we weigh our words

we weigh our words and mete them out with care
the message that we send puts us in dutch
but still and all we're seeing out the year

the signal will be sent with time to spare
to those who will remain beyond our clutch
we weigh our words and mete them out with care

let all the foolish stand about and stare
we find we've used the standard aging crutch
but still and all we're seeing out the year

the ones who worry have never been rare
but we have never thought we would do such
we weigh our words and mete them out with care

not one of us who could be thought a player
nobody claims that we've done very much
but still and all we're seeing out the year

crowds laugh and gather in each village square
not one of whom will truly stay in touch
we weigh our words and mete them out with care
but still and all we're seeing out the year

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

between the storms

raw day in december absence of light
a moment for thought then to bend each back
to make this journey's not a case of right

the change we hope for is both late and slight
a breeze desired arrives on the wrong tack
raw day in december absence of light

we take the winter as a sort of blight
glad we're not huddled in a tiny shack
to make this journey's not a case of right

things seem much worse when days are bright
and underfoot each blade of grass will crack
raw day in december absence of light

we know these powers far greater than our might
not one of us has got the force or knack
to make this journey's not a case of right

indifferent now between the day and night
the time is warmest when the sky's deep black
raw day in december absence of light
to make this journey's not a case of right

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

villanelle for a damp xmas

we do not think to beat upon the drum
announcing the arrival of the day
the needful things are brandy and dark rum

we add the year up and note that the sum
does not account for all lost on the way
we do not think to beat upon the drum

there's silence now we do not hear the hum
of traffic neither see the solar ray
the needful things are brandy and dark rum

each longs for taste of sweetest peach or plum
or sight of sunset deep in bluefields bay
we do not think to beat upon the drum

upon the instruments some beat or strum
and what the meaning is others will say
the needful things are brandy and dark rum

together we face all the facts that come
hurtling upon us the whole thing's just a play
we do not think to beat upon the drum
the needful things are brandy and dark rum

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a late discovery

our proper kingdom's in another place
of roots and memories we're not bereft
and now too swift and hurried is the race

the world we have's no longer filled with grace
past is from present by a great sword cleft
our proper kingdom's in another place

we find we're going at too great a pace
our hearts are certain that the action's deft
and now too swift and hurried is the race

none goes before to bear the gilded mace
an object of great value and great heft
our proper kingdom's in another place

not one is certain what's the proper case
nor how to separate the warp from weft
and now too swift and hurried is the race

exhaustion is inscribed deep in each face
we've given all we can nothing is left
our proper kingdom's in another place
and now too swift and hurried is the race


(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

southwest the heading

eventually you just run out of cays
the mainland comes upon you like a shock
even the angry ones fall on their knees

one cannot tell another what he sees
for feelings are so easy still to mock
eventually you just run out of cays

to get there you must go against the breeze
though other forces may your purpose block
even the angry ones fall on their knees

we have so many names for these blue seas
and we still cannot count them dock to dock
eventually you just run out of cays

we drank the bottle right down to the lees
but although others still would not take stock
even the angry ones fall on their knees

so soon a chance to rest and take your ease
once past the threats of shallows reef and rock
eventually you just run out of cays
even the angry ones fall on their knees

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

long past the time

long past the time when we would beauty spurn
we look upon the world with sadder eyes
knowing that each has for a time their turn

the fires that come will not a person burn
but those who know all effort may despise
long past the time when we would beauty spurn

we turned the milk to butter in a churn
we thought it work though not in obvious guise
knowing that each has for a time their turn

the age we find has too soon grown so stern
that all are trapped in a thick web of lies
long past the time when we would beauty spurn

where fire has past there quickly grows the fern
the one thing that the force of man defies
knowing that each has for a time their turn

our only purpose is to teach and learn
while in the distance a lone victim cries
long past the time when we would beauty spurn
knowing that each has for a time their turn

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

georgia at midwinter

raw wind and cold replace the pounding heat
no change we're told but just the turning year
but somehow matters don't seem quite so neat

winter has rushing but not heavy feet
we see much further when the trees are bare
raw wind and cold replace the pounding heat

a host of cars are parked right down the street
and imitation music fills the air
but somehow matters don't seem quite so neat

the wheel must turn but no one could complete
that longer cycle almost in despair
raw wind and cold replace the pounding heat

armies of clouds advance and then retreat
after some rain the world appears more fair
but somehow matters don't seem quite so neat

and yet some things remain that are still sweet
we have some joys and pleasures left to spare
raw wind and cold replace the pounding heat
but somehow matters don't seem quite so neat

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

eagerly listening

the theme repeated gives us a fresh lift
our hearts and minds rise swiftly up the air
this gentle rain's the dying year's last gift

through thoughts and feelings each of us must sift
to find the one that brings us greatest cheer
the theme repeated gives us a fresh lift

it does not matter if some fool is miffed
all that is good must fall within our care
this gentle rain's the dying year's last gift

there's time for lavishness and time for thrift
so long as we aren't taken by a snare
the theme repeated gives us a fresh lift

from all our sorrows we should come adrift
leaving the unwise just to wait and stare
this gentle rain's the dying year's last gift

too soon to duty soon we must be swift
and get back to the heart of the affair
the theme repeated gives us a fresh lift
this gentle rain's the dying year's last gift

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

the highest moment

the highest moment is when we attack
all of time bends into a simple shape
the world itself resolves to white and black

we hope for good things out of the great wrack
of monstrous beings at which idlers gape
the highest moment is when we attack

no one accounts us either lax or slack
but when we look things over on the tape
the world itself resolves to white and black

the palace gives less cover than the shack
not much is hidden by the largest cape
the highest moment is when we attack

we feel our presence as a sort of lack
from which we always hurry to escape
the world itself resolves to white and black

not eager now we huddle at the back
seeing the juice has vanished from the grape
the highest moment is when we attack
the world itself resolves to white and black

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

villanelle for the solstice

the sunset on a gloomy day will burn
with fires that each will echo on the tree
we celebrate with joy the sunreturn

dark night short day the wages that we earn
give us a chance to go upon a spree
the sunset on a gloomy day will burn

for warmer days and nights each heart must yearn
but for a while with green and red to see
we celebrate with joy the sunreturn

the ashes of the old go in their urn
we wait with knowledge that all will agree
the sunset on a gloomy day will burn

from all the evils that we seek to spurn
the kind and gentle heart at last shall flee
we celebrate with joy the sunreturn

we bid farewell to old care and concern
from pains and sorrows for a time shake free
the sunset on a gloomy day will burn
we celebrate with joy the sunreturn

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a winter's tale

each phoenix vanishes in burst of fire
this year will pass we know from old to new
listen to the tale of hope and desire

we hear the legends passed from dam and sire
of how great hero the dread monster slew
each phoenix vanishes in burst of fire

each song is much repeated by each choir
the warming cup each time is thick as glue
listen to the tale of hope and desire

we watch the sparks fly higher ever higher
we walk outside on frost instead of dew
each phoenix vanishes in burst of fire

both wine and wit are much better drier
we tell ourselves as our spirits renew
listen to the tale of hope and desire

we all to higher purpose could aspire
instead we pause and take in all the view
each phoenix vanishes in burst of fire
listen to the tale of hope and desire

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

another planet

empty the ocean vacant all the land
a single bird cries although none will hear
there is no human who would understand

all things are tied up with a neat riband
the made and unmade are no longer near
empty the ocean vacant all the land

we look in vain for a creative hand
or for a heart to hold the world still dear
there is no human who would understand

the silence and the noise were both unplanned
and not a one is left to shout or cheer
empty the ocean vacant all the land

no music comes from instruments of band
no critic speaks generous or austere
there is no human who would understand

not even echo upon this last strand
absence alike of courage and of fear
empty the ocean vacant all the land
there is no human who would understand

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no waiting

there is no limit to honest desire
but only to the bequest and the dower
it takes but little to set hearts afire

nobody does the things that we require
unless we've come at a propitious hour
there is no limit to honest desire

there are so many who we might admire
who turn out in the end to be a shower
it takes but little to set hearts afire

the ones who work who know how to perspire
will not in face of normal hardship cower
there is no limit to honest desire

choices we have though some are now most dire
but that is not enough to turn us sour
it takes but little to set hearts afire

although hard effort only serves to tire
still it's enough to bring us to full power
there is no limit to honest desire
it takes but little to set hearts afire

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

hidden from the road

the water in the pond is still and green
reeds on the edge are bending in the breeze
in the far distance sounds of a machine

the pathway fails to reach a place unseen
by human eyes unknown what the toad sees
the water in the pond is still and green

we climb on upwards since we're young and keen
and at this point not very hard to please
in the far distance sounds of a machine

each of us here is in a place between
what we once were and where we'll find our ease
the water in the pond is still and green

in front of us nothing acts as a screen
nor tells us that all change comes by degrees
in the far distance sounds of a machine

the moving air just makes the rushes lean
once we are gone others will laugh and tease
the water in the pond is still and green
in the far distance sounds of a machine

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no other option

we live with choices that we did not make
for all the joys we have and all the shock
we find that only some will have it jake

the one approach that we disdained to take
brought with it revenue we dared not mock
we live with choices that we did not make

the water's never risen in the lake
we've all seen those left stranded on the rock
we find that only some will have it jake

the messenger announces no mistake
we've lost the thing on which we had a lock
we live with choices that we did not make

it's always someone else who gets to rake
in tons of money from successful stock
we find that only some will have it jake

the bread we eat we never learned to bake
we've never launched a boat from the sea dock
we live with choices that we did not make
we find that only some will have it jake

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no older vision

we won't be well-rewarded by fair trade
whoever promises is just a knave
no one succeeds without some decent aid

the deepest cut comes from the thinnest blade
to face such weapons requires being brave
we won't be well-rewarded by fair trade

we hide from warmth within the spreading shade
not knowing what we need or what we crave
no one succeeds without some decent aid

we are too far now from the bee-loud glade
too little of bright youth could any save
we won't be well[-rewarded by fair trade

the whole thing's just another masquerade
we see the master swift turn into slave
no one succeeds without some decent aid

the day grows bright but always has to fade
we start out merry but too soon turn grave
we won't be well-rewarded by fair trade
no one succeeds without some decent aid

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

both near and far

if the map's wrong you will not find your goal
what shows in vision is just a mistake
you will have failed to comprehend the whole

the task requires that each takes on a rôle
of lord or peasant worker monk or rake
if the map's wrong you will not find your goal

to make the journey first you give parole
but if you cannot reach the mountain lake
you will have failed to comprehend the whole

so many come your good sense to extol
you may no longer tell the real from fake
if the map's wrong you will not find your goal

too soon you pass the last assigned patrol
in unknown places your intent will shake
you will have failed to comprehend the whole

no word we say will serve you to console
in times when even strongest trees shall break
if the map's wrong you will not find your goal
you will have failed to comprehend the whole

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

a finer purpose

when no one knows just how tired you are
you seem a giant to the wide-eyed child
whose heart and mind are fixed upon a star

the end's not near the starting point is far
you cannot understand being so mild
when no one knows just how tired you are

the prize is so much more than a cigar
you say this to the one who has just smiled
whose heart and mind are fixed upon a star

your soul is weighed and sold in the bazaar
and you discover how much you're reviled
when no one knows just how tired you are

the fruit's been boiled and stored inside a jar
you know the one who happy has been styled
whose heart and mind are fixed upon a star

we find the fall of night becomes no bar
since one who matters most starts to run wild
when no one knows just how tired you are
whose heart and mind are fixed upon a star

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

bounded in a nutshell

there are no landmarks in this empty place
not one of us who truly knows the way
we claim the kingship of infinite space

too easy now to fall into disgrace
mistaking fertile soil for dullest clay
there are no landmarks in this empty place

there is no route that anyone could trace
to lead us back into the common day
we claim the kingship of infinite space

and yet when you desire to set the pace
the rest of us with fear will want to stay
there are no landmarks in this empty place

for now we will old circumstance embrace
all that we see resolves to shades of grey
we claim the kingship of infinite space

a sort of fear will show up on each face
and not a one of us knows what to say
there are no landmarks in this empty place
we claim the kingship of infinite space

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

emancipation

we've heard the anguished ones daily appeal
nothing could ever be so clear or plain
we must at once restore the common weal

the harshest orders are not under seal
nor are our hopes so easy to attain
we've heard the anguished ones daily appeal

the slowest waggon moves on tyres of steel
the ones that pull it truly feel the strain
we must at once restore the common weal

hot and exhausted all the workers reel
they're not revived by hope of cool or rain
we've heard the anguished ones daily appeal

there's no time for harangue or lying spiel
only the swift may hope to catch the train
we must at once restore the common weal

who will not hear will surely have to feel
all the frustration and the searing pain
we've heard the anguished ones daily appeal
we must at once restore the common weal

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

human ability

we let both ills and remedies accrue
without intending trickery or deceit
what unites us is better than a glue

no one expects us nature to eschew
but we can't always bear the heavy heat
we let both ills and remedies accrue

someone may guess the actions that ensue
but we have got to keep a steady beat
what unites us is better than a glue

we'd come unstuck without a nail or screw
yet those who comment cannot be discreet
we let both ills and remedies accrue

upon our cud we're not happy to chew
not all the charges turn up on the sheet
what unites us is better than a glue

when it is time to say to us adieu
the slowest movement still will be most fleet
we let both ills and remedies accrue
what unites us is better than a glue

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

specific art

there's not so much that i can truly tell
either in prose or in a jigging rhyme
that can't be set within a villanelle

when thought and image in the poem jell
the whole effect is one we hope sublime
there's not so much that i can truly tell

the effort plays in mind a merry hell
words will be found unless we choose a clime
that can't be set within a villanelle

the poem's sound is clearer than a bell
each word and rhythm finds its proper time
there's not so much that i can truly tell

at back of mind the music has to swell
the words will overcome the steady chime
that can't be set within a villanelle

an honest incantation makes the spell
succeed and the counterspell a mere crime
there's not so much that i can truly tell
that can't be set within a villanelle

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

boyish adventure

in the dark gully there's no winding stream
a tiny forest where the spice trees bide
we see the creatures each twitching in dream

the sun comes in as occasional gleam
we have some time to climb the mountainside
in the dark gully there's no winding stream

at night we walk thanks to the clear moonbeam
while the night birds make little rodents hide
we see the creatures each twitching in dream

the low clouds seem to us a mist or steam
and on the dewy grass we slip and slide
in the dark gully there's no winding stream

for once we know that things are as they seem
and no one would demur or even deride
we see the creatures each twitching in dream

what we don't know is that we've got the cream
of life on sunny days bereft of pride
in the dark gully there's no winding stream
we see the creatures each twitching in dream

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no larger mercies

the ones who see best do not use their eyes
to know the edges are both old and worn
such matters aren't reserved just to the wise

nothing much changes under different skies
folk weak and tired remain cold and forlorn
the ones who see best do not use their eyes

the boldest cannot always claim the prize
not all who lose their shoes step on a thorn
such matters aren't reserved just to the wise

it's not the power to rule and tyrannise
that leads to fury and to empty scorn
the ones who see best do not use their eyes

not every villain comes in sweet disguise
while even the most horrid still may mourn
such matters aren't reserved just to the wise

there are but few who say their last goodbyes
and fewer still who have learned how to warn
the ones who see best do not use their eyes
such matters aren't reserved just to the wise

