Words Fail

by Howard A. Landman

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I could go outside and start to count the stars up in the sky
But you know I'd never finish, if I counted till I died
And numbers wouldn't change the way they make me feel inside
Words Fail

I could try to find a formula that weighs what life is worth
Or just say that I'm happy to be living on this earth
But to talk of how my spirit feels at one with death and birth
Words Fail

        And if I don't say any more, don't think I love life less
        My tongue falls silent faced with things that words cannot express

Now in this world there are some who have, and others who have not
But we're gathered here together to give thanks for what we've got
And we don't have to count it, for it surely is a lot
Words Fail

I could reminisce about our conversations and good meals
Give praise for how we reach for what is right and what is real
But that wouldn't start to cover all the things you make me feel
Words Fail

        And if I don't say any more, don't think I love you less
        My tongue falls silent faced with things that words cannot express

Temelec, Thanksgiving 1997 & San Jose, late November 1997 – January 1998
3rd verse, River Rock, Thanksgiving 2001