Text
Lyrics from "30 Days & 30 Nights At Sea..."
Act I
Chapter 1: Bon Voyage
(In which the Face Reader leaves home on the Armageddon's maiden voyage.)
Broken bottles started countless bar fights. Broken bottles launched a thousand ships. Who's to tell if wine will pour between cracks in the floor, or stain the bow of brand new vessels bobbing near the shore?
Broken hearts are beating in the shadows. Broken hearts are putting up a fight. Who's to say if the winepress is where you'll choose to hide, or if you're only threshing wheat away from prying eyes?
Broken hearts set sail in open waters. Broken hearts come home before they're through. Some might find their refuge in the color of the waves, but I can't help but think about the ones who had to stay.
Did we give a choice to the wine maker, or did he leave the choice for us to make? What if every wine bottle was destined for the ship? Would he choose to take them back if all we ever did was say goodbye?
Bon voyage. . .
Chapter 2: The Wake Breaks Swiftly
(In which the Face Reader writes of sea life on the Armageddon)
Journal Entry: June 26th, 1779. . . It is the middle of the night, the middle of the night and I have finally found a chance to write. I'm trying to get my sea legs. I'm trying to shake this feeling. If I was feeling better, I might enjoy this evening. The first day is the easiest. We just said goodbye to our loved ones that we will miss and head for the horizon. I haven't thought of this before, but is someone keeping track of those who lay on the ocean floor? I guess we're sailing through a graveyard.
The wind is in our sails. The wake is breaking swiftly. Ahead of us the open sea with endless mystery. Would you turn back now if death was guaranteed? Pirates, shipwrecks, sea monsters or violent mutiny. Pirates, shipwrecks, sea monsters, we don't speak of these things.
Chapter 3: White & Black Lies
(In which the Face Reader takes stock of his fellow crewmen)
White and black lies. . . when mixed together form the perfect shade of grey. Everyone has their reasons. Everybody's got their reasons... no one wants to take the blame. White and black lies... when mixed together form the means of my escape. Everyone's got their secrets. Everybody’s got their secrets, but they're buried in the grave.
It feels good to let’m out. It feels good to let’m walk around. Let the sunlight add some color. Let the sea salt heal the wounds.
White and black lies... most of the time I can distinguish which is which. There’s only one exception: it’s the man in the reflection when I lean over the ship.
It feels good to let’m out. It feels good to let’m walk around. Let the sunlight add some color. Let the sea salt heal the wounds. It feels good to let’m out. It feels good to let’m walk around. Let the sunlight cast a shadow. Let the sea salt heal the wounds.
Chapter 4: Angelic Visitations
(In which the Face Reader is awoken from a cautionary dream)
Don’t you judge the exterior; they have ulterior motives. The left and the right hand oblivious to one another. I meant when I said that I knew the difference between the truth and a lie. I can read it on faces like the headlines in the magazines.
I was awoken quite suddenly from a dream. I felt the vessel change course without warning. Oh, the angel that had spoken to me in my sleep tried to inform me of the danger our captain will bring, but I said that I already knew. I told him I already knew.
Chapter 5: Dark Promotions
(In which the Face Reader is promoted to helmsmen under curious circumstances)
All hands on deck! We have a problem! Seems like our helmsman’s abandoned his post. If he’s not dead, he’ll be when we find him. Everyone knows deserters will sleep with the fish. Deserters will sleep with the fish!”
“Hey You! Yeah, you! Take the wheel! It’s spinning out of control! Hey You! Yeah, you! Take the wheel! We’re spinning out of control!"
Chapter 6: Purpose In The Grain
(In which the stories of the figurehead & the Face Reader are begun)
There used to be a tree in the middle of the forest floor. One day the ax fell and the woodsman took it to the shore. The carpenter cut the extra wood away. Underneath the figure of a woman lay.
My first time on a ship, I tried catching pigeons with my hat. I wasn’t any good. I almost fell right off the deck. I’m always jumping first before I even look. I can’t tell you all of the missteps I’ve taken.
One day I asked my dad, “What’s it going to take to chase down love? Should I use my head, or is my heart strong enough?”
My father said, “First, You’ve got to find your place. You’re a puzzle piece in this human race. I know you might feel that you’ll always be tethered, but keep your head up. You won’t be landlocked forever.
Chapter 7: Monsters Above & Beneath
(In which the Face Reader finds fleeting solace at the helm of the Armageddon)
Is there murder in your heart when you think about the one who done you wrong? Who done you wrong? Are there monsters underneath when it seems like peaceful waters stretch forever... as far as you can see?