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

passing no gates

telling the truth may always be bizarre
we have to do it with the proper flair
not every waggon's hitched up to a star

we do not dream the magical bazaar
where visions are conjured from empty air
telling the truth may always be bizarre

not all our music suits the large guitar
our eyes must be adjusted to the glare
not every waggon's hitched up to a star

no one has drowned beyond the harbour bar
who had not told us it was just unfair
telling the truth may always be bizarre

we see the mirage coming from afar
since in the emptiness we needs must stare
not every waggon's hitched up to a star

harsh ages and the weather cannot mar
the ones who truly learn to love and care
telling the truth may always be bizarre
not every waggon's hitched up to a star

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

finding the joke

truth we find out is always much too cheap
the worth of honesty comes out far less
there's nothing we should honour or should keep

the price of decency turns out too steep
for those who to no great crimes will confess
truth we find out is always much too cheap

we walk towards destruction in our sleep
and all unknowing find we've had bad cess
there's nothing we should honour or should keep

we sow what others will come by to reap
the grapes and olives we won't bring to press
truth we find out is always much too cheap

if we explore new seas we won't go deep
when moderation's taken for excess
there's nothing we should honour or should keep

we pile the fools' gold up in a great heap
and think that this will constitute redress
truth we find out is always much too cheap
there's nothing we should honour or should keep

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

plain governance

we let the shepherds wander through the rocks
the sheep are not lost and won't wander long
one must control the movements of the flocks

you put the prisoner in the public stocks
but all the people chorus his last song
we let the shepherds wander through the rocks

too easily we praise the one who mocks
and do not see such actions as just wrong
one must control the movement of the flocks

there is a better school than old hard knocks
but saying that alone won't make you strong
we let the shepherds wander through the rocks

a wiser one might shake his hoary locks
and take his place within the growing throng
one must control the movement of the flocks

you know enough to withstand the worst shocks
and the best way to work and play along
we let the shepherds wander through the rocks
one must control the movement of the flocks

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

bumbling achievement

we reach our goals by rougher means than guess
all gardens are alike when fruit turn ripe
what's best achieved produces the most stress

we blame all faults on surfeit and excess
and take no challenge from a guttersnipe
we reach our goals by rougher means than guess

there is no hope nor yet a hopelessness
the claims of either are just so much tripe
what's best achieved produces the most stress

don't you be waiting for the fine redress
promised by people of a certain type
we reach our goals by rougher means than guess

the choicest stuff goes to the wrong address
and to the ones of not so good a stripe
what's best achieved produces the most stress

we find out what has happened from the press
long after we thought matters had been ripe
we reach our goals by rougher means than guess
what's best achieved produces the most stress

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

no one knew how old it was

we take the oath beneath the spreading tree
there is no choice we must go to the knife
and bring to waking dreams of liberty

the day shall come that we had hoped to see
the other side of that long painful strife
we take the oath beneath the spreading tree

we must stand up and no more bend the knee
marching with haste to tune of drum and fife
and bring to waking dreams of liberty

we will stand fast and make the others flee
our ranks with anger and with hope are rife
we take the oath beneath the spreading tree

what we desire we shall make come to be
for brother sister for husband and wife
and bring to waking dreams of liberty

we will succeed we will set ourselves free
at last to find out all that's best in life
we take the oath beneath the spreading tree
and bring to waking dreams of liberty

(C)2007, Fragano Ledgister

far from the lonely mountain

far from the lonely mountain

a second's thought would give not one soul pause
but we are forced to halt and listen long
to what would be forbidden by most laws

we long shall wait in vain for springtime's thaws
and wonder just how all things went so wrong
a second's thought would not give one soul pause

beyond the mountains dragons with huge maws
wait to entice us in their scaly throng
to what would be forbidden by most laws

we see these creatures with their giant claws
ready to consume us both weak and strong
a second's thought would not give one soul pause

we have not understood their hunger's cause
nor how the sweetest honours might belong
to what would be forbidden by most laws

no word will counteract the final clause
we hear the voices in a sort of song
a second's thought would not give one soul pause
to what would be forbidden by most laws

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister