Jason

Jason Threw a helmet of dissent Among the soldiers (Who were not there by choice) And they fought until there were only two. The two biggest, Strongest, Smartest. And finally, those two Lunged! With their deadliest, sharpest weapons, And killed... Each other.   Jason Took the prize.

(Dec 1988, published 1989, revised Feb 2000)

 

Search

A cat Stalking Slowslowslow. . . Stalking through smoke, water oil escaping the stench of Blood on steel toward a hint of Incense. Something- - - MOVES! I-D-H-O-S-H-I-N-K-I-L-L- stop You would dance to the death With your own sweat. There is no time To wipe it away: Perfection is before you. Reach for it with the tip of your sword Touch it with the longer arm Stalking Slowslowslow... Fastfastfast- - - it escapes out the door as the first student enters, bowing. The search must wait another hour. (Dedicated to Wayne L. Eaton)

(July 1989)

 

Pull-Push

You pull and push at the same time. You talk of You brag of Love and hate Sex and violence And your life in a voice full of ache full of glee And your eyes full of pain full of life beg me to dare me to help you need you hold you ask you love love love you me

(Jan 1990)

 

Helen

One thousand ships were launched for my face; Shall I make you immortal with a kiss? Uncountable tears shed for but my embrace, Innumerable hearts lost to the abyss.   I am softer by far than the evening air, And more beautiful than are the stars. My eyes will pierce you - your soul will tear: Yet you'll place in my cruel hands your heart.   Many a heart shall I crush 'fore I rest, Many a broken man shall weep. And I, by the by, will laugh at the jest Before I to my bed to sleep.   I am Helen: shall never come to grief, Nor should I weep in love's despair. Never will my worshipful suitors leave, And never for them might I care.   I am but pawn to these angry young boys Who wish to play war like men. Armies and chariots replace their bright toys, But never shall either side win.   Mine was the face that started the war: The whole city sacked in my name. And though history knows what it truly was for In legend, mine is the fame.

(Feb 1992, revised Feb 2000)

 

Light and Fly

Light and fly for freedom's sake, Power of love and hatred make Shine within the dark without Never life or death do doubt.   Light and fly for passion's price, Never-ending pain the spice To sweeten bland contentment's rage Make a fool of every sage...   Light and fly for love's sweet bliss, All your heart in one short kiss. Dark the light and end the pain -- But life will never come again.   Light and fly for freedom's sake, Alone, though many hearts will break. Touch me and you'll fade away; Never see the light of day.   Light and fly for passion's price, Kiss me once and hold me twice. Life knows death in love's embrace. I know love and death's sweet face.   Light and fly for love's sweet bliss, Dark's love is light, though remiss. Hatred loves to burn alone -- Dark, dead hearts will turn to stone.

(Mar 1993)

 

Shapechanger's Rhyme

Light of love and dark of soul, Power of darkness make thee whole, Power of light will make thee see, Power of love brings thee to me.   Dark of hatred, light of mind By Power of light I thee find. Power of darkness, my one true friend, Power of hatred thy soul rend.   Light of death and dark of life, Power of darkness brings thee strife. Power of light will thee peace send, But Power of death will thy life end.   Dark of power, light of truth, Power of light will thy heart soothe, Power of darkness through the night Light of power brings thee might.   Light of myth and dark of rhyme, Power of darkness gives me time. No more light -- all power shorn, Power of myth gives me my form.

(Mar 1993)

 

Untitled

To understand death you have only to die. For love must you give up your soul. If you understand death, you know death is a lie, And in losing your soul become whole.

(Apr 1993)

 

In the Dark

In the dark, the hands are yours, In the night, your lips touch mine. All alone, your arms surround me. My eyes close; I fear the light.   Close your eyes: the light is fading. All alone taste teardrop brine. In the night know that I'm with you, In the dark, the hands are mine.   In the dark, the hands are yours. In my dreams, it's you I see. In the night I may hold what In the light is not to be.   In the light forget my face, but In the night remember me. In your dreams, your dreams can come true: In the dark I'll set you free.

(June 1993)