Like a thief in the night
academia
wears enlightenment
as a mask
hiding its true agenda
— a stranglehold on the truth

(Dreamsleep: January, 2024)

Monetizing poetry
— the darkest form of alchemy

(Villanova University: January, 2024)

Divinity’s candle
stays burning alive
not born or created
conceived or contrived

Its light from the center
forever shines through
the moment’s unveiling
delivering you

To places all knowing
through spaces unknown
the mix in the crucible
its myth to atone

The vision self-granted
when time is deposed
confirmed refutation
— with nothing to know

(Villanova University: January, 2024)

Who do you call
when there’s nothing to share
How do you act
with tomorrow unfair

What do you dream
when your sleep is deprived
Why are the questions
though answered, contrived

When did your wonder
wander away
When did the path
eternally stray

How did the moment
slip over the line
How will you tell me
— your memory gone blind

(North Wales Pennsylvania: January, 2024)

I remember the day
you borrowed my pain
“Take it,” I told you
no need to explain

It’s shopworn and battered
each scar duly earned
Its weight a true burden
of prophecy spurned

Then when you’ve finished
the torture complete
Find a new soul
to will it discrete

But no matter what happens
or how much you cry
This loan is forever
—forever goodbye

(Haverford College: January, 2024)

Money buys
freedom
when blood’s
overdrawn
Reality’s
greed
destiny
pawns

Money buys
freedom
its truth
to bemoan
Dignity
truant
the future
— on loan

(Dreamsleep: January, 2024)

To drink
from my well
you
first must believe
Each cup
that I proffer
permission
received
The fuller
your bucket
the stronger
your vow
Each word
that you ladle
rebaptized
— aloud

(The Radnor House: January, 2024)