Yesterday’s Skirish theme was Stones, I started and stopped. Then the next day was, a prompt of Repitition. I made my way to reviewing songs I wrote when first started FAWM. 2021 Mowing grass at the cemetary was my job throughout teenage years. Nothing more repetitive than mowing grass along long rows of stones, year after year, and the grass just kept growing. I was reminded of an old joke. A long time ago, old people at weddings would poke me and say,”You’re next.’ So. I started doing the same thing to them at funerals. A lot of memories here. Lately, I return too often to watch another friend or family member join a familiar row that was so short back then. It took 2 days to write this, and put it on here. #acousticonetake #started_with_a_Skirmish

Grass Keeps Growing Either Way

[Verse 1] When I was a teen in the summertime Push mower and a crooked line Big graveyard not so far from home Gave me peace of mind, I suppose.

Rows and rows of granite stones Names and dates, and milestones Mornin’ lay soft on every blade Breezes tempting trees to sway

[Verse 2] Old stones wore mossy quotes Lichen like a winter coat Dates carved deep in quiet gray Dash between ‘em gave ‘em away

I’d edge around each family name Slow and steady, like trimmin’ time Didn’t think much back that day Just trying to earn my pay

[Chorus] Grass keeps growin’ either way Rain or shine, it don’t delay Over dreams and over bones Over names carved into stone

You can run or you can pray You can laugh it off or stay But the sun comes up, the seasons sway And the grass keeps growin’ either way

[Verse 3] Now I drive back sometimes Different mower, different mind See that field a different way Than I did back in my push-mow days

Funny how the rows look shorter When you’re a little older And that dash between the years Starts whisperin’ in your ears

[Chorus] Grass keeps growin’ either way Don’t much care what we say So I’m gonna live while I’ve got breath And not be scared of what comes next

Rain or shine, come what may We’re just passin’ through this place One more name, one more day And the grass keeps growin’ either way