There’s a calm before the storm. There’s a gentle breeze that blows, disarms the senses and sets the mind at ease. I’ve got to keep my wits about me. Better men than I have been claimed by the deep... both saints and sinners.
Chapter 8: Any Port In The Storm
(In which the Armageddon is come upon by a terrible storm & the Face Reader is cast into the deep)
Some might try to circumvent the trenches of the deep. All I know is that's no way to live. Some might see the storm ahead and turn the other way. They'll never find the weak points in their ship.
Some might think we've lost all hope; there's nothing more to do. All I know is that's no way to live. You might trust the strength of men; the good that's in their hearts, but one day greed will get the best of them.
If we're going down, we're going down hard. None of this halfway stuff. If the storm was made to sink this ship, who am I to fight with the one who created it? Who am I to fight?
Chapter 9: The Siren's Song
(In which the Face Reader is sung to sleep by a siren of the sea)
Close your eyes. Breathe in deep. All your life you got it wrong. The hard part is done. Let me sing to you the siren's song.
No one knows what you're worth. Damn them all. They got it wrong. The hard part is done. Let me sing to you the siren's song.
As I'm drifting deeper still, I can see the hull getting smaller and smaller...
"Don't kick, don't fight the sea. Relax, give into me."
...and the sunlight fades away. I can feel the pull of the current taking over.
"Don't kick, don't fight the sea. Relax, give into me."
Chapter 10: Choose Your Own Adventure
(In which the Face Reader meets his eternal rest & the Narrator recounts the events of Act I)
Have you ever found yourself tangled in the weeds and wondered how you let it get this bad? Which of my many mistakes could have led me to this fate? If I could change them, would it be fate anymore?
The fear that paralyzes is the one misstep I can’t afford. But can I strike it from my heart before it gets the best of me?
Choose Your Own Adventure, Act I:
Leaving his home behind, our troubled hero set sail for the open sea & through mysterious events was promoted to helmsman. During a terrible storm, he was cast into the abyss & was caught in seaweed & alas, is now dead.
a) If this is the end for our troubled hero, you may close the book.
b) If this is not the end for our troubled hero, you may proceed to the next chapter.
Act II
Chapter 11: Woman Of The Wood
(In which the Face Reader is come upon by the angel of mercy & the stories of the figurehead & the Face Reader intersect)
She leans into the wind like no one that I’ve ever seen. On here face is a crystalline kiss and it shines in the morning. She is beautiful. She is beautiful. She is beautiful.
Some say you’re dead. Some say you’re asleep, but that doesn’t matter to me anymore. This is beautiful. This is beautiful. This is beautiful.
You must be my angel of mercy. Your shadow is covering me. Is this a part of the crossing to the wide- open country with a brilliant horizon? What will I say when I get there? I don’t think excuses will do. Angel of mercy, show me some mercy!
She leans into the wind like no one that I've ever seen. On her face is a crystalline kiss and it shines in the morning. I have salt in my eyes. My heart starts to beat as I cling to the woman of wood.
Chapter 12: Toilers Of The Sea
(In which the Face Reader is set adrift on the Ocean of Despair)
The sun casts a shadow so that I know that it’s time to stop feeling sorry... If I thought I saw land, then I would paddle my heart out if I thought I had any...
If I thought I had any to give. If I thought I had any left. If I felt like my odds weren’t a drop in the ocean.
Chapter 13: Some Kind Of Harbinger
(In which the Face Reader is overcome by dark fear & a darker threat)
My God, can you get me out’a this? I swear, I swear... I know I’ve said this before, but this time I mean it, Because I swear, I swear. Like a ring, like a promise, like an oath unless one day it slips my mind.
There’s something dark on the horizon. Is it in the air or in the water? I don’t know, but it’s blotting out the sun.
My father said fear’s only strength is the strength we give. But this time fear just might have teeth or hands eager to kill. I don’t know, but It’s blotting out the sun.
Why was I spared just to get eaten? Why the reprieve just to get beaten down?
A steady voice called out to me and said, “Don’t be scared. Promise you will do no harm as long as you are in our care.”
I said, “I swear, I swear, I swear...”
Chapter 14: Evangeline
(In which the Face Reader meets Evangeline)
Evangeline, you’ve been on my mind. You’ve been in my heart, but I never have met you before. Evangeline, I know your name. You’ve been in my dreams, but we never have met face to face before.
“I have been combing the sea,” Evangeline said. “In search of the one that I love. I won’t sleep till I find the one I adore.”
Evangeline, please be my guide. You’ve traveled these waters. You know them much better than I do.
I have been tossed by the sea, Evangeline. I have been drowning in grief, Evangeline.
Chapter 15: Convoluted Saboteur
(In which the Helmsman reappears casting dark shadows on the Face Reader's conscience)
Chickens coming home to roost. Spirits haunt the ones who did them in. Skeletons will rise again regardless of how deep you dug the grave... Because the grave never wins.
Ocean waves will rise and fall, but somewhere underneath it all are treasures hidden in the deep amongst our greatest tragedies... But the grave never wins.
Oh my God, who is the man standing with Evangeline?! I never forget a face. It’s the one I pushed to take his place. Oh God, I am the only one who knows...
Chapter 16: Gentlemen Pirates
(In which The Face Reader meets the crew of the Paraclete)
Gentlemen wear long sleeved shirts. They pull’m tight around the wrist. The fronts are buttoned to the neck. The backs are pressed to even out the wrinkles. Angles died out long ago. Pirates too, or so we used to think so. But underneath the formal wear are scars from former pirate lives.
Gentlemen wear spectacles to cover up their pirate eyes. They speak in British monotones to filter out the bitter lies they’ve told. But underneath the formal wear are scars from former pirate lives.
Guess I’m not the only one who’s dressing up. Everybody in this place is dressing up.
Chapter 17: Flight Of The Paraclete
(In which the airship transports the rescued travelers)
I get lost in the moment. I get lost in the clouds. If I could I would stay here, but I gotta come down sometime. I’ll get my feet back in the water again. For now I’ve got my head somewhere else, and I’m happy to pretend that this is forever. Goodbye to the striving. Goodbye to goodbying.
We’ve been caught in the tailwind, but we’re not going home. We’ve got people to meet with. We’ve got oceans to roam down there.
God bless the heavy laden. God bless the ones who carry them. God bless the broken hearted... our day will come.
Chapter 18: Bittersweet Reunions
(In which The Face Reader & the Helmsman reunite with the Armageddon in mid-sea repairs)
Oh, the good news is that I’m back my friends, but I’m not the same. Wish I could, but I can’t explain it to you. We have holes to fill. We have tears to mend. But the good news is at least we’ve something to repair, which is more than I can say for most. It’s more than I can say for most the times I’ve run aground. I’ll say at least we have ourselves to lean on. Isn’t that enough?
I know what you’re thinking... “When will the other boot drop? We don’t get that kind of news around here unless there is a catch.”
Oh the bad news is we’ve still so far to go. For every one, we’ve lost three and we have nothing to show for it. Sometimes that’s just the way it is. We’ve as much to fear from our friends above as anything this wicked sea will throw at us... And it’ll throw all that it has. It will throw all that it has.
Chapter 19: Maps & Rumors of Maps
(In which rumors abound on the Armageddon while the Face Reader confesses past offenses with feigned remorse)
Rumors are just rumors when they lack the evidence. Murmurs are just empty words till the people raise a hand. Just cause there’s a whisper in the air doesn’t mean you gotta listen. Just cause we’ve a map to secret lands doesn't mean that we will get there.
Secrets will stay secret till they reach the light of day. Lies are very much the same, but the truth will have its final say. Just cause there’s a whisper in the air doesn’t mean you gotta listen. Just cause we’ve a map to secret lands doesn't mean that it will lead there.
If you think about it, look how far we’ve fought and what little progress we’ve made. This is self-sabotage. I’ve got to admit it... if not now, when will I get my chance?
Thank God for no hungry wolves this far out from the shore. You’ll have to throw me to the heartless sharks, or show me mercy. Please show me mercy!
Chapter 20: The Madness Of Crowds
Choose Your Own Adventure Pt. 2
(In which the Face Reader shrewdly ascertains the identity of a fellow saboteur & the Narrator recounts the events of Act II)
The chopping block would make a perfect pulpit if it wasn’t for the rope around the wrists... if it wasn’t for the angry mob with fists. I’m the center of everybody’s focus, but I’m not here to preach to stubborn ears. Honestly, would anybody care?
Since I am the one who pushed the helmsman, there’s one thing I still can’t calculate: where exactly is the guilty face of the one who nudged me too?
The chopping block makes the perfect watchtower. How else am I supposed to force the hand? Gotta try and look’m in the eye.
You can’t fret about the ones with murder in their faces. The ones who look indifferent tend to be the instigators.
Act III
Chapter 21: Expected Interventions
(In which the Face Reader reveals secret knowledge of their destination to save his skin)
There is an island in the sea. On the hill planted deep there is a tree. You’d think the leaves were painted green, but they’re the deepest violet you have ever seen. Oh, where is all that color coming from? Where is all that color from?
There is an angel with a sword making sure marauders don’t pilfer the fruit. In the waters off the shore are 7 deadly creatures waiting for explorers. Oh, where is all that color coming from? Where is all that color coming from?
“I know this ‘cause I read a secret map I shouldn’t have.” The captain's fist grips a pistol, but I’m not afraid of that. Where is this composure coming from? Where is this composure coming from?
If this was the starting line, the runners would be off the block, but they’re not... but they’re not. If this was the firing line, the race I’ve run would finally be done, but it’s not... but it’s not.
Oh, the sound of salvation doesn’t sound like you think it ought to sound. Yeah, the sound of a gunshot; it could take or save your life. To know for sure, you’ve got to open up your squinted eyes.
Chapter 22: That Poor, Poor Serpent
(In which the Armageddon is come upon by the creature Leviathan )
That poor serpent gets all the credit for eating everyone. But there’s just one of him and so many of us... how can he eat us all? He’s got to be getting tired by now. He’s got to be getting full by now. Nonetheless, don’t count him out.
That old serpent moves through the water with centuries in his eyes. We fight currents without accomplishments and only the present in mind. We’ve got to be getting tired by now. It’s got to be taking its toll by now. Nonetheless, don’t count us out.
If we tiptoe, we might sneak around him. We might catch him sleeping and we’ll all be the better for it.
Chapter 23: Afterlife Boats
(In which the Face Reader plans a circumvention)
There’s a lot of talk about a man who was thrown into the sea to solve a problem. I’m not saying I am better than the ones who did the job... After all, I tried it too. I tried it too.
It might be time to make our exodus before the others think they should appease their evil appetites for blood; some kind of selfish offering to their greedy gods. From one side of your mouth I hear we’re good. From the other side, I hear the truth underneath the breath of everyone... underneath the breath of everyone without the fortitude to do the job.
Chapter 24: Who's Leaving Who
(In which mutiny leaves Evangeline, the Captain, the Helmsmen & the Face Reader adrift in dangerous waters)
If you’re going to cry, don’t cry for too long. Yeah, the turners were going to turn on you anyways. The first sign that we’re trying to make a clean break, they’ll say, “Who the hell are you? You’re no better than anyone.”
Quitters get a bad rap, but sometimes quitting’s not that bad. Deserting’s not the hard part... it’s the reputation that you’ll have. Quitters are hated for their foresight. Deserters are blamed when they run for their lives. The first sign that we’re trying to make a clean break, they’ll say, “Who the hell are you? You’re no better than anyone. You’re no better than anyone!” Like I didn’t know. Like it doesn’t show...
Just because someone throws you a lifeline doesn’t mean that it’s not a noose. Thanks a lot for the use of the lifeboat. Exactly what are we supposed to do with no ores?
Chapter 25: Peaceful Armageddon
(In which the Face Reader witnesses the Armageddon’s destruction)
Our old friends are getting further away. Things look bad, but we’re better off without the ones who get in the way. I know that might sound bad, but explaining myself is wearing myself out.
The old ties are getting cut as we speak. Proximity would not allow us to perceive the creature clinging beneath. Somehow I should have known, but blaming myself is wearing myself out.
If I could, would I change anything? Without chapter one, there’d be no twenty-fifth to sing. I know I’ve made some enemies of whom I am the worst, but hating myself is wearing myself out.
I had to see it with my own two eyes. I’ve never seen devastation so horrible. All at once, in the blink of an eye, was terrible silence.
The four of us who escaped with our lives: Evangeline, the Captain, the Helmsman and I.
Chapter 26: Sleepy Villains
(In which the remaining four traverse perilous waters)
Tiny bubbles rise and burst on the surface of the tide. Tiny thoughts inside my head are starting to collide.
Giant villains sleep so close, I could touch them with my hand. Giant vessels would have woke their hungry appetites, and instead of tiny bubbles, we’d see giant, hungry eyes.
Providence or not, somehow we’re still alive.
Chapter 27: Ice In The Water
(In which the remaining three arrive at the mythical island)
There’s ice in the water. I’m not talking ‘bout my blood that’s running cold. I’m not singing ‘bout some silly metaphor. You can hear them thump against our tiny boat.
