naming the better choices

where words and music in due course combine
we choose each time to listen or to dance
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

the finest elements from raw ore we'll refine
each of us in our turn will take our chance
where words and music in due course combine

for what we want for that we will not pine
we'll get our pay or we will not advance
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

the whole thing's not about what's yours or mine
although we cast a glamour of romance
where words and music in due course combine

each of us will our tastes and hopes define
we'll take things in with more than just a glance
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

and in the end where some might draw the line
there'll be a moment where we fall in trance
where words and music in due course combine
life's more than bread and water beer or wine

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

we see the change

all that we ask for will one day be lost
all day through sun and rain we wend
at some point somebody will count the cost

those who obeyed and those who bossed
no memories of grace they'll lend
all that we ask for will one day be lost

all through the night we turned and tossed
against vague evil foes we did defend
at some point somebody will count the cost

those rivers which we have not crossed
we watch at the last slow great bend
all that we ask for will one day be lost

a message with the great seal embossed
is not the one our enemies will send
at some point somebody will count the cost

and in the end we feel the touch of frost
who's left as foe and who indeed as friend
all that we ask for will one day be lost
at some point somebody will count the cost

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the deepest of wishes

threat or promise we desire the rain
to fill our parched cracked empty hearts
this is our vision and we see it plain

there's nothing for which we want to strain
lethargy weighs down all human parts
threat or promise we desire the rain

on river's edge we see the nesting crane
after soft prey with alacrity it darts
this is our vision and we see it plain

at night we seek the stars of charles's wain
their brightness is so clear it almost smarts
threat or promise we desire the rain

we fight for justice with full might and main
and find it sold for threepence in the marts
this is our vision and we see it plain

life carries on between joy and pain
survival is the plainest of all arts
threat or promise we desire the rain
this is our vision and we see it plain

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

not enough to console

what words there are have not the vital force
there's never sufficient healing in our hearts
life proceeds onwards in its normal course

whether on foot or on mounted on high horse
we aren't required to do more than our parts
what words there are have not the vital force

stream must flow full strength from the source
the waterwheel provides the blow that smarts
life proceeds onwards in its normal course

life's not to be priced or traded on the bourse
the heart's made vulnerable by pointed darts
what words there are have not the vital force

the moment's one that calls out for remorse
but that may cause more pain than all our arts
life proceeds onwards in its normal course

this is the point where sense and heart divorce
our hearts and minds are far beyond the charts
what words there are have not the vital force
life proceeds onwards in its normal course

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

Voyager

The voyage will depend on a mixed crew
who must learn to live and work as one,
to voyage home is all they wish to do.

Strange and uncanny things will come in view,
they'll grow into a family before they're done;
the voyage will depend on a mixed crew.

Love will bind them all before they're through
and they won't lose their spirit on the run --
to voyage home is all they wish to do.

Crises will come and be resolved on cue
yet from their purpose they will not be spun;
the voyage will depend on a mixed crew.

Carpers may speak nonsense till they're blue
but the bold captain duty will not shun;
to voyage home is all they wish to do.

Over the years their spirits will renew
in spite of threats from tractor beam or gun.
The voyage will depend on a mixed crew;
to voyage home is all they wish to do.

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

waiting for sunrise

if there were hope of any new reward
who'd go out there in hope of great gain
knowing that the other answer was a sword

those who had stood for long hours on guard
would have endured the greatest joy and pain
if there were hope of any new reward

they would have taken any for their lord
who would have washed away the human stain
knowing that the other answer was a sword

all who receive guerdon of bed and board
should give of all their hearts with might and main
if there were hope of any new reward

the ones who reached the final goal and scored
must not show any sign of sweat or strain
knowing that the other answer was a sword

the ones who the old paradigms adored
would not have seen the vision clear and plain
if there were hope of any new reward
knowing that the other answer was a sword

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

attending to the record

when told the tale of what is now long past
what recollections and what feelings rise
the field's enormous and the map is vast

what was done then has now been surpassed
by those who do not need the least disguise
when told the tale of what is now long past

it might have been one who had been aghast
at all that cautious thinking could devise
the field's enormous and the map is vast

the sail that's hung upon the tallest mast
takes up the wind or that's the best surmise
when told the tale of what is now long past

upon great waters desires were outcast
all backs were turned to loud despairing cries
the field's enormous and the map is vast

never be certain this fight will be the last
life will entice us with its subtlest lies
when told the tale of what is now long past
the field's enormous and the map is vast

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the masque of humanity

seeking illuminations of this weary age
not on the streets but in the human heart
we read the message and we turn the page

no reason now to burn with hotter rage
at those who made our past a thing apart
seeking illuminations of this weary age

it was no wonder-worker nor no mage
who bought and sold our fathers in the mart
we read the message and we turn the page

all our experience has not made us sage
we have not moved six inches from the start
seeking illuminations of this weary age

we've trapped ourselves within a tiny cage
and yet we've hope this horror to depart
we read the message and we turn the page

each of us takes our turn on the great stage
we forge our lives into a kind of art
seeking illuminations of this weary age
we read the message and we turn the page

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

right mindfulness

impact of messages senses must derange
what rejoices marks a kinship with the past
what's most familiar becomes most strange

emotions and sensations will arrange
into those shapes that potters may cast
impact of messages senses must derange

with no respectfulness signals will exchange
with symbols that pass by our vision fast
what's most familiar becomes most strange

the job of cultivation keeps going at the grange
meanwhile the ship's boy stands before the mast
impact of messages senses must derange

you hold things back we give our hopes their range
in between horrors we all will have a blast
what's most familiar becomes most strange

rejecting all stability what we embrace is change
we know that life and light just will not last
impact of messages senses must derange
what's most familiar becomes most strange

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

hearing adams' transmigration

names of the dead sounds of the distant city
our task of memory is the sharpest goad
not anger now but sorrow and deep pity

the message is most clear the impact gritty
the weight of grief we cannot yet unload
names of the dead sounds of the distant city

the voices deep and gentle in their ditty
have on our recollection grace bestowed
not anger now but sorrow and deep pity

we know the answers given by committee
to all that happened there's no secret code
names of the dead sounds of the distant city

now after a long wait we may wax witty
but strong emotion haunts every abode
not anger now but sorrow and deep pity

we listen as the music makes all pretty
rounds out our sadness sends out on the road
names of the dead sounds of the distant city
not anger now but sorrow and deep pity

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

more image than a shade

winning or losing what matters is the game
our task is just to struggle till the very end
what comes tomorrow will not be the same

our expectation was a world made tame
the wildness we confronted would not bend
winning or losing what matters is the game

we looked and saw the peoples that came
what grace they had they could not lend
what comes tomorrow will not be the same

we shape our images to fit the given frame
the colours do not run together and blend
winning or losing what matters is the game

the light we have does not come from a flame
what we have got here we will not now send
what comes tomorrow will not be the same

we ask and we are told the proper name
for all that we would master or intend
winning or losing what matters is the game
what comes tomorrow will not be the same

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

poised at the end of day

we see no limits to this late march sky
those things we wish for we may soon obtain
the minutes come and go the seconds fly

what's attempted now is neither low nor high
the answer that we get couldn't be more plain
we see no limits to this late march sky

the bees and wasps we watch them buzzing by
the ants have come out waiting for the rain
the minutes come and go the seconds fly

we've asked what and when and even why
our souls and bodies cannot take the strain
we see no limits to this late march sky

we've gone outside the air's no longer dry
we've great anticipation of the rain
the minutes come and go the seconds fly

not pierced yet to the root we want to try
the question that seems most to pertain
we see no limits to this late march sky
the minutes come and go the seconds fly

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

lost in deep bush

we've heard the lies we hear them once again
the glibbest answers are the ones we've heard
nothing remains for us but sorrow and long pain

the mark on the map looks like a large bloodstain
the long shadow there comes from a carrion bird
we've heard the lies we hear them once again

we've seen the fall of darkest oily rain
we asked for bread and we received a turd
nothing remains for us but sorrow and long pain

the simplest kindness will go against the grain
the kingdom's ruled by masters of the absurd
we've heard the lies we hear them once again

nothing that's here is either clear or plain
our vision's like our language dull and blurred
nothing remains for us but sorrow and long pain

the injury here is to the heart and brain
the falsehood's present in the merest word
we've heard the lies we hear them once again
nothing remains for us but sorrow and long pain

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

it's proverbial

we ask for nothing but the taste of hope
what comes beyond that we won't know
time we have learned is longer than a rope

if we can manage here or simply cope
with how the river flows or doesn't flow
we ask for nothing but the taste of hope

the answer's in a metaphor or trope
what makes the poem plod or really go
time we have learned is longer than a rope

if we're unlucky we'll face a long downslope
we'll go down faster than ever we can throw
we ask for nothing but the taste of hope

our fingers are made slippery with soap
we slip off those things that make us slow
time we have learned is longer than a rope

a final answer well that's beyond our scope
we doubt that we'll be filled with a true glow
we ask for nothing but the taste of hope
time we have learned is longer than a rope

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a string of brilliant pearls

yesterday we chose the harder way
today we must regret it most of all
we must proclaim there is a better day

what lets us bide here will let us stray
our spirits shorten as the days grow tall
yesterday we chose the harder way

serpent or dragon's mouth will speak and say
we have not hearkened to the proper call
we must proclaim there is a better day

we've seen the light illuminate the bay
colours return to the most distant wall
yesterday we chose the harder way

we see the waters and we think of play
this is the sort of pleasure that won't pall
we must proclaim there is a better day

far to the east we see the first dawn ray
before we walk we always have to crawl
yesterday we chose the harder way
we must proclaim there is a better day

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

in flaming memory

remarkable that we can recall fire
when it flamed up and what we saw
we add another string unto the lyre

life's hard enough for seller or buyer
the crows in the trees always caw
remarkable that we can recall fire

what things to which we might aspire
will bring us under some great paw
we add another string unto the lyre

voices that compose the present choir
hit every note without a single flaw
remarkable that we can recall fire

we pile our titles up and ever higher
we hold ourselves in reverential awe
we add another string unto the lyre

our thoughts will not in this way tire
we're subject to a single civil law
remarkable that we can recall fire
we add another string unto the lyre

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

we've got the magic

all who hear this laugh with joy
the answer given must agree
we've got the magic girl and boy

what happens our peace to annoy
will not concern us by decree
all who hear this laugh with joy

the most remarkably deft ploy
will not evade the starting fee
we've got the magic girl and boy

nothing will our pleasures cloy
we'll all dance round the happy tree
all who hear this laugh with joy

no one can our desires destroy
we've made the final high degree
we've got the magic girl and boy

we will with our new burdens toy
we've got the power being free
all who hear this laugh with joy
we've got the magic girl and boy

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the mire of human veins

we are the ones who decide what is the law
we'll make you suffer you will feel real pain
we're just like nature red in tooth and claw

if you speak out you'll have soon to withdraw
all that you've said and you won't speak again
we are the ones who decide what is the law

our symbol is a beast with a huge maw
clamping down on you sucking out every vein
we're just like nature red in tooth and claw

there's no pup here batting with tiny paw
your blood will redden the wide-open drain
we are the ones who decide what is the law

if you're lucky you'll just be beaten raw
you won't be turned into a smelly stain
we're just like nature red in tooth and claw

our purpose is to make you cringe with awe
to deactivate your soft tiny little brain
we are the ones who decide what is the law
we're just like nature red in tooth and claw

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

deep and dreamless

enough to anger the calmest of souls
the names of vampires we have all forgot
each of us cowers in our nightly holes

there's a light dancing round the poles
strangely appearing on the empty plot
enough to anger the calmest of souls

under each bridge ahead the trolls
have eaten nothing and begun to rot
each of us cowers in our nightly holes

the saviours of our future space patrols
are now inactive sleeping on each cot
enough to anger the calmest of souls

beneath us lurk no more sleeping moles
we've got rid of the entire slinky lot
each of us cowers in our nightly holes

none of us inhabits now our proper roles
not the sober certainly not the sot
enough to anger the calmest of souls
each of us cowers in our nightly holes

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the winds of march

low on the ground fresh green with yellow light
the flowers announcing spring their power declares
nature is getting some things at least done right

we're half awakened from what was a long night
the world accepts this and ignores our stares
low on the ground fresh green with yellow light

we are i guess not the greatest beauties in sight
we get things almost backward who wins dares
nature is getting some things at least done right

the nightmare may be over though still some fright
remains with us and we still have great cares
low on the ground fresh green with yellow light

the flower appears in the dull shrub's despite
the glory's the best thing we've seen in years
nature is getting some things at least done right

so we've got our chance and one more round to fight
the thing we want with hope and sun appears
low on the ground fresh green with yellow light
nature is getting some things at least done right

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

peering into the dark

the shadow stays while earth turns at its pace
we name the hours and seem to name them wrong
we're horses handicapped in the ten-furlong race

outside it's hard to read the message of each face
the night gets shorter though it seems too long
the shadow stays while earth turns at its pace

it seems to us that we've just marched in place
waking we eat and drink but we are never strong
we're horses handicapped in the ten-furlong race

the years have left with us far more than a trace
of pain and sorrow we've beaten on that gong
the shadow stays while earth turns at its pace

wring out the towels we've cleaned up this space
and now we see it crowded by the throng
we're horses handicapped in the ten-furlong race

what matters in the end but style and grace
we hope we'll be remembered in the song
the shadow stays while earth turns at its pace
we're horses handicapped in the ten-furlong race

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the measure of all things

naming the places does not give us power
we make illusionary claims to magic arts
some time we're promised a refreshing shower

we will not see the cornered beasts that cower
awaiting the last onslaught of our darts
naming the places does not give us power

on the low grass the buttercups in flower
proclaim a spring that grows inside our hearts
some time we're promised a refreshing shower

we want the rain to cleanse us and to scour
the dust that's covered us in fits and starts
naming the places does not give us power

we've no traitors to punish nor to devour
they are not men of any noble parts
some time we're promised a refreshing shower

all things will wait until the proper hour
we've made all due notations on the charts
naming the places does not give us power
some time we're promised a refreshing shower

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

something truly great

what fills the head does not rejoice the heart
heart's satisfactions leave the mind as dead
each of us wishes we played only a bit part

the things that we imagine we can never chart
nor can we take agreement as just read
what fills the head does not rejoice the heart

our souls are bought and sold at the cheap mart
a pound of feathers balances all the lead
each of us wishes we played only a bit part

the thing that satisfies will cause no smart
in the small space between the done and said
what fills the head does not rejoice the heart

we find at the end what we found at the start
all our desire is caught twixt love and dread
each of us wishes we played only a bit part

the corpse of the slain they dump on cart
the alchemy of life turns flesh to bread
what fills the head does not rejoice the heart
each of us wishes we played only a bit part


(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

what the wise never know

the truest gold is not the one that shines
what's best may not be always sharp nor loud
skill mixed with sapience is what best refines

what once required a long stint in the mines
will now cover all those who are not proud
the truest gold is not the one that shines

they pay the price in prison time or fines
but leave before they earn themselves a shroud
skill mixed with sapience is what best refines

those who succeed won't draw within the lines
the field they rule is not the one they ploughed
the truest gold is not the one that shines

we'll wait for sunset here to gild the pines
this keeps us just ahead of all the crowd
skill mixed with sapience is what best refines

those who find the way will quaff those wines
that are devoted to the ones who vowed
the truest gold is not the one that shines
skill mixed with sapience is what best refines

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a needed adjustment

the smallest measure is the one to trust
nothing exceeds the limits of our care
we'll mete out proper quantity till we are dust

the world we have will not too soon combust
there's no phlogiston lurking in our air
the smallest measure is the one to trust

the ends of profit still promote disgust
we want a world that's honest and that's fair
we'll mete out proper quantity till we are dust

the breeze today is even no sharp sudden gust
will overturn the carefully placed chair
the smallest measure is the one to trust

our feet have trodden lightly on earth's crust
but through the law we've driven coach and pair
we'll mete out proper quantity till we are dust

the gold that we desire will one day rust
we should have learned to divide up and share
the smallest measure is the one to trust
we'll mete out proper quantity till we are dust

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no stolen names

we hide the pictures for we fear the faces
and what they seem to say about our hope
we wonder what they've done in other places

horses have broken loose from their traces
and run wild here while we still have no rope
we hide the pictures for we fear the faces

we've lost our money betting on those races
we want the horse to run but now we see it lope
we wonder what they've done in other places

each person here their great desire embraces
except for those who sit on the side and mope
we hide the pictures for we fear the faces

what matters now is how we solve these cases
not one here with their beloved will elope
we wonder what they've done in other places

the answer may not lie now with the graces
our knowledge soon will give us greater scope
we hide the pictures for we fear the faces
we wonder what they've done in other places

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

one sort of vision

when we have slain the dragon it revives
not as itself but in our hearts as its dark blood
flows through the crevices of our dark lives

what we have learned is of the fire that drives
all living things before it destroying crud
when we have slain the dragon it revives

what in our minds of kindness that survives
is drowned out as the hot draconic flood
flows through the crevices of our dark lives

news of our victory as soon as it arrives
lands on the threshold with a weary thud
when we have slain the dragon it revives

long time we learned to fear the angry knives
which scorn our bodies left there as the mud
flows through the crevices of our dark lives

the beast that we thought dead in us now thrives
the branch that we thought withered now has buds
when we have slain the dragon it revives
flows through the crevices of our dark lives

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

what we're obliged to

a dream of light and magic leads to day
work is what we face when we have risen
between duty and pleasure lies our way

life demands from us both work and play
to choose one alone is to choose prison
a dream of light and magic leads to day

we've had a lot to do and much more to say
work of our hands gives shape to our vision
between duty and pleasure lies our way

there are no dragons or krakens left to slay
but still we have to make a true decision
a dream of light and magic leads to day

without our care the cords of worth will fray
our sole inheritance would be derision
between duty and pleasure lies our way

the winds of time our makings will not sway
we've made the proper and supreme provision
a dream of light and magic leads to day
between duty and pleasure lies our way

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a matter of interpretation

write out the message you will get it wrong
the signals will be crossed before they leave
the whole thing's just another stupid song

the weak don't give way to the so-called strong
the oldest ones don't weep although they grieve
write out the message you will get it wrong

the distance we shall travel is not long
but journey takes from dawn till nearly eve
the whole thing's just another stupid song

the dance begins when they have hit the gong
the membership's restricted that i believe
write out the message you will get it wrong

the crowd's large enough to label it a throng
though those who name now will seem naive
the whole thing's just another stupid song

we won't accept that none of us belong
among the masters who do not deceive
write out the message you will get it wrong
the whole thing's just another stupid song

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

palms of victory

we can't require our men to cross the hill
all of our hopes have been sent back to start
these are the victims of our great goodwill

we're most afraid of when we'll get the bill
that won't be a good thing for each old heart
we can't require our men to cross the hill

we've found the enemy's nothing but a shill
the cries for vengeance are a form of art
these are the victims of our great goodwill

the enemies we've conquered are not still
moving against us every blow must smart
we can't require our men to cross the hill

we've fed our followers just muck and swill
the bodies pass by piled up on each cart
these are the victims of our great goodwill

our guides and guardians have no real skill
those who seemed wisest only played a part
we can't require our men to cross the hill
these are the victims of our great goodwill

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the boundaries are set

all knowledge is contained in matching pain
to pleasure removing for a while the old desire
while each and every one walks in the rain

the moment comes when we have lost all strain
we're burned or cleansed in the returning fire
all knowledge is contained in matching pain

what seems a loss becomes a disguised gain
what seems no music is played upon the lyre
while each and every one walks in the rain

i've crossed dark seas set foot on land again
in this new place there's neither serf nor squire
all knowledge is contained in matching pain

the meaning of my words is clear and plain
each who denies it shall be proved a liar
while each and every one walks in the rain

not to speak out would go against the grain
the better songs will never reach the choir
all knowledge is contained in matching pain
while each and every one walks in the rain

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

return to life

the buds are red on the awakening tree
winter is in retreat and we're quite glad
the task this day is not to feel but be

it isn't what we've come here now to see
in other places snow still drives them mad
the buds are red on the awakening tree

the yearly cycle will issue its decree
in all due time for we've been too long sad
the task this day is not to feel but be

i wake to coffee but would rather wake to tea
still that in its place is not really so bad
the buds are red on the awakening tree

i look outside and see the shadows flee
spring's on the way in joyous colours clad
the task this day is not to feel but be

perhaps today we'll go out on a spree
this is no time to be depressed or sad
the buds are red on the awakening tree
the task this day is not to feel but be

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

by other means

the matter doesn't require arming helicopters or tanks
no war is to be fought this day in such an awful place
the whole thing means a boring through thick planks

real discontent may not be permitted in the ranks
to its roots any anger the police shall promptly trace
the matter doesn't require arming helicopters or tanks

the horse that's been forced to run has now got sore shanks
still we are not expected to have put gold on the race
the whole thing means a boring through thick planks

there'd be a stronger guard on all sides no bare flanks
to be exposed not even in the night a naked face
the matter doesn't require arming helicopters or tanks

the soldiers on patrol run risks and have no thanks
we expect them to go forward always at marching pace
the whole thing means a boring through thick planks

our debts are owed to those who have not owned the banks
we are not given much but what we've got is grace
the matter doesn't require arming helicopters or tanks
the whole thing means a boring through thick planks

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

parsley

a plant's name a single word not very hard
become a sign of life or death the very mark
here is my home there's the alien balm yard

who would have thought that once the barred
the ones who are not wanted had to hark
a plant's name a single word not very hard

their voices and the colour said to have marred
the backwards island with the signs of dark
here is my home there's the alien balm yard

those who for public safety were on guard
become two-footed brothers of the shark
a plant's name a single word not very hard

what's left of light but a small damaged shard
too weak for us to even think a spark
here is my home there's the alien balm yard

now this we don't mean when we play the card
this reality we come to see is far too stark
a plant's name a single word not very hard
here is my home there's the alien balm yard

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

see see the mark

honking of grey geese above our street
spring is coming that's the message here
we see the grass is greening at our feet

each day the workers walk their weary beat
the pay they get's not a great mark of cheer
honking of grey geese above our street

wondering what happens when stars meet
the birds are gathering above each mere
we see the grass is greening at our feet

we note the colours changing still not fleet
but the new season's not yet in full gear
honking of grey geese above our street

we've got the cycle down it will repeat
just as it has but that's what we hold dear
we see the grass is greening at our feet

we shall the newest goddess rise to greet
we hope to speak the right words in her ear
honking of grey geese above our street
we see the grass is greening at our feet

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the nature of the beast

time's not a tube through which we swiftly pass
squeezed towards death as soon as we're conceived
it's the right side or not of the old looking-glass

the winner of the race knows himself an ass
no sooner are we born than we're bereaved
time's not a tube through which we swiftly pass

it doesn't matter that all flesh has become grass
that grows so quickly but still we've been deceived
it's the right side or not of the the old looking-glass

the story of the ages the meeting of lad and lass
each time they saw it the ancestors all grieved
time's not a tube through which we swiftly pass

it doesn't matter that we've won all the brass
we'll have to give up every penny we received
it's the right side or not of the old looking-glass

in the end nothing matters not charm and not class
about that at least the unhappiest will be relieved
time's not a tube through which we swiftly pass
it's the right side or not of the old looking-glass

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a nagging doubt

when we've done all our tasks and are at rest
the mind will stir and invent things undone
each day each hour we confront another test

life we are told lies between curse and jest
what each has lost the other has just won
when we've done all our tasks and are at rest

what most we wish for's a burden and a pest
when we don't have it that's not so much fun
each day each hour we confront another test

the garden we've laid out was made with zest
but now we have no zeal and honour shun
when we've done all our tasks and are at rest

we've got the duty to fulfill your last request
you'll be long gone before we see the sun
each day each hour we confront another test

what's been required was done at your behest
it was a sore trial to us though not the only one
when we've done all our tasks and are at rest
each day each hour we confront another test

