out of the shell

    this becomes how you choose a kind of name
    echoes of passion sing through normal dreams
    each in their way remembers the true flame

    your choice determines how you take the blame
    not the exposure of the old regimes
    this becomes how you choose a kind of name

    the lion bows and pretends to be tame
    you take each thing for just the way it seems
    each in their way remembers the true flame

    a child could tell you how to play the game
    but not which form of victory redeems
    this becomes how you choose a kind of name

    it would be easy to declare the shame
    of those who could not see the honest gleams
    each in their way remembers the true flame

    instead you smile and bow and give acclaim
    to those who find a path to smarter schemes
    this becomes how you choose a kind of name
    each in their way remembers the true flame

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

the werewolf's tale

    the ones who panic you would not abhor
    say something simple to those who escape
    another victim soon comes through the door

    the story never leaves you wanting more
    nor is there any message on the tape
    the ones who panic you would not abhor

    someone thinks this a case of keeping score
    and knowing how to bend the proper shape
    another victim soon comes through the door

    you do not let us quickly reach the fore
    and watch the hasty servants bow and scrape
    the ones who panic you would not abhor

    this is the idol that we would adore
    and that is while the spectators all gape
    another victim soon comes through the door

    the ending is in peace and not in war
    we keep the secret of the naked ape
    the ones who panic you would not abhor
    another victim soon comes through the door

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

quick march

    this road will wind and lead to the last hill
    we know each turn each pebble and sharp rock
    the time and distance must yield to our will

    the reddening sun and golden moon may fill
    electric sky we can't pause to take stock
    this road will wind and lead to the last hill

    we have to be on time we know the drill
    and we are not the masters of the lock
    the time and distance must yield to our will

    not one of us could claim to have the skill
    to pause the hour or to slow down the clock
    this road will wind and lead to the last hill

    it's not for others to withhold the bill
    for what we do we can withstand the shock
    the time and distance must yield to our will

    what we achieve is done without a thrill
    no one turns back for all that you may mock
    this road will wind and lead to the last hill
    the time and distance must yield to our will

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

implications

    you want to name this thing you cannot bear
    it does not speak but silence has its weight
    and in the end you know just how to fear

    what we achieve begins at once to wear
    but we have the compulsion to create
    you want to name this this thing you cannot bear

    another age might want to see you care
    or think that you are just the toys of fate
    and in the end you know just how to fear

    the children all line up and want to cheer
    they cannot see what's waiting at the gate
    you want to name this thing you cannot bear

    as you get older you learn not to stare
    nor ever ask the price of all the freight
    and in the end you know just how to fear

    you have been told that you have to beware
    both of the function and the coming date
    you want to name this thing you cannot bear
    and in the end you know just how to fear

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

limitations come

    it does not matter just how much you do
    no one will listen to the tales you tell
    you wait in vain to see the green turn blue

    none of the people can say what is due
    nor can they open even thinnest shell
    it does not matter just how much you do

    the process waits on just one turn of screw
    but is delayed for no one rings the bell
    you wait in vain to see the green turn blue

    the whole account is known to very few
    but every person seems to know the smell
    it does not matter just how much you do

    no gain or profit can to us accrue
    and nothing comes to any place you dwell
    you wait in vain to see the green turn blue

    all of the fools are in love with the new
    and cannot see the fall right into hell
    it does not matter just how much you do
    you wait in vain to see the green turn blue

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

accounting for tastes

    you think this is the sort of thing that fails
    but no one tells you just what you will need
    there is a moment when you jump the rails

    the ball that bounces still may strike the bails
    we watch and wait to see the standard deed
    you think this is the sort of thing that fails

    each of us adds a small weight to the scales
    and does not want to show much haste or greed
    there is a moment when you jump the rails

    only the youthful sweat the hard details
    the rest of us know just how matters speed
    you think this is the sort of thing that fails

    nothing's been hidden behind screens or veils
    we really want this venture to succeed
    there is a moment when you jump the rails

    this is not left to the old slugs and snails
    no one is waiting here to see you bleed
    you think this is the sort of thing that fails
    there is a moment when you jump the rails

