blue guitar

our world and word are both of them quite blue
you are the one who wants a measured eye
our better choice is to make all things true

you mask the old inside the happy new
the dancing water under the bright sky
our world and word are both of them quite blue

sheepish and quiet waiting for a clue
your motive turns out not to be so high
out better choice is to make all things true

given the option you must pay your due
but not be willing to let one slip by
our world and word are both of them quite blue

out feet have worn out even that hard shoe
but you would have us some such matter try
our better choice is to make all things true

you take your place in the slow daily queue
bear patiently the weight of every lie
our world and word are both of them quite blue
our better choice is to make all things true

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

mobile leaf

normal understanding has got to fail
when we achieve the boundaries of sense
no leaf will stay in place during a gale

there is no account of size scope or scale
who makes the claim will do so in pretense
normal understanding has got to fail

you hold the whole pacific in a pail
and keep all of mankind behind a fence
no leaf will stay in place during a gale

shapes born of shadow will this day prevail
your epic story has now to commence
normal understanding has got to fail

the victory belongs to the female
you tell us this in utter innocence
no leaf will stay in place during a gale

this fish was caught by head as well as tail
the process takes long time and much expense
normal understanding has got to fail
no leaf will stay in place during a gale

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the vortex always wins

refuse to praise the ones who never weep
their hearts are frozen and their minds are dead
we give our love and then we have to sleep

so many things turn out just to be cheap
but we have sold our souls to earn our bread
refuse to praise the ones who never weep

day after day we watch the forests creep
towards the mountains and we feel the dread
we give our love and then we have to sleep

no part to play but still we have to heap
the grain until the last fat beast is fed
refuse to praise the ones who never weep

you turned your back when others had to leap
above the bar and those who failed were bled
we give our love and then we have to sleep

the river's shallow and the ocean's deep
such matters will not fill even your head
refuse to praise the ones who never weep
we give our love and then we have to sleep

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

unequal sacrifice

it is the absence that causes most hurt
so much the need to speak of what has passed
urgency requires constant alert

so much had fallen into mud and dirt
we stood there faint both angry and aghast
it is the absence that causes most hurt

so much has happened we could not avert
what once was sacred now become outcast
urgency requires constant alert

truths that a child might carelessly blurt
are now the secrets of a hidden past
it is the absence that causes most hurt

the gift of kindness now become inert
is what the pain so easily surpassed
urgency requires constant alert

an impulse halts and swiftly becomes curt
no one resists the evil of the blast
it is the absence that causes most hurt
urgency requires constant alert

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

lost or still

you chose your route with evidence of care
but not without some semblance of regret
it did not matter in this winter air

legend would have it there was time to spare
and none of the adversaries had met
you chose your route with evidence of care

never before had branches been so bare
nor had the silent more reasons to fret
it did not matter in this winter air

what had to happen needed none to stare
just some to start and others to abet
you chose your route with evidence of care

this was the place where you had set the snare
the ones who waited did not break a sweat
it did not matter in this winter air

the game was rigged but no one thought it fair
it is observed by those who won't forget
you chose your route with evidence of care
it did not matter in this winter air

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

at a time of crisis

those who define the moment have to fail
there are no meanings left to coincide
you struggle and you shout to no avail

you scream a little when you feel the nail
yet have no guts to call it homicide
those who define the moment have to fail

your hungry lion shakes its ragged tail
but can do nothing to revive its pride
you struggle and you shout to no avail

you find that you add nothing to the scale
and can do nothing to support your side
those who define the moment have to fail

the rabbit can't outrace the sluggard snail
you'll have to be content to let things slide
you struggle and you shout to no avail

you are the loser facing the huge gale
the last wall's down there is not place to hide
those who define the moment have to fail
you struggle and you shout to no avail

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

not so still centre

you meet the piping birdies high aloft
and do not feel the need to say a name
while dancers still wheel in the undercroft

the stars sent messages at which we scoffed
thinking that soon we'd have glory and fame
you meet the piping birdies high aloft

singers at distance seem both warm and soft
all of our hopes are shown as weak and tame
while dancers still wheel in the undercroft

others now wear the hats which we have doffed
as each of us now runs away in shame
you meet the piping birdies high aloft

you said it once and we have said it oft
but while we listen no one lights the flame
while dancers still wheel in the undercroft

the last parader his last word has coughed
and all the while you want to spread the blame
you meet the piping birdies high aloft
while dancers still wheel in the undercroft

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

odd enough on tuesday

a winter waking to thunder and rain
the bland voice on the radio speaks of snow
there is so much these days that seems arcane

as you get older matters seem less plain
the phone rings and there's much you have to know
a winter waking to thunder and rain

all of your efforts turn out to be vain
a hot drink fails to bring back the good glow
there is so much these days that seems arcane

you send a package from london to spain
you set some things aside to learn and grow
a winter waking to thunder and rain

words on the screen require another strain
your mind is daily much more weak and slow
there is so much these days that seems arcane

and yet your life is pleasant in the main
you win a prize here taste a sweet gateau
a winter waking to thunder and rain
there is so much these days that seems arcane

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

on the job

those who are trapped beneath the solid ice
do not deserve the charges that they face
but we must work each day to earn our rice

things are not valued at their highest price
we do not have to spend much time to trace
those who are trapped beneath the solid ice

there are much better means and sound device
to track the paths and laud the ways of grace
but we must work each day to earn our rice

left long ago to gnawings of the mice
we can't forget the ones who were in place
those who are trapped beneath the solid ice

such as you speak of never are precise
to claim that even our sight might debase
but we must work each day to earn our rice

yet through the year we're forced to be most nice
to everyone who says that they still chase
those who are trapped beneath the solid ice
but we must work each day to earn our rice

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

all we forget

all we forget is that we ought to care
about the little space that we control
so recollection fills upon the stair

the solid melts into the grimy air
we view the breaking of the human soul
all we forget is that we ought to care

the revolution was ordained up there
by those who did not wonder at the goal
so recollection fills upon the stair

yours is the portion and the proper share
of what the little children thought they stole
all we forget is that we ought to care

the wider shoulder knows what it must bear
and every actor longs to play the role
so recollection fills upon the stair

it is enough to know and not to dare
achieve the part and then create the whole
all we forget is that we ought to care
so recollection fills upon the stair

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

assessment of value

those are the costs that others have to pay
but we don't know just what's the final price
all of our senses have to go astray

some have to do enough just to allay
the ones who would have given good advice
those are the costs that others have to pay

the strings that hold us tightly rub and fray
we do not know if their clutch will suffice
all of our senses have to go astray

only the foolish will pause here to pray
in the belief that the reply is nice
those are the costs that others have to pay

a newer method will soon have its day
and we'll deploy a shinier device
all of our senses have to go astray

the choice is always either die or slay
turn into virtue every ancient vice
those are the costs that others have to pay
all of our senses have to go astray

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

profit and loss

there is no profit in the human heart
nor in those things that most each of us love
the working machine never gives a fart

dead bodies are piled up on the last cart
we give each tumbril a despairing shove
there is no profit in the human heart

such facts were made clear at the very start
but no new signal came done from above
the working machine never gives a fart

these are the meanings that are set apart
those matters that we knew something of
there is no profit in the human heart

the winner and the loser each are smart
enough to know the total price thereof
the working machine never gives a fart

just so we find the wisdom of the dart
and choose the raven over the pale dove
there is no profit in the human heart
the working machine never gives a fart

