let there be warning

where waiting has not reached the end
a moment comes when one must pause
while yet we see the coming trend

this road will make a sudden bend
that thicket will hide hungry jaws
where waiting has not reached the end

the thing one cannot do's befriend
these creatures with the largest maws
while yet we see the coming trend

those lights there in the east portend
a dawn that comes without a pause
where waiting has not reached the end

the ones who lie will still pretend
that is opaque what's merest gauze
while yet we see the coming trend

no message comes unless we send
a herald who knows all the laws
where waiting has not reached the end
while yet we see the coming trend

absence of shadows

on the blank wall no memory will stain
some depth of power indicating right
yet our connection with place is slight
a signal comes and our ears will strain
to catch each nuance none are plain
but bring with them an aura of fright
remaining from the deepest night
each of us recalls the weight of pain
never before would it be truly said
was there so much work left undone
and yet we feel completion will arrive
now we know there is naught to dread
all has become clear under the sun
and we rejoice that we are yet alive

the purpose of education

there's no mistake that is supposed to count
all that should matter is the letter grade
i need to join the long and dull parade
my name called out as i the steps do mount
i have spent not two minutes as the fount
of learning but i expect to have it made
others may work but i'll lie in the shade
i should the common herd pass and surmount
learning's too hard i just want the degree
if you get in my way i'll just complain
you need to pass me out if you want peace
the library bores me i just want to be free
i don't need all this knowledge in my brain
i have the wisdom of a flock of geese

thoughts that stray

a certain angle
a quality of sunlight
this is the true spring

light tells us so much
it uncovers deep secrets
without an effort

my mind spins quickly
so many words to conquer
so little time left

nothing too complex
the rich greens of the gully
small seem my worries

never to return

ghosts inhabit the half-light outside
memories of distant dates and climes
the revenance of younger times
in the bushes obscure specters hide
recollections of some foaming tide
an indication that we hear the chimes
of history and life forgotten crimes
that we have suffered on the human ride
there's no appeal against the daily turn
stars will appear on cue and glow
though the clear night to emphasise
that there are older fires that still burn
not caring half a fig for high or low
and doing more than they now symbolise

never yet too late

where life is new or not so badly made
we want to shine and and indicate our grace
the thing to do is stay in the parade

all of the earth is underneath a shade
but still there's light in its appropriate place
where life is new or not so badly made

there's silence in the once so lively glade
of day's dominion there's no single trace
the thing to do is stay in the parade

at times we wish that we were not so staid
but cannot simply our long past erase
where life is new or not so badly made

another hopeful one will follow in our trade
eager to get in front and set the pace
the thing to do is stay in the parade

so let the glowing music stay or fade
glory appears in every normal face
where life is new or not so badly made
the thing to do is stay in the parade

yes

we need to affirm to insist to assert
who and what we are is not for sale
though we are many we aren't dirt
we don't all fit in the normal pail
to hang things up is not truly enough
we are not here to pose nor to adorn
life's not just about accumulating stuff
veils disappear not only when they're torn
still there's a time to make things clear
we are the ones who do not only take
we don't just float in the midday air
we're not just sitting down by the lake
our word declares just when and why
and that's far better than any old lie