Vanitas

Beyond the mirror's thin gleam
A shadow wherein a question is poised.
The light describing existence - a veil,
The clang of life - the sounding of a bell,
Echoing briefly in greater silence.

Turning At The Round

Turning at the round I went down
The same dark street I'd gone before;
A detour southwards, away
From the eastward angle I sought.
On my right tall buildings hide
The beach, to my left a tangle
Of small streets I've wandered through.
Returning to the round recall
Here I missed the route before and
Now pause puzzled; it must be there
Just before me, go on, and right.
Indeed this was the street, to note;
Take the left before the circle,
Not after, and on my way home
Reflect on repeated mistakes.

An Actor And A Poet

How did you do this magic trick,

How you so touched and wakened me,

That when I think of your blue eyes

I see the endless starry skies.

Of your ineffable giving

Wonder - an actors' performance,

A singer singing a song, playing

All your heart to all around.

My dear, I know, I do it too,

With pen and paper, in a poem.

We've the gift of giving ourselves,

In spite of ourselves sometimes.

Hold On

Shadow regrets flying in your face,

Ancient fears stirring it up in there.

I'm taking no shit, enough of this,

You're testy, on edge, tend to shout.

The demons are dancing now, my dear.

I toss at night with something unclear,

Sweat, cry, crack, tussle, and moan.

You can't sleep, too hot, you've got an itch,

Something is knocking around your head.

The demons are dancing now, my dear.

Got you by the throat, twist an arm,

Lay a low one in your gut, bend you.

Take a breath, take heart and purpose,

Hold on, we are going to win this.

The demons are dancing now, my dear,

Easy now, one on one, we'll take them,

Clear as day, clear as a bell, in time.

Indigo Dream

Sailing the deep blue dream,
Singing last liberty,
Only indigo dream.

No earthly care and toil
To grind me to the ground.
Only a ship, the sea
And me, my companion
The wind, and endless sky,
Bound for no port or home.

Sailing the deep blue dream,
Singing last liberty,
Alone indigo dream.

No more loving for me,
Too many times my heart
Broken, love left behind.
My mistress is the sea,
Carried upon her waves,
My vessel on her breast.

Sailing the deep blue dream,
Singing last liberty,
Lonely indigo dream.

Down and out survivor,

Long had I resisted.

Peace then a distant dream

Only, a surrender

Denied, longed for, the blue

Sea of serene release.

Sailing the deep blue dream,
Singing last liberty,
Only indigo dream.

Riches

Seated with casual superb

Before me on an orange throne,

His nobility worn and scarred,

Was one with the riches I sought.

I followed him through depravity,

In equilibrium fell not.

I followed him through violence,

Learned to strike, and to roll it off

As beating rain rolls off a leaf.

I followed him through sorrow's pain,

Broke my heart again and again.

Still I followed, through endless nights,

And through despicable ruin.

He spoke of his freedom attained

In prison; it's trace shining through

The walls and bars he keeps within,

Saw his mortal contradiction.

All that he scattered I gathered

Along the tortuous route.

I was unable to convince him,

He is still there, in argument.

Now I've my riches, my freedom.

Refuge

Remember the hill and forest, when young –

The green, the nightingale, colored perfumes,

Your native sky, your realm, not to be touched.

Come to me, battle-scarred and weary one.

Lay down your weapons, remove your armor,

Let me touch you - a breeze rustles the leaves.

Take my hand, adventure in the perfect

Wilderness of your hill, copse, thicket and

Sun struck clearings, take me to your refuge.

Battle-worn and lonely warrior, closer,

Lay down your arms and take me, take me there.

Breathe the green, the colored perfumes, taste peace

Sweet as spring water, the nightingale sings.