through the mist

 

this is the very mystery of grey
between the half-felt pressure of the rain
and the dread certainty of some more pain
before you get out what you have to say
in words that every feeling might betray
you have to act you can't choose to abstain
too many voices speak for even strain
nor is there evidence of clearer way
from shallow waters come no mercies now
beyond horizons we can see no bird
and in the end naught we say will matter
the whole endeavour centres on one vow
a single enterprise hangs upon a word
utter it and universes shatter

solemn execution

 so many reasons end up in one flaw
no explanation can provide excuse
what matters is that we avoid abuse

the choice is never either clear or raw
nor is it one that any could deduce
so many reasons end up in one flaw

you or i end up always a cat's-paw
for someone's head must wind up in the noose
that is our sole purpose our only use
so many reasons end up in one flaw

after the kingdom's end

those who withhold their word have much to trust
so many silences will soon unfold
we let the gold and silver sink in dust

the gates and fences turn in time to rust
it is the normal weight of heat and cold
those who withhold their word have much to trust

a little honor left here to adjust
since each must do only what he is told
we let the gold and silver sink in dust

yet you had ordered us about and fussed
expected much and warned us to be bold
those who withhold their word have much to trust

we blame ourselves in our own disgust
at finding that we have been bought and sold
we let the gold and silver sink in dust

what's honest hides out beneath the crust
and will not vanish even when we're old
those who withhold their word have much to trust
we let the gold and silver sink in dust

spring appearing

under darkest green
the force of summer pushing
promises so much