when virtues fail

when virtues fail we blame the weary heart
not knowing how to tell the false from true
we cannot mark the honest from the art

at action's end you cease to play your part
and swiftly pass from ordinary view
when virtues fail we blame the weary heart

the premises were flawed from very start
nothing we saw was what we thought we knew
we cannot mark the honest from the art

shams pain us but they've something to impart
when all is finished we'll know how to rue
when virtues fail we blame the weary heart

regardless of what's written on the chart
we dare not bid the wretched scene adieu
we cannot mark the honest from the art

we are so stupid and we think we're smart
the lightning bolt does not strike from the blue
when virtues fail we blame the weary heart
we cannot mark the honest from the art

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

no honour left

words well inscribed upon the sacred scroll
names of the wise names that are best forgot
there is no honour left upon the roll

time does its job and terror takes its toll
no one can stay long rooted on one spot
words well inscribed upon the sacred scroll

to find the answer one must take a poll
and send one one who has been picked by lot
there is no honour left upon the roll

behold the man who thought he could control
the surging tide because he'd paid his scot
words well inscribed upon the sacred scroll

no one regards the dancer on the pole
who leans over the rail and ties the knot
there is no honour left upon the roll

given the choice no one would make the roll
but curl up tightly on each tiny cot
words well inscribed upon the sacred scroll
there is no honour left upon the roll

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

life on trust

there are so many words that fall to dust
the silences where love has gone to die
we've come to take too little life on trust

we do those things that we have not discussed
hours weigh and drag the soul itself is dry
there are so many words that fall to dust

we claim the whole thing's failure to adjust
to what we find out is just passing by
we've come to take too little life on trust

there is no living soil beneath the crust
what has been sold no one will think to buy
there are so many words that fall to dust

no action happens just because it must
we do not think that bird has cause to fly
we've come to take too little life on trust

the one who rules may think that he is just
but all the rest will know that's just a lie
there are so many words that fall to dust
we've come to take too little life on trust

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

fools' gold

you take the brazen fool for solid gold
and miss the golden threads at highest noon
there are some people who just can't be told

it is a waste of time to shout and scold
we might as well start baying at the moon
you take the brazen fool for solid gold

in face of wolf you swiftly gate the fold
with sheep outside you acted far too soon
there are some people who just can't be told

upon the rope you have taken strong hold
but now you can't let go of the balloon
you take the brazen fool for solid gold

you thought that all the exits were controlled
and now you learn the guard was a buffoon
there are some people who just can't be told

you value brashness at the price of bold
mistake concession as some kind of boon
you take the brazen fool for solid gold
and miss the golden threads at highest noon

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

final option

all of our options were presented stark
we faced the same choice in our daily grind
either we conquer or go down to dark

the hungry dog has never ceased to bark
it knows just what the horror is we'll find
all of our options were presented stark

it may have started as some youthful lark
but it has ended with the stars aligned
either we conquer or go down to dark

the secrets that were hidden in the ark
are brought to daylight and are unconfined
all of our options were presented stark

you do not know if we're up to the mark
that has been very much the complex bind
either we conquer or go down to dark

we have to choose either the wolf or shark
the monster strikes with or without a mind
all of our options were presented stark
either we conquer or go down to dark

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

there are no fires

there are no fires upon the beacon hill
where armies marched long silence now must fall
no fair folk gather by the pond and rill

only dust gathers at the broken mill
no one will answer at the last bird's call
there are no fires upon the beacon hill

no cheerful maiden comes to clear the spill
the tackle rots beside the empty stall
no fair folk gather by the pond and rill

no swine are left to swallow the last swill
upon the wall no hungry spiders crawl
there are no fires upon the beacon hill

no scavengers appear to eat their fill
the lizard has no kingship in the hall
no fair folk gather by the pond and rill

nothing will matter in the end of skill
no human power will rise above the small
there are no fires upon the beacon hill
no fair folk gather by the pond and rill

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

tiny rocky ball

your eye can see only up to the wall
what lies beyond is in the heart of dream
too swiftly moves the tiny rocky ball

a fool believes the world is far too small
for what you wants and for your self-esteem
your eyes can see only up to the wall

the child you reared has gone beyond your call
what you have told you cannot now redeem
too swiftly moves the tiny rocky ball

you did not think you'd ever have to stall
but now you fear the coming angry gleam
your eye can see only up to the wall

what was your pride has turned into your fall
the leap you surmise was just so extreme
too swiftly moves the tiny rocky ball

what was once nothing now has become all
the rivulet become the larger stream
your eye can see only up to the wall
too swiftly moves the tiny rocky ball

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the law of colours

the law of colours hold us firm in place
none of us care to think outside the bar
we're trapped by the old rules of the race

we fear to step into the open space
and would not dream of quite another star
the law of colours holds us firm in place

there is a fear that hides behind each face
and so we would not leave the door ajar
we're trapped by the old rules of the race

to speak of freedom is called a disgrace
we aren't allowed to trade in the bazaar
the law of colours holds us firm in place

all memories of the garden we erase
and leave behind us nothing but a scar
we're trapped by the old rules of the race

yet we could all our happiness embrace
and make once more what you would have us mar
the law of colours holds us firm in place
we're trapped by the old rules of the race

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

past summers' heat

past summers' heat

no more the echo of past summers' heat
but hope that in the coming times of strain
good fortune and good sense at last will meet

cast down the mighty judge from his high seat
and you will set another up again
no more the echo of past summers' heat

down river soon the rowers have to beat
with hopes to reach the port before the rain
good fortune and good sense at last will meet

you make the move to plead and to entreat
protection from the bringers of great pain
no more the echo of past summers' heat

a wise commander knows when to retreat
and when to summon his troops to campaign
good fortune and good sense at last will meet

we listen to the politicians bleat
and know that in the end we won't abstain
no more the echo of past summers' heat
good fortune and good sense at last will meet

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the serious moment

a press of shadows in the midst of day
reminds us of how fragile all things are
we take the serious moment for a play

too soon the brightness turns to bitter grey
and little warmth or light reach from the star
a press of shadows in the midst of day

we bid the noonday sun to pause and stay
not knowing how the form of things we mar
we take the serious moment for a play

we see the workers moving on their way
and note the tide has reached the harbour bar
a press of shadows in the midst of day

there is no grief though thousands pass away
another tune is played on the guitar
we take the serious moment for a play

too late we see the ship depart the bay
discover that we have now gone too far
a press of shadows in the midst of day
we take the serious moment for a play

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

winter bloom

we need the vision of the winter bloom
not the raw force of the hard summer rose
to warm the hearts within our little room

it's not the colour or the faint perfume
that most of all the calmest grace bestows
we need the vision of the winter bloom

here in the south we still feel weight of gloom
and need a brightness with its kindly glows
to warm the hearts within our little room

far be it from you simply to assume
that you can lead us coldly by the nose
we need the vision of the winter bloom

we dare not let the tyrant cold consume
our common sense the effort quickly grows
to warm the hearts within our little room

we take a joy to overcome all doom
that has a meaning that is past all shows
we need the vision of the winter bloom
to warm the hearts within our little room

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

simply to say no

what meaning comes lacks any sort of glow
there aren't as many paths as you'd believe
the way to win is simply to say no

the river does not pause in its long flow
but open water has ways to deceive
what meaning comes lacks any sort of glow

sodden with anger we await the blow
that you have made it your life to achieve
the way to win is simply to say no

short is the day when the hot winds don't blow
and there are answers you could not conceive
what meaning comes lacks any sort of glow

decline is what we claim you ought to know
sweet gift that you most wanted to receive
the way to win is simply to say no

when we arrive we learn we soon must go
the time of praise is when we learn to grieve
what meaning comes lacks any sort of glow
the way to win is simply to say no

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

beneath that marker

beneath that marker nothing but bare stone
our eyes are drawn down to the sighing earth
each takes this journey on his very own

tempted by maiden laid out by the crone
taking for plenty what becomes mere dearth
beneath that marker nothing but bare stone

accept the burden with a single groan
but do not give us reason for more mirth
each takes the journey on his very own

the lamp that guided now is dead and blown
the ship we sought is missing from its berth
beneath that marker nothing but bare stone

we listen for the lonely ones who moan
not caring what the silence had been worth
each takes the journey on his very own

the sunlight slides into places unknown
we wonder what will be brought to new birth
beneath that marker nothing but bare stone
each takes this journey on his very own

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a different eye

a different vision means a different eye
what is achieved becomes an essence
what makes us think may also make us sigh

your words will never make the aged spry
we speak of nothing but obsolescence
a different vision means a different eye

too soon we speak and then we have to cry
at the passing at the evanescence
what makes us think may also make us sigh

what rivers were too soon have all run dry
well-known the cause of sudden deliquescence
a different vision means a different eye

we give ourselves and know we are passed by
the only symptom is our acquiescence
what makes us think may also make us sigh

how soon the sun has fallen from the sky
how swift has vanished all its luminescence
a different vision means a different eye
what makes us think may also make us sigh

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the river holds

the river holds together all the shire
we dream of places far beyond the seas
but work to raise fresh crops from out the mire

there are so many things we might acquire
to let us rise to suitable degrees
the river holds together all the shire

we pay too much attention to attire
our needs are not to spend time at our ease
but work to raise fresh crops from out the mire

we rate the seller far below the buyer
the humble grasses far below the trees
the river holds together all the shire

those values matter to which we aspire
but we can't simply stand and shout decrees
but work to raise fresh crops out of the mire

having arisen we can go no higher
than to crawl forward slowly on our knees
the river holds together all the shire
but work to raise fresh crops from out the mire

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

not getting the blues

your meaning's hidden by the words you choose
a century may pass before we find
how close we came to not getting the blues

the sort of thing that we might call a ruse
is with the normal signal all entwined
your meaning's hidden by the words you choose

on some principle you'd act and then refuse
to show just when the forces were combined
how close we came to not getting the blues

it is my obligation to bemuse
those who believe that like your complex kind
your meaning's hidden by the words you choose

if you would pause a moment to peruse
these documents you would not call to mind
how close we came to not getting the blues

our case is one that you would not abuse
in broadest daylight we are left quite blind
your meaning's hidden by the words you choose
how close we came to not getting the blues

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

worn out magic

there are so many maxims we forget
our parents seek to teach us basic laws
but we pass through our childhoods with regret

our adult lives we do not want to set
into the concrete forms of final cause
there are so many maxims we forget

our duty is to hasten without let
towards the goal without a second's pause
but we pass through our childhoods with regret

beings of clay by many pains beset
our lives are patterned only by our flaws
there are so many maxims we forget

each sings a solo none join in duet
even the wisest teacher hems and haws
but we pass through our childhoods with regret

with all our credit we end up in debt
for life itself we pay for our applause
there are so many maxims we forget
but we pass through our childhoods with regret

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

over island shore

whose face and fortune we have named before
will not again trouble those thoughts that rise
like the high mountains over island shore

we left your message lying at the core
where it was safe from idlers and the spies
whose face and fortune we have named before

no clever scout could ever find the spoor
but other symbols you will soon apprise
like the high mountains over island shore

no angry creatures here will rave or roar
one speaks in quiet and another cries
whose face and fortune we have named before

so many enemies we might abhor
in this foul kingdom governed by the flies
like the high mountains over island shore

but what we know to beg and to implore
will not be set aside by guards of lies
whose face and fortune we have named before
like the high mountains over island shore

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

youth and grace

a mirror held to what is not your face
shows all of us just what you have become
forgotten now is all your youth and grace

we cannot fit into this tiny space
without our hands and feet becoming numb
a mirror held to what is not your face

we choose to claim this is our proper place
that all the numbers add to one true sum
forgotten now is all your youth and grace

the easy choice is just bow and abase
before the gods who know to balance plumb
a mirror held to what is not your face

no soldier has to come and set the pace
we do not know just why we feel so glum
forgotten now is all your youth and grace

announcers tell us we have lost the race
nobody's willing to grant us a crumb
a mirror held to what is not your face
forgotten now is all your youth and grace

