Addiction- The Friendly Foe

It all really started, quite innocent enough. 

We drank those first beers, we took those first puffs

Thinking we were cool, as elders in the room.

Then life reared it’s head, with that legendary loom

 

Having a great time, with friends gathered round

Everyone so happy, getting stoned with no bounds

Disguised as some kids, just having fun

When given the chance, It’d be best to just run.

 

The lure of a car, with pretty girls in the back

On top of the world, until that demon strikes back

Cruising through life, worried about one thing

Where’s my next dollar, when’s my next fling

 

As time carries on, much has not changed

Day after day, the goal was the same

Many years gone, on the wrong flow

Escape all the nonsense, and trouble in tow

 

Imaginary friends, last as long as your stash

Then move to the next, chasing more cash

Thinking it be different, at the time was insane

There’s only one person, Of whom we can blame

 

The escape we pursue, is one of great struggle

Avoid that first high, will eliminate this trouble

Many will avoid , being gripped by this beast

Yet we all know good people, who now lie beneath

 

Life is so awesome, from the outside looking in

 Losing family and friends, is the price of this sin

When it’s time for replacement, remember one thing

There’s plenty of life, burning deep from within

 

If someone so special, will help you don your red cape

Look for phone booth, and dare to escape.

Follow the power that lies just beneath

The life of abundance, the Lord will bequeath

 

In loving memory of Andy  

The demons he could not escape

Hopefully this tribute will help someone escape their demons

 

 

CL  January 2, 2022

Far Too Soon

Five older brothers lost far too soon

Their existence now setting like the evening moon

They’ll never be forgotten in this now lonelier place

Of which this world can never replace

 

Each being different in their own  special way

Yet all the same at the end of the day

We’ve all had our troubles over the years

But the love for each  never did veer

 

Being the youngest I missed so much

Oh how I long or each of their touch

All of them athletes everyone knew

Their passion for life always shined through

 

Each one was better than the one before

At least that’s the tale of Lynch boy lure

All of us lifeguards on the shores of the coast

Nights playing pinochle  is what I’ll miss most

 

From sharing our thoughts about the ways of the world

To having us steal each other’s best girls

5 older brothers and just one bone

The title only lasts until we got home

 

 

 

Our parents did intimidate the toughest of friends

Not a single one would dare to offend

They raised us with toughness through impeccable grace

I say it again this world can’t replace

 

They walked through this world with open hands

Love for all people they did understand

Silence now holds the space they did fill

The love in our hearts will remain unspilled

 

One final thought shall always remain

Life moving forward will not be the same

So every night with each setting moon

The thoughts of 5 brothers lost far too soon

 

Dedicated to my 5 older brothers

November 2025

CL

 

One Man Crowd

 

The morning was perfect

From what we could see

The surf was a pumping

A couple of feet plus three

 

The wind was offshore

Taming those sets

Missing a days work

Held no regrets

 

Shooting on bye

With his toes on the nose

They sneak a quick peak

And away he does go

 

Kids in the line up

Would yell it out loud

“Who is that guy

They call the One Man Crowd”

 

The year must have been

around seventy-four

Loading up Red

With a quiver of boards

Our session would start

With a couple of puffs

Cranking the tunes

Was an absolute must

 

He would catch a big peak

With a fading top turn

Then run to the nose

So others could learn

 

Before you knew it

He was at it again

For every wave we did catch

He would have ten

 

He would stay up all night

Until Johnny danced out of sight

Then paddle on out

With unmatchable might

 

The Greebe was a legend

Not many knew

For forty plus years

He dazzled our crew

Not one to brag

Of his own special ways

Always giving the rest

Undeniable praise

 

ONE MAN CROWD

We carry your  memory like a badge on our vest

With the heaviest of hearts as each summer sets

His friends will agree he was one of the best

So God bless you Brother in your untimely rest.

 

Uncle  Tee Tee loved all the kids

Spending more time than the rest of us did

Teaching them lessons they never knew

Coming to light with an uncanny cue

 

In memory of my older brother Steve.

Without him my love for surfing and life would not be the same

CL  April 27, 2014