Knowing Better

Those who believe what they've learned
ordains them to piously preach
should know when humility's spurned
enlightenment's harder to reach.

Onslaught

Among the wretched horde
I trudge
and though I can't afford
this grudge
I give my trusty sword
a nudge

for I can never drop
my guard
each time I do, they lop,
I'm scarred
so I have learned to chop,
and hard

the problem is -- I hate
this war
you fight or capitulate
your shore
to types that salivate
for gore.

Have Mercy

He tilts his head just so
displays an impish grin
because of something devilish he's dealt
I shake my head real slow
then he firmly hugs my shin
and suddenly my heart begins to melt

Order

There was enough sun today
to melt some ice away
but not enough to say
that spring has sprung

but everything's okay
for we must obey
or suffer the dismay
of gods we're among.

Situational Gravity

The corpulent spokesperson warned
'Good health should never be scorned '
they might have picked someone less great
for the words to carry more weight.

Abundance

If aid is truly given
to those who help themselves
I should have been more driven
refusing dusty shelves

but one can be rewarded
(though miscreants say nay)
and happy moments hoarded
by working hard each day

so live your life with vigor
even if you fail to see
a sign of something bigger
and love wholeheartedly.

Reduced

You smolder and simmer and solemnly stew
until there is only half of you
but do not feel you've been done wrong
for what is left is twice as strong

Subsequent

Youth! Energetic, frenetic — pathetic
adopting others faults
so things stay copacetic.

Age! Pensive, defensive — apprehensive
about doing somersaults
for love that's comprehensive

Honor Bound

I challenge my mind to compose
a poem or possibly prose
and it has been up to the task
whenever I happen to ask
despite the distraction of woes

these words are my reason to be
my purpose and impotent plea
so all I can do is relay
whatever it is they.must say
while there is still breath within me.

Bait

Farm-raised fish are free
of choice, thus perfect fare
for suckers that can't see
insistent strings they wear.

Resuscitation

I try not to dwell
but can't seem to quell
this negative tide
that's surging inside
and making me sink
with tendrils like ink
that keep pulling down
and soon I may drown
unless I can swim
against this dark whim
and get back to where
my lungs can breathe air.

Sore Winner

Competitive? You have no clue
how hard I'll play to conquer you
and if somehow I chance to lose
we may find out how fast you bruise

Winterized

I saw a sluggish trickle leak
through the shell that sheaths the creek
perhaps a sign a thaw will grace
us (or we'll freeze in place).

Today I went and took a peek
but there's no flow of which to speak
the crystal scar compels a scowl
as colder winds begin to howl.

Trivialities

The mote of dust
(this precious gift)
on which we drift
is fraught with lust

for selfish ends
(as it careens)
despite the means
or who pretends

they do no wrong,
(well don't we all?)
dismiss The Fall
to say we're strong

but that's an act
(a deadpan shtick)
to hide we're sick
and that's the fact

this role we play
(within the farce)
is so damn sparse
we're swept away.

Advisory

It's been too many days in a row
of unrelenting cold and falling snow
my car looks like a salt-encrusted bass
this winter's really wearing out my ass.