a simple path to paradise

a little thought and we would have to laugh
words come and go and never can express
just how to shake the wheat out of the chaff

our hope this season is just to address
the proper source of all our fear and pain
and cease to pay it the demanded cess

throughout this summer we have wanted rain
it has not come and we watch flowers die
the rules are all against us that is plain

no benison has fallen from the sky
but still we hope and still we have to smile
our future's never founded on a lie

there's no gate here no accursed slap or stile
just a plain road lacking a fingerpost
but still we can trudge on another mile

it's a long journey till we reach the coast
we have been there and set foot in the sea
but that is not a reason for our boast

all of our happiness is out and free
we have seen pain and we bear the scars
of our long struggle just to live and be

still we're rewarded by the summer stars

frogs and cicadas

last fading light and on the chorus comes
we pause to listen and for once to smile
these here are nature's tiny pipes and drums
last fading light and on the chorus comes

with urgent life the remnant woodland hums
but honest nature's going out of style
last fading light and on the chorus comes
we pause to listen and for once to smile

manifestations

another word another kind of name
into the pot they go and we divide
what's won is what gets us out of the game

all vision comes down to the proper frame
we have to learn and cannot simply chide
another word another kind of name

the dancers stop when they become quite lame
and cannot long continue on the ride
what's won is what gets us out of the game

each moment comes another kind of flame
it's kept on going out of urgent pride
another word another kind of name

no fear will ever freeze us nor no shame
we have no reason to pause or to hide
what's won is what gets us out of the game

the wild will always yield unto the tame
that's the great secret we all keep inside
another word another kind of name
what's won is what gets us out of the game

here is the rose dance here

echoes of wisdom in what we are shown
tired radicals next to the scum they hate
both ends are told us of the human fate

on hungry winds all images are blown
our understanding always comes too late
echoes of wisdom in what we are shown

into a floating world we have been thrown
too much has been recorded on the slate
only the fatuous seek to preach or prate
echoes of wisdom in what we are shown

an exhibibition

i know the subjects every one are dead
so is the painter and i was not yet born
to know how they saw evening and dawn
i take the image as more than just read
still life from these faces has not yet fled
we look and know that we could never scorn
their power and beauty has not been shorn
from what we see and that is all i've said
to make things clear we need much better laws
to let us know the worth of those who show
us how best to understand what is seen
by those of us who cannot bear to pause
to see just what we could attempt to know
the painting unlike memory stays green

not ever woken

at vision's edge deformity of light
a slip into the stories of the past
another kind of magic and of sight
at vision's edge deformity of light

i keep my head for that's what seems most right
the fatal die was ages ago cast
at vision's edge deformity of light
a slip into the stories of the past

it never seems to end

all pain we recall
echoes stronger than the tide
never water fire

going straight downhill

a sense of moment is not one of pride
feeling the power can say nothing at all
rats hear and then scurry and run to hide
a sense of moment is not one of pride

we never see the truth from the inside
nor do we answer if we hear a call
a sense of moment is not one of pride
feeling the power can say nothing at all

under the law we have no right to fall
within the bounds of any stable light
the only obligation is to stall
under the law we have no right to fall

our options come at last to just one small
acceptance of our necessary plight
under the law we have no right to fall
within the bounds of any stable light

redemption may not happen there is slight
chance that an ally may stand at our side
the choice is never simple day or night
redemption may not happen there is slight

ability to juggle honest right
reality is always pictured pied
redemption may not happen there is slight
chance that an ally may stand at our side

all gone to memory

light pooled and puddled dappling the green trees
an echo of past times and happy thought
allows us to forget the day is fraught

with darkling horrors which our hearts would freeze
and leave us in our terror overwrought
light pooled and puddled dappling the green trees

the vision warms us with its hope of ease
we set aside our fears and think them naught
but passing evils in a cobweb caught
light pooled and puddled dappling the green trees

listening carefully

echoes of distant pain from other stars
the rules are clear and we have to obey
we know that we won't even reach mars
echoes of distant pain from other stars

the world never permits it bars
any from finding their peculiar way
echoes of distant pain from other stars
the rules are clear and we have to obey

on the run

tales of far places told by happy folk
keep purpose centred upon a plain goal
you've never sure exactly what the role
you're asked to play is what you must evoke
you cannot dance and if you sing you croak
you're no more handsome than the normal mole
and yet your hope is the same starry pole
you've always looked for even as a joke
a sullen face does not win any prize
so you must smile and ever bear the brunt
of others' laughter with an even look
let what you know be hidden by your eyes
and slight amusement always be your front
for all that you go strictly by the book

a complex purpose

not one who asks will ever stop to think
the reason why we have to make the trip
nor why we move at a quite rapid clip
not every record has been kept in ink
we cannot pause to eat neither to drink
the fabric of the known will stretch and rip
we've got to reach the end with all our zip
the other choice would have us in the clink
speed hides from us the need for skill and tact
to make our journey safe and foothold sure
so we don't fall and crash in our great haste
we're always bound by the prevailing fact
to know our hearts and minds are never pure
and in the end all may be judged a waste

true measurement

the standard is not woven into law
we want to see things done in just one way
and all completed by the end of day

there is no need for men with jutting jaw
to take command and to bestride the bay
the standard is not woven into law

memory reaches us with angry claw
this is not the rehearsal of some play
all is in earnest every thing we say
the standard is not woven into law

old are the woods

each entry in the list provides new tools
a fact though hidden and supressed remains
the year will be much older when it cools
each entry in the list provides new tools

this is the sort of thing they keep from schools
no need to trouble any infant brains
each entry in the list provides new tools
a fact though hidden and suppressed remains

we think that we have broken all our chains
but don't see those that end in every heart
rivers debouch on the low-lying plains
we think that we have broken all our chains

the body that was once youthful now strains
we keep on going only through our art
we think that we have broken all our chains
but don't see those that end in every heart

the end has been determined by the start
we did not know this when we made the rules
each hits the target with an angry dart
the end has been determined by the start

we come here but to play a minor part
if we don't understand this then we're fools
the end has been determined by the start
we did not know this when we made the rules

alleviation

when we have made the circle then we stop
like a swift snake we swallow our own tail
laughing as others keep on talking shop
when we have made the circle then we stop

not winning does not mean we curse the crop
others should never suffer when we fail
when we have made the circle then we stop
like a swift snake we swallow our own tail

sudden appearance

safer than you might think but not so clear
comes in like tiny cat on silent feet
this being of the lower heavy air
safer than you might think but not so clear

the world we face is happy and not drear
but joy arriving in those we may meet
safer than you might think but not so clear
comes in like tiny cat on silent feet

border patrol

reason tells us just what we cannot do
a host of arguments that tell us no
a list of places where we cannot go

we seek always to change and renew
but can't avoid the sharpest telling blow
reason tells us just what we cannot do

too many choices and we won't get through
logic sets bounds on what we truly know
forcing our minds to shudder and to slow
reason tells us just what we cannot do

restoring peace

a sudden pleasure after the hard rain
calm that arrives in stillness of the air
something that in the summer seems quite rare
the world's a better place when things are plain
this is not anything we can explain
it's never simple to just sit and stare
we have to understand and have to care
the world unites us in the heart of pain
seeing the changes and noting the scent
of air that's cleansed and freed of all constraint
we feel the need to say it's an advance
beyond the sentiment that it was meant
what we behold is fresh and free of taint
the gentle colours summon us to dance

elegance and grace

you make the rules but cannot make them stick
many refuse the laws that you enact
the temple's made of mud and not of brick
you make the rules but cannot make them stick

a little elbow grease won't do the trick
no one believes the need to be exact
you make the rules but cannot make them stick
many refuse the laws that you enact

it's not a dispute over truth or fact
your power's a thing of magic and of chance
the world's not written like a simple tract
it's not a dispute over truth or fact

you wait and others just cannot react
in all the ways you want them to advance
it's not a dispute over truth or fact
your power's a thing of magic and of chance

around the fields you watch the young ones prance
there's none apart from you who will say nay
they do not give you a mere backward glance
around the fields you watch the young ones prance

there's something missing when you join the dance
but what it is not one of us will say
around the fields you watch the young ones prance
there's none apart from you who will say nay

in joining with us when we praise the day
you give your noble hand an angry flick
as if to deny we share the same clay
in joining with us when you praise the day

you want to leave you never want to stay
fearing that we your vaunted pride will nick
in joining with us when we praise the day
you give your noble hand an angry flick

space in between

what we intend is more than what we say
and yet we cannot measure the effect
of thought when words are in the light of day
what we intend is more than what we say

no answer ever comes to make us stay
truth intervenes in what we should reject
what we intend is more than what we say
and yet we cannot measure the effect

a mortal patience

shadow of stone defined by painful light
we face this future with our hearts all blind
the rules once taught us come out less than kind
the truth's not found with ordinary sight
all of us here are bound in the same plight
not to keep any treasure that we find
nor to develop any seeking mind
but merely to be ready for the rite
we don't desire any cheers or applause
just complete silence as we here depart
not knowing if we ever shall return
it doesn't matter if we've got a cause
nor even if we've mastered any art
we load our bags look forward and then burn

cosmology

all known and unknown come down to a point
worlds all imaginary yet quite real
the one who promises we won't anoint
all known and unknown come down to a point

all times and places have gone out of joint
not one of us can agree to the deal
all known and unknown come down to a point
worlds all imaginary yet quite real

delusional state

in a clear dream we see all things made right
the world is brought to order with a shock
it trembles though it's founded upon rock

we see our world as caught in a long night
where those who hate us laugh and jeer and mock
in a clear dream we see all things made right

rather than using all our force and might
we weep and let the key turn in the lock
we cannot act we can't even take stock
in a clear dream we see all things made right

refusal

you stand upon the hill and simply wait
for what you cannot tell but know it comes
down in the valley all life throbs and hums
and yet you know that's not your proper state
some sense of presence announces a fate
better than this one richer than sweet plums
a billion hearts are echoing the drums
change has to come at its own earnest rate
promise of time that everything will be
just what you wanted when the day began
leads you to hope of a far different land
where wisdom will sit down beneath each tree
you'll comprehend the nature of the plan
and fairy figures take you by the hand

proscription

flat declaration here we end the known
what's to be found beyond we cannot know
all that is desert right here ends the sown
flat declaration here we end the known

each exile like a postal sack is thrown
and told that now they must get up and go
flat declaration here we end the known
what's to be found beyond we cannot know

the world is round and time moves very slow
perhaps they'll make it back another way
for now they get a final ringing blow
the world is round and time moves very slow

in only one direction do things flow
what we do here nobody would call play
the world is round and time moves very slow
perhaps they'll make it back another way

we see the same conditions every day
our sense of humour has been torn and blown
we are not cheered by any solar ray
we see the same conditions every day

so in conclusion then you must away
and trust your life to things that are unknown
we see the same conditions every day
our sense of humour has been torn and blown

unexpected guest

a stranger come to see the lie of land
or else a spy who wants to test the scene
i think i may begin to understand
a stranger come to see the lie of land

seeing the messenger won't come to hand
i reckon that i must have seemed too mean
a stranger come to see the lie of land
or else a spy who wants to test the scene

googly

let all that serves return to final peace
our job will be to calm and to assure
not one in which we boldly hint and lure

each batsman must step right up to the crease
the terrors of the bowling to endure
let all that serves return to final peace

our time though long is just another lease
none can surrender to the soft allure
nor can the staunchest hope to remain pure
let all that serves return to final peace

courage in the end

we're sure of nothing but a silly dream
earth may abide or again it may not
hidden right now from the inviting gleam
we're sure of nothing but a silly dream

truth does not hide in what may only seem
to be a shadow or else just a blot
we're sure of nothing but a silly dream
earth may abide or again it may not

the ones who claim to know have lost the plot
telling us lies that any fool can test
a sober one's no better than a sot
the ones who claim to know have lost the plot

there's never been a way to stop the rot
except by doing more than just the best
the ones who claim to know have lost the plot
telling us lies that any fool can test

each of us claims to face the world with zest
but halts when faced with the swift-rising stream
and runs back to the long-abandoned nest
each of us claims to face the world with zest

we know we have to work and cannot rest
yet need to do much more than build up steam
each of us claims to face the world with zest
but halts when faced with the swift-rising stream

beyond the sheltered places

what we'll inspire i'm sure we'll never know
our task is simple just to plant the tree
we're not responsible for how it'll grow

choices are made in high summer or snow
great certainties about worlds that should be
what we'll inspire i'm sure we'll never know

no giant changes no swift overthrow
enough to work that mind develops free
we're not responsible for how it'll grow

reasons abound to take things very slow
for what we plant we'll surely never see
what we inspire i'm sure we'll never know

to watch out for the vulture and the crow
is others' task ours is to do not flee
we're not responsible for how it'll grow

we're on a river that's in constant flow
the thing we give is no more than a key
what we inspire i'm sure we'll never know
we're not responsible for how it'll grow

collaborative exercise

a set of words both history and thought
gone a great distance with a single touch
no emphasis we give to matters such

thinking that hours of work may go for naught
completion's hope to my faint heart i clutch
a set of words both history and thought

these are the matters of which i've been taught
no need to marvel nor yet to make much
of a technique that's no more than a crutch
a set of words both history and thought

householder's lament

no shadow no progress
constant waiting for the rain
too dry the summer

stalking the beast

explain the process and we will deny
that it means what it obviously means
reason from our presence will swiftly fly
explain the process and we will deny

the ones who laugh beneath the rainy sky
will weep as they are pulling off their jeans
explain the process and we will deny
that it means what it obviously means

the smooth-barked tree on which a hunter leans
has no significance beyond that task
the victim all unknowing smiles and preens
the smooth barked tree on which a hunter leans

we aren't the ones who shudder at such scenes
nor do we hide a smile behind the mask
the smooth-barked tree on which a hunter leans
has no significance beyond that task

we pause a moment and empty the flask
we know that we'll be thirsty by and by
but there's still plenty in the oaken cask
we pause a moment and empty the flask

under the sun we have no time to bask
we are the ones who must confront the lie
we pause a moment and empty the flask
we know that we'll be thirsty by and by

even the wisest man grows tense

allow the change to happen or else die
those are the rules by which we must survive
not taught us till long after we arrive
instead we're told a sweet and pleasant lie
under this uncaring dark weighty sky
we learn to tell what's truth and what just jive
and hope that sense and honour will revive
before we find we are required to fly
messages sent and never understood
flare all around us as we struggle past
to get to the eternal turning point
we never do the things we know we should
faces are always turned towards the blast
the time for us is always out of joint