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

in reason rotten

for what we do not know we take the blame
a moment's thought should clear the mind
there's nothing here but an eternal flame

those in the woods reject the meek and tame
but when it comes to justice they are blind
for what we do not know we take the blame

uncured remain the dumb the halt the lame
no respite from their sorrow do they find
there's nothing here but an eternal flame

what has appeared was not what before came
to tell us who and what made humankind
for what we do not know we take the blame

we are not ready but still we take our aim
what has been loosed we cannot again bind
there's nothing here but an eternal flame

there's nothing real here it's just another game
the things that matter have been left behind
for what we do not know we take the blame
there's nothing here but an eternal flame

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

going forth in march

in principle there's nothing left to do
the multitude has seen its finest hour
a newer form of rule is coming through

you must never the higher tasks eschew
in their small corner the ghosties cower
in principle there's nothing left to do

sunrise will with a new glory imbue
the trees that over our small cottage tower
a newer form of rule is coming through

the morning birds have never ceased to coo
in the deep woods they have their hidden bower
in principle there's nothing left to do

on other days we might some truth pursue
for now we rest and will conserve our power
a newer form of rule is coming through

and soon we'll celebrate a season new
there'll be no reason then to pout and glower
in principle there's nothing left to do
a newer form of rule is coming through

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the old limits are abolished

which being told us caused a sudden pause
not given much to anger and less to rage
awaiting the fullest operation of the laws

what's known is subject to amending clause
the whole thing's been presented on a stage
which being told us caused a sudden pause

their teaching method's nothing but the taws
the book's been opened at the middle page
awaiting the fullest operation of the laws

the faces round us just cover hungry maws
their eagerness you cannot truly gauge
which being told us caused a sudden pause

beyond the hill lies hunter seeking flaws
that will allow him to corner us in cage
awaiting the fullest operation of the laws

the audience withholds for now applause
it hasn't yet received a working wage
which being told us caused a sudden pause
awaiting the fullest operation of the laws

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

true story

i seek to name the places i belong
not for my presence but for the game
i can't turn all my life into a song

to move once is not to move along
we want to see what never is the same
i seek to name the places i belong

saying right is wright and wrong's wrong
the naming is inherent in the name
i can't turn all my life into a song

each of us is along in midst of throng
there's no one here but us left now to blame
i seek to name the places i belong

each moment here we will seek to prolong
too soon each knows will gutter out the flame
i can't turn all my life into a song

i come to separate the weak from strong
to separate the wild one from the tame
i seek to name the places i belong
i can't turn all my life into a song

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the purpose is the matter

that gives us all the power to comprehend
our purposes is nothing but our desire
for what we want is what we name our end

it does us not a whit of good to fake or pretend
that we know what is what for we require
that gives us all the power to comprehend

we do not speak of evils since all that we intend
will not be played on trumpet or on lyre
for what we want is what we name our end

the nimble trees won't at our wishes bend
they'll seem to rise each moment ever higher
that gives us all the power to comprehend

the genius that sets forth the normal trend
that sends the signals forth along the wire
for what we want is what we name our end

do not i beg you chide nor rephrehend
do not condemn the laughter or the fire
that gives us all the power to comprehend
for what we want is what we name our end

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a door may open

if you've got a real chance to change accept it
there's nothing that should keep you in firm place
like an eager horse you're champing at the bit

no reason to dig yourself deep into the old pit
your passport's written in the lining of your face
if you've got a real chance to change accept it

you know what's there the necessary split
between the old and new that's the real chase
like an eager horse you're champing at the bit

new place new hours new purpose and new kit
what other things are left for you to trace
if you've got a real chance to change accept it

the moment comes when you'll not have to sit
on any fences you know there's no disgrace
like an eager horse you're champing at the bit

all this comes within the limits of your wit
you need to be the master of your space
if you've got a real chance to change accept it
like an eager horse you're champing at the bit

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister