time of embarcation

a single moment and one little slip

not quite enough to hurt or leave a sign

we have been warned it's time to board the ship

we do not have the presence just to sip

but must gulp down all of the new-pressed wine

a single moment and one little slip

our answers seem too rapid and too flip

the enemy's right at the borderline

we have been warned it's time to board the ship

the questions come at far too swift a clip

we think the ones who ask them are such swine

a single moment and one little slip

this has turned out to be a complex trip

so many things we have now to combine

we have been warned it's time to board the ship

the worst response might be a short sharp quip

about the bounds of human and divine

a single moment and one little slip

we have been warned it's time to board the ship

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

an empty room

an empty room is creature of this art

yours to restore to please the glancing eye

but none can fill the needs of every heart

the actor knows that he's playing a part

and every word and gesture is a lie

an empty room is creature of this art

grey words a standard meaning might impart

yet hide the full import from any spy

but none can fill the needs of every heart

from shade to shade the hero has to dart

with no good means to hold his hope up high

an empty room is creature of this art

this was the message we heard at the start

no pearl that we had from its bed to pry

but none can fill the needs of every heart

we write the place down on the larger chart

and look up at the swiftly clouding sky

an empty room is creature of this art

but none can fill the needs of every heart

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a fairy tale

there are no magics left for us to fear

but it would never do to be so brash

to let the truth out to the common air

our choices have turned out to be too spare

and seem to lack both colour and panache

there are no magics left for us to fear

grief would not hold us and neither would care

we do not do a thing that would seem rash

to let the truth out to the common air

anger's enough to make each truly dare

and give the hero just a touch of dash

there are no magics left for us to fear

a classic moment to lay matters bare

and then the swords and daggers have to clash

to let the truth out to the common air

the bravest will collect she who is fair

the wisest will count up all of the cash

there are not magics left for us to fear

to let the truth out to the common air

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

freedom's gamble

when liberty was counted as true sin

our lives were valued down to the last cent

and every coin was tossed for loss or win

we knew that nothing good could yet begin

if every pin and nail had to be bent

when liberty was counted as true sin

a rule or measure no one there would spin

some sort of honesty might have been lent

and every coin was tossed for loss or win

divine displeasure hidden by a grin

we knew the signal that was truly meant

when liberty was counted as true sin

and still we throw a dollar in the bin

and hold the money had been truly spent

and every coin was tossed for loss or win

there is no reason now to feel chagrin

not one of us from off the scene was sent

when liberty was counted as true sin

and every coin was tossed for loss or win

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

nameless virtues

these are the virtues that we dare not name

honour and duty with fear must compete

against all hope we feed both pride and shame

we think we're wildest when we are most tame

and slowest when we are truly most fleet

these are the virtues that we dare not name

our silence keeps us from knowing our fame

a common kind of human self-deceit

against all hope we feed both pride and shame

to tell the truth our answers all are lame

nothing we have provides the soul with meat

these are the virtues that we dare not name

you'd think that we would simply take the blame

go out in anger let the fools just bleat

against all hope we feed both pride and shame

this it turns out is more than just a game

it takes so long we cannot taste the sweet

these are the virtues that we dare not name

against all hope we feed both pride and shame

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

at the exit door

what we don't know is what we leave behind

doors have been closed and silences remain

this is the kingdom of the truly blind

the ones who do not speak keep soundest mind

for nothing in this realm has yet seemed plain

what we don't know is what we leave behind

we strip ourselves of all that might hope bind

no further need to stave off the old pain

this is the kingdom of the truly blind

for what we lacked not one of us had pined

we did not think we'd come to it again

what we don't know is what we leave behind

the processes that had been misaligned

have been corrected with a lot of strain

this is the kingdom of the truly blind

the name we have is of another kind

we struggle but we choose not to abstain

what we don't know is what we leave behind

this is the kingdom of the truly blind

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

hardest duty

the hardest duty which we have to face

is not the worst thing that might now befall

this is the final hardest sticking place

shadow and silence end in all disgrace

we could not any terror now forestall

the hardest duty which we have to face

the hero is the one who plays the ace

at the high moment of the trumpet call

this is the final hardest sticking place

no monster here has left a single trace

that would the smallest child's plain heart appall

the hardest duty which we have to face

we hide the ugliness in silk and lace

and think our planet is just a large ball

this is the final hardest sticking place

the sternest sergeant now must bear the mace

while lords and ladies prepare for the ball

the hardest duty which we have to face

this the final hardest sticking place

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

at end of empire

there are no reasons for the sky to fail

each heart explodes when bullet reaches goal

honour and courage are just up for sale

we wait as all the weathermen turn pale

