Branches of Smith Creek drain the dales of our neighborhood into the North Fork of the Shenandoah.

I wrote Over and Around while riding out a fairly mild hurricane on Chincoteague Island. Something about my daughters' fear and excitement and trust worked on me. The last stanza is for a good friend who stayed loyal despite my poor judgment.

Lyrics

Copyright 1999 Dave Nealon
Lacey Spring, Virginia

Waves surge over me, rush toward shore
I dive quiet just below
Rip tide pushes; currents pull
In the power of ocean flow

Over and around, Over and around
Over and around You’re washing me
Over and around, Over and around
Over and around like foaming seas

Inspiration is spirit-wind
Breathes a word that’s always true
Endless space behind the sky
Deep black fades to windy blue

Over and around, Over and around
Over and around, You brush by me
Over and around, Over and around
Over and around October breeze

Sway of hammock rolls me to sleep
Sunshafts fall through lens of green
Oak and poplar, locust, beech
Quilted canopy for my dreams

Over and around, Over and around
Over and around, You shelter me
Over and around, Over and around
Over and around like spreading trees

I never noticed, I’d just heard the poets
And phrase catchers but I listened to the real thing this time
Oaks rustle warnings and pines whisper calming
And I want their message to change my mind

Now I miss you every day since I’ve gone
Never give up though you know me best
You’re beside me in the storm
I treasure most your forgiveness

Over and around, Over and around
Over and around, You comfort me
Over and around, Over and around
Over and around You’re my family