Neil Diamond singing in my ears 

carrying me back to a time of my youth

lifting me off of these days laden with years

I float upon a musical breeze of what once was truth.

The truth of a sixteen year old birthday girl 

with hope and self absorbed innocence

swooning on the front row, in my own world

to the rhythmic sound and the sway of his hips.

He sang, "Cracklin Rosie" and "Sweet Caroline."

I heard, "Kentucky Woman", and thought he sang to me.

Brother Love enticed me, singing how I was just so fine.

Mesmerized, I began to travel to where I knew I had to be.

Then, out of no where, a "Solaitary Man" stopped me there

in my tracks, saying, "Hey Cherry baby, you got no right."

So then, "Hanky Panky" wasn't happening; it wasn't fair!

I cried until "Monday. Monday" morning and all that night.

Neil Diamond, Happy 83 Birthday this January 2024.

You sang the songs of coming to America, life, and love.

You moved my generation through both peace time and war.

"What A Beautiful Noise," the tunes, you fit, like a hand in a glove.

Though the songs are over, my ears still buzz, ring. 

My mind plays sounds, without melody, it's true

It's the thorn in my flesh, at times, quite sobering.

But the joy of naviete, recalled, is a "Song Sung Blue."