boyhood tale

now that the light provides no honest tales
we may be sure that there are hidden doors
peepholes in paintings little secret drawers
things that are hidden in the small details
just to ensure that you'll trip on the rails
not listen to the beggar who implores
your pardon nor remit from the old whores
the costs of all the bullets and the nails
there must be secrets and mysterious lies
the world elsewise would be a duller place
and we would have to face the sun alone
far better that there be agents and spies
reasons to put new cameras in space
and further crimes for each soon to atone

for jeremy at twenty

there are no obstacles on the sacred way
your path was made as smooth as heart could hope
we ask that you remember on this day

life has a healthy share of plots to lay
but we are sure that you've the skill to cope
there are no obstacles on the sacred way

don't let the foolish visions make you stray
a little error and you're down the slope
we ask that you remember on this day

there is a price that each of us must pay
you learn this long before you have to mope
there are no obstacles on the sacred way

you will soon find we aren't allowed to stay
and that for some things we for long time grope
we ask that you remember on this day

there are so many things i have to say
time it turns out is not as long as rope
there are no obstacles on the sacred way
we ask that you remember on this day

above the tulips

your chances come and go like a spring breeze
above the tulips maples still are bare
but all the city seems to be aware
that something's brewing in the mysteries
nature may hide some trick in her chemise
that the best gardener would not think she'd dare
and then send signals out in simplest clear
when we most think to sit and take our ease
on edge of spring we wait as on each night
the stars reveal another sort of chance
and we are given leave to ask for rest
not knowing yet what we may get as right
nor what our steps are in the coming dance
but hoping that each change is for the best

staying on message

 

there is no hope of even least denial
errors and mishaps are put on for show
the record states we traded blow for blow
and put the foolish villain up on trial
it does not matter if you spin the dial
there is not one who cannot hope to know
just where and when they have to head below
and who will be forced to accept exile
not one of us who knows just how to bend
before the kind of force that you can bring
to tear apart the scrim that hides the sky
you teach us quickly where we have to send
the ones who learn to squeal and how to sing
and how true glory rises from the lie

perne in a gyre

the alien qentba on the planet crea
are gentle creatures and when any speak
their messages have much that people seek
but not a one knows just what they might see
with those strange eyes from which the cowards flee
these are not creatures friendly to the meek
but are companions to the horrid freak
and issue flame so far above the sea
there are so many ways to twist a thread
and let a new growth rise up from the spore
while others know how much they have to yearn
the qentba of crea let none ride with dread
but only those who will find out the score
and none but mages ever hope to burn