Back Road

Like blazing eyes of fearsome beasts
reflectors dot the sterns
of wagons used to haul the feasts
for which the livestock yearns

the darkness is so absolute
that any glimmer seen
illuminates the rural route
co-opted to careen.

And There Shall Be Signs...

The moon going down is as red
as the substance He selflessly bled
that day when He suffered the loss
while nailed like a thief to a cross
and our condemnation was shed

but many have chosen to spurn
this gift and maliciously churn
dissension wherever they go
so certain they already know
the truth they will painfully learn

when darkness descends everywhere
and we are confused by the blare
of trumpets proclaiming our Lord
is back with a powerful sword
to vanquish deceit, so beware!

Organics

There's nothing more redemptive than the truth
but not just any absolute will do
aside from giving purchase for a tooth
it's got to fill your belly once you chew
providing proper nutrients that aid
the growth of muscles needed to escape
these dingy cages deviously made
so comfy most ignore the constant rape.
An oligarchy feeds upon the fear
of anyone beneath its polished heel
while savoring the sweetness of control
but if we all reject the lies we hear
and let them taste the anger that we feel
perhaps, at last, we will be free and whole.

Overpass

To each their own devices
entanglement entices
but there's no signal strong enough
that ever quite suffices

for making a connection
eliciting erection
of byways that traverse the bluff
inferred by ones inflection.

Sheltered

We never really realize
how much the leaves conceal
until the autumn day that they have fled
and we behold the bright blue skies
their absence must reveal
reminding us what little life we've led.

Steadfast

In that quaint little house in the valley
right beside a mercurial creek
I fathomed the terrible tally
and learned to embargo the bleak.

Cocooned in a bucolic bower
where beauty can't help but abound
you're taught by the grace of the flower
and friendlier ears can't be found;

despite a delight in the corny
I'm stoically trying to stay
away from a path that is thorny
while still staying true to my way

remaining completely impartial
to all of the popular lies
yet trying my hardest to martial
the strength to keep searching for whys.

Used

I pulled into the dump
and picked a pump
on two they weren't quite done
so I took one
the pricey petrol glugged
as engines chugged
machines that are maintained
won't stall when strained
but secondhand sedans
have other plans.

Generally

It seems like everything I treasure
fails once I affirm
it's role in granting me some pleasure
thus I seldom term
any thing or person vital
to my happiness
without a designated title
the loss will hurt much less.

Close

It's a good thing I can take the heat,
for every last offensive feat
shall be repaid with endless fire
unless I can absolve desire
and resolutely meet
the challenge to escape the mire.

I'm struggling to extricate
myself from this morass of hate
I scratch and claw for any limb
to pull me free, it's looking grim
I'm sinking once again, but wait
it's Jesus pulling me to Him.

Dramatis personæ

For in and out, above, about, below,
'tis nothing but a Magic Shadow-show,
Played in a Box whose Candle is the Sun,
Round which we Phantom Figures come and go.

The Rubaiyat XLVI


I've never sought respect
in this world of make believe
from those who misdirect
to shape what we perceive

or those who have consumed
so much of the deceit
they sit entranced although we're doomed
the program incomplete.

Trumped

Despite the guise of glamor
a mindless head will stammer
when all their lies are thrown back in their face
through all the biased bashing
and nervous choppers gnashing
the better man has won by God's good grace.

Hard Choices

So evil she forces my skin
to crawl when she cracks that foul grin
her screech is as pointed as nails
and doesn't persuade, it impales
the gleam in her eyes is insane
each promise she panders profane,
her slithering through to success
would only make more of a mess
and though her opponent is crude
she's ruthless, reckless and rude
so before your decision is cast
recall her deplorable past.

Don't Bite

The archetypal Eve
would have us all believe
the fruit that she profers is good to eat

but she is so corrupt
the juices will erupt
with rotteness resulting in defeat.

Happily Never After

The haggard old harpy was making a flap
with every tirade just inventing more crap
the orangutan bristled with each new attack
and as he grew tighter his hair lost its slack
but while we debate who's the bigger disgrace
that harridan harpy is stealing the race
and our crumbling kingdom shall suffer chagrin
for the deadliest scavenger slithered right in.

Obligatory

As branches shed their summer green
I watch the butterflies convene
on tiny blooms that still remain
before the warmth begins to wane
their vibrant little petal/gems
aglow like royal diadems
belonging to a sylvan queen.

The autumn sky is sapphire blue
and though the winter must ensue
I'll savor this exquisite day
expressing thanks for His display
upon a humbly taken knee
with naught but loving praise towards He
who died for us, as is His due.

