CCM Retro Fan

Here's a Polaroid picture

Of me stretching in the morning sun

With my portable Walkman,

Ready for my Lake Hollingsworth run.

What will it be today?

What will I play?

Russ Taff, Kenny Marks, Geoff Moore,

   White Heart, and K.T.,

David Meece, Imperials,

   DeGarmo & Key,

Petra, Rich, Maranatha!,

   and Phil Keaggy

Twila, Randy, Michael W.,

   and Amy.

I was a dreamer, a wide-eyed mixtape man;

Wild and free, a music-with-a-message fan.

A mixed-up piano-playin' PK kid,

Singin', playin', jammin'—that 's what I did.

Always a seeker of truth, but sometimes a wayward fool,

Back in the eighties when CCM hits were cool.

This Year's Model, Big Picture,

War of Love, Warrior Is a Child,

Beat the System, and Medals.

Amy's Unguarded album was wild!

Play me a melody.

What will it be?

"Stubborn Love," "Learning to Trust,"

   "In a Little While,"

"Let the Whole World Sing," "Friends,"

   and "Stay for Awhile."

"Cornerstone," "Lamu," "Runner,"

   and "Not Gonna Bow."

 "We Are His Hands," "Wings of Love,"

    "Look Who Loves You Now."

I was a dreamer, a wide-eyed mixtape man;

Wild and free, a music-with-a-message fan.

A mixed-up piano-playin' PK kid,

Singin', playin', jammin'—that 's what I did.

Always a seeker of truth, but sometimes a wayward fool,

Back in the eighties when CCM hits were cool.

I'm still a dreamer, a wide-eyed mixtape man;

Wild and free, a music-with-a-message fan.

I'm older now—much older—yeah, that's true,

But something about those old songs is still brand new.

Yeah, I'm still longing for truth, and at times I'm a wayward fool,

Lost in the eighties when CCM hits were cool.

David Acosta © 2025

On Earth as It Is in Heaven

Are we on the verge

Of planet Earth's rebirth?

Will Heaven and Earth converge?

Turn our deathly dirge

Into a song of mirth:

Peace and love in a wild upsurge.

When will it be?

When will we see. . .

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

On Earth as it is in Heaven?

Is it far away,

Or will it happen soon?

Let all nature say,

"What a wondrous day!"

Hearts expectant, commune,

And ponder it now as we pray:

When will it be?

When will we see. . .

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

On Earth as it is in Heaven?

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

It will be magnificent, my friend;

Oh, unlike anything we have ever known.

A new beginning after the end:

Death, the last enemy, will be overthrown.

How beautiful!

How wonderful!

Thy kingdom come

(Oh, let it be, Lord),

Thy will be done

(We long to see it),

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

(Heaven on Earth, yeah!)

Thy kingdom come

(Oh, let it be, Lord),

Thy will be done

(We long to see it),

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

(Heaven on Earth, yeah!)

David Acosta © 2025

Laxatives, I'm Counting on You

 

(This is my parody of "All I Want for Christmas Is You.")

slow section

I consumed too much this season;
Piled the food up, yes indeed!

Second helpings for no reason;
Ample samples, that's my creed.

I need some relief, you know,

Something that'll help me go.

Constipation blu-u-u-ues!

Laxatives, I'm countiiiing ...

O-o-o-o-o-on ... youuuuu, yeah.

[Let's pick it up a bit here...]

I consumed too much this season;
Piled the food up, yes indeed!

(That's right) Second helpings for no reason;
Ample samples, that's my creed.

I feel bloated, and I'm cramping;

I'm so blocked, I can't think straight.

Santa Claus, please give me something

To make this big round gut deflate.

I need some relief, you know,

Something that'll help me go.

Constipation blues!

Laxatives, I'm counting on you

(to save me).

Oh, why'd I eat so much this season?

I look like a beached whale in the snow.

(And I...) I'm expanding, constipating

Underneath the mistletoe.

Belly's bustin'; it's distended.

Just like last year, I got sick.

(Why) Why'd I say yes to deep-fried fruitcake?

Feels like I'm carrying a ginger brick.

