Again – Don Mason 4/9/16

It was just another night on the bandstand.
It was good to see his smiling face again.
He came up and put some money in my tip jar,
And asked to hear his favorite song, again.

I know in recent years he's had his problems,
His body's not the same as it was back then.
But maybe for an hour or so I'll help him
Remember how it used to be, again.

As he heard familiar sounds he loved so dearly,
He got up from his chair once again.
His weary legs forgot that they were hurting,
As he danced across the hardwood floor again.

His wife of many years watched him dancing,
This time she didn't choose to join in.
She smiled as she remembered all the good times,
And the memories made her smile at him, again.

As the song came to an end my friend was weary.
Perhaps he danced too long and hard, again.
But I know he would not choose to change a minute,
Of the joy the music brought to him, again.

He sat down at the table with his sweetheart.
His son and grandson both had happened in.
He gently closed his eyes and leaned against her,
His head was on her shoulder once again.

We did everything we could to help revive him,
But the truth was clear we had lost our friend.
The Lord had picked this time to take him from us,
And now he'll dance without the pain, again.

I spent a sleepless night in contemplation,
Second guesses, second thoughts keep slipping in.
In my heart I know if he could do it over,
He'd choose to dance that last dance, again.

Lord bring comfort to his loved ones and his family,
And when he reaches Heaven ask him in.
He's paid his dues for 80 years here in this lifetime,
And now he deserves to dance for You, again.

Rest in Peace Pops!

Just beautiful

That was touching Don. It reminds me of the wolrd we used to
live in. Lloyd

Plus one especially the part about the world we used to live in!!

Don.... Did you write this ? It was a good read !


Ron

Thank you guys. This happened to me on the job last night, and the song, or poem, just came to me this morning. He was a friend and one of my biggest fans. He will be missed.

Lovely tribute

Too moving to even think about anything but honoring your friend and respecting your effort.

There are many reasons why you're one of my all-time favorites, and the thought and talent in this is a big one.

You're as good soul, Don (and a delightful character).

Best personal regards,


Russ Lay

Beautiful. You are extremely talented

Beautifully stated Don. Thanks for sharing your feelings and experience with me. This is definitely worthy of a song and your poem is a good place to start.
God Bless,
Don

Don, something almost identical happened to a good friend and mentor of mine. This brought back painful memories of the occasion but beautiful memories of my friend. Beautifully written. Publishable quality for sure (but then, that's not the point). The soul of the true artist is always on display. A wonderful tribute.

chas

Beautiful Don great tribute to your friend may he R.I.P Cal.

Very beautiful and heart felt Don...thanx for sharing your feelings.

Very moving, Don! God bless you!

Incredible tribute, Don.

Gary

Thank you so much friends.
Last night at the club I showed the lyrics to one of the staff and they said I should put music with it. It was slow, so I picked a style I thought might fit, started playing and singing it. I had no idea where I was going with chord structure or melody! Anyway I turned on the recorder and I think I'll share it with you here.
It is by no means a song yet. I would have to edit it and reduce the length, smooth out structure and pay attention to the melody, but what the heck, here it is.
https://app.box.com/s/fo4l8h25x99oaxdftp2bu60go6xcznmb

Now that's a HIT!! good job Don

That was very heartwarming Don...... You do have a talent !


Ron

Loved it, you have a great talent. I played it to my wife, she recognized your voice immediately and appreciated the song as much as I did.

Don your song is good, there’s warmth, sadness and love.

I got the feeling that with some of the great performers leaving this world, and our good friend Gary stepping back, there is a bit of you in this song also.

Thanks for sharing Don Mason with us.

John C.

Exactly how I felt John. Don's involvement in bringing joy to his listeners comes shining through in his presentation.

God Bless,
Don R.

Great job on that song Don. Cal.

Thank you guys. I think I will go ahead and put it on a CD for the man's son. I think he will enjoy having it.

Don ... very soulful and heartfelt ... you are a true artist and a true GENTLE-MAN ...
I'm sorry you had to experience this ...

Tonight we're having a memorial and celebration of Pop's life. I will provide music of course, and Ernest will provide food. I have made a couple of CDs with the song on it. Not sure if I'll play it for the family at this point, but I will decide if the circumstances and atmosphere seem to call for it. I think in years to come they will appreciate having it though.

You truly are the "Southern Gentleman"........ We are all proud to have you as a friend.... And I am sure that I can speak for all of "SZ" Members..

What a voice you have! Very pleasing and comforting. Great song, too. I am sure that the family and friends will appreciate it very much.

Don, I am sure they will fully appreciate the song whenever they hear it ...

Thank you so much for the kind comments!
The family was all gathered at the club again tonight. Most have to go back to distant destinations tomorrow. I played the recording for them and they loved it. Each one thanked me for doing it and they all want a copy of it. They, and I, were smiling through the tears. It was very emotional but seemed to really please them as they will have this to help remember their loved one.
I thought long and seriously about redoing the recording, cleaning up the chords and melody and making the words fit better, shortening it a little, etc., but I decided to leave it exactly as it "came to me". I think for them it was the right choice.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement! Something like this makes what we do seem worthwhile after all.

Don,

"As it came to you" was exactly the right choice. Straight from the heart with no edits is what inspired me to write "Old Songs Again".

God Bless,
Don