footlights

the words mean much the same in any tongue
do the right thing which is the thing that works
it's clear and bright in the minds of the young
of those who are each decades new young turks
it's easy to want to sweep the set quite clean
to bring a new performance to the stage
reach for perfection with each new-played scene
let the bright words explode out of the page
we're the actors and critics of a single play
the script we work out even as we act
the scenario is life each scene's a day
it bears a strong resemblance to plain fact
what we enjoy the thing's we'll come to rue
each of them now is what we believe true

twist on a proverb

we've got the light to tell us of new hope
though the year's cycle at last has turned to cold
time's life's ally here far longer than any rope

we seem to be moving fast on the downslope
not one is brave although some may seem bold
we've got the light to tell us of new hope

the numbers lie not fast the runners lope
the poker players have not the chance to fold
time's life's ally here far longer than any rope

the one who's quick is wise the hesitating a dope
the moment into a tight scroll is rolled
we've got the light to tell us of new hope

the loser seems triumphant the winner's set to mope
the final shape has broken from the mould
time's life's ally here far longer than any rope

we've got our moment here now we just have to cope
we've known that truth long before we were old
we've got the light to tell us of new hope
time's life ally here far longer than any rope

let it begin

from time to time we'll hear the thunder speak
the lightning will be brighter than a photo flash
but not enough light to show the thing we seek
enough to hearken the enormous crash
beyond each night and far beyond each day
is empty time awaiting its due measure
here though we have both struggle and affray
and deeply hidden there is trash not treasure
dominate or submit the truth's the same
enough to make one smell the human stale
the thing's halfway between a jest and game
and almost every player is up for sale
still in the night the wind may bring a sign
that in the morning weather will be fine