Rough

A blistering, desert feel
gritty like rubble, standing alone

Such a sickening, numb idea
momentum that begins and may never end

For what purpose do we come into being
is it for one moment, one mere triumph

What shall we plan our whole lives doing
what possible cause can an entire life be worthy of being given for

Can it be to chase one rabbit after another?
Or perhaps there is more significance than this

Things to remember
living where we are, not where we are not

Forgetting the superficial, the things that are here today
gone tomorrow

Live not on the shallow whisps floating over desert plains
but on the flowing water of real life

One Week Off

Regularly schedule Poet Strike will resume Friday, February 26.

Taking one week off from the writing for life.

Chilly Night

Quiet, night
all wrapped in sleep

a lone sidewalk
with lamps alight

The silence, piercing
thundering in the ears

a cold chill
a light fog

A snowflake or two
falling gently to the ground

Not a soul in sight
just this one, neath the lantern light

Major Shift

Like an earthquake
the rocks, tumbling, moving
shifting and turning
the settling of something new

An upturn
an overturn
the old crumbles away
as the new rises to take its place

Such an incredible challenge
climbing these new heights
treading the new paths
forging a personal way

Sometimes I think
when I see that rocky wall
'would it not be easier
just to turn around

But we'll see these shifts though
as we've always done
and on to the next one
till there are none left

Because this is what mankind will do
take one step after that last one
because we cannot go back
this is our fate, our design

At the long end of this tunnel
shines a brilliant light
it fills my heart with hope
but we're not there yet

University

Towering buildings of knowledge
libraries and eateries
bicycles and backpacks
the lumbering masses, off to begrudgingly learn

Professors, faculty
research upon the problems
practical and theoretical
solving the world, one step at a time

The institution that determines the future
the gateway to a most desired future
yet oft' one will go through it without joy
head down, wishing it was over

Perhaps there is a better way
to charge upon that fortress of knowledge
with head held high
ready to conquer the challenges within

There will be damage and attrition
casualties of a system built to reward the best
but is it not worth it to seize such days?
The university is built for the student.

Guns

Such a simple fascination
society has with technological destruction

Explosions and bullets
pull a trigger and end a life

No longer needed the strength of old
the skill to swing a sword

Our heroes now dance upon screens
professionals at pulling triggers

The unavoidable evolution of battle
simpler, easier, more powerful

Yet where is the honor, the respect
too easy this war has become

Fortune

Shattering shots
echoing through the night
a chase for the gold
a search for the glory

Alone in the dark
the torchlight casts its luminance
upon the walls of old
the cryptic writings of the ancient

The clues point ahead
on this wild chase of danger
to seek the fortune that no one found
solve the puzzles no one solved

Why this legendary story?
Of the one who seeks ancient gold
the one who becomes embroiled in history
for wondrous ancient glory

The curious thought creeps into my head
what reason does this story captivate?

The answer I do not know for sure
yet perhaps we are merely fascinated with legend
that the generations of the past
could have left some secret to save us from our mediocrity

Seek instead the treasures of the present
the glory of a tale told with companions
not alone in the dark crypts
with mere lantern light as company

I think we'll find quite the fortune
in the legends we tell for reality
seek the adventure
and perhaps you'll find it

Plunge

One last step
and over the cliff

Down into the unknown
a daring sacrifice

To protect those virtues
that are worth giving life for

Just one huge step
one major decision

And there's no looking back

What a glorious free fall

A Fragile, Secret World

How late the clock strikes
upon that wall

When shadows no longer creep
as they finally come to rest

As all lay still
and sounds lay quiet

Yet each tiny motion
each tiny sound, rocks this world

This fragile, wonderful world
that exists beyond the waking clock

Bound by convention
this world is kept secret

Hidden from the waking eyes
the many of the hoard which never see it

But the few, often the outcast
they see this world of awe

Sitting late, till morning has come
yet sun rises not

Till all have long since abandoned their posts
and the beds of this waking world are long filled

Then perhaps you'll see a glimpse
of that secret world

Yet do be careful!
It is quite easily broken

Revel in its serenity, its terrible silence
yet disturb it not, for it will disappear

With morning light and rising chaos
It will dissolve and fade

So tread lightly in that sea of dreams
remember your head as you are not asleep

Venture forth upon this world untrodden
and see the things which they do not see

Tired

Sleepy, exhausted
fleeting and dragging

Wishing not to move
hoping for no more

Each step harder than the last
each moment

The waking dead
the sleep walking infinite

I sit back and stretch
yawn and close my eyes

Head down on a cluttered desk
in a quiet house late at night

Tired for now
yet tired in the morning

Days endless
drilling, digging

One rush to the next
onward, forward

Wearing down
too much

Heavy eyes...
just a bit...