I left the door open too long.
Light crawled in,
touched everything I couldn’t name.
Dust circled like old prayers,
too quiet to believe in.

Streets crack below,
each car another beat borrowed from your world.
I think of you in the reflection
not your face,
just how still the glass was after you left.

If I’m still somewhere,
it’s between stars,
in the pause between a sound and its proof.
A small, patient sound
forgetting who made it.

I walk until the sky erases the idea of destination.
Billboards speak in light I can’t translate.
The moon flickers,
as if buffering another planet’s thought.

I used to write lists of things to fix
now I just listen to silence,
wait for it to rhyme.

If I’m still somewhere,
it’s not for long.
Every error grows tired of spelling.
Every goodbye becomes a friend.

Night folds around me,
neither kind nor cruel.
Just enormous enough
to call it peace.

Still Somewhere

From the demo reels: I Need More

"Top Of The List" (#428, 210104)

Quiet all along the highway
Sun peeking over the trees
Wind picked up but I wore my coat
And it feels alright to me

Come out here every morning
Sit quiet and listen clear
Blue crayon and a piece of paper
And I watch these lines appear

Some people seek salvation in heaven
Other folks build it here on earth
Me I'm just lucky to count my blessings
Anytime I can find the words
Younger self well I never woulda' guessed
What's always on the top of the list

Get an early start tomorrow
Pack a little bag to bring
Blanket and a pair of mittens
Winter's gonna' turn to spring

Week 01 - Top Of The List (210104)

I wrote this about a month ago and hesitated on posting. It didn't feel like it was my place to write. But on my mind today so tweaked and finished-ished.

Old Glory - Song a Week 2021, Week 1

Copyright Renegade Faith 2021

First of the Song a Week 2021 challenges - Not on topic

A nice simple bluesy rocker

Hot Damn

1.Top of the List-Daily Chores


Week 1 January 10

1.Its 9am a new day shines a coffee poured my spirit rise
Now nothing can defeat this happy soul
The kitchen bench clutter filled
With pots and pans from last night still
And yet these hands make light the messy woe

ch
It matters not what might get done
The laundry first the bath begun
Above all else im chasing just one wish
To pen a phrase a simple tune
A hook to catch the light in you
The song remains atop my daily list

2.My gaze is not on sponge and dish
Not on the plates not on the sink
But caught somewhere between a hymn a prayer
That I might settle down and bask inside the joy of each small task
In the simple things that are prepared

3.It’s in the mundane daily chores
I sense the greater things of awe
The peace that satisfies my anxious heart
Providing space within my mind 
And healing wounds of buried lies
The salty breeze of beauty love and art

It matters not what might get done
The laundry first the bath begun
Above all else I'm chasing just one wish
To pen a phrase a simple tune
A hook to catch the light in you
The song remains atop my daily list

SAW 2021 top of the list-daily chores

I almost have enough songs about the homeless for an EP!

Since I’m still commuting to work, I’m still noticing stuff, and here’s a story I couldn’t pass up.  Plus it’s a nice balance to some of the more serious songs I have.

While walking on 42nd Street (Dec 30, probably 9:40pm or so), I observed a young woman who was either new to New York or perhaps a tourist.  She appeared to be giving a lactose intolerant homeless man a coffee with milk.

Wish I had a little more time for guitar rehearsal before recording this track, but hey, I couldn't play at this tempo a year ago, so it's progress.  I'm looking forward to creating some more upbeat songs this year.  Very happy to be a part of SAW again!!


I Can’t Drink Latte Today

All her life she dreamed of Times Square
Broadway and all the money she’d make there
But she never left the suburbs
And she probably never will
But at least tonight she can board a flight
Big Apple, here I come

She saw him digging for a bite to eat
Tattered clothes and old shoes on his feet
Down the block was a Starbucks
A cup will help him out tonight
It’s cold on the street, have a nice warm treat
Please take this, here you go

Thank you, how kind of you
But wait!  Does this have milk?
My stomach will ache, it will make me ill
So excuse me as I say
I can’t drink latte today

Oh no, I’m so sorry, she said
That’s okay, I’m used to this, he said
What people throw away
Will surely blow your mind
But tonight I’m stuck, can you spare a buck
Some coins or change will help

He reminded her of a friend she knew back home
Made her laugh and even wrote a poem
But standing on the corner
Was not the point of this trip
She gave him a buck and wished him luck
It’s late now, I must go

Thank you, how kind of you
But wait!  Does this have milk?
My stomach will ache, it will make me ill
So excuse me as I say
I can’t drink latte today

I Can't Drink Latte Today - 1:8:21, 7.20 PM

A Capella cover of "Stand in that River" by Moira Smiley
Performed by Jordie K.

*daughter-mama duet cover coming soon*

Come and stand in that river
Current gentle and slow 
Send your troubles down water
Down on that water flow

When you stand in that river
Angels sing in your head
Secrets beyond any worry
Dreams beyond any dread

Tell me sister, brother,
Where does that river flow?
It flows down to that great water
Where soon my people will go

Come and stand in that river
Current gentle and slow 
Send your troubles down water
Down on that water flow

Stand In That River (a capella cover by Jordie K)

First recording in 18 months. Hoping that Song-a-week 2021 will get me going again.

Music and image Copyright © Claes Akerblom

Solitude(demo)

You'd Be Green Too

the weeks theme is optional, whatever seems most impossible, whatever pass as irrational
thats the theme this week

weak theme is optional, trash  clash at the capitol, police greased by politicals
thats our c-u-n-try

the weak's theme is optional, assemble their own obstacles, social synapse collapsable
thats the regime of the week

weak theme is optional, casual irresponsible, spectacle reprehensible, thats the theme this week

theme of the week.....
greed  fear violence shame.....

the weak's theme is optional, refuse as a collectible, overcooked like a vegetable
return without a receipt

the weeks theme is optional, money makes the oath most corruptable, corruption unconscionable
thats the theme of the weak
its the theme of the week

theme of the week is optional

Nashville songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Godin Guitars Official Artist and Founder of www.songaweek.org.

His catalog of 500+ titles includes collaborations with hit writers Mark Narmore, Elliott Park, Steve Dean, and Pete & Pat Luboff, among others internationally from England to Australia.

Redding's music has landed cuts by numerous recording artists including Dan Whitehouse, Emma Gale, and David Easterling.

Week 01 - Top Of The List (210104)

JamesTristanRedding