forward to a different scene

the world outside will not let one alone

not for one second to breathe open air

just heed the rastaman on rastaphone

speaking his truth in simple honest tone

with words of import durable and fair

the world outside will not let one alone

but like a dog protecting its last bone

will growl and dart at those who only dare

just heed the rastaman on rastaphone

with such a message that we have to own

ourselves bemused and forced indeed to care

the world outside will not let one alone

not even emperor asleep on throne

who would methought have time enough to spare

just heed the rastaman on rastaphone

give up the past and head beyond the known

into the heart of humans everywhere

the world outside will not let one alone

just heed the rastaman on rastaphone

duly noted and recalled

how fresh the world was complex and still strange

as we crossed shark-filled seas with little thought

of what bright magics in the clouds were caught

or what the cities past the mountain range

would have for us instead we sought the grange

the country quiet where oldest rules were taught

in plainest movement from old is to ought

from then to now where all we did was change

into clear selves who know the middle way

by just refinement of that youthful choice

made all rejoicing under bluest sky

for we who learn the paths and tracks of day

know it's no simple thing to have a voice

and far more difficult to keep an eye

gaining honest sight

you learn the shadows do not hide all lies

nor is the truth what's gleaming in the sun

for far too frequently the tale's not done

when light has faded from all noonday skies

or wisdom woken in the youngest eyes

no not at all yet for each honour won

by those whose struggle is the daily run

through the hot lands there are no final ties

instead we face a constant horrid stream

of angry platitudes regarding fate

and what it means when we give up the fight

for who we are and what we dare to dream

in these dread times there can be no debate

since there's one chance to leap into the light

where all the revolutions must begin

at night the sounds of aircraft blend with rain
lulling to sleep and then we're in the place
where trips begin moving at steady pace
towards the boarding steps and then again
above the clouds where everything's seen plain
in rapid motion back to present grace
with clarity we know can't be the case
facing a truth that's all shot through with pain
the earth still turns and darkness has to lift
at daily sunreturn we find each choice
to be like putting on a shoe or glove
a simple matter of the human gift
for stating facts in ordinary voice
once it is understood the word is love

feeling the air

so now we listen for the coming rain
deceived by breezes knowing the moist air
is filled with promise and that it must bear
more than mere fruitfulness that much is plain
as we await the changes and explain
to eager watchers just how much our care
has been to guard lest each of them despair
and hold inside the messages of pain
this is the boundary beyond which none
but foolish folk will venture without charts
yet we have come here eager to press on
being certain now that this game has been won
by each of us through mastery of arts
that gave us certainty and have not gone

the wicket portal

your choices narrow since the gate's not wide
but yet is ample once you choose your way
all you must do is set apart your pride


not just in honour but in the best allied
arts you have studied since your first calm day
your choices narrow since the gate's not wide


enough for coaches in which large folk ride
but humbler folk might still that path essay
all you must do is set apart your pride


from hope and anguish both yet never hide
your expectation of what we might say
your choices narrow since the gate's not wide


yet little matters since we will not collide
with foolish beings who will not obey
all you must do is set apart your pride


and just be ready to confront the tide
that still treats us as objects of its play
your choices narrow since the gate's not wide
all you must do is set apart your pride

the dragon waiting

at longest last we reach the furthest edge
where wisdom cannot tell us how to choose
between young follows and a few old clues
close to the end there on the final ledge
above deep seas which no one dares to dredge
is where we learn the game's to win or lose
in one short moment when we clip the fuse
open our eyes and honour our true pledge
worlds shape each heart but hearts must form the world
for each of us in turn as we repair
to our last castles on the final hill
dreaming in hope of sleeping dragons curled
in some deep cavern far from the bright air
awaiting the command of our deep will