Sprung

Surprised to hear a high pitched chirp
I turned around and caught the perp
a cardinal so red and plump
and keen to break his winter slump
that he began to brightly sing
in hopes of rousing dormant spring
and it may have worked so do not scoff
for I finally feel the need to doff
this coat I've worn for way too long
Oh thank you for your cardinal song.

Puppet Tears

They live to pull on strings
and set the proper stage
an atmosphere that brings
about concerted rage
or (yes, I know this stings)
acceptance of a wage

that never seems to pay
the bills they say we owe
or in the least defray
the cost of their grand show
a farcical display
of greed that seems to grow

more tragic with each act
while they pull more and grin
contaminating fact
with theatrical chagrin
in order to distract
as more roll off my chin.

Bliss

His wife said "Better watch it boy, you'll wind up black and blue."
He just laughed and said "My dear, without annoying you
I hate to think how empty my sad life would truly be."
"You won't live to find out if you keep on bugging me."

Dominant

Like a blind man gingerly feeling his way
down the neck of one he adores
I put out the light and plaintively play
as passion engorges my pores

I fret without worrying where I am
my ear boldly taking the lead
it's such a release to aimlessly jam
while learning I don't really need

to solely rely upon my eye
when picking my way through the scales
and then I coax my baby to cry
as winter wind woefully wails.

Constraint

You'll find it's worth more than the purest of gold
it's quicker than sand and harder to hold
the more you encounter the wiser you are
until you're enfeebled by going too far;

it's hoarded in memories that can't be replaced
and savored in shots that are constantly chased
it's cleverly counted by those blessed with wit
and I'd love to keep going but it won't permit.

On a Mission

Should I resume
my march to the tomb
beneath the dark banner
of garrulous gloom

or maybe my tread
should be lighter instead?
It isn't my manner
to traipse around dread

so onward I go
and though I start slow
I'm constantly moving
it's all that I know

since the day of my birth
on this beautiful earth
I try to keep proving
my life has some worth.

Cheated

Whether underestimated
or highly overrated
it can be kind of super
when haters are deflated.

Eighth

A super birthday bowl you say
okay I'm game, how do you play?
Well first we need a special guy
to hoist that gleaming trophy high

someone funny, handsome and smart
that has an overflowing heart
and it's someone I've been lucky to call
my grandson, he's the best of them all.

A fraction of the love I feel
for him would be enough to heal
this world consumed with all that's fake
as the coliseum begins to shake.

Under

I asked the seamstress how she'd been
She said, "You know, sew sew."
then begged the baker for some bread
who said, "I'm broke, now Go."
then jumped into the river, waived
the help of those I know. "No no!"
I screamed while they robustly raved
"I'm going with the flow!"

Mucked

My moody nature led me to believe
that it was for the best to not conceive
but looking back on selfish choices made
I never thought that they would actually leave

this embryonic swamp through which I wade
composed from every decomposing blade
which stabbed my wounded mind without reprieve
where lurking pangs of guilt have ever preyed.