They say the old must surely die
to allow the new to thrive
a sacrifice that bears new fruit
from the ash of kernels cast

the promise for the hopeful flesh
shed with cocoons in the light
a cheerful plan without regard
for the outcome that then transpires

this is the jest by the gods
revealed as the greatest lie
when the reverse is the truth
culminating in a hollow life

what may be new is no more
put aside before it’s born
rotting while the old conspires
to pretend that life will thrive.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190904.

Does the rain define my day
by waterfall pour or stead drip?
the answer lays in how I view
nature’s realm in moisture’s grip

equality reigns when shadows leave
no longer are the forefront blessed
by ray of sun from a blue sky
when everything retreats from view

the distance hides in fog’s embrace
asking memory to fill the space
or prodding travelers to journey there
revealing landscapes out of sight

I’ll not begrudge the world’s desire
for perfect clarity after night
I’ll just ask for the chance
to see only water under clouds

cleansing is the benefit
when the dust is washed away
not to drown, instead to wash
absolve our sins, renewal’s breadth.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170521.

When I Speak

When I speak I seek to share
the struggles felt within this one
reflection of the group embraced
please listen to my social group
though you may yet disagree
with statements put to your ears.

This isn't who I thought I’d be
moments of anxiety
when I was young in yesteryear
now a snowflake they abuse
or so it’s thought by contrast
by the masses that embracing fear.

Watch me shoot a telling flare
put it up into the sky
to find the members of my tribe
I'll share what bring me joy
as strange as they seem to be
outside of the accepted norms.

Exclamation of who I am
is not meant to arouse the lust
a fetish for the larger crowd
to each there own is my plea
predilections some may pursue
put to ears I hope will hear.

As a mix of all of these
just myself, and so much more
I’m not the villain some will see
please try to see my position
my disagreement does not destroy
the free speech of the whole.

Of all the perks in life I love
I'll admit there's one I hold
above all else that may impress
it's the style of that exceeds
signature of a sparkling soul
manifest to show the world.

Of course the surface is quite nice
a smile and curves that combine
radiant by measure I'll attest
yet this pales by what's beyond
blend by hand of artisan
with credit due to the same.

Calling forth from pop culture
amalgamation of history
what's been old is made new
stirred together to express
what's come before is the truth
for personality now imbued.

Now I'll state what must be said
with little wind I still have left
after they’ve robbed my breath
beauty blessed by style's intent
attention turns to those who walk
on the paths they make their own.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171101.

The choices are varied
in the sea of the crowd
when one stands out
or perhaps the many
the genders are there
and those in between
from poles to the fluid
each has the place.

Attraction is varied
the precursor to more
appeal to a promise
as vows are engaged
when the love is present
the focus is found
attraction is centered
still the eye roves.

The charisma persists
across the wide range
it’s only a notion
that moves on its way
while choices are there
a love found its place
the sea of the many
is no longer the lure.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170525.

The bridge is one of many
away from walls hung with chains
restricting natures that will vary
by something more than standard
partitions of the measured
these boxes set to manage
suffocating the imprisoned
seeking escape to arches

a span built from spectrums
diversions of the binate
contrasting two inversions
some cannot imagine
the steps echo loudly
distracting those who relish
the passage now discredits
order based on standards

somewhere towards the middle
we’ll dally at that moment
relish the found oneness
discovery as a bonus
by gender or attraction
these spans on which to travel
stride the rainbow aura
to find where souls are valid.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20181103.

This is to the lovers I regard
with a fondness from the heart
looking back through the years
at the ones that I’ve embraced

single digits are enough
to measure the base frequency
though the count was too low
to truly gain knowledge’s boon

experience notched fades away
dimming as the years proceed
insufficient at the time
now even less without practice

those very few that I touched
exists beyond the corporal ways
memories left now only fade
with only names left to say.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180611.

Lessons come at their own pace
some have more, some have less
the most challenged have no fault
for the burdens that pile upon
one on the other, encumbrance
doled to see who will break
as the targets look for cause
wondering why the hammer drops.

Severity is the divine joke
just grin and bear under the load
God has deemed to dole it out
or did the Devil assume control?
a story tells sanction asked
the one who lies was set to task
another reason is brought to mind
humanity is the foe found.

Mistakes are made against this veil
karma has the bill in hand
with an outcome few desire
pain amplified as consequence
the reaper comes as last resort
though too often as disease
by slow neglect or same intake
both are life’s antagonist.

When the heavens and the hells
pile on the back the burden’s toil
avoid the paths that fate a price
embrace the lessons you must take
self-awareness is hard earned
surviving falls to climb back
all’s not lost in agony
the sun will rise with dawn’s start.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170801.

I’ll place my pain upon a hook
rhyming, turning, asking all
to recognize the truth involved
the freshest bait is too raw
seeped in blood drained by words
offered up as banquet's feast.

My poems are flayed from the heart
exposing nerves too long numbed
asking them to feel once more
emotion brought to the forefront
the rich harvest at long last
from the depths below the mire.

My dear reader, are you still there?
with this sentence I may sigh
the lure has kept you in my eyes
perhaps the pain is shared by more
this longhand journey brings a crowd
that bears fair witness to my mind.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170809.

I said I’d like to visit there
though I had a quiet fear
as different as I was at home
I’d be quite plain in the extreme

not to worry, Mary said
be yourself and we’ll be grand
acceptance goes both ways
identities embraced in shared dreams

fantasies no longer in shadows
when a community is engaged
predilections see the light of day
human nature released to play

remember my timid friends
none of this is out of sorts
disconnected from my character
it’s only who I truly am

Mary was the catalyst
another realm gave permit
don’t knock till you try a fling
away from home, no longer plain.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170502.

It’s a name like the rest
label meant to mark the love
from a family at my birth
now cast to doubt in discontent
bequeathed at birth as an event
put to page as a statement
of the soul to manifest
beyond the time of diapers worn

line in the sand to nominate
what’s bequeathed by the frame
conventional is put aside
when parents gaze on baby’s form
shape as a template offering par
against the breadth of typical
the plausible no longer rules
as spectrums cross to confuse

revelation measures faith
connection to the tag assigned
then the gap is realized
sanity doubted in the routine
gender mixed with desire’s stance
these realized by all kinds
normality seeks to have a say
when the babe finds their way

dysphoria provides a clue
the mold assigned is not enough
irrespective of desire
identity is relevant
transformation is the response
seeking truth by syllables
finding self through new letters
now the name is like the rest.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180604.

I stand bent against the years
casting veils with feeble light
obscuring more than what's shown
as the gloom gathers round

more has gone that I can grasp
in the time that I have left
yet in this place I hope to share
insight I still grasp

a guttered candle to show the way
unlikely guide for those who stray
miscreants of the same stripe
as this taper of dying fire

I offer guidance few may grant
expect for those that travel same
on the paths dimly lit
by example I strive to give

nomads of the shadows
attracted to the wisp
conspiring with the night
to frolic in shadow’s rim

joining in my dance
with beacons of their own
no longer in the dark
we shine by union’s light.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180619.

Ask the prisoners for the key
they’ll respond as if perplexed
wondering how such boon
existed without a god’s permit

sanction sought becomes a hell
a repetition of bad to worse
that leave available in a blink
if the proof could be found

when a release is near at hand
still not seen even though
a weight is felt upon the breast
the key exists around a neck

it’s true the door bars the way
with a fastener that would respond
don’t check the pockets that bear lint
while sought freedom is near at hand

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20181227.

I watch the wolves circling
keeping distance yet in sight
unkind guests beyond the veil
I have no tool to scare them off

feinted lunges warn of more
when I wake at the dawn
stalked apart from that place
where fantasy is all I have

once again the perilous
greets me in the halls of sleep
echoing that I may not escape
when light comes and I awake

hinting teeth that can bite
when a lunge may take my life
astral wounds that may extend
to the world outside of bed

I may rise before the end
hinted by sleep’s oracle
then wonder if the same awaits
in the realm of beyond the wolves

I shake illusion from my head
to hope it stays in those hells
for if it stalks into my world
this nightmare will consume the all.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171203.

The city gates are always there
asking nothing while giving less
waiting for the travelers
to pass within as fortunes turn
fate's golden coin awaits a nudge
to consign the occupant
with the flush of happenstance
or the dearth of emptiness

either way the path unfolds
twisting deep into the depth
of the streets paved with gold
or stained red with old blood
these chill options hold no malice
though the odds may bless the house
the pound of flesh will be found
sating gears that must turn

this machine serves all men
equally granting grace's gifts
while the equals are measured by
the meaty hand on the scale's left side
celebrate privilege while you can
accept the praise however faint
because the gods may change their minds
allow the wheel to land on black

the metropolis will survive
a howling gulf beyond entry's way
portal to the heavenly heights
or a quick trip to abattoirs
evoking smiles on stoic masks
fixed attention to piety
city gates bound to luck's draw
receive your due when you intrude.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180625.

Beware fair traveler if you may
shadows flitting in the field
though they may seem close at hand
they’ll move away when you draw near

‘come and visit’ they seem to yell
more a whisper in your head
luring dupes to their deaths
leading them to unlocked gate

the paths are safe when well lit
trod by many, here to there
ignoring glimmer flitting orbs
safety found in boredom's realm

the warning signs on the fence
state that all should stay away
a soul is forfeit to pay entry
passage through the unlocked gate

gravity is shared by all
fixing feet to the ground
when the holy is held high
against the faeries of the glade

sadly this is not enough
wanderlust consumes caution
into the arms of fay killers
it’s one-way by unlocked gate.

2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180123.

Another day beyond this one
there is a chance to touch the world
when the hour then arrives
at the hall where magic thrives

lessons strive to describe
easy motions all my try
in pursuit of happy feet
upper body will cooperate

the beat waits to be found
a rhythm shared when it's blessed
to and fro within the pulse
expanding outward to be complete

from the ground the motion flows
finding venues within the soul
moving limbs in response
gyrations of the heart

reminding all that there’s a source
something more than squandered life
asking all to arrive
explore connections that few will have

without the joy and the love
this life seems empty in contrast
so another day will present
opportunity to live again.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20181225.

Love was lost in the rush
to assuage the emperor's lust
the passion for certitude
that power would forever rule

lorded over with threats of ruin
for all those who would review
the wrongs committed by the king
fealty valued above all things

otherwise the gentle hearts
would recognize the siren's call
to sacrifice their very souls
on the alter of mad Cole

sequestered in the tower's heights
far above the wrong and right
there was a chance before the fall
now the land will love now more.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200204.

When the space no longer holds
any source of joyful balm
by the virtue of parley
or the spread of beauty’s hand
one or the other may dispense
the sorrow felt on most days
if only this were the truth
when the margins become despair

sounds recede as if on cue
pulling back to other fools
that have need of the voice
to command the waking joke
so many plans to talk about
important matters made of ash
waiting for the winds of time
to disrupt babble’s tongue

the colors fade bright to gray
the sliding spectrum denying bliss
tumbling towards nothing more
than the pit consuming all
no light escapes depression’s place
reducing life to shadowy plains
no longer are the living seen
when dead are viewed with jealousy

now deaf and dumb without recourse
this void denies what most have
even though I seem to stand
in the presence of other men
there I’ll exist for a time
until the margins take my life
claiming what beauty owned
before the space no longer held.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180730.

Identity begs for pain
wearing crimson invites the peril
judgment from the world’s bullies

at the worst they will respond
stoke the fires to purge the world
of the deviants their hearts reject

red consumes the blackness seen
darkness weighed and then condemned
before the heat claims its prey

belief is pressed to save the world
removal of infernal foes
so the greater is made more safe

if only this would truly change
the masses erred in their rush
consumption made for the naught

now the embers are all that's left
the tears could not extinguish flames
imposed on those with scarlet’s stain.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171107.

Feeling comfortable in your skin
having calm with what God gave
is the challenge of mortal folk
aggravated by commerce
when are we swayed by the lies
instead of listening to our chums.

Society sets the highest bars
asking pockets to turn outward
to buy products most don’t need
imploring us to hate what’s seen
love coming from a jar of cream
this is a falsehood advertised.

Turn aside from this farce
it’s not why we’re here to live
celebrate self by due recourse
with the friends who truly love
these are your allies, not the sales
sharing smiles for who you are.

2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170701.

Twenty-nine years ago
a senior in my college days
the truth came to me in the night

there I dreamt I was allured
to an object that most demurred
as I approached to longingly gaze

the start of yearning filled my head
awareness kin to creeping dread
what did this mean for a young soul?

revelation had tapped my arm
said look here son, don't be alarmed
there's no harm if that’s what you want

it was a dream so none did see
what filled my vision behind the veil
yet in my heart thought was conceived

alternatives were thus revealed
I’m awake I’ll have you know
from the dreams my path was set

now I'm true to my self
decades turned on the wheel
still I honor sleep's message.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170520.

They said beauty was only pain
suffered so the looks would shine
this seems suspect on the whole
when reasons sought are exposed
with the good comes the bad
a contract struck has a price
address the before drop the walk
to the edge of cliff’s height

the peaks climbed are depths to fall
to pin existence on frailty
of the splendor that may pass
when the years take account
Father Time is none too kind
exacting toil on the fair works
that Mother Earth has bequest
and humans sought to possess

this golden ticket opens doors
into lairs where monsters lurk
wanting only the fresh meat
desiring nothing beyond this treat
banality is creature’s spore
seeking what they do not have
feeding cravings deep within
succor from passing grace

expectations set for visual sake
what’s below matters not
when the surface is the glam
drawings eyes and tweaking hearts
evoking grief in its time
when all the bets are on red
by the fall or the trap
beauty held is only pain.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180615.

Sleep mimics a longer drowse
the rest to end the constant frown
held behind the smiling mask
pretending ease with wakefulness

to lay down forever more
beyond the span of slumber's reign
where disturbing dreams may intrude
upon the peace of drowsed interlude

the balm that's sought is much more
stretching to the distant shore
across the river Charon roams
asking only for his coin

payment given for a long repose
at last the mask is disposed
hidden truth revealed to the pack
by the sleep meant to last.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200127.

The dance demands the truth
presented for all to see
by the garb or makeup's charm
each a bless destiny
imagined against the inner screen
fabrics spun upon a frame
then projected to the world
without regret if there’s concern

not the costumes of the day
or the night in their stead
falsified for safety’s sake
hope sacrificed as consequence
when the real is forced to hide
with survival then at stake
behind normality of the whole
losing all including hope.

costumes left at the door
along with masks that are deplored
these are truths some refuse
when the rest are confused
the constrained is surely ******
by the masses that don’t condone
the quest to find so much more
then a bond to the wrong clothes

garments are meant to affirm
when the tunes are evoked
to share the beauty felt within
heedless of reaction’s tongue
they know not of the quest
instead a vision is expressed
when conviction includes a goal
of apparel to state the whole.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190503.

I dream in bright technicolor
more shades than life contains
forgetting this span of hues
when I rise with morning dew

the details stream in unending flux
shifting between here and there
when that space twists around
alien to the waking world

a cast of strangers is company
without concern of who I am
acceptance found by colleagues
existing only behind the veil

all the while there is creation
songs and sights, music’s throat
echoing from the only source
the muse inside my resting mind

do not tell me what cannot be
that was there, believe me
restrictions are ****** aside
within the realm behind my eyes

no pain is there in that beyond
the ache that meets me when I wake
I am fully blessed to feel again
the balm of youth in hurt’s relief

if only the waking could be the same
as dreams presented when I recline
perhaps it could if I strive
to live my life as if asleep.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170823.

I dream here
of right and wrong
the darkest worlds
and blessed life
moving forward
stuck in the now
wishing more
than what I have
letting go
too much of that
evil ways
I hope the best
for dear friends
hid enemies
a world lost
then realms gained
betrayal marked
loyal comrades
in fevered visions
chimera’s hope.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171016.

A single night becomes the hinge
moving past the commonplace
with a sight that deviates
from the norm that most embrace

beyond the drone of the days
where conformance brings dismay
put aside in truth’s pursuit
of relevance by joy’s display

testimony of what should be
imagined in the realm of dreams
realized without regret
then voiced to others as consequence

the promise made stakes a claim
‘if only this were every day”
now gods have heard the call
in depths of night to the beyond.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20191005.

Welcome back diverted ones
the band has quit it's braying tune
bending wills to tow the line
just as the piper led the mice
silence waits to fill the ears
on the path to doom's embrace
how did the faithful come so far
to then realize they've been had?

The talking heads had their day
pundits talking up their game
while the soothing drums clambered on
to the walls, the hordes come
this was the Wizard's battle cry
as smoke and fire rose to the sky
while behind the curtain's fringe
the band played on with talking points.

'Just the facts' was chant
against the lies of heathen foes
I'll not blame a single one
for buying this with all their heart
when the fear is pumped up
with uncertainty close behind
the dread is the worse of all
combined they are a speaker's ploy.

The narcotic drip was attached
providing stimulant without backlash
those jaded days of railed dissent
when all were high with discontent
the fun's been had, now comes price
a hangover with harsh withdrawal
the fake news has come up flat
though hair of the dog may be had.

Get ready for a sad encore
as the band resumes their march
the volume has been reduced
asking all to find their marks
the piper seeks willing dupes
with a fate too near at hand
doom still calls to that kind
will the targets be twice fooled?

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170721.

Take your cat and leave my sweater
it’s only because of the weather
this need to hold onto Christmas
even if the **** thing’s ugly
bedecked with Santa and his deer
sequins forming shiny *****
I’ll wash it till the hair has been removed
even if Rudolf will lose an eye.

One gives me hives while the other warms me
dander is my kryptonite
you knew that when you brought them
feline demon into my safe abode
‘it doesn’t shed’ was your mantra then
tears spring to eyes in response
not to the sorrow I remember well
but to the allergies I suffer from.

I don’t need to itch to know I adore you
welts the size of frozen peas
evacuate this pox of my life
allow me to keep my lovely wrap
festivities that I long to have
before the scratches ran with blood
holidays with festive songs
now muffled by the snot.

Take your cat and leave my sweater
my life will be warmer for the better
fur removed from my clothes
when loving cotton enfolds my heart
no longer snorting benadryl
I’ll find peace in our eternal love
now that I have cardigan
minus the pox of afflicting cat.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180107.

There is a battle I’ll reveal
between two sides that want the same
happiness sought to fulfill
the breadth of life in expanse

there’s a brawl between soldiers
one below and one above
contending for the common ground
exacting ruin with each stroke

weaponized by good intent
the conflict wracks internal space
disrupting breath that I desire
choosing paths beyond the now

each engaged in my employ
taking turns to steer the course
if only they would pull as one
provoking calm instead of strife

drawing blood with each stroke
first the reason, then ardor
I’ll never know which is best
a thousand scratches on my soul

the same master requests both
to make peace instead of war
pull together against a world
that cares little of this contest

between the head and the heart
there’s a battle every day
happiness should be the goal
if the contest was not a duel.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171017.

They said that I would find
reason in contrary straits
to these ends I flung myself
****** by what was found

I sought perfection in the void
far beyond the mess of life
there was nothing to be done
when the vacuum filled my lungs

beauty was searched for in the dark
among the crags of startling height
cue the falls before I found
loveliness could be fetched

joy lurked in the hot fire
stinging all that hunted there
the gray ash was left of me
after flesh flowed from my bones

sanity waited beyond my reach
in perfection no longer found
broken far below the life’s grace
bliss lost to consuming flames.

2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180130.

A mess resides behind the mask
decades taken to accumulate
the debris of anxieties
stacked to the ceiling and beyond

disaster striking behind the scenes
spun from life’s anxieties
demanding privacy to be kept
behind the veil of reticence

this would be a reason why
to assume the front of good regard
but now the caring has deceased
the sins will flow for all to see

here’s the joke for the room
only friends will stoop to care
while the remainder carry on
with disasters of their own.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190803.

Anonymity seeks to obscure
what’s made plain in the words
only showing by intent
the many layers of content

safety is the first domain
with excursions to the edge
peeking out from shadow’s realm
with permission to state the mind

even while the masks prevent
perception granted to the perceived
the changing visions of the id
knowing only moment’s blend

the ignorance of the world
is fertile ground for inner quests
proving that obscurity
allows artistic types to truly be.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20191112.

An empty dance floor
the music has stopped
in time’s lonely halls
in this one today
I see in my mind
and feel in my heart
the reason I move
to celebrate life.

It’s found in the tunes
the moment is near
poised on the brink
again I’ll touch God
bring down the Heavens
where I was before
with angels as partners
to bliss this low earth.

The band takes the stage
hard silence will cease
a reason to live
returned once again
I’ll turn my face
to find new partners
my ears will open
to hear the bless notes.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170611.

The time of youth in lost years
was a period just as real
as the ones experienced

by the young of today
repetition of the themes
echoes quietly in the halls

as the past is disbelieved
in the faces of the antiques
loves and losses took a toil

the stumbling steps to joy’s realm
are renewed once again
each endeavored with the same

as the period must recur
even though it seems absurd
look to the young to see the old
in due time they’ll return.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190226.

This span of space asks no due
except to ponder what’s really true
between the panic of the lie
and the path that many try

kings and fools both relent
desiring only to be content
with the outcome few deny
the brilliant source of inner fire

locked behind walls of iron
are the roots of lost desire
inaccessible except for doors
too often confused for floors

moving downward to ascend
the distance traveled has no end
until the passions are finally quelled
when enchantments are dispelled.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200128.

A half a bubble to the left
there is a place beyond this life
where existence blurs to blue
away from normal rules
stated logic bound to pacts
the promises made become chains
establishing norms all agree
are the black and white decrees

demanding respect in response
to derision cast upon
subjects looking to escape
from the hatred they endure
leering taunts from afar
faceless monsters seeking harm
or associates close at hand
with a lack of tolerance

invoking quests for safe ports
the odd grovel when they’re stuck
docility born of survivals gambit
to hide in sight of master’s ire
still the bubble seeks to shift
even though the pain is real
perhaps the reason is from this
need to prosper nonetheless

into dreams that are askew
no judgment offered in the blue
floating outside normal rules
not alone in the crowd
there are other reprobates
sharing natures that transcend
touching God to realize
half a bubble is adequate.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180628.

Apply the fetish with intent
or submit with bent desire
both are sides of the coin
paid to stoke the thankful *****
the once forbidden steps aside
to the path of craving’s want
asking only that all involved
play their part in the charade

predilection is the term
for what’s desired in the heart
a slight taunt of the world
to satisfy the steady burn
stoking fires by give and take
shunting shame in their wake
none shall regret the aftermath
when the culprits are ourselves

a shot follows the trigger pulled
two may play in this duel
maybe more if there’s a crowd
prompting hoots for much more
faint utility left behind
whispers of what was meant
and all that’s left is lust’s desire
that adherents won’t deny.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190310.

You were just another face in all my days
one more to which I'll have to say goodbye
from the other side of the one-way veil
when my final end is met on the long march

I've seen the young faces that give me hope
when those my age seem to deny the same
bitterness at what's been now lost to them
weighs on my heart while the saplings compensate

with those my age would seem to be my fate
though my world may appear different
angst becomes the companion I can't shake
when self owned loss is a shared malady

I've traveled on these roads far many miles
accumulated the dust heavy on my boots
now I long to lay down my heavy head
bidding your youth goodbye when I pass away.

2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170705.

I was waiting until the time
that purpose stated why it was
that people walked into my life

a question mark is applied
to the intention that god planned
when hello asks for more

each mystery is then guessed
with assumptions incorrect
for the bulk of faces met

with the span of ‘hate’ to ‘love’
each emotion possible
with some preferred nonetheless

thus every journey is begun
without knowing the outcome
when relations are resolved

still the wheel will have its laugh
a chuckle found at my expense
denying knowledge that I may find

when each person I may meet
a panoply of consequence
will be all things in due time.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20181206.

Perspective is the gate I'll seek
within that wall my ego built
with stones put there by lingering doubts
protection sought was mortar's grout

of all the things I miss the most
when walls of darkness push too close
the spark of faith comes to mind
that jewel of self that's most divine

some days are blocked by stormy clouds
pulled as a curtain against the light
no longer does the lighthouse shine
lost to the fog bedeviling sky

desire becomes the poor substitute
when craving expires after use
quenched in the moment of its death
unsatisfied when it’s born again

emotions churn in soul's mortise
crucible where dark things lurk
waiting for what's not been put
fire the alchemy felt within

once more I'm at the storied gate
locked by chains of grudging pain
a simple key would allow passage
a last hope, salvation's gain.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171110.

Once I tell you who I am
the world will still revolve
same as before truth came out
oh so small in breadth of time
shocking secrets become numb
inadequate to stir the heart
volume turned down to zero
against the thunder of mankind

this pin ***** of my flesh
imagines rivers as result
drowning those in the way
not yet scrambled to high ground
only drops are squeezed forth
imbued by all I am
now brought low when I compare
veneration of the world's toils

participants in my charade
honored guests of the sham
witness the grand unveiling
it's all trite in dull hindsight
when the other dramas reign
as important as what I betray
so much more considering
their expiry is more than mine

put aside my revelations
they matter not on the whole
pass me yours if you insist
I'll honor struggles of my friends
none of this is permanent
just a drop in our loves
ripples marking this passage
yours and mine in breadth of time.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180205.

Adornment comes in many forms
this step beyond nakedness
something more than garments hung
for the reasons of plain regard

decked upon a simple frame
once the base has been set
an exclamation is desired
to shift beyond boredom’s calm

wishing only to exclaim
loveliness in the bling
by the sparkle or color’s swath
splendor following this allure

beauty blessed for all to see
charisma worn as a prayer
the mantra of a greater god
when decoration is the charge.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20191002.

When the world is too much
a monster that will consume
the meager morsel is exhausted
now laying down to meet its end
a thousand voices would approve
this scourge removed for the good

attrition from hatred’s game
a sum desiring so much more
revelation is another stone
put upon the camel's back
with the company now deplored
an exit is sought to explore

little left at frayed ends
handed to the worse of fates
mostly for those left behind
and the future now incomplete
the illusion is often cast
of utility to the common man

a charade that falters now
when usefulness is obscured
let's not ascribe fault
for the creatures of the shade
they care not for the trivial
when their appetites are satisfied.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190611.

The holy counted seven
explaining man’s downfall
stacked as wood on the fire
that none dare to disclose
sly source of the vices
the hydra branching out
a monster all embrace
though one head may be king.

Passions are the tendrils
one found fertile ground
an inclination to evil
so say the sacred books
opposite of the virtue
contentment is its name
love invoked by purity
absent in my case.

Dare I share my shadow’s breadth
have you guessed it yet?
the heart that seeks wicked acts
if only in my mind
with fornication as a goal
******* outside of bonds
a harsh name for natural acts
body’s quest to find another one.

The other sins are not absent
we’re only human as molded earth
tainted mortals one and all
each with their own fallen goal
many books may be written
sordid tales upon all men
I’ll add mine to the mix
poetry of the tarnished soul.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170827.

Recollection was on the path
from the thought of who we are
with the past as the route walked
to the now in front of us

then came mad gibbering
ghosts evoking their shrill cries
casting doubt on today
placing veils I must displace

resemblance asked against the whole
of those who came before
bears the fruit of tainted trees
when the judge is memory

a comparison to recall's fog
is less solid than clouds above
yet it's the measure to ones before
this norm for stating what will come

judgment granted against bygone times
the harm, the joy, the rest of life
disregards the blessed now
the only way of the future paths.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171018.

Consider that time has not expired
there's still a chance to grow beyond
by the virtue of new intent
or the lapse of interest gained
to reinvent the whole package
in the breadth outside the now

a leap awaits the dedicate
brave enough to explore
pushing forward without regret
into realms not yet met
led only by a partial map
forming in the eager mind

without consideration of the past
what’s transpired matters not
the destination still unsure
when the future beckons forth
promises made beyond compare
with a joy that few now dare.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190602.

Turn the words to
state the mind
mold them to
explain the heart
without regard
for eloquence
except to state
the obvious

don't hide the light
from the world
the bushel basket
will not complain
when it shares
the truest parts
a soul brave enough
to expose itself.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190207.

Beware the nice guy of self repute
wearing sainthood like a cloak
atop the mask of feigned respect
for those considered likely prey
they'll gladly crush the miscreants
those who scorn the fair elegance
of a *** thought far too fragile
to stand upright against their toxic ilk

a mantra spills from slick tongues
forked while speaking calming words
a need to praise them without love
hold them safe in false respect
the rest of men are shown contempt
for the intimacy that's been withheld
heaped on others but not the pleasant
this wounded soul most would not touch

malice burns beneath the words
fueled by anger ill concealed
a hatred of those finding love
and the ones providing such
the nice guy misrepresents
a world view that seems contrite
asking grace to be granted
while damning love's true reward

we're all flawed in life's scars
the burnish gone by the years
a richness comes from old stains
met halfway when resolved
we've learned that polite is a farce
look instead to the rest
survivors that are made wise
to honeyed words in front of hate.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180417.