upon the ridge

 

with moon on left and sun on the far right
on mountain top i watch the coming day
my clothing bears the marks of the red clay

i'm held in place by the marvellous sight
of sunrise as the moon sets in the bay
with moon on left and sun on the far right

all things are clearer in this morning's light
there's no one close to hear what i might say
my feet are set upon the long road's way
with moon on left and sun on the far right

no older vision

 

we won't be well-rewarded by fair trade
whoever promises is just a knave
no one succeeds without some decent aid

the deepest cut comes from the thinnest blade
to face such weapons requires being brave
we won't be well-rewarded by fair trade

we hide from warmth within the spreading shade
not knowing what we need or what we crave
no one succeeds without some decent aid

we are too far now from the bee-loud glade
too little of bright youth could any save
we won't be well[-rewarded by fair trade

the whole thing's just another masquerade
we see the master swift turn into slave
no one succeeds without some decent aid

the day grows bright but always has to fade
we start out merry but too soon turn grave
we won't be well-rewarded by fair trade
no one succeeds without some decent aid

ash into ash

 

there are no horrors greater than our own
monstrous creations for they cannot fail
to make us swiftly fall or faint or quail
as they just laugh at each expiring groan
we must reflect on what was always known
that none can write the ending to their tale
what we pass on to others is the stale
remainder and the broken chewed-up bone
no one will set out the bright signal-flags
to mark the passing of a desperate age
but turn their backs and walk away at last
leaving behind the mouldy gauds and rags
that once were trotted out upon the stage
as every glory's consigned to the past

december morning

nothing ever rests
all is in constant motion
swift clouds in blue sky

cold weather coming
in the long nights your warm touch
spreading gentle calm

you asleep by me
soft snores steady reassure
that all remains safe

mapreading

 

we riddle out each meaning on the chart
but do not tell you what each signifies
to learn too quickly is not ever wise
you must arrive quite slowly at each art
no brag or boasting at the very start
for on that path nothing but madness lies
and not a one will hearken to your cries
knowing the canker gnawing at your heart
we chase the sun and hope to catch its flight
one moment clear so that we'll surely know
all of the truth no matter what it means
in terms of darkness or the afterlight
and all the places where no one dare go
the secret places of the mad machines

under the poincianas

 

dark seedpod sword nature's provided toy
what worlds were dreamt in that forbidding place
with pleasures of the bloodless hunt and chase

it took such little things to bring true joy
as all unthinking we created grace
dark seedpod sword nature's provided toy

yet far too swiftly each discards the boy
too much to do though different in each case
and far too fast deep lines will groove the face
dark seedpod sword nature's provided toy