through the trees

what beings flit from branch to branch in light
both soft and clear under a pearly sky
we don't feel fear and yet we wonder why
such a thing this morning just seems right
where we were caught in a despairing plight
yet overcame the monster and the lie
went moving onward as the day rolled by
these are the things that come into our sight
when beyond morning we behold the day
unsullied by such things as fear and pain
the weather will all elements alloy
there is we hope a better clearer way
we long for the warm gentle touch of rain
but the calm moment brings to us its joy

we see the change

all that we ask for will one day be lost
all day through sun and rain we wend
at some point somebody will count the cost

those who obeyed and those who bossed
no memories of grace they'll lend
all that we ask for will one day be lost

all through the night we turned and tossed
against vague evil foes we did defend
at some point somebody will count the cost

those rivers which we have not crossed
we watch at the last slow great bend
all that we ask for will one day be lost

a message with the great seal embossed
is not the one our enemies will send
at some point somebody will count the cost

and in the end we feel the touch of frost
who's left as foe and who indeed as friend
all that we ask for will one day be lost
at some point somebody will count the cost

a spring saturday

aloft a speckled blue like wild bird's egg
lower the varied greens dancing in light
still hours to go before return of night
each tree sways gently like a dancing leg
yet holds the earth down firmly as a peg
time it would seem has given up its spite
the day began dull but now ends bright
peace flows serene like beer from a keg
let there be wisdom no god told us that
but we need something firm in each mind
rest comes and calm but always a catch
sits in our thoughts we can take nothing flat
acceptance of each moment is too blind
but only fools would strike the final match

naming the better choices

where words and music in due course combine
we choose each time to listen or to dance
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

the finest elements from raw ore we'll refine
each of us in our turn will take our chance
where words and music in due course combine

for what we want for that we will not pine
we'll get our pay or we will not advance
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

the whole thing's not about what's yours or mine
although we cast a glamour of romance
where words and music in due course combine

each of us will our tastes and hopes define
we'll take things in with more than just a glance
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

and in the end where some might draw the line
there'll be a moment where we fall in trance
where words and music in due course combine
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

A Chaucerian sonnet

Whan that Aprille doth March displace,
with weping, walinge, and cryes folk do disporte
for there beth ne shelter ne resorte,
The IRS doth every fotestepe trace,
and will nat grante even a minute's grace,
an ye paye not, thenne the kyng his courte,
shall distrain on ye, and ye shall falle shorte.
Empty will be thyne pockets,and longe thyn face.
The reeve and miller shall with bailie strive,
the wyfe of Bath shall kepe a civil tongue,
and franklin shall kepe cheke upon fre thoughte;
tis not the time for knight or squire to wyve,
the prioresse shalle nat of love have sunge,
and all take care to do the thinges they oughte.