Tuesday, June 13, 2006

There's A Song In My Heart - But It's a Sad One

I'm sad today. You ask me why I'm sad. You wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back, And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

Oops, a little Johnny Cash got in the way there.
But, I think you can tell that this is something deep in my own heart.
I'm nothing if not sincere.

And the reason I'm sad today is, as many of you, no doubt, also are, is because of our two dearly departed Maymont bears. Up until today, I thought I had an ally. I thought Mayor Governor Wilder felt the pain that I did. But, apparently, I've been horribly deceived. I guess you heard the news already.
Saturday is Welcome the New Bear day at Maymont. That's right. It's like our two friends never existed. See ya black bears, we have us a new cute little cub now.
How can people be so heartless. How can people be so cruel.
Easy
Easy to be hard.

Oops, a little Three Dog Night got in the way there.
But you do see my point. Don't you?
They say when you lose a bear, you should pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.
That, my friend, is easier said than done. Sure, it might have worked for Goldilocks. But, hey, Steve Cook is human. Cut Steve Cook and he bleeds. And, internally, I'm bleeding. Wait, don't call the paramedics. I speak figuratively, even somewhat allegorically.
I guess I'm just a little bewildered to think that all of these Richmonders who were crying about the bears only weeks ago, are going to go out and celebrate the new bear this weekend.
Well, let me tell you my friends. I might go. It might be therapeutic. I guess. I want to hear the Mayor reveal the new name. Oh please let it be my suggestion - Bobby, the Baby Biting Bear. I hear the Mayor is also going to announce that he's legally adopted the bear. So whatever it's first name, it's last name will be Wilder.
Oh yes, I'll go. I'll smile.
But if there's a smile on my face
It's only there trying to fool the public
But when it comes down to fooling you
Now honey that's quite a different subject

But don't let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Cos really I'm sad, Oh I'm sadder than sad
Well I'm hurt and I want you so bad
Like a clown I appear to be glad ooh yeah

Well there're some sad things known to man
But ain't too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there's noone around
Oh yeah, baby baby, oh yeah baby baby

I really need to cut off my radio at night.

But, look for me at Maymont. Oh yes, I'll stand in the face-painting line, but don't be surprised when you see me. I'll be the one with the big frown painted on my sad little face.