Yeah, I need some relief tonight.

I'll pop a couple, then I'll sit tight.

What more can I do?

Laxatives, I'm counting on you

(to save me)!

Oh no!

My celebration became

a gluttonous affair.

I should have known I'd be needin'

some intestinal repair.

I feel my stomach turnin',

My bloated bowels are burnin'.

Santa, come New Year's Day, I'll turn a new leaf.

In the meantime, I need some quick relief.

Oh, I really lost control this season;

My gut feels like a nuclear core. 

(I) I've gotta figure out a way to end

This nasty intestinal tug-o-war.

What's the hold-up? I don't know!

Cryin' and cursin' cuz I can't go.

Constipation blues!

Baby, hand me those chalky chocolatyyyyyy...

(Oh) soooft...chewwwws

(Ooh, baby!)

Fetch me some extra-strength laxatives soon, baby.

Gentle and effective soft chews, baby.

Speed up the process, and I'll thank you, baby.

David Acosta © 2025

It's That Unsightly Wet Stain We All Fear

It's that unsightly wet stain we all fear.

Freshly showered and ready,

But soon you'll be sweaty;

You'll stick and you'll smear.

It's that unsightly wet stain we all fear.

It's the mug-muggiest season of all.

Take a walk if you wanna

Slow-cook in a sauna,

Drip like a wax doll.

It's the mug-muggiest season of all.

If you fear dehydration

Or quick suffocation,

You're certainly safer indoors.

If you dread perspiration,

Heed my exhortation:

Deodorize your leaky pores.

It's the steam-steamiest time of the year,

So wear breathable underwear,

Act like you don't care,

And carry a spare

For that unsightly wet stain,

Yeah, that irrigated terrain,

Oh, that unsightly wet stain. . .we all fear.

David Acosta © 2025

Correspondence

Cursive versus print: what was your preference?

Brevity expert, or detailed describer?

Pedestaled ego, or modest deference

To your reader, your word-nectar imbiber?

Private thoughts enthusiastically revealed;

Feelings unguarded, and words without fetters;

Tears and fears mingling with ink, folded and sealed;

Regrets and yearnings, expressed via letters.

David Acosta © 2025

Are We What We Are?

Are we what we are,

Or what we once were?

We had wandered far,

Caught up in the whirr

Of a rainbowed cloud—

Every hue and shade!

Part of the in-crowd,

Vanity-arrayed,

Till our dreams dispersed

Like scythed blades of grass.

Truer colors burst

From the looking glass.

Are we what we are,
Or what we shall be?

Save your au revoir

Lifeless, shadowy.

How can we adjourn

As we homeward go?

Let us gladly yearn

For fair lands we'll know

When this path obscured

Yields to wondrous light.

Remain reasurred

By forthcoming sight.

David Acosta © 2025

Real

You wouldn't go for a virtual walk, now,
Would you? 

You wouldn't partake of a virtual meal,

Would you?

You wouldn't be someone you're not, now,

Would you?

You wouldn't settle for something less than real,

Would you?

Then again, you could sit there

And scroll, and type, and wonder why

Your life is going nowhere.

Can you tell the difference

Between real and artificial?

Is it safe enough behind that lonely screen?

Does your friendship make sense?

Is it mutually beneficial?

Wouldn't you rather be known, be touched, be seen

As you really are? No pretensions:

All your flaws, facets and dimensions.

Just power off for a while; you're aloud to.

Do it.

Get to know the world within and around you.

Do it.

If you spend your life living in a box you'll

Get stuck.

The things you long to do and see await you.

Good luck.

Then again, you could sit there

And scroll, and type, and wonder why

Your life is going nowhere.

Can you tell the difference

Between real and artificial?

Is it safe enough behind that lonely screen?

Does it even make sense?

Is it mutually beneficial?

Wouldn't you rather be known, be touched, be seen

As you really are? No pretensions:

All your flaws, facets and dimensions.

You wouldn't settle for something less than real,

Would you?

David Acosta © 2025

You'll Look Stunning in Love

Love is the look you need; you'll feel brand new.

You'll never know unless it's hugging you.

You doubt it, I see;

But listen to me: 

Don't expect a swanky, tailored suit;

In this world you'll find no substitute.

You'll look stunning in love.

No need for ostentatious haute couture;

And never mind that fancy manicure.

You'll look lovely in love.

It far surpasses chic—take it from me:

You were born to sport it stunningly.

Love is a fabric that will never fade,

A sturdy garb by light sublime inlaid.

You need not be sad;

Be winningly clad

In this love—why don't you try it on

And reflect the beauty of the Son?

You'll look stunning in love.

No need for ostentatious haute couture

Or chasing trippy trends that won't endure.

You'll look lovely in love.

Better than chic, take it from me:

You were born to sport it stunningly.

Love is not a fad; it's here to stay.

Fashionistas? What do they even know?

Loveless outfits are so yesterday;

Eons from now, love will still steal the show.

You'll look stunning in love.

No need for ostentatious haute couture

Or fussing over styles that won't endure.

You'll look lovely in love.

Better than chic, take it from me:

You were born to sport it stunningly.

[repeat chorus]

David Acosta © 2025

A Psyche-Deli Dream

It was only a dream, but it felt so real:

I stepped into a floating psyche-deli,

Tempted by the spicy vermicelli.

A setting supreme! A magical meal!

But something in that creamy, rich cannoli

Lifted me and lowered me so slowly.

And I sailed to a harbor where past and present meet.

Rock 'n' roll was blasting from a chariot on the street.

I stopped at the amphitheater for a souvenir;

They served me Falernian wine when I asked for beer.

It was only a dream, but it felt so real;

I felt so at home in that psyche-deli.

It triggered happy noises in my belly.

A setting supreme! A magical meal!

But something in that creamy, rich cannoli

Lifted me and lowered me so slowly.

On a day like any other day in ancient Pompeii
Vesuvius cooled its jets and pink-floyded away:
It floated like an isle into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It was an alternate version of 79 A.D.

[instrumental interlude]

It was only a dream, but it felt so real:

And guess who joined me in that psyche-deli?

Michelangelo and Machiavelli!

A setting supreme! A magical meal!

But something in that creamy, rich cannoli

Lifted me and lowered me so slowly.

And when the dream was finally done,

I heard someone say, "Leave the gun,

Take the connoli."

David Acosta © 2025

Dulce

Butter almond &
Carrot cake,
Tall double malt or
Mocha shake,
Mango sorbet,
Key lime pie,
Caramel sundae--
Hear me sigh!

Lemon and lime squares,
Marzipan,
Cannoli, éclairs,
Cuban flan,
Snickerdoodles,
Crème brûlée,
Pastelitos
Con café!

I must admit
They're hard to resist;
But still, I think
I'd rather be kissed.

So, smother me with your kisses;
Call me your honey bear.
Sugar is sweet, but this is
A much more enticing dare.
I'm ready to take a chance now;

Sweet love, you need not doubt.
I'll do as you please if you'll stay
And say you'll be my favorite. . .dulce.

Walnut fudge brownies,
Baklava,
Shortbread cookies,
Rugelah,
Hamantaschen,
Petit-fours,
Warm peach cobbler,
Gooey s'mores

Linzertorte squares,
Divinity,
Flambéed cherries

Jubilee,
Scones with jam and
Clotted cream,
Baked pears Alicia--
Why not dream?

I can't deny
They're hard to resist.
But I won't lie;
I'd rather be kissed.

So, smother me with your kisses;
Call me your honey bear.
Sugar is sweet, but this is
A much more enticing dare.
I'm ready to take a chance now;

Sweet love, you need not doubt.
I'll do as you please if you'll stay
And say you'll be my favorite. . .dulce.

Please, please;

Por favor. . .

Sweet love,

Dulce amor. . .

I'll do as you please if you'll stay
And say you'll be my favorite. . .dulce.

David Acosta © 2025

Yesterwindow

"What am I doing here?"

I asked myself.

Why was I bound by fear?

I couldn't tell.

Then I heard you laughing.

I glimpsed you; you winked at me.

You said you'd been trying

To reach me, but I couldn't see.

I tapped on the yesterwindow,

But my vision became a blur;

So I stepped back, and there you were:

Laughing, singing, and dancing happily,

Waving through the yesterwindow

Unabashedly in the rain.

And suddenly, there was no pane,

And no space or time between you and me.

I tried to make it last;

I begged, "Don't leave!

Take me back to the past—

Or stay with me."

When I held you tightly,

I woke up—alone again!

But I know you're with me;

Forever I'll remember when...

I tapped on the yesterwindow,

But my vision became a blur;

So I stepped back, and there you were:

Laughing, singing, and dancing happily,

Waving through the yesterwindow

Unabashedly in the rain.

And suddenly, there was no pane,

And no space or time between you and me.

[instrumental interlude]

Sweet dreams are elusive;

Why do they come to an end?

But I know you're with me;

Forever I'll remember when...

I tapped on the yesterwindow,

But my vision became a blur;

So I stepped back, and there you were:

Laughing, singing, and dancing happily,

Waving through the yesterwindow

Unabashedly in the rain.

And suddenly, there was no pane,

And no space or time between you and me.

No space...

No time...

No pane...

Nothing at all keeping you away from me.

© 2025 David Acosta

Under Your Spell

This song was inspired by the old TV show 

I Dream of Jeannie. Thank you, Barbara Eden!

~

I’ve been observing you,

Wond’ring what’s on your mind,
Yet I hardly know who you are.
Give me a simple clue;
Show me a vivid sign;
Brighten my heart, lucky star.
 
Could it be I am under your spell?
Why is it so hard to tell?
Sometimes I think
You magically wink
And leave me in a daze.
 
Why do you mesmerize,
Baffle, and quicken me?
My heart leaps and lands blissfully.
A power within your eyes
Blinds me and all I see
Are visions of you loving me.
 
Could it be I am under your spell?
Why is it so hard to tell?
Sometimes I think
You magically wink
And leave me in a daze.

[instrumental interlude]
 
Could it be I am under your spell?
Why is it so hard to tell?
Sometimes I think
You magically wink
And leave me in a daze.

© 2025 David Acosta

The Shores of Loneliness

Party’s wild tonight, but you’re feeling lonely,
So you leave; there’s nothing there for you.
You always get your fill, but it leaves you empty.
No one knows what you’re going through.
 
You’re barely hanging on
Cuz friends have come and gone.
You’re empty-handed,
Brokenhearted, stranded
 
On the shores of Loneliness,
Far beyond the madness, seemingly nowhere.
The misty shores of Loneliness—
Do you really believe you belong there?
 
Sometimes I dream of a love so tender,
And a peace like I’ve never known.
I tell myself, someday I’ll surrender;
Maybe then I won’t feel alone.
 
So many dreams I’ve chased,
And shadows I’ve embraced;
But do I need them?
Can I fin’lly leave them
 
On the Shores of Loneliness,
Far beyond the sadness, seemingly nowhere?
The misty shores of Loneliness—
But do I really believe I belong there?
 
Why don’t you meet me by the sea?
Do you think you'll be there tonight?
I swear, if you wait there for me
I’ll make your loneliness take flight.
 
When the day is done,
Beneath the setting sun,
I’ll walk beside you;
I promise I won’t leave you
 
On the Shores of Loneliness...
We'll trade our blues for gladness, and say a prayer
On the Shores of Loneliness.
If I look for you, will I find you there?

  
© 2025 David Acosta

The Keyboard Conspiracy

That phony fading "A" on my keyboard
Keeps messing with my mind,
And I'm in distress.
Its cold, conniving schemes I have ignored
But now it has aligned
Itself with my "S."

I know they've been taking advantage of me!
Scheming and whispering stealthily.
They're hoping I'll screw up and hit the wrong key.
It's an evil keyboard conspiracy.

That phony fading "S" on my keyboard
Is wobbling nervously,
And sometimes it sticks.
It's seemingly sincere, so aboveboard;
But it's luring the "D"
And "C," its sidekicks.

I know they've been taking advantage of me!
Scheming and whispering stealthily.
They're hoping I'll screw up and hit the wrong key.
It's an evil keyboard conspiracy.

I'm an excellent speller—they know it—
Not the sad typo king they claim I've become!
I take liberties, sure; I'm a poet;
But they're making me lace my coffee with rum!

It's true, they've been taking advantage of me!
Scheming and whispering stealthily.
They're hoping I'll screw up and hit the wrong key.
It's an evil keyboard conspiracy.

© 2025 David Acosta

Springtime Sonnet

I came across a vale one afternoon
While quietly, aimlessly wandering.

In the wind I heard a wonderful tune:
"Let all the earth rejoice now and welcome spring!"

As clouds appeared, snug snapdragons looked up;
Lilies restless laughed and perfumed the air;
Wild tulips stretched—each bloom a thirsty cup.

What role was I to play among them there?

The raindrops fell; they soaked that flow'ry field.

They drenched my clothes and washed away my woes; 

Then I, enraptured, cried out, "I will yield!"

I knelt and prayed, and happily arose.
"I must rejoice!" I told the setting sun; 

Why should these blissful blooms have all the fun?


© 2025 David Acosta

Everywhereness

In the middle of my nothingness
I've been discovering everything
I thought I knew;

In this unexpected gladsomeness,

In a song I never thought I'd sing,

I'm finding you.

And it's sobering, to say the least,

Though it isn't grandiose;

It's a simple, sweet, subdued awareness.

And it's hardly festive; there's no feast;

But I need not be morose.

I no longer doubt your everywhereness.

No soiree for VIPs tonight,

No sleek limousine or fancy clothes,

No chic hotspot;

In this quiet place, this unmapped site

I am far away, but I am close

To the love I've sought.

And it's sobering, to say the least,

Though it isn't grandiose;

It's a simple, sweet, subdued awareness.

And it's hardly festive; there's no feast;

But I need not be morose.

I no longer doubt your everywhereness.

I remember chasing neon dreams

In dark realms where shadows cold

Seek to numb the pain that never goes away.

I no longer hear the silent screams,

The clamor within my soul

That haunted me so; I know I'm here to stay.

And it's sobering, to say the least,

Though it isn't grandiose;

It's a simple, sweet, subdued awareness.

And it's hardly festive; there's no feast;

But I need not be morose.

I no longer doubt your everywhereness.

© 2025 David Acosta

Dave's Home Remedies

For a sullied soul, try a truth hygienic;
For a wayward will, a return Edenic;
For a headstrong heart, a polite concession;

For a fading faith, a contrite confession.

For a muddled mind, try fresh air and sunshine;

For a spirit spazzed, an aged brie and fine wine;

For a late-night lure, an ice-cold rejection;

For a lukewarm love, an unfeigned affection.

© 2025 David Acosta

Effulgent Sun

Like a bridegroom

Emerging from your tent at dawn,

Like a strong man preparing for

A joyful run,

Run your course now

With pleasure as you gaze upon

Earth enchanted, whom you adore,

Effulgent Sun

© 2025 David Acosta

Bucolic Dreams

Leavin' the dog-eat-dog life far behind.

Aimlessly amblin', that's what's on my mind.

I'll walk the right of way till the train comes.

Barn owl hoots, the wind blows, a guitar strums.

Fireflies frolic in my bucolic dreams.

Pebbly creeks hook up with wild winding streams.

Railroad track and lonely dirt road diverge.

Fiddle and banjo, cider and song converge.

No need to hurry and no need to fret.

Kick off my boots, sit back, watch the sunset.

Sippin' and grinnin', singin' an old song.

Nightingale, don't hold back; sing along.

Fireflies frolic in my bucolic dreams.

Pebbly creeks hook up with wild winding streams.

Railroad track and lonely dirt road diverge.

Fiddle and banjo, cider and song converge.

Pastoral psalms are swirling around me.

Sweet serenity, so glad you've found me.

[instrumental interlude]

Fireflies frolic in my bucolic dreams.

Pebbly creeks hook up with wild winding streams.

Railroad track and lonely dirt road diverge.

Fiddle and banjo, cider and song converge.

© 2025 David Acosta