all-island rain

after a while i know the rain won't pause
so i must trudge on through the dark and wet
to get home safely is my only cause

i've always been afraid of rod or tawse
but with one purpose i am fairly set
after a while i know the rain won't pause

closing my book on subordinate clause
i look at the last street-light with regret
to get home safely is my only cause

no monsters wait to take me in their maws
until i reach my door i won't be met
after a while i know the rain won't pause

there are no tigers with their long sharp claws
in the dark forests that i half-forget
to get home safely is my only cause

i am obedient to the lesser laws
if i should drown there's not one who would fret
after a while i know the rain won't pause
to get home safely is my only cause

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

capitalism gone mad

news comes of death and fear and of great pain
we've got a world where crises never cease
and all that drives us now is hope of gain

we should not ask the nature of that stain
that sinks into the pavement unlike grease
news comes of death and fear and of great pain

we learn the facts and we learn them all plain
the terrors come without pause or surcease
and all that drives us now is hope of gain

there'll be no healing here from gentle rain
we may have come to ending of our lease
news comes of death and fear and of great pain

not one hand rises our own to sustain
no one will come our hearts and eyes to please
and all that drives us now is hope of gain

we're punished if we go against the grain
never again may we have rest or ease
news comes of death and fear and of great pain
and all that drives us now is hope of gain

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no need for wit

there's nothing more of us you may require
beyond the seas we've no need of your aid
there's not one thing that can withstand the fire

with you the hidden ones may well conspire
some things are best done in the evening shade
there's nothing more of us you may require

warnings will be printed on a flier
and then forgotten everything must fade
there's not one thing that can withstand the fire

the message goes to every rural shire
through many rivers your horses must wade
there's nothing more of us you may require

your hope lies in the midden and the byre
in entities that were not proper made
there's not one thing that can withstand the fire

the longest silence will confound a liar
so many want to enter the parade
there's nothing more of us you may require
there's not one thing that can withstand the fire

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no distant music

we do not ever know the proper cause
of all the pains and sorrows that we face
the whole thing is not due to higher laws

the hungry tiger shows its shining claws
signs of great power and of a fiery grace
we do not ever know the proper cause

the noise continues without any pause
each is confined to a restricted space
the whole thing is not due to higher laws

spring will refresh us with its rains and thaws
but autumn plods on at a steady pace
we do not ever know the proper cause

one who would lead us never hems and haws
and shows us clear concern in smiling face
the whole thing is not due to higher laws

we are not made to bow before applause
as creatures of the fearful human race
we do not ever know the proper cause
the whole thing is not due to higher laws

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

in the deep bush

there is no silence in the richest green
life makes its presence known in many ways
in memory we are what we had once been

we climb the rocks our bodies firm and lean
in the deep bush each gully seems a maze
there is no silence in the richest green

on small adventures we are very keen
all in these woods is subject to our gaze
in memory we are what we had once been

the shadowed floor is full of things that mean
but to decypher them takes many days
there is no silence in the richest green

high in the trees a hungry hawk may keen
a tiny movement fearful mouse betrays
in memory we are what we had once been

we were not then built into the machine
having so much to understand and praise
there is no silence in the richest green
in memory we are what we had once been

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

on the warm hillside

lights on the lowland in the velvet night
and further out the deeper darker sea
we find the rules are neither true nor right

there's some small comfort in the normal sight
a time exists that gives us room to be
lights on the lowland in the velvet night

the sense of wonder is not small nor slight
from this calm place each knows he has to flee
we find the rules are neither true nor right

the night's as dark as day is dazzling bright
and ghosts and spirits hang beneath each tree
lights on the lowland in the velvet night

there are no demons though for us to smite
nor beings to whom we have to bend knee
we find the rules are neither true nor right

against nostalgia we still have to fight
memory and truth will not ever agree
lights on the lowland in the velvet night
we find the rules are neither true nor right

