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Basketweaving

from Every Season Passes by Phil Mills

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about

OVFF song contest 2008 - Somehow, easy college courses for athletes combined in my mind with, “Where am I going? Why am I in this handbasket?”

lyrics

The first home I remember was a cottage by the road
The smell of asphalt fresh upon the street
To an artless five year old,
The crooked ground stretched miles untold
Up to sky and down to sulphrous heat

My father’s work was in the back where he had his garage
I’d pester him to teach me all his tricks
Dad's shop was the major draw
For any passers-by we saw
Stopping there to have handbaskets fixed.

Dad had a PhD in basketweaving
Opened a garage beside the highway
Willow or rattan repairs; teflon coating
Racing stripes or flames; half-price Fridays

As I grew we battled 'bout his treatment of the damned
He said they'd all ignore advice he'd give,
Keep on sliding down that hill,
Completely trapped in their free will
“A basketweaver's fam'ly's got to live."

I thought he was evil, to encourage as he did
But that's just how it is with dads and kids.

Once, with Dad off buying parts, loud rattling shook the doors
A man, with basket damaged by the slide
Said it didn’t have to last
But needed speed-up treatment fast,
The non-stick kind with 'smilies' on the side

I refused, explained that this was not my line of work
He didn't care how much he had to pay
Called me ev'ry name he could
Until I patched the splintered wood
To send him on his wicked, wickered way

Dad had a PhD in basketweaving
Opened a garage beside the highway
Willow or rattan repairs; teflon coating
Racing stripes or flames; half-price Fridays

Packed and left next morning, aware Dad's attitude
Was shaped by strangers eager for their fall
Never matched my Dad's degree
But made the most of living free
Where I scored this ride, I can’t recall

Dad had a PhD in basketweaving
Opened a garage beside the highway
Willow or rattan repairs; teflon coating
Racing stripes or flames; half-price Fridays

I thought he was evil, to encourage as he did
But that's just how it is with dads and kids.

credits

from Every Season Passes, released December 16, 2024

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Phil Mills Toronto, Ontario

Phil Mills writes songs of science fiction and fantasy fandom: filk.

He released the CD "Rain on the Sand" in 2009, containing all original material, mixing funny and serious treatments. That approach has continued, as does his writing.

He has become an avid promoter of the FAWM and 50/90 online song-writing communities, using those as inspiration sources for yet more songs. ... more

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