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

another cycle

each generation seeks to make its mark
upon the turning earth and is so blind
for none can foresee what comes in the dark

the dog is punished when it does not bark
because it takes the scent of its own kind
each generation seeks to make its mark

so many tasks begun just as a lark
and then continued in the normal grind
for none can foresee what comes in the dark

no one it seems has ever dared remark
the kind of things that have to loose and bind
each generation seeks to make its mark

year after year we think about the shark
and yet it does not know itself maligned
for none can foresee what comes in the dark

the job we do is no walk in the park
we know how thought tears at the waking mind
each generation seeks to make its mark
for none can foresee what comes in the dark

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

island story

all that continues does not fill the tale
your understanding is not quite complete
strain at a herring yet swallow the whale

the oldest sailor knows the sea is pale
right where once vanished the most famous fleet
all that continues does not fill the tale

just as the wind arrives to fill the sail
so does the one you most don't want to meet
strain at a herring yet swallow a whale

you cross the ocean just to bring the mail
but cannot pause your oldest friend to greet
all that continues does not fill the tale

those who are brave still might have cause to quai
lon hearing sound of those large angry feet
strain at a herring yet swallow a whale

the time will come when others will assail
the fortress and will break the royal seat
all that continues does not fill the tale
strain at a herring yet swallow the whale

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

old meanings

old meanings rise with every fall of night
and we are trapped by what we think we know
still freedom is the nature of the rite

the sea is deep enough to fill the bight
and nothing halts the river in its flow
old meanings rise with every fall of night

those who would teach us know not of our plight
and cannot pay us off for what we owe
still freedom is the nature of the rite

this is the symbol of all that is trite
a thing that others are not yet to show
old meanings rise with every fall of night

take this for what was given at first light
and yet accepted at the final glow
still freedom is the nature of the rite

we do not see ourselves as very bright
and bow our heads to take your every blow
old meanings rise with every fall of night
still freedom is the nature of the rite

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

lush violins

a solemn closing to a sombre age
or so we hope when the last music's played
but no one sees the frenzy of backstage

some might with honesty the moment gauge
when the last fortress was to us betrayed
a solemn closing to a sombre age

this is the moment when we have to rage
as all the waters down the wall cascade
but no one sees the frenzy of backstage

we call the one with style the final mage
and grant no honours to the old and staid
a solemn closing to a a sombre age

what was once secret's now upon the page
you hope to silently retire and fade
but none one sees the frenzy of backstage

no one would hold this tiger in the cage
still not a fellow rushes up to aid
a solemn closing to a sombre age
but one one sees the frenzy of backstage

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the patience of a saint

so much would try the patience of a saint
and in the end no one on earth would care
since there would always be a sign of taint

the cure for age is one more lick of paint
it's never hard to make the seeming fair
so much would try the patience of a saint

you might with sentiment the truth acquaint
and with a single heave the matter dare
since there would always be a sign of taint

such tasks are not for the queasy or faint
nor the inhabitants of thinner air
so much would try the patience of a saint

the hero will not hear the least complaint
nor hearken to the ones who say beware
since there would always be a sign of taint

we will move eagerly lacking restraint
knowing that there is little time to spare
so much would try the patience of a saint
since there would always be a sign of taint

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

rainy thursday

hidden our shadows by the fall of rain
your voices muted as the signals fade
there's no one left who we'd want to abstain

old leaves remember none of autumn's pain
the barest branches can promise no shade
hidden our shadows by the fall of rain

the meaning of it all is not arcane
it took a while to smooth and set the grade
there's no one left who we'd want to abstain

the decent worker is the slacker's bane
against all hope great armies are arrayed
hidden our shadows by the fall of rain

lovers may walk at evening down the lane
while wiser heads in slower courses stayed
there's no one left who we'd want to abstain

as drop by drop the water heads to plain
each will recall the times when they just played
hidden our shadows by the fall of rain
there's no one left who we'd want to abstain

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

dust and smoke

in all the silences of dust and smoke
we find what's hidden is the truly plain
and all that's secret turns out one more joke

so much we thought was past we now evoke
as we still wait with patience for the rain
in all the silences of dust and smoke

green as the trust in those who were good folk
it now seems russet as the spreading stain
and all that's secret turns out one more joke

what now becomes a better sort of cloak
is given for the earning of true gain
in all the silences of dust and smoke

you think yourself a finer type of bloke
until you're forced to go against the grain
and all that's secret turns out one more joke

these are the remedies you have to croak
as there's no end to horror and to pain
in all the silences of dust and smoke
and all that's secret turns out one more joke

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

for jeremy at twenty

there are no obstacles on the sacred way
your path was made as smooth as heart could hope
we ask that you remember on this day

life has a healthy share of plots to lay
but we are sure that you've the skill to cope
there are no obstacles on the sacred way

don't let the foolish visions make you stray
a little error and you're down the slope
we ask that you remember on this day

there is a price that each of us must pay
you learn this long before you have to mope
there are no obstacles on the sacred way

you will soon find we aren't allowed to stay
and that for some things we for long time grope
we ask that you remember on this day

there are so many things i have to say
time it turns out is not as long as rope
there are no obstacles on the sacred way
we ask that you remember on this day

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

unexpected pride

your vision fails under the weight of cloud
but nothing matters unless you can speak
it seems that even death can make you proud

there is no good that once was not allowed
the deepest essence is not one you'd seek
your vision fails under the weight of cloud

meat on the bone with a small mind endowed
is what you are and that should keep you meek
it seems that even death can make you proud

the ones who came before have all been cowed
by what they saw of glory at the peak
your vision fails under the weight of cloud

so many worlds are hidden under shroud
you think that your experience is unique
it seems that even death can make you proud

the one thing that you thought you had avowed
must in the end be what you could not wreak
your vision fails under the weight of cloud
it seems that even death can make you proud

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

done by rote

we are too distant from the grinding ice
a world away from the eternal snow
but still we make the winter sacrifice

beyond the north wind there's nothing could entice
our hearts to find what no wise man could know
we are too distant from the grinding ice

we think that our own warmth might still suffice
to keep us safe and guard us with its glow
but still we make the winter sacrifice

we fill the mugs and then rattle the dice
another day spent warding off the blow
we are too distant from the grinding ice

your task is simple and your manner's nice
you do not have to worry for the flow
but still we make the winter sacrifice

our only problem now is the high price
not if the ending will come fast or slow
we are too distant from the grinding ice
but still we make the winter sacrifice

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a land of heroes

how the republic stands on decent folk
bright boys and girls in all the schools are told
how glad we are to bear no foreign yoke

in this hard soil the blood of slaves did soak
it brought in bounteous harvests manifold
how the republic stands on decent folk

legend will have it there was one great stroke
delivered by the one we've most extolled
how glad we are to bear no foreign yoke

upon our ranks the frenzied foemen broke
we took the weight of them and we were bold
how the republic stands on decent folk

around the world the hearts of all awoke
our tale is one that all the earth consoled
how glad we are to bear no foreign yoke

now listen while the merry spokesmen croak
announcing that their very word is gold
how the republic stands on decent folk
how glad we are to bear no foreign yoke

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

so much for thought

what's not recorded we will too soon forget
the weight of memory will sink all light
you can't account for all of that regret

so much of life is ventured on one bet
a universe could vanish in one night
what's not recorded we will too soon forget

icons once painted pass and none will fret
though millions once had clamoured for the sight
you can't account for all of that regret

those who have spoken were not once upset
by all the silences of constant blight
what's not recorded we will too soon forget

the beacon's unlit unblown the cornet
no one would ever know of our last plight
you can't account for all of that regret

not ever spoken of the total debt
that we have owed for all of our delight
what's not recorded we will too soon forget
you can't account for all of that regret

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

honest folk

the way you tell it is always a lie
but when i speak you throw me into gaol
it's honest folk who always get to die

your contrails fill the grey polluted sky
when we speak up you shut down the e-mail
the way you tell it is always a lie

the children hunger and we hear them cry
you tell us that the story is now stale
it's honest folk who always get to die

armed forces are on regular stand-by
the latest enemies we'll soon assail
the way you tell it is always a lie

the well of kindness long ago ran dry
what's left would not sustain a single snail
it's honest folk who always get to die

well was it said that time would not supply
the gap when human warmth and goodness fail
they way you tell it is always a lie
its honest folk who always get to die

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

measuring oceans

you want to measure oceans with a spoon
and weep when no one gives you reasons why
another man might leap right to the moon

those are the answers of a plain poltroon
we break the wheel upon a butterfly
you want to measure oceans with a spoon

such are the wailings of the last bassoon
beneath the bright stars of a stranger sky
another man might leap right to the moon

eager to dance but not inopportune
the weaver knows just how things go awry
you want to measure oceans with a spoon

what weeds and parasites the trees festoon
mile after mile these tales of earth belie
another man might leap right to the moon

let ancient singers their sad legends croon
while legends vanish in the purpling sky
you want to measure oceans with a spoon
another man might leap right to the moon

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

i do not need to mention

i do not need to mention what was said
about the battle that our fathers fought
so many of our kindred left for dead

those were the moments of the greatest dread
when from above the vultures swooped and sought
i do not need to mention what was said

out masters told us that we needed bread
but as we were the losers we'd get naught
so many of our kindred left for dead

the so-called hero was the swiftest sped
not even time to be hurt or distraught
i do not need to mention what was said

the word once written was not ever read
a bitter lesson we have now been taught
so many of our kindred left for dead

the hardest would was given to the head
it shook out every vestige of good thought
i do not need to mention what was said
so many of our kindred left for dead

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

treatment and assurance

a consciousness that can't be fully cured
teaches each one about the coming rift
what we are given is never assured

your choice is one to which you were inured
by powers of avarice and normal thrift
a consciousness that can't be fully cured

those other cousins who were halfway lured
and then found they had all been set adrift
what we are given is never assured

again you wonder what we have procured
and why the last departer loudly sniffed
a consciousness that can't be fully cured

distinct and painful each one that matured
no mortal spirit had received a lift
what we are given is never assured

so no man claims to have felt or endured
what you have thought was but a tiny gift
a consciousness that can't be fully cured
what we are given is never assured

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

to utter the right name

there is a way to utter the right name
yet none can honestly declare the fact
only the truthful can accept the blame

too many blackguards eager to declaim
turn concrete meaning into vague abstract
there is a way to utter the right name

the hooligan will parade without shame
but honest people are always attacked
only the truthful can accept the blame

shallow the ones who demand all acclaim
with thought of consequence they're never wracked
there is a way to utter the right name

there is no way to honour or to fame
for those who still possess both sense and tact
only the truthful can accept the blame

the wildest creature will feign being tame
it's always easy to trick and distract
there is a way to utter the right name
only the truthful can accept the blame

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

end of summer

choices never had been ordinary
until the strike fell sharply from the cloud
and then the city was an ossuary

we did not enter the monastery
to hide our faces from the milling crowd
choices never had been ordinary

so many horrors we had to bury
signs of all the crimes we were allowed
and then the city was an ossuary

bitter cold has eaten at the berry
with emptiness have we been all endowed
choices never had been ordinary

cursing those who had a while been merry
did for a passing moment please the cowed
and then the city was an ossuary

the fee is paid all must take the ferry
a whole society covered by a shroud
choices never had been ordinary
and then the city was an ossuary

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the truest beauty

what time we give to echoes from the heart
is taken from the horrors of the dark
the truest beauty is the sign of art

life gives us signs of sorrow from the start
but we can't know this just as we embark
what time we give to echoes from the heart

what is divine comes from what we impart
laying our course between the rat and shark
the truest beauty is the sign of art

another sigil sold in open mart
will indicate that some things are not stark
what time we give to echoes from the heart

a record that's been kept in place apart
contains the hope that's in a chance remark
the truest beauty is the sign of art

not for these efforts are we accounted smart
but that we raised in you the greatest spark
what time we give to echoes from the heart
the truest beauty is the sign of art

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

night limits

night limits what we see till when we wake
the simplest clarity may lead astray
too many good things left here to forsake

the river feeds into a silent lake
birds gather by the margin of a bay
night limits what we see till when we wake

all knowledge is compounded by mistake
another world hides within the clay
too many good things left here to forsake

upon the shore a single wave will break
until that time you may yet have your say
night limits what we see till when we wake

ours to reform what you will have to make
there are some stories better told by day
too many good things left here to forsake

not in the time allotted would each ache
even if we allowed it go away
night limits what we see till when we wake
too many good things left here to forsake

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a second's brief concern

you choose the path and march without a turn
that's all it takes to show how you are made
to go without a second's brief concern

others might have a lot to teach or learn
aware of what is coming down the grade
you choose the path and march without a turn

we watch the water swiftly steam and churn
then take our place in the open arcade
to go without a second's brief concern

far off in the fast-growing beds of fern
small animals will know to be afraid
you choose the path and march without a turn

a purpose set to work and so to earn
not gold or silver but the ends of trade
to go without a second's brief concern

no simple fire yet in each heart must burn
a flame that guides us on the last parade
you choose the path and march without a turn
to go without a second's brief concern

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

what the villain said

so many visions held within each head
no chance to tell them all within the hour
you get your chance to play into the red

the truly evil will poison your bread
if you allow them one small chance at power
so many visions held within each head

another kind will fill the pipes with lead
and claim that you have emptied out the tower
you get your chance to play into the red

for your fool sake so many fools have bled
and they turn out to be just one more shower
so many visions held within each head

the shrub you watered with your tears is dead
dust fills what should have been a happy bower
you get your chance to play into the red

you walk a league and find courage has fled
someone will come the passages to scour
so many visions held within each head
you get your chance to play into the red

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

no more the moment

no more the moment when the breath was heard
a longer second than one would have thought
yet what we find is one more witty bird

we do not feel the sentiments are blurred
but have not paid for all that you have bought
no more the moment when the breath was heard

one was too eager one more was deterred
one in the traps of his own mind was caught
yet what we find is one more witty bird

to other goals the young are always spurred
what was once valued now must count for naught
no more the moment when the breath was heard

with all the wisest we have now concurred
about the gap between the is and ought
yet what we find is one more witty bird

you make the claim about which we demurred
have won the battle which no one has fought
no more the moment when the breath was heard
yet what we find is one more witty bird

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

night watch

as eyes are fixed upon the falling star
nothing else marks the ending of the age
it seems so commonplace and yet bizarre

between the past and present there's no bar
just motion of the turning of the page
as eyes are fixed upon the falling star

a rapid tune that's played on the guitar
excites a sort of urgent cleansing rage
it seems so commonplace and yet bizarre

to save the moment leave the door ajar
to ease the entrance of the needed mage
as eyes are fixed upon the falling star

when it shall strike it will leave quite a scar
but that is nothing to the clowns on stage
it seems to commonplace and yet bizarre

that is the story as it's been so far
the one who's done the job has earned the wage
as eyes are fixed upon the falling star
it seems so commonplace and yet bizarre

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

certificate of appreciation

no matter what the fool will seem to win
there is no price that you would want to pay
by all accounts things must end in chagrin

around each head the world must seem to spin
no one has ever given thought to play
no matter what the fool will seem to win

what was important is now in the bin
from all that's done the mind's begun to stray
by all accounts things must end in chagrin

the calmest water's broken by a fin
fear has invaded our most secret bay
no matter what the fool will seem to win

the hero has to take it on the chin
and fall down dead without any delay
by all accounts things must end in chagrin

you face the future with a painful grin
someone has told you it's the proper way
no matter what the fool will seem to win
by all accounts things must end in chagrin

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

functions of maps

the map recalls each step that once we took
the traveller who knows has often told
so many facts not written in the book

trees that year-round draw sustenance from brook
leaves that have not known the bite of cold
the map recalls each step that once we took

around the hill road turns in a sharp hook
the view is one that other folk consoled
so many facts not written in the book

the car that on the morning overtook
our stumbling feet that we in pain cajoled
the map recalls each step that once we took

harsh winds that seemed to penetrate each nook
and made us suddenly feel weak and old
so many facts not written in the book

race down the mountain and take one last look
as the bright sun distributes its first gold
the map recalls each step that once we took
so many facts not written in the book

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

visions come dancing

visions come dancing from the hollow place
where light and darkness mingle and won't part
pain is no horror and death's no disgrace

we find that we've not kept proper pace
and so are thrown exhausted on the cart
visions come dancing from the hollow place

no narrative can describe the whole case
that's not an element of normal art
pain is no horror and death's no disgrace

in afternoon the music won't erase
all of the anguish we've learned in the mart
visions come dancing from the hollow place

so mad the sound that burns through every face
at ending it's no better than at start
pain is no horror and death's no disgrace

what we desire is that no one embrace
the power that we release from angry heart
visions come dancing from the hollow place
pain is no horror and death's no disgrace

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

smooth is the road

smooth is the road white under the hard wheel
no one could tell just how the journey's made
the simplest symbol has the best appeal

so many folk remember how to kneel
when they see nobles pass by in parade
smooth is the road white under the hard wheel

slaves know their place and never would conceal
thoughts disobedient from the strong brigade
the simplest symbol has the best appeal

wisdom requires a mode that's more genteel
words spoken in the comfort of the shade
smooth is the road white under the hard wheel

so much is said but little that's ideal
look at the picture and it starts to fade
the simplest symbol has the best appeal

we learn to speak before we learn to feel
but nothing matters when we see the blade
smooth is the road white under the hard wheel
the simplest symbol has the best appeal

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the losers' tale

whereat we fall and do not rise to win
our names are cursed and all our graves defiled
to speak our memory is the worst of sin

how do we end who could not then begin
our best inception was so hot and wild
whereat we fall and do not rise to win

graven on coldest stone or human skin
words that are now rejected and reviled
to speak our memory is the worst of sin

no one dared look at what went on within
the space in which the story was compiled
whereat we fall and do not rise to win

so easy then a tale of gold to spin
to those on whom a happy fate had smiled
to speak our memory is the worst of sin

here naked skulls at living faces grin
no longer innocent is normal child
whereat we fall and do not rise to win
to speak our memory is the worst of sin

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

all of time frozen

all of time frozen into place reverts
into what we think of as one plain meme
the one who thinks that silence presses blurts

no one from fate their face ever averts
the word once given is what we would deem
all of time frozen into place reverts

truth once plain spoken in its course diverts
the greatest rivers into one large stream
the one who thinks that silence presses blurts

pain honestly received still fucking hurts
the coldest blood will soon turn into steam
all of time frozen into place reverts

you think it does not matter when she flirts
you'll soon find out that skim milk is not cream
the one who thinks that silence presses hurts

tell one thin lie and you will see the shirts
you thought to wear turn out to lose their gleam
all of time frozen into place reverts
the one who thinks that silence presses blurts

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

each tale has endings

each tale has endings that we think are true
but readers make them up and none can say
what each has made of the story they view

such strange things as we speak of could
ensueonly when we demand strong light of day
each tale has endings that we think are true

the captain tells us he can't rule the crew
they've halted work and turned to shades of grey
what each has made of the story they view

compounded discourse gives us questions new
no one it seems can our concerns allay
each tale has endings that we think are true

when rains are over the skies turn clear blue
we now observe as if in a staged play
what each has made of the story they view

the job is done before i've tied my shoe
all things are set out in a strange array
each tale has endings that we think are true
what each has made of the story they view

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister