Sing it in the Shower Villanelle, apologies to Sly and the Family Stone

by Tim Seibles

Time is passing, I grow older, things are happening fast
This thing I do — the tongue I use — does give me some relief
All I have to hold onto is a simple song at last

The world rolls over (the shadow knows) it’s sunset in a flash
I don’ wanna be the dude who always sings to grief,
But Time is passing, I seem older, things are happening fast

Every time I drive this car    I think about a crash
I’d like to be a giant ray and wing some coral reef
All I try to hold onto is a simple song at last

Don’t we go a–gladly jobbing just to get some cash?
Today I take some time, pool the dew and sift the breeze
I wish all this could last / it won’t last

All these tv talking Teds can give a man a rash
I squint my ears and bend my head — I must be going deef
Time ran past me. I got older. Things do happen fast

You look the world dead in the face    then think about your stash
The hours cast and reel you in — the worm between your teeth
All you get to bite into is a simple song at last

Lie along the riverside    and dream into the grass
Watch the mating blue jays jitterbug from branch to leaf
They think all this will last / it might last

Do those hot potatoes, baby, quick into a mash;
Only thing can fill me up is just this late belief —
Time is passing: I grow older: things are happening fast
All I have to hold onto is a simple song at last