There’s blood in the water. Our companion has gone missing once again. The question is, was it a beast that got to him, or the vice-grip of a sanguinary hand?
There’s glass in the water. I guess it’s not pieces of ice like we supposed, but countless broken bottles bobbing near the shore with soggy messages we can’t quite understand. The salty water robbed their ink away from them.
We can’t quite understand... the salty water robbed their ink away from them.
Chapter 28: Tree Of The Good Life
(In which the Face Reader & the Captain leave Evangeline on the shore & discover what lies atop the mythical hill)
Some wave you off, some wave you in. Evangeline is staying here. Some hold you down in hopes that you’ll drown, and though I’ve known for all this time, part of me still disbelieves.
There are hands that hold you close; there are hands that hold you under. There are hands that hold you close, there are hands that hold you under... one is resting on my shoulder.
“Just a little further,” the Captain said. “Just over that hill! Just a little further...” I said, “I’m not so sure...”
There is an island in the sea. On the hill planted deep, there was a tree. The leaves all dried up long ago. The fruit has withered leaving only naked branches. Where did all that stunning beauty go? Where did all that stunning beauty go?
There was an angel with a sword, but after all this time, he’s grown tired and old waiting for the day in hopes he would have someone to keep him company. Oh, where did his scary fire go? Where did all his scary fire go?
Why is my companion turning ‘round? Why is my companion turning ‘round?
Chapter 29: The Voice Reader
(In which the Face Reader & the Voice Reader meet)
All of my fears are fading away. All of my questions... about to be answered. “I know your story,” the Face Reader says. “It’s written in your face. It’s breaking my heart... It’s breaking my heart.”
“I know your story,” the old man says. “It’s written in your voice. It’s breaking my heart. It’s breaking my heart. What is your name?”
The Face Reader replied, “No one ever asks me that.”
“How did you get here?”
“We don’t have the time for that.”
“I’ve all the time in the world.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying. You don’t know what you’re asking me.”
“What is your name?” asked the Face Reader.
The old man replied, “Most would call me Gabriel”
“How did you get here?”
“It’s been too long to remember that. What is your name?”
“Most seem so disinterested.”
“What is your name?”
“No one seems to give a shit.”
“Thirty years ago, my father said, ‘One day, you’ll be of use.’”
“After all this time...,” through every darkened storm, “After all this time...,” when tangled in the weeds, “After all this time...,” there’s purpose in the grain... “I might finally believe him. Oh, my name is Onesimus.”
Final Chapter Interlude: Home
(Choose Your Own Adventure Pt. 3 In which the Narrator recounts the events of Act III)
Through many dangers, toils & snares I have already come. ‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Narrator: "In the final act, our troubled hero reveals secret information of the crews final destination causing an unlikely intervention. A violent mutiny left Evangeline, the Helmsman, the Captain and our troubled hero cast into a lifeboat in time to witness the horrible demise of the Armageddon. Adrift in dangerous waters, only three of the four arrived at the mythical island. Of the three, only the mysterious saboteur and our troubled hero ascended the mythical hill to meet the island’s solitary inhabitant. Once his escort had abandoned him, our troubled hero, the Face Reader, met Gabriel, the Voice Reader, and now all that was in question has been revealed. "
a) If this is not the end for our hero, the Face Reader, then return to Chapter 1 as he recounts to Gabriel his journey to the island.
b) But if this is the end for our hero, then you may proceed to the final chapter.
Chapter 30: Good Journey
(In which The Face Reader returns home...)
Broken bottles started countless bar fights. Broken bottles launched a thousand ships. Who’s to tell if wine will pour between cracks in the floor, or stain the bow of brand new vessels bobbing near the shore?
Broken hearts are beating in the shadows. Broken hearts are putting up a fight. Who’s to say if the winepress is where you’ll choose to hide, or if you’re only threshing wheat away from prying eyes?
Broken hearts set sail in open waters. Broken hearts come home before they're through. Some might find their refuge in the color of the waves, but I can’t help but think about the ones who had to stay.
Did we give a choice to the wine maker, or did he leave the choice for us to make? What if every wine bottle was destined for the ship? Would he choose to take them back if all we ever did was say goodbye?
“Bon voyage...”
First Impression of this Collection, 2009
All the stories in this volume are new, and have
never before been published in North America
"Come on, kids! Jump without looking!"
First Draft:
June 25, 2009 -July 24, 2009
