expanding light

shadows in the ceiling last remnants of dark
this morning promises a day of much heat
still we obey the rhythm and keep the beat
our choices don't seem simple but they're stark
ahead there lies a jungle it's certainly no park
all voyages here are hardship there's no treat
to keep us moving to stimulate our tired feet
there's so much more after the starter's mark
we'll have good reasons for the path and road
that we must take to reach the sacred goal
that marks the ending and will be the prize
that got us started we have no better goad
to keep us moving regardless still on the whole
we note more than what's seen by our eyes

there's not a cloud

for those not labelled we will take no blame
the lists are detailed comprehensive wrong
there's not a thing that we won't ever name

outside there's sign of a new diamond flame
not brilliant yet but still both hot and strong
for those not labelled we will take no blame

our thoughts are held within the normal frame
we note all matters which to our day belong
there's not a thing that we won't ever name

the trees outside look wild but they are tame
the shadows that they cast do not last long
for those not labelled we will take no blame

each of us knows our purpose pride or shame
are hidden by the the vast yet human throng
there's not a thing that we won't ever name

we set our money down we're in the game
our eyes stay bright upon our lips a song
for those not labelled we will take no blame
there's not a thing that we won't ever name

a concrete hope

we see them build and not delay
someone needs shelter that is sure
reasons are clear and not obscure
shadows cannot long hide the way
all that is made must then decay
but that's not now this is the cure
to hope that our desires endure
our nightly dreams take shape in day
if what we wanted met our need
we would not mumble nor complain
our hopes would all be satisfied
not to the point of theft or greed
but there'd be no need to strain
and we would answer those who lied

merely waiting

start of day clear light
the warmth announces springtime
green all around us

this watch is ending
who comes now brings no warning
the name is enough

still it is silent
i sit waiting for purpose
the wheel will soon stop

turning i watch light
outside dappled through fresh leaves
thoughts chase each other

a simple pattern

a simple pattern that is not quite real
under the moulding's nothing that is true
what's readily apparent to the view
tells nothing that we don't already feel
is false and tawdry and not worth the deal
but still pretends to be both clean and new
we note the symbols but we have no clue
and no true standard left for our appeal
above us there's nothing but pale sky
the sun beats down and there is no regret
the monster lurks sharpening tooth and claw
there is no solace in what passes by
the purpose of our memory we forget
and none but a few can now recall the law

at the focus

i look out of the window at the haze
a light is blinking on a distant tower
this is not a shady woodland bower
or if it is then i am out of phase
each of these long and tiring days
i want to see the amaryllis flower
that event is far beyond my power
my mind is lost in a distorted maze
the voice of trees is quiet never loud
within these walls is nothing that i need
there's not a shimmer in the heavy air
not far from me i sense a noisy crowd
but for the moment thought will feed
on hazy light when clarity is rare

watching the towers

downtown is just a mile away
across the trees i see the tall
towers and think of how small
this building is in middle day
observed by those at work or play
whose vision doesn't fade or pall
the shadow will be long to fall
and spirit will be hard to slay
the moment will i know soon pass
aircraft above have far to go
and there is not yet hope of rain
i see the shimmer of the glass
a bird that passes moves so slow
and yet all things appear so plain