November's Prayer

Protect me from the folly of my illusions
of glory rich and fame
in thinking ever so often
of who else I can blame

for all the perversity I perceive
I could have truly been
when vanity arouses me
slap me from within

shake me from the revelry
that all fools thread each day
in thinking that such fancy clothing
will shine souls masked in saddened clay

And in the mornings when I awake
dreading tasks that bring no acclaim
whisper of the loves I have
whose hearts set mine aflame'

So in the evenings when I sleep
My toil would be of worth
For out of love my sweat did flow
A peaceful home, all hearts a' glow


view previous post: A MOVIE JUST FOR ME

A Movie Just For Me

"It plays on my mind like an old dusty Hollywood classic, only better, more poignant, more deeply affecting. A cut reeled just for me. "

There was downpour that night. So sudden.

Luck found us a parking slot a few steps away from the place. We didn't have far to walk but struggled through the puddles. Both of us huddled under our old rickety umbrella while the feisty windy onslaught of water madly pelted our pants. It was relief to get inside.

The waiter led us to a small round wooden table.Too small and situated at an angle I found discomforting. No matter the inconvenience of a wait, we had to insist on being seated elsewhere. Dinner, after all, is meant to be enjoyed not endured. Thankfully, we did not have to endure for long.

The table was perfect this time - wide and comfortable and calmly lighted. We had a view of the rains, and of briskly walking people ducked under the shadow of umbrellas, and of the young patrons who sat smoking outside where the bistro's overhead awning kept them dry. How these young people can stand the smoke, and the cold, and the wet altogether shuddered my senses.

Being the pasta couple we are, a hushed serious discussion on what to order persisted for sometime. That agreed, we settled our choices. I declined the wine list. "Are you sure?" he asked, feigning mock surprise. "Why yes," I replied, though inwardly I was considering, "perhaps later."

My LADY SHADOW

sweet courageous, I beckon
come peer inside
and you will see
down the corridor of my mind
hangs a portrait of a lady
who I believe to be me
- but is quite not

a likeness so real
so convincing
it leaves me wasted
when I grapple the disparity
between her and me

this lady - strong, sure, purposed
this lady - temptation of words
this lady - genteel, resilient
this lady,  who is me but is quite not
tell me who is she?

for my breath come in stokes of pit fire
my words a killing sting
my stare is acrid acid
a me but not quite
then, who is she?

I is her or her is me
or me is her or she is me
or her is she or I is me

Wait,
let me smile
sweet courageous
- for you