Looking back at who I was
behind the direction I’ve maintain
there was a time when I asked where
I’d end up in the now
once I was a younger man
wondering what my purpose was
when the future stretched beyond
the curve my eyes could see.

Which path would I walk
asking guidance to show the way
senior minds turned to view
beyond the veil of youth’s domain
I also asked the oracles
full of intuition's gifts
wise insights were their thing
when they saw more than common man.

These, and more, were not enough
the future was a game of chance
veering towards the probable
then away at fate’s quick whim
as the years clicked away
the answers had little weight
as the past piled behind
the traveler pressed to move on.

Beyond horizon of the day
valleys traveled in dusk’s gloom
the night hides more than it shows
while the mind seeks future’s light
in due time the journey wound
until the rover found his home
with the goal met head on
still I ask where I may go.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171012.

Survival's been put aside
no longer a pressing cause
still I carry forth
existing in this world

for some it’s a harsh lust
driving every thought
ranked above love itself
focus of the life embraced

instead distraction has it’s place
by dance or music’s charm
spinning a glamour’s space
dedicated to confusion’s game

as does duty’s grind
holding me to account
dominoes lined in rows
waiting to be tossed to earth

all are poor substitutes
absent of God’s pure grace
stability lost with rudder gone
drifting towards the rocky shoals

in the face of pleading love
life’s endurance becomes that
survival is the chore
the relic no longer grasped.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171010.

There are three words that form the gap
four syllables that separate
one from another in this life
forbidding aid when doom calls

the first states the self exclaimed
outside myself, part of my life
raising stakes because they care
or they should in other times

the second is the harshest slap
not because it’s from malice
instead a statement of denial
ability to commit to a cause

a third is the most ******
it closes doors to moving forward
a denial of truth’s touch
with ignorance as the cause

now we’ve reached the summation
put together to mark the guilty
velvet glove tossed to earth
I’ve no response to challenge ******

here’s the chant I’ve alluded
“I don’t understand” kills discourse
breach of trust when voids threaten
comprehending is the blockage.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171009.

How shall I respond to the natural order
bent to lastly harm itself?
an example of mankind’s folly
taken to heart by a sad student

the lesson states that struggle wastes
effort best put to laying down
when those in power will endeavor
to shape the world as they want

back to the ruin, the highest teaching
etched in stone by dripping scorn
this is the impression from outside
witness to conscious wanting more

screaming does little in the gulf
instead of seeming the wise one
alarm that’s raised is a motion
wasted against the incensed void

in this place I may find sanity
or I’ll loose what I have left
in the face of life’s betrayal
the latter will be the sad outcome

dust is found instead of gold
humanity’s gesture I’ll take to heart
acceptance of the choices made
with mine joined to make a royal flush.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171008.

I dreamt of pomegranates
fruit of the twilight gods
in the glades of Sirkcumsale
on the lap of a new love
they wore a veil that concealed
the death implied alongside birth
each a companion to the lust
delayed as promise bid its time.

First my brow, then my chin
the hand lingered, clad in red
promise pressed into the folds
as their trail moved below
the eyes topped cover’s screen
attention called from the caress
shifting hues from green to red
this seemed normal in dream’s realm.

Irrespective of their gender
the planted kisses plied the pleasure
returned in mass, this is my way
to turn attention to the lips
the embrace is what’s important
once submerged I’ll be the swimmer
comeliness is broached by touch
pulling close with hug and smooch.

I was raptured, I’ll admit
perhaps by an evil jinn
I’ll not attest if that was true
when desire was all I knew
the balance may not be told
it was diversion from the norm
crimson fruit was mine to have
in the glades of Sirkcumsale.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171007.

I'll give you a quick smile
Morse code posted by grin's flash
be it dot or dash in length
the greeting will say "it's alright"
a flash to show I'm content
happiness is all I contrive
when you look away the pall resumes
the vanishing when a gaze is pressed.

The between where I live
honesty hidden beyond the view
waiting for messages to be sent
to the others that share my world
they return the same in kind
perhaps with intent more sincere
I don’t know, but this will do
a mirror to echo before I retreat.

Darkness descends in the pause
before the next one’s sent outward
assumption made that I’ll be back
letters resuming after delay
absent the pulses clearly viewed
those have purpose I celebrate
partners assume this is the norm
habitual instead by contract’s word.

Is this fair that I presume
the face that half-untrue
though I grin to show my state
giving what I think you want?
‘I'm still here’ said with confidence
I wish I echoed the same within
chatter by code displays the charm
deflated in stillness of salute’s end.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171006.

Why don’t we talk about the ills
that impact the despised group
not understood from the start
with struggles in the mire of life?
perhaps the blame would then turn
to the difference in the front
not the symptoms that spill forth
because of impact from the crowd.

Separation is the cause
damnation heaped on top of hate
intolerance is the result
no will to heal, inflicting wounds
in the shadows the impacted
attempt to fit when there’s no space
crowded out by prejudice
partiality lost to loathing’s gain.

Sickness spills from the fight
damning those in shadow’s taint
with the small anxiety
or a desire to finally leave
invisibility with assumption heaped
toxins kept in the dark
to say more would curse the one
when their state becomes the cause.

Back to ills that wrack the group
not inherent to the mark
of how they stand outside of main
not willing to state how they feel
minority label on the forehead
scarlet letter that does not prompt
the maladies that tumble forth
through mistreatment by the whole.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171005.

I’d write a letter to the world
‘dear Jane and John’, all of you
relating the age-old sad tale
I’ve found another, now you’re out

it is normal to wonder who
replaced all of humanity
I’ll save that knowledge till the end
then reveal the answer there

first apologies to the people
stripped from my life by the words
I know you didn’t see it coming
kept to myself until I wrote

the relationship has ended
as love once flourished has been dimmed
in its place is a longing
for another far from here

if it’s asked about the feeling
I would admit that numbness calls
begging for another lover
clad in black, guiding the boat

when the wine turns too sour
vinegar is all I taste
it’s no wonder pen has chosen
to scribe the words that separate

the fairest have lost their charm
arguments fall flat with their facts
left to rot in my vision
when the eye take’s the dark path

this is where the shadow rests
the one for which I’ll take my leave
a letter left on the doorstep
as I leave with me to find some peace

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171005.

There is a hall in my mind
on each side there is a row
cherished thoughts of beauty’s mark
one in a thousand, many times

none were the same in their charm
be it outward or inward turned
all were attractive in of themselves
this I saw across the span

grade school was the first
loveliness in youth’s bloom
still this lingers on the wall
the most blessed, furthest off

in each year a few were added
beauty fixed to recall’s banks
fairness blessed in retention
only seen within my thoughts

their inclusion is not a statement
of romance or even friends
instead it is of predilections
comeliness in tribute’s realm

it’s even better if they are buddies
then I learn more of their life
all the foibles and the strengths
retrospection then most prized

celebration of God’s deeds
perhaps the others cannot see
it is their loss I suppose
these I capture in memory

there is no harm in recognizing
attraction honed by my desires
when the end is recognition
in the hall of my mind.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171004.

Hypocrisy is forced on me
gift of a larger world
no matter how I respond
it is mine to be embraced

pretending in the face of truth
this is the charge put to me
a criminal without recourse
when authority has its say

the lies are not my own
they are the gifts of other men
goodness is my quested grail
in each day I strive to realize

fallacy heaped as the result
judgment sewn as the soiled garments
I’ll not wear them if I can
“not your choice” comes the refrain

I am presented as the madman
unable to see my sin’s doom
even as I strive to be as pure
as my life would allow

society will speak from virtue’s place
state I pretend to be something else
than what I am, this is laugh
for the opposite is the consequence.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171003.

I dreamt of revealing more than most
in a bathroom with white tiles
a top a tub that held a friend
with whom I shared my ******

before I share more of the dream
I’ll tell you of symbology
ciphers of the inner self
against which scenes may be accessed

the restroom has a special place
in the twilight of my sleep
as relief is sought to let
what’s been held too long inside

then consider the liquid realm
emotion mirrored in water’s depths
to be released or be submerged
both revealed slumber’s eye

back to the vision of resting time
I stood exposed in company
of a partner in life’s struggles
with whom I’ve shared my inner self

it’s no surprise I was undressed
without desire to merge as one
in the flesh as lover’s would
when exposure had move beyond

in that place where secrets fell
questions answered without fear
mysteries solved in consultation
when hearts and minds chose to undressed

clothes will remain while in the waking
as the most private is exchanged
I’ll take that over beau’s embrace
instead the naked is who I am.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171002.

All art is ******
so said the great Klimt
master of gender
put to oiled cloth

expressing emotion
the lens that reveals
well of desires
cloaked in abstract

gold leaf enhances
nature’s pure bliss
attraction to eyes
from curves mixed with lines

back to ******
though I’ve not far swayed
from master’s side
with words put to page

I’ll look to my own
how I echo him
hinting the lewd
while stating the lust

mine is mix
objective one day
subjective another
the blur is my kitsch

exploring dynamics
the spectrum of life
those I inhabit
and those that I love

the craft speaks to carnal
then turns back to skill
beauty expressed
****** revealed.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170930.

Matches stacked in neat rows
building blocks for the more complex
constructions begging God’s blind eye
while hoping Satan will play along

temptation spun to make a life
disregarding the consequence
as castle towers reach to the sky
built with desire in moment’s time

the long bodies have no danger
be they wood or paper made
same as a pencil or a spoon
myopic vision is the lure

given that the head still waits
explosion tucked in dormant sleep
always waiting for its time
to realize its aim in life

utility is the highest goal
ignoring tips that carry fire
when excitement seeks its own
rebuffing peril of future doom

when a spark becomes the end
bringing down the tallest dreams
ignition ceasing what came before
phosphorus burning before the rest.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170929.

I thought I had seen it all
beauty expressed in its full
yet there I saw a pinnacle
not attained in the before

my breath escaped my throat
as if I'd stepped outside
from the contented path
to the idea of perfection

the eyes tracked to observe
what I could only look upon
as fate was in collaboration
with Cupid arrow's spiked

it mattered not what was taken
obsession came before all that
if only for a moment's breadth
I witnessed splendor's highest mark

now I return to the tried and true
with observation of normality
I'll not risk all I have
for the glimpse of excellence.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170928.

Relief is marked in sheltered gaps
visits on the other side
from the nightmares ever present
awaiting in the other hours
I walk to realms of tempered gloom
though the sun may shine above
here my dreams are the escape
from the presence of dismay.

**** this path that stretches on
gibbering shadows push on every side
I'll take illusion in madness’ stead
if reclining is a choice
substance craves due consequence
I'd supply this with all haste
if my hand were allowed
to have free reign to ease the pain.

Then the voice of sanity
companion to a wider world
begs for same as the day before
one with continuance as reward
escape must come if I'm to last
I wish this were a fairy tale
so I'll struggle until I rest
to find my shelter in the gaps.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170926.

Will-o-wisps are living’s bane
the bright lights that promise much
an escape from the pain
in the swamp beyond safe paths
when clearest road is overgrown
with cruel brambles none may see
except the one who always bleeds
seeking something beyond that way.

The flickering orb is always there
though the hills may block the eye
and the trees mask the fire
held by revenants of misdeed
a respite is wonderful
no star of doom seen in the moor
then the rays return in force
whispering words of dooming hope.

Bearings are already lost
set adrift by mind’s turmoil
sanity slipped from its leash
when chasing imps seems prudent
the shame seeks to meet its own
despair contained will break loose
running from the light of day
to find the trace of false aid.

Baptism in the darkest pools
washing anguish from the soul
this is the promise of the flame
quick to shine before it kills
the will-o-wisp becomes a pal
an ally none should befriend
when the road becomes a path
then to despair, lured to death.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170925.

Don’t you hush when words are there
awaiting voice, a place to share
to like ones to be affirmed
by the wounds they will be known

discovery yields blessed insight
to life’s full scope under strife
by existence much like their own
the lowest strive to still survive

the blows of fate will soon come
when circumstance is unkind
the sun will shine, the rain will fall
commonality in public eye

the bruising egos and wounding flesh
distributed to mortal souls
are not the venue of one group
when the pen scratches page

these instructions denote the fall
brought out of shadows on poet’s thoughts
perhaps it’s best to concede
when on knees the lesson comes

escape is found in the phrase
a load distributed is less held
then considered to be normal
within the breadth of God’s domain

a choice made to take the plunge
comments penned are my own
escape is found in the phrase
release of poison or of praise

no longer festering in the dark
when light of phrase shows the way
do your part to stake your place
with a voice to share the words.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170924.

Visibility has its place
a time to share who we are
alignment along the middle way
away from ends of left and right
desire comes in many forms
there’s not one template to explain
or the two that some embrace
instead the spectrum is in play.

Myths are spun by outsiders
made from dogma held in books
without a face put to words
it’s too easy to **** strangers
for encounters singly had
with a stamp ascribed by chance
by human nature had by all
on a segment now despised.

Against the stones of ignorance
and the scorn of similars
coming out is a choice
by the brave who bare themselves
this vision asks for nothing less
than acceptance given by
those on ends of left and right
calm assent of who we are.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170923.

A percent would defy my desire
across breadth of life's display
with so many choices to be had
my attractions may be diverse
seeing life in the grays
beyond numbers fixed in place
figures defied in the pursuit
of connection sought for comfort's sake
or perhaps romance beyond all that.

Please don't see me as a freak
uncaring for other’s rights
I have regard for consequence
barriers are found on the path
avenues I dare not pursue
this is natural for in the world
with due respect I'll address them all
passion visited only with invite
put aside when the time is not right.

Variations stream to infinite
God was the master craftsman
yet I have my preferences
predilections push my heart
excite my zeal for romantic bliss
or stir realms down below
factors far beyond gender's bend
some are strange, the others not
combining to break the mold.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170920.

A ruby rose describes you well
beauty blessed with leaves of green
icon that once defined kings
now a lure for paramours

from the base you were plucked
brought on stage to stand alone
suitors passed then interest waned
when they viewed the consequence

the stem embraced draws fresh blood
in sacrifice to love’s urge
Venus offers devotion’s pain
hope in league with ache of heart

now embedded, the pain may end
no guarantee is made for this
embedded spikes become the norm
crimson cues of loyalty

I’m attached to ruby rose
brought together by barbs shared
once engaged I’ll bend my knee
add my blood to hues of red.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170921.

Passing asks for time to freeze
before harsh censure is released
upon the ones that masquerade
hoping that the veil remains
a state of fear is ever present
echoes of the larger group
in alarm they’d badly act
abuse exacted in response.

Highly functioning is a term
for the life that suffers same
as the one without the goal
of seeming normal in the world
biding time is done at risk
of losing self within the mess
when on the sly the fake is real
normal done is normal lost.

Cages are built to house
those who deem to live within
with disguises that may slip
when disclosure risks their close
losing being or ending job
pushed out of home by family
all of these may come to pass
when revelation destroys a life.

Liberty is assumed by those
who stand outside, looking in
seeing privilege as the path
as freedom gained and self gone
to find a place for a short time
without oppression they then find
passing people walk a line
between themselves and the pit.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170919.

In this world I vacillate
between two poles of self-worth
one as small as a tick
another has me drive the bus
back and forth I twist in place
without foundation long under feet
pride is found in the bias
as doubts pile to find balance.

With the highs come the lows
bounced between confidence
thrill of living on one hand
an end is sought to compensate
if I’m swept to fall again
it would be normality
may I drift into the air
then fall to ground to try once more.

When the loudest ask for more
than I'm ready to put forth
I slink away to find my place
in the background away from fame
as the years push on by
I’m left again to flip the switch
on a life that’s run its course
this is my feeling in the dark.

I sometimes wonder why I try
to push the boulder up the hill
if my value is mismatched
to the effort of the task
with a vision of my impact
or a blindness of all things
where I stand in this world
is an angst deep in my soul.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170918.

Tell the world I’ve put down my gun
retired to shadows away from charm
the limelight with due rewards
no longer calls to this fighter

I’m not seeking to make my mark
with prodigy to extend mankind
beyond generations yet to fade
but in their time all will expire

it’s not that bullets have run out
or that rust has seized the works
as the barrel is still strong
on the shelf these matter not

the powder’s state no longer counts
be it dry or gone to rot
when the pistol is set aside
to gather dust away from sight

no longer questing the fair coquettes
worthy foes to bring to bed
laying low with equal joy
companions sought for at least one time

now I leave to join the march
of past shooters without a cause
musketeers with only self
to pass the time without recourse.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170916.

A life redacted is still lived
though out of sight from other men
cloaked from those not authorized
to know the secrets sanitized
by black blocks the veil is thick
illegible to all but the one
secrecy becomes the norm
symbols hidden from the eye.

Suppression follows the intent
concealment is the highest goal
hiding more than what is shown
objective chosen above all else
a slight of hand distracts the eye
from the iceberg that lies below
showing what the wizard wants
that tip of land above the plane.

Censorship is made by self
against society with many eyes
judging scorn heaped upon
those who share far too much
escape is made in the fog
with the edit quick to conceal
ready ammo put aside
from the jury quick to rule.

Revelation comes in glimpses
peeks revealed against the black
of a stamp applied to the rest
stating what shall be convert
a narrative that few will see
except in glimpses put to pen
I’ve said too much in this space
a life redacted I’ll still live.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170917.

Tell the world I’ve put down my gun
retired to shadows away from charm
the limelight with due rewards
no longer calls to this fighter

I’m not seeking to make my mark
with prodigy to extend mankind
beyond generations yet to fade
but in their time all will expire

it’s not that bullets have run out
or that rust has seized the works
as the barrel is still strong
on the shelf these matter not

the powder’s state no longer counts
be it dry or gone to rot
when the pistol is set aside
to gather dust away from sight

no longer questing the fair coquettes
worthy foes to bring to bed
laying low with equal joy
companions sought for at least one time

now I leave to join the march
of past shooters without a cause
musketeers with only self
to pass the time without recourse.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170916.

My inner demons tell me secrets
riddles of my inner strife
now revealed to seal my doom
that I plunge into the dark

none of these are the truth
fabrication spun from sin
separation from the holy
is the goal of miscreants

whispers of a pending doom
imagined in their fevered minds
asking me to join the chorus
damnation set as the refrain

crushing skies have yet to fall
I have time to turn away
no longer heeding cries of imps
step from gulf of Hell’s domain.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170915.

Echoes are all that’s left
prompting thoughts of concern
asking more than life will share
portends silent at time of need

footsteps only I can hear
heartbeat tapping on my heart
in their wake the dust remains
evoking doubt in response

so many outcomes out of sight
scripts ascribed to low and high
cries imagined from the pits
or the laughs lift to the clouds

wondering where they may be
under gaze of morning’s sky
bearing witness while I cannot
hopeful echoes in my mind.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170914.

The pebble falls into the pool
from how far up I'll not guess
the height will tell cause impact
not known before stone is tossed
the land may drown in the wave
submerged by the resulting crest
or ripples will disturb the peace
hidden by a calm breeze.

A balloon flies to the waiting sky
another message sent to soar
asking those far below
to gaze above at the sight
what may happen will depend
on who stands looking up
it could be a swarming throng
or silence of deserted field.

Against these fickle turns of fate
the author seeks a surer thing
and artist bends media to mind
before presenting to the world
artifacts made by hand
God's expression none can deny
if there were a few kind souls
to witness dawn of Genesis.

These pleading cries are self-exclaimed
wanting ears to hear the noise
imploring eyes to turn their way
with guarantees worth no more than dust
blood and tears poured to create
asking others to behold
toil embraced to create
hoping some will witness this.

Recognition is the food
for the soul seeking more
than isolation in its art
emotion's void without love
when the pebble seeks the pool
and a balloon flies above
asking all to honor these
the artist's bid to live beyond.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170913.

Some people face it for a year
or a week here and there
bringing life to its knees
then they're back on their feet
sanity returns to the hands
instead of slipping like the fog
hiding that I genuflect
a position I’m doomed to keep.

The power of positive
focusing on life beyond the fog
the life preserver tightly grasped
questing ground beyond the frowns
that’s assuming there is land
not the void inside my mind
mist defying certain gains
against the future I seem to dread.

Here’s the greatest gap I see
that span of years in difference
theirs of decades two or three
mine of half a century
when the darkness walks beside
the sole constant, not quite a friend
instead of the sad transient
I face the cloud more than a year.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170912.

Clothes are chosen for the day
how I feel is on display
with bright colors or the blacks
each is expression of who I am
with rainbow tints set to fly
or goth shades fade to black
both are expressions of my mind
shown together or separate.

A morning’s moment sets the tone
selection from the many masks
arrayed on hangers in the dark
tucked in drawers against the light
waiting for their time to shine
announcement of assertion's jab
fabric clinging to my skin
clue to how I feel inside.

So much pressure to comply
with convention set by the crowd
threads put on to impress
instead of freedom I'll express
perhaps it’s strange, outside of norms
bizarre compared to the passengers
dressing same unlike me
on this ride I share with life.

Now I pause to let you see
the garments worn that strongly hint
by the virtue of many hues
a person hiding underneath
who I could be, this is made plain
or is it so? perhaps I hide
still it's easier to see me
by clothes I choose for the day.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170911.

There is a crowd for everyone
against the teeth of cold shoulders
even when the days seem dark
with no warmth to sooth the soul

friendly faces that do not judge
instead they welcome the lost one
too long wandering in the wastes
with lack of friendship along the way

a place to put down your woes
the world is gladly put aside
a daily grind with no end
is paused with those who lift their kin

strife’s not gone with this reprieve
still the space is most blessed
asking little and giving much
warmth for the soul found at last

smiles and tears are ensured
as close comrades lift the load
in requiem we do the same
ease their burdens in kind return

a calm is centered beyond the storm
acquaintances shield the worst that’s felt
push aside teeth of the dark
when there’s a crowd for everyone.

I start the morning with a mask
put on my face at dawn’s edge
it will stay until I sleep
in the lair of my retreat

the one chosen does depend
on the tasks near at hand
the high or low call my name
both are part of the divine

**** or saint, perhaps both
sides of a coin that may be flipped
while in the air both exist
the telling comes with experience

if you wink they that may change
first the holy and then the sin
each is satisfaction’s quest
feeding souls or damning them

it all depends on appetites
emotion’s draw to either side
feeding at the trough of life
satisfaction is the result

you’ll see the frown or the grin
etched on my mask to relay
how I wish for you to see
the day embraced, the fiend I’ll be.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170909.

We're all magicians of a sort
impressing others with our skills
building lives that seem pristine
even though the flip is true

towers built to touch the sky
thousand feet, still they climb
if only they were not submerged
two miles beneath a sea of hurt

this city scape fills the eye
monuments to enterprise
just as hollow as the tombs
scent of death to make a coin

I'll climb the rope to impress
attaining heights above the crowd
with the top obscured from sight
the cord goes nowhere, never mind

spoken wisdom come from my mouth
knowledge blessed on those who hear
philosophy of the purest strain
if baying donkeys are wise men

steel and iron form my walls
concrete laid with rebar’s strength
all of this would be a boon
if this barrier was not made of smoke

with great power I'll part the veil
to raise the zombies of my past
the peaceful grave should be their home
instead of dancing for my soul

constructing lives that seem solid
with a frame withstanding life
it's all a farce, I'm sure you know
we're all magicians on this earth.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170908.

I. The Picket Line

I met God on picket lines
he chose a side, it was not mine
still I pressed to have my say
not knowing how the future lay
a tale of woe will be shared
of deity that met my gaze
foreshadowed by his paragons
firm in belief of one true cause

the barricades held back the ranks
with civil guards in between
doing best to keep the peace
neutral bastions of the law
though their mission was noble
they were too few to stem the tide
when the righteous sought to show
the holy ire towards their foes.


II. Holy Warriors

The signs came first with bold exclaims
of justice and equality
if the color, creed, or bent of mind
was the same, not deviant
our sins were stated for all to see
already judged as a disease
the judge had spoken, jury agreed
now the hangman would be met

God put on his human face
the holy warriors with grace imbued
holding high their sacred tools
ready to tame the Devil's spawn
fervent zeal to prove their worth
divinity stamped in snarling shouts
redeemer embraced with baseball bat
they descended upon my lot.


III. The Fall

I had only words as my shield
insufficient against the blows
with dirging background of gospel chants
solid whacks as choir's response
less than a minute passed on that day
as holy justice was dispensed
praise from the angels on most high
another sinner had been dispatched

against his flock I'd drawn my stock
to represent the lesser ones
now I've finally met my God
with my life as entry pass
his true believers had their say
with the edge of sticks and shields
as I bore witness to their acts
Lord help those on picket lines.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170907.

The lens through with we view
is all that we may see
beware the end result
lest a villain stand by your side

please believe the world that’s seen
is much larger than we think
the scope will quickly shrink
with the impact of the mind

this doesn’t mean the others go
as inconvenient as this may be
when desires flow from the heart
outside the realm of empathy

the baby is put out of sight
with the bath water it will go
when only liquid must be expelled
regardless of what there may float

focus reduces the size of the world
walls are meant to keep them out
block the sight of unwashed ones
the stated deviants and criminals

the Devil is held as confidant
even if he is obscured from sight
not because he’s put aside
only because his place is denied.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170906.

Inside the many shells we peel
there’s a layer underneath
laid down by life to mark the time
protection for what’s outside
paint with layers a mile thick
or the onion with no center
both are hints what may come
when the bottoms are then plumbed.

The box lids lift to disclose
another square with a top
perhaps round, it matters not
compartments mask more from sight
when there’s another tucked inside
what’s obscured is still veiled
receptacles hide what’s not found
except within the mind’s realm.

The spirals found are infinite
a puzzle snared in veil’s riddle
if deity could show the way
the smoke from fires would blind the day
perhaps the caskets will reveal
or the urns that hold the ash
when the shells are reduced
to nothing more than memories.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170905.

Midnight seduction
before the twilight
the time of day
in disregard

surprising delight
replacing desire
attracting the lips
to make the same breath

fury unbidden
against all the odds
warmth leaps from flame
to melt a cold heart

form moved to rhythm
brawn meeting same
smooth flush to firm
then turned around

craving expressed
in dead of the night
light of the day
shares the same lust.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170904.

I stare into the silent glass
puzzled by the scene present
echoes of sad humor found
on the wall before my face

reality is conviction shared
with impressions floating there
some are shared by the group
others visible to only one

boundary stopping more than life
the touches beyond who I am
flesh to flesh will not be
when the pane is unkind

the hues evoke emotion’s child
with the highs and the lows
darkest blacks and bleakest grays
stand aside with rainbow’s span

portal to the other realms
one inside the mortal flesh
another framed to reveal
workings of an outer world

imperfect copy sadly mocks
cold and flat is all I feel
images that may have depth
facsimile is the mimic’s laugh.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170903.

I once learned to love the world
or to point, a single one
capital L with all the bows

guarantees heard in my head
to this piper I walked the line
while the world was found deaf

the end result was too much
in between the wrong and the right
crucified in Hell’s hot fire

love betrayed me at long last
delivering nothing in its taunts
I’ll forget to now survive.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170902.

Midnight’s edge is my friend
confidant I’ll not betray
holding secrets none shall know
if my ally is kept mute

not a lover, more than a friend
bless satellite I’ll hold dear
I know the sibling is removed
a surrogate is near at hand

behind the clouds that confuse
none may guess who they are
dreams are private in the mind
wisps that hide in sleep’s domain

seeker stalking what’s beyond
intimate is not the goal
unless the treasure is held bare
put to the hand before the eyes

still the orb pins the sky
darkened cotton in foreground
while the background is my goal
questing riddles of the mind

midnight will hold my trust
a path I’ll walk before sunrise
until that time I will commit
to the companion none may see.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170901.

The door is closed for my good
in response to the world
believing I'd harm innocence
thin veneer of their good
dogma marching in the streets
shouting threats that demand
revelation of the beast
exclamation of what could be.

They're too harsh with their words
when only scars would be revealed
in the company of my truest self
the fullest breadth of nakedness
there are no weapons to be had
unless you count my relevance
put aside when I'm seen
mere distraction from the cause.

Some would see without disgust
their power coming from inside
a frame of reference similar
to the space I've lived my life
in their eyes I'd find respect
to have survived to this point
mutually knowing beyond the shade
that tragedy awaits in the streets.

Where the storms howl outside
intolerance knocking on the door
judgment traded for sympathy
protection arrived at all costs
danger rests in their hands
platitudes spoken for greater good
as the dagger is held in close
behind the smile hiding death.

In this tale of consequence
lovely allies held close to heart
hearing thoughts that come to mind
while the world is kept at bay
this is the caution I embrace
while I seek the other ones
of same scars or even more
to recluse in safe arms.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170831.

Escape is found by relevance
imbued by life's consequence
a search for more than less
beyond the lone human shell
building character is the goal
personality more than a ghost
self made solid by building blocks
dogma filling in the chinks.

A cast of thousands or much less
it matters not when they meet
brotherhood of that welcomes all
the easy net to catch a soul
this village of the bless and ******
some have sanction to express
the greatest goals of life’s progress
while others are held in chains.

Experience seeks like travelers
to walk against the enemies
more fearsome in a crowd
only one is multiplied
terror struck by the mob’s bent
power gained when it was lost
striking down the lesser man
to rise above sad origins.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170829.

Arrows taken for the ones
kept safe behind the walls
wounds accepted for other men
sacrifice for a higher goal

they're not yet ready to be exposed
to unkind eyes with malice borne
ill intent and hateful hearts
this is how they will relate

I seem to have less to loose
this is untrue in my life
as consequence could destroy
fragile structures I hold dear

still I walk in the public sight
an example for all to see
the measure of my fervent cause
or a question of my sanity

the cause pulls on my soul
a minority against the whole
demanding equality
respect from authority

the arrows may fall to earth
humanity in all its flaws
still there is hope for them
to come out from the walls.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170828.

The holy counted seven
explaining man’s downfall
stacked as wood on the fire
that none dare to disclose
sly source of the vices
the hydra branching out
a monster all embrace
though one head may be king.

Passions are the tendrils
one found fertile ground
an inclination to evil
so say the sacred books
opposite of the virtue
contentment is its name
love invoked by purity
absent in my case.

Dare I share my shadow’s breadth
have you guessed it yet?
the heart that seeks wicked acts
if only in my mind
with fornication as a goal
******* outside of bonds
a harsh name for natural acts
body’s quest to find another one.

The other sins are not absent
we’re only human as molded earth
tainted mortals one and all
each with their own fallen goal
many books may be written
sordid tales upon all men
I’ll add mine to the mix
poetry of the tarnished soul.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170827.

Anticipation of the words
sprung from pen to fill a page
speaking only to the mind
lest the world know of my kind
it’s not always been this way
poetry seen as a path
to explore the inner realms
turn them over while visible.

I’ve lived in silence while I bled
the tragedies filled my head
forcing me to the ground
even though I seem to stand
I was mute with tears withheld
turning inward while I smiled
wondering if I should persist
as shadows fought to be heard.

“You’ll write in time” said the muse
this seemed insane I’ll have you know
with only madness to convey
I turned away from honesty
still the scribblings were put forth
maintaining contact outside myself
as the topics dribbled out
surface knowledge softly spoke.

Then the day arrived at last
no longer did I hide from sight
poems arrived to fill the void
a method found to spill my guts
the words have flowed every day
so many topics, each a gift
put to page as seasons turn
exploring pain to heal the mind.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170826.

When the fun has run its course
I’ve plumbed the depths, come up short
seeking more than I should have
in the realms where I’ve played

appetite was front and center
once appeased, but no longer
craving lust more than reason
hunger as its own reward

autopilot for the sinner
helmsman of the darkness realms
pointing to the paths unwinding
beyond the realm of angels’ sight

promising all and nothing more
the cup is hidden from the drinker
was it empty before I sipped
or did I drain the decadence?

the passenger sits in the back
they are me with inclination
to explore where passion ends
the greatest trap of the seeker

now I’ve returned to the start
more desirous than before
taken there with no regrets
except to depart, to roam again.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170824.

I dream in bright technicolor
more shades than life contains
forgetting this span of hues
when I rise with morning dew

the details stream in unending flux
shifting between here and there
when that space twists around
alien to the waking world

a cast of strangers is company
without concern of who I am
acceptance found by colleagues
existing only behind the veil

all the while there is creation
songs and sights, music’s throat
echoing from the only source
the muse inside my resting mind

do not tell me what cannot be
that was there, believe me
restrictions are ****** aside
within the realm behind my eyes

no pain is there in that beyond
the ache that meets me when I wake
I am fully blessed to feel again
the balm of youth in hurt’s relief

if only the waking could be the same
as dreams presented when I recline
perhaps it could if I strive
to live my life as if asleep.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170823.

I'll whisper your beauty to the gods
have them listen at morning's dawn
perhaps they'd accept my offering
hear my awe because I’m blessed

when night's curtain is withdrawn
to show the paramour in my bed
I wonder how this came to be
that darkness concealed one so bright

my speech returns at long last
as the sun begins to rise
chasing blackness from the room
revealing all that I enjoyed

the soft and hard, all the curves
the long lines that I explored
valleys plumbed in my quest
finding pleasure with the heights

the shadow departs as I speak
witness leaving before they're caught
called to answer for our acts
when they are innocent and we are not

it matters not because it's done
the gods have witnessed far too much
I pray they'll respond to my words
allow another night to turn to dawn.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170822.

Normality is the golden grail
promise of a thousand smiles
if I stoop beneath the bar
bend to fit within their mold
they only ask me to embrace
dogma dipped in history
rooted to the cold bedrock
beneath of the warmth of decency.

What's come before is all there is
sanity within their jail
this is the promise made to all
(those outside need not apply)
stick with the like no matter what
purity is the highest goal
with skin color as the test
of whether worth will be beget.

Punch the clock every day
hold down a job to make my way
all that don't are only dregs
living off the common man
holding on to holy dollar
what’s been made is only ours
don’t give it out to others
this is the measure of virtue’s end.

Sing the hymns in unison
lit by windows with color's hues
one true faith all must adore
else be a heathen outside the lord
love only those that do conform
with opposites defining love
the same is seen as greatest sin
abomination that all condemn.

Act your age, your decade's stamp
putting down youth's play toys
to find the somber in all things
content to die before your death
you may ask how this is known
that these are norms they promote
the answer seems to be too sad
the loudest voices are most correct.

Now I know how I should live
though self-hate would be the theme
cloaked in the veil of being one
with a world as the hostile place
considering how they see
the breadth of what could be
I’ll pass on that normal stint
instead walk as an aberrant.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170821.

I die inside before the whole
a gift of numbness does portend
finding peace within the void
hollow shell is left to spoil
calmness hides the inner screams
looking round at where I live
knowing there is so much more
than what I hold to my heart.

I’ll put aside the fleeting dreams
shining stars not meant to be
by the virtue of circumstance
or my lack to reach beyond
both will leave me in this room
with one as nature’s turning wheel
the other fully on my head
together shunting prospect’s bless.

Reality asks for its due
bankrupting dreams with a check
dollar signs same as hope
the wallet emptied at its request
there’s nothing left to spend
my value reduced to only dust
swirling through darkened halls
enclosed within this living tomb.

Dispassioned deadness is my home
residence feeling like a jail
watching time slip away
wondering why I’m not dismayed
when there’s a roof above my head
shelter taken in cold stillness
bars arrayed on window sills
here I’ll stay with no escape.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20170820.