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

there is no brilliance

there is no brilliance on distant shore
a moment's hesitation serves to tell
just what it is that all the fools adore

so much there is to hate or to abhor
we listen for the coming morning bell
there is no brilliance on distant shore

the morning news is more accounts of gore
modern accounts of bomb and shot and shell
just what it is that all the fools adore

you moan and cry and huddling on the floor
give way to tears and let go a loud yell
there is no brilliance on distant shore

safe in their beds the leaders gently snore
at telling the safe stories they excel
just what it is that all the fools adore

this is we're told another kind of war
the path to heaven has to pass through hell
there is no brilliance on distant shore
just what it is that all the fools adore

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the ancient art

you know the meanings of the ancient art
but have no need of what the words may show
through all the seasons we come to the heart

truth is not bought or sold in any mart
all of the rivers first must cease to flow
you know the meanings of the ancient art

the honest actor says he plays a part
but never lets on just how much you know
through all the seasons we come to the heart

to win or lose we can't claim to be smart
we let the wind decide where it will blow
you know the meanings of the ancient art

you stay while we make our plans to depart
leaving the seedlings their best chance to grow
through all the seasons we come to the heart

if we cohere then you must come apart
all becomes clear during the afterglow
you know the meanings of the ancient art
through all the seasons we come to the heart

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a thought of warmer places

a thought of warmer places tropic stars
waiting for news of who's come out ahead
you look on poor souls sitting in dim bars

images swirl like smoke from old cigars
as bookies calculate the total spread
a thought of warmer places tropic stars

our minds recall the older fights and jars
the floors are clean where once they all were red
you look on poor souls sitting in dim bars

others are shown who learned to wear their scars
with pride and dignity they were best fed
a thought of warmer places tropic stars

cold streets not lit by many passing cars
no one is sure just who was to have led
you look on poor souls sitting in dim bars

some other tunes are played on their guitars
and far away the happy now are sped
a thought of warmer places tropic stars
you look on poor souls sitting in dim bars

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the flag still waves

news comes and we find we are not so tough
as to accept the fates without a sigh
it is so easy now to call our bluff

we face the struggle always in the rough
signals are sent and we just pass them by
news comes and we find we are not so tough

off islands we have heard the waves rebuff
shallow the seas but we can't reach too high
it is so easy now to call our bluff

we make pretense of being hard and gruff
but cannot from your face the meaning pry
news comes and we find we are not so tough

you climb and climb but cannot leave the slough
receive the benediction but still lie
it is so easy now to call our bluff

between the tides we learn to say enough
our words are honest though our hearts are wry
news comes and we find we are not so tough
it is so easy now to call our bluff

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

label the messenger

label the messenger and nothing falls
from any heights you have no sense of how
your turning birds may hear the winter calls

such beasts as tramp and steam within their stalls
may take the time to do what we'll allow
label the messenger and nothing falls

through tunnels each strange silent creature crawls
not certain what the word or whose the vow
your turning birds may hear the winter calls

flawed hero who from out of ocean hauls
some stranger being the altar to endow
label the messenger and nothing falls

from ocean bottom what our anger trawls
will sink with speed each ordinary scow
our turning birds may hear the winter calls

from light to shadow what we learn appalls
raises the blister brings sweat to the brow
label the messenger and nothing falls
your turning bird may hear the winter calls

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the wrongful art

the secret is one that's well-known of old
desire to shape the world into a dream
such hearts too soon become both hard and cold

all youth mistake the brash for the true bold
each rotting bubble for an honest gleam
the secret is one that's well-known of old

what you condemn the foolish have extolled
confusing anger with deepest esteem
such hearts too soon become both hard and cold

they take the frozen for the self-controlled
that decent interval seems too extreme
the secret is one that's well-known of old

no sound brick's left behind the vicious mould
but you declare the world is as you deem
such hearts too soon become both hard and cold

ill-painted tin you tell us is bright gold
not knowing we've grown weary of the meme
the secret is one that's well-known of old
such hearts too soon become both hard and cold

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

just how the day ends

just how the day ends will not really matter
you learn some things and others will forget
while over all the raindrops still may spatter

a time of quiet ends with angry clatter
the precise hour so long ago was set
just how the day ends will not really matter

we left the happy children to their chatter
too soon they'll learn the meanings of regret
while over all the raindrops still may spatter

all turns to silence there's no need to flatter
when other purposes have not been met
just how the day ends will not really matter

against the wall we vainly strike and batter
honour and purpose long ago upset
while over all the raindrops still may spatter

upon this shore the urgent waves still shatter
but no one's left to worry or to fret
just how the day ends will not really matter
while over all the raindrops still may spatter

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

just how to be weak

no one who understands would ever speak
of tiny measures that we must avoid
so few of us know just how to be weak

the mountain is much more than just the peak
the teacher more than one who is annoyed
no one who understands would ever speak

we blame the modern more than the antique
not sensing just what we could have enjoyed
so few of us know just how to be weak

we grant no special grace unto the meek
nor praise to those who with great risk have toyed
no one who understands would ever speak

the plainest cloth becomes finest batik
and in the end joins all the goods destroyed
so few of us know just how to be weak

we face the worst and accept its critique
the path we tread is right above the void
no one who understands would ever speak
so few of us know just how to be weak

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

red beans and rice

our diet's heavy with red beans and rice
morning weighs on us with a colder sun
too sweet the sugar now too sharp the spice

it's winter but there is no snow nor ice
nor any reason for plain joy or fun
our diet's heavy with red beans and rice

our struggles are not ended in a trice
we have to let the process run and run
too sweet the sugar now too sharp the spice

lacking in method with no good device
to twist things into shape each makes a pun
our diet's heavy with red beans and rice

we learn the value and forget the price
our purpose is to act and not to shun
too sweet the sugar now too sharp the spice

knowledge of virtue is knowledge of vice
we know the end as soon as we've begun
our diet's heavy with red beans and rice
too sweet the sugar now too sharp the spice

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a glimpse of river

a glimpse of river distant sight of sea
familiar places within realms of thought
each of us finds just where we have to be

a distant mountain the shade of a tree
in those materials our hearts are caught
a glimpse of river distant sight of sea

all proper moments when to frame our plea
about the meanings all of us were taught
each of us finds just where we have to be

never complain and never disagree
about the value of what must mean naught
a glimpse of river distant sight of sea

over the hilltops the wind may decree
such limits as no human hand has wrought
each of us finds just where we have to be

what's known in common by each refugee
is that the wealthy valued them at naught
a glimpse of river distant sight of sea
each of us finds just where we have to be

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

all the best songs

all the best songs are played by angry souls
we hear the words and do not understand
the sense is best provided by creoles

the batsman always fears the one who bowls
such messages we hear as flat and bland
all the best songs are played by angry souls

you rake the foolish over hotter coals
but do not have the guts just to command
the sense is best provided by creoles

a host of metaphors must still pay tolls
to those who think our language is too grand
all the best songs are played by angry souls

no enemy would hide within the holes
that dot the mountainsides in our fair land
the sense is best provided by creoles

the deepest diggers are not normal moles
under their rule our pains will just expand
all the best songs are played by angry souls
the sense is best provided by creoles

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

in due and proper measure

my name and nature are not in dispute
but in between the hours and longer days
we find that answers can't be absolute

the rules require that we must prosecute
our tasks and duties in the proper ways
my name and nature are not in dispute

no one who counts can hope now to compute
the sum of value in the nightly plays
we find that answers can't be absolute

you play the older tunes upon the flute
and do not smile when we throw the bouquets
my name and nature are not in dispute

a final sentence no one dares commute
the monster devours all who tread the maze
we find that answers can't be absolute

moments and hours each bear their proper fruit
all must their expectations soon appraise
my name and nature are not in dispute
we find that answers can't be absolute

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

home is the place

home is the place where one is most secure
though travel broadens both the mind and rear
to be elsewhere is always to endure

exotic places have a great allure
but so do those we know to be most dear
home is the place where one is most secure

one's never fooled by bright tale or brochure
there's heavy dust upon the chandelier
to be elsewhere is always to endure

we find the daily task no sinecure
the way of duty is always austere
home is the place where one is most secure

each journey is no more than a detour
we learn those things that we most want to hear
to be elsewhere is always to endure

so of some things we find out we're most sure
all journeys end as they begin in gear
home is the place where one is most secure
to be elsewhere is always to endure

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

none is signified

the matter is not one that we would stress
most of your answers would come out the same
but only one will truly mean success

we rush without a thought into the press
of human creatures thinking them all tame
the matter is not one that we would stress

our moment comes we have to show largesse
since any other course would bring us shame
but only one will truly mean success

as soon as we begin we feel distress
not from the cold but from the waking flame
the matter is not one that we would stress

from then to now we find that we'll regress
to forms that would we hope win us the game
but only one will truly mean success

in ending you must hurry and assess
the meaning of the action and the name
the matter is not one that we would stress
but only one will truly mean success

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

who eats the light

who eats the light and expands into dark
may find the shape of things will much betray
though none may ever come up to the mark

no one that's born has ever lacked the spark
that names the one between the night and day
who eats the light and expands into dark

an aging tree will simply shed its bark
and so to nature its essence convey
though none may ever come up to the mark

we find the choices to be thin and stark
for no one has the time to laugh and play
who eats the light and expands into dark

the greatest enemy's not wolf or shark
but those who feel that we may go astray
though none may ever come up to the mark

from every vessel the wise disembark
to find the one who knows best what to say
who eats the light and expands into dark
though none may ever come up to the mark

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

crosshatching branches

crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky
warmth vanishes beneath the winter sun
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

so many make the pleasant world a sty
and from the worst of it the lucky run
crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky

in every mind the thought that flutters by
is one that in the depth of night was spun
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

duty can set both heart and mind awry
and in the coldest day our pulses stun
crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky

so little hope and truth we have to buy
that when we're finished no one shall have won
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

past caring now life dies in every eye
we know what's ended and what has been done
crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a garden filled

a garden filled with sweetest air and light
this is our dream but we shall not achieve
we need the contrast between day and night

our enemies are not driven by spite
but by some needs that any would believe
a garden filled with sweetest air and light

the purpose is contained within the rite
and for its coming many have to grieve
we need the contrast between day and night

once in the morning everything was bright
we could inhabit foolish and naïve
a garden filled with sweetest air and light

we now survive not because but despite
all of the things in which you do believe
we need the contrast between day and night

we claim the universe as our birthright
and wipe our snotty noses on its sleeve
a garden filled with sweetest air and light
we need the contrast between day and night

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the sky above

the sky above will never send a sign
earth is not solid under human feet
we do not understand the party line

no spokesman could do much more than whine
and claim the sour should have been far more sweet
the sky above will never send a sign

to other purposes we might incline
and other faces we would have to greet
e do not understand the party line

there is no power we could call divine
it's with each other that we must compete
the sky above will never send a sign

there's neither long-term purpose nor design
whoever tells you otherwise is a cheat
we do not understand the party line

our hearts and minds you have to undermine
in manner and in form always discreet
the sky above will never send a sign
we do not understand the party line

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

hero of his own parade

if left to chance the flower would too soon fade
but each of us creates the world around
and then be hero of his own parade

too soon the truths our meagre shields abrade
no heroes seem to fight and stand their ground
if left to chance the flower would too soon fade

so many things the human mind has made
but one with history may still compound
and then be hero of his own parade

each man on horseback know's he is betrayed
by those he had once thought he would confound
if left to chance the flower would too soon fade

the bold one leads his rough hurried brigade
to charge the enemy on their last mound
and then be hero of his own parade

which one of us will one day make the grade
we do not know nor whose fame will resound
if left to chance the flower would too soon fade
and then be hero of his own parade

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a man's not certain

a man's not certain till he learns the dance
of all the magics known to human folk
that is the least accessible to chance

secrets of science secrets of finance
on these the normal mind will rarely choke
a man's not certain till he learns the dance

not much is visible to the first glance
but everyone reacts to a sharp poke
that is the least accessible to chance

we look straightforward and never askance
no sights there are our vision to evoke
a man's not certain till he learns the dance

the world swift narrows from a broad expanse
and it's not hard to hear a distant croak
that is the least accessible to chance

we think of magic as some vague romance
told by a mountebank just one more joke
a man's not certain till he learn's the dance
that is the least accessible to chance

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a kind of sorrow

a kind of sorrow that none would confess
around us all the noises fade to naught
but to no master could we acquiesce

no power could ever hope to curse or bless
those forces that have all of life now caught
a kind of sorrow that none would confess

each might choose singly to raise or depress
the normal heart with strings that are held taut
but to no master could we acquiesce

with haste and desperation we compress
time into struggles that the dead have fought
a kind of sorrow that none would confess

all motivations lead us to excess
with everyone becoming most distraught
but to no master could we acquiesce

the message goes always to wrong address
yet none of us is ever overwrought
a kind of sorrow that none would confess
but to no master could we acquiesce

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

hope's greatest symbol

hope's greatest symbol is the wandering fool
the cards are dealt and we must take the hand
such matters are not taught in any school

the thread we have to take up and unspool
picking apart the fabric strand by strand
hope's greatest symbol is the wandering fool

we lure each heart to follow our strict rule
towards the outcome that no one has planned
such matters are not taught in any school

the waters slowly drip into the pool
filtered each day by white and golden sand
hope's greatest symbol is the wandering fool

a king in waiting sits upon his stool
we can't expect him to be very grand
such matters are not taught in any school

in depth of summer we find it quite cool
but others wonder just what we might stand
hope's greatest symbol is the wandering fool
such matters are not taught in any school

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

born just to lose

there's never proper ending for the tale
of how i got here though it well begin
for i am absolutely made of fail

hammer will smash the thumb and not the nail
a razor's edge will prove it's far too thin
there's never proper ending for the tale

only the dizzy look over the rail
our remains will be cast into the bin
for i am absolutely made of fail

i'd get there faster if i were a snail
or other beings of that tiny kin
there's never proper ending for the tale

i thought that i heard a most friendly hail
my heart was pierced by a large sharp tent-pin
for i am absolutely made of fail

it does not matter what the scope or scale
i'm not the one's been chosen for the win
there's never proper ending for the tale
for i am absolutely made of fail

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

all is spin

plain truth's concealed by hosts of vapid lies
tyrants conceal the pain that they impart
as understanding's cloaked from normal eyes

no ordinary person could devise
these bright creations of such evil art
plain truth's concealed by hosts of vapid lies

we always know what the unjust advise
on how to tear the warm and true apart
as understanding's cloaked from normal eyes

the greatest harm is done in noble guise
while fools await just retribution's start
plain truth's concealed by hosts of vapid lies

no better chance could ever soon arise
to show how justice is sold in the mart
as understanding's cloaked from normal eyes

those who have power our daily hopes despise
nor do they value much the human heart
plain truth's concealed by hosts of vapid lies
as understanding's cloaked from normal eyes

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a different year

we mark the passage to a different year
no means of knowing what the future says
for all we know is what we engineer

with those who leave and those arriving here
who've found their way through that most complex maze
we mark the passage to a different year

crossing over every new frontier
we find our way into the mist and haze
for all we know is what we engineer

no one will know how magics may appear
or how our rulers fill their dossiers
we mark the passage to a different year

with words and numbers we may overbear
those mortal values that we all appraise
for what we know is what we engineer

about our hearts we are too cavalier
but these are not the same as elder days
we mark the passage to a different year
for what we know is what we engineer

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister