'In' Sect

The house where I grew was burned down,
the ship I was on? simply sunk,
my past, like an old wedding gown
has been eaten by moths in the trunk.

I strove to be so independent
but lack of achievement can sting
and now I’m a badgered defendant
unable to prove a damn thing.

Someday, they’ll be razing this plant
where I wasted my lifetime in toil,
the tiny yet diligent ant
that’s crushed like a bug in the soil,

I want to be one with the swarm
but can’t find a motive to fly
if wings mean I learned to conform
I’d rather be splattered and die.

Vertices

There’s always been a side of me
unheard of in geometry
for no set shape can quite define
the angle of my own design
not even trigonometry—

and if our vectors intersect
the single point where they connect
may help us plot another arc
that slices through the looming dark
with pure respect.

Amend

There is no profundity
in endless redundancy
but sometimes we just can’t abstain
from rituals performed in vain.

There is no deformity
when questioning conformity
despite the impolitic stares
of those convinced their leader cares.

There is no immunity
to impudent impunity
of roguish types that make the rules
but feel to follow is for fools.

Lookers

A preponderance of pity won’t preclude
the misery of an ever-moping mood
rejoice in the reality you wreak
satisfaction serves the sort that seek.

Sportsmanship

You can scrape a line before me
but that doesn’t mean I’ll toe it
for no one tells me what to say or do
but if we’re keeping score we
may be forced (just so you know it)
to spot you one, or maybe even two;

I don’t know why I was born this way
but it’s been like that forever
so let’s commence to do what needs be done,
you can pound your chest and loudly bray
pursuing this endeavor
or let me do my thing and feel you’ve won.

Life

Some blackbirds buzz a crafty crow
that tried to raid their lair
who scorns them as it turns to go
and ride the churning air--

a pair of yellow butterflies
are dancing cross the road
their bright ballet a sweet reprise
of spring's expectant mode--

an old man harbors many fish
where some have yet to bite
but bait won't tackle every wish
when bobbers drop from sight--

the hollow clangs of longing ring
and slowly start to creep
from rail to soul as crickets sing
a yearning mind to sleep.

Sharp

The tipsy trees are tilted left
it seems the wailing wind is deft
at bending things
I hunger for my axe's heft
and pray I never fall bereft
of how it rings.

Just for Men?

A tube full of youth
can sometimes cost more
than the washed out truth
it was purchased to hide
that is surely in store
for puppets of pride.

Expectant

I wonder how he'll be
when he enters this world
his wispy hair curled
I guess we'll see--

there's not a single thrill
that compares with birth
to redeem our worth
like I pray he will.

Spun

Hush!
There’s a cardinal in the brush
and if you’re careful not to flush
him out, he’ll show his blush.

See!
He’s there beside that tree
and if we’re quiet as can be
we may not make him flee.

Darn!
Now he’s flown behind the barn
and down beyond the corn
but at least we have this yarn.

Buy the Book

My thesaurus is tattered, it’s threadbare and frayed
from the scans and the searches and queries I’ve made,
I’m inclined to acquire, or purchase, or find
a replacement or stand-in of similar kind.

Outside

The raindrops will mutter
they’ll splatter and sputter
spiraling down to the grasp of the gutter,

the wind whispers weakly
and babbles obliquely
until it’s a memory mewling so meekly—

a storm can be static
or a feisty fanatic
assumptions should never become automatic

as fronts are effective
at being deflective
for people both passive and over-protective.

Cracked

Any government's first concern
is how to stay in power
devising vicious plots to spurn
advances on their tower--
the model citizen must learn
the proper way to cower;
it's tragic how these august minds
crave lips attached to their behinds.

Scope

Something that's rounded doesn't always roll
and a thing that's deep isn't always a hole,
moments of darkness aren't always at night
while true illumination isn't just from the light.

This list could go on but I've things I must do
so always remember when looking for 'true'
that all of those facts you thought that you knew
are dependent entirely on somebody's view.

Midriff(t)

I’ll fast away unwanted growth
that left unchecked could hasten death,
I can lose two inches, till they both
come back when I release my breath.