Mixed Blessing (2008)

You say it's for the best... well
I've no reason to disagree
Unless our talk turns sinister
To matters of the world, or politics;
Then I have views of my own
I wouldn't necessarily share
With just anyone. 

An inhuman bastard? Do tell.
I wasn't there and could not say. 
I take your word for it, though you
Are hardly an impartial judge,
I'm sure you will agree.
I have exes too, and they
Were simply human, like you and me.
I hope you will agree.

In matters of the heart I know
That I am not the best judge either,
Saddled as I am with the same baggage
Or something like it. I'm no saint,
Lord knows, though I have tried to be,
When for brief seconds the flame 

Of faith burned brightly in me, 
I have tried to live and love
As God might have me do, had I
A better idea of His will.
I do my poor best,
I hope you will see.

Perhaps your view is better.
I'll say not a thing against it.
Only bless in me, please, and in others,
The discernment that leads us all to seek
That which would please Him best.
This would serve us better, maybe,
Than disdain or condescension.
I hope you will agree.
I pray you can agree.

Moth (2008)

Candle burning on the sill
Beckons pilgrims to its warmth
Luring aerial light-lovers
Bright, hypnotic, like an eye
Watching ever-seeking spirals
Reach the all-consuming target
Must we burn to learn the lesson?
I've a better end in mind:
Race you to the candle, let's see
Who can blow the flame out first.

In Vino Veritas (2008)

Folks in ancient Rome that was
Said in vino veritas;
Take a glass of wine and stay
Hear the words I have to say

You mistrusted passion's kiss
You are not alone in this
I fear my heart made you leave
Wearing it upon my sleeve

I looked forward to the day
When the both of us would pray
You asked to be left alone
I keep praying on my own

My prayer is a simple one:
God, please smile on what was done
In the name of love and life
Though we are not man and wife

It were never chastity
Still Lord, kindly let us be
In our thoughts and in our words
Let our sins fly off like birds

Hope may never see the light
In whose rays our souls unite
Yet when heart to passion dips
Soul meets soul on lovers' lips

Sometimes, if not always so.
I pray one day I will know.
It were paradise enow
But my glass is empty now

Moon (2008)

Far distant moon,
Lit by reflection from the Sun,
Forgive me if I mourn the lack of light
From other heavenly bodies.
It is childish of me to spurn your glow,
Wishing instead for illumination
From Venus, say.

You let spacemen walk all over you in your past:
Now those interlopers are gone,
Again you inspire fascination with your mystery.
Your green cheese is alluring,
But while I would like to visit you,
I respect your wish for peace
Amid vacuum.

Why I Stare (2008)

Your complexion is  

A window to heavens of stars 

And I an astronomer. 

Travel by Night (2008-2009)

Dusk on the highway 

Readjusting driver's seat

Clouds mixed with cocoa. 

Trees silhouetted 

Darkling sky, streetlights missing

Sorry hitchhikers. 

Short ramp, brief detour

Quantity of maps and guides

Hope of clean restrooms.

Final exit ramp 

Streets of unfamiliar town

Lighted motel sign. 

Sheets of cool linen 

Double beds, extra pillow

Go back tomorrow.

First post

A fellow Twitterer (or Twit? what is one called??) asked to see some of my verse. This site accommodates that request. I haven't written much poetry in the last several (uh... twenty?) years, but what I have written is here, along with some of my college-age stuff.

This stuff is copyrighted, so fer cryin' out loud, don't plagiarize!

Ladies (2008)

I have a friend who's a wonderful cook

If I could I'd live in her kitchen.
I'd pant like an excited pet
And have love in a doggy dish.

I know a girl who cuts her arms.
Why do I bleed, she asks me.
I don't know what else to do
But tell her that my heart bleeds too.

A pale woman with eyes like fire 

Gave me peace from her cool fountain. 

I splashed and drank, my shoes got wet 

And she kicked off her shoes and ran. 

I'll sleep.  When I awake, I'll be fine.
I'll smile and joke and laugh.
I'll think about a friend, a girl and a woman.

Gentle ladies all, fragile my heart.