The Hard Way

The sparser the sand
the closer the hand
with fingers of bone
that bids you atone

the brighter the sun
the quicker it's done
for nothing can stall
the ultimate pall

the wiser the word
the less it is heard
immune to the strains
till silence remains.

Violation

To say my faith in human ilk has waned
would be an understatement rather large
for even in my own heart hate has reigned
remaking me into its vengeful charge,
but yesterday my place was almost robbed
by someone I had never even seen
and after he was caught he screamed and sobbed
while I made sure my underpants were clean.
This incident has caused me to rethink
my current policy regarding trust
it's changed from some to none in but a blink,
a constant vigil truly is a must
and all we really lost was just a door,
along with dying hopes that we'd be more.

Communion

The roses were deflowered by the rain
and fewer fragile blossoms still remain
their chastity a struggle to maintain

the pink and yellow petals coat the grass
forsaking their virginity en masse
like promises that never came to pass

while brutish icy droplets have their way
and lead them to the gutter where they lay
to either be baptized, or wilt away.

Mantle

The bramble hasn't quite matured
enough to bear what has endured,
it's any regal's crowning bane--
how fleeting is the time to reign.

Gambit

I know the end will soon ensue
as one age spot is now a few
and everywhere
that I have hair
has turned a grayish hue

and there is nothing we can do
to stop the rot (but this you knew)
so don't despair
and always dare
the odds before it's through.

Cheer

Some dingy bales of last years hay
were rolled in the corner of a field
resembling an ogre's dirty socks
I grinned at the thought of laundry day
and wondered what he'd wield
to beat his sudsy clothes upon the rocks.

Median

Many forks appear along the road
that ominously bends just out of view
and much too often, where we go is owed
to following what traffic flowed,
as hapless tourists negligently do;

there are those routes on which we can ascend
and darker roads routinely winding down
to dismal trails that seem to never end,
but we must choose the way we wend
to navigate conveyances through town.

It's practically impossible to veer
around each wreck, attempting so is vain,
and though the path ahead is seldom clear
I'll aim for the middle as I steer
and try to keep a tread in either lane.

Generation Why

This apathy's draining
there's no will remaining
or strength for complaining

it's time for relaxing
with laziness waxing
concern is too taxing

Development

Constructs of the mind
can be ornate
or less refined
they're not defined
(if you relate)
by those confined
to worlds of hate;

matter that is gray
may be consumed
as well as clay
with structured play
(or is it doomed?)
and build away,
just build away.

Flimsy

Everything is boneless
including our own kind
truly spoiled tender
gelatinously spined.

Snooze

Last night I dreamed
I was esteemed
a champion of truth
that had achieved
the promise grieved
since ditching it in youth

each book I wrought
was quickly bought
my head began to swell
but pride was doused
when I was roused
by duty's droning bell.

Misunderstanding

Words can be confining
when they subjugate your mind
with labels redefining
fruits that share a common rind

we're all part of everything
even facts we fail to see
including how a reckoning
is always bound to be

a knockdown, drag out tussle
far beyond what's really due
as we're caught up in the hustle
of the things we thought we knew.

Way

Detachment can grant one a grounding
a sense of unfettered restraint
perception transforms, it's astounding
without prejudicative taint

so conquer your will and surrender
and vow that you never will swear
allegiance to prophets of splendor
to always be free of despair.

Wisp

Some skeins of fluffy cotton are creeled across the sky
the urge to spin a yarn becomes too clingy to deny
before I even get a chance to let the shuttle fly
ethereal fibers fade as if submerged in bluish dye.

Cycle Ride

The gibbous moon was gawking
like a ghostly eye above
discouraging those mawkish
thoughts that minimize true love

although it's gaze was distant
I could feel it bearing down
prohibiting redundant
sentiments in which I drown

perhaps I'll simply simmer
for another week or two
until it winks in slumber
and inspires something new.