Carl from Glimpses by Mark Perry

Carl

Carl and I went to school together
We wore blue uniforms
He’d yellow bus in from the reservation
We’d talk about our dreams

Out there in the schoolyard
He would run fast and throw hard
He could really hit the ball
A long, long way

I heard the teacher tell him
Carl you really have a chance
You could do something special - With your life

Carl where are you going to
There’s so much that you can do -Carl (What will become of you )

Carl you were an artist
Played guitar much better than me
There were just those special things
That you could hear and see

Sometimes in a forest
There’s a bird
With a beautiful voice
That may never be heard )

When they crossed that center line.
You never - had a chance
Blood and glass and alcohol
-what a waste -Carl

I drove by the sight today - a beer in my cup holder
felt angry and thought of you
The choices that we make
And can never undo.

• Americana folk
• Folk
• singer-songwriter
• Smithers