fading shadows

a sudden movement coming out of dark
lets us announce the coming of the day
all night the dogs had roamed but did not bark
a sudden movement coming out of dark

each of us chooses if we bear the mark
still some deny they are of common clay
a sudden movement coming out of dark
lets us announce the coming of the day

legend of the rise

what the time of torture gave us we cannot this day deny
of the torments we have suffered which had made us wail and cry
bearing all the weight of nations weighted down by chains and rope
now we praise the youthful hero who has given back our hope

at the time the tale was started we had no thought of the end
lives were lost and children grew up lacking lover lacking friend
facing all the hells we passed through we could have turned misanthrope
now we praise the youthful hero who has given back our hope

each of us has understanding we could have been easy slain
had we challenged the harsh power that was causing all our pain
not a matter to astonish if we turned to drink and dope
now we praise the youthful hero who has given back our hope

let us now with joy remember how the tyrants met their fall
cheer the ones who joined the rising cheer the ones who heard the call
hail the ones who after fighting marched in triumph down the slope
now we praise the youthful hero who has given back our hope

an end of exploring

hold this in heart there's an abiding place
but not where any hearer might expect
we won't see calm in any normal face
hold this in heart there's an abiding place

inside each head there is sufficient space
for empires which the hostile would reject
hold this in heart there's an abiding place
but not where any hearer might expect

suburban summer night

above us wheel the silent watching stars
their beauty is as cold as ancient ice
the absence of a voice seems like a vice

no sound of fear or rage the clear night mars
the clarity of quiet's plain and precise
above us wheel the silent watching stars

we watch as in the distance the last cars
creep to their homes as diffident as mice
no shocks no miracles of rare device
above us wheel the silent watching stars

est-il permis?

never withheld nor yet too freely lent
we ask our masters to grant us one boon
allowing us to dance beneath the moon
before we are to meaner tasks on sent
the one who bids us toil is no kind gent
we find ourselves reaching old age too soon
with sun still hardly fallen from the noon
the hands are weak and the back is long bent
now what we want is not within your gift
but still we have to beg and wail and plead
in hope that miracles may still occur
between our worlds there's a gigantic rift
hardly a one may pass between at need
and ever closer comes the final whirr

what it's about

all that requires a vision gives us hope
its absence tears our hearts to bloody shreds
we watch the ball go rolling down the slope
all that requires a vision gives us hope

time we believe is longer than a rope
we have no right to cower under beds
all that requires a vision gives us hope
its absence tears our hearts to bloody shreds

sworn testimony

stories are told and every one's a lie
there's nothing waiting on the other side
not one reward to satisfy our pride

no comfort reaches from beyond the sky
hope's not renewed by changing of the tide
stories are told and every one's a lie

perhaps we will learn better by and by
not bother when we're offered a new ride
refuse to run and more refuse to hide
stories are told and every one's a lie

summer in atlanta

plants do the healing
no effort of ours needed
cleansing summer air

the world's a stage

these actors troop into the prepared hall
the play that we will see is very old
a little time to smile then we'll grow old
not long until the final curtain-call
and then no critic and no actors' ball
no mention of all that was bought and sold
we know the story just as it was told
but sit in silence behind the fourth wall
taken together we are something large
beyond what each of us has thought to bring
the game we play is for each other's eyes
memory of cleopatra on her barge
or any thought of conscience in the king
but will recall that first joyous surprise

far out

darker than any sort of normal night
there is no place where we can see the stars
nor even fireflies blinking in our jars

what's seen requires another sort of sight
the world is kept from us by steely bars
darker than any sort of normal night

birds pause and hesitate in urgent flight
the worst of men are hiding out in bars
others are fleeing in a million cars
darker than any sort of normal night

what's there to come

the ground cries out for rain to bring the green
a storm's great power speaks to each human heart
no miracles may hide in the unseen

each face looks back to what they hoped had been
and watches as the swift birds dance and dart
the ground cries out for rain to bring the green

against the wall we sigh and easy lean
nothing seems easy when you have to start
no miracles may hide in the unseen

this plant that grows from just a single bean
will in time bring a huge crop to the mart
the ground cries out for rain to bring the green

we wonder if when aged we'll be as keen
as once we were and if we'll be as smart
no miracles may hide in the unseen

there's no chance to become a king or queen
all we can do depends on our own art
the ground cries out for rain to bring the green
no miracles may hide in the unseen

theory versus fact

a shadow creeps across the noontime earth
rain has been promised but may never come
a million entities must bring to birth
a shadow creeps across the noontime earth

not one who's here that feels the urge to mirth
nor wants to dance to sound of flute and drum
a shadow creeps across the noontime earth
rain has been promised but may never come

orchestral arrangement

no distance so great
between frog and cricket song
july is ending

milestone

six hundred sonnets seems to me a lot
of words and rhymes in just under a year
if i hadn't seen the count i'd almost swear
the number was created by some sot
i stop here for a moment just to jot
down this poem then i must take the air
and do such things as fall under my care
to do my duty and to pay my scot
i started this for fun no better cause
to wake my muse and let her take command
of mind and hand for short expanse of time
i've knuckled under to her solemn laws
written some things i hope you understand
and done my best to stick to honest rhyme

all boils down to sex

old gods are dragged onto analyst's couch
their foibles torn apart with little thought
the simplest matters are with meaning fraught
and strange beings onto mount ida slouch
winds are contained in a most tiny pouch
but what the writer meant must go for naught
the critic always claims the truth is caught
in weasel words that under windows crouch
rain's but a metaphor and not a fact
of farmer's lives that needs no extra gloss
for us to see just what the image means
every symbol's been by a botcher racked
we read and we can't even give a toss
at the sacred significance of beans

freedom's a mere word

a taste of moral certainty or sense
would serve to make us think our world not fair
such knowledge reaches even the most dense
a taste of moral certainty or sense

we understand all this without pretense
justice and honour do not breathe this air
a taste of moral certainty or sense
would serve to make us think our world not fair

our bosses tell us that they really care
but then pass by without a second glance
the ones bent double by their pain and fair
our bosses tell us that they really care

we're told that only foolish folk would dare
to undermine the powers of elegance
our bosses tell us that they really care
but then pass by without a second glance

all life we're told did not reach here by chance
the status quo has force that is immense
if we don't bow then we cannot advance
all life we're told did not reach here by chance

we've got to follow in the same old dance
although the order has no true defence
all life we're told did not reach here by chance
the status quo has force that is immense

not yet a figment

what counts is that which we most need to find
the monster hidden behind chamber door
or else the rat cowering on cellar floor

orders are given and then left behind
we have a million thoughts to keep in store
what counts is that which we most need to find

at times we think that we are truly blind
each one forgets just who is keeping score
the anger seeps out of each human pore
what counts is that which we most need to find

a little passage

a sudden banging sound against the glass
a bird mistakes it for the empty air
and so another little life must pass
a sudden banging sound against the glass

to say that this is normal would be crass
we interfere where other life would fare
a sudden banging sound against the glass
a bird mistakes it for the empty air

truths of history

a flight of geese across the evening sky
the sound of frogs and crickets in the wood
another summer day has now passed by
a flight of geese across the evening sky