no other good thing's written on the scroll

there are no reasons for the sky to fail

the marks of vomit lie upon the rail

and drops of water fall into the bowl

honour and courage are just up for sale

it takes but little to turn this small scale

the weight of what is quite a tiny soul

there are no reasons for the sky to fail

we won't mistake the sardine for the whale

only a little finger blocks the hole

honour and courage are just up for sale

from deadly calm we wait the saving gale

to cleanse our sorry world from pole to pole

there are no reasons for the sky to fail

honour and courage are just up for sale

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a room in south london

your only job is setting the right theme

and having done that getting off the stair

all of our eyes are focused on the gleam

we value mote at greater than the beam

of light that bears it through the morning air

your only job is setting the right theme

upon each head there might fall a slight stream

of dusty particles that once were fair

all of our eyes are focused on the gleam

that tells us now just what we should esteem

out of the factors that deserved our care

your only job is setting the right theme

for our reception fill the bowl with cream

and tell us just how distant we must fare

all of our eyes are focused on the gleam

so much we learn from just a simple meme

leaving behind the ones who want to stare

your only job is setting the right theme

all of our eyes are focused on the gleam

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

clear and green

there are no words that come out clear and green

the aftermath of rain and hail and snow

so many people can't say what they mean

what we intend won't show up on a screen

we haven't gained the privilege to crow

there are no words that come out clear and green

we soon forget the wisdom of the bean

nor where the finer virtues have to grow

so many people can't say what they mean

we cannot learn to trust an honest mien

since all we see might turn out to be show

there are no words that come out clear and green

we name so many actors on the scene

and then forget the range of things they know

there are no words that come out clear and green

so many people can't say what they mean

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a simple state

you think of peace as such a simple state

but all that's complex does not end in dark

we find that evil hides within the gate

words uttered by a fool will always grate

and leave on every mind a smudgy mark

you think of peace as such a simple state

the honest man is first to turn irate

when burned by what is not a little spark

we find that evil hides within the gate

we can't control the purpose nor the rate

at which you feed the chum unto the shark

you think of peace as such a simple state

you were the champ but now you are the bait

and not a single dog would dare to bark

we find that evil hides within the gate

it is so easy just to blame dumb fate

and say that the old world is no safe park

you think of peace as such a simple state

we find that evil hides within the gate

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

sea view

no clouds are moving under clearest sky

the ocean speaks to us of ancient woe

but we are trapped within the modern lie

those who have knowledge learn how to apply

the means to change most swiftly and most slow

no clouds are moving under clearest sky

we thought the meaning was so utter wry

all our words excellent and àpropos

but we are trapped within the modern lie

this is not something on which we rely

yet we must speak our piece before we go

no clouds are moving under clearest sky

granted the merest motion means we fly

into the greatest passion we could know

but we are trapped within the modern lie

and so we find the sweet baked in the pie

the greatest threat to what was status quo

no clouds are moving under clearest sky

but we are trapped within the modern lie

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

after fourteen years

light shimmers on the waves in calmest mode

across the water the high bluff stands clear

this is the turning of a long hard road

lights on the bridge send out their hidden code

the structure seems to float in the bright air

light shimmers on the waves in calmest mode

each lets the years our memories corrode

and burns the dark to grey with pain and care

this is the turning of a long hard road

far to the east night's fallen and time's slowed

but where i sit the day and sun are fair

light shimmers on the waves in calmest mode

each change of life is a short episode

in what we learn and what we have to share

this is the turning of a long hard road

back to the hills and to the normal load

we joke but when we do it's on the square

ight shimmers on the waves in calmest mode

this is the turning of a long hard road

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a larger garden

each of the shadows hides a secret name

joy in the morning changes to long doom

all of the moments focus in a flame

you are the one who makes it a great game

and thinks the world is just one great big room

each of the shadows hides a secret name

you want to make things remain just the same

and hide the torment in one silent gloom

all of the moments focus in a flame

return from anger right into the frame

you find that nothing fits within the zoom

each of the shadows hides a secret name

others have made the same dumb futile claim

you know that nothing will the past exhume

all of the moments focus in a flame

there are no demons left to praise or blame

the universe is both a hell and womb

each of the shadows hides a secret name

all of the moments focus in a flame

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

my left foot

you feel the pain and it won't go away

it's not enough to make a baby cry

still such a thing can ruin the best day

others have better wiser words to say

you listen and the meanings pass you by

you feel the pain and it won't go away

the darker kingdom succeeds to the grey

no brighter omens appear in the sky

still such a thing can ruin the best day

what might have shattered even refined clay

turns out to please your not-so-noble eye

