south padre island

 

the pelicans fly above in strict formation
the terns eagerly prowl upon the beach
this seems to be a perfect situation

we're here for the most recent iteration
of scholarship expressed in halting speech
the pelicans fly above in strict formation

we give the closest strict consideration
to learn those things we later want to teach
this seems to be a perfect situation

we're entertained we each get a potation
to loosen tongues to give our minds some reach
the pelicans fly above in strict formation

the wind and rain provide us no frustration
the water through the sand and rock will leach
this seems to be a perfect situation

we speak our thoughts are given illustration
from each of us the message flows to each
the pelicans fly above in strict formation
this seems to be a perfect situation

soft was the sun

 in the middle of the road just stripes
and dead animals an open chance
to be a target not to hear the pipes
as you're sent to meet fate with a dance
listen the wind has messages for you
you're not alone as you confront the time
there's still a lot left here to do
before the coming of the frost and rime
a garden in the winter's desolate
but so's a desert in the summer's heat
we've done what we can so now we wait
until the time for all these thing's complete
we rush and jump our candle's on the burn
it's one way only though there's no return

sermon

the signpost points the way but doesn't take you
you have to tread the miles with your two feet
what have to say just say and then just do
either you'll meet the moment or only meet
the lowest expectation but that does not matter
you're here to do a job to get things done
as long as you do it there's no need to flatter
no worries about losing till you've won
the message is clear and cannot be a lie
you have to go you have to meet the hour
like cæsar you must in earnest cast your die
and learn to take and wield your honest power
but still alone you must now take the way
that leads you quick to the appointed day

hope in the hour of silence

the whole breaks into its component parts
yet manages at once to remain whole
this is the brightest of the once-dark arts

we think of magic having fits and starts
of coming from a partially-made soul
the whole breaks into its component parts

the blow that landed ages ago still smarts
the stars look down on the once-frozen pole
this is the brightest of the once-dark arts

we sell our wares in many distant marts
as actors we are sound in any role
the whole breaks into its component parts

out of the night the hunter swiftly darts
down into dark earth burrows the mole
this is the brightest of the once-dark arts

a haunting music that will heal all hearts
its notes are written on a sacred scroll
the whole breaks into its component parts
this is the brightest of the once-dark arts