Author: Wally Boyd

Desperation

MANY WORDS AND MANY FINGERS,

THROWING ARROWS TIPPED WITH BLAME,

PIERCING HEARTS WITH DARK CONCLUSIONS,

SLINGING MISERY FOR GAIN.

Shall we blush at unmasked hatred,

Cringing at the sound of shame?

HOLD, WE PRAY, THE BITTER SOUNDINGS,

FROM YOUR WORDS OF DEATH REFRAIN.

WE ARE WOUNDED…LET US HEAL.

hOPE, REPLACE DESPAIR WE FEEL.

PLEASE be quiet…YOUR WORDS WOUND.

PLEASE stop talking…WE ARE BUSY.

PLEASE…YOU MAGNIFY DESPERATION.

(Written September 8, 2005-

My reaction to comments from politicians and newspeople blaming people and groups for hurricane Katrina)

THE BANKER’S TOAST

Whether you’re going up or down,

Back and forth or lateral,

We’d like to help you with a loan,

We just need some collateral…

A pint of blood, a pound of flesh,

And half of your favorite lunch,

Your income files, your firstborn child,

Thank you very much.

A precious gem, your next of kin,

A plump and fatted ox,

The birds that fly, a cherry pie,

A pair of argyle socks.

And don’t forget your hopes and dreams,

Your pillows and your bed,

Your dog and cat, your favorite hat,

And books that you have read.

It’s policy…for your own good,

There’s no need to be nervous,

Just leave your wallet and your keys,

We’re glad to be of service.

VERY WITH ME

I STARTED FAR FROM EVERYWHERE,
AND HE WAS VERY WITH ME,
NO SIGNS,
NO ROAD,
NO DESTINATION WORTHY OF PURSUIT,
AND HE WAS VERY WITH ME.
STEPS LIKE PRAYERS OF CONSECRATION,
FOLLOWING,
NO MOISTURE,
AND HE WAS VERY WITH ME.

A ROCK, A STREAM, A ROOM, A WALL,
NOTHING I HAD SEEN STAYED FIRM,
AND HE WAS VERY WITH ME.
EACH BREATH WAS MERE ANTICIPATION
OF SOMETHING NEAR,
BUT NEVER SEEN.
WONDERFULLY DRAWN,
THE STRENGTH OF THAT PEACE,
AND HE WAS VERY WITH ME.

Men andclouds, curious expectations of an ending moment
That has never been enough to complete
Even one story,
And every story
Has the measure of the muted thought of longing,
Knowing the vast incomplete domain of
This short, dark time.

Apples and glaciers, toys of music and celebrations
That cheer the ephemeral heart
For one day,
And every day
Means less days for sowing the tree of consequence
That lifts the lives of every creature and vapor of
This short, dark time.

Rejoice!
The darkness sifts pride and sadness,
And captures eternity,
Shifting forms that rise forever to never-dark,
And resign this short, dark time.

The world was not worthy.
The hills and meadows view the
Quiet evening.  And wonder.
What has changed?|
The proud look of shrubs and mountains,
For a moment, pause, and look aside.
There, for passing Glory, evening shudders.
Only for the thought of more honor
Did nature blink,
And wonder.
For the Gifted and the Great do not remain.

The world was not worthy.
On Earth As It Is In Heaven…

4-29-2019