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Arts, etc.
When I was younger, music and creative writing were a huge part of my life.
As a researcher, I don't have much time for them now, but as time permits I will post some of my work on this site. You can see some of my earlier work under "Music" and "Poetry". Enjoy!
Music
How can I keep from singing?
For those of you who are musicians or singers, my music section will be updated periodically with original songs (some of them from my off-off-Broadway shows), available in both MP3 files for listening, and as lead sheets.
You will also find a link to some wonderful albums, one of which contains my parody "I Hype The Songs."
If you use any of this material in a commercial venue, I ask that you honor my copyright. If you perform any of my music anywhere, please let me know!
Poetry
The soul as well as the body must be fed.
Here is Some Poetry, Food for the Soul
Sometimes, in a world where we need all the information we can get to help us survive, poetry seems like a luxury.
But I was reminded recently that for some people, poetry is more important than practical advice, for instance, on diet.
With this, I offer you some of my poetry. More will be posted on this website as time permits. Some of the selections are from my book Birthing, published in the mid-1990s by Woman in the Moon Publications (I believe the book is now out-of-print).
For those of you who remember the singing of Barry Manilow and feel nostalgic, I present...
Sometimes we have to be reminded who we are...
I Hype The Songs
a parody of Bruce Johnston's "I Write The Songs"
© 1994 by Nina Silver
1.
I’ve been extremely clever
When you think you hear a good song.
I package words and the melodies together,
Call it music, and I hype the songs.
Chorus:
I hype the songs and give the whole world trash,
I hype whatever songs will bring in the cash,
I hype the songs that make musicians cry,
I hype the songs, I hype the songs.
2.
This song is superficial,
But you think it comes from the heart.
How I depend on your gullible perception,
You’re a fool if you think this is art.
Chorus:
I hype the songs and give the whole world trash,
I hype whatever songs will bring in the cash,
I hype the songs that make musicians cry,
I hype the songs, I hype the songs.
Bridge:
If the music makes you dance, then you will want to take a chance
On a disco beat repeating, "You must spend"
Till it fills your ears and eyes, now that’s the way to hypnotize
It’s for me, not for you, not for you it’s for me--
it’s the record industry.
Final Chorus:
I hype the songs and give the whole world trash,
I hype whatever songs will bring in the cash,
I hype the songs that make musicians cry,
I hype the songs, I hype the songs.
I make you sick, ‘cause I hype the songs.
The Source
© 1984 by Nenah Sylver
I went to walk upon a trail
To try to find the flow or Source,
And though I feared that I would fail
I tried to trust and stay on course.
I soon came to a river deep,
And though I looked, I could not find
A bridge. So I lay down to sleep,
Of tired frame and weary mind.
And what approached -- or so it seemed,
Was such a glowing spark of light
That huge amounts of love were beamed
To help me through my darkest night.
And when it spoke, I understood
Its faith that I would find my way.
"The Source is all, and it is good."
And then I woke, for it was day.
Encouraged, I refused to leave
And after searching, spied some planks
That with some effort, did retrieve
While murmuring my heartfelt thanks.
I made my bridge and crossed the stream
And knew then what had set me free:
The understanding of my dream
Reminding that the Source is me.