SEASON

Tender buds break
up through the snow
sun gently caresses
to warm the cold heart
reawakening it's dormant soul
oh bless-ed day
feel beyond the ice of death
brought back to life
in this our season of change.
By Michael Perry

SHE BECOMES

she becomes all the ways
to ease my mind, a place to lay my head
she becomes every song needing to be sung

She becomes  a starting point for love
melodies to be savored
she becomes all the words put into thought    

She becomes all the ways
to capture my heart, more than physical, she becomes
the music I hear, when I look into her eyes, it remains clear

She becomes the anchor I hold on to
when I need to save my life she becomes
a safe harbor I will drift lovingly toward      

She becomes all that I adore, this woman I would die for
she becomes every thought to keep my mind
consumed, she becomes the easiest decision made; a revelation

She becomes my one true love, to stand the test of time
having a  rhythm and rhyme, sweet singer of songs, she becomes
all the reasons why, I live and breathe, say a prayer for

She becomes, my once in a life time, in the moments experienced
my love and salvation, a driving force, so deep down, into my soul
she becomes, the fever I once caught, never truly recovering from

By Michael Perry

LUSTRE

You and I
once made a pact - to a love that was new
as the years gathered, so did the silences
as we avoided conversations, to be in the same room
we once did-now not the same as the
golden lustre of youth slowly died, so do we here, surrender
with our hands up, clearly  the stars that night
such a long time ago, did betray, the innocent beginnings
of a love that was never given a life to breathe on it's own

by Michael Perry

ETERNAL OPTIMIST

wish it true

make it happen

know that i can  

no doubt about it

will i, for sure, just ask me

yes indeed, i'd be happy

make lemonade from lemons

ever more to be call me,  the eternal optimist

by Michael Perry

DO YOU HEAR THE QUIET

do you hear the quiet
listen as it calls
the silence reaches far, wide
covering the ground, sky
filling in all the cracks
where there is space
supposed to be, invisible, close, near
here, there you can feel it, looming
in scope, enveloping, whole, as you cast
your eyes across the way, there in the stillness
living arcs of lightening, throb, building
to illuminate, crisscross, with energy contained
drawn by heat, it bears down upon, to feed
the silence, ready to let your mind run wild
as you imagine in your minds eye, the sound of
fury, with a crack and hiss;  unheard, the power
of sound held at bay, in a safe distance, still faraway

by Michael Perry

FROM A REFLECTION
From a reflection lost in shadow
casting-forlorn, melting into night
we continue along the vacant beach
coming here; together, we carry the weight
both of us hold, with  no words to come
we shiver in silence, up against the cold
deep in our thoughts over reminiscent loss
to carry us along, needing to let go as
the pounding surf speaks in echo repeat
echo repeat;  only to leave us, susceptible to
undertow- to submerge us, unable to breathe
we can't go back, the way we came, we walk on
as if by now a simple refraction of light will give
us a moment more, to realize- turn day into night
with the moon up above, in circumspect, the only
witness to our trial, we will leave each foot fall to
fade, like this life, we are, lost to the incoming tide

by Michael Perry

FOR THE DEAD

willows weep
silent stoic
poised in saintly supplication
bitter surroundings meld
leaving barren crusts of earth exposed
ancient roots bleached white
cling together
as the onslaught of night continues unabated
frost heaves deeply cut
furrow frozen ground,  winds moan
incessantly digress to a Winter's canticle
paying homage to the dead

by Michael Perry
(copyright MOBIUS) 25th edition

ONCE AND FOR ALL

counting the days with the long
and slow, much has come between as we
lead other lives, to this point, meeting again
now under the changed circumstances to
rekindle, what was left- would it still be the
same as before, or has time chastened ours to
nothing more, from a once growing flame, previously
expunged-that followed different paths, to now
how can we be sure, as we share a gaze into each
others eyes, would it  tell us everything, we will
need to know,  as we start over, with an initial embrace
will we still be lovers or just replaying- love's foolish game
somehow wanting to be coaxed again- or will one touch be enough
as our bodies find the confidence, once more, with hands over
our hearts as we confess true love- between us, once and for all

by Michael Perry

IN COMING CRIMSON

without emotion
feelings are numb, unfulfilled
the innocence fades, slowly, ebbing away
as the in coming crimson tide rises, seeming to prevail

By Michael Perry

ONLY THE PAPER

I have only the paper left by you, each line for line
in that perfect script your known for,  every word
so precise thought-out, telling, still, what could be
said, the damage now done, I was left unprepared to
have this note-from you-and like that; gone, all the
possibilities unfulfilled, the good, the sweet-the
what could have been's, your note left for me to read
in that  cursive font, so recognizable, right away, in your
do it that way style, just so you, prepared in ink, already
beginning to dry, your words blur, while I read each one
bleeding through  blue as the words , are lost I cry, watching  
as your perfection stated in cursive disappears, right before my eyes

by Michael Perry

FIRST COLD NIGHT

it's the first cold night of the season
are you prepared to fight all reason

as you rub your hands clasped tighter
just above a home-made oil drum fire

you stamp your feet up and down and so it goes
doing what you can to get the feeling back in your toes

still your wearing only a ratty sweatshirt won't fill the bill
as tonight, temperatures in the city will tank and tumble

you will remind, resilient to the core, been so all your life
telling yourself you've been through many seasons like this

ready to show off your independent streak, tamp down fear
as you fight the temptation, your mind is made crystal clear

still, as another brutal season prepares to take it's hold
you will resist once more to come in from out of the cold

by Michael Perry

SUNDAY AFTERNOON DRIVE

we put the top down
for our Sunday afternoon drive
just to get away for the day, escape
the confines of the city limits
such a lovely day
the sun was high over head
the clouds almost non-existent, perfect
time to go- it was
a bee-line to the expressway
traffic was light
we were making good time, as landscapes
passed by, cars, other vehicles too
neither of us spoke, while
we took it all in, at some point
we were forced to brake quickly
there was lots of commotion up ahead
thick black smoke, two cars engulfed in flames
a third overturned, tire tracks streaked across all lanes
red, white and blue lights everywhere
police in uniform directing traffic through
the breakdown lane as people  were standing about
both sides of the blacktop, they seemed
in shock, crying, all standing still, I saw them
each one, as if reading their minds, saw in their eyes
trying to tell me stories, of which I had no clue, or
was it the feelings for them, in this situation, would I
if I knew them better- yet their stories were not mine
if I could would I?- then we passed by, making up distance
once we cleared the scene we were able to proceed
we went at a much slower speed, considering
what we had just seen, the rest of the day
was uneventful -we ate lunch at a quaint diner set back
from the highway; reaching our apartment at dusk
we turned on the tv, we sat in our  matching chairs
settling  in, we watched the news, nothing had changed
since morning, still violence, mayhem, seemed everywhere
as we smiled to ourselves, glad to be unaffected, we clinked
two glasses sipping our ice cold martini's, shaken, not stirred

By Michael Perry

RHAPSODY

love is made tender
like  a rhapsody in spring
gently urging us on

with summer the passion builds
into months that follow
ready to thrive-keeping love alive

into the fall, we will gather up
the years like leaves, collecting memories
and messages of hope

and by the winter time
we will rekindle all we shared, give thanks
and praise for another year, having taken life on
  
By Michael Perry

WHAT OF LOVE

what of love
let this be our distraction, as we willingly
give sway-to the heart, of it, playing a part

what of love
a source having claim will, with no objections to-who knew
we have only ourselves to blame

what of love
being bigger than us both, to speak it- we dare not
without having to compare, there are no words that come close

By Michael Perry

LEFT TO THE ELEMENTS

like so many memories
to come and go
the writing was on the wall
to think it through- or place blame
neither one of us knew
how to play the game
we are fire and ice, moments carried away
in times of anger and love, on display
blaze on-or turn cold, whats happened to us?

like in a touch, given, taken
absolved, to be promised
could this passion survive
for another day, in a burn instead
or die out in the cold, if only
we had more of a say, how it should be
we were abandoned, feelings exposed
giving up to faith, to carry on-seize the day
we were left to the elements- discovering love the hard way

by Michael Perry

SUMMER IN THE CITY

**** it's hot- jeez
with no breeze
to speak of-and the windows shut
while every fan's-been seized- in the still-ness
of to breathe, there-down in  the alley-the stagnant
pause to  stay,  still, once twice, albeit one, of the spoiled
few-we are, given in to sanctify thy-self- by the created- get a grip
be  (so) delirious- (we are ) claimed by the almighty-
into seeing visions-boy it's hotter- than hot- so hot-
like an egg
cooked on the grill
of a Chevy 68"
with  a hot engine-and the cool
body-given to this climate- if you can -claim it ; here
(she) comes in with her sauntering approach- well then, where eyes meet eyes
yet no takers; no way-she says- it's too hot- with
her indignant style, not even -for money, pay for my time
and the red dress kills, anyways
and she walks on- into the dark- just an ordinary night
-as it spills out in to the late of  July-full summer sweat
the hot- it's so hot- imprinted on ones brain-no one can forget
does it matter - - as life
comes to a crawl-deep
in the bowels-of the city proper- how come- it's so hot-
no one can sleep -everyone is up- it's sweltering- here
boy is it hot- in a city that never sleeps-either way, regardless  

by Michael Perry

WORDPLAY

there was no wordplay
between us, on point
of fact, anything more
leading to full conversation between us-over the years
as the words became less and less
knowing ourselves;  as we do,  in the silence explicit
between us-felt reassuring, as a blanket to cover us up; it was
what we wanted, craved, coveted, expected of ourselves
until the day, you came to me, knelt down
with your hand on my knee, and began to cry still born tears
I knew then, our silent world would be shattered
without any words or objections, I held you; felt your heart beat with mine
we stayed that way as the day melted into night.

by Michael Perry

HUNTER'S MOON

Hunter's moon
yellow stained hangs suspended
lonely; darkness falls
cursed stars spill out of a blanket of night
still transposed; giving silent creatures their cue
a barn owls somber call quickens as the heart of a
squirrel's tail twitches making way through thickets tumble
nixing escape from perils flight
December's petrified wood leaves nature standing dormant
for a time keeping no secrets tonight
once dawn breaks the morning mist hangs stubborn masking
the forest facade from view

By Michael Perry

LOVE, SPACE,TIME

no mere words, can ever express
my deepest love, I feel for you
to dream awake thinking of how to-make our love
last forever-only God knows the timeline of
how much time we have together-but if I could
with each little prayer, if he's listening; to possibly grant
and extend our time; beyond the concept of human reality
I would; ready for us-to defy what's known of space and time

By Michael Perry

DANCE GIDDY IN THE RAIN

as the rain begins, it comes, with-out any pretense
it will fall innocent, persistent, ready to cleanse
so let it cling to the skin, to make as new-wanting
to satisfy, it will require a deep breathe, it will come
subtle , settle into it- in out out in-to lull, as you find
your quiet place, a safe space, listen in as all the
other background sounds disappear, let your breath regroup
and the  gentle breezes swirl, a compliment to the body and soul
-in you, or just the further fact of a celebration to life- so
don't hesitate to reach, to think- give in to yourself, as you
turn your face upward toward the sky raise your hands out
extend the fingers -be  prepared to praise the absolute feeling of
-just being alive, to feel it,  wash you clean, and in  that  moment
when the peace flows over, surrounding you in full, it will be time
to just- finally let go and -make you dance giddy in the rain, do it
for all your worth, be like a child from your past- in a youthful nod
to feel it again,  the fun you had-or if nothing else, start life
renewed in the facts, to acknowledge rain as a gift, once and for all

by Michael Perry

from this place of pain, wanting to reach out
the snow falls tonight, looking from the window
into the darkness beyond
     as  it falls
                     falls
                             falls
                                       falls
into tears cold and anonymous to the ground below
                    made of sticks and stones
I am alone       I am hurting         does anyone care     despite this
I am made of steel                    I am better than this, so
           in my momentary bout  of weakness - take notice
    by the morning                  still and all                              I                               ­                             
                                          will
                 ­               OVERCOME      

by Michael Perry

LEFT MY GUITAR

unable to sleep with the night slowly closing in
I am taken back as I look out a glass windowed pane
feeling so solemn in a vigil anonymous, it begins

needing to coax my mind, I struggle with the strain
looking for inspiration or an intervention, that will light my way
whatever it takes, to make lighting strike, and heal this pain

without the perfect words, I struggle, lost feelings lay there
for I have nothing more to give, what more is there to say
so I, left my guitar sitting silent, un-played, there by the stair  

within a night, under a canvas painted sky littered flecks of gold
I am swept, cold air gripped, standing here to stare, made aware
throughout the heavens, the stars are dotted like fireflies, to behold

ready to come clean, get back from out of this temporary lark
I've reached from deep within finding my way back, my way back
letting my voice rise and speak for itself, and yes, make its mark

In just a few chords, the words gradually flow back into a song
ready to play- my finger tips poised, finally feeling the hum
felt deep within, ain't no surprise, it happens as I begin to strum

picking up from where I left my guitar- having the words to share
blended with perfect harmonies I lacked; with more of me to give
my voice backed up, by heart and soul, I still have living to live

By Michael Perry

FORGOTTEN LETTERS
pieces of a memory, lack of any  sound
unwilling to keep,  together no-more
in the letters uncollected, -still bound

you wrote of beginnings, any unknowns
with promises not kept, left  in blind faith
while I  all but wept, waiting, feeling exposed

what could I expect
how would I know, what if
so I sat there, to ponder; feel nothing-what next

the silence enveloped
to swallow me whole
I took pen to paper, as written words flowed

to make my peace
emboldened still more
I untied the yoke -of your strangle hold

by Michael Perry

LOVE IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC

there was a time-out of a not so distant past
where one simple act, currently abandoned
lies anonymous, still then, once a pleasantry
to each other, now;  this feeling  lost, to us
an act of kindness, we all once apportioned
with each other- a common emotional binding
one to the other, between us; a piece of humanity

-and he reaches for her hand warmly, to squeeze
she slightly; is startled, unprepared, not expecting
from his touch-their contact of skin on skin, once
thought harmless; a common joy, made to  give a
measure of reassurance-now shunned; still-she
reacts back, to his comforting act of kindness, they
now share- with this one gesture, his compliment
to her, with science put aside;  for the good of mankind
they continue holding hands; they both smile- testing
the current train of thought- all for loves sake- accept this or not
as reality-sets in; will it be the start of a keening sense of loss
-to all  other simple acts- this common sense of dignity, we shared
now suffer through;  for how long? - through no fault of our own

by Michael Perry

DREAMERS

all of my life
i never questioned your intentions
i believed in you, without hesitation
you always beckoned; like a beacon
calling me, to this home, my home, i only know
i was brought here, wanting to be just like you
to yearn for be a part of; be considered a native son
if only you would recognize me as so- with
your eyes on me, i only want to be welcomed for real
and the safe harbor, that only you can provide
with no judgement from you, i would take this journey
work for, fight for, die for, i have made the sacrifice  

by Michael Perry

DRUG

Shorn walls of cracked plaster nondescript, punched through holes
out of an anger imposed, you try to feel superhuman
as you get ready to fly high, month after month, now over ten fold

so here comes the let down, again, sooner not later, get
yourself together, tough lessons learned, as peaks of sun
filter  through onto treadbare floors, feeling lost, with no outlet

laid out,  crumpled on the unmade bed, your worst nightmare realized
try to get up- not so easy is it?,  hey, brains says maybe another score
will do the trick, one of hundreds past, still you think about it, visualize

and there are side affects, not to overlook, skinny white arms, bruised
up and down, no place left, with deflated veins exposed, still
play it for numb, dumb down the pain, pull on that brass ring, you may lose

still as you shake, take another chance, maybe its time for a little praying
with your  head down, between your knees, eyes closed, closer to God
unable to realize, with labored breaths; you, undecided, your bodys craving; still more

By Michael Perry

WAITING FOR MY BREAK

you in the morning, sleepy still
there in your eyes, i give you a moment
prepare your coffee, black with lots of cream
we don't speak, just sit, the moment
is a moment, already passing us by
so just not yet, i wait, i can always tell
even after all these years, you were
never an early riser i was, the one
who was up before dawn, writing my
greatest hits, waiting for that big break
still, the years have come and gone
it was never meant to be so it turned into
something i did for fun, as i sit at my
writing desk-throwing out ideas, she says
to me, you always make the best cup of coffee

By Michael Perry

RABBIT HOLE

befuddled, and far back-
-memory slows
left to be-abandoned-
-the day erodes
when sleep does not come-
-as the feeling to
fall, fall, going-
-down the rabbit hole
till i come to, i -
-think, i think i am
in one piece-or does the-
-mind plays tricks, with my head
-real or not- am i ready to
see the truth, live it or die trying-

by Michael Perry

IN THIS MOMENT

out the window
as I sit and observe, the start
of dawn-still moments away- with the
silence claiming, I will obey-pay
attention with senses more attuned
pick up on the subtleties of floor
to ceiling-as the shadows and light
-bring into focus, the untouched; as such
the dust motes from the day before that
trail along the ungrained wood floor, I missed
to the beating of my heart, once ignored as
it beats it's echo- deep within my chest, of the feelings
of abandonment, to the reasons unexplored till now
and my longing for what-I am unable to
recall - all within these moments, of here and now  

By Michael Perry

FROM OUT OF THE SURF

from out of the surf
where dreams are made, comes the echo of  
repetition in tongues, we are spoken for

while with your fingers
on mine; we play loves music
cast off the wall, leaving our shadows come to dance

carried on, carried over,  out of time and space
ready for a minds release
between the sheets, no words give sway

to the sweet fragrance of
tropical flowers that consume in
vivid, willingness to strike a chord- the sun has settled

between us, you and I, where love,has left us blind
overcome, saited, out through the open window are
the harmonies of water to sand, enternities, ebb and flow

by Michael Perry

DUST

through the echoes
flecks of
dust move, stir up

carried on weightless
by a losing
shade of light

to drift up towards  
a slightly opened
window frame

slowly lift free to go
gone now  
the whereabouts unknown

by Michael Perry

HER FACE

all I ever wanted, I will never know
In a field of crow, that failed to scatter
while the ground lay covered with snow

In the stillness her breath rose with mine
climbing skyward, only to fall again as tears
Her eyes dreamed of conquest, through a filtered light

I touched her porcelain bone and alabaster skin
we danced, as the day spawned into night
a musical dirge played, only we could hear

I watched her body as it corrupted mine
her beauty held me spellbound, to the point of no return
I knew then, I would be lost; needing her to remain

all I ever wanted, I will never know
becoming the absolution, I had denied myself
In a field of crow, that failed to scatter, while the ground lay covered in snow

we danced, as I gave up all of my earthly rights
as if by a memory, her face retained its complexity
spilling over, in a kiss, her lips left mine insane

within the jagged harmonies broken by a stillness, to a fault
I let her go, the fear of losing her, to think I could have it all
then, she was gone, as the light, left my eyes, blind, denying heaven

as winter laid claim, I stand alone in this barren field
all the crows that failed to scatter
while the ground lay covered in snow

I live now to weep another day, truly lost
without meaning or in a days end, sleepless
her image gleaned, on flesh and bone, age and memory, no reward

with a sinner's heart, down on bended knee, All I ever wanted
I will never know in a field of crow, that failed to scatter
while the ground lay deeply covered in blanket of snow.

By Michael Perry

TO COMFORT AN OLD FRIEND

I am here today to comfort an old friend
we go way back -once, we took on the
world, anything was possible, we were best pals
like brothers, willing to do anything for
each other, over years and miles, no matter
what making it through we were invincible, so
we thought, and today I am  sitting by his side
holding his hand, to bring him comfort, ease
his pain for a time, to bring back our youth, that
everlasting prize in our folly we had, if just for
a moment, I will take him there, with each story
I will regale him, recalling memories, to recapture-our
eternal youth, once more,  drawn from a time capsule
I was turning back the years, just for him, I watch his eyes light up
he remembers the details, after a while , he squeezes my hand back
acknowledging it all, then his eyes tell me, enough for one day
he's tired, ready to close  his eyes, I look at him, beginning to
doze, so I lean in to his ear and whisper I'll be back, as I turn to go
his head against the pillow, I am comforted by the fact that
our friendship has survived everything, and so it will, even this

by Michael Perry

THE PEACE SONG

we are ready to be heard
we each want a say, not face confrontation
but if we must, we will, because we are not ready
to leave anyone behind, for the time has come

if we are ready, put all differences aside
take a stand, be strong, be steady, ready
toe to toe hand in hand, young and old; a rainbow
with a plan sung through words we have, a peace song

to stand beneath one sky, the call is strong
the tug to get behind fast, no it won't fade
as we come here, we deserve
to be heard, for what made this country ours

for democracy is for all, yours and mine
sing it together, come hell or high water
let us rally behind; a peace song, with voices raised
everyone must be heard, can you hear it, can you?

when we come together that will be the beginning
heed the call, walls will crumble, fall; let us have our say
forever is here and now, get ready, have raised fists
demand; stamp our feet on the ground, ready to be heard

within our action; through words and music
we put the world on notice, whatever the risk
for peace to come, it's within our grasp
as we watch, we burn a candle from every window

where all points of light lead, toward a brighter day ahead
we must, will not give up, ever be complacent, not sit back
realize the time is here, let us stand up for this; a peace song
without it, everything we fought for, held dear, or died, will be lost

By Michael Perry

OF YOUR LOVE

each piece of me
I have given to you

at a time, of myself in this
I freely relinquish

my body and soul
always ready and willing

coming to terms, I have abandoned all else
for the sake of this, there is no compromise

to this end for love- you are, I sought out, we are made to endure
from the ordinary, to every star shine, the moon and back to earth
surpassing all- for no other, reminded, we, forever and always

by Michael Perry

HORSES

wild horses running free
speed and dignity, proud
mighty animal beast
unbound, to roam
without fear, unchained
the souls blaze with fire
power unrestrained
as lightening strikes
having legs of muscle and sinew
ripping at the air
this is their home
a desolate place
courage, above all
swift as the night
in silhouette, over a setting sun.

By Michael Perry

WORDLESS LOVE

in the spring of my youth, I
spied a quiet moment-I wasn't
supposed to see between
the two, they were speaking in
quiet tones- in the kitchen by the
sink- early light filtering in-I
was unable to make out- what
was said- but it was their bodies
which caught my eye; their bodies
spoke volumes between the two
he looked steady, commanding
into her eyes-raising her chin
looking eye to eye; his focus
on the words he used to comfort
to reassure-while she; relaxed her
body felt the reassurance, as he
wiped her tears away with his thumb
and they stood like that for the
longest time seeming an enternity
but it probably wasn't-she with her
head against his chest, he clung on
taking the full weight of them both
the two becoming as one-and in
that moment- I knew of wordless love

by Michael Perry

MORNING IN AMERICA

this morning seems like every other
an alarm clock chimes to remind, so
rub away the sleep, pull back the covers

and this day begins, not looking as you may think
shades of an indifferent stranger, staring you down on
the train, whatever you do, stare back, don't blink

still and all, just get up, rise and shine, no ones to blame
so force yourself, if you must, take it all in stride whatever
you tell yourself, like the rest of us, we never complain

so don't even try, it won't matter , for all the lies  
we tell ourselves, can't let it bother you
for no matter what else you will do in this life

you can't change the fact of death and taxes, so no hysteria
it's a just a matter of fact in your life...unless?
so dig in rise and shine welcome to morning,  in America

By Michael Perry

FOUR LETTER WORD (version one)
could be a blessing or a curse
or possibly a misdemeanor
when we take a chance
pen all our hopes on this four letter word-love
a word of devotion, one syllable
ready to fly high- keep us grounded
it’s small but yet has instant recognition
a four letter word so simple- yet profound-love
a word- left on a page
lonely without a sentence structure-it functions
to come in between I and you
a four letter word to have and hold with no compunction-love
whether it is fact or fiction
a call for action will be needed-deep down
something happens-a physical reaction
a four letter word- to make a point- taken serious- or just throw it around –love

By Michael Perry

Night Fall- Sunrise

Where it all
comes together; the
in between time
where the heart
longs for love; the
body complies, in the
memories rush coming
alive to aid the flesh, by
touch-deep down in the fire -of ones core  

by Michael Perry

TILL THE SUN

every time, in a love worth the wait
simply spoken, no need for permission
call it passion -time after time, call it fate

face to face, emotions high, you and I
within our sights ready, here so close
when eyes meet, as if for the first time

you bring me to tears, my dear, my love
without delay, for in this time, a love
built upon, a trust so profound, proven

gently over and over, your lips touch mine
I feel your breath, with a fragrant bliss
against my face, distraction so divine

sweet side of heaven, my case to plead
buried emotions exhumed, deep within
to focus, our every consideration we take heed

while I whisper into your ear, the times blur
no one hears, as your reaction, says it all
encouraging our journey, we move further

with us, willing, here and now, we are truly one
in a touch so close, we feel our hearts beat,lost
to the loving, carried away, all night long till- the sun

By Michael Perry

THE COUPLE

There once was a couple
-a fat man and his skinny wife
constantly smiling at each other
they are so much in love -with
life itself, everything feels so complete
today is a sunny day, a good day for
lunch in the park, they spread out a blanket
preparing a feast for two, as they do this task
the fat man, brings a clenched fist to his chest
and his eyes go wide, he drops his half glass of wine
and the skinny wife steps forward, coming to his side
she quickly yells for help to no avail, from the passers-by
so then,  the skinny wife remarks to herself, how permanent
that death feels  -unlike this beautiful day  and the love
of her life, she knew- facts remain, life and days are fleeting at best

By Michael Perry

HOMAGE TO A TREE

the tree, with it's roots, ready to dig deep
to claim a space, to tolerate all that
it will surround, letting the branches rise up
to feel what it receives through it's leaves
by a sun  grateful to share, and gentle rain
slowly becomes the welcome mote, to drink
up, stay strong, sustain itself, ingratiate
further, to encourage growth, for all the
years it will stand tall, unmatched, unsuspecting
until such a time, the unspeakable will happen
through fire, wind, the heavy rains, willing to bring
down this pillar of strength, till nothing else remains

by Michael Perry

WITH THOUGHTS OF YOU

with thoughts of you how can I compare
this or any- to another day, being the same
without you in it-for I want to be selfish, wanting
you for another day, if possible; like before without
even speaking, using any words, we had a language all
our own; to communicate, all our hopes and dreams
into a promise;  that was meant to keep us immune from
being apart for any length of  time- so then how is it
I let you go-for real- without putting up a fight, when
not even your memory will suffice, I need your flesh and bone
for the comfort; now the lack there of- as I comprehend
what's happened; and the fact that; while, you- were
in your sick bed;  I let you down when you needed
me the most, making myself blind to the fact; avoiding
even eye contact; and ready to shut out the thoughts of, I was
not ready to hear,- and you trying in your weakened state
to let go-I would not have it-now it's too late- to this day
I will never bring myself to think of the word;      good-bye

by Michael Perry

MAKE MOUNTAINS MOVE

she walks, making them wait, in heels and hose
for so long she stands under a street lights metallic glow
to give them what they want, as cars pull up slowly
she pauses long enough, for a deep breath, and another show

what happens next, will be up to her
before the future slips away, to take control of her destiny
make mountains move; realize the possibilities

in the shadows, strung out, lost in an absent stare
he comes one step closer, to maybe losing it all
he waits only to score, knowing he lives out there
heading for a dangerous fall, or just another close call

what happens next, will be up to him
before the future slips away, to take control of his destiny
make mountains move; realize the possibilities

unable to sleep, she sits there in the dark
she cries night after night, at the door, she stares
he's still not home, he will be very soon
the children close on her mind, she will endure, bearing all

what happens next, will be up to her
before the future slips away, to take control of her destiny
make mountains move; realize the possibitities

What happens next is anybody's guess

By Michael Perry

IF IT WERE

if it were as easier said then done
we would aim for it, still our time
here is short, most of us, are satisfied
to accept what we know, what lies ahead
so we will make  more from less, ready
to collect the free card-in this game of life
that continues to play on, and we count our
blessings- each one, looking from here on out
as if  our life depends -and it does, still we know
the opposite is true, as a  prisoner kept, we are
given to the sentence that calls for a term
of years, that will drag on without, having no end
in sight-making the choice that much more, crystal clear

By Michael Perry

WHAT LITTLE HE HAD

when he died
the family came
forward

unannounced
out of the woodwork
to claim

some thought they
were due, what
little he had

to fight over
clothes, a few pictures
a John Deere riding mower

is that
what it takes-
to bring a family around

by Michael Perry

STRUCK DUMB

i am   struck dumb
at a loss       for any words
first time in my life -   nothing comes
my mouth is silent-   as my eyes
keep recording - reacting to  it all                                                  
-horrified -  at the audacity, of what I see-  
playing out - in real time-one hot mess
each day and night- can't get it out of  my mind
                    
                        I can only think:

what the f**k have we done to ourselves and our posterity

- it all seems like a bad dream- from which
any normal person would hope to wake from-
and yet we sleep on, walk through- I am dumbstruck-
wondering how we ever got here - wanting
more then ever to quickly move on-and still we stand
ignoring the facts- that are staring at us straight on
                   so as matters keep going south-
                                
                                    i hereby testify:        
                  
   to future generations- heed our stupidity
   and reconcile - what is coming your way-   I apologize
to you for every adult living now, I  can only hope
you are able to forgive, if it was me- I
would sign off with my *******; but I know you
won't do that-I wouldn't blame you if you did though- instead
I know you will roll up your sleeves, ready to take
matters into your own hands and fix everything-    we could not!

By Michael Perry

TAKE IT ON THE WING
gulls fly, dart
dive full circle
stealth,rise, fall
in frantic pursuit
searched for-prize
the pearlescent flesh
of coveted shell fish
that lays abandoned
on the empty shore
within useful persistence
a razored beak finds
one,spills out the flesh
ready to take it away
leaving the rest to caw
mocking-restlessly be
their insult, to miss out
frustrated flocks fly on

By Michael Perry

SHOOK

thought it strange
out of the ordinary, not here
as I walked, feeling unease
my bones given to an unnatural chill
on this hot summer night-walking
my pace, under foot, breaking leaves and sticks
heading back , only to turn, over my shoulder
what? maybe, once, twice,  just to
calm my nerves, why so paranoid- thought
I was fearless, except for tonight-why the change
as my level of concern grew, I cannot put
a finger on it-yet my heart quickened, first
a little, then a lot, for the first time in my life
with my age over matter, a possible concern, I
truly felt- helpless, moreover a little shook

by Michael Perry