Nuthouse Nursery Rhymes
By
David Brunoehler
March 9, 2005
Panic
So you panic when you fear
And worry when you hurt
The bravest souls have also, dear,
Now chill out – hit the dirt.
If You Want To Fight Depression
If you want to fight depression
You needn’t take a pill
Just find something to laugh about
Invent another thrill
If you want to fight depression
Go right ahead — feel sad
But bare in mind it’s over:
That once good thing you had
If you want to fight depression
Most people fret and stew
Why not try to find them
And something new to do
If you want to fight depression
It doesn’t help to yell
But go ahead and let it out
Raise a little hell.
-2-
I Remember Who You Are
I remember who you are
You are a love I’ve known
And just to set the record straight
We never were alone
Throughout the years, I now know how,
Abandonment seemed real
Illusion I can see through now
And feel the way you feel
As I remember who I am
I’ll show you more of you
It’s just the way it’s always been
In truth, it’s what I do.
Mercy
If you want to ask God for mercy now
You needn’t waste your breath
You’ve always been in His good grace
How so? You’ll learn at death
When Someone Stands You Up
Whenever someone stands you up
Don’t take it close to heart
But rather take their picture out
And tear it all apart
No, really, don’t mean to be mean
Accept their ill excuse
Because whatever else you do
You’ll wonder: “What’s the use?”
-3-
Is Nothing Sacred?
You fret you live as if nothing is sacred
I’d like to help you out
If nothing is, then all is not
See? What you worried about?
Perhaps the reverse, in fact, is true
All blessedness abound
Well I, for one, think that’s more fun
So now, I’m lost and found
Hmmm…
Freeloading find you guilty?
Bad credit got you down?
No end in sight to hardship?
High hopes have hit the ground?
Hmmm…
Remember what you’ve given
At times you could have charged
It may not be a lack of worth
But that your heart is large
Insecure
Insecure?
Sure.
Inept?
“Nyet!”
-4-
When You Feel Lonely
You ask why you feel lonely
No wonder you’re so blue
The answer is this only:
You’ve been untrue to you.
You ask if you’re forgiven
The answer: always yes
So what, pray tell, will you do?
Tell the truth – or guess?
How Sorry Can You Be
So you confessed you told a lie
How sorry can you be?
It’s time you pick yourself up high
For one and all to see.
Dis-ease
It’s not about the voices
That tell you you’re dis-eased
But rather, sticky choices
Now then, let go … release!
You Make Me Sick
You make me sick
Or so I thought
Until I learned
You’re well
Oh, what a trick
Um, I forgot
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
-5-
How to Find Heaven
If Heaven is a state of mind
Of peace, of love and joy
That should not be hard to find
Repeat:
“Oh, boy!”
“Oh, boy!”
“Oh, boy!”Nuthouse Nursery Rhymes
By
David Brunoehler
March 9, 2005
Panic
So you panic when you fear
And worry when you hurt
The bravest souls have also, dear,
Now chill out – hit the dirt.
If You Want To Fight Depression
If you want to fight depression
You needn’t take a pill
Just find something to laugh about
Invent another thrill
If you want to fight depression
Go right ahead — feel sad
But bare in mind it’s over:
That once good thing you had
If you want to fight depression
Most people fret and stew
Why not try to find them
And something new to do
If you want to fight depression
It doesn’t help to yell
But go ahead and let it out
Raise a little hell.
-2-
I Remember Who You Are
I remember who you are
You are a love I’ve known
And just to set the record straight
We never were alone
Throughout the years, I now know how,
Abandonment seemed real
Illusion I can see through now
And feel the way you feel
As I remember who I am
I’ll show you more of you
It’s just the way it’s always been
In truth, it’s what I do.
Mercy
If you want to ask God for mercy now
You needn’t waste your breath
You’ve always been in His good grace
How so? You’ll learn at death
When Someone Stands You Up
Whenever someone stands you up
Don’t take it close to heart
But rather take their picture out
And tear it all apart
No, really, don’t mean to be mean
Accept their ill excuse
Because whatever else you do
You’ll wonder: “What’s the use?”
-3-
Is Nothing Sacred?
You fret you live as if nothing is sacred
I’d like to help you out
If nothing is, then all is not
See? What you worried about?
Perhaps the reverse, in fact, is true
All blessedness abound
Well I, for one, think that’s more fun
So now, I’m lost and found
Hmmm…
Freeloading find you guilty?
Bad credit got you down?
No end in sight to hardship?
High hopes have hit the ground?
Hmmm…
Remember what you’ve given
At times you could have charged
It may not be a lack of worth
But that your heart is large
Insecure
Insecure?
Sure.
Inept?
“Nyet!”
