"In the Arms of Men" by Langen Neubacher

Langen Neubacher provided the musical interludes at the Duff's reading on January 24.

One of the songs she performed was a cover of the Replacements' "Here Comes A Regular," and she later performed her own song, "In the Eyes of Men," which she explained was inspired by "Here Comes a Regular."

The next reading at Duff's, 392 North Euclid, will be Monday, February 28, with featured readers Catherine Rankovic, Bob Reuter, and Steve Schroeder. Musical guest will be William Kyle. Advance sign-up for the open-mic following the featured readers is encouraged. Doors open at 7:30; cover is $3.00.

In the Arms of Men

Smoke and smoke and smoke around we talk like this hallowed ground but I,
Don't see no priest here.
And jokes and jokes and jokes around but old sad eyes he don't hear a sound.
Says I look like his daughter.
Black and blue and bloody kneed I said I hope that she don't look like me,
But you're a sweetheart.

He said

Honey I have learned,
that daughters are a curse,
that God gives,
to bad bad men,
who ain't been good to their women.

I tanned I tanned I tanned her hide and tried to keep her locked inside,
But she still got out.
and in the arms the arms of men I know she lies her fragile head,
but they won't protect her.

So rounds and rounds and rounds of rounds I asked him if he was homebound,
and if I could follow.
He said oh you silly silly thing you make me feel just like a king,
But you must have a father.

Honey I have learned,
that daughters are a curse,
that God gives,
to bad bad men,
who ain't been good to their women.

So in his car his car we prayed there was some kind of saving grace,
there to listen,
He drove he drove he drove me home but left me there all alone.
Kissed my forehead.

And said honey I have learned,
that daughters are gift,
that God gives,
to dumb old men...
to teach how to take care of women.

-- Langen Neubacher