raising the ashlar

we jump the waterfall and find no hell
at mountain's foot is merely a rich plain
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

we listen but we cannot hear the bell
to summon us once more to duty's pain
we jump the waterfall and find no hell

what we have done we do not have to tell
our only hope is not in any gain
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

we saw the cities rise and heard they fell
and in the interim we drank champagne
we jump the waterfall and find no hell

you see us here and think us but the shell
of what we were our efforts simply vain
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

what we have done must in its time compel
the hearts of those who choose not to complain
we jump the waterfall and find no hell
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

arriving at noon

this is the border and you have to pass
across the line there's nothing you can test
on this dry side you have lost your behest
the wind has told you secrets of the grass
and you are bored with them they have no class
no great significance and you detest
all you've been taught here it is one more jest
out of the thousands all of them most crass
so now you look across and hope to view
some sign of change that might match your desire
to see those things that you know they would hide
from your eye's sight you crave the urgent new
and want to leave behind the raving fire
as memory and marker of your pride

the teaching of language

this is no word it is a bloody trigger
so much remains of what we know was hell
you have to kill the one who calls you nigger

you know so well the laughter and the snigger
the way they set up the pavlovian bell
this is no word it is a bloody trigger

they look so grave but make you now the digger
of the deep hole and they will claim you fell
you have to kill the one who calls you nigger

they tell you that you have to be far bigger
than those who run about and snarl and yell
this is no word it is a bloody trigger

it does not seem that they will have the vigour
to listen to the story you must tell
you have to kill the one who calls you nigger

the world belongs to those who with due rigour
will manage both to succour and excel
this is no word it is a bloody trigger
you have to kill the one who calls you nigger