-4-
When You Feel Lonely
You ask why you feel lonely
No wonder you’re so blue
The answer is this only:
You’ve been untrue to you.
You ask if you’re forgiven
The answer: always yes
So what, pray tell, will you do?
Tell the truth – or guess?
How Sorry Can You Be
So you confessed you told a lie
How sorry can you be?
It’s time you pick yourself up high
For one and all to see.
Dis-ease
It’s not about the voices
That tell you you’re dis-eased
But rather, sticky choices
Now then, let go … release!
You Make Me Sick
You make me sick
Or so I thought
Until I learned
You’re well
Oh, what a trick
Um, I forgot
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
-5-
How to Find Heaven
If Heaven is a state of mind
Of peace, of love and joy
That should not be hard to find
Repeat:
“Oh, boy!”
“Oh, boy!”
“Oh, boy!”Nuthouse Nursery Rhymes
By
David Brunoehler
March 9, 2005
Panic
So you panic when you fear
And worry when you hurt
The bravest souls have also, dear,
Now chill out – hit the dirt.
If You Want To Fight Depression
If you want to fight depression
You needn’t take a pill
Just find something to laugh about
Invent another thrill
If you want to fight depression
Go right ahead — feel sad
But bare in mind it’s over:
That once good thing you had
If you want to fight depression
Most people fret and stew
Why not try to find them
And something new to do
If you want to fight depression
It doesn’t help to yell
But go ahead and let it out
Raise a little hell.
-2-
I Remember Who You Are
I remember who you are
You are a love I’ve known
And just to set the record straight
We never were alone
Throughout the years, I now know how,
Abandonment seemed real
Illusion I can see through now
And feel the way you feel
As I remember who I am
I’ll show you more of you
It’s just the way it’s always been
In truth, it’s what I do.
Mercy
If you want to ask God for mercy now
You needn’t waste your breath
You’ve always been in His good grace
How so? You’ll learn at death
When Someone Stands You Up
Whenever someone stands you up
Don’t take it close to heart
But rather take their picture out
And tear it all apart
No, really, don’t mean to be mean
Accept their ill excuse
Because whatever else you do
You’ll wonder: “What’s the use?”
-3-
Is Nothing Sacred?
You fret you live as if nothing is sacred
I’d like to help you out
If nothing is, then all is not
See? What you worried about?
Perhaps the reverse, in fact, is true
All blessedness abound
Well I, for one, think that’s more fun
So now, I’m lost and found
Hmmm…
Freeloading find you guilty?
Bad credit got you down?
No end in sight to hardship?
High hopes have hit the ground?
Hmmm…
Remember what you’ve given
At times you could have charged
It may not be a lack of worth
But that your heart is large
Insecure
Insecure?
Sure.
Inept?
“Nyet!”
-4-
When You Feel Lonely
You ask why you feel lonely
No wonder you’re so blue
The answer is this only:
You’ve been untrue to you.
You ask if you’re forgiven
The answer: always yes
So what, pray tell, will you do?
Tell the truth – or guess?
How Sorry Can You Be
So you confessed you told a lie
How sorry can you be?
It’s time you pick yourself up high
For one and all to see.
Dis-ease
It’s not about the voices
That tell you you’re dis-eased
But rather, sticky choices
Now then, let go … release!
You Make Me Sick
You make me sick
Or so I thought
Until I learned
You’re well
Oh, what a trick
Um, I forgot
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
-5-
How to Find Heaven
If Heaven is a state of mind
Of peace, of love and joy
That should not be hard to find
Repeat:
“Oh, boy!”
“Oh, boy!”
“Oh, boy!”
Month: July 2010
Fire Opal Shore
Fire Opal Shore
On a beach of opal sand
Splashing Rainbow crystals
Hand in hand
Laughing while white crystal foam
Wisps above a sapphire wave
To invite us home
Though it’s not so far away
Shall we dig our toes in one more day?
After all, the water’s warm
With each sun-kissed breath
Comes the notion
What’s the harm?
Dare I stay, or must I run?
In the opal ocean
Under Apricot sun
Do I have to follow flitting foam?
When I can’t recall recall or conjure
A more idyllic home
Let us linger here some more
In this glistening eddy
On fire opal shore
C 2006 David Brunoehler
Bliss Acrowhim Addition
BLISS
Being Lost In Selfless Service
Being Lost In Someone’s Smile
Big Lesson In Spiritual Survival
Bring Laughter Into Something Serious
Become Lucky In Scary Situation
Big Lady In Smaller Size
Bag Lady In Spring Shower
Believe Life Is Surely Sweet
Beautiful Looking In Swim Suit
By Learning Independence, Self Security
Band Leader Impresses Small School
By Last Incarnation Spirit Soars
Boring Loudmouth Is Suddenly Silent
Beat Lateness In Split Seconds
Burst Loudly Into Silly Song
Before Leaving Impact Society Somehow
Begin Living In Sensuous Serenity
Behave Like It’s Simply Situational
Being Loved Is Something Special
Breathe Life Into Someone’s Sorrow
Bask Long In Summer Sun
Bet Lucky In Super Sweepstakes
BLISS 2
Brain Loss & I’m Still Sentient
Bum Leg Is Suddenly Swell
Blues Leave In Suede Shoes
Bathe Leech less In Savannah Swamp
Big League’s Impenetrable Short Stop
Babies Lacking Inbreeding In Social Stratosphere
Buy Soft Insoles, Silky Socks
Before Leaving Institute, Skip School
Belch Loudly Impress Some Sweat-hogs
Bread Loaf In Starving Stomach
Belly Laughs Improve Sloppy Speech
Brotherly Love Invalidates Satan’s Say-so
Behold Lights In Starry Sky
Billow Life In Sun Shine
Banter Lovingly In Strenuous Situations
Believe Life Is Still Safe
Before Losing Investment, Sell Short
Be Legendary In Somebody’s Story
Before Losing, Intend Stellar Success
Burp Like It’s Still Savory
Blast Life Into Superior Smithereens
C 2007 David Brunoehler
BLISS 3
Boys Lounging In Short Shorts
Brazilian Lads In Scanty Swimwear
Beauty Lasts Into Sultry Seventies
Be Liked; It’s So Simple
Bring Levity Into Serious Situation
Bag Lunch Includes Several Sweets
Bad Luck Is Seldom Seen
Breathe Life In. Stop Sniveling
Bravo! Let’s Instigate Some Scandal
Be Loyal, Infidelity Sucks Soul
Ballet Leap Into Spring Singing
Barker’s Line-up Inspires Side Show
Before Leaving, Initiate Sweet Sayonara
Big Lode In Silver Stream
Best Lesson: Ignore Small Stuff
Goodnight Wherever You Are *
Goodnight Wherever You Are *
Haven’t told a single soul
Though I’m tempted to talk it out
Had a feeling you’d be back
But my feelings are having doubts
When I wake I think I feel you
But I always stretch too far
Never rest my head
Until I’ve said
Goodnight
Wherever you are
My old car is running fine
And I finally lost ten pounds
And even though the bed’s all mine
I’m actin’ like it’s ours
When I wake I think I feel you
But I always stretch too far
Never rest my head
Until I’ve said
Goodnight
Wherever you are
Goodnight to the mirror
Goodnight to your old robe
I’m doing things like you were here
And wishing it were so
At times I laugh at your old jokes
Those who know know why
People who love forever
Find better things to do
Than cry
I’ve got time to do more things
I’m out with friends all night
Thankful for these tender mercies
‘til I turn out the light
Just tonight I felt a chill
And I wished on one more star
I never rest my head
Until I’ve said
Goodnight
Wherever you are
© copyright 1994 David Brunoehler & Melanie Safka
The Alamitos Belmont Rehabilitation Hospital’s Summer Solstice Candlelight Dinner
The Alamitos Belmont Rehabilitation Hospital’s Summer Solstice Candlelight Dinner
I’m not sure how to begin this, without sounding like an ingrate; but I’ve got to try, while it’s fresh in my mind. It’s too good.
For all the help I require and receive as a long term nursing facility resident, I am perpetually torn between feelings of deep resentment and those of deepest gratitude, especially for the bare essentials, like bed, board and care. So when the Activities Director teamed up with the Dietitian to put on a soiree celebrating the beginning of Summer it was a welcome break in the monotony – very special, indeed.
The menu was special. Cornish Game Hens and Angel Food Cake made it so. Fresh flower centerpieces beside battery-lit candles on linen tablecloths cinched the special decor. But it was the one-woman sing-a-long soul review that made this special dinner unforgettable… on many levels
From the onslaught, you could tell something was wrong with “My Cheri Amour” but putting a finger on it was where the excruciating fun began. Sure, she was pitchy. Hell! She slid from flat to sharp with such aplomb, the more sour the note, the more she’d sway… eyes rolled back in her head… free hand fanned through her hair, revealing a deep, wide-spreading inward grin and then – pop – right back at ya, with a wink and a bite off a Diana Ross smile. (You know the one.). She was amazing.
Whatever the reason, her one woman show was working, gaining momentum and new singers with every golden oldie. She’d picked her play list wisely. We all knew the words to every tune. But that wouldn’t guarantee our willingness to sing along. Did she know how mesmerizing she was? Did the audience care how painful her singing was? With each rendition her confidence grew,regardless of what anyone knew. By “I Can See Clearly Now” every voice in the dining room was vying to be heard. Every wrinkled face unlocked and smiled back at our soul Diva, as she reached out and touched bony, purple hands, outstretched, magnetized by her body, every time she’d sweep past. And so went the night. .
Looking back, I remember a moment when “What A Wonderful World” was just getting started, the singer put a little more breath and husk in her voice and, as I chimed in, I fought back tears.
C 2010 David Brunoehler
Before I Let Myself Back Into Heaven
Before I Let Myself Back Into Heaven
Before I let myself back into Heaven
I want to hear a promise
That will not break
That’s understood
And good to make
So then
by the time that I get there
The men
I’ve been told to believe in
Will welcome me home
With wise words and songs
Familiar old tomes
We’ve known all along
So happy finally to remember
What it was they were teaching
Why I did all that reaching
So profound
What it was
That I wanted to say:
“Though empty rounds
May bother you
What you will
Fills every queue.”
Before I let myself back into Heaven
I want to know a person
Who I won’t leave
Who’ll understand
And I’ll believe
So then
by the time that we get there
The wisdom
we’ve tried to believe in
Will find us at home
And open the door
Never to roam
No need to need more
So happy finally to remember
What it was we were needing
While our hearts kept on bleeding
Till we found
Who it was
That we wanted to stay
You for me
Me for you
Two as one
One as two
BILMBIH-2
Before I let myself back into Heaven
I want to feel a feeling
I’ve never known
Reveal a facet
I’ve never shown
So then
by the time that I get there
The thin
lines I’ve hidden in nowhere
Will all be erased
From my aging face
Gone with the wind
Without any trace
So happy finally to remember
To let myself shine
And let love be mine
All around
As it is
It expands and abounds
As if by magic Xanadu
It’s who we are.
It’s what we do.
Before I let myself back into Heaven
I want to change perceptions
Of how things are
What might seem near
May be real far
So then
by the time that I get there
The wind
that’s been blowing in my hair
May measure a man
Or power a fan
A treasured elan
More valuable than
Those happy moments we’re aware of
Inspired not by fears
But the air in our ears
All that’s been
Sight unseen
So peace
Be still
Be what
You will
c 2010 David Brunoehler
Do Pets Go to Heaven?
Do Pets Go to Heaven?
My friend, Dianne had to lose her cat.
She asked if I knew where her pet was at.
“Do pets go to Heaven?” she queried me.
I replied, “Absolutely!” with certainty.
I drew my answer
From a memory
Of my cat named Blue,
Who I still can see
If I can send him love
And feel him purr
Then eternal love
Can again occur.
If that’s not Heaven,
I don’t know what is
God will not make
What isn’t His
Just as Dianne knew
Her pet’s love was pure
Every single “mew”
Meant it would endure.
The innocence
Of this energy
Insures fast passage
Through eternity
Not only for pets,
But especially
For Blue,
Dianne,
Her cat
And me
c 2010 David Brunoehler.
GRACE
Acrowhims Add-on
GRACE:
God Rewards All Conscious Effort
Good Reason A Cause Expands
Get Rich At Creating Equanimity
Get Real About Criminal Ethic
Get Ready And Come Early
Give Relative A Comfy Embrace
Get Righteous About Carefree Existence
Grant Rogue A Considerate Experience
Go Rafting At Canyon’s End
Graceland Realtor Approaching Curious Elvis
Give Riches Away – Collect Experience
Glorious Reminder As Conflicts End
Get Right Answer Clues Evermore
Give Right Answer Clues Evermore
Goodness Reaches Around, Changes Everything
Gang Rally Around Candidate… Euphoric
Gorgeous Roman Appears Curiously Erotic
Great Rhyme At Couplets End
Gentle Ridicule Almost Cures Evil
God Reigns And Cleans Earth
c 2010 David Brunoehler
Acrowhims Add-on
GRACE:
God Rewards All Conscious Effort
Good Reason A Cause Expands
Get Rich At Creating Equanimity
Get Real About Criminal Ethic
Get Ready And Come Early
Give Relative A Comfy Embrace
Get Righteous About Carefree Existence
Grant Rogue A Considerate Experience
Go Rafting At Canyon’s End
Graceland Realtor Approaching Curious Elvis
Give Riches Away – Collect Experience
Glorious Reminder As Conflicts End
Get Right Answer Clues Evermore
Give Right Answer Clues Evermore
Goodness Reaches Around, Changes Everything
Gang Rally Around Candidate… Euphoric
Gorgeous Roman Appears Curiously Erotic
Great Rhyme At Couplets End
Gentle Ridicule Almost Cures Evil
God Reigns And Cleans Earth
c 2010 David Brunoehler