Lost At Sea

Finalist – Parkinsong 2026

E.J. Ballard, passed away in November 2024 following a long and tumultuous journey with Parkinson’s and, later as consequence, dementia. He was a lifelong musician, deeply committed to his craft, and continued composing music well into the progression of his illness.

LOST AT SEA

Love is great to 
celebrate with words so gently 
rhyming. But all I can do is tell my 
true with approximate pitch and timing. 
So I’ll take a chance, sing you the 
stars, and hope that you don’t flee. 

Remember, remember me. 
Lost at sea. My boys and 
girls. Lost at sea. 

As my stride becomes the shuffle and
my back in a teapot spout 
and my face a fixed 
expression which allows a little dribble out.
My life’s mostly a 
cat shuffle but I won’t out rough the sea. 

Remember, remember, remember me. 
Lost at sea. My boys and girls, lost at sea.

And my garden fills with 
fairies. Medication makes minds 
mushy. And some who try to help 
me just end up getting 
pushy. And even my guardian angel
don’t find this caring cushy. 

Remember, remember me. 
Lost at sea my boys and girls. 
Lost at sea.
Remember, remember 
Be lost at sea. My boys and 
girls. Lost at sea. 

Well, now you’ve heard my little 
tune. In tune or 
thereabouts. I dedicate it to you all 
who stayed and heard me 
out. But spare a thought to those who 
are caught by some uncurable malady. 

Remember, remember me. 
Lost at sea, my boys and girls. 
Lost at sea. Lost. 
Lost. Lost at sea. My girls and boys.
Lost. Lost. Lost.