a flash of red

beneath my window a bird flies
the flash of wing betokens day
a symbol not of joy nor play
under the grim and filthy skies
the hope we had all winter dies
roots do not sink deep into clay
there is no hope of healing ray
another sorry day must rise
seek honest answers and they fade
desire for truth is not enough
behind dull clouds lurks no light
it's not much cooler in the shade
the reply that comes will be gruff
and yet we have the flash of sight

some higher vision

no matter how things make us weep
there's reason to keep on the road
the ending will be just more sleep

if nothing else the wound is deep
a demon makes each kiss the toad
no matter how things make us weep

upon the wall sad visions creep
inside each mind sad lights explode
the ending will be just more sleep

there's not a fact that cannot keep
we may yet strike the motherlode
no matter how things make us weep

they'll make a journey on the cheap
and hope there is no overload
the ending will be just more sleep

only a wolf knows to herd sheep
the flock must answer to the goad
no matter how things make us weep
the ending will be just more sleep

troubling brilliance

we face the sun in greatest pride
and are most humbled by the ray
that burns the eyes at height of day
the wiser cower and wait inside
each of us knows we have to hide
the air has power enough to slay
the light will serve in an affray
best let the lesser rumblings slide
shadows are sharper than a knife
no one with sense will walk the street
they'll keep a watch the while we sweat
but something's to be done for life
this is the chance for power to meet
and for the brave to take the bet