Wishes Live To Hope

The more I think I really know,

  the less I understand

 

The further out to sea I drift,

  the more I miss the land

 

The stormier the days repeat,

  my soul to chase the sun

 

The rules I once thought hard and fast,

  denounced and on the run

 

The more I think, the less I feel,

   my spirit inexcused

 

The hours spent off from myself,

  those times I stay confused

 

As days drift into sleepless nights,

   the moon to haunt my dreams

 

Where wishes live to hope again

  —if I can just believe

 

(Villanova University: June, 2019)

 

 

 

 

 

Half Way To Memphis

Wasted broke in Kankakee,

  down from Montreal

I’m half way to Memphis,

  with no one left to call

 

Guitar strings bust or missing,

  motel clerk at my door

I’m half way to Memphis,

  bathroom window as before

 

The years have run their distance,

  all memories in default

I’m half way to Memphis,

  the songs all packed in salt

 

And one last time I’m leaving,

  the highway cold and black

I’m half way to Memphis

   —no way of turning back

 

(Memphis Tennessee: September, 1991)

First Light To Keep

The first cut sharp and burning red,

  don’t edit away its fire

 

Keep the wound both fresh and raw,

  never cauterize your ire

 

The horizon breaks just once each day,

  a new dawn—cold hearts aspire

 

Rays burning deep, first light to keep

   —old ashes to inspire

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2016)