28 November 2011

early chill


outside the winter storm is pelting down
with ancient power recalling us to true
vision of our places so then we rue
both the larger anger and the lesser frown
each gout of pressure under which we drown
unheeded here withheld from public view
still grasping for some force that would renew
each broken heart and smile at each sad clown
tonight we’re promised snow that will not stick
to the warm ground and ice that will not chill
for any length of time the naked skin
yet winter ‘s taking only the first lick
at these soft hides there’s still much room for ill
since we are in a race the clock must win

27 November 2011

abandon panic


sleep  hides in dimmest corners of the night
refusing to reach out and hold us dear
for far too long our fears and pains seem bright

like scars of whiteness injuring the sight
bringing so many distant horrors near
sleep hides in dimmest corners of the night

while on each eye some terror will alight
so waking mind can slowly shred and tear
for far too long our fears and pains seem bright

thought after thought revolves upon harsh blight
and inner rack we’re thorough-cooked by fear
sleeps hides in dimmest corners of the night

options seem few and hope reduced to slight
expecting that the dawn might bring cool air
for far too long our fears and pains seem bright

yet there are answers left to turn times right
repairing rest while giving breath to spare
sleep hides in dimmest corners of the night
for far too long our fears and pains seem bright

26 November 2011

fallen angles


where fallen angles now define true space
in steady motion of my dull dead blood
the quantity of which threatens to flood

beyond proper confine without such grace
as is expected in these times of mud
where fallen angles now define true space

our acts come under limits we can trace
out of the silence through each heavy thud
of closing vision as hope turns to dud
where fallen angles now define true space

21 November 2011

the human occupation


in places known lacking all restriction
we lift our heads and arms extend their reach
whilst all the silent learn to practice speech
as sterling critics take honour from fiction
with truth resulting from the hard conviction
that since no one will give what we beseech
making reality out of all they teach
we must become our own true benediction
this is a world where silence means dissent
from standard syllogisms of bright command
yet we are bound to  stay within the mesh
of human intercourse of what is meant
by these creations of the head and hand
that come together in the mortal flesh

09 November 2011

autumnal passage


in mild november every tree seems red
these maples blazing with unhidden fires
in briefest glory as the day expires
while winter is to come with heavy tread
but not just yet and while clouds overhead
cluster like doom the birds sit on the wires
and do not worry the winds may be liars
while changing seasons don't occasion dread
meanwhile we wonder at the changing scene
at who will be our neighbours and how plain
the day shall be with no leaves on the lawn
but nothing matters while the grass is green
and we have shelter from the chilling rain
with guarantee of sleep until the dawn