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

nature at lunchtime

    past the magnolias a flash of grey hawk
    today the cardinal gazes through glass
    and the house sparrow will not cease to talk

    the cat is out there on its daily walk
    the birds are silent as it stalks to pass
    past the magnolias a flash of grey hawk

    there is no reason any here would squawk
    we have not yet reached an open impasse
    and the house sparrow will not cease to talk

    the hunter's quiet and he won't let you balk
    your options aren't as simple nor as crass
    past the magnolias a flash of grey hawk

    the stranger waits and cannot help but gawk
    there is nothing here that you could amass
    and the house sparrow will not cease to talk

    you write the message down in plain old chalk
    and watch the squirrels running on the grass
    past the magnolias a flash of grey hawk
    and the house sparrow will not cease to talk

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

an ordinary magic

    we turn our words into the correct spell
    no one can doubt our glory or our glamour
    the bucket only knows what's in the well

    the gold's no longer hidden in the shell
    truth is now uttered without any stammer
    we turn our words into the correct spell

    beyond the moment we may feel the swell
    as all the ages cry out in one clamour
    the bucket only knows what's in the well

    what we don't know no one might now compel
    neither from honest folk nor any shammer
    we turn our words into the correct spell

    what's not concrete will have the time to jell
    before it's set in place by force of rammer
    the bucket only knows what's in the well

    so much to do and so much more to tell
    in proper language and complex grammar
    we turn our words into the correct spell
    the bucket only knows what's in the well

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

advice to youth

    the proper magic leads you to this place
    there is no hesitation when you speak
    a single syllable explodes to grace

    all signs of weariness must leave your face
    and your heart bear up under all critique
    the proper magic leads you to this place

    you've reached the culmination of the chase
    and found the spring of the refreshing creek
    a single syllable explodes to grace

    at last you are the winner of the race
    and know exactly what it is you seek
    the proper magic leads you to this place

    no reason now to bow or to abase
    yourself before the gods upon the peak
    a single syllable explodes to grace

    the joys that now you find you must embrace
    serve to protect you from both strong and weak
    the proper magic leads you to this place
    a single syllable explodes to grace

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

no more a garden

    i want to name the flowers and the sun
    those are the tasks i am best suited for
    this realm comes under both the harp and gun

    it does not matter who has lost or won
    we do our jobs and then we do some more
    i want to name the flowers and the sun

    the sudden stroke will kill or it will stun
    there is no pause at any open door
    this realm comes under both the harp and gun

    you have not thought that what we did was fun
    yet nothing here was what you would abhor
    i want to name the flowers and the sun

    there is not one thing that you have let run
    of all the matters that we knew before
    this realm comes under both the harp and gun

    that was the certainty now we are done
    a moment while we add the final score
    i want to name the flowers and the sun
    this realm comes under both the harp and gun

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

underneath the story

    on darker borders other forces wait
    your choices are not made with them in mind
    we do not have the right to consecrate

    you chose the answer with time for debate
    but the position had not been defined
    on darker borders other forces wait

    this was not written on a broken slate
    nor were the choices left to the unkind
    we do not have the right to consecrate

    against our skins we feel the pressure grate
    but what we are has always been maligned
    on darker borders other forces wait

    we watch as the balloons start to inflate
    knowing just how the structures were designed
    we do not have the right to consecrate

    the cavalry will reach us just too late
    our guides are always just a little blind
    on darker borders other forces wait
    we do not have the right to consecrate

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

at the forest wall

    you tell me what i do not need to know
    so much of history is needless pain
    this is an ending not a thing will grow

    the radio blares another boring show
    we wait and wait for one more healing rain
    you tell me what i do not need to know

    i read and feel my brain growing more slow
    under what seems an ever-growing strain
    this is an ending not a thing will grow

    i see the green has got a midday glow
    it is so obvious and frankly plain
    you tell me what i do not need to know

    we write the rules in terms from long ago
    and then we do not keep them in the main
    this is an ending not a thing will grow

    stand where you will that cannot pause the woe
    we find so much that might remove the stain
    you tell me what i do not need to know
    this is an ending not a thing will grow

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

one touch of fire

    this is the moment when i know mistake
    the voice i hear most loudly is my own
    so many ghosts now crowd around the lake

    you see the wind will make the branches shake
    and hear just how the forest comes to moan
    this is the moment when i know mistake

    on ears and minds the same words come to break
    and winds and whirlwinds long ago were sown
    so many ghosts now crowd around the lake

    at such a second the eye grows opaque
    and the cold ear can't register a groan
    this is the moment when i know mistake

    the clarity of light no one could fake
    at such a time as this when it is shown
    this is the moment when i know mistake

    the fact of life is there is no retake
    the pieces scatter once the bomb has blown
    this is the moment when i know mistake
    so many ghosts now crowd around the lake

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

barbarism and religion

    no one remains beside the broken door
    the palace gutted and the kingdom smashed
    we enter now the age of spiv and whore

    you wonder who could have given much more
    when at the gate the last small army clashed
    no one remains beside the broken door

    the price of paradise is paid in gore
    and through the river many feet have splashed
    we enter now the age of spiv and whore

    not one is left the magic to adore
    and every value long ago was trashed
    no one remains beside the broken door

    a shadow of the past adorns the floor
    where once the greatest would have been abashed
    we enter now the age of spiv and whore

    there is none left to gaze upon the shore
    where the last hope has only now been dashed
    no one remains beside the broken door
    we enter now the age of spiv and whore

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

dark atlantis

    this is the place where stories come to fail
    you see the monster light beneath the sun
    there is a shark for every single sail

    the older kingdom fell once to the pale
    who knew the magic of the sword and gun
    this is the place where stories come to fail

    another portrait hung on the old nail
    the same old play performed for the same run
    there is a shark for every single sail

    each liar turns a zephyr to a gale
    the message will be old before we're done
    this is the place where stories come to fail

    a dark atlantis on a smaller scale
    some sort of prize that others might have won
    there is a shark for every single sail

    the winner always seems to be the snail
    and not the child that just seeks to have fun
    this is the place where stories come to fail
    there is a shark for every single sail

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

this is no garden

    you do not count the traps that have been set
    so many fall and never again rise
    those who don't fail cannot ever forget

    enough to see the fish in the big net
    before the sun has cleaned out all the skies
    you do not count the traps that have been set

    this was the shadow of an evil debt
    and not the fallout of a kind surprise
    those who don't fail cannot ever forget

    so much unknown and we've not started yet
    that beyond all's not subject to surmise
    you do not count the traps that have been set

    those moments come when you might still regret
    the manner in which you came to despise
    those who don't fail cannot ever forget

    alone of those who do not have to fret
    we watch to see the keepers and the spies
    you do not count the traps that have been set
    those who don't fail cannot ever forget

(C)2008, Fragano Ledgister

priest of the older god

    you know just where the mystery will end
    so many hills on which the forest grows
    but not enough for minds to comprehend

    shadow and substance to the truth pretend
    now we demand the army line in rows
    you know just where the mystery will end

    no matter what we know just who to send
    to break the bank and end the long repose
    but not enough for minds to comprehend

    what has been saved will not be there to spend
    he who comes in is not the one who goes
    you know just where the mystery will end

    too soon we have on one man to depend
    whose wisdom centres things upon the nose
    but not enough for minds to comprehend

    your task is now to see us all ascend
    with many intimations and some shows
    you know just where the mystery will end
    but not enough for minds to comprehend

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

out into the world

    these are the ones who know the hidden name
    we do not heed their warning as we pass
    so all too soon we fall into the flame

    too soon we hunger for praise and acclaim
    and do not think the chink of gold too crass
    these are the ones who know the hidden name

    the chase itself we count as far too tame
    and think ourselves early put out to grass
    so all too soon we fall into the flame

    those who would think an explanation lame
    have never been stuck deep in the morass
    these are the ones who know the hidden name

    this is no trickery late in the game
    we do not pay you off for cheek or sass
    so all too soon we fall into the flame

    yours is the secret not the pride or shame
    the value's not contained in weight or mass
    these are the ones who know the hidden name
    so all too soon we fall into the flame

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

into the abyss

    it's not enough to say you know the pain
    year after year the world comes down this
    one sole demand that you must bear the strain

    others receive the prize and get the gain
    you are the one who listens to the hiss
    it's not enough to say you know the pain

    once more your goods are cast upon the wain
    you cannot say just what it is you'll miss
    one sole demand that you must bear the strain

    for all the time that you have to abstain
    no one would say that you have been remiss
    it's not enough to say you know the pain

    others would think that you might still complain
    while they each take their turn enjoying bliss
    one sole demand that you must bear the strain

    the world insists that you have to hold sane
    although you won't receive a single kiss
    it's not enough to say you know the pain
    one sole demand that you must bear the strain

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

evening at stanmore

    the briefest moment now of golden light
    sun falling with great haste into the sea
    without preamble we learn it is night

    the tropic day is often falsely bright
    and gives us such a sense of being free
    the briefest moment now of golden light

    the stars can't guide us on a path that's right
    we aren't provided with a way to see
    the briefest moment now of golden light

    no doubt that we are in a sudden plight
    and this is not a proper place to be
    without preamble we learn it is night

    there is no reason here for fuss or fight
    but each is filled with a deep urge to flee
    the briefest moment now of golden light

    still none of us has cause to be contrite
    there's nothing in the dark to disagree
    the briefest moment now of golden light
    without preamble we learn it is night

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

a single buzzard

    we don't regard the message of the bird
    but anger drives us into plain desire
    and we are under the commanding word

    so much of what we learn becomes absurd
    you watch what happens underneath the wire
    we don't regard the message of the bird

    what is not done was properly deferred
    but now we cannot help detain the fire
    and we are under the commanding word

    so much in time we wish had not occurred
    it is not something that we could require
    we don't regard the message of the bird

    the signal is not what we had inferred
    but nothing matters when the news is dire
    and we are under the commanding word

    you find too soon just what we all had heard
    that no one to those heights ought to aspire
    we don't regard the message of the bird
    and we are under the commanding word

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

no good recollection

    all of the motion adds up to a fall
    we aren't the ones we were so long ago
    and now we find we're being forced to stall

    it seems the manly thing now is to bawl
    that what was fast has turned so fucking slow
    all of the motion adds up to a fall

    the lion that would pounce first learns to crawl
    yet leaves a little over for the crow
    and now we find we're being forced to stall

    no one would say that we had not the gall
    to claim a place where fools alone would go
    all of the motion adds up to a fall

    before the action we beheld the wall
    and found that there was something hard to know
    and now we find we're being forced to stall

    that is the story we must tell to all
    who come to see just how this thing is so
    all of the motion adds up to a fall
    and now we find we're being forced to stall

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

after the baroque

    the sound of lautenwerk and harpsichord
    an older music than the ones we learn
    and we find what you always have adored

    a better way of reaching good accord
    would leave the pilgrim with no wrath to burn
    the sound of lautenwerk and harpsichord

    with force of gun and symbolism of sword
    we give you chance to make a better turn
    and we find what you always have adored

    so much it takes to bring down the last lord
    then to restore the ones we would not spurn
    the sound of lautenwerk and harpsichord

    channel the world in ways we can afford
    yet we will choose no better way to yearn
    and we find what you always have adored

    this is the magic you have not ignored
    a pattern that your people have to earn
    the sound of lautenwerk and harpsichord
    and we find what you always have adored

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

opening of a season

    this is the only thing we truly mean
    once the departure has been set in stone
    no one regards the value of the scene

    so much hangs on each one standing serene
    even when we have left them all alone
    this is the only thing we truly mean

    the days and nights remain totally clean
    we do not want to hear a single groan
    no one regards the value of the scene

    we do not grant the worth of just one bean
    to anyone who speaks of the unknown
    this is the only thing we truly mean

    shadow and substance have each a routine
    and we will listen still for every drone
    no one regards the value of the scene

    it is too late to be earnest and keen
    the knife has cut us to the solid bone
    this is the only thing we truly mean
    no one regards the value of the scene

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

middle passages

    so many gods to call on in the dark
    and none to answer when we have most need
    there is no witness to see what we mark

    there was no silence when forced to embark
    no word for what we were but others' need
    so many gods to call on in the dark

    who did not live was fed to ray and shark
    and some grew fatter on the alien seed
    there is no witness to see what we mark

    we have to learn new names for shift and sark
    and find the urgency in your hard greed
    so many gods to call on in the dark

    the truth is given us in the dogs' bark
    the whip commands us when to hoe and weed
    there is no witness to see what we mark

    the answer's always plain simple and stark
    there is a poison that impels the deed
    so many gods to call on in the dark
    there is no witness to see what we mark

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

simple spices

    a bit of time and we acquire the taste
    no matter what the hour we have to grow
    we never find much need for pain or haste

    the statue has not been smashed or defaced
    it stands for all the things we hate to know
    a bit of time and we acquire the taste

    we tell our children they have to be chaste
    that patience matters that they must be slow
    we never find much need for pain or haste

    but never speak of those who sped or raced
    to beat the tyrant or to speed the glow
    a bit of time and we acquire the taste

    so much of memory has been erased
    that consciousness can't have a steady flow
    we never find much need for pain or haste

    we never count life as a loss or waste
    with final winners being worm and crow
    a bit of time and we acquire the taste
    we never find much need for pain or haste

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

rules of law

    we measure light by angle and by weight
    what's given us is far too quickly done
    so in the end we blame it all on fate

    the early bird we learn has flown the gate
    this is the shortest time after the gun
    we measure light by angle and by weight

    tomorrow is the latest ending date
    after which nobody can hope to run
    so in the end we blame it all on fate

    only the air is left within the crate
    that is the story that we had begun
    we measure light by angle and by weight

    we clear the tally off the broken slate
    the price we paid was high enough to stun
    so in the end we blame it all on fate

    you paid us off at the prevailing rate
    we asked no pardon and expected none
    we measure light by angle and by weight
    so in the end we blame it all on fate

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

evening bell

    at proper angles we let the light fade
    this is the duty we demand of all
    you do no good to name it just a trade

    such simple matters do not call for aid
    we leave behind only the very small
    at proper angles we let the light fade

    the smoothest surface will in time abrade
    to say such things does not require much gall
    you do no good to name it just a trade

    this time we know that you will turn afraid
    but we can't let the process fail or stall
    at proper angles we let the light fade

    your obligation is to make the grade
    all other matters will come to a fall
    you do no good to name it just a trade

    this is the meaning spoken by the shade
    not one of us dares listen to that call
    at proper angles we let the light fade
    you do no good to name it just a trade

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

a willing liberation

    you think the music stops when you must go
    each of us has a tiny part to play
    but cannot step beyond the scenes we know

    your wisdom reaches only down below
    and works under the light of common day
    you think the music stops when you must go

    no one will falter under every blow
    and there are minds that map the complex way
    but cannot step beyond the scenes we know

    learning's the mode for each of us to grow
    and every hand is taught to mould the clay
    you think the music stops when you must go

    the grass revives beneath the weight of snow
    while bulky cattle learn to feed on hay
    but cannot step beyond the scenes we know

    it does not matter whether fast or slow
    the ending comes in a clear fade to grey
    you think the music stops when you must go
    but cannot step beyond the scenes we know

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

circus act

    we think each little circus act unique
    the tigers and the lions each may dance
    yet none of you believe the thing a freak

    the truth is rather less than mild and meek
    without a thrill you'd not give us a glance
    we think each little circus act unique

    you want to satisfy each band and clique
    and not leave any one event to chance
    yet none of you believe the thing a freak

    unwanted questions are a form of cheek
    we must not ever dare to look askance
    we think each little circus act unique

    at the horizon everything is bleak
    there is no reason we could then advance
    yet none of you believe the thing a freak

    the music comes to seem a bit antique
    it cannot now our style and form enhance
    we think each little circus act unique
    yet none of you believe the thing a freak

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

after the kingdom's end

    those who withhold their word have much to trust
    so many silences will soon unfold
    we let the gold and silver sink in dust

    the gates and fences turn in time to rust
    it is the normal weight of heat and cold
    those who withhold their word have much to trust

    a little honor left here to adjust
    since each must do only what he is told
    we let the gold and silver sink in dust

    yet you had ordered us about and fussed
    expected much and warned us to be bold
    those who withhold their word have much to trust

    we blame ourselves in our own disgust
    at finding that we have been bought and sold
    we let the gold and silver sink in dust

    what's honest hides out beneath the crust
    and will not vanish even when we're old
    those who withhold their word have much to trust
    we let the gold and silver sink in dust

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

actual conspiracy

    we set the whole thing up so you must fail
    that is the purpose of this great machine
    against the gods we are you vainly rail

    your whole job is to murmur and to quail
    and claim that the process was not foreseen
    we set the whole thing up so you must fail

    the wind will swiftly move from breeze to gale
    and all the ships will have to leave the scene
    against the gods we are you vainly rail

    you cannot face the ocean with a pail
    and all your efforts are not worth a bean
    we set the whole thing up so you must fail

    the truth is that all virtue is for sale
    and honesty is what we find obscene
    against the gods we are you vainly rail

    upon these heights that you will never scale
    are said the words that you could never mean
    we set the whole thing up so you must fail
    against the gods we are you vainly rail

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

propaganda gap

    they ask for harmony but give us none
    all of their words come empty at the last
    such symbols are most ancient under sun

    this is not anything that is not done
    by anyone who hopes to finish fast
    they ask for harmony but give us none

    a kind of fairy tale that has been spun
    by those who hoped to leave us all aghast
    such symbols are most ancient under sun

    those messages another age had run
    right down to earth but now we have contrast
    they ask for harmony but give us none

    we might expect a sharp blow that would stun
    a normal mind or else some kind of blast
    such symbols are most ancient under sun

    what we get though is only half begun
    and better left in dead rooms of the past
    they ask for harmony but give us none
    such symbols are most ancient under sun

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

out of the mountains

    there is a wider liberty we seek
    and words are needed to express the fire
    this world belongs to others than the meek

    no force is halted at the summer creek
    the water will not this time rise higher
    there is a wider liberty we seek

    your meaning's hidden by the words you speak
    and we know you too well as just a liar
    this world belongs to others than the meek

    too long we find the answers just so bleak
    and not the sort of tool that we require
    there is a wider liberty we seek

    good hope turns out to be one more technique
    leaving us all bespattered in the mire
    this world belongs to others than the meek

    if there's a vision it's that of the freak
    and not the one to which you should aspire
    there is a wider liberty we seek
    this world belongs to others than the meek

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

in an age of faith

    our enemy is always on the brink
    or so our leaders say when we don't fear
    the worst thing we can do it seems is think

    it's so much simpler just to nod and wink
    ignoring all the smoke upon the air
    our enemy is always on the brink

    disaster is the message in the link
    but we must meet it with our normal flair
    the worst thing we can do it seems is think

    we can't allow a single tiny chink
    in our defences ever to appear
    our enemy is always on the brink

    instead we claim that we are in the pink
    and ready to plunge in where they won't dare
    the worst thing we can do it seems is think

    we listen for the rustle and the clink
    but no one seems to get up from the chair
    our enemy is always on the brink
    the worst thing we can do it seems is think

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

pontedoporco

    this is a bridge of old and local stone
    beneath the river flows and does not speak
    the ghosts make certain you are not alone

    i had not heard a single word or groan
    that was a time for peace and not critique
    this is a bridge of old and local stone

    it costs too much to use the telephone
    the case is ancient and never unique
    the ghosts make certain you are not alone

    here in this forest humans do not moan
    only the trees give out a steady creak
    this is a bridge of old and local stone

    the day would freeze us to the very bone
    but oak trees signal us with their mystique
    the ghosts make certain you are not alone

    we reach the end of all that can be known
    the point where you admit that you are weak
    this is a bridge of old and local stone
    the ghosts make certain you are not alone

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

markers of ritual

    if there's a gap no cause to see it filled
    by those whose voices are most overjoyed
    so easy once the first commands are willed

    the autumn flow in winter was hard stilled
    with blandest starches all our folk were cloyed
    if there's a gap no cause to see it filled

    what mattered most was that the grain was milled
    and that the peasantry was all employed
    so easy once the first commands are willed

    with reason we had each field newly tilled
    and over all the land our youths deployed
    if there's a gap no cause to see it filled

    at night we knew how swiftly beer was swilled
    but not a one of us would grow annoyed
    so easy once the first commands are willed

    at harvest end the largest swine are killed
    and blood is poured in honour of the void
    if there's a gap no cause to see it filled
    so easy once the first commands are willed

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

the forbidden tower

    all will be known at the appointed hour
    when men and women gaze at broken skies
    and bow to lords from the forbidden tower

    you can't afford to bluster or to glower
    just brush away the assaults of the flies
    all will be known at the appointed hour

    in stark dishonour see the villain cower
    (his very purpose his own thoughts despise)
    and bow to lords from the forbidden tower

    there is no time for magic to turn sour
    but better forms have space now to arise
    all will be known at the appointed hour

    we do not choose to batter or devour
    the forces that would snatch away the prize
    and bow to lords from the forbidden tower

    these matters give to us a greater power
    to teach you what are truths and what are lies
    all will be known at the appointed hour
    and bow to lords from the forbidden tower

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

pilgrim road

    what's left in place turns slowly into stone
    all focus goes to give us that one view
    and what we know is built into the bone

    let others who are angry leave the zone
    before the contest is quite halfway through
    what's left in place turns slowly to stone

    no messages arrive by mail or phone
    we have to get up when we see the cue
    and what we know is built into the bone

    you might expect a visitor to groan
    on learning just how little that we knew
    what's left in place turns slowly into stone

    that tiny bird we learn had never flown
    but would be happy with our sordid crew
    and what we know is built into the bone

    this kind of crossing is made all alone
    there is no need our tickets to renew
    what's left in place turns slowly into stone
    and what we know is built into the bone

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

one star

    we reach and hope for the one shining star
    this is the only purpose we can know
    only the open heart can go so far

    so many things to make us what we are
    a single river twisting in its flow
    we reach and hope for the one shining star

    you put the blinking insect in the jar
    and laugh to see the glass refract the glow
    only the open heart can go so far

    no one regards the tune on the guitar
    as just a gift that goodness might bestow
    we reach and hope for the one shining star

    instead we have the driver in the car
    another one who worries that she's slow
    only the open heart can go so far

    we think the truest forms of life bizarre
    and do not steel ourselves to take the blow
    we reach and hope for the one shining star
    only the open heart can go so far

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano

crick crack

    we leave the older forms of joy behind
    and do not understand just what they mean
    there are too many things to keep in mind

    we are to no good purpose now inclined
    and will not play at cricket on the green
    we leave the older forms of joy behind

    with shallow customs we have been aligned
    and count each benediction as obscene
    there are too many things to keep in mind

    you've let the thread of wisdom here unwind
    and not one of your followers is keen
    we leave the older forms of joy behind

    you might have had full vigour unrefined
    but that is in the realm of the unseen
    there are too many things to keep in mind

    from every corner we hear the unkind
    voices demanding we depart the scene
    we leave the older forms of joy behind
    there are too many things to keep in mind

(C)2008, Ledgister Fragano