well, buckle up your seat belts and hold on to your cap You don’t know it, you just walked into a trap.
It seems like you are making your own choices Everything’s going down just like you planned. The box is smashed and you’re hanging from a strap However you play it, you’re stuck in a trap. Suddenly you hear a loud and powerful snap Now you know it, you just walked into a trap.
Life on the outside is cruel and often mean. Life on the inside can be what you make it to be. You have more than I do and it’s still not enough. If someone ‘wants you’, you think that they’re in love.
I find the simple pleasures we share Can provide the answers for hope and prayer. Literally, just stop and face the other way We see so much clearly in the light of day.
In Summary; There’s a bunch of things I haven’t done yet. In Summary; Far too many things I’ve learned to regret. In Summary; The important ones I try not to forget. In Summary; I’m not a gambler But there were many times I should have placed my bet.
The difference between the haves and the have-nots Or more like the players that miss all the free shots. Learn to appreciate everything that goes toward the Sum I’ve gotten old and slow, but I’ve never been dumb.
I hear the beat when nothing is around. Can’t help but imitating life’s unusual sound. I would gladly show anyone what I have found The tempo changes come from underground.
It’s not a pattern if it doesn’t flow. Soon watch your feet and hands begin moving from fast to slow. No way to see it if you don’t already know But stand still long enough you will feel it grow.
The first thing I learned was how to snap. Didn’t take me long ‘til I had the knack. Walkin down the street or wakin’ from a nap, My life has always been a musical soundtrack.
From the solid ground comes a roar like thunder. I can never wake from the spell I am under. Once I can open my eyes they are full of wonder Let’s escape this world that has been plundered.
From there everything comes into play. Someone writes a musical out of the things you say. I would like to think we could leave it for another day But you and I know it will never go away.
The first thing I learned was how to snap. Didn’t take me long ‘til I had the knack. Walkin down the street or wakin’ from a nap, My life has always been a really long soundtrack.
MidiMike 