brand new world

my eyes awoke to a brand new world
betwixt - my heaven, my hell
i tossed a - lighter - dream onto my back
straightened, wore my smile well

i stumbled over - an uprooted memory
as i rolled - down from my bed
buried it next to another thought
that of - to be -left dead

while dragging my way across the hall
i bumped - into - an aging regret
i nodded - a nod - impersonal
and then -my silence - to myself - i kept

i wrestled hope - from deep in my pocket
and - left it - soaked to my tongue
then - stomping into this brand new world
with that - my life - had begun


1994

LJD

May angels flock to you,
to consider your greatness.
To share the warmth - of your contribution
to the complete life cycle.

May your shoulders always anchor your head
so it might not leave your best interests behind.
May your intentions, guided straightly, be realized.

May good graces, attend you
while a wealth of peace be the charge you take.

Bring with you always
a sensitivity for the freedom of all;
let it be a theme you parallel.

Might you live - long - face to the sun
always letting your reputation precede your footprints.
Forge on with respect
with love, in solitude
and leave along
- in your wake -
a legacy of humility and joy.


To London
2002

So Long

You wait so long for someone
to take the barrel from your mouth;
to ease your arms to your side
and wrap theirs around all the hurt -
then there fingers resting quietly
on your leg reassuring you
that the pain finds company with the moon
and the sunrise will give to you
redemption -
and when you finally fall away
you realize that there is a space
long and hollow
between your' torsos
and the barrel tickles you tounge again.


Circa 1995

Masks

“So many to choose from,” cried the boy as he grew.
His parents taught him well, oh yes they knew.
“Always be on your guard, never let anyone know
inward feelings and thoughts you should never show.”
And as manhood approached he took advice
until he wore his masks
not thinking twice.
Of course a different mask for every occasion
and so through the years avoided life’s invasion.

A mask of humility to God’s house he treads
silently wishing the church furnished beds.
A mask of compassion for those hurting within
all the time thinking what’s in it for him.
A mask of awareness which he thinks is real
but no mask can replace the ability to feel.
As age settled in he became prone
to wear his mask when even alone.
For his mask had become reality
no sadder a fate could ever be.
Old and gray, soon to die
the man removed his mask to cry
looking closely at what he’d become
he took down a letter and wrote to his son…

“Life is no masquerade, the world’s not a tool.
Masks are worn by the scared or the fool. Because in the end
all there will be, is a mirror reflecting the image of me.”

These words are written in stone and rock
so no one need forgot the old man’s lot.
To enter the cemetary there is but one task;
a marker explains –
“Please be courteous and remove all masks.”

T.V.E.

This poem below was written by someone at school a long, long time ago...I can't remember her name, but her initials were T.V.E. I always loved it...