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

in the dark wood

only in shadows do we dare to dream
haste renders void with one actinic flash
we can survive without the golden beam

truth has no colour falsehood has a gleam
what glitters most is the foulest of trash
only in shadows do we dare to dream

respect what heroes a fair process deem
and never yield to baton nor to lash
we can survive without the golden beam

sewage is sold us as the finest cream
against a rigid wall we have to smash
only in shadows do we dare to dream

the angry river is no precious stream
upon its rocks the fragile boats will bash
we can survive without the golden beam

plain honest truth is just another meme
the thing that truly matters is cold cash
only in shadows do we dare to dream
we can survive without the golden beam

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a feast of echoes

the bell we hear is not the truest bell
drums beat and violins expand the sound
music and heart in unison will swell

the joyous tympani can't sound a knell
rhythmic perfection shall old pain confound
the bell we hear is not the truest bell

the truths discovered we now must not tell
honour and justice will our words impound
music and heart in unison will swell

richness and depth our warmest thoughts impel
the greatest mountain is a gentle mound
the bell we hear is not the truest bell

we may not recollect what just befell
nor any treasures that we may have found
music and heart in unison will swell

there's not a thing that we would buy or sell
instead we'll make a stand upon our ground
the bell we hear is not the truest bell
music and heart in unison will swell

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

honour without profit

we give each thing we see and sense a name
and think that gives us all the truest power
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

each hopes the rain will fail to douse the flame
but then rejoices in the longed-for shower
we give each thing we see and sense a name

the world we have is never truly tame
each of us in our shelters has to cower
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

you'd seek to blame the enemies who came
and rendered sterile what had been our dower
we give each thing we see and sense a name

each may define the proper shaping frame
and leave pain stranded in the highest tower
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

if we don't shun the glory and the fame
our deepest hopes will not last out the hour
we give each thing we see and sense a name
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

bar the shouting

you make the trip knowing how it will end
but choices do not matter in this light
behind their faces each has to pretend

we get some things and others we must send
and then forget them when they're out of sight
you make the trip knowing how it will end

the road's not straight and hell is round the bend
our passengers are now half-dead with fright
behind their faces each has to pretend

we borrow glory but you've cannot lend
us one more thing than we would have of right
you make the trip knowing how it will end

if we attack you cannot just defend
you can't match strokes and that is the worst plight
behind their faces each has to pretend

what has been broken you can never mend
nor can you find an answer in the night
you make the trip knowing how it will end
behind their faces each has to pretend

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

west of black river

let each small gift become a larger sign
of what we hope and what we have to know
peace falls at last on both sides of the line

the shore is cleansed each day by foamy brine
trees take their shape from steady winds that blow
let each small gift become a larger sign

we watch the river and the sea entwine
waters move swiftly and then they move slow
peace falls at last on both sides of the line

the sand that forms the beach is sugar-fine
and in the sunset almost seems to glow
let each small gift become a larger sign

the reef ahead seems like a stony spine
and still the tides will steady ebb and flow
peace falls at last on both sides of the line

in the warm night we slowly sip our wine
and when time comes we will arise and go
let each small gift become a larger sign
peace falls at last on both sides of the line

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a kind of epitaph

we will not leave unchanged from this sad place
no terror's left to frighten those who dare
we're not the glory of the human race

each of us wishes we could leave some trace
of who we were hanging bright in the air
we will not leave unchanged from this sad place

we shed all satin and we shed all lace
still we will not be either cold or bare
we''re not the glory of the human race

when we are gone we'll leave behind no space
nor will the world be less stark or less fair
we will not leave unchanged from this sad place

our hands are suited not to gun or mace
nor to such weapons as the great may spare
we're not the glory of the human race

the plainest truth is seen in every face
lineaments of honesty and care
we will not leave unchanged from this sad place
we're not the glory of the human race

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

hoping for more rain

when the rules change we can't be satisfied
a moment's thought will serve to give us pause
nothing eventuates but out of pride

we can't be sure that you will not deride
all that we say each single phrase and clause
when the rules change we can't be satisfied

our urgent need will not here be denied
we see the benefits and all the flaws
nothing eventuates but out of pride

we told the truth but you just would have lied
and quickly bowed and smiled at the applause
when the rules change we can't be satisfied

we have no secrets left for you to hide
there is no one who knows the primal cause
nothing eventuates but out of pride

were we alone we just might let things slide
but once observed are subject to the laws
when the rules change we can't be satisfied
nothing eventuates but out of pride

