Poems

Departure

The passage of the winter sun
makes her think the end's begun
the ice in frozen thoughts undone
the pavement trod that once was fun
the view is good but not quite real
there's broken glass behind the seal
and even visitors have to feel
the cutting edge of a raw deal

Someone's on the receiving end
who pulls the switch that will send
her goodbyes to family and friends
she never intended to borrow or lend
now the whistle blows the train pulls out
the fighter finishes his bout
the argument is past all doubt
there never was an enemy to rout

But mummy
don't you see
it wasn't me
daddy
look at me
I've gone all free

The sun is past its zenith now
there's a stranger here don't ask how
wants to go if you'll allow
the hands to part without a row
put on a new set of clothes
walk out the door and down the road
time to show what never showed
time to pay back what is owed

The freedom that she sought was yours
she had her fingers you had claws
that dug and always wanted more
just pick that lie up from the floor
in a room where no contour's smooth
you grieve for your misused youth
all those greens have turned to blues
now you can't avoid the clues

But mummy
don't you see
it wasn't me
daddy
look at me
I've gone all free

Praise

Word is my friend
I shall not want.
I make him lie down on white
And he leads me to the waters of comfort.
He mines my soul
And directs me towards the light, for his and my sakes.
Even if I am lost in the field of confusion
I will not be afraid.
For he is with me;
His grace and his logic.
You provide me with riches beyond count
And unite peoples.
You have swept a wind of clarity through my mind
And my well of inspiration will never run dry.
But your loyalty and warmth
Will bring me calm all my life
And I will live in the House of Word
For ever.