Darkness

the darkness speaks a thousand tongues
each of discord’s malice’d tears
yet of this myriad of voices
’tis mine alone which stokes my fears.

Flowers

bright flowers of the summer’s morn’
turn their stares toward my eyes
accusatory earthly scorn
the gardens artifice defied
yet in defiance beauty glows
despite itself and jewels our days
thus on their blooms our mercy’s thrown
until at last we part our ways.

Rapture

what rapture is this
that looks to the eastern sky
revealing the dawn
no false reverie
it is no imagined birth
this night’s progeny
is passion’s endowment
deserving of the sun’s caress

THE MAUSOLEUM

the candle shook this darkened womb
scattered gold around the tomb
and in that lantern’s light did see
the sum of life’s blithe mystery
vitality, virility
captured for eternity
as decorated ossuary
the irony of effigy.

Blinded

what use are the stars
when they do not shine on you
I’m blind to heaven

Artifice

this poetry is fair pretence
masquerading finery
without an honest sense
that bears my soul’s reality
although ’tis not a lie
the lines are artful laid
and in their rhythms try
to my true meaning pay.

Laughter

as the footlights fade
the comedy is ended
laughter is silenced

Incense

she is as incense
a spice awakening me
to epiphany

Unfinished

the moon summons us
to share secrets in her name
a benevolent confessional
devoid of any blame
in which we may know our thoughts
how our souls be stained
but they be equal measured
both the sacred and profane

Âge d’Or

older memories
glistening as golden dreams
when yesterday fades