Carnage

Out west of the city
Just beyond the tracks
Dust storms duel between
Empty metal coffins attacking
Timeless faces, shattered remains.
Remnants of lost battles
Fought across the land
Lie together, forever, by chance
Or fate, matters not now
Tragic episodes.
In an instant life is different
The ripple takes its toll
What could have been once was
Now will never be.
They’re not coming home.
Only the shells remain.

**

The Lost Child

For just a chance to live and grow
Play at the beach or frolic in snow
Feel the morning sun shine on your face
Smell the clean air after a cold, hard rain
Take your first steps or falling scrape your knee
Run barefoot through grass or climb the tallest tree
Be overcome with nerves at school on your first day
Change clothes three times before leaving on your date
Let the top down and feel the wind flow through your hair
Yell from a giant cliff, your name resonating in air
Cry for someone else or against all odds make a stand
Have someone break your heart and another put it back again
To partake of this journey that so many take for granted
There is no hesitation if it might give you a chance
My child, my precious child, I would take your place.

**

Numbered Are the Days

Leathered mask of tainted past
Creased with wear
Tethered lines glaring back
Blood stained tears
Distorted lenses of deceitful stare
Misguided intentions of malicious caring
Provided with lying lashes of love
For Your Own Good
Till trickles from corners tensed
Crimson spattered scene
Noiseless chatter of lost apologies
Face front to take the next
Eyes closed clenched regret as tightened jaw will
Be A Man
And remain standing until the final blow rains
With unbridled force as apexed rage
Erupts from within
Desperate pleas are
Just Not Good Enough
To quench the storm of generations
Force fed beast jumping to react
Broken, tamed, chained in a corner
Learned actions of habit no longer.
Growing stronger in faith.

**

Each Day Starts Anew

Wispy curls in silent motion
drifting, dancing, delightfully floating,
reaching out to grasp the air
dissipate gently, then reappear.
Luminous rays of truth resound
viewed through painted shards of glass
shattering through the clouds of doubt.
What’s not real can never last.
Tightened grip, renewed resolve
narrowed vision, lifting fog,
focused, kindled into a blaze
waiting is over, time for taking
control of the stars and gifts given.
Fight, child, Fight
Each day starts anew.