Thrashed

Half my life -- for what?
A fool inclined to strut
beneath an auburn mane
so ignorant yet vain
offsetting every gain
despite the effort spent
we couldn't make a dent
as money freely flowed
except to who was owed
we reaped the tares he sowed.

Robotics

No one wants to hear the truth
because it's such a bummer
as they indoctrinate the youth
and teach them to be dumber

the brightest pupils dimmer
through pointlessness and pill
until there is no glimmer
of purpose or free will.

Clarity

My mind's been like an agitated bat
careening all around the room these days
and though at times my grandson is a brat
today the grinning moppet calmly says
"I'm happy." and nothing seemed a bother after that.

Criminal

If you choose to break the law
then you accept the risk
so please rehinge your jaw
and keep your mourning brisk.

Devilish

The blossoms gild the tree
a splendid banquet for the eyes
until the fruit is free
for those with appetites to prise
and gorge upon with glee

the flesh so firm and sweet
that no one thinks about the cost
they simply choose to eat
but hunger isn't all that's lost
the serpent's win complete.

Fencing

The grackles had a spat
and peeping through the slat
gave me quite a voyeuristic thrill
but maybe I should mind
my own plot, lest I find
that privacy is dwindling to nil.

Immobilized

I hear the precious laughter
of little ones at play
on this normal seeming day
but will we hear it after

the process that approaches?
I'd best enjoy the fun
too impotent to run
as entropy encroaches.

Evaluation

I'm breaking every level of control
and freeing up my body, mind and soul
I'm broker than I've ever been before
but honestly, I've never felt worth more.

Arbeit macht frei

It's such an endless hassle
to be a voiceless vassal
within a system skewed to dominate

you're just another number
they're eager to encumber
with the less-than-liberating weight

of chains that keep you docile
in service to a fossil
the foul and unforgiving fascist state.

Bright Spot

The willow's weeping has begun
from advances of the sun
whose burning touch on gangly limbs
awakens hidden things to grow
and soon a looming shadow dims
that former flawless glow.

The willow's weeping seldom ends
but still it hopefully extends
it's branches to embrace the grove
and capture golden grace
that spills from the Almighty's trove
upon our hapless race

Over Our Heads

There's a smoky smudge
where the sun once was
the sky like sludge
as more jets buzz

we gasp for air
to no avail
they cinch the snare
and leave a trail

it's hard to say
how much they hide
there's so much gray
that truth has died.

Got It?

History is a set of lies agreed upon. -- Napoleon Bonaparte


There is no fact
we can't retract
the books we print
will have no hint
how many died
on either side
so those of worth
can rule the earth.

Innovate

No one knows beyond today
if they will get another play
and thus we must avoid cliche

remembering that all we do
is keep renewing rue
unless it's something new.

Rabble

Those with power
will only share
a searing glower
with those who dare
to storm the tower

and never falter
in their cause
to shed the halter
and the laws
that prop the altar.

Leaving Pride

A playful leaf
pursued another
down the windswept lane
the chase was brief
because one brother
let the other gain.