Sunday, March 14, 2021

Life Insurance

Oh mechanical body
            with a reckless driver
When you break down
            somewhere
            on the information highway
Make certain
            you are insured.


ShadowOcean
03-16-2000

Quiet Endings

You didn't join me
              for a final cigarette.
It's 4:50 in the morning and I'm still
              not tired yet.
I'm wired from the candy
And the handy way you handled me tonight.
I feel a little more alone than usual,
              this foreign home
Sends shivers though my sometimes
              rational mind.
Who is this face
              I place my body next to?
Can you tolerate my quirks?
Can I live beside you?



Shadow Ocean
2000

St. Patricks Day

You called me at 8:00
Your voice ringing 2000 clear miles away
A double Irish Nudge and soda bread
Grow cold in our empty booth
On this distant St. Patrick's Day.


ShadowOcean
03-17-2000




Desperation

I can give you
                 the illusion
                  of the perfect woman
Shave during every shower
Do my hair
Pick a certain outfit
Because I care
Flash a friendly smile
A coy look
A gentle reproof
Remain aloof
Whatever you require
Or desire.



ShadowOcean
2000

The Doe of Salvation

His eyes were lifted to the heavens above
He sighed and drifted to a place filled with love
And his soul which had hunted found its quarry at last
As the doe of salvation came wandering past

Well he faltered a moment before drawing his bow
Mesmerized by the wonder of his sacred doe
And he knew all his friends would have laughed at the thought
That he, the great huntsman had missed such a shot

So he drew his fell arrow and leveled the bow
In a straight steady line with the breast of the doe
But his fingers were trembling, his breath coming short
At the thought of destroying the beast just for sport

With gentle heart pounding he lowered his aim
And fell to his knees in repentance and shame
But the doe stepped toward him with head proud and high
Standing fearless before him she looked in his eye

For your mercy, my brother, she cried, a reward!
You shall dwell evermore in the grace of the Lord
His eyes were uplifted to heaven above
He sighed and he drifted to a place filled with love

And his soul which had hunted found its quarry at last
As the doe of salvation came wandering past.


ShadowOcean
2000

Princepality (to Machiavelli)

Divine right
Reinforced by steel
Drawn over rocky paths
On golden carriage wheels
While servants bring your meals

War-hardened and cruel
Or weak and pampered grace
We simper to your face
While plotting your betrayal
To reassure our place

Born to power
Schooled in diplomacy
Forged in battle
Or burdened by hypocracy
A slave to the beurocracy

Will you rise like Alexander?
Or fall like Napoleon?
How many battles have you won?
And do you have a son?
When will your time be done?



ShadowOcean
09-2005

Life Stories

Stories of the past
              Serve
                            To remind us
Of paths well-worn with
              Footsteps
                             Left behind us
Another year
             Another
                             Setting sun
The hours of toil
             Before
                              The game is won
The trail ascends
              The ridge
                              Appears much higher
Than we can reach
               Weighed down
                             By base desires
The trees crowd in
                 To block
                                Our lofty view
But still we climb
                  Our lives
                                 Are to pursue.



ShadowOcean
2005