If I were to list my top regret
it would point at myself
denouncing change that came too slow
by the speed and not the flow
while the seconds are cast away
the layers ask to be displayed

with quaint reference to comfort’s angst
deference is given to the mewling tongue
while determining identity
some parts were clear to see
hidden in the rapt desires
always there to speak its mind

that internal voice is locked away
announcing volumes only one will hear
while the world is ignorant
of this flow that souls dictate
cooperating with gender’s taunt
the outward kept in still detente

an arrangement that most approve
as the past becomes a lie
the shell seems to carry on
as the core is left to die
on the altar of frozen time
these choices become sorrow's life.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190426.

When the monsters gather round
all too ready to devour
I seek safety in the shrinking light
while the danger consumes me whole
I'd rather perish from this place
escaping by means that should not be
than meet the shadows that would consume
certitude of happiness.

Anxieties can hold sway
over souls too hurt to try
bleeding from a thousand cuts
the gaping wounds I now ignore
this greatest laugh of them all
to be a failure in public's eye
is seen less than efforts put
to cleaning up the shattered past.

The bitter pill is swallowed fast
steel barrel put down the throat
marking breaks from monsters round
it's all to sad they'll multiply
celebrating their winning taint
result of my giving up
leaving battles that can't be won
by the survivors left behind.

My escape could be enough
serenity found outside of life
I'll tell myself this greatest lie
while monsters gather I cannot fight
I pretend that I'm OK
anxiety absent on the bright days
this would be true if the sun shown
instead of gloom where I walk.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180510.

There the future stood alone
sole survivor of the war
absent companions now deceased
not forgotten though they’re gone
the conflicts have no prisoners
only a victor with mortal wounds
residing above the battlefield
too tired to stir from living tombs

between the fears of the past
juggernauts without peer
battling ghosts of dream’s empire
the gilded soldiers of imagery
those dominions were the jewels
hills and dales with beauty's brush
imagination spilled upon the world
by the virtue of romantic fools

it’s not for love they persevere
instead the cause looks to the stars
beyond the shells that strain to live
the quest is for reverie
a yearning of what could be
whispered to the wind to hear
while the storm mutes their voice
a rival born from shadow’s curse

from the well deep within
spinning lies that tear the truth
fragments torn from the light
buried in the dark abyss
resurrected into dread
terror twisted to dismay
apprehension is enough
to defy ambition’s goals

in the end the forces met
gave no quarter in response
strengths applied to weak points
seeking conquest no matter what
extermination became the path
leaving none to stand aside
the lone figure left behind
a future numb to nothing else.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180612.

By dream or dance I’m released
from a curse of hating self
dysmorphia lurking in the mind
escaped in sleep or by jig

either is a welcome break
there is no judgment that I face
from the self with decree
that shame is due in figure’s wake

in one world I’m beyond
the mortal coil of waking life
with the angles all too cruel
aped in mirrors I despise

the illusion denies my age
suspended in amber vision
denying what came before
perception’s verdict oh so kind

the other realm is movement’s grace
belying size or corporal space
when the joy envelops me
stepping light with music’s tune

motion blinds the critical
only seeing spin and pass
across the body, turn of foot
exquisite distraction I adore

one or the other is what I seek
relief from voices that only jeer
mocking form, derisive vents
numbing by the volume spent

these I’ll put behind me when
I sleep or dance at last blind
to the taunts I can’t abide
by dream or dance I’m released.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171111.

A month exists to celebrate
those outside the normative
that blanket state of the mob
ill informed of the rest of us

ignorance spun to hate
the reptile speaking for the heart
it’s no wonder that the oppressed
have decided to rebel

too long put aside as broke
now stepping up to shake their fists
this multitude of like minds
asking more than hostile shrift

look to the rainbow to realize
diversity of the crowd
joined by needs to exist
against a storm of centuries

each as real as the next
beneath the tent of lettered names
asking all to stand alone
while supporting the sum of all

it’s no wonder some conflict
with the breadth of difference
there’s still more love than most admit
in this month we’ll celebrate.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190531.

Normality is the golden grail
promise of a thousand smiles
if I stoop beneath the bar
bend to fit within their mold
they only ask me to embrace
dogma dipped in history
rooted to the cold bedrock
beneath of the warmth of decency.

What's come before is all there is
sanity within their jail
this is the promise made to all
(those outside need not apply)
stick with the like no matter what
purity is the highest goal
with skin color as the test
of whether worth will be beget.

Punch the clock every day
hold down a job to make my way
all that don't are only dregs
living off the common man
holding on to holy dollar
what’s been made is only ours
don’t give it out to others
this is the measure of virtue’s end.

Sing the hymns in unison
lit by windows with color's hues
one true faith all must adore
else be a heathen outside the lord
love only those that do conform
with opposites defining love
the same is seen as greatest sin
abomination that all condemn.

Act your age, your decade's stamp
putting down youth's play toys
to find the somber in all things
content to die before your death
you may ask how this is known
that these are norms they promote
the answer seems to be too sad
the loudest voices are most correct.

Now I know how I should live
though self-hate would be the theme
cloaked in the veil of being one
with a world as the hostile place
considering how they see
the breadth of what could be
I’ll pass on that normal stint
instead walk as an aberrant.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170821.

The crowd asked why it should be
another one lost to tragedy
while the sun still shined above
hid behind clouds of anguished doubt
this flood of concern is too late
the showers fell in twilight's eye
now the skies reflect the mood
with the promise of another flood

the warning signs were plentiful
like blades fallen from autumn trees
too many to address singularly
a summing raking is more exact
each little death accounted for
the crumpled victims of season's change
dropping in a silent sprinkling
until the leaves have ceased to be

the blinking light in the marsh
a will-o-wisp foretelling doom
ignored by those of sound mind
luring the rest into the paths
there the brightness was blinding
no longer twinkling far away
instead the siren's lantern shone
across the marsh of no return

thus the leaves and the lights
are the warnings seen too late
because they take an awful price
when the end has come and gone
the crowd may ask why it should be
with the omens left to taunt
crystal clear in hindsight
once hid behind the anguished doubt.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190128.

I’ll share a secret many have
but few reveal in public’s eye
with words I’ll share my predilection
the kink I love to indulge

humiliation is not my thing
******* does nothing in itself
I’ll leave these to other folk
to each their own behind closed doors

nor does dress-up make much sense
acting like I’m someone else
another skin to provoke
when the outcome is perverse

instead I suffer for my joy
a bit of hurt will make my day
when two adults come to play
suffering leads to pleasure’s place

distress is fun when applied
by one consenting to comply
when the lash takes to flesh
the sting is heaven, calm displaced

I’m the M and not the S
with no need for B or D
If you know what I mean
you’re clued into my decree

now my secret is public fare
enjoyment taken at whip’s end
looking for another time
where is my sadist for that fix?

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170507.

This is not the companion I would choose
but it's the one that I'm chained to
by virtue of unwanted injuries
now held close in sour memories

the causes are lost in the halls of time
forgotten by those who did the worse harm
sum of wrath now so much larger than
what others witnessed have come before

fury expressed in the unbidden snarl
with a twitch from the responding eye
I become an animal in temper’s grip
last human visage stripped by the rage

they would say that flesh’s nature was the failing
the past tilting the scales towards the worse
so many fingers influence the chafe
prodding madness from Azathoth’s dark flute

the demons may find joy in this circumstance
while angels weep waterfalls at the lost love
bystanders to the greatest blunder made by man
anger walking too close by my side.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170619.

The ink pulls from humor’s font
comic enough to block out pain
lunacy hung from mere words
elevating to the absurd
in other stanzas the darkness reigns
without remorse until the end
lost from sight inside the pit
fed by despair and constant angst

these dueling shades are rainbow’s breadth
with more colors to be shared
each with a mood to inform
poems exacted to be felt
first there’s red to celebrate
leaking blood and pure romance
passion shed by the knife
or given by exacting love

then comes the white of the shroud
denoting ends the none deny
that celebrate purity
with the pale light to justify
these illustrate how ink may flow
a fickle muse is in control
between the poles that define
the experience that life provides.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190401.

Why do I write?
it's better asked
why do I breathe?
when I could submit
to life's travails
the thousand slights

doubting words
inside my head
while the reprieves
are too brief
spanning gaps
between the pain
or should say
existing's game
I'm asked to play
pass the time
moving the pieces
across the board

a daily pursuit
paused to consider
thoughts put to page
hoping they are seen
by the travelers
of like design
also scribbling
in their own blood.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 2017030.

Fellow traveler on this road
echo of what I've found
it's enough though not the same
walk with me for a short time
you may have thought you were alone
isolated from the those who cared
with a burden that none should have
solitude was the difference.

I recognize the power held within
in the folds of your soul
battered by the storms invoked
by the tyrants of dogma's bent
they seek to ignore this path
as one that would be right
imagine blasphemies of the heart
blackness absent in our sight.

We pilgrims of the fallen gods
rejected by the righteous folk
wander in the barren lands
far from acceptance of the whole
there is no love in this response
I'll gladly tell you it's all bunk
we're perfection outside of flaws
they are our own to celebrate.

You're not alone on this trail
by the map of life's due fate
we'll keep our company for a time
moving forward while others join
soon the crowd will fill the path
shoulders touching to reassure
defying wisdom held above
where there's one, there will be more.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180413.

I thought I had seen it all
beauty expressed in its full
yet there I saw a pinnacle
not attained in the before

my breath escaped my throat
as if I'd stepped outside
from the contented path
to the idea of perfection

the eyes tracked to observe
what I could only look upon
as fate was in collaboration
with Cupid arrow's spiked

it mattered not what was taken
obsession came before all that
if only for a moment's breadth
I witnessed splendor's highest mark

now I return to the tried and true
with observation of normality
I'll not risk all I have
for the glimpse of excellence.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170928.

Revelation born of change
sourced from behind the eyes
seeks the mirrors to be seen
when vision lacks bravery
still, the restrictions had deterred
those self-made, sourced from fear
on the span of baby steps
to fly beyond a gilded cage

if only verity did not hide
that spark admitted to the self
base of thoughts from years ago
as presentation now complies
sadly fear lingers on
when society classifies
good with bad, entwined with lies
denoting sadness sanctified

a spiral set upon itself
small momentum found at last
the journey isn’t made alone
small pushes and gentle hands
still the shadows may remain
slowing progress beyond this place
forward motion is still made
saving grace belying pain.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190403.

In the space of small
mere inches wide
lay beauty’s face
in portrait’s frame

with likeness true
copy imbued
with love’s imprint
last image’s grief

diminutive
the final likeness
not my love
forger’s lament

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170504.

Compassion bloomed with the change
of those impacted by the shame
instead of strangers looked down upon
now the family is doing drugs
the same race as the masters
believing laws passed fair muster
consider what has been wrought
outside of sight until this time.

The book once thrown has become
a photo album of loved ones
held to breast with new despair
instead of wanting quick justice
no longer do the laws appear
to do their job against the ****
once the trap has found the kin
of law and order greatest fans.

The color has changed in regard
to who is locked away for good
or buried six feet down
as death stalks the fair ones
the mirror shows the criminals
are now those who stood above
believing pain would pass on by
now they’re dying to be heard.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180415.

The demons live inside this house
where doom awaits at journey’s end
the past-life knocks on the door
with the hidden in shadow’s realm

what’s been done was once forgotten
the forsaken brought to the forward
though this is slow to been seen
the signposts etched by memory

now that the rug has been removed
proverbially stating what’s considered
as the future demands its due
from debris of scattered dreams

pain mixes with lessons learned
sorrow soil for future growth
from the seeds planted there
karma sprouts to fill the void

to transform or be reborn
this is the choice to absolve
lest the demons decide the course
bar the way, close the doors.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171206.

There is a land I'd like to walk
one where I'd feel at home
like son returned at last
in a form not recognized

the path prescribed is passion’s game
first a date with romance
complete with flirting all in fun
then seduction to round it out

knowing something lays beyond
a trip to realms close to my heart
perhaps one day I'll walk those paths
lay down the need to be a man

assumptions made at a glance
with fair passing as a phase
what's at hand is the real thing
as the heart desires a fling

until that day I'll walk the edge
look at fields of beyond the wall
reaching down to touch the blooms
with the mask that does not fit.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190117.

Somewhere I lost a day
twenty-four hours went away
this I knew when I awoke
and the time had been revoked
fast-forward to the now
with whiplash in full effect
by a skip of in-between
in the realm of consciousness

tomorrow has been replaced
without remembering yesterday
the memory empty as a void
where the experiences were explored
those hours are now gone
stolen by the thief I’ll absolve
my mind was the fiend
leaving me now betrayed

I’ll continue to move forward
knowing tomorrows are one short
hoping the rest will arrive
and not repeat the day that lied.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190211.

The veil of years have obscured
emotions felt that linger cold
heart’s possessions words describe
hiding embers in poetry
kept there safe so I’m assured
what I’ve lost may be found

a woeful bard declares the rhymes
to remember past tenderness
weaving these in lyrics blessed
thus I’ll hide the memories
layered in my many poems
across the span of tearful odes

asking muse to evoke joy
from the dust my pen inscribes
in echoed halls I’ll describe
there the flame may still burn
with no heat to warm my heart
because it’s illusion of the words.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170710.

I’ll admit far too much
declarations put to the world
without the aid of priest’s invite

etched on paper with a pen
it’s the scribe I feel within
speaking volumes a voice cannot

the confessional is left empty
there I’ll not step within
when a poem may substitute

absolution may not follow
even while I state my ways
no holy gift will be bestowed

you may ask why I’m so brave
to trumpet sins all may hear
with dispensation not at hand

I’d accept the course is folly
worse that what piety offers
fast escape from purgatory

in the end the healing follows
led by statements put to prose
deep inside a soul that struggles

a little less with weigh lifted
put aside without religion
etched on paper with conviction.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171205.

When the hate becomes a box
electrified by past comments
there's no escape for the one
now enclosed by lack of love

the feast was fed for a time
riches poured from above
as the base demanded blood
to sate the priest’s unholy lusts

now that trenches have been dug
with the bottoms beyond sight
keeping safe the twisted words
entrenched in need to be right

truth unmade by the mold
of small hatreds spun to large
asking all the vapid fears
to infect beyond their realm

no compromise is possible
once the line has been crossed
even if the soul may ask
for reprieve beyond discord.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190119.

Anticipation of the words
sprung from pen to fill a page
speaking only to the mind
lest the world know of my kind
it’s not always been this way
poetry seen as a path
to explore the inner realms
turn them over while visible.

I’ve lived in silence while I bled
the tragedies filled my head
forcing me to the ground
even though I seem to stand
I was mute with tears withheld
turning inward while I smiled
wondering if I should persist
as shadows fought to be heard.

“You’ll write in time” said the muse
this seemed insane I’ll have you know
with only madness to convey
I turned away from honesty
still the scribblings were put forth
maintaining contact outside myself
as the topics dribbled out
surface knowledge softly spoke.

Then the day arrived at last
no longer did I hide from sight
poems arrived to fill the void
a method found to spill my guts
the words have flowed every day
so many topics, each a gift
put to page as seasons turn
exploring pain to heal the mind.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170826.

The riddle stands the test of time
one or many will take their shot
with the former inadequate
to the task brought by God

spun from fabric most deny
feathers falling from the sky
weighing more than far mountains
the end results condemns despair

the solitary has little chance
to resolve mystery’s vex
stumbling in the details tossed
or consumed by the whole

insight may come to the one
then the shoulders take the weight
stooped against the universe
magnified in its full scope

back to the many that may help
lending hands to move the weight
when the hidden can be found
then lifted high as manifest

to embody the Lord’s task
challenge met then overcome
I’m a piece in puzzle’s face
solving riddles with the whole.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171210.

I’ll write a confession
scratch the words with a pen
declarations I’ll preface
with disclosure of what I mean

from the realm of privacy
once put to ears of the divine
clerics no longer bear witness
to the life I choose to share

honesty from the bleeding edge
these admissions may seem radical
I’ll lie no longer to protect
the image projected upon the world

perhaps I’ll apologize
penance for the thoughts I have
with these statements I’ll exit
reducing stress by contrition’s breath

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170627.

When the fun has run its course
I’ve plumbed the depths, come up short
seeking more than I should have
in the realms where I’ve played

appetite was front and center
once appeased, but no longer
craving lust more than reason
hunger as its own reward

autopilot for the sinner
helmsman of the darkness realms
pointing to the paths unwinding
beyond the realm of angels’ sight

promising all and nothing more
the cup is hidden from the drinker
was it empty before I sipped
or did I drain the decadence?

the passenger sits in the back
they are me with inclination
to explore where passion ends
the greatest trap of the seeker

now I’ve returned to the start
more desirous than before
taken there with no regrets
except to depart, to roam again.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170824.

Will-o-wisps are living’s bane
the bright lights that promise much
an escape from the pain
in the swamp beyond safe paths
when clearest road is overgrown
with cruel brambles none may see
except the one who always bleeds
seeking something beyond that way.

The flickering orb is always there
though the hills may block the eye
and the trees mask the fire
held by revenants of misdeed
a respite is wonderful
no star of doom seen in the moor
then the rays return in force
whispering words of dooming hope.

Bearings are already lost
set adrift by mind’s turmoil
sanity slipped from its leash
when chasing imps seems prudent
the shame seeks to meet its own
despair contained will break loose
running from the light of day
to find the trace of false aid.

Baptism in the darkest pools
washing anguish from the soul
this is the promise of the flame
quick to shine before it kills
the will-o-wisp becomes a pal
an ally none should befriend
when the road becomes a path
then to despair, lured to death.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170925.

Flowing water into forest pool
shall I rest here or continue on?
waterfall white, glistening rocks
asking me to lay aside the shoals

I shall shed my human cover
dive in the pool to find its gifts
cast the world to the ground
explore this place deep in the woods

soft sand squishing, warm sun shining
wet water flowing, round stones topping
all these simple pleasures reach
holding me in their rapt embrace

if only time could hold its hands
I’d never depart, take up my load
from this way point few may find
the salve of my soul, cascade’s delight

now I must leave this forest pool
take up my burdens, seek the world
leave this blessed forest place
though I’ll return again one day.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170430.

Pardon me while I bend
not to the world with its rules
instead I twist to find myself
providing contrast to the norm

take a pinch of spicy jest
seasoned by the many years
flavor spun to satisfy
if appetite accepts my flair

perhaps I’m bent, the ***** one
until I’m seen with my comrades
they are bookends to my itch
to express impure thoughts

not a scoundrel as some contend
instead a trickster, child at heart
only a charlatan to myself
I’ll not trick the common man

now I’ll bend the knee to show
contriteness for my revelry
until I remember why it’s so
I strive to live beyond the fold.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171024.

The challenge of identity
is the blade with two sides
labels meant to illustrate
turning back to decimate

revelation splits the veil
slicing barriers that separate
what was concealed is now revealed
when the knife expands a life

the other edge cuts the hand
when the world retaliates
rejecting the acknowledgment
asking glove now ****** print

at the end the Valkyries
will decide the battle’s end
when the sword seeking peace
turns to fatal injury.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180607.

The dreams allow for a dance
while in waking life here is no chance
desire asks for this exchange
when connection is estranged

arm in arm in fantasy
paling against reality
this is the best that life permits
when distance is normality

the desire to at last connect
bleeding over to vision’s quest
behind closed lids the dance goes on
absent venues of self’s choice

those relations pursued first hand
have been replaced by revenants
sad whispers of what should be
six feet asking for dreamt proxies.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200404.

Jericho became my goal
salvation promised if I demurred
when the angel did appear
stating wishes from his Lord
the heathen idols were arrayed
gods of the people worshiped there
seeking dominance in the stead
of the Holiest they denied

red and blue of politics
reverence given to power’s throne
deifying the strong man
asking all to bend their heads
put aside the moral compass
turn instead to Bael’s dark wishes
look to the East for direction
corruption is the last instruction

a false savior strides the field
creating points that are found pious
victories accrued to satisfy
egos bloated in sad worship
worthy of the largest shrines
built for the young and the old
all praise is given by the wise
fallen souls when ***** are thrown

the last idol will never fall
forever set in Jericho
business matters will supplant
all other measures of holiness
almighty dollar will always rule
no matter what the seraph says
none can resist the cha-ching
dominion given to those who prey

Jericho will always stand
in the grasp of guardians
those effigies to the scourge
separation from the Lord
heathen idols show the way
to the devout and the bored
begone angel before you succumb
to temptations beyond my God.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180825.

I heard them cry on their knees
as song to state earthly goals
asking for a set outcome
be it base or sacrosanct
the exalted saw the rugged cross
high up on the hill top
the others rode the prancing horse
with equal fervor of the first.

Those in song were supplicants
abiding by emotion's draw
the writer shared this through tune
now I'm captive to his muse
adoration is both their kink
one for God, the other crotch
spanning both the high and low
yet fair verse does not judge.

Stanzas express a burning need
so my ears are thus informed
emotion becomes the only path
drawn along the singer's voice
bless the muse for these goals
artistry beyond the pale
with music as the catalyst
I'll be torn to listen more.

Now my shoulders are a perch
imp and angel on each one
keen to sway my reeling mind
to their side, the right kind
though I suspect, I'll say this
that a tune will tap my foot
and if I like the end result
I will listen to both of them.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170526.

I could gauge beauty by a look
by camera's eye or my orb
seeking the surface that dictates
loveliness lying beneath the face

this would be fraught, a fool's errand
if confusion with 'pretty' is at stake
one for the other, not the same
still I may struggle in crave's grip

attraction may call to my heart
pull at the strings confused with love
adoration tainted by a thirst
to possess what I've observed

I'm at that mercy of base urges
sadly this is lust's betrayal
recognized for longing’s greed
passion begging for due recourse

yet even then I hear a voice
perhaps it's an angel the shoulder
warning me from a fallen path
even as glamor struts about

'stand down good sir, that is wrong
a fondness for looks is not the same
as beauty insured by loving's gift
so much better than just good looks’.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171030.

Where chains of rules are applied
to the limbs of the enslaved
suffering becomes a normative
thought to be superlative

desired above all other joys
the best is based on woe
darkness affirmed as light
the gloom becomes delight

this illusion cast by saints
look to the imps that relate
their glee is proof enough
that few dare call the bluff

rattle the manacles to proclaim
none should live as a slave
bound to rules not their own
tradition tossed of as a yoke.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200224.

I've waited decades to discern
the reservoir beyond the norm
liquid recess of humanity
home to creatures most deplore
varied ranges of experience
between the surface and deep abyss
these stratums called my soul
away from the province of safe shares

I longed to find my place
beyond the shoals of Xanadu
somewhere to call my home
where the beautiful monsters roam
brethren most would reject
are companions in varied depths
these fantasies beyond the veil
inspiring what I’ve become

more fay than humankind
this is my destiny
I share the discoveries
verifying the path within
for those who follow on
in the medians of the mind
central of east to west
away from secure shores

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180713.

Hostages are held on each side
soldiers counted for the cause
weaponized for the greater good
now put forward to crush the curs
no hold barred by high decree
the scorched earth is the outcome
achievements mean more than men
blood enriches the thirsty soil.

Families become war's fodder
friends asundered to ensure
all that matters is consequence
right by might is assured
with the chains of dogma's curse
exacting conduct from the folk
the end times are at least realized
once again for the thousandth’s time.

Total victory eludes the chief
wanting more than statements grind
give and take is anathema
when sacred tasks are near at hand
no matter that the benefactors
supreme junta of hallowed ways
desiring outcomes born of death
are the fraction of army's size.

No prisoners is the leader's chant
ignorant of the followers
who seek a path that deviates
from the holy handed down
guidance is the vicar's goal
lest the lambs wander far
they know the slaughter promises
shepherd's pie in victory.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180313.

I fell in love with an alien girl
a fair outlander found my heart
while I searched for certainty
of who I was or could be
less than human and so much more
a fair resemblance in the flesh
her paradigm of loveliness
inspired the same in my core

normality was not her strength
this was precious in relevance
as I searched the high heavens
for the parts once well hid
proximity brought me down to earth
then launched me far into space
confirming what I knew at heart
I belonged between the spheres

now I’ve joined the alien girl
crossing cosmos to find love
what I once thought was remote
resides inside to be unveiled
there I’ve found a kindred soul
the mirror echoes so much more
no longer lost in the woods
the self disclosed with rapport.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180404.

The one who is the ocean
or was by my memories
the breadth I loved to walk aside
or drown in sum ecstasy

the former I lived by the day
proximity to the surf’s invite
fury in the rush to the shore
submission in foam’s withdrawal

the latter was only in my dreams
submersion leading to bliss
the gateway was sleep’s restraint
with shadows as residents

there everything is a shade
be the dream in moon or sun
the shine of sun does not aid
when outcomes are the same

I awake from the visions
as the waves touch my feet
horizon calls, sand to ground
part of my life, then and now.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170422.

When the nails scrape the board
screams only I can hear
I'd like to leave
get off this ride
laughter is the Devil's wail
unholy glee fail, misery's chant
set to **** me when I ask
why is this to my ears?

Then my sight betrays my heart
what could be dear is only dust
a swirl that mocks beauty's chance
to convince me of its relevance
perhaps the near tears in my eyes
moisture waiting to break free
clouds my sight, blocks my view
of creation not from Hell.

The cruelest jest is of touch
I'd best go if all that waits
is temporary, teasing curse
not meant to linger where it counts
while I don't ask for the perv
abomination in the flesh
I'd still like to know the earth
touchstone for this soul distressed.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170425.

I dreamt I found an orange dress
tangerine, a pastel shade
that spoke to my yearning heart
'wear this beauty to present'
divinity put into cloth
Aphrodite would be proud
radiant color on display
panoply beyond compare.

The pleats were pure in flowing lines
from the shoulder to the hem
slits just right to show the flesh
this naughty slip that I adored
to have this garb became my goal
planning on how to conceal
where I could wait until a time
that I could wear to feel gorgeous.

You may ask of the disconnect
convention dashed in retrospect
of my gender and the gown
I'd dissuade you from that frown
the mind meanders in desire
revelation with no blame
allowing visions that are suppressed
in the waking beyond the veil.

To know the other side of life
revealing goals in safe space
I see beauty and wish to appease
the longing felt deep within
back to the dream, that secret place
into the closet this garment went
a secret vault for lovely clothes
collection worn in slumber’s folds.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180109.

Once again I’m at the dance
in the company of like minds
though the crowd fills the room
I see the gaps in their midst

a memory inserts the missing ones
from the span of long lost years
once the corporal in my grasp
now I wonder if it was real

a cast of hundreds should be here
in some ways I sense them near
by physical form and moving grace
time is shifted, my place in space

through the faces of those present
I see the echoes from the past
they’d be older by quite a bit
now made younger in my presence

the music calls us to the floor
I’ll step between two worlds
once the bygone, now this instance
take my hand we’ll venture forth

there’s the soiree I’d like to share
a quick looks freezes time
confirming longing held to heart
they’re only copies, facsimiles.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170523.

I would wonder who I would date
if span of years did not aggravate
and my relations did reset
revealing the paths my heart could take
these are all fantasy
have no fear of my liberties
when these thoughts cross space and time
imaginations of a curious mind.

Those I’d court are exceptional
above the norm, none are fools
engaging minds as well as eyes
I’ll state the base that they defy
beauty comes easy to my eyes
appreciation of the forms God made
those blessed by curves, hard or soft
present a fraction of my hearty’s desire.

Add this to the fruits of the mind
intellect leaping from fact to joke
nimbleness both high and low
awaits that prize that so few share
a sympathy for my plight
likewise shared, with another one
common ground few will own
acknowledge grace for a fallen one.

Against this backdrop I draw my list
still imagining, I’ll not deny
so few people meet these marks
on one hand I’d count them all
now here I sit with my roster
with the names I’ll never state
the mighty mountains beyond my reach
the paragons I’d like to date.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170515.

Vespers spoke behind the veil
in a language none shall hear
intoned with a natural flair
honeyed words flit to my ear

I would ask who spoke aloud
syllables I'd dare not speak
except I know it was myself
chorus to the Almighty's bliss

vestments decked my other frame
one or another, they were changed
though the latter was preferred
a holy cassock of many hues

the quiet pride of my expression
was condoned by the phantoms
just as real as myself
yet immaterial within the fog

these invocations disturb my day
when memory trips back to sleep
asking nothing in return
but promising much in verity

beauty sought is mercy's gap
no longer harboring safe respite
as the holy is made clear
behind the veil of fancied dreams.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180112.

Those three words still left mute
in the face of other truths
that sentiment now replaced
by the breadth of other ways
consider patience in three steps
each important in itself
leading love to be found
in the links between all

first the instance of the blush
put to cheeks in response
to the warmth springing forth
that promise made on a whim
echoing fondness in heart
for another equally blessed
mirrored in color’s bloom
rose to mark the rising sun

followed by the seeking grasp
tentative in caution’s stead
contact fragile as the snow
hands desiring ardour’s prize
mutually seeking more than less
that promise made in face of fear
when the fire must be seized
before chapter changes page

the final phrases are obscured
by a lingering that transcends
time shared that’s routine
walking paths to share space
then three words are disclosed
no longer held on the tongue
when the way has been cleared
for ‘I love you’ to be exclaimed.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180921.

Is it natural to want to hurt
toxic aims held to heart
planning harm at future’s time?
this pondering is for other ones
kin supposed to care for you
though actions say otherwise

in this place the dread is real
the belt or stick is near at hand
at any time the fist may fly
the not knowing is the worse
expectation of future’s realm
that drains the spirit in the now

others only see the mask
nice for a time to trick the rube
the intent is to confuse
this false journey to the norm
is life’s sad laugh from a god
allowing pain to find a child

anxiety becomes a lifestyle
a full time job with no pay
helplessness against the wrong
imbuing illness to accept
or promote the same within the self
this natural is the Devil’s gain.

2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170708.

Distance matters so much less
when the heart is truly blessed
with dear friends that rise above
the detritus of life's flood

waters flowing from here to there
rewarding those who choose to dare
to feel something more than dread
wanting joy to fully spread

those of like mind that insist
that life asks more than to exist
beyond a day that labored work
with a wage that circles back

something more than this treadmill
is the gift that dear friends bring
breaking chains and floating hearts
before the cycles ask all to depart.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200212.

In this world I vacillate
between two poles of self-worth
one as small as a tick
another has me drive the bus
back and forth I twist in place
without foundation long under feet
pride is found in the bias
as doubts pile to find balance.

With the highs come the lows
bounced between confidence
thrill of living on one hand
an end is sought to compensate
if I’m swept to fall again
it would be normality
may I drift into the air
then fall to ground to try once more.

When the loudest ask for more
than I'm ready to put forth
I slink away to find my place
in the background away from fame
as the years push on by
I’m left again to flip the switch
on a life that’s run its course
this is my feeling in the dark.

I sometimes wonder why I try
to push the boulder up the hill
if my value is mismatched
to the effort of the task
with a vision of my impact
or a blindness of all things
where I stand in this world
is an angst deep in my soul.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170918.

To sketch or paint is enough
when a call is in the heart
to put on page the innerspace
inspired by feelings of the day

the groove is found in the ink
expressed for sake of artistry
crafting substance from nothing
by drawn lines and paint’s tint

a scratch of pen is the start
marker’s swath with a line
boundaries set by the mind
blueprint of what’s to come

blending lines into swirls
simple structures built upon
depictions hinted in outline
a picture forming by design

overlapping towards the goal
expressing God in our sight
by the virtue of a blueprint
illustration of the dream

building worlds all may see
ambition authored by a pen
or the pigments of a brush
to sketch or paint is enough.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171013.

Stairs evoked are the norm
anticipated when souls explore
a common sight that deceives
when the veil is not perceived

inclines lead to other realms
with the last in the beyond
a path of safety put aside
when the leap is in the mind

leading up or plunging down
each direction demands a turn
the willingness to commit
to destinations few admit

archways in the midst
of emptiness at top of steps
ruins pretending to be plain
hiding realms at staircase ends.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20191105.