you feel the pain and it won't go away

march turns to april april turns to may

the year continues till the well runs dry

still such a thing can ruin the best day

each takes a step to drop out of the fray

and knows that saying it makes it a lie

you feel the pain and it won't go away

still such a thing can ruin the best day

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

hidden dragon

there is a beast beneath each human skin

you find that out when you reach that odd ground

where each of us finds out that we could win

a kind of monster whose nerves are most thin

and ready to break out at the least sound

there is a beast beneath each human skin

this is a creature of the dragonkin

moving with haste towards the sacred mound

where each of us finds out that we could win

the sky above us seems with speed to spin

what we have learned is wisdom most profound

there is a beast beneath each human skin

we throw all hesitation in the bin

the past in all its foolishness is drowned

where each of us finds out that we could win

the hero learns to take it on the chin

and let the villain fall before the hound

there is a beast beneath each human skin

where each of us finds out that we could win

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the secret game

you want to understand the secret game

but not to play it by the usual rule

no one must know you by your given name

all that i say must be for your acclaim

so much is clear and plain and very cool

you want to understand the secret game

no one who does this speaks a word for shame

the thread's been let out to the end of spool

no one must know you by your given name

what we have faced no longer seems so tame

no aging toothless lion on its stool

you want to understand the secret game

the proper shaping of the world's your aim

you fear a monster lurks within the pool

no one must know you by your given name

an ending comes even to brightest flame

who would claim otherwise is just a fool

you want to understand the secret game

no one must know you by your given name

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the seal is melted

the seal is melted under the red fire

no interlude to mark the end of cold

no one in ages has leave to inspire

the sea and shore fight for the world entire

their battle was not settled by the bold

the seal is melted under the red fire

to no great sentiment could you aspire

the meaning was not set nor uncontrolled

no one in ages has leave to inspire

in all the shallows no one could perspire

we saw that all the papers were tight rolled

the seal is melted under the red fire

the cow and pig have piled dung at the byre

not one has cared that they have all been sold

no one in ages has leave to inspire

this message that i leave will turn out dire

i speak right now before i turn too old

the seal is melted under the red fire

no one in ages has leave to inspire

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

facing the eldest gods

so dark that stars must scream out of the sky

these are the nights our ancestors had known

against that vision no room for the lie

we note the pallor of those now on high

in every heart the secret is a stone

so dark that stars must scream out of the sky

sharp is the blade that makes the tongue comply

and rough the face on which the wind has blown

against that vision no room for the lie

eager to please and to survive thereby

those who awake into this world have grown

so dark that stars must scream out of the sky

your normal viewer has turned out so shy

that all he does is bend his head and moan

against that vision no room for the lie

there's no place left to which the good may fly

each of us faces that hard fact alone

so dark the stars must scream out of the sky

against that vision no room for the lie

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

waiting for spring rain

given a choice you have to make it plain

no pleasant pastures lie beyond the wall

each of us has to wait for the spring rain

your duty's never to remove the stain

others may wish our charges to enthral

given a choice you have to make it plain

so many gods were worshipped at this fane

so many supplicants have made the crawl

each of us has to wait for the spring rain

the absent never find out what was slain

nor are the early always on the ball

given a choice you have to make it plain

you took the option and would not abstain

there is no feeling that would be too small

each of us has to wait for the spring rain

we slap a label on the normal pain

and do not listen to its mournful call

given a choice you have to make it plain

each of us has to wait for the spring rain

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

unclear on the concept

you give it up as your claim is but slight

still only you could know just how to speak

it does not matter if you're in the right

pressure befalls from those who have the might

silence the place of those who know they're meek

you give it up as your claim is but slight

no one reports on what's a common plight

since all can see the situation's bleak

it does not matter if you're in the right

each waits for what will come at dead of night

and not a one would dare outside to peek

you give it up as your claim it but slight

the villain has forgotten how to write

and to the hero all has turned to greek

it does not matter if you're in the right

not one thing's left that's either black or white

each weapon falls from the hands of the weak

you give it up as your claim is but slight

it does not matter if you're in the right

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

resurrection

we let the flame take in the dying bird

and watch the ashes stir and phoenix rise

the whole thing does not draw from us a word

the centuries of waiting all are blurred

each time it happens it is a surprise

we let the flame take in the dying bird

the cost of immortality incurred

all proper calculation still defies

the whole thing does not draw from us a word

we had for long paused delayed even deferred

until the message was clear in the skies

we let the flame take in the dying bird

a staring cat might have just stretched and purred

who knew the facts and told them now denies

the whole thing does not draw from us a word

this is the truth that all good folk have heard

never to hate and not once to despise

we let the flame take in the dying bird

the whole thing does not draw from us a word

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

pole to pole

your feet have fallen through the larger hole

made by the force of years of steady rain

day after day it goes from pole to pole

not one to understand the higher goal

but eager all the same for greater gain

your feet have fallen through the larger hole

you alone know just what it was you stole

but others cannot understand it plain

day after day it goes from pole to pole

thinner the meaning that we could control

but thicker than the warning in the main

your feet have fallen through the larger hole

not one to think it might have turned out droll

yet happy that there was no ugly stain

day after day it goes from pole to pole

we left our boat wrecked on the final shoal

and took the path that we could ascertain

your feet have fallen through the larger hole

day after day it goes from pole to pole

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

maggiore vita

the world will not long mourn the humble dead

those who have built the cities we don't see

we barely thought that they deserved their bread

so easy to class gold right in with lead

we praise in turn each sacred appointee

the world will not long mourn the humble dead

those long defeats they met without much dread

and bowed before both kings and bourgeoisie

we barely thought that they deserved their bread

instead we lie back in our soft warm bed

and laugh at those who have to bend the knee

the world will not long mourn the humble dead

not long enough to know just who had bled

and fallen just so far as to agree

we barely thought that they deserved their bread

the answers are kept hidden in each head

by minds that have been lost in the dark sea

the world will not long mourn the humble dead

we barely thought that they deserved their bread

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

lost voyager

there is a hope that keeps us on this shore

not one who knows but shows a happy face

what has been given is what we adore

desire unbidden always seeks for more

than has been shown by nature's noble grace

there is a hope that keeps us on this shore

those who live long are not accounted poor

since they are winners in the longest chase

what has been given is what we adore

germane or not the message that we bore

was what permitted each a little space

there is a hope that keeps us on this shore

enough that all the terrors we abhor

have left in memory no single trace

what has been given is what we adore

another seeker will search out the spoor

that's left behind in this most happy place

there is a hope that keeps us on this shore

what has been given is what we adore

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

live lion

we hide our faces underneath a mask

all that we know is covered by the dark

life just becomes another weary task

on some warm shore we have the time to bask

the world we find is just another park

we hide our faces underneath a mask

your choice to fill the bucket and the cask

and load them one by one in the last ark

life just becomes another weary task

if one of us had merely thought to ask

just what would lift the last ignoble mark

we hide our faces underneath a mask

we do not wear fine silk here or damask

this is a place where matters are most stark

life just becomes another weary task

you find that there's no drop left in the flask

and nothing will take fire from this last spark

we hide our faces underneath a mask

life just becomes another weary task

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

lower form of fire

somewhere is the lower form of fire

each heart beating in time to make the tune

we move towards the nobler and higher

our tools are founded on what must transpire

we pass the realm of jester and buffoon

somewhere is the lower form of fire

you cannot think to question or enquire

on matters happening beneath the moon

we move towards the nobler and higher

the thing we kept right here whole and entire

in effort to maintain and to commune

somewhere is the lower form of fire

yours is the goal to which we must aspire

but we can't see it as a kind of boon

we move towards the nobler and the higher

now every winner turns out a liar

the golden prize completely picayune

somewhere is the lower form of fire

we move towards the nobler and the higher

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

limited wisdom

each of the flowers exists only for day

your eyes may feast on them but that is all

in a small time they wilt and fade away

we think the garden is just there for play

but with no beauty we'd decay and fall

each of the flowers exists only for day

night is no time our feelings to betray

we hide such things behind a sudden wall

in a small time they wilt and fade away

all is for glory under the bright ray

however large it is or else how small

each of the flowers exists only for day

we make excuses without much delay

and hasten when we hear the others call

in a small time they wilt and fade away

you tell us all the words we have to say

and laugh so hard when we forget to crawl

each of the flowers exists only for day

in a small time they wilt and fade away

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

error may win

there are no reasons why the tears should fall

but if we do not crouch beneath the eaves

no bodies leave their warmth upon the wall

day after day our hearts fail to recall

what was once written plainly on our sleeves

there are no reasons why the tears should fall

you'd think that after waiting none would stall

instead we groan and wait for the proud thieves

no bodies leave their warmth upon the wall

ours was the watch that was not on the ball

what we have done is what the will achieves

there are no reasons why the tears should fall

what had to happen no one could forestall

he who was silent now most loudly grieves

no bodies leave their warmth upon the wall

those who had nothing gave to us their all

and count right now no more than fallen leaves

there are no reasons why the tears should fall

no bodies leave their warmth upon the wall

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

vir marginalis

you walk the borderline through day and night

these are the duties you cannot reject

fear of rejection forces you to fight

defection from each cause is not your right

you'll face the reasons liars must confect

you walk the borderline through day and night

the problem's always that you are too bright

to know the horrors that you must connect

fear of rejection forces you to fight

the choice is never that of simple flight

a lie's the thing that others will reflect

you walk the borderline through day and night

out of the shadow come the teeth that bite

you learn from birth to fear their dire effect

fear of rejection forces you to fight

this is the law that you have learned to write

that you alone must find marks of respect

you walk the borderline through day and night

fear of rejection forces you to fight

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

incomprehension

if in your journey you find time to pause

you may not recognise your halting place

nor understand the reason nor the cause

of all the terrors that have subdued laws

instead you blame them on the wrong embrace

if in your journey you find time to pause

the vision is through solid wood not gauze

and so we may not see our own disgrace

nor understand the reason nor the cause

all that we are say you is wrongs and flaws

you would our presence from this world efface

if in your journey you find time to pause

your greatest fear is ending in guffaws

not to hear the the loud and booming chase

nor understand the reason nor the cause

grief so unsettling that it wins applause

you may not understand an open face

if your journey you find time to pause

nor understand the reason nor the cause

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

in the tropics

each tale is just another stinking lie

we fall into the trap and hate the day

nothing but pain falls out of the blue sky

there are no heroes to whom we may fly

no child is now allowed to sing or play

each tale is just another stinking lie

the vision was just daubs of paint and dye

your name was always in the dossier

nothing but pain falls out of the blue sky

these are the best illusions we could buy

you'd think we used a higher class of clay

each tale is just another stinking lie

watch round the corner for the snitch and spy

any who smiles might just as easy slay

nothing but pain falls out of the blue sky

the truth hides well from every normal eye

the honest man gets out of power's way

each tale is just another stinking lie

nothing but pain falls out of the blue sky

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

a cost of liberty

live under the machine and pay the bill

that's all that anyone need have to know

your obligation halts before the thrill

you and the others listen to the shill

someone will figure out the grift too slow

live under the machine and pay the bill

the best solution is to take the pill

everyone says you must go with the flow

your obligation halts before the thrill

nine out of ten times no one climbs the hill

and none mistakes the silence for the blow

live under the machine and pay the bill

this explanation always seems too shrill

but there's no other way to make things go

your obligation halts before the thrill

each action turns on thought and not on will

we find out early that the way is low

live under the machine and pay the bill

your obligation halts before the thrill

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

praise bastet

the cat just watches and it's judgment's sure

out of all wars and conflicts of our age

only the ones that know the beast endure

there's no disease for which hate is the cure

but your deportment leads us all to rage

the cat just watches and it's judgment's sure

all of our elders threw out the brochure

and did not find the secret on the page

only the ones that know the beast endure

your heart was hardened against the allure

of the small magic we saw on the stage

the cat just watches and it's judgment's sure

mean what you say and avoid the detour

that is the way each fever to assuage

only the ones that know the beast endure

the winner is the one who's least impure

and finds the means to open the locked cage

the cat just watches and it's judgment's sure

only the ones that know the beast endure

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

some lessons take long

where all are left to fight alone and cold

your heart is broken by the force of dread

so hard is patience when you're growing old

on a knife's edge between the tired and bold

each wonders if they'll have to beg their bread

where all are left to fight alone and cold

the story has so many times been told

and every word a hundred times been said

so hard is patience when you're growing old

and yet each one remains calm and controlled

not giving sign of what's held in each head

where all are left to fight alone and cold

shallow the breath of those not yet consoled

and deep the anger of those who have fled

so hard is patience when you're growing old

not even those who took the foreign gold

could laugh when they saw just how the day sped

where all are left to fight alone and cold

so hard is patience when you're growing old

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

an interim report

we leave the barking dog back in the pound

each screaming child deserves devoted care

but daily we are losing so much ground

this is the factor that ought to astound

the wimp who wins when lions would not dare

we leave the barking dog back in the pound

no one would pay for the rocks that we found

a value's placed upon the light and air

but daily we are losing so much ground

you danced once when the happy king was crowned

but no one dances at the monthly fair

we leave the barking dog back in the pound

the price of wisdom must the fool confound

while not a single one has gold to spare

but daily we are losing so much ground

share in the pain and still you will be drowned

no hero's left to revel in the square

we leave the barking dog back in the pound

but daily we are losing so much ground

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister