to murmur name upon name

too many seeds are here for us to plant
the labourer must get the meed of hire
we observe the true creation all aslant

there's much to do that i will surely grant
the signals run urgently along the wire
too many seeds are here for us to plant

we'll imitate the locust not the ant
that's all our service will of us require
we observe the true creation all aslant

with ease the watching eye we will enchant
the watcher wakes all sunken in the mire
too many seeds are here for us to plant

against all changes vainly shall we rant
the medicines tomorrow shall expire
we observe the true creation all aslant

against the power that comes we cannot chant
what we have got will not be raised much higher
too many seeds are here for us to plant
we observe the true creation all aslant

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the heart's delight

we've had our time and to the edge we've come
all life would seem on this day to have slowed
the only proper cure's a drink of rum

the answers don't add up to a full sum
we've paid in full but still there's something owed
we've had our time and to the edge we've come

we had the pie but could not find the plum
the poem we've got doesn't quite make an ode
the only proper cure's a drink of rum

in point of fact if we were deaf or dumb
we'd find ourselves protected on the road
we've had our time and to the edge we've come

we've seen the city turn to a huge slum
the secret to that's not locked in a code
the only proper cure's a drink of rum

we have made off with nothing but a crumb
the trick to that would make a head explode
we've had our time and to the edge we've come
the only proper cure's a drink of rum

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

annotations

there's time enough for all the things we dare
what magics we find are not hard to trace
their presence lingers in the morning air

not where we wanted but with time to spare
we've occupied what's not infinite space
there's time enough for all the things we dare

the messages that come tell us we're square
with those who want to redefine the case
their presence lingers in the morning air

the difference between truth and lie's a hair
or so say those whose merit is disgrace
there's time enough for all the things we dare

what's left of civil justice seems to be a smear
some traces here our hearts need to replace
their presence lingers in the morning air

all that's left of honour and equity we'll share
with those who show to us a human face
there's time enough for all the things we dare
their presence lingers in the morning air

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

looking outside

everywhere around we see first signs of spring
buds on the branches white and pinkish blooms
so now this day all life seems to be blossoming

outside my window more birds seem to sing
there's now an end to winter and its glooms
everywhere around we see first signs of spring

through half-open blinds i see the flash of wing
we've had enough of laws and rules and dooms
so now this day all life seems to be blossoming

what sorrows we have here are only those we bring
far away the sounds of traffic and its fumes
everywhere around we see first signs of spring

we fear that winter still may keep some sting
in its reserve only for a moment this fear looms
so now this day all life seems to be blossoming

the time has come for life to rise and do its thing
the season's one for new hoping and new brooms
everywhere around we see first signs of spring
so now this day all life seems to be blossoming

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

hour of the rabbit

vanishing words mean more than can be said
triumphant symbols of a world gone sour
the living have much in common with the dead

takes more than hair to make someone a dread
beneath their helmets even the strong cower
vanishing words mean more than can be said

promiscuous colours come down to plain red
at night we're woken by the sudden shower
the living have much in common with the dead

each day we struggle for some crumbs of bread
yet a small cottage trumps the greatest tower
vanishing words mean more than can be said

from here to there all vagrant thoughts are sped
casualties of what seems a wayward power
the living have much in common with the dead

at last we've triumphed inside each wary head
this is we deem fate's long-awaited hour
vanishing words mean more than can be said
the living have much in common with the dead


(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no need for searching

what's gone into deep spaces will stay lost
there's nothing here allows us to recover
and what we always do is pay full cost

on this fine day we've gone right past the frost
this is the season of the friend and lover
what's gone into deep spaces will stay lost

the coin lands on its edge when tossed
no secrets left for wise ones to uncover
and what we always do is pay full cost

we do our jobs there's no need to be bossed
no spirit at our shoulders waits to hover
what's gone into deep spaces will stay lost

old treebark that for long days has been mossed
still hangs on bare wood as a simple cover
and what we always do is pay full cost

no messages will in this space be crossed
no new things will we for now discover
what's gone into deep spaces will stay lost
and what we always do is pay full cost

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

an absence of magic

naming the dragon does not end its power
there's nothing that can do that but a god
still we gain safety though only for an hour

we could in some dark corner wail and cower
wondering on what innocents it had trod
naming the dragon does not end its power

life's sweetness in due time will become sour
we live or die awaiting a monster's nod
still we gain safety though only for an hour

we hope and pray to avoid that deadly glower
our feet are light and we are softly shod
naming the dragon does not end its power

it is not blackened heath or ruined tower
that marks our fear those would not be odd
still we gain safety though only for an hour

we wait the blooming of a deadly flower
meanwhile past deadly sleeping beast we plod
naming the dragon does not end its power
still we gain safety though only for an hour

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

to a large corporation

may their hours of sleep not give them any rest
their waking hours be filled with woe and pain
they've failed when brought unto the final test

may their lives lack all hope of joy and zest
their work be hard and give them little gain
may their hours of sleep not give them any rest

each of them send on an endless useless quest
to slay the thing that cannot ever be slain
they've failed when brought unto the final test

may each one daily suffer a malignant pest
and all their hope for relief be in vain
may their hours of sleep not give them any rest

each of their endeavours is evil and unblessed
they've given others only work and strain
they've failed when brought unto the final test

it's been a torture building our own nest
enough to explode the most complaisant brain
may their hours of sleep not give them any rest
they've failed when brought unto the final test

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

in the forest

    there's definition for the law of night
    appreciation of the raptor's power
    chances of retribution are but slight

    the owl's not interrupted in her flight
    down to the earth from crumbling tower
    there's definition for the law of night

    mouse that squeaks in existential fright
    apprehended far from odoriferous bower
    chances of retribution are but slight

    the hunter's law is not justice but might
    her shadow makes tremulous beasties cower
    there's definition for the law of night

    each fearful creature knows its final plight
    what's left from the dark air will shower
    chances of retribution are but slight

    in these dark places is now law or right
    hunger alone must celebrate its hour
    there's definition for the law of night
    chances of retribution are but slight

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

here's a straight answer

    the final step approaches that's now clear
    what's done is over and the bell will ring
    comes a new morning and a different air

    nothing can happen before we're aware
    yet when it comes we seem to feel a sting
    the final step approaches that's now clear

    so much to worry over so much to care
    but still there's time for a single final fling
    comes a new morning and a different air

    we've run the numbers identified what's fair
    we'll run affairs with more than a shoestring
    the final step approaches that's now clear

    there's never time simply to stop and stare
    the sunrise offers something new to bring
    comes a new morning and a different air

    we turn to hope rejecting all despair
    now heart and mind will rejoice and sing
    the final step approaches that's now clear
    comes a new morning and a different air

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a perfect aerial hue

    in time the colours will not seem so bland
    lines in the planking indicate what's true
    the tools we need come easily to hand

    it doesn't matter if we don't understand
    the smoke that rises from the hidden flue
    in time the colours will not seem so bland

    words serve uneasy waiting my command
    yet when they're wanted i find the symbols due
    the tools we need come easily to hand

    the things that happen are not always planned
    there's always an element calls for review
    in time the colours will not seem so bland

    true meanings will be hidden if not banned
    for who knows what new traumas will ensue
    the tools we need come easily to hand

    the secrets that are told throughout the land
    are of long standing there is nothing new
    in time the colours will not seem so bland
    the tools we need come easily to hand

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the season's hinge

    i look southwest and do not see my goal
    there's nothing here to keep us any more
    the ground upon which we shall stand is whole

    the horse that races now was once a foal
    could barely make it through the stable door
    i look southwest and do not see my goal

    the sky is blank today no clouds will roll
    no rains will from above upon us pour
    the ground upon which we shall stand is whole

    the singing birds have not ceased their patrol
    we feel there's still some soundness at the core
    i look southwest and do not see my goal

    beyond this moment who shall have control
    that is the question for who knows the score
    the ground upon which we shall stand is whole

    it's almost the due time we've given our parole
    matters return to the pattern of before
    i look southwest and do not see my goal
    the ground upon which we shall stand is whole

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

order and freedom

twixt law and love is battle ever drawn
the prize is always power in the state
the case of government is always worn

under the cloak there is a hidden thorn
it symbolises that most meanings grate
twixt law and love is battle ever drawn

each archetype is crowned with a horn
donated by the other for at any rate
the case of government is always worn

each proclaims justice as its dearest spawn
but neither keeps an honest open slate
twixt law and love is battle ever drawn

each emits dreadful monsters newly born
rivers of blood have entered into spate
the case of government is always worn

and we who hope for a returning dawn
still our progenitors' mistakes berate
twixt law and love is battle ever drawn
the case of government is always worn

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the lesson learnt

we're all defended by a simple rule
no action can endure beyond its time
purposes are not acquired in school

one who knows all is the truest fool
for although any answer is sublime
we're all defended by a simple rule

our language is a mere service tool
abetting or punishing every crime
purposes are not acquired in school

all humans sit on an uncertain stool
one tiny slip and all are in the slime
we're all defended by a simple rule

a wind will blow now warm now cool
all wait for sunrise to begin our climb
purposes are not acquired in school

of all our gifts this is the very jewel
story is known when we reach our prime
we're all defended by a simple rule
purposes are not acquired in school

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

sitting here alone

herewith we name all fears and see them die
our breaths are deep in the fresh morning air
few clouds now pass across the bluing sky

not far from here the towers rise up high
not foggy now we see them all quite clear
herewith we name all fears and see them die

what's needed most we cannot simply buy
and yet we will not find the price too dear
few clouds now pass across the bluing sky

nowhere do our conclusions seem more sly
than in this place where we confront our care
herewith we name all fears and see them die

our friends and colleagues now we do not spy
all have been captured by the morning's snare
few clouds now pass across the bluing sky

and yet we're frightened that our hopes will lie
we're still uncertain of the growing year
herewith we name all fears and see them die
few clouds now pass across the bluing sky

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

it always takes some time

the thing we want does not lack grace
it keeps us going for a long while
some answer's written on each face

not for our sort the sense of place
what matters more is sense of style
the thing we want does not lack grace

when we each of our options trace
it's hard to separate from the pile
some answer's written in each face

the prize is always worth the chase
there's no response that has no guile
the thing we want does not lack grace

what's most desired we must embrace
we're nothing if not versatile
some answer's written in each face

though we obtain our needed space
only by journeying many a long mile
the thing we want does not lack grace
some answer's written in each face

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

always some hope

in this soft place all winter is november
moving from autumn warmth to sharply cold
the fire of life will never reach an ember

the sunlight on the trees makes us remember
that we are strong though slowly growing old
in this soft place all winter is november

the sharpest freeze does not make it december
even in february the sun's still very bold
the fire of life will never reach an ember

still leaves are green as in sweet september
the fluffy clouds in warmth will us enfold
in this soft place all winter is november

the harshest winds do not our souls dismember
there's much to hope for that will still unfold
the fire of life will never reach an ember

sweet world of life of which i am a member
rewards my patience with this morning's gold
in this soft place all winter is november
the fire of life will never reach an ember

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

empathetic villanelle

Behind each mask there lurks an injured soul,
we do not note or see it while we pass,
hurt eyes observe us, vacant as a whole.

Nothing becomes us like our daily role
in the human drama,we all show our class;
behind each mask there lurks an injured soul.

Surviving the day, that's our normal goal,
not showing that we're brittler than glass;
hurt eyes observe us, vacant as a whole.

Our hearts have been entombed at the south pole
and we've been bound into a solid mass;
behind each mask there lurks an injured soul.

What pain we feel, burns inside like a coal
that's solid though it seems just like a gas;
hurt eyes observe us, vacant as a whole.

Where once was heart, now there is just a hole,
what once was gold now seems like cheapest brass.
Behind each mask there lurks an injured soul;
hurt eyes observe us, vacant as a whole.

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

sources of happiness

we'll find a way our hearts to please
with work and love and other joys
and sandwiches of toasted cheese

days come and go there is no ease
it seems that all we have are toys
we'll find a way our hearts to please

the whole thing seems to be a wheeze
we celebrate the girls and boys
and sandwiches of toasted cheese

avoiding here all slime and sleaze
there's nothing here that us annoys
we'll find a way our hearts to please

we want our drinks to cool or freeze
we've time to make some joyous noise
and sandwiches of toasted cheese

we're happy for the gentle breeze
that helps us keep our equipoise
we'll find a way out hearts to please
and sandwiches of toasted cheese

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

winter journey

you've come into the city from the night
the air is cold you do not know the place
and all around is snow that's purest white

worried that you'd miss the second flight
with muscles tense your thoughts race
you've come into the city from the night

the day before was wedded to delight
but now anxiety sits on your face
and all around is snow that's purest white

uncertainty now that's the truest plight
the card in hand's a joker not an ace
you've come into the city from the night

there you sit and this is what you write
action must be adapted for each case
and all around is snow that's purest white

far in the distance there's a newer light
warming the heart with sympathy and grace
you've come into the city from the night
and all around is snow that's purest white

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

nearing exhaustion

the most that we expect won't meet the case
against the tide's the way to sweat and strain
the answer's written on each human face

beyond the day there's never been a trace
of yesterday's efforts with might and main
the most that we expect won't meet the case

events and facts they dance and interlace
but what we learn in truth is the refrain
the answer's written on each human face

now when we act there's nothing to replace
nor have we reason now to entertain
the most that we expect won't meet the case

what most that we expect to have to face
affected by the wind and cold and rain
the answer's written on each human face

now that we've come to the last sticking place
we don't receive deterrence from the pain
the most that we expect won't meet the case
the answer's written on each human face

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

instructional requirements

to shape the words into the proper sense
requires both thought and patience combined
we must live forever in the present tense

the ones who learn will soon go forth from hence
we send them off in hope that they're refined
to shape the words into the proper sense

the ones who lag behind not always dense
are fearful they'll be sundered from their kind
we must live forever in the present tense

in all this work the struggle's most intense
to open eyes and heal the ones who are blind
to shape the words into the proper sense

repeated often there's now no suspense
about what happens and what we'll find
we must live forever in the present tense

whatever happens we'll not allow pretense
we seek in action but to free the mind
to shape the words into the proper sense
we must live forever in the present tense

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the bird has told all

there's nothing here that matters but the sun
the morning's cold but the sky is blue and clear
with a good effort i'll get the whole job done

ahead i know there's a long course to run
we've reached the turning point of this new year
there's nothing here that matters but the sun

still a battle's to be fought but lost or won
we're attending now to all that's in our care
with a good effort i'll get the whole job done

the eye's been tricked but it's all in good plain fun
we know that we're not marked by what we wear
there's nothing here that matters but the sun

the deal's been finished now we're under the gun
this is quite common but for each it's rare
with a good effort i'll get the whole job done

we've passed the obstacles now there are none
a new taste seems to flow throughout the air
there's nothing here that matters but the sun
with a good effort i'll get the whole job done

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

engage

the platonic forms are just not there
reality is what we all have made
there are no beings of the upper air

there's no perfect forming of a square
under the sun is only light and shade
the platonic forms are just not there

thinking about it drives you spare
all you have to do is make the grade
there are no beings of the upper air

the shadows on the wall are not a snare
all that is done will one day come to fade
the platonic forms are just not there

life is enough to make the holy swear
but everything we have will be arrayed
there are no beings of the upper air

what matters in the end is that we dare
all things that might make us afraid
the platonic forms are just not there
there are no beings of the upper air

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

calm winter day

the sun shines mildly on this winter noon
my mind needs a new focus at this hour
spring's prompt arrival would be a great boon

today the sun's a large pale glowing balloon
the clouds are thin and don't promise a shower
the sun shines mildly on this winter noon

there's even light promised for afternoon
the bell rings out loudly from distant tower
spring's prompt arrival would be a great boon

the postman's been i'll get the letters soon
just as the taste of my work becomes sour
the sun shines mildly on this winter noon

red berries the proud hollies' twigs festoon
staying bright when daylight seems to glower
spring's prompt arrival would be a great boon

in february the soul sighs and longs for june
there is no substitute for light on flower
the sun shines mildly on this winter noon
spring's prompt arrival would be a great boon

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

approaching bedtime

the day's been long and what i need is rest
i sit and sip some water lost in thought
when all is said and done water is best

the thought of water seems to be a test
thirst is with many subtle meanings fraught
the day's been long and what i need is rest

we start each day as journey or as quest
at night we find out what our work has bought
when all is said and done water is best

between the harsh demands our lives are pressed
we know at least the things that we have wrought
the day's been long and what i need is rest

though tired and shaky we are undistressed
the troubles of the day are set at naught
when all is said and done water is best

to our surprise life keeps its zip and zest
we always gain the things which we have sought
the day's been long and what i need is rest
when all is said and done water is best

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the normal heart

in the last analysis nobody can win
the game is rigged from start to end
all of our chances end up in the bin

the way we do the job is simply spin
we mark each fad and note each trend
in the last analysis nobody can win

the lottery's over and it didn't begin
the world ignores the messages we send
all of our chances end up in the bin

against the rails we always bang a shin
we get back less than half of what we lend
in the last analysis nobody can win

the beggar with his half-full coin tin
on our irregular charity cannot depend
all of our chances end up in the bin

we've censured love and labelled it a sin
we do most good just when we don't intend
in the last analysis nobody can win
all of our chances end up in the bin

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a spume that plays

we keep the darkness out of this small cave
the array of lights may brighten but not warm
the day that comes will test the very brave

out of the past there's little that we'll save
just gratitude that we've survived the storm
we keep the darkness out of this small cave

the small kind moments out of time we shave
they are the signs of some future reform
the day that comes will test the very brave

another generation comes one goes to grave
the changing of the guard is common form
we keep the darkness out of this small cave

sometimes plain life will give us what we crave
but then we're under pressure to perform
the day that comes will test the very brave

this in the end marks freeman from the slave
we both create and serve the proper norm
the day that comes will test the very brave
we keep the darkness out of this small cave

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

winter playground

in every snowball there's a solid stone
the shock you get is sudden pain not cold
and when you cry you find yourself alone

the gash in your arm's open to the bone
no one wants to hear the tale you've told
in every snowball there's a solid stone

only a baby has leave to bawl or moan
your temper and your anguish you must hold
and when you cry you find yourself alone

one moment laughing next in the twilight zone
that's how the rapid process will unfold
in every snowfall there's a solid stone

what you held certain now becomes unknown
that's quite a bill of goods you have been sold
and when you cry you find yourself alone

they all will laugh when you complain or groan
the villain is the one who gets the gold
in every snowfall there's a solid stone
and when you cry you find yourself alone

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

generosity

if we provide a place where you may sleep
in all the safety that this world provides
we would expect your thanks to be quite deep

there's nothing that we can create or keep
that won't in time force us to taking sides
if we provide a place where you may sleep

the hours of darkness much more slowly creep
in all those places where there are no tides
we would expect your thanks to be quite deep

you won't be cast aside thrown on the heap
this is no place where mastery derides
if we provide a place where you may sleep

in time we'll comfort you for each failed leap
and will not smile at those uneven strides
we would expect your thanks to be quite deep

our charity would bring the strong to weep
it would not do them any good besides
if we provide a place where you may sleep
we would expect your thanks to be quite deep

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

from the panopticon

it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent
the effect's the same as if done with forethought
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

we can't avoid it by shifting of emphasis or accent
this is the kind of story that can't in the end be bought
it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent

but what if in the doing we pause and then repent
turn ourselves in without waiting to be caught
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

the hounds of justice are a breed that never will relent
the consequences are those that you have wrought
it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent

the tree that bears the bitterest fruit is bent
by all the weight of pain and wasted thought
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

the last cry will be heard we know you will lament
the chances that were lost the battles left unfought
it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

Scorn not the sonnet

We've not said much about the villanelle
(as rigorous as the sonnet but more hard),
but, I suppose, that that is just as well.

We've many things to our good friends to tell,
we've stories to print out by foot and yard;
we've not said much about the villanelle.

When profiteering idiots make us yell
there are no limits, and no holds are barred,
but, I suppose, that that is just as well.

The truth is that, regular as a church bell,
we feel the anguish when some hope is marred;
we've not said much about the villanelle.

We're angered by the lies and the hard sell,
to those who want no more than good regard,
but, I suppose, that that is just as well.

And when we've driven forth the evil smell
it's time, we think, lay down our firm guard.
We've not said much about the villanelle
but, I suppose, that that is just as well.

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

duty matches beauty

the music is gathered here from many places
its tone and impact differ every time
this is a proper mode for airs and graces

the working man elusive dollars chases
paying the price in pain and dirt and grime
the music is gathered here from many places

hard-working women put through their paces
by morons feel the dead weight of slime
this is a proper mode for airs and graces

and all the children with their dirty faces
with energy and not yet in their prime
the music is gathered here from many places

yet still we feel all have gone out to the races
to watch their horses which is not a crime
this is a proper mode for airs and graces

the fact which collective effort here displaces
is that some moments yet may be sublime
this is a proper mode for airs and graces
the music is gathered here from many places

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the lands of dreams

the shame's no plane or ship will take us all the way
no map will show them though they are quite real
our desire is for abyssinia for serendip and far cathay

yet the journey takes but a moment not a whole day
we know the streets and villages and yet we feel
the shame's no plane or ship will take us all the way

the schoolboy pleasures the youthful joy and play
are gone forever but even so there's still the seal
our desire is for abyssinia for serendip and far cathay

the images that fill our minds we've made them stay
right where we want them that's the true appeal
the shame's no plane or ship will take us all the way

where have they gone though normal human clay
has the same limits still there's a better deal
our desire is for abyssinia for serendip and far cathay

the toils of life are ours our work will all vision slay
we'll not see all the places no new worlds will reveal
the shame's no plane or ship will take us all the way
our desire is for abyssinia for serendip and far cathay

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister