In Plain Sight

The other day I mentioned a couple of the songs that moved me at last Wednesday's singer/songwriting competition at Beaner's. One of these was In Plain Sight by Patti Ryan, a song that moved me to talk with her afterwards to see if I could share it here.

It turns out that Patti is both a musician and visual artist. In the music sphere she plays with a group called Inukshuk Pass. Inukshuk (in-nook-shook) refers to an Inuit stone marker indicating a good and safe place that others have passed through or settled. Her husband is the bass player in the band and she's hoping this song will appear on their third album once all the arrangements have been worked out.

In Plain Sight

1. Underneath the steeple the people all believe
In something greater than themselves that they have never seen.
Each Sunday on this corner- wearing tattered dirty jeans
A plain man in plain sight waits for just one to see he’s real.

Just who are heaven’s angels on the flip side of the light?
Did they once stand on this corner as a plain man in plain sight?

2. High above the city with gritty streets beneath
People fill their penthouses with things they’ll never need.
Across the way a broken window frames a mother as she weeps.
A plain girl in plain sight waits for every single thing.

Just who are heaven’s angels on the flip side of the light?
Did they once cry at this window as a plain girl in plain sight?

3. On a hill of four leaf clovers the lucky children play.
They’ve learned to shun the ragged child with tears stained to his face.
He’s been standing on the outskirts humming the saddest song.
A plain child in plain sight waits to feel like he belongs.

Just who are heaven’s angels on the flip side of the light?
Did they once stand on the outskirts as a plain child in plain sight?

Patti Ryan 2010

Patti's band will be playing at Pizza Luce this week. Check the Trib or contact Pizza Luce for details. For more info on Patti and the group visit inukshukpass.com.