villanelles

1
left hold

this is all that’s left here,
i stand high and forlorn;
the folds remain of what we hold dear

having to hear you lose breath so near,
smoke concluded sojourn;
and this is all you’ve left here

skin and bones move a year,
three seconds bear newborns;
but folds remain of what we hold dear

valleys enlightened, awash by tears,
rivers beneath all torn;
yes, this is all that’s left here

loss and anger do steer,
boils blame in flames of mourn;
yet folds remain of what we hold dear

and though the gap now sears,
adventures run adjourned;
“This vessel is but all that’s left, dear,
and folds remain of what we hold, here.”

2
a light

i’m living without a life
covered gifts with ribbons of regret;
with closed eyes I’m seeking light.

i’ve been given choice and might
but a slave of pity’s all you get;
i’m a living without life.

well-acquainted with my sights
alas, my blueprints are now all wet;
with closed eyes i’m seeking light.

had i the wisdom to fight
cold rooms would have been brighter i bet;
i’m living without a life.

it’s nature to clench fists tight
i grope alone any stand erect;
still with closed eyes, i seek light.

’cause you had to leave one night,
dusty cribs are our only asset.
i’m living and still alive;
with closed eyes, i feel their light.

3
in caution

leaves continue in motion
a lightning bolt strikes a tree.
winds may change without caution

mother nature takes action
green arms catch the fallen piece.
leaves continue in motion

bit by bit creep erosion
bark in one with earth beneath.
winds do change without caution

mushroom-lined by next season
hallowed wood filled with the sea.
leaves continue in motion

dents and lines blur in crimson
boughs become playgrounds for weeds.
winds can change without caution

life comes out of destruction,
shared roots take from one belly.
as leaves continue motion,
winds change with our emotions.

4
just taking

i wish you would just listen
you’ve cracked too much bones from heart stakes
the world isn’t yours for the taking

take control your selfish wanting
a child’s wild scowl can disintegrate
i wish you could just listen

after all you break off chains
time and again you shake your way
the world isn’t yours for the taking

your windows too often glisten
your alto is high enough to break
if only you had listened

now scraping up the broken
the owl hoots, take heed for your sake
the world isn’t yours for the taking

some leave the world forsaken
what’s shiny isn’t always great
learn how to really listen
the world isn’t yours for the taking

5

now that you’re alone
scrutinize the stains
the only worthy trust is your own

before wars are crowned
waters become poison’s claim
now you are alone

shadows on light shone
left us mute and maimed
the only worthy trust is your own

we tread on our own
go learn to deviate sane
now that you’re alone

52

now that you’re alone
in unfamiliar trains
the only trust worth keeping is your own

shadows on light shone
here in lay the absent stains
you are now alone

entered worlds unknown
walk away mute and maimed
the only trust you lacked there is your own

before sins are stoned
waters become poison’s claim
still remain alone

muscles may have grown
black pupils are still untamed
the only trust unseen here is your own

consider your loan
for each mote of dust and grain
you are left alone
the sails you hold unto are your own

sept29

silence deepens

dreams tucked aside

scars throb harder
without the twinkle in your eyes

hurt relapsing
i long to see your smile again

here it is again–last december 2008

Christmas tolls and wakes

floods through the radio

aids the economy

altering the days

the winds now ice cold

burn through the sky and stars

with all the trees undressed

breaks the heart once more

another year past

one set of cards put down

one box of photos burned

regrets still intact

how pain disconnects

the overwhelming truth

the traumatizing lie

yesterday’s all that’s left