Shortchanged

Complacency has cost me much
the deficit disturbing
refusing to condemn my crutch
compounds a constant curbing

of all ambitions I accrue
to cultivate a calling
of recompense without the rue
of fiscal follies falling.

Missing a Spot

Domestication's wearing, your apron will get frayed
for it requires devotees to clean all messes made
but while we're busy making sure the small stuff hits the bin
we overlook the chaos of the current fix we're in.

Carrots

I don't miss the dull diaspora
or dust covered synthetic flora
as fake as the bits that just bore ya

the saccharine spiels simulated
for managing mules motivated
by cons that they'll be compensated.

Scramble

A cook that can't stomach folks
will more than likely be blue
unlike the unctuous golden yolks
he beats with palpable rue
but there's no need for him to stew
it's not even worth a debate
for bitterness is bound to ensue
with a chip upon the plate.

Witness

You can get away with murder if you know how to hide
behind a piece of tarnished tin displayed with impish pride
and though connections keep you from a case you can't defend
a higher court is guaranteed to judge you in the end.

Knot

My feet flash compliance
complete with a swoosh
I reek of reliance
my gray matter mush

resolving decisions
with lies I'm supplied
by those whose revisions
keep my laces tied.

Bandy

You seek a mystery culprit
but just can't seem to admit
that you're the one who instigates
the lion's share of shit
as you furiously knit
your brows into a scowl that baits
an unsuspecting twit
into sparring till they quit

Authorship

Our days are numbered
so skip the math
and being encumbered
by pointless wrath

embrace each morning
like it's your last
for without warning
it could be past,

exalt the glory
of God above
and write your story
with words of love.

Razed

They're trying to increase their lot
(at least I think that's the plot
for any venture to succeed
more oftentimes than not)

but must the constant bid for more
destroy the copse next door?
Compelled by corporate sanctioned greed
the growling backhoes gore.

With Her

Laughable liberal labels
Clinging cabalistic cables
Suspending suspect sorrows
Taint triumphant tomorrows.

Revolting

It seems my mind was never sold
on all the lies that we've been told
and now that I am getting old
I question everything I've known.

Have I ever seen the real
or is it just an endless spiel
designing how we think and feel
so we will mindlessly condone

the less-than-compensating wage
that keeps us in a stagnant age
too tired to express our rage
against the few that claim they own

the very world on which we feed
manipulating every need
that motivates our hapless breed
until, at last, they're overthrown.

On You

The wages of sin
negate any gains
until you begin
exposing the veins
the prick of a pin
or fermented grains
will buy you a grin
but woe never wanes.

Stakes

The era of empowerment
envelopes all beneath the tent
except for those who can't be bent

so never let them see you're strong
if you wish to join the throng
subjugated to belong.

Uncovered

If you're a good little slave
they give you the candy they bred you to crave
but when you opt out of the plan
you become a disposable man
and trust me, they can't wait to waive
your rights as fast as they can.

There's nothing more harmful than greed
to a race in perpetual need
for once you methodically drain
every conceivable vein
of indigent people to feed
the whims of the rich, hope is slain.

Activism

I was talking to that old man today
you know the one whose thinning hair is gray
and there was only one thing he could say
"It seems my friend the world has gone astray.

There's people killing people out of hate,
while those ordained to lead just instigate
and if we follow them our only fate
will be to die indentured to the state."

And as he spoke I felt the weight of chains
then said, "But surely freedom still remains."
He said, "That's just a word from old campaigns,
we long ago gave up the truth for gains."

So now I'm sitting here with my guitar
considering what values really are
and wishing mightily on every star
that somehow we can heal this painful scar

for if you truly feel that love's the way
then you should not be drowning in dismay
but waking up to nurture every day
a world that is a better place to stay.

Online

Mice within a maze
bleary eyes ablaze
burning with the need
ferocious urge to feed
upon the latest craze

bait is best when fresh
at least in terms of flesh
never sense the net
riddled with regret
victim of the mesh.

Wide is the Gate

I prefer
not to inter
my mind with a slur
for everyone is similarly flawed
I instead
will free my head
and never be led
upon the path as wrong as it is broad.

Rolling

It's a growing shame
how time can untame
a lankier frame

but one can't shrug
away the hug
when things get snug

unless they deem
a bulging seam
not too extreme.

Hardened

If only you were prone
to practice what you preach
you'd never be alone
embracing all who reach
instead of hearing stone
indiscriminately screech
whenever it is shown
that there's been the slightest breach.

