Villanelle

Villanelle

I love to be, when you are here
Whenever we be together
Take me to another where

Wouldst that I could bear
If only, if ever
I love to be, when you are here

I am not really here
My ties to the future I will sever
Take me to another where

Unplaced, unbodied, nowhere near
For me, there is no forever
I love to be when you are here

This is not my time, I fear
I realize there is a never
Take me to another where

This dream will end with many a tear
For the last time, my message I'll deliver
Take me to another where

(c) Robert Brandon

Extinction

An animal last of the species means extinction
The whole caboodle eradicated
Do humans ever think of their contribution?

Once a species gone, annihilation
It has gone forever, banjaxed
An animal last of the species means extinction

They cannot be wished back into action
Re-made in wood or stone or reconstituted
Do humans ever think of their contribution?

Animals should live free from human exploitation
They are not an allotment to be cultivated
An animal last of the species means extinction

Animals should have the right for procreation
To breed and enjoy what is generated
Do humans ever think of their contribution?

Insects, fish, birds and mammals are regeneration
In behaviour and habitat none are imitated
An animal last of the species means extinction
Do humans ever think of their contribution?

© Maggie Crouch

Reflection

Time is blurred, it moves so fast
A child looks through this woman's eyes
I see my future in my past

Now is sharp as shattered glass
Reflects like a serrated knife
Time is blurred, it moves so fast

Lives performed, from task to task
Begin and finish, fail and try
I see my future in my past

Carefully apply the mask
Risk all upon the camera's lie
Time is blurred it moves so fast

Hopes and dreams are unsurpassed
Caught in the scheming flow of night
I see my future in my past

A kept promise, a missed chance
The choice to leave, or stay and fight
Time is blurred, it moves so fast
I see my future in my past

(c) Ashley Jordan

 
Just a Trace

The way the sun fell on your face
A dent in the pillow still nestles there
Your sweet perfume, now just a trace.

When we first kissed, in that distant place
I loved you then my heart lay bare
The way the sun fell on your face.

My emotions caught as fine as lace
Fingers entwined in your silky hair
Your sweet perfume, now just a trace.

You came to me in given grace
Ready for our love to share
The way the sun fell on your face.

But your soul, I could not encase
No commitment, would you declare
Your sweet perfume, now just a trace.

The night melted, we held embrace
Glowing; in the morning air
The way the sun fell on your face
Your sweet perfume, now just a trace.

(c) Jan Hedger
 

A Mother's Grief

Who understands a mother's grief?
Weeping through indifferent night
Her child lost in eternal sleep

The answers that she has to seek
And comfort she is yet to find
Who understands a mother's grief?

Questions dripping like a leak
Blinded by what's out of sight
Her child lost in eternal sleep

The lessons that she has to teach
In the shade behind the light
Who understands a mother's grief?

Her love, she feels, is out of reach
To carry on, an endless fight
Her child lost in eternal sleep

Death crept in. a heartless thief
Stole away her joy and pride
Who understands a mother's grief?
Her child lost in eternal sleep

(c) Ashley Jordan