shell game

how many times in the lonely night

someone you'd like to know passed you by

with heartfelt words a chance to speak

but two ladies down the street

cast off that shell

don't resist the unknown

your understandin' is open-handed

hold it closed and you're alone

chain ourselves with petty games

bill folds swells with tight remains

to find a road that leads someplace

when we fasten it everyday

cast off that shell. to stand naked for the sun

that's the awareness of everyone

to be open is to be free

too enclosed has enchanneled me

cast off that shell. so don't you wait until you're stranded

ask somebody to throw a hand in

just be there in your freeform patterns

shackled games of life form matter

cast off that shell.