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

one time long time

choices were made and life seemed very good
until we saw what lay beyond the cloud
all shattered now is hope of brotherhood

our rulers' heads are made of rock or wood
and yet they stand above us high and proud
choices were made and life seemed very good

the hangman comes frowning beneath his hood
and in his presence none dares speak too loud
all shattered now is hope of brotherhood

not one of us who did the things we could
survives to seek true shelter in the crowd
choices were made and life seemed very good

there was nothing that was not understood
yet when it happened we were swiftly cowed
all shattered now is hope of brotherhood

if we went back we know that we still would
end in the same place backs bent and heads bowed
choices were made and life seemed very good
all shattered now is hope of brotherhood

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

quest fever

night makes the shapes that come to us in dream
each of us travels through that realm of dark
forever seeking one last noble gleam

we hold our visions in lowest esteem
that other world seems a most dreadful park
night makes the shapes that come to us in dream

we hate to watch the last fading sunbeam
fearing deep shadows and terrors most stark
forever seeking one last noble gleam

we get a message a confusing meme
facing a stern judge and an evil clerk
night makes the shapes that come to us in dream

we wake and paper fills up by the ream
with words that waking mind may truly mark
forever seeking one last noble gleam

the journey's made with neither sail nor steam
from light to light we follow the stone's arc
night makes the shape that come to us in dream
forever seeking one last noble gleam

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

that strain again

we cannot truly understand the past
all that we know is not enough to tell
history's a stream on which we all are cast

things happen and they happen very fast
it is all over when they ring the bell
we cannot truly understand the past

not even time to pack up the repast
before we see the ocean rise and swell
history's a stream on which we all are cast

we may recover from the sudden blast
but not accept either vision or smell
we cannot truly understand the past

our colours now hang limply from the mast
we find there is no water in the well
history's a stream on which we all are cast

the prize will be withheld until the last
we listen for that final aching knell
we cannot truly understand the past
history's a stream on which we all are cast

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

liberty is not a dream

we do not leave a single root behind
the cords that bind us are extremely long
we take whatever givens we can find

we start our journey well and truly blind
and every turn we take we learn is wrong
we do not leave a single root behind

there is no past for which we could have pined
all our connections mean we must be strong
we take whatever givens we can find

beyond all horrors we are humankind
it is to ourselves that we most belong
we do not leave a single root behind

through annual struggle and daily grind
each is alone though always in a throng
we take whatever givens we can find

we find no answers but a questing mind
no cheery words but one heroic song
we do not leave a single root behind
we take whatever givens we can find


(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no duppy runner

beside the road old spirits congregate
we hear their voices twitter in night air
while cold upon our necks is urgent fate

we left our starting time until too late
this is a place where people disappear
beside the road old spirits congregate

the road we pass on never has been straight
the way to safety is far less than clear
while cold upon our necks is urgent fate

darkness of history a deadly freight
there is no sanctuary in the square
beside the road old spirits congregate

we cannot sight or sound obliviate
those who might shelter simply do not care
while cold upon our necks is urgent fate

each will forget the season and the date
there's not a drop of courage left to spare
beside the road old spirits congregate
while cold upon our necks is urgent fate

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a thrice-told tale

now truth becomes what we seek in the green
arrive too late and you have missed the flower
what matters most is what you have not seen

plain facts are told in maner most serene
no lightnings play about a gloomy tower
now truth becomes what we seek in the green

what's honest cannot ever be obscene
but prudes and puritans will always glower
what matters most is what you have not seen

we always have to show respectful mien
to those who could our hopes and loves devour
now truth becomes what we seek in the green

our own desires will matter not a bean
pasts may be sweet but futures may turn sour
what matters most is what you have not seen

the beggar girl must dream of being queen
the slave of days when in his hands lies power
now truth becomes what we seek in the green
what matters most is what you have not seen

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

to resist such gods

the gods who made us seem to hate us all
they make our lives all misery and pain
we always have to stand up from the fall

all human power will sicken and appall
if two men kiss we will withhold the rain
the gods who made us seem to hate us all

we will chop down the stalks that stand too tall
converting into loss all of your gain
we always have to stand up from the fall

your ventures will all sail into a squall
and if you're lucky will come out again
the gods who made us seem to hate us all

the princess will be struck down at the ball
over the kingdom comes a noisome stain
we always have to stand up from the fall

we will not listen though you have to call
we make things difficult when they are plain
the gods who made us seem to hate us all
we always have to stand up from the fall

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no platonic shadows

when veneers crack the end comes very soon
the scent of pain cuts across every line
we think it midnight but we call it noon

though vultures gather they will never croon
not even when they watch the falling kine
when veneers crack the end comes very soon

at night we listen for the lonely loon
on lakes whose banks are thick with fir and pine
we think it midnight but we call it noon

promises made by light of the full moon
crumble to powder if we have to sign
when veneers crack the end comes very soon

we wake and then we wonder why you swoon
the greatest hopes plain life will undermine
we think it midnight but we call it noon

we ask for peace as if it were a boon
but cannot wait our metal to refine
when veneers crack the end comes very soon
we think it midnight but we call it noon

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the greater world

so close the sea at the same time so far
the beach is foolishness so we are told
we carry distant vision like a scar

we try so hard but can never reach par
our efforts are pathetic you will scold
so close the sea at the same time so far

a stolen hour with a superb cigar
the world seems large and i must now be bold
we carry distant vision like a scar

the honey flows from out the broken jar
the day was hot but now my skin turns cold
so close the sea at the same time so far

to open just one window of the car
and clearer moments might just then unfold
we carry distant vision like a scar

that distant house seems just another star
we know the way and followed it of old
so close the sea at the same time so far
we carry distant vision like a scar

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

destiny

a moment in the sun and we are lost
beyond the hope of any swift return
life smiles but every kindness has a cost

no cheque we write can easily be crossed
we end up spending more than we can earn
a moment in the sun and we are lost

like cattle we too swiftly can be bossed
and show our simple hunger at each turn
life smiles but every kindness has a cost

we see our chances in those we accost
we are too careful any odds to spurn
a moment in the sun and we are lost

into the living stream we each are tossed
there's so much that we swiftly have to learn
life smiles but every kindness has a cost

we have to withstand both the heat and frost
to overcome the different sorts of burn
a moment in the sun and we are lost
life smiles but every kindness has a cost

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a lesser light

some clarity is more than we desire
the weight of sky bears down on every head
we end in water or we end in fire

to what high regions might we not aspire
were it not for our constant sense of dread
some clarity is more than we desire

the one who falsifies is not the liar
what truly matters sinks faster than lead
we end in water or we end in fire

the race continues right down to the wire
we cannot ever tell just who's ahead
some clarity is more than we desire

could we from this long contest now retire
others would rush to pull the heavy sled
we end in water or we end in fire

the virtues all end up on a bonfire
nothing could ever matter more than bread
some clarity is more than we desire
we end in water or we end in fire

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

roi de mes douleurs

against the coming day is no defence
we take what we are given and we smile
there's never reason for hurrying hence

we add together all the pounds and pence
that does not ever take us a long while
against the coming day is no defence

there isn't any green past the last fence
and we all reach that place in the same style
there's never reason for hurrying hence

nor do we have much reason for suspense
nothing remains once you have crossed the stile
against the coming day is no defence

no need for sacrifice or burnt incense
there is no angel at the last defile
there's never reason for hurrying hence

we can't expect the whole thing to make sense
from the last injury we won't resile
against the coming day is no defence
there's never reason for hurrying hence

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

distracted by externals

the blue looks warm but that is just a lie
we are not fooled by this day's cheery glow
no clouds to soften the starkness of sky

into the meanings of some truths we pry
driven by the relentless urge to know
the blue looks warm but that is just a lie

our thoughts like this long year are awful dry
we see the river falter in its flow
no clouds to soften the starkness of sky

all subtlety and meaning we'll supply
we'll laugh until it's time for us to go
the blue looks warm but that is just a lie

we listen for the day-bird's hungry cry
to tell us what is and what isn't so
no clouds to soften the starkness of sky

truth is not what we understand by eye
some things move fast but others are too slow
the blue looks warm but that is just a lie
no clouds to soften the starkness of sky

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

The idiots' guide to the villanelle

I haven't any sense, but I can jaw
as well as any idiot out here --
my writing is the Underworld, not law.

My spelling's bad, you try it with a claw,
but writing is to me the thing most dear;
I haven't any sense, but I can jaw.

I have no dog, yet I am a cat's paw,
and now you have me weeping in my beer:
my writing is the Underworld, not law.

You are such beasts, my nerves are now quite raw
and I am feeling very odd and queer --
I haven't any sense, but I can jaw.

The words keep sticking in my witchy craw,
I'm trying to behave stern and austere,
my writing is the Underworld, not law.

My feelings have been rubbed completely raw,
you people set my mind all out of gear.
I haven't any sense, but I can jaw;
my writing is the Underworld, not law.

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

for gail -- ii

let us remember what the best times are
hold fast to them though winds blow hard and cold
you are my morning and my evening star

between us i am glad there is no bar
coming together makes us both seem bold
let us remember what the best times are

our journey takes us both to places far
this is our story and it shall be told
you are my morning and my evening star

the light you shed will never burn nor char
of you i sing and of you shall i hold
let us remember what the best times are

we seal our feelings in a magic jar
they are for us our silver and our gold
you are my morning and my evening star

there is no trade in market or bazaar
of what in this small space we shall enfold
let us remember what the best times are
you are my morning and my evening star

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

pondside legend

we have our own atlantis had we known
that this tale would appear in such a guise
a better attitude we might have shown

a salty wind upon this ground has blown
the ones who lurk might just as well be spies
we have our own atlantis had we known

the sky above bright and hostile has grown
while the blue sea is seething with surprise
a better attitude we might have shown

a village vanishes without a groan
the angry sea for a moment would rise
we have our own atlantis had we known

into the pond we dare not drop a stone
don't wonder at persistence of the flies
a better attitude we might have shown

nothing is left behind not flesh nor bone
just quiet water appears to our eyes
we have our own atlantis had we known
a better attitude we might have shown

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

what can be known

there's no significance in all these signs
we do not gather what we ought to know
not one of us can stay between the lines

we serve the terms or else we pay the fines
the motion of the planets seems too slow
there's no significance in all these signs

within no boundaries nor small confines
we find the place where rivers start to flow
not one of us can stay between the lines

the truest ore is not found in the mines
the stoutest pillar crumbles at a blow
there's no significance in all these signs

never elegant nor dressed to the nines
but still not capable to wield a hoe
not one of us can stay between the lines

the choices are not of spirits or wines
but of a vision that should truly glow
there's no significance in all these signs
not one of us can stay between the lines

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

silhouettes

the world arrives in more than black and white
our eyes can catch of all of this but part
another day has conquered awful night

we cannot see the future that's our plight
to be so wise but still not to be smart
the world arrives in more than black and white

the chains that bind us still cannot unite
we all of us were different from the start
another day has conquered awful night

the victory won't always go to might
into some crevices the agile dart
the world arrives in more than black and white

no answer comes to us through proper rite
we throw the carcass onto waiting cart
another day has conquered awful night

the monster cannot take a single bite
the skin is safer than the trembling heart
the world arrives in more than black and white
another day has conquered awful night

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

we're irrelevant

we cannot tell the white cord from the black
all of our hope has gone into the fire
we're still constrained to stay right at the back

if you are honest you'll just get the sack
the one who wins is the outrageous liar
we cannot tell the white cord from the black

no winds are left to lurk within the sack
the statue cannot stand upon the spire
we're still constrained to stay right at the back

the truth is never what's told by the flack
nor what is sung by the most sweet-voiced choir
we cannot tell the white cord from the black

what once was profit now turns into lack
what once we hated now we most desire
we're still constrainted to stay right at the back

through densest bush a way we have to hack
only to find we've fallen in the mire
we cannot tell the white cord from the black
we're still constrained to stay right at the back

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

behind the cloud

we tell ourselves the most beguiling lies
while step by step we head towards the brink
the world's not real enough for our old eyes

no cavalry will ride down from the skies
and none of us remembers how to think
we tell ourselves the most beguiling lies

we blame all crime on saboteurs and spies
our minds cannot compass the missing link
the world's not real enough for our old eyes

we will not even praise the one who tries
to draw the message from the opaque ink
we tell ourselves the most beguiling lies

the one who answers is not one who buys
the silence and the knowing little wink
the world's not real enough for our old eyes

we cannot hearken to the one who cries
instead we bow our heads and sip our drink
we tell ourselves the most beguiling lies
the world's not real enough for our old eyes

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a single leaf

a single leaf is history in green
our knowledge does not vanish into past
we are the sum of all that we have seen

there are some places where we have not been
nor have we served for years before the mast
a single leaf is history in green

once each of us hoped to be king or queen
not knowing into what streams we'd be cast
we are the sum of all that we have seen

in memory still bright we find the scene
when thought transfixed us making us stand fast
a single leaf is history in green

that moment when a single branch would lean
to show just where dramatic breeze had passed
we are the sum of all that we have seen

the world is still made up of things that mean
but nothing that we want can hope to last
a single leaf is history in green
we are the sum of all that we have seen

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

what ought to happen

within the forest are no magic folk
we walk for hours and find no sign of elves
only the sounds of leaves and the odd croak

rain makes the past into the humus soak
more than bent backs reward the one who delves
within the forest are no magic folk

you'll soon turn out an ordinary bloke
no magic axe-heads will fly off the helves
only the sounds of leaves and the odd croak

no númenor nor wizard isle of roke
just the plain schools for ordinary selves
within the forest are no magic folk

we may incant and the dim fires stoke
but have no means of transcending ourselves
only the sounds of leaves and the odd croak

and so each head will bend under the yoke
the mystic trees turn into walls and shelves
within the forest are no magic folk
only the sound of leaves and the odd croak

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

how it goes on

i hear the voices of the noisy birds
they're at the old and truly magic dance
communication requires less than words

were they to congregate in flocks or herds
how else would each its pleasant cause advance
i hear the voices of the noisy birds

this principle the one that undergirds
all of our movements is not simple chance
communication requires less than words

we ask these questions seeming to be nerds
whose focus is on meaning not romance
i hear the voices of the noisy birds

life draws significance from all these surds
so much expressed in fractions of a glance
communication requires less than words

to get the truth of milk we need the curds
and so we need to watch these creatures prance
i hear the voices of the noisy birds
communication requires less than words

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

savage wars of peace

each dragon bears a monkey on its back
which one's the guide and leader is not clear
to fable-mongers we allow no slack

upon whole elephants the serpents snack
no rider will allow a sign of fear
each dragon bears a monkey on its back

the last knight flees high up the mountain track
the end of chivalry has now come near
to fable-mongers we allow no slack

a heavy smoke comes from volcanic crack
it does not bother those high up in air
each dragon bears a monkey on its back

wolves hunt the shepherds in a hungry pack
while trolls and demons fill the village square
to fable-mongers we allow no slack

a damsel screams then the scene fades to black
and goblins laugh when elf-kind would not dare
each dragon bears a monkey on its back
to fable-mongers we allow no slack

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the page turns

trivial time to think of when we'll meet
choices were made that set us on our way
into the distance sails the royal fleet

who has the choice exactly whom to greet
is king of flowers more than just a day
trivial time to think of when we'll meet

days of good weather still seem to us sweet
with minds that are not close to adult sway
into the distance sails the royal fleet

we skip the stones and then have to repeat
the one who laughs will let the water spray
trivial time to think of when we'll meet

with glorious colours we're now replete
yet have not good excuse to pause or stay
into the distance sails the royal fleet

we've left our morning faces on the street
look up and see the world is turning grey
trivial time to think of when we'll meet
into the distance sails the royal fleet

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

from emesa to ctesiphon

the mode of failure now seems all too clear
beyond the wall the masses cannot wait
a little rain may serve to cleanse the air

empires arise when golden monsters dare
lay out the claim they've been chosen by fate
the mode of failure now seems all too clear

a time of charity means words to spare
but they don't add to much upon a plate
a little rain may serve to cleanse the air

riding a mule a stallion or a mare
will do to survey the largest estate
the mode of failure now seems all too clear

our rulers worry about what to wear
to awe us when they enter through the gate
a little rain will serve to cleanse the air

our task in the new order is to stare
while dragons pass us by with heads held straight
the mode of failure now seems all too clear
a little rain will serve to cleanse the air

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

painful decisions

the choice to go or not to go's absurd
a road was mapped long before we were born
we must walk forward with a joyful word

nothing will happen that we won't have heard
this drizzle makes the whole place seem forlorn
the choice to go or not to go's absurd

we think the one who reads is just a nerd
but backs are bent and hands have long been worn
we must walk forward with a joyful word

the thunderclap tells us what has occurred
we hear a car alarm annoying horn
the choice to go or not to go's absurd

whatever we might do has been inferred
when we arrive we see they've reaped the corn
we must walk forward with a joyful word

this egg belongs to no sharp-seeing bird
a little corner from the world's been torn
the choice to go or not to go's absurd
we must walk forward with a joyful word

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

above i watch a starry dance

on each straight back so much has been bestowed
there's much to say but silence seems the best
around the hillside i see there's more road

the watchful rooster at midnight has crowed
but there's no dawn nor any place to rest
on each straight back so much has been bestowed

i've left behind the lush green lawns fresh mowed
to make this journey at my own behest
around the hillside i see there's more road

upon these mountains it has never snowed
still here in these green islands of the blest
on each straight back so much has been bestowed

the blinking lights are a quite open code
but knowing it is never for the best
around the hillside i see there's more road

so many miles before my own abode
my body's tired my mind still full of zest
on each straight back so much has been bestowed
around the hillside i see there's more road

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a simple illusion

the mind's a thing that we can easy shock
we see a world but do not know so much
for what we think is water may be rock

we have the key but cannot see the lock
the rabbit crouches in its tiny hutch
the mind's a thing that we can easy shock

we have to pause a moment and take stock
of all our yesterdays and matters such
for what we think is water may be rock

we place our hearts and thoughts in deepest hock
yet what we want remains out of our clutch
the mind's a thing that we can easy shock

not one's unique we all are in the flock
identity's not even a weak crutch
for what we think is water may be rock

you think it simple just to jeer and mock
but one false word shows that you're out of touch
the mind's a thing that we can easy shock
for what we think is water may be rock

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

easy recovery

there is no sorrow for a perfect day
time gives us gifts among the signs of pain
the hardest thing is that we cannot stay

so many tasks will not be done for pay
much more to life than count of loss and gain
there is no sorrow for a perfect day

we're past the hour of the last fading ray
new sun has risen over distant main
the hardest thing is that we cannot stay

given the choice we'd rather laugh and play
or watch the flights of the returning crane
there is no sorrow for a perfect day

each listens but for what we couldn't say
too long we've done without the needed rain
the hardest thing is that we cannot stay

we know that it's no use to beg and pray
the light is gone but we can still see plain
there is no sorrow for a perfect day
the hardest thing is that we cannot stay

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

vision through silence

you listen and the words lose any sense
but there is still so much that we require
and honesty's not much in evidence

no bother if we have to hurry hence
not even small delay to find attire
you listen and the words lose any sense

to reason no one seems to make pretence
but with a smirk play on upon the lyre
and honesty's not much in evidence

against injustice they place no defence
nothing can move through the encroaching mire
you listen and the words lose any sense

they claim to be in comfort on the fence
but from an angle they are on the pyre
and honesty's not much in evidence

absent the clouds the sky is so immense
dwarfing the crows that soar ever higher
you listen and the words lose any sense
and honesty's not much in evidence

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister