Tuesday Poem : My Empire by A.J. Ponder

I should have known
My sweetest friend
That you could have it all
In the end


Someone told me long ago
that it would end this way

Tho' I keep searching for
An answer,


There is nothing I can say
Hanging on the promises
You never thought to give
You're scared

Of the pain you feel,
Maybe it's raining
Or the sun wont shine
I know

You've never seen the rain
except there's a rainbow
above you
burning


I've had two songs going through my head for a long time now, "I should have known," by the Foo Fighters and Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails. There are a couple of other lines that have been thrown in (attributions below), but this song poem, "My Empire," could just as easily been called "Earworm"...

If you enjoy poetry, why not check out the poems at the Tuesday Poem Blog, free every Tuesday.

(Also included Whitesnake, "Here I go again," lyrics, John Fogerty's "have you ever seen the rain," lyrics, The Eagles, "Desperado," and maybe even afew from Joss Whedon's "Once more with feeling." And if I have accidentally placed an unattributed line, please don't hesitate to say. Have a great week!

thanks for dropping by,
A.J. Ponder

Tuesday Poem: Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails

(I believe, and hope this is the official version. It seemed to have the correct copyright on the video at the end - if the video above doesn't work try the YouTube link:  here  )

Yes, this version of "Hurt" is a slightly different version to the original by Nine Inch Nails,with a twist away from the drug references, shunting the song a fraction away from a haunting tale of drugs destroying relationships -- "What have I become My sweetest friend Everyone I know goes away In the end" becomes something almost nostalgic, recognising the impermanence of life -- made even more poignant by the singer's obvious ill health, and the fact he died shortly after its release.

The deep tones of melancholy echo through the melody -- yes, "you can have it all,"  a whole empire of it but what is "it all" anyway in the end except dirt and pain? 

So, on that cheery note, I'll leave you with a part of my favourite verse:


"Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here"



Ka kite anō

A.J. Ponder