On my journey through the Unsocial Anarchy,
I could see the crooked dream.
The tranquility I felt was infinite.
But though crooked, it was impervious.

while I chase tranquility
my thoughts are on a wanderlust
riding my clouds
they take me places

six lanes
in a sight line
past the cedar shims
and trim tempered insert
past the washed mural
and water stained tiles

covered eyes
fight for focus
over cork strung ties
and dark distant bridges
foot crawlers on lemon pegs
teaming
under clouded halogen light  

dreamers contend
in a variation of chant
(throwing it off in a
drawl sequence)
a glimpse of the guard
and warm towel assignment
forge comforting relief
in a task filled day

Tranquility can’t be obtained
from external sources; ultimate
peace must come from within…
one’s own soul; when trained

by the local Church, ideals
of Truth’s tenets are taught;
they’re meant to elevate our
thinking, whereby what’s real

or true… becomes much clearer.
Life is simplified as false steps
are avoided; self-confidence grows
with Faith’s maturity; when nearer

to Jehovah, our Life is enhanced!
For His peace surpasses all human
understanding, where tranquility
dwells; when Faith has advanced,

you’ll find tranquility… more often!

Watch how the white birds float
On fjords, eternally reposed—
The rustles will whisper
        how they keep pristine composure:
                 "Follow the glassy estuary streams,
                  where swans sleep quiescent darlings
                  of their ivory shrouds."

It's been years and somehow you're back for me
But I've long since moved on and I'm satisfied.
Yes, you were a dream to kiss and yes, you were nice to hug.

I don't need you with your baggy sweat and regrets
I don't want you either like I used to.
I really am fine just being myself;
I'd be happy if I never saw you again.

I just don't feel it anymore in my bones,
My heart doesn't beat for you;
I don't want your hate or benefits.
I never hated you
But Time has changed and taken me
You couldn't keep up with the flow.
So I don't want you to slow me down
I don't want you back in my life
No, I don't want you back in my life.

It's too bad you were left behind
But you're killing yourself to keep up
It doesn't make a difference
No, it really doesn't.
Time doesn't wait for anyone
Time allowed us to drift away
And I'm fine with that
We don't need to be reattached.

I just don't feel it anymore in my bones,
My heart doesn't beat for you;
I don't want your hate or benefits.
I never hated you
But Time has changed and taken me
You couldn't keep up with the flow.
So I don't want you to slow me down
I don't want you back in my life
No, I don't want you back in my life.

During this time I realised
I'm the player, you were the fool
I was lonely when I wanted you.
But it's nice to say that memories stay
And you made me smile and still do.

But I don't need that sparkle in your eyes
I don't want you either like I used to
I'm fine just being myself because you took that away from me.

I just don't feel it anymore in my bones,
My heart doesn't beat for you;
I don't want your hate or benefits.
I never hated you
But Time has changed and taken me
You couldn't keep up with the flow
So I don't want you to slow me down
I don't want you back in my life
No, I don't want you back in my life.

I don't need that sparkle in your eyes
I have oxygen and hope to stay alive
You'll never hold me back like you used to
You won't anchor me to drown.

7th October 2016

Atmosphere pervades this place:
A subtle, spiritual background
So surreal.
Far from haunted manors
Or flashing disco halls.
Soundless surrounds ****** my soul
As I’m serenaded by serenity.
Peaceful plains becalmed:
Punctuated only by gently rustling trees
And the distant twittering of birds.
I cannot feel any force
Except some sublime emanation
Of peace and tranquility.
Satisfaction soothes my mood
As I make the most of these lingering moments.
So good to chill out in the snug
Of my local pub.

Paul Butters