Rod McKuen - Flight Plan


SOLITAIRE		Photo by Bob Gentry Š2001 Stanyan Entertainment A Thought for Today Some of us are working lifetimes to erase a work set down in haste that should have never seen the page. The stone cries out. A whisper first, a moan and then a muffled shout. Nobody listens. Why bother with the stone, the single singing rock, the lone man dealing out the cards upon the table in the game of solitaire? The soloist, whether up above the orchestra, on the outside of the woods beyond the meatrack or in the farthest elbow of a crowded room, is asking to be left alone or crying out for company. No matter. Very rarely does the solo player engage in double solitaire. The reason is a simple one - always there's a chance of winning. - from "Alone", 1975 Details of Rod's upcoming concerts and appearances can be obtained via the link below: Rod McKuen Concerts & Appearances



		WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY (USA) Drew Barrymore o Nacio Herb Brown o Luis Bunuel o Michael Chang o Frederic Chopin o Jenny Cryws-Williams o W.E.B. DuBois o Sean O. Faolain o Ellen Green o Julius (Dr. J) Irving o Edward (Ted) Kennedy o Sheldon Leonard o James Russell Lowell o Dorothy McGuire o Ellen McLachlan o Edna St. Vincent Millay o Dan Millman o John Mills o Guy Mitchell o Oliver (William Oliver Swofford) o Lee Salonga o Melissa Sarkis o Arthur Schopenhauer o Robert Wadlow o George Washington o Robert Weede o Kenneth Williams o Bud Yorkin o Robert Young o George Zukerman

		If you've a special talent, let it be the gift of priorities that benefit the many. The best gift we've been given is understanding. Alas we do not use it often enough. We will always owe each other better things than food and fuel.

THE EYES HAVE IT		It's only the rope finally uncoiling, the glacier melting at last. It's only the wind licking its fingers. The bird in silent prayer. The mudlark down by the rivers edge helping to build the farm. Only the boatman crossing the river, passengers arriving at The Isle of the Dead. The derelict hanging out at the station thinking God lives in package stores, grocery shops. It's only the boy who promised forever losing you in his soft blue eyes. Only the dustman emptying cans. A little band at the corner playing beautiful, difficult lullabies. Only the miracle you always prayed for but certainly didn't expect. It's only the lovers down in the park giving their summer performance. Only the girl with blood stained eyes saying the song is over. It's only the roadway still unpaved with holes the size of empty pockets. Only the locket you lost or pawned with nobody's picture still inside of it struggling to get free. Only the spout of the teakettle whistling, holding the cup and saucer hostage. It's only the cats eye fixed on a hen with spangled plumage, a red hat on and no party to attend. It's only the artichoke pealed by experts dropped in the gutter and sailing beyond the neighborhood corner, the edge of the world. It's only the sound of the head exploding. It's only erosion having its way, invisible algae eating the sea, having The State for bed and breakfast. Only the melon being recalled back to Detroit for repairs. Nothing but Armageddon. It's only the shadows turning to substance as darkness shudders and closes its hand. The eye of the hurricane blackened. Only the beast you keep in the basement coming topside for air. A messenger only coming from heaven to shore up our dreams and take us away. Speak in a softer language. Smile without showing your tongue. It's only me on a Thursday evening coming to you with a bright smile on.. - from "Valentines," 1986

Š 1984, 1988, 1999 by Stanyan Music Group & Rod McKuen. All Rights Reserved

Birthday research by Wade Alexander o Poetry from the collection of Jay Hagan o Coordinated by Melinda Smith

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