Arc

He swung on the swing
in the shade of an oak
and started to sing
which began to evoke
a remnant of the younger me
exuberant and so carefree

we played in the park
by the school where I grew
dichotomies stark
between what I knew
when innocence and dreams of youth
influenced me instead of truth.

Awakening

I wouldn't say I'm devout
though faith is deeply ingrained
but my vision was distorted
by evil so contorted
it fostered prideful doubt
as to who has truly reigned;

reality becomes a pox
to those that buy the belief
transmitted through the television
demanding their derision
be let out of the box --
mayhem is the new motif

and chaos is the calling card
of one whose ample pride
excluded him from sharing
the kingdom God's preparing
for which a blessed Son was scarred
and ultimately died.

Double Standard

We all tell little fibs
but those that lie to the left
imagine they have dibs
declaring who has heft

like she whose greatest feat
is coming off as warm
while practicing deceit
at twice the accepted norm.

Adulteration

We've all been corrupted I think
to the point where it taints what we say
with the stench of our own righteous stink,

the odor from which we should shrink
but so many crave that bouquet.
We've all been corrupted I think

insisting that everyone drink
the kool-aid that bubbles away
with the stench of our own righteous stink:

it's all about love (of self wink wink)
and sin is completely okay--
we've all been corrupted I think

to crucify any who blink
or question the lie of the day.
With the stench of our own righteous stink

that's roiling up from the brink
shouldn't we fear our decay?
We've all been corrupted I think
with the stench of our own righteous stink.

Like You

I remember riding on his shoulders to first grade
his presence made me feel much less afraid
then through his guidance I began to see
that there was endless strength inside of me
and I can only hope I've somehow made
my Dad as proud as I will always be.

Do or Dye

Half of me just won't admit
the battle's not going my way
the other person longs to submit
to the onslaught of gruffness and gray
but I don't think it's time to quit
just yet, indeed I feel the need to reach
inside and muster up the troops
with a rousing type of speech
and once my lagging force recoups
attack the glaring breach.

Gathering

They're flashing in the field
what would a thrashing yield?
A writhing mass of glowing orbs
the dewey fronds concealed

so small but searing bright
the emptiness of night
voraciously absorbs
their precious light.

Dogma

Does the sheep love the wolf
and its ovine sham
as the canines engulf?
If it follows The Lamb.

Rubes

How I miss my misspent youth
and a reasonable facsimile of truth
now they simply make shit up
like barkers in a gaming booth

the box through which their lies are aired
from teleprompters well prepared
portrays a less-than-empty cup
and thirsty souls are snared.

Directors

With every hoax
they try to coax
the foolish to be fearful
the claims are made
and parts are played
appropriately tearful
the body count
begins to mount
as cameras keep on rolling
the ones who swear
they truly care
become the most controlling.

Rode

The scenery is moot
if your steady route
is a looping span
that ends where you began.

What, Four?

Every day he's grown
on all in our abode
his charm a force of nature;
the love that he has shown
deserves a proper ode
but I lack the nomenclature.

Deviation

How can anyone ever be
convinced of anything at all
as much as those who spout with glee
that deities were made to fall

the implications resonate
throughout the little we perceive
of architecture so ornate
that those with eyes should soon believe

but arrogance compels the head
to blindly contradict the heart
and once the masses are misled
is when His graces will depart.

Memoriam

To all the dead
and pawns that bled
in wars we're fed:
I wish instead

you hadn't died
or ever cried
for those who lied
and only peace was glorified.

Howlers

Who polices those
that wear the woolen clothes
a lupine pack of bros

we must do more than bleat
or sheepishly retreat
surrendering the street

because the brutal club
of those who love to snub
gets off on gutless grub.

Subordination

The giant is a memory (and as such will soon fade)
reduced by all the small-minded choices that he made
I never really liked him much (as if you couldn't tell)
and truly hope he rots away in some dark distant hell
for nothing's more deplorable (as I was forced to learn)
than fools who have no sympathy for anyone they burn
and those that hovered by him? (as the flies around a cow)
I wonder whose excretement they are fighting over now.

Tally

I wondered while preparing at my berth
about my pointless sojourn on this earth
and struggled to detect a real me
subtract the number they assigned at birth

and something wasn't adding up -- you see
an asset isn't what we're meant to be
for no one can define your worth
if you just value being free.

Interrupted

I chatted with a chickadee today
as swallows swooped about for juicy bugs,
unsure of what he truly had to say
politeness prompted several smiling shrugs.
Although his words were gibberish to me
I still enjoyed the lilting of his voice,
that magical and timeless melody
announcing: 'Spring is here, Rejoice, Rejoice!'
but then a noxious beast went roaring by
it's song so loud the ground began to shake
vibrations ringing right up through my feet
compelling my new friend to seek the sky
and leaving me alone to face the ache
that's stifling my heart with every beat.

