Sold Unborn

Give me back my kidnapped youth,

distiller of the night

 

Return the sun from whence it’s gone,

expose this darkened fright

 

Give me back the future-past,

all memory on the run

 

Return those days once sold unborn

—to where my joy has gone

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: May, 2020)

Carnal Madness

The prostrate lizard,
hated savior,
crawls the crooked road to the city

Figures, sinking with the light,
bending your prayers
—watching the sun

Light retreats
as shadows leave,
emptying space for a new awareness

Its carnal madness
telling again and again
—how far you’ve come

(West Philadelphia: December, 1972)

A Wanton Barter

Everyone’s life is tragic,

but who calls out the score

 

The Jester or the Hangman,

the Undertaker sure

 

Everyone’s nights are haunted,

when sleeping with the Muse

 

Each dream a wanton barter

—your memories to lose

 

(Haverford Pennsylvania: May, 2020)

Fated To Go

Does trying to disprove
 what I believe
 make you feel better about what
 you don’t…

Is your insecurity
 crying out
 that maybe I feel something
 you won’t…

Does the depth of my commitment
 bother you so
 leaving you distant
 fearful and alone…

Like a branch that’s now broken
 swinging high in the tree
 one strong gust
  —and you’re fated to go

(Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2015)

Last Blaze

The light in the window,

candle in the hall

 

The torch in the jungle

all beacons that call

 

That voice in the distance,

the one just next door

 

The whisper screams loudest,

when heard from afar

 

That flame that once beckoned,

the one that still shines

 

Those rays reconnected,

new vision sublime

 

To see it and hear it,

to know it once more

 

One spark yet to strike

—last blaze still to roar

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2018)