Sunday, March 30, 2008

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

Saturday, March 29, 2008

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

Friday, March 28, 2008

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

Thursday, March 27, 2008

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

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

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

Sunday, March 23, 2008

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 Ć propos
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

Saturday, March 22, 2008

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

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

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

Thursday, March 13, 2008

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

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

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

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

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

Monday, March 10, 2008

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

Sunday, March 9, 2008

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

Saturday, March 8, 2008

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

Thursday, March 6, 2008

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

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

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

Sunday, March 2, 2008

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

Saturday, March 1, 2008

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

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