Melancholy-
not sadness
the vagueness
of mood
and feeling
a sudden sense
of personal loss
beyond understanding
life is held in suspension
nostalgia presses -
the voice
of the past reminding
of times past
in loving and sharing
in joyfulness and suffering


it’s beyond midnight
no moon or star
in the clouded sky-
a soprano is singing
a sentimental serenade
strains of a flute drifting
in the chilly air
the heart breaks
the forlorn heart sighs
a bitter storm shakes
the trees by the shore
a strange bird sings nearby
but nothing
is felt by the indifferent night.

Watching the sun
cut into a new day
everything drenched
in pale colours
clouds move with
the dead of grey
I know a place
where a velvet moon
is thrown across the
soothing sea
where the spring
mornings are endless
where there are more
flowers than tall buildings
where the ocean breeze
blows salt on our skin
where the lavender
dances with the wind
we can dream forever
escape this ordinary life
I know a place …
Clay.M

Old battered hat
Skin of my skin

Over the years
We have become the same

A gallant man
Donned his Top Hat
Tipped the brim
Smiled ceremoniously

As the young ladies passed by
A glint, a gleam
In the corner of the eye
A gentleman by and bye

At the close of the day
The foyer was the place
An unspoken ceremony
Of  Style and Grace

He Doffed
His outer wrap
Dress Coat Top Hat
Cleaned and pressed  

Kept preserved
For the well dressed
At the ready
Of the gentleman‘s leisure

Until the next day
For the well deserved
Sanctimonious
Ceremonial
Continually observed

A prominent display
Of pomp and circumstance
(Pompenstanse)

An elegant dance
Of the well to do
In the year of our Lord 1882