words down on paper never wholly lie
but do not seem to point towards a good
a flight of geese across the evening sky
the sound of frogs and crickets in the wood

a grand finale

a sound disturbing to harsh critic's ear
allows us time for different modes of thought
about the abyss between is and ought

a thousand miles is altogether near
enough to tell just what duration's wrought
a sound disturbing to harsh critic's ear

command the music to be sweet and dear
and you'll not hear what the composer caught
one moment's understanding dearly bought
a sound disturbing to harsh critic's ear

at the tale's end

each tiny tragedy joins in the whole
waiting for fullness is a great mistake
there is no hidden island in the lake
no fairy steersman pushing on the pole
the tree will hide no wizard in its bole
we choose the better path for our own sake
we'll let the iron weapons chip and flake
as long as we can reach our stated goal
rules are set but only one will matter
there's never any reason to doubt that
the thing that's wanted is not ever seen
hope remains although the world may shatter
we've got the lives of a most lucky cat
and can arrive where others haven't been

a simple failure

we let things drift each time we pass
rules are enacted but nothing is done
duty's forgotten in the daily run

the world we live in's just a sordid mass
folk live or die for someone else's fun
we let things drift each time we pass

others may come to harry and harass
or else to execute or flail or stun
whoever's mad enough to risk the sun
we let things drift each time we pass

dawn of the jester

music that raises hope in every heart
has bitter springs that turn at once to joy
birds on the edge of vision swoop and dart
music that raises hope in every heart

all we possess comes down to thought and art
the world's a lot more trouble than a toy
music that raises hope in every heart
has bitter springs that turn at once to joy

in even measure forces we deploy
to turn these scribbles into brightest sound
these tones our hearing never seem to cloy
in even measure forces we deploy

it's not enough to listen and enjoy
visions must come our feelings to astound
in even measure forces we deploy
to turn these scribbles into brightest sound

the world is more than we can see around
each note in sequence makes us smile and smart
into each seat by magic we are bound
the world is more than we can see around

and in the end we keep what we have found
each of us learns a proper role and part
the world is more than we can see around
each note in sequence makes us smile and smart

a summer evening

light under the trees
summery slowly changing
frogs still unwoken

exoteric reading

a story told by one who has to lie
tells other truths but not the ones it claims
reality looks different to that eye
a story told by one who has to lie

we can't mistake the colour of the sky
our choices are no more than infant games
a story told by one who has to lie
tells other truths but not the ones it claims

fairy tale

a broken staff remains on the hard ground
not one more sign that i've ever been here
my absence won't be worth a single tear

shadow and light have never made a sound
but scream most clearly when the end is near
a broken staff remains on the hard ground

stars in the west have gone the sky around
they've had no sense of what you had to bear
nor could they know the sentiment of fear
a broken staff remains on the hard ground

prayer

save us from harm but do not give us hope

that's all we ask of any would-be god

to let us live our lives and simply plod

there's time enough to stretch out a rope

let it be even or else make it odd

save us from harm but do not give us hope

we've got our chance to make it and to cope

that's all we get from any divine bod

until we're planted firmly under sod

save us from harm but do not give us hope

romance

a sort of island rising to the heights
visions of bizarre towers and giant walls
heroes and heroines who set to rights
a sort of island rising to the heights

brilliant illuminated against the nights
the handsome and the gallant line the halls
a sort of island rising to the heights
visions of bizarre towers and giant walls

see coming here the masters of the falls
folk not undreamt but never kept in dream
the ladies curtsy and dream of the balls
see coming here the masters of the falls

the ones who answered the dramatic calls
bow to the ones who truthful judgment deem
see coming here the masters of the falls
folk not undreamt but never kept in dream

the rulers of the world province and theme
speak many tongues and dance to a wild tune
we wonder if things are just as they seem
the rulers of the world province and theme

significance becomes a fighting meme
the sane one stays no wiser than the loon
the rulers of the world province and theme
speak many tongues and dance to a wild tune

ladies appear whose lights challenge the moon
we understand that each one's a great queen
their power's not dissipated at the noon
ladies appear whose lights challenge the moon

we read the message in no script nor rune
yet all know full well just what it must mean
ladies appear whose lights challenge the moon
we understand that each one's a great queen

captains appear the bravest men we've seen
all crowd around them in a brilliant whirl
they're dressed for dance in royal blue and green
captains appear the bravest men we've seen

back in the corner showing patient mien
waits all unheeded a young angry girl
captains appear the bravest men we've seen
all crowd around them in a brilliant whirl

not one of them but would ride down a churl
to trap the fox which then they will not eat
great promises and oaths they easy hurl
not one of them but would ride down a churl

still in her corner playing with a curl
the bravest one of all they will not greet
not one of them but would ride down a churl
to trap the fox which then they will not eat

we know the battle comes and they'll be beat
by heathen folk whose anger's on the rise
we'll see far fewer of those nimble feet
we know the battle comes and they'll be beat

the glorious ones will go down to defeat
we'll see the brilliance depart from their eyes
we know the battle comes and they'll be beat
by heathen folk whose anger's on the rise

still in the shadows there lurks one more wise
who sees the lass and well knows her worth
promising that she'll give all a surprise
still in the shadows there lurks one more wise

one final battle comes for the last prize
and then our bravest girl will find her berth
still in the shadows there lurks one more wise
who sees the lass and well knows her worth

so at the end there'll be fresh time for mirth
after the arrows brilliant in their flights
chased the usurpers from our native earth
so at the end there'll be fresh time for mirth

but she'll set forth down the long silent firth
to find fresh hope and see more gentle sights
so at the end there'll be fresh time for mirth
after the arrows brilliant in their flights

evidence of the seen

not every message we receive is true
only the ones that bear your stamp and sign
the ones that carry your presence divine

a million worlds in you are brought to view
your heart responds and echoes unto mine
not every message we receive is true

when we arise we find there's not a clue

to show which one's the best and safest line

nor yet which orders we've got to decline

not every message we receive is true

trade or art

all that is learned the pupils soon forget
eyes on a prize that in the end is naught
the future and the road itself are set
all that is learned the pupils soon forget

those new and brighter worlds are never met
each in the usual trap is bound and caught
all that is learned the pupils soon forget
eyes on a prize that in the end is naught

closing the book

all stories end leaving the future blank
each reader shapes their thought into the tale
not thinking of just whom they ought to thank

who keeps their money in a secure bank
frets not at all about purchase or sale
all stories end leaving the future blank

i hear the apparatus creak and clank
folk seem to hang upon a rusty nail
not thinking of just whom they ought to thank

the world we make's not dull dreary or dank
we are the heroes and we shall not fail
all stories end leaving the future blank

when demons fall into the purging tank
people just stand in silence by the rail
not thinking of just whom they ought to thank

the millions seem to pass us rank by rank
safe from the heat and sheltered from the gale
all stories end leaving the future blank
not thinking of just whom they ought to thank

the unknown universe

truth vanishes into some deeper hole
we aren't the ones who need to be complete
victory smells a little like defeat

we navigate towards the stellar pole
not a single bug-eyed monster do we meet
truth vanishes into some deeper hole

in exploration we're blind as a mole
all understanding turns into a treat
for we who never can be swift or fleet
truth vanishes into some deeper hole

