to tell a fable

across the night we hear a different sound
of more than life rejoicing in its prime
with echoes coming from a future ground

into the coming day most are now bound
each of us prisoners of hope and time
across the night we hear a different sound

true value's not in dollar nor in pound
the music here's not a drumbeat or chime
with echoes coming from a future ground

we wait for mountain to decay to mound
new creatures to rise up out of the slime
across the night we hear a different sound

so much remains the waiting to astound
we burn the rock to make the harsh quicklime
with echoes coming from a future ground

what others lost we know that we have found
and honest speech must never be a crime
across the night we hear a different sound
with echoes coming from a future ground

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the task of education

words travel from me at the speed of light
pausing i have a moment just to stare
patterns change always at the edge of sight

i think about the words my students write
statements produced with very little care
words travel from me at the speed of light

upon young brains there has fallen a blight
they do not want to think nor to prepare
patterns change always at the edge of sight

i want their chances to be more than slight
speaking plain truth is something i must dare
words travel from me at the speed of light

it is the dullest thinking they're most bright
that angers me and makes me tug my hair
patterns change always at the edge of sight

still i must do those things i know are right
simply be honest and be always fair
words travel from me at the speed of light
patterns change always at the edge of sight

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

one day in june

no matter what the word we have the sign
all things converge on a small mark of grace
at island's end we find the clinging vine

each of us thinks our secret heart divine
but sparks of anger show upon each face
no matter what the word we have the sign

stars planets comets every one align
to send a message out into deep space
at island's end we find the clinging vine

mangroves and seagrapes then inland the pine
and withes to function as a sort of lace
no matter what the word we have the sign

you drink your beer i have my coolish wine
each dropping out of the harried rat-race
at island's end we find the clinging vine

a simple moment yet i'll make it shine
all of these things in turn i shall misplace
no matter what the word we have the sign
at island's end we find the clinging vine

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

sailing to colchis

all that we know is less than wholly true
not all we see is clear to open eye
the last battalions pass in review

we'll take the ship and find a better crew
don't listen to the seagulls' plaintive cry
all that we know is less than wholly true

don't shun the old to cleave unto the new
but judge the stranger things that you may try
the last battalions pass in review

our ancestors will have no cause to rue
we see the traps and how to pass them by
all that we know is less than wholly true

none of us all old habits should eschew
a normal day is never truly dry
the last battalions pass in review

the thing that holds us is not any glue
we see no stars in the late evening sky
all that we know is less than wholly true
the last battalions pass in review

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the map is not the territory

Upon the map are all the magic places
where childhood dreams and adult hopes may meet
while radiant dragons lend us all their graces.

Who can forget the shining children's faces
given the chance those mighty ones to greet?
Upon the map are all the magic places.

We see great beings, unbound by stays and laces,
but tied to us by meanings still and sweet
while radiant dragons lend us all their graces;

not one of us the cherished chart misplaces
while we can climb the mountain with glad feet;
upon the map are all the magic places.

We'll meet one day the strange unhuman races
and walk together on the self-same street
while radiant dragons lend us all their graces.

Each of us knows that there are special cases
ensuring that our plans are incomplete;
upon the map are all the magic places,
while radiant dragons lend us all their graces.

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no diplomatic voice

across the river live the stranger folk
we cannot understand their normal speech
they will not yield to our most benign yoke

you see me here an ordinary bloke
but to their standards i can't hope to reach
across the river live the stranger folk

they do not know the tongue of ash and oak
nor can they read the words of thorn and beech
they will not yield to our most benign yoke

our darker sentiments we may not cloak
by seeming humbly to beg and beseech
across the river live the stranger folk

we say like stupid frogs they have to croak
on their fat herds we need so much to leech
they will not yield to our most benign yoke

on their hard language we now have to choke
they say to us we only shout and screech
across the river live the stranger folk
they will not yield to our most benign yoke

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no secret wound

a perfect moon sinking towards the west
gigantic pearl concealed within the fog
we seek right now the opposite of rest

the eastern glow is not another jest
we're back to horrid day with heat and smog
a perfect moon sinking towards the west

not one of us acts at our own behest
we're sadder than the tiny croaking frog
we seek right now the opposite of rest

just one more cup and then we'll have the zest
to drag ourselves out of the sleepy bog
a perfect moon sinking towards the west

just as the fledgling has to leave the nest
so do our feet have to move at a jog
we seek right now the opposite of rest

we lie to ourselves saying it's the best
that could be done now even for a dog
a perfect moon sinking towards the west
we seek right now the opposite of rest

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

indeed there will be time

say nothing that others may remember
your task's a simple one to get back home
the fire of wrath cools to a glowing ember

choices seem much clearer this september
we hide the key beneath the garden gnome
say nothing that others may remember

there will be other portents come december
for now we laugh and frolic in the foam
the fire of wrath cools to a glowing ember

the corpse of justice we will soon dismember
burying her deep beneath the silent loam
say nothing that others may remember

a simple truth but rawer than november
there is no mermaid with her busy comb
the fire of wrath cools to a glowing ember

duties fall too soon upon each member
there's no one left who'd ever want to roam
say nothing that others may remember
the fire of wrath cools to a glowing ember

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

roller-coaster

life changes and we alter with each tide
a subtler kind of magic fills each heart
we're just along to enjoy the wild ride

there are great wonders seen on every side
and happy birds through deepest forests dart
life changes and we alter with each tide

under large tree-roots little creatures hide
we set them jumping with a sudden start
we're just along to enjoy the wild ride

we'll let the problems and the worries slide
leaving behind the troubles of the mart
life changes and we alter with each tide

not one of us the happy could deride
we will not let the pain and sorrow smart
we're just along to enjoy the wild ride

with all the requisites we've been supplied
what now remains is just to play the part
lif changes and we alter with each tide
we're just along to enjoy the wild ride

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

for gail on her birthday

this is your day all of it free and clear
memory has played its part under the sun
rejoice and take a moment in the air

you do the things that others could not dare
before the rest begin you are well done
this is your day all of it free and clear

the time for happiness you still can spare
what others lost you certainly have won
rejoice and take a moment in the air

your heart stays light even when full of care
you are the mistress of the tale well-spun
this is your day all of it free and clear

i know you are the queen of all the fair
better than you i know well there are none
rejoice and take a moment in the air

we have to take the time to stand and stare
be happy that we have a place to run
this is your day all of it free and clear
rejoice and take a moment in the air

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a moment's waiting

beyond the shades another game's in play
not one for moral questions or for sense
eternal returning of the same day

choose now you fool either you go or stay
no chance or choice of sitting on the fence
beyond the shades another game's in play

anxious to westward for last solar ray
a shining cloud is neither warm nor dense
eternal returning of the same day

allow a speech and you deny the way
to those for whom the meaning's always tense
beyond the shades another game's in play

nothing's immortal all must soon decay
to hurry forward is to hurry hence
eternal returning of the same day

tempers and ropes are made to thin and fray
against the coming storm there's no defence
beyond the shades another game's in play
eternal returning of the same day

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no dearth of vision

behind the hill the sun has breached the sky
time does not halt for any old desire
there's more to see than fits into the eye

nothing prevents the one who has to try
nor are there barriers if you aspire
behind the hill the sun has breached the sky

none hears the sufferers when they must cry
but fall to silence when appears the choir
there's more to see than fits into the eye

there's no time to complain nor to decry
the causes of such swiftly rising ire
behind the hill the sun has breached the sky

nothing we see was made to ease us by
together all the forces must conspire
there's more to see than fits into the eye

against the law we tell the ugly lie
there's none but has to go into the fire
behind the hill the sun has breached the sky
there's more to see than fits into the eye

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

not only pitchy-patchy

behind the mask a man becomes divine
no simple act but transformation pure
a measure hidden when we pass the line

fates separate or come to intertwine
none of us starts expecting to endure
behind the mask a man becomes divine

the dancers come a signal and a sign
of earthly life receiving its great cure
a measure hidden when we pass the line

once truly clad nothing you see is mine
the human part is merely a sad lure
behind the mask a man becomes divine

to wear the costume requires a stout spine
and bearing that is noble not demure
a measure hidden when we pass the line

to a dead past our normal selves consign
appear in public powerful and sure
behind the mask a man becomes divine
a measure hidden when we pass the line

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no larger mercies

a rougher touch than we were meant to feel
upon each body there's a sense of cold
crueller and harder than the sharpest steel

before the king other than knights must kneel
it's not enough to know worthy and bold
a rougher touch than we were meant to feel

from certain judgments there is no appeal
some have the duty statutes to uphold
crueller and harder than the sharpest steel

not only cowards want to shout and squeal
warnings we fear have all been left untold
a rougher touch than we were meant to feel

upon each heart the anger must congeal
too many here will not live to be old
crueller and harder than the sharpest steel

sparks rise to blind us as we turn the wheel
all that is known is we were bought and sold
a rougher touch than we were meant to feel
crueller and harder than the sharpest steel

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

five-minute warning

meanings collide expectations shatter
upon each head there comes a crashing blow
no time left to chide much less to flatter

singers today in their boring patter
state not a thing that anyone could know
meanings collide expectations shatter

the best of dogs a determined ratter
chases its prey through heavy rain and snow
no time left to chide much less to flatter

the old folk liking to chat and natter
have no place left where they could easy go
meanings collide expectations shatter

ruler above madder than a hatter
bird compounded of noisy dove and crow
no time left to chide much less to flatter

here and now opinions don't matter
waiting for the radioactive glow
meanings collide expectations shatter
no time left to chide much less to flatter

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

glimmers in shadow

naming the monster makes it disappear
but not the tree lit up by setting sun
still there' s no tiger that we have to fear

walking through places that are not held dear
none could expect that you would choose to run
naming the monster makes it disappear

a turn through darkness will make nothing clear
beasts and humans alike the road may shun
still there's no tiger that we have to fear

another hill to climb and then no care
of men who carry sword or noisy gun
naming the monster makes it disappear

reaching the gate dim in the star-lit air
another journey soon must be begun
still there's no tiger that we have to fear

over the distance one might have to stare
plans made and scattered are yet far from done
naming the monster makes it disappear
still there's no tiger that we have to fear

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

every spoil is a style

there are no shadows on the malvern road
at noon when nothing moves not even pain
the mind i carry is my direst load

the aura tells me head ought to explode
what's knowledge for if i can never gain
there are no shadows on the malvern road

the threat of suffering is the surest goad
but nothing at this moment could be plain
the mind i carry is my direst load

under the rock squats an old warty toad
happy to wait for the next soothing rain
there are no shadows on the malvern road

now we are learning there's no sure abode
grass must be eaten and we'll cut the cane
the mind i carry is my direst load

we wait for secrets but don't know the code
against the angry past we have to strain
there are no shadows on the malvern road
the mind i carry is my direst load

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

clearest of mornings

if there is time we'll make a better trade
eyes will be dried and vision will be clear
the worst of days comes in the end to fade

choices are hard but yet they must be made
courage requires that every one must dare
if there is time we'll make a better trade

pirates and ninjas will combine to raid
the ones who up till then had not a care
the worst of days comes in the end to fade

shapes in the trees are made of light and shade
things are much sharper in the autumn air
if there is time we'll make a better trade

a calmer time will every stomach aid
we have some decent moments left to spare
the worst of days comes in the end to fade

at bottom stand the ones with fork and spade
whose looming presence causes all to swear
if there is time we'll make a better trade
the worst of days comes in the end to fade

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

still day almost no breeze

reveal the trick and it seems very small
the show's what matters and it matters much
against the morning sky each tree stands tall

there are no dances at the mourning ball
the things that count slip each one from our clutch
reveal the trick and it seems very small

what pleased us once now just seems to appall
the former stalwart now leans on a crutch
against the morning sky each tree stands tall

not one may answer when we dare to call
the rabbit stays well-hidden in its hutch
reveal the trick and it seems very small

in shallow seas not much remains to trawl
and what we find we would not eat as such
against the morning sky each tree stands tall

as summer ends we watch the old leaves fall
the fading glory still responds to touch
reveal the trick and it seems very small
against the morning sky each tree stands tall

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

escaping pressure

the law requires that we come under stress
no reason underpins it but we know
we must go forward or we must regress

truth is what's never published in the press
announcing many things that are not so
the law requires that we come under stress

planting in egg-boxes mustard and cress
we wonder why the growing is so slow
we must go forward or we must regress

no signs and symbols that we need repress
but we are worried at the absent foe
the law requires that we come under stress

obedient still we don proper dress
ready to face either the sun or snow
we must go forward or we must regress

division and destruction leave their mess
we've lost all modesty and youthful glow
the law requires that we come under stress
we must go forward or we must regress

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no place for heroes

never give blame to those held in the muck
who struggled to get through on heavy feet
the mire at every step will grasp and suck

we seek to get ourselves out of the ruck
believing the high air is clear and sweet
never give blame to those held in the muck

the effort avails not we are still stuck
while others pass us by in manner fleet
the mire at every step will grasp and suck

we shout and scream but you don't give a fuck
with what delays and horrors we will meet
never give blame to those held in the muck

we hear some idiots complain and cluck
but the new masters they will praise and greet
the mire at every step will grasp and suck

it's far too easy just to pass the buck
while we in all our sorrow moan and bleat
never give blame to those held in the muck
the mire at every step will grasp and suck

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

and then fresh sunrise

once shadows hid strange beings of the night
now each of us can name the happy star
the room for tragedy is not so slight

over each word we wrangle and we fight
then each of us will walk up to the bar
once shadows hid strange beings of the night

not one of us will see with blinding sight
how one will make while others simply mar
the room for tragedy is not so slight

no records tell us of the greatest blight
that haunted us and made us flee so far
once shadows hid strange beings of the night

we listen to old saws and speeches trite
too much of that and we'll fall below par
the room for tragedy is not so slight

a single turn and all things become bright
another note is played on the guitar
once shadows hid strange beings of the night
the room for tragedy is not so slight

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

sit back and watch

a shadow falls on dark vale and bright tower
we know its meaning but we fear to shout
we have arrived at a noteworthy hour

today the dust could do with a sharp shower
to let the green rise and shine clearly out
a shadow falls on dark vale and bright tower

the river flows today with little power
but still we see the swiftly moving trout
we have arrived at a noteworthy hour

each of us smiles at the last summer flower
it's not the time to weep or sigh or pout
a shadow falls on dark vale and bright tower

no rivalry could make the wakeful cower
too long a season though brings dread and drought
we have arrived at a noteworthy hour

too soon we'll find ourselves in sharpest stour
giving and taking rapid blow and clout
a shadow falls on dark vale and bright tower
we have arrived at a noteworthy hour

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

arising brick by brick

a distant glimmering of urgent light
requires no thought nor even that we act
too soon the happy day must turn to night

we're every one of us in the same plight
the glass we look into is chipped and cracked
a distant glimmering of urgent light

not one of us who claims the second sight
could tell us what is lie and what plain fact
too soon the happy day must turn to night

right now all matters are both clear and bright
but every face will soon find itself smacked
a distant glimmering of urgent light

the chance of making all things good is slight
nobody by the powers has been backed
too soon the happy day must turn to night

we earn the shadow as a human right
do not insist on delicate contact
a distant glimmering of urgent light
too soon the happy day must turn to night

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

looking upwards

see clarity of blue late-summer sky
a gentle wind moving the tips of trees
silence itself gives every fear the lie

no one in honesty should want to try
to challenge ancient powers on their knees
see clarity of blue late-summer sky

it's morning now night does not yet draw nigh
this is the moment all of us must seize
silence itself gives every fear the lie

there is some order that we may descry
in all the motions of the zephyr breeze
see clarity of blue late-summer sky

from all our sorrows we this beauty pry
in deepest pain to find a place of ease
silence itself gives every fear the lie

the truest pleasure's more than in the eye
both hearts and minds the best of sights must please
see clarity of blue late-summer sky
silence itself gives every fear the lie

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

who see with blinding sight

our children soon will have to pay the bill
for all our failures and our false desires
for now we all seem to have lost the will

our planet turns it's never standing still
each day to better one of us aspires
our children soon will have to pay the bill

grain turns to flour daily in the old mill
it simply does what the whole world requires
for now we all seem to have lost the will

only the lucky get to eat their fill
and then to sing in the adoring choirs
our children soon will have to pay the bill

the rest of us must be content with swill
and celebrate not being trapped in mires
for now we all seem to have lost the will

it does not matter who may have the skill
to warm the coal and start again the fire
our children soon will have to pay the bill
for now we all seem to have lost the will

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

with extended view

there's nothing here the normal mind to shock
except the pain that comes from knowing light
no one should pause not even to take stock

only the idle need to watch the clock
the rest of us know that it will soon be night
there's nothing here the normal mind to shock

the city's built on sand and not on rock
its chances of survival are but slight
no one should pause not even to take stock

one last ship is still berthed at the last dock
across the water the wise should take flight
there's nothing here the normal mind to shock

no one could come now our escape to block
but we're not sure that fleeing would be right
no one should pause not even to take stock

no victory will come for those who mock
but neither will there be any delight
there's nothing here the normal mind to shock
no one should pause not even to take stock

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

eastward the dawn

there is no challenge we won't this day meet
our minds are firm and we are on the ball
clamour now falls to silence on the street

each morning comes and the daylight is sweet
late summer but the leaves aren't poised to fall
there is no challenge we won't this day meet

we see what's solid what is sure concrete
there's never reason to delay or stall
clamour now falls to silence on the street

the truth when spoken we need not repeat
the chances change will happen are not small
there is no challenge we won't this day meet

we've organised things and they're now so neat
that there is nothing left that could appall
clamour now falls to silence on the street

a proper day with much more light than heat
no dismal shadows wait out in the hall
there is no challenge we won't this day meet
clamour now falls to silence on the street

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the heavens themselves

politest forms obscure the ugly side
the world belongs to those who are too rich
the rest of us have only rags and pride

the truth of power cannot long be denied
only a few can scratch the hungry itch
politest forms obscure the ugly side

the ones who pay the bill can't choose the ride
and everywhere we watch out for the snitch
the rest of us have only rags and pride

whoever rules is free to be most snide
and sneer at every beggar's humble pitch
politest forms obscure the ugly side

every wise husband has paid for his bride
as for a side of beef or for a flitch
the rest of us have only rags and pride

this is plain truth we cannot just elide
the fact that we are ruled by dog and bitch
politest forms obscure the ugly side
the rest of us have only rags and pride

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

rawest of realities

no share of justice left for those who seek
through thought and deed a space to dedicate
that will provide some safety for the weak

against the strong we have arrayed the meek
but if they fail someone will celebrate
no share of justice left for those who seek

some measure of contentment though the sleek
and perfumed bear none of the honest freight
that will provide some safety for the weak

we tell the true ones from the sport and freak
the latter are all barred at the last gate
no share of justice left for those who seek

in silence to endure the loudest shriek
of saddened creature mourning for its mate
that will provide some safety for the weak

each for a time will stand there on the peak
and then for everyone it will be late
no share of justice left for those who seek
that will provide some safety for the weak

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

under high cloud

echoes of night remain in every heart
we wait to see just what falls on the plate
turning the truth into a work of art

a shuttered life spent in a place apart
keeps us in silence behind a thick gate
echoes of night remain in every heart

the job is ended before we can start
we start out early but arrive too late
turning the truth into a work of art

we bear the corpses on a slow mule cart
the lively once are now just so much freight
echoes of night remain in every heart

too soon we must make ready to depart
the tally will be cleared off the old slate
turning the truth into a work of art

the whip can never truly make us smart
only our knowledge of the final state
echoes of night remain in every heart
turning the truth into a work of art

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

inanition

these angry lions stand up for the king
there is no place where they cannot bear rule
we want the year to be forever spring

the words we speak lack a true honest ring
they move too slowly like a spavined mule
these angry lions stand up for the king

where darkness crowds us like a vibrant thing
we wait for morning and we sip our gruel
we want the year to be forever spring

announcing that the coming dawn will bring
a better day that's not unkind nor cruel
these angry lions stand up for the king

we're caught and raised up by a rapid sling
our task is not to quarrel nor to duel
we want the year to be forever spring

time there is not for a last happy fling
we lack the energy and basic fuel
these angry lions stand up for the king
we want the year to be forever spring

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

atlantis sunrise

let memory speak and we may learn the new
symbols and signs of a far better time
the rising towers always stay in true

we find ourselves still seeking for a clue
or any explanation for the crime
let memory speak and we may learn the new

the answers may come before they are due
and messages will shortly fit the rhyme
the rising towers always stay in true

winners are many losers are but few
from starting shot until the closing chime
let memory speak and we may learn the new

we urge the laggards to join with our crew
before the day has reached its proper prime
the rising towers always stay in true

choices are made and someday we may rue
the effort we have put into this climb
let memory speak and we may learn the new
the rising towers always stay in true

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

an age of lead

mention the name and everyone's aghast
nobody wants to speak all wish to fly
the present's just an echo of the past

above us clouds are moving pretty fast
the ceiling here is never very high
mention the name and everyone's aghast

the coming thunderclap won't be the last
there's no place left secure and snug and dry
the present's just an echo of the past

we keep on waiting for the loudest blast
the tallest ones will always burn and fry
mention the name and everyone's aghast

we take the onomastics at the last
all meaning has been written in the sky
the present's just an echo of the past

the world's now small yet once it was most vast
no truths are now apparent to the eye
mention the name and everyone's aghast
the present's just an echo of the past

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

commend all summer long

savour each moment and still it will pass
into pale memory and lose all weight
the world is seen through a distorting glass

the truth is known to every lad and lass
who kisses and farewells at the closed gate
savour each moment and still it will pass

all human flesh goes on to make fresh grass
we know the ending although not the date
the world is seen through a distorting glass

taste and desire have feeling but not mass
we know reality comes always late
savour each moment and still it will pass

green or dull grey the answer remains crass
the best we do is never adequate
the world is seen through a distorting glass

age sex and status colour race and class
all in the end merely the price inflate
savour each moment and still it will pass
the world is seen through a distorting glass

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

more than a dream

we take the rule and know we must obey
a sort of lassitude provides excuse
still we require no map to find the way

we turn the dial soon from night to day
our minds rebel at this renewed abuse
we take the rule and know we must obey

the least of us will mighty dragons slay
and giant fortresses swiftly reduce
still we require no map to find the way

we see the monster as our highest prey
and all our praises soon will be profuse
we take the rule and know we must obey

the action will be seen within the play
minds hearts and spirits willingly seduce
still we require no map to find the way

another sun may light us with its ray
another voice awoken by the muse
we take the rule and know we must obey
still we require no map to find the way

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

wise men's sons

a simple word for some things may suffice
but at the best of times we need to fight
for all those beings neither neat nor nice

we have to make a choice of fire or ice
while we maintain that success may be slight
a simple word for some things may suffice

our words and actions have to be precise
falling between the bounty and the blight
for all those beings neither neat nor nice

we scurry onwards like a flock of mice
unpleasant to the ear and to the sight
a simple word for some things may suffice

of all the joy of living we've a slice
bitten before we thought of taking flight
for all those beings neither neat nor nice

the choice once made we have to pay the price
and right this minute ahead of the night
a simple word for some things may suffice
for all those beings neither neat nor nice

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister