looking aslant

it takes too long for true ends to arrive
comfort and peace are all that we should need
trees are inherent in each tiny seed

truth is too often awkward that's no jive
words hurt like crazy but they never bleed
it takes too long for true ends to arrive

with clever folk we never should connive
but one who's dumb becomes a broken reed
and enterprise required some honest speed
it takes too long for true ends to arrive

trash fire

worlds come and go like tiny flakes of ash
in a light breeze we pass clenching our eyes
not daring to look upward to the skies
until past the small fire we've made our dash
holding our noses against burning trash
above our heads the loud avian spies
cry out against all poets and their lies
the reality is we all pay cash
for every increment of love or hope
we know the price and know it is not fair
yet in the morning we smile at the light
depend on prospects and you are a dope
not fit to breathe the ordinary air
and that's a measure of the normal plight

running out of options

what's won or lost is more than just a game
prizes are valued more than for their cost
who dares to ask just what thought has been tossed
out in the wilderness of hope and blame
would not i think be angered at the name
of one who though subordinate and bossed
would not accept one second being crossed
but fry the varlet with a cruel flame
assume that none of us can comprehend
the reason for the shouting and the ire
while all around us the last cities fall
someone a higher purpose may intend
but worlds must crash into a single fire
and not one person be left standing tall

upon flat water

sharp the reflection from this fading sky
moments of remembrance in the slow pale
time when the day's great star begins to fail

we never think to wonder nor ask why
time moves both like an eagle and a snail
sharp the reflection from this fading sky

we find the reasons for we love to pry
life moves in curves and swoops not on a rail
sometimes a zephyr comes before a gale
sharp the reflection from this fading sky