Periodical

He needed a coaster
and found a magazine
the night was a roaster
the worst he'd ever seen

the dew from his bottle
of beer left a stain
a ring that would mottle
the table's dark grain

so he used that paper
to lessen the mess
and planned his next caper
with hopes for success.

New Direction

I left my home up north
to experience the earth
and boldly sallied forth
abandoning my berth,

I gave the south a shot
to try out something new
but it was much too hot
so I rolled right on through

then I headed west
when told that gold was deep
then left when I assessed
there wasn’t much to keep

still consumed by wanderlust
I traveled to the east
where everything is left to rust
decay's unending feast.

My journies left me sad
for nowhere did I find
anything better than what I had
and I knew in my mind

the way the needle’s set
may not be your best course
your greatest journey yet
could be waiting at the source

Bit

I'm a day behind
but I don't sweat
though I'm inclined
despite regret
to nevermind

but then I start
another bout
although my heart
is filled with doubt
I play my part.

Colonialism

Each circle of sand
a sovereign land
where kingdoms rise
as fast as they fall
the soldiers so keen
to serve the queen

they'll rip apart
those who aren't smart
enough to realize
that one can be small
and still have might
you shouldn't fight.

Dusky

I saw a shooting star far off
which sparked a sudden bond
and though I'm sure that some will scoff
I meshed with the beyond
until I reached my quiet keep
and drifted into dreamless sleep.

Present Arms

They laid down their lives
though terror would gnaw
like sentient knives
and stormed the dark maw

of violence and hate
in fields far away
their sacrifice great
salute them today!

Ages

You cannot cheat it with a lie
no surgery, makeup or dye
can stop you from feeling less spry
or having to utter goodbye.

Unheard Of

If I lost my voice
would you rejoice
or would you miss my drivel?
I've got all day
so fire away
and if you can, be civil
but if you can't
enjoy your rant
and I'll just sit and snivel.

Stillborn

I ruined the temple, I ruined my life
I ruined my chance to be free of the strife
they force one to live with in order to earn
that little gold star independents will spurn
I'll never be steered by those merciless reins
or fawn before despots to boast empty gains
and thus I will leave you who still haunt the earth
as dead as I was on the day of my birth.

Scraggly

Should every weed
be guaranteed
a chance to take root and succeed
or should we yank
(expressions blank)
those we deem as lower rank?

On the Fly

A writhing mass of feathers in the road
made me sad because a bird was hurt
until I saw that lively lump explode
into two whose passion had been curt.

Roughnecks

The cranes are in the river
their long necks sticking out
each slender graceful sliver

is like a supple sprout
with every load a shiver
will test that they stay stout.

Trappings

I'm not a fan of fame
but maybe that's because
it isn't mine to claim
and even if it was
I'd probably feel the same

for I prefer my peace
but in the spotlights glare
intrusions never cease
and you're in prison where
you'll never earn release.

Plotters

I don't ever want to play the part of a statistic on a government chart -- The Police


To them you're just a tiny dot
that should give thanks for what you've got
the noise that skews their perfect bell
the feeders they would love to fell
so when you're pushed upon a graph
just spit into their eyes and laugh
for though the data's theirs to tweak
the earth is promised to the meek.

Equalizer

A pool of light
immersed in fear
unholy sight
deception near

remaining free
not hard to do
remember He
who died for you.