what's achieved

all that can grow will thrive and then must fade
the meaning of life's not a thing for sale
it never matters if we win or fail
life will require that living be our trade
the world goes by in one great mad parade
we sit beside the road and sip our ale
not one of us but backward knows the tale
there's no exam and we will get no grade
astonish us by dreaming other ways
to get from a to b without much pause
we will applaud all praising a great story
distracting us from normal weary days
when we are governed by the basest laws
and none of us can hope for fame or glory

reentrance

this instant greeting
one who comes with no fanfare
pronouncing judgment

who marks the moment
when truth and lie overlap
all now becomes real

diverted from hope
we must be patient with pain
none fails to suffer

subdivision

we see the house go up just down the street
men work with speed nailing with noisy guns
they laugh and chatter in the morning heat
we see the house go up just down the street

neighbours appear the newcomers to greet
they smile because they know the tale that runs
we see the house go up just down the street
men work with speed nailing with noisy guns

literary theory

we lose all meaning and now plain old time
becomes another far more alien thing
it's changed into a temporal paradigm
words lacking meaning but with a loud ring
we might have thought verbosity sublime
we're told to value literary bling
plain talk's a dominant oppresive crime
let all our thoughts be thinner than old string
we'll call our words an analytic climb
theory meant vision when the world was young
but now it means to throw out many words
let nonsense be pronounced by eager tongue
and claim as jewels old and smelly turds
leave out good sense serious critique and tact
and never ever pause to check a fact

ghosts on the grave

the laughing voice says nothing could be wrong
each look outside to see the gathering cloud
we shake our heads and then demand more song

day's all too short and nights are ever long
we hate the silence play the music loud
the laughing voice says nothing could be wrong

we curse the weak and still envy the strong
define ourselves as haughty stiff and proud
we shake our heads and then demand more song

we hate the ones who won't come on along
but then we're frightened when we see a crowd
the laughing voice says nothing could be wrong

each of us fears the fire and the sharp prong
but cannot now retreat because we've vowed
we shake our heads and then demand more song

we're driven mad by thoughts of angry throng
making demands for more than we've allowed
the laughing voice says nothing could be wrong
we shanke our heads and then demand more song

impatience regnant

another time another kind of choice
time and the world are wholly out of joint
not one of us can raise a cheery voice
and none of us can still recall the point

reel out the line you cannot see the end
infinity's a word for just such times
the one who smiles is never just a friend
but one who contemplates much harsher climes

at times we wonder just why we have come
to do our jobs and meet our daily goals
we aren't required to understand the sum
nor will we disappear into dark holes

truth is we ask so little from each day
we've left behind all that we had to say

weather gauge

a means of noting just what seems to matter
contained in a small space we think it plain
not seeing the great powers swell and strain
to put our needs and wants out on a platter
the world outside seeks for rattle and clatter
while we want calm and thought but never pain
each of us watches for the soothing rain
hoping no thunder our cool calm will shatter
cheap truths we've got to offer and to vend
all deeper understandings have to wait
for harder times and far less pleasant days
to every correspondent we shall send
enough to make them eager for the gate
and most desirous of the better ways

dialectic processes

shadow and thought they chase each other
we've not the time to understand the deal
shaped calls the unshaped sister brother
shadow and thought they chase each other

we make the junction one way or another
on the last document we place our seal
shadow and thought they chase each other
we've not the time to understand the deal

our hope and happiness

when we begin we seek the afterglow
the light of a banked fire in every eye
we're ruthless in the swell and in the flow
when we begin we seek the afterglow

in deepest summer we desire the snow
we're fearful of the dark and lowering sky
when we begin we seek the afterglow
the light of a banked fire in every eye

not now to envy the fresh young and spry
do we require that they pass every test
from mountain to the rivers running by
not now to envy the fresh young and spry

all power of magic resides in the lie
that we accept and colour as a jest
not now to envy the fresh young and spry
do we require that they pass every test

this world we face requires both vim and zest
to smile when we would rather choose to glower
to accept mere good rather than just and best
this world we face requires both vim and zest

to have to move when each would want to rest
is the condition of the urgent hour
this world we face requires both vim and zest
to smile when we would rather choose to glower

at once to move and stay in the safe tower
we have to choose and still we want to know
whether our love remains warm in the bower
at once to move and stay in the safe tower

all in the end comes down to will and power
the need and the desire to make things so
at once to move and stay in the safe tower
we have to choose and still we want to know

some have to stay

a thousand journeys all begin today
and every voyager's seeking the last line
no critic comes to comment on the lay
the ship and the equipment are just fine
all that was done before they hit the brine
there's something about that in this book
where every traveller is shown the hook
the journey will involve some heavy load
under which the hard earth shivered and shook
but still the voyage matters not the road

we want to see the sailors sing and sway
looking as if they'd drunk up all the wine
even before they get out of the bay
but that's because we think them merest swine
we're jealous that they've left behind the kine
we'd rather that the journey they forsook
instead of leaving us to wave and look
since of our greater sense we had long crowed
let them not us stay in the safe warm nook
but still the voyage matters not the road

the journey's one that will not take a day
they'll go far past our signal and our sign
we hope sometime the fatted calf to slay
and see them coming with the morning shine
our fates and theirs no longer seem to twine
for them the sea for us the shepherd's crook
they have the gull we have the cawing rook
and they won't know if it has rained or snowed
but still the voyage matters not the road

prince not the hunter not the humble cook
claims to regret we stayed beside the brook
we don't know if they hastened or they slowed
only the facts and they were not mistook
it's not our task to change or to unhook
but still the voyage matters not the road

on to victory

there's never any reason to doubt force
the bully and the braggart always gain
that's the straight message obvious and plain

we'll win if we can simply stay the course
it does not matter if the structure strain
there's never any reason to doubt force

the leader may be dumber than a horse
but he'll shred other's lives with might and main
in face of suffering he'll feel no pain
there's never any reason to doubt force

a piece of work

a mystery evolves beneath the leaves
creatures of many hidden worlds combine
staring out blankly like so many beeves
a mystery evolves beneath the leaves

one who explores knows nothing but believes
can somehow see that there's not been a sign
a mystery evolves beneath the leaves
creatures of many hidden worlds combine

somewhere within the woods of birch and pine
are secrets that old nature has kept well
not one of us could those matters divine
somewhere within the woods of birch and pine

we'll come to other roads in a straight line
but never worry who's out there to tell
somewhere within the woods of birch and pine
are secrets that old nature has kept well

there's power and energy within each shell
so much that far below earth shifts and heaves
these are not factors that we buy or sell
there's power and energy within each shell

we know that we'll soon harken to the knell
not caring who the final spurt achieves
there's power and energy within each shell
so much that far below earth shifts and heaves

comprehension

we satisfy the basic set of needs
with things that we just cannot understand
the tools that come quickly and smooth to hand

the first beginnings are not only seeds
we note their coming and we form a band
we satisfy the basic set of needs

the pretty flower cannot withstand weeds
one plant to the whole garden will expand
it has to happen but will not be planned
we satisfy the basic set of needs

flit

a sudden moment brings out a bright sun
the smile that it brings out will never last
movement so swift that it will always stun
a sudden moment brings out a bright sun

each loser hurries off to claim they'd won
all records must be shoved off to the past
a sudden moment brings out a bright sun
the smile that it brings out will never last

gone ahead

measure for measure we can only hear
the stories that once sad mothers told
we hurry but we know it's coming near
measure for measure we can only hear

a sudden knowledge comes now to the dear
ones whose understanding is quite cold
measure for measure we can only hear
the stories that once sad mothers told

rolling the dice

in all their brilliance they cannot wait
for one who knows the truth and lets it go
we face each day with a well-written slate

we name the hazard chance and never fate
accepting that there's much we have to know
in all their brilliance they cannot wait

each circle closes shutting off a gate
the winner is the one who's never slow
we face each day with a well-written slate

they play the game and never reach checkmate
with fullest understanding of the flow
in all their brilliance they cannot wait

once raging fires are now banked in each grate
you see in every place their fading glow
we face each day with a well-written slate

facing the truth we know we've got it straight
there's room for patience till the final blow
in all their brilliance they cannot wait
we face each day with a well-written slate

magna est veritas

elevated beyond the normal sort of life
we face the monsters and we do not pause
our measure is the measure of our cause
we march ahead to sound of drum and fife
the day we know must soon come to the knife
we are obedient to the highest laws
we know them all every line and clause
and know they are the reason for this strife
our justice leads us to the hardest fact
the choices are not ever fame and glory
each in the end comes to a final breath
we hide the truth we hide it with sad tact
there is an end to every human story
the final curtain comes and it is death

as we have been

let each of us know just when we begin
not just to grow but also to rejoice
the world we know has always been in spin
let each of us know just when we begin

the truth to some has ever been a sin
silence to them is far better than voice
let each of us know just when we begin
not just to grow but also to rejoice

utterance

a single word said in a living tongue
does more for us than any ancient text
seeming accessible yet leaving perplexed

the word's been spoken now or even sung
the bird's identified and has been sexed
a single word said in a living tongue

power remains in at least one human lung
those who think know what happens next
while all the masses are still dull and vexed
a single word said in a living tongue

What ancient language am I?

Your Score: Akkadian

You scored

strange journey

what marks the border of the true and real
is not a line nor even one small stake
nor yet a stream in which harsh thirst to slake
we aren't equipped to understand the deal
like condemned villains at their final meal
we hope from this bad dream sudden to wake
and find that all was just a sad mistake
how much then we would weep and laugh and squeal
yet here's the fact between the false and true
we find no marker find no borderline
the world that lies before us has not changed
no startling monsters at once come in view
there's no coarse symbolism to refine
the sane face the same place as the deranged

neither riches nor glory nor honours

you won't be asked to be bold or brave
just do your duty as you ought to do
the choices are not glory or the grave
you won't be asked to be bold or brave

we face the normal option free or slave
the story that we read is nothing new
you won't be asked to be bold or brave
just do your duty as you ought to do

what must be done

it's time to get up and to exercise
too long time thinking is a pain
the mind cannot withstand the strain

there's something which we might surmise
about the hope for thunder and for rain
it's time to get up and to exercise

not one of us would be accounted wise
we've travelled from this place even to spain
and paddled right along the spanish main
not one of us would be accounted wise

from map to planet

who looks upon the mountains is amazed
not at their height but at the growing trees
that in the pride no angry fires have razed
who looks upon the mountains is amazed

we wouldn't let you see that we'd been fazed
by such intersections of the skies and seas
who looks upon the mountains is amazed
not at their height but at the growing trees

from hurricane to gentle morning breeze
the winds may ruffle that astounding green
it's but a moments work for us to seize
from hurricane to gentle morning breeze

who climbs such heights will in summer freeze
and pause to wonder why such things had been
from hurricane to gentle morning breeze
the winds may ruffle that astounding green

there's not much we could say about that scene
our eyes on other such have rarely gazed
not one of us would choose a haughty mien
there's not much we could say about that scene

you paint your memories on that large screen
all other recollection's soon erased
there's not much we could say about that scene
our eyes on other such have rarely gazed

above the crowd

a single voice is heard through all the din
the speaker is the one who knows the score
now we can't tell whether they're rich or poor

this story must be told without much spin
all liars will be quickly shown the door
a single voice is heard through all the din

not one of us knows if we'll lose or win
we get one gift and then want more
such we are told is every wise one's lore
a single voice is heard through all the din

out in the open air

a tale once told becomes a common good
what once was closely kept is now well-known
the difference isn't just from 'is' to 'should'
a tale once told becomes a common good

we are each residents of one neighbourhood
the hidden will soon form part of the shown
a tale once told becomes a common good
what once was closely kept is now well-known

seeing through walls

a share of time requires some careful thought
between the sun and moon there's little dark
not one of us just wants to count for naught

there are some matters where an overwrought
mind will not see the signal nor the mark
a share of time requires some careful thought

those who came willing and those brought
think of this place as some sort of tame park
not one of us just wants to count for naught

no vital lessons learned and no classes taught
can prepare one for the onset of each shark
a share of time requires some careful thought

a moment comes and then we have been caught
in the tight trap when we thought to skylark
not one of us just wants to count for naught

this world of ours with many terrors fraught
seems a tall tree with harsh and brutal bark
a share of time requires some careful thought
not one of us just wants to count for naught

there is no word

the winner always rides a skinny horse
one that eats more than its frame can explain
it's hardly able to complete the course
the winner always rides a skinny horse

justice must always stand aside for force
our friends seem able to inflict most pain
the winner always rides a skinny horse
one that eats more than its frame can explain

Vivat rex

When you're the king you see no flaw
in saying your strength's just divine;
if you decree things it's just fine
to say that you're beyond the law.
Now though this sticks in every craw
all you've to do is toe the line
keep silent, never think to whine
and let his lies fill up your maw.
We call that george, and simply wait
to see the king come forth in power;
we know he'll keep us safe and free.
There's nothing for it, it's just fate,
but we've the right to cringe and cower
while nooses hang from every tree.

sledgehammer blows

each sound that shatters normal calm
marks one more change that we will see
no human hand leaves nature be

work seems to give each heart its balm
we know the way these creatures flee
each sound that shatters normal calm

not one of us can bear the palm
we seem to fear the noblest tree
echoes remind us we're not free
each sound that shatters normal calm

always discovering

we're not yet going to toe the line
those are the things we most do show
a host of powers both human and divine
we're not yet going to toe the line

we hope to hear the furies whine
when we have reached where they can't go
we're not yet going to toe the line
those are the things we most do show

the journey's neither fast nor slow
each drop of rain has said its piece
the gutters with fresh water flow
the journey's neither fast nor slow

we hope for a more earnest glow
before we reach the point of ease
the journey's neither fast nor slow
each drop of rain has said its piece

we know we're standing at the crease
waiting to hit the next straight ball
the game's like life it won't yet cease
we know we're standing at the crease

the rules we have can't keep the peace
nothing we've had prevents the fall
we know we're standing at the crease
waiting to hit the next straight ball

who knows just where we hear the call
nor how we tell the coarse from fine
myriads of voices fill each hall
who knows just where we hear the call

what matters is that we stand tall
not bending when we near the shrine
who knows just where we hear the call
nor how we tell the coarse from fine

a sudden crash

each shattered heart will be reknit
these darknesses will some day pass
the future's in a cloudy sort of glass
but opens up to humour and to wit
from past to present we've been split
from all the pleasures of our class
each one has gone with haste to grass
the lamp of wisdom has not yet been lit
a lot will happen before it can rain
thunder may warn or perhaps not
so much has still not come into my sight
answers are many but not one is plain
what we've been told is surely simple rot
and hope will not return until deep night

raised by a pleasant music

light and shade both define the afternoon
we should be calm and listen to the air
against the glass i tap the silver spoon
light and shade both define the afternoon

we think of cloud and dark as a great boon
the world after the rain will seem more fair
light and shade both define the afternoon
we should be calm and listen to the air

a partial life

shallow this river
it can never reach the sea
dying in swampland

under the eaves

swift lightning's in the corner of my eye
rain runs with haste down the slight hill
with more of it to come from the low sky

a single leaf goes floating swiftly by
the water's following the builder's will
swift lightning's in the corner of my eye

each of us moves as if we were still spry
the water flows and cannot yet stay still
with more of it to come from the low sky

smiling and waving though we're very shy
we watch the neighbours pass knowing the drill
swift lightning's in the corner of my eye

the distant hills now don't seem very high
the water's cleansing them for good or ill
with more of it to come from the low sky

rain comes as truth to wash away the lie
the momentary pain's gone in the spill
swift lightning's in the corner of my eye
with more or it to come from the low sky

and it will rain

when all the days blend in a single storm
we look outside and watch the surging cloud
there's silence here and absence of the crowd

alone we fear not being safe and warm
we march towards the sunset heads unbowed
when all the days blend in a single storm

our choices have to fall within the norm
we only do those things we are allowed
for other purposes we've not been vowed
when all the days blend in a single storm

ineffectual grace

the hosts that come with ineffectual grace
to conquer places best left to their own
have not a proper sense of time and place
the hosts that come with ineffectual grace

we know that earth's an island in dark space
and all around it lies a vast unknown
the hosts that come with ineffectual grace
to conquer places best left on their own

flowers we know have raised their heads and blown
a vision comes and lets its children smile
all of our virtues rest in what's been shown
flowers we know have raised their heads and blown

the gardener knows best just what's been sown
the seeds will turn to plants in a short while
flowers we know have raised their heads and blown
a vision comes and lets its children smile

against the darkest choices we'll resile
needs that we measure are not truest needs
the urgencies we've learned fill up a pile
against the darkest choices we'll resile

if we reject the anger and the bile
we'll find that balance nominates the deeds
against the darknest choices we'll resile
needs that we measure are not truest needs

each gardener knows best how to kill weeds
the sun shines forth on every noble face
anger we learn only destruction breeds
each gardener knows best how to kill weeds

life in its usual way bubbles and bleeds
the emissaries return to their own base
each gardener knows best how to kill weeds
the sun shines forth on every noble face

a well of joy

sudden this feeling
another age in the ear
echoing dances

laws of old music
no king no priest only love
beyond is silence

an older faded world

in other words in another tongue
electric sounds that easily attract
from them no significance is wrung
in other words in another tongue

a meaning is inherent in what's sung
syllables with heavy magic are packed
in other words in another tongue
electric sounds that easily attract

no distant orbit

visitors from some unknown place
of them we've always sought for news
those powerful folk of mighty thews

we ask ourselves for honest grace
our hearts are drowning in the blues
visitors from some unknown place

against the ground our feet we brace
our bodies scream at this abuse
yet still we want the best of views
visitors from some unknown place

suburbia

what once was forest becomes street
people make homes and meet the wild
each adult hopes the best for child
people cross oceans and they meet
life moves here at a pace not fleet
our hopes have not yet been beguiled
we saw our neighbours waved and smiled
on the same road we set our feet
change comes for man and bird and beast
the world cannot just stay the same
life's long great cycles each must end
we have our moment at the least
our sense of being in the game
though time our hopes will ever bend

the reward of experience

choosing a trade cannot be eased
by any act we might propose
the bloom soon fades off any rose

a kind of wisdom might be teased
between the ought and the suppose
choosing a trade cannot be eased

and in the end we might be pleased
to know just how the road we close
will open to one more verbose
choosing a trade cannot be eased

discovery

the drill must breach the living rock
all soil and clay cannot suffice
we cannot stop just to take stock
the drill must breach the living rock

the earth is not immune to shock
it feels the power of fire and ice
the drill must breach the living rock
all soil and clay cannot suffice

arts not magical

all elements combine in force
dimensions rise above each line
the powers seem to intertwine

all measured is by strength of horse
the oak is shattered and the pine
all elements combine in force

no one has run the entire course
nor seen the falling of the brine
each one must wait for a true sign
all elements combine in force

artisanship

a source of measured pride and joy
the things we do and think and make
all those resources we deploy
a source of measured pride and joy

there's nothing we so much enjoy
as knowing just what toys to take
a source of measured pride and joy
the things we do and think and make

lawfulness

the rules once made are easy broken
we know that others won't obey
each punishment seems just a token
the rules once made are easy broken

there's nothing that cannot be spoken
some monsters though are hard to slay
the rules once made are easy broken
we know that others won't obey

evolving cooperation

bilingual text for making meanings clear
reducing complex facts to simple lines
enough for those of us who read the signs
to understand that this is a lucky year
the rules are ones about the finest care
we could bestow on one who shrilly whines
on yet another who our sort maligns
we have to go where eagles never dare
a host of fireflies flashing in the dark
turn the high fields into a magic place
all of our thoughts are focused on one spot
the rules we have would puzzle any clerk
we know and can define a perfect space
but that will never be our sort and lot

gone past the lilacs

at any time we may require some sign
of what is meant by those who speak
the way to go is never soft and fine

crawling out of the darkened mine
we know ourselves to be truly the weak
at any time we may require some sign

we straighten much more than the spine
the smallest bird will have the sharpest beak
the way to go is never soft and fine

to what dark fate we may our hearts resign
all futures from this place seem just as bleak
at any time we may require some sign

the brightest thought now turns out malign
the brave runs away faster than the meek
the way to go is is never soft and fine

thus and no other way we find the line
there's nothing here that anyone would seek
at any time we may require some sign
the way to go is never soft and fine

solar power

we mark the disappearing sun
its colours fill the western sky
the earth back into night has spun
we mark the disappearing sun

the world seems rather badly run
the rulers all will cheat and lie
we mark the disappearing sun
its colours fill the western sky

looking out

a sudden movement in the air
a spider thread across the sight
that gentlest movement in the light

the day has turned most sweetly fair
the evening will be clear and bright
a sudden movement in the air

we do not find this strange or rare
the chorus will start with the night
and sound will overwhelm the sight
a sudden movement in the air

importance

the truth alone sincerely matters
we do just what we think is right
the liar always smiles and flatters
the truth alone sincerely matters

we test the falsehood and it shatters
for that we need but little might
the truth alone sincerely matters
we do just what we think is right

they who attend

a message comes to those who wait
but not to those who cannot choose
to sit in patience by the gate
a message comes to those who wait

we've left the answer far too late
it's not a case of win or lose
a message comes to those who wait
but not to those who cannot choose

no shade

a shape of light upon the walk
the branches hardly seem to move
marked it is with lines of chalk
a shape of light upon the walk

we want the silence not the talk
there's nothing that we have to prove
a shape of light upon the walk
the branches hardly seem to move

Gothic dolphins -- for S.M.

We've come under swift attack
there is no safety in the bay,
we can observe, both night and day,
these moping dolphins dressed in black.
We've taken quite a lot of flack
for saying what we had to say
but these are not of common clay
we've nothing here to hold them back.
A lot of us would use a bomb
to drive these creatures from the sea,
still we have got to recognise
they wear their garb with true aplomb,
their sadness comes from being free
and they view us with weary eyes.

tea at noon

the skies when full of joy will weep
deception does not always hide
the truths that we may want to keep
the skies when full of joy will weep

against the reigns of peace and sleep
we always take the losing side
the skies when full of joy will weep
deception does not always hide

we aren't along for just the ride
a journey means more than a trip
we can't afford to let things slide
we aren't along for just the ride

the power of light keeps us inside
beyond the gate we'll likely slip
we aren't along for just the ride
a journey means more than a trip

from the large mug i take a sip
i've let the leaves now fully steep
the sun from its zenith must dip
from the large mug i take a sip

only the dumb shoot from the hip
the wise will stand and never creep
from the large mug i take a sip
i've let the leaves now fully steep

in solar motion

a shadow moves with little speed
no wind can alter its slow rate
the sun has passed above the gate

we have the things that most we need
there's plenty sitting on the plate
a shadow moves with little speed

there's never any room for greed
you have to pardon any hate
for we are overpowered by fate
a shadow moves with little speed

broken dream

again the echo of a distant wail
no memory to help us at this hour
we hit the centre of the poking nail
again the echo of a distant wail

we do not choose to fall and fail
what's sought is a reviving power
again the echo of a distant wail
no memory to help us at this hour

at a high noon

a hint of thunder in the heavy air
clouds in a steady magisterial pace
move into what seems a natural place
down the steep hill workers do not stare
the sun itself would not seem to dare
illuminate our still-dry montane space
with beams of mighty heat and grace
for other matters still i have to care
tasks not yet done i now must confront
thoughts to be written words to be unsaid
this is for such things the proper hour
others i hope will have to bear the brunt
so much to read so little i have read
the wordy magic cannot lose its power

frogs and crickets

the chorus in the night has made me smile
all of those creatures in their summer haste
i'm sure they could be heard for half a mile
the chorus in the night has made me smile

their frantic noises will last quite a while
they may not be to everybody's taste
the chorus in the night has made me smile
all of those creatures in their summer haste

an angular soft light

hours of calm are just what we most need
the rules we follow set a steady pace
all of the fields have slowly gone to seed
hours of calm are just what we most need

the word reiterated will become the deed
silence becomes as sort of resting place
hours of calm are just what we most need
the rules we follow set a steady pace

one may soon come with honest open face
a sort of charity sets forth golden laws
the fastest does not surely win the race
one may soon come with honest open face

there are some rules that govern every space
a lurking hunter moves on sudden paws
one may soon come with honest open face
a sort of charity sets forth golden laws

we are not ones to clutch at flying straws
each of us truly knows that we can bleed
monsters are hiding here with hungry maws
we are not ones to clutch at flying straws

we know that every action has its cause
justice is all too often a weak reed
we are not ones to clutch at flying straws
each of us truly knows that we can bleed

a sound education

like echoes from no distant past
thunder resounds across the hill
each peal is louder than the last
like echoes from no distant past

into the storm we have been cast
it's not a matter of desire or will
like echoes from no distant past
thunder resounds across the hill

we choose to eat and drink our fill
in this kind place there's never lack
the world at large is peaceful still
we choose to eat and drink out fill

we always worry about the bill
and yet feel safe from all attack
we choose to eat and drink our fill
in this kind place there's never lack

the world is never white and black
the time of hope is never past
we throw our fears into the sack
the world is never white and black

we know the future's storm and wrack
the howling winds will bend the mast
the world is never white and black
the time of hope is never past

Send this kiss to the whole world

When love and law together take up rule
we'll wonder why we let the hostiles in,
we'll wonder why we thought love sin
and hold the one who does so a damned fool.
Let each of us, with patience like a mule,
take up the task to let clean sunlight in,
make honest pleasure come in for the win

and send the foolish master back to school.
All of our joys seem better in the sun
when cooling rain has dissipated heat
and swallows soar in the brightening sky.
We know then that before the day is done
we will with some most happy duty meet,
and know the world will thank us by and by.

a noble music

at no time will we think of this as sad
the symbols have the meaning we desire
the world we're in would drive a god quite mad
at no time will we think of this as sad

we look outside and listen and are glad
we long for water and we love the fire
at no time will we think of this as sad
the symbols have the meaning we desire

finding the metonym

each world becomes a single word
the choice is made before the speech
the answer's a bright golden bird
each world becomes a single word

we know that life is just absurd
and knowing that have got to teach
each world becomes a single word
the choice is made before the speech

a type of wisdom

all that we know will turn out wrong
the ones who speak are never true
we wake to hope and sleep in rue

the weak can never shake the strong
you think you can and then they sue
all that we know will turn out wrong

the silence cannot end the song
the old will always change to new
another day will come in view
all that we know will turn out wrong

a little patience

under the heavy sky a clearer sight
the weight of air can set the spirit free
we hope for justice not for might
under the heavy sky a clearer sight

praise now the gentle quality of light
the way it softens every leaf and tree
under the heavy sky a a clearer sight
the weight of air can set the spirit free

we want the world to mean as well as be
a weight of thought within the heavy air
the sort of thing that all the wise may see
we want the world to mean as well as be

we face the morning and we bend the knee
honour and mercy are a joyful pair
we want the world to mean as well as be
a weight of thought within the heavy air

the matter is that we can't truly dare
to think as heavy all the weight of light
the rules as we have learned them are not fair
the matter is that we can't truly dare

we know that we can never give up care
the world is always spoiling for a fight
the matter is that we can't truly dare
to think as heavy all the weight of light

we are not caught in any nasty plight
powers are not dispelled by mere decree
a rule is made within the power of right
we are not caught in any nasty plight

at the last end there is a sweeter light
the river flows in happiness to sea
we are not caught in any nasty plight
powers are not dispelled by mere decree

a change of vision

the thing that squats darkly on the roof
speaks words that have not yet been heard
we wonder why there's been no proof
the thing that squats darkly on the roof

we pass this place and don't go poof
the monster turns into a bird
the thing that squats darkly on the roof
speaks words that have not yet been heard

the open eye

where life begins in plangent wonder
a kind of joy might be expressed
the veil of day is torn asunder
where life begins in plangent wonder

all of our lives in noisy thunder
a different kind of quiz or test
where life begins in plangent wonder
a kind of joy might be expressed

a proper day

the green seems cleaner under cloud
light that is soft does more to cheer
we want the load that we can bear
quiet seems much happier than loud
calm rain will never leave us cowed
the world when fresh is truly dear
our hearts and minds are happy here
thunder and lightning make us proud
we hate ourselves in cold and heat
the world is made of stress and strain
shadow protects us from harsh light
life is much more than this defeat
all of our hopes are clear and plain
our task requires that we be right

beyond the dream

birds fly to places that we cannot know
they are not stopped by sight of sea
from our fixed places we can never go
birds fly to places that we cannot know

even our swiftest thought seems slow
our hearts are now too heavy to be free
birds fly to places that we cannot know
they are not stopped by sight of sea