“Lies” (poetry / music score)

I wrote the poem "Lies” in 2015 out of frustration from the several mass shootings that occurred (Aurora, Newton, Boston to name a few), one after another, claiming innocent lives from us far too soon. This poem brings a sense of unease for me emotionally, but I was incredibly grateful to learn that this message touched someone who was inspired enough to share it in a way I had never imagined. I thank the wonderful composer and conductor, Ronald Beckett, for setting music to this poem, and for his choir and lovely opera singers on performing it in Canada.

"Lies"

How many lies does it take to make you see
that freedom is just an illusion
And when I start to try to show you
That’s when the world lets us know
Hey, shut your mind, be viciously unkind, hun’

I try to convince myself that these rules meant to keep us safe will some day be our creed
But then it hurts so bad to see pure innocence dying for our faults
Dying for our faults
Dying for our wrongs

Feed me
Lies….
Lies…

I’ve heard it said too many times that our leaders will set us free
But I’ve learned these lies, re-lived these scenes
I may be sad, I may have cried
I may have shattered my sense of pride
But I still wake up with hopeful dreams
With hopeful dreams
With hopeful dreams

So let me find that peaceful place
Where I can cast away my fears
Some thoughts are stronger in my head
But it’s time my love can fight this war
Love can fight this war
Love can win this war

Feed me
Lies…

These are the photos of my memories past
These are the letters that I wrote last
These are the words I wish I’d take back
This is the love, but why am I so sad
Gone are the parents I never had
Gone are the children I wish I had
These are the dreams, they hurt so bad
This is my conscience driving me mad
Where is the love we claim to have
Where is the soul that we once had

This is how I feel
Do you know how I feel
Cuz’ if you think you know how I feel
Then this madness cannot be real

Lies…

This madness can’t be real
It can’t be real…