Al’s Ashes & Me

(In memory of Al Grierson, 1948 - 2000)

Welcome Home, Al, said the sign at the gate
I got there early, Al got there late
Together we entered and greeted our mates
Al - he was back in Texas

Al’s ashes & me, we’ve been for a drive
To places he loved while he was alive
Back at the ranch, on the day we arrived
We saw almost all of his favorite people

Al’s ashes & me, been making the rounds
Out in the country & into the towns
Trying to find some higher ground...

Al’s ashes & me, we sleep in motels
Where we have to be out by 11 or 12
Al could do better describing the smells
‘Cause Al, you see, he was a poet

I get the bed & Al gets the floor
My jeans in a pile over by the door
There’s always a bible in one of the drawers...
And a remote control for the tv

Now I might appear to be eating alone
A table for two, I sit on my own
But looks are deceiving, the truth it be known
Alone but for the roses

Al’s ashes & me had a brush with the law
At the airport the metal detector went off
I emptied my pockets, & the first thing they saw
Was Al, and I had to do some explaining

Al’s ashes & me on the Donegal shore
We walked in the sand and the ocean roared
Him in my pocket, me trying to keep warm
In my coat, but Al had a red bandana

Al’s ashes & me, we sat in a pub
Cobblestone Bar, in Smithfield part of Dublin
Al on the wagon, me raising my cup
“To Al,” I says to the barman

I introduce Al to some of my friends
Not all the time just every now & again
I guess you could say that it really depends
On how it feels at the moment

Al’s ashes & me, we wish you were here
We’d show you the sights & bring you good cheer
We’re hoping to see you later this year
Lord willing…