Decisive

Some elect to win
some to let the din
determine who is right
they see no need to fight
but this is how I feel:
if you decide to kneel
then you deserve the pain
the oligarchs who reign
will force on you once they
purloin election day.

Gotta Love It

In the name of love they'll scold you
if you deny their truth
then try their best to mold you
especially the youth.

In the name of love they'll rule you
demanding you comply
so certain they can fool you
with a caring battle cry.

In the name of love they'll will you
to mindlessly obey
then smile as they kill you
when you refuse to play.

Unbending

We all have the right to exist
With one controversial twist:
Who gets to say
What isn't okay?
(If you get the extent of my gist.)

The system is certainly broke
When innocent people must choke
On lies that protect
The foul who elect
To make God's creation a joke.

Factual

The fools that simply cannot wait
for moguls to manipulate
their sentiments with scripted death
behold the box with baited breath
believing every lie that streams
bedazzled as the anchor beams
condemning those who merely played
the role for which their bosses paid
to make it seem like circumstance
so they can stealthily advance
their program to eradicate
any who oppose the state.

Comradeship

The times they are precarious
our leaders are nefarious
and try to force the people to comply
with power grabbing policies
and fabricated fallacies
attempting to convince us to deny

our diligence and piety
so all their impropriety
can culminate in one audacious coup
and if we don't retaliate
it will indeed be much too late
then freedom as we know it will be through.

Straggler

That scaly grayish creature looms
above me like a curse
whose silent condemnation booms
repulsive and perverse

but I can't let it pierce my heart
or make my love wax cold,
ignored, this pest will soon depart
as clearing skies unfold.

Common Core

It started with an apple
and now it seems we grapple
with unhealthy appetites that go unchecked;
you can't ignore The Father
then say 'What a bother!'
when everything is liberally wrecked,

remember: we were granted
a chance to skirt the planted
scenario which brought us naught but pain
until someone's desire
exploited by a liar
birthed the Matriarch of those less wise than vain.

Never Ending

The fellowship I seek
among the truly meek
is shattered by the shriek

of those who shun all shame
advancing every aim
anathema to His name

so they can feel content
when time is better spent
attempting to repent

as I'm inclined to do
awash in endless rue
but then what else is new?

Equality

Civics be damned
their rights will be rammed
right down your throat
as they smugly gloat

but we must not wilt
or buckle to guilt
for everyone's born to fight wrongful scorn.

Branding

In olden days a metal rod was bent
to form a letter or familiar shape
they seared upon a beast to represent
their ownership; they'd watch the wisps escape
as dull red iron marred reluctant flesh
and smirk, their domination well assured,
for as new calves were marked they had their fresh
additions to an ever growing herd.
Today they're much more clever with control
proffering chains the tame perceive as chic
because they trust the rancher's caring eyes;
but once you buy the brightly packaged lies
the smell of burning meat will surely reek
as they lay claim to your eternal soul.

Puppet Show

Our handlers perpetuate
this legacy of pointless hate
they pay their queen to instigate
the ignorant to be irate

it's time for everyone to see
the strings they pull with gruesome glee
convincing us we're somehow free
and most of all - ignore that b!

Seventh

He always makes me smile
as I watch him learn and grow
adopting his own style
just makes me love him so
almost to the point of tears
has it really been seven years?

Conclusive

The nature of reality
eludes the grasp of one like me
I know I see and hear and touch
but is it real? I'm not so much

convinced that what we comprehend
is all there is, as some contend,
though I have never rectified
just what it is that tends to hide

beyond our meager range of sight
(I'm simply not that erudite)
but in my heart I feel one thing
the peace that only love can bring.

Savy Tavi?

You will don
what I've got on
conformity is air
you have no choice
just heed my voice
and I will lead you there
androgyny
is bound to be
the lack of self we share
they'll televise
my stylish lies
till I begin to wear.

Disconsolate

And once again the threshold dims
the darkest shadows fall
from one whose mandatory whims
will dictate to us all

to take us to that better place
where fear and pain must end
but still the tears roll down my face
I miss you trusted friend.

Uninformed

I loved the sky when it was blue
and everything I thought I knew
was the way they said it was
because some genius sneered because;
instead I feel a gnawing fear
catastrophe is drawing near
to change the face of mother earth
and level everybody's worth
but hopefully I'm paranoid
and there is nothing to avoid
so we can spin along our way
and maybe make a better day.