occidental journey

a label tells us little we need know
and nothing of the things we truly need
we cannot see inherent in the seed
the power that makes it urgently grow
the plant that comes up whether fast or slow
no matter if it's cultigen or weed
cleanses the air at the same rate of speed
without requirement of much fancy show
life gives us little more than a small clue
and hardly any time to make our mark
before the shadow falls upon each name
not much to say before the bill comes due
in the small passage before open dark
we find the whole thing's just another game

eastward the dawn

there is no challenge we won't this day meet
our minds are firm and we are on the ball
clamour now falls to silence on the street

each morning comes and the daylight is sweet
late summer but the leaves aren't poised to fall
there is no challenge we won't this day meet

we see what's solid what is sure concrete
there's never reason to delay or stall
clamour now falls to silence on the street

the truth when spoken we need not repeat
the chances change will happen are not small
there is no challenge we won't this day meet

we've organised things and they're now so neat
that there is nothing left that could appall
clamour now falls to silence on the street

a proper day with much more light than heat
no dismal shadows wait out in the hall
there is no challenge we won't this day meet
clamour now falls to silence on the street

with extended view

there's nothing here the normal mind to shock
except the pain that comes from knowing light
no one should pause not even to take stock

only the idle need to watch the clock
the rest of us know that it will soon be night
there's nothing here the normal mind to shock

the city's built on sand and not on rock
its chances of survival are but slight
no one should pause not even to take stock

one last ship is still berthed at the last dock
across the water the wise should take flight
there's nothing here the normal mind to shock

no one could come now our escape to block
but we're not sure that fleeing would be right
no one should pause not even to take stock

no victory will come for those who mock
but neither will there be any delight
there's nothing here the normal mind to shock
no one should pause not even to take stock

in praise of moderation

We've got your vowels in the neatest pile
your message is still there, though hard to read,
and you are less annoying, you'd concede
through what would have to be a most forced smile.
Enough of that! Our task this little while
is rather how to honour the good deed
of one who's standing by to help at need
and keep us safe from trickery and guile.
We rarely think, when we write in this space,
of all the work that's done to keep it neat
and make it a safe harbour for our thought.
And so we ought to thank the one whose grace
keeps it from being just a brawling street
and helps us learn without our being taught.