Can't Sleep the World

they tell of shadows
behind the eyes
from regret and loss
born wisdom lies
where hours can pass
or even days
the soul does flicker
once set ablaze
and though no surprise
to one and all
I'm back on my feet
after a fall
true words, I may shake
but still I'm awake

Sagittarius

bow pulled taut and taken aim
pacing upon his perch
quest for truth his only claim
restlessness at the search

never to be fortune's fool
the sun does always shine
each friendship a precious jew'l
long as you don't confine

Scorpio

razor wit that stings the most
in jest or malice meant
living as though born to boast
never but just content

always reaching higher yet
determined to the end
focus on the dark vendette
than reach out for a friend

Only Treats

in ev'ry face upturning
when greeted at my door
I feel the tug of yearning
always the hope for more

with fangs and crowns of plastic
swathed in rainbow to black
restrained yet present magic
whilst begging for a snack

Libra

at home in posh surroundings
or almost any turf
can converse with queens and kings
as easily as serf

though inanimate not cold
toasty with social grace
ever must the scales uphold
for such can all save face

Sonnet for a Wedding

the blushing brown-eyed bride
with goofy white boy groom
take everything in stride
when crossing any room
glorious end in sight
distant yet looming tall
trying to still the fright
destined to break the fall
and so their future fixed
from dawn to dusk to dawn
nothing to come betwixt
the binds which they have drawn
for they know in their heart
"I do" is just the start




(dedicated to Bryan & April)

Virgo

pure intentions if not acts
the justice scales held firm
under weight of multi facts
desire to serve the term

not blushing maid as was thought
though not for center stage
instead of firm selfdom wrought
whatever place or age

Leo

on the prowl for center stage
with chin held always high
not a trace of inner rage
rather a prideful sigh

regal still in plain attire
power shown from within
proof of an enduring fire
hubris their greatest sin

Monstret Runt Hörnet

stacking protection for a future unwritten
on stars, stones, or pages but still in my heart
it looms like a villain unknown or forgotten
with horrors indelible yet to impart

Cancer

skittering from left to right
personal shield in tow
far from heading for a fight
ready to hide below

most secure in domicile
with stories by the score
still would walk a thousand mile
for fam'ly they adore

Gemini

born of mirror images
copies sent two by two
endless babble tough to gauge
bound to tell all they knew

focus of the duel mind
once scattered then at peace
capricious yet you shall find
their thoughts can never cease

Taurus

dirt compact beneath his hooves
advancing straight ahead
trav'ling all the rehearsed moves
avoids distractions red

yet temper flares in accord
when driven from his task
those who wish not to be gored
should ponder what they ask

Aries

forever leading the herd
pioneer breaking through
charisma the final word
absent what others knew

no wooly lamb setting stride
endeavors blithely shorn
success instead sought with pride
sinew and daring born

Pisces

in shimmering scales blue-green
she watched the world pass by
emotions running too deep
without desire to try

yet when new stream waters flow
o'er fins she takes her chance
channeling once hidden joy
into her fluid dance

Biting My Tongue

choking down the acid
words i wish to say, like
poison eating its way
out, the droplets curling
on my tongue, banging at
my plastered smile, raisin-
berry much too worn down

North Star

by duress I admit
though it pain me to note
how his gaze meeting mine
leaves a catch in my throat

under cover of dark
you could maybe persuade
an appearance of heart
though it be slightly frayed

if all else are busy
my smile could wander far
to brighten the night sky
like a brand new north star

Aquarius

cruxed upon a shoulder strong
the vessel balanced well
water poured out as a song
the truth she came to tell

observations stacked aloft
her ever burdened back
matters not the world would scoff
she sees the white from black

Babel

"Curleshellot abaulano"
she cried into the night
"Curleshellot abaulano
Abaulano, my love"

And though the dark was crystal still
her words fell on deaf ears
for mournful wails mean naught to those
where answers not prevail

I heard her weep on gentle winds
as day came to a close
"Curleshellot abaulano
Abaulano, my love"

Through ev'ry shadowed corner sought
then found with child in arms
lashes weighted down with shed tears
no sense her mumbles made

Still hand could give what I knew not
a lift to heart and head
the gaze we shared as from my lips
"Abaulano, my friend"


 
 
(Pronunciation:  kur-le-shuh-lot   a-boh-lah-noh)

Capricorn

rocky cliff beneath his feet
and step by balanced step
path quite narrow he must plot
ranging forever up

not a single hour to rest
nor detour to be made
believes that he ever must
search out the steeper grade

4 Months Old

in pools of blue her questions slumber
ne'er to pass her rosebud lips
the furrowed brow a sign of wonder
clever to her fingertips

now smiles surround from all direction
wall of giants side by side
outpouring tones of clear affection
left her with no place to hide

too young to truly understand them
still her eyes flit back and forth
her thoughts she tries to place in tandem
though she can't tell south from north


(dedicated to Adelaide Rossman)