Zürich Blues

Captured by the claws of the horizon

Ripped from the arms of children,

The screams of a wounded woman

Deafen the soul.

Bangkok, London, Barcelona

Los Angeles and Istanbul.

Colourful carpets, spices, sunlight,

Snow and everywhere is loss.

(How can I avoid the looks

in my head?

When I close my eyes

I see more!)

Airport, airplane, passport, stamps

Hotel rooms, jazz bars,

Singing, playing, whiskey, wine,

My saxophone tears up the night.

(The photographs in my pocket

Are fading and sometimes

When I sing the blues

My tears are real!)

Cornielje plays in Zürich tonight

All tables are reserved

But in England his sons are playing
With granddad on a chilly beach.