A Rhyme In Time

winter kiss

2008-12-10T10:32:00.002-05:00

icy wind
looming gray
long shadowed
winter kiss
memory fades
survival
takes the stage
animal instinct
to live

why do you hate me?

2008-12-09T14:16:00.002-05:00

why do you hate me?
i'm not like you?
different in many ways?
not white or black
or young or old
not flesh of your
flesh?
my blood flows red
tears taste of salt
heart rends with pain
aches of lost love
disappointment
shame
you hate me all the same
you sing a liars tune
and play a foreign dirge
death upon thy lips
to kiss my
cheek
the vipers sting
thy poison tipped fang
has pierced the
hated flesh
and cries
die!

Echo

2008-09-02T07:58:00.005-05:00

the echoes of the moment
sing a chorus of dim refrain
of days best forgotten
from realms that yet remain,
of times that linger hostile
in mind and emotion spent
in torrid pain and suffering
of hearts in anguish rent.

an echo of a sordid past
of once upon a time
rings true in present darkness
of somber song in mime
that lifts her voice in sadness
to moan a troubled song
that brings a brand new warning
of all that can be wrong.

a reflection of a beating heart
of a mother's mourning child
trapped in some dark solace
with no love left undefiled;
lost in the echo's chamber
drawing near to his last breath
death throes drawing closer
in helpless arms it rests.

Mournful song in horror's lie
reaching to draw him in
rebellion's child stands all alone
against the angst of sin,
unaware of the gentle hands
that would lovingly embrace
and sway him in a gentle breeze
to ease the pain he will face.

But yet the cry of echoed past
rings again in course refrain
a stealthy resurrection
unwelcome in helpless disdain;
stealing the heart of mother's child
tearing her soul away
addiction's wrath and disparity
echos fresh in fear this day.

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

am i the only one who knows?

2008-04-28T23:51:00.003-05:00

am i the only one who knows?
this calloused dream of mine...
who else shares the thoughts of death
that cross my hallucinogenic mind?
i call to you and yet
your silence lumbers on
masked in vibrant colors
created in forced hypnotic songs.
you delve in deep
diving for unknown chasms
grasping in darkened waters
for what you cannot see.
burden those who linger
with sodomized theater
words of clever connection
born of academic cliche.
break free those chains of hemlock
that cloud your forlorn eyes
pray for vision bright and clear
that will free your outspread thighs
to grasp the thoughts
and passioned care
of longing, dare i say, reprise
of those of us wanting, longing,
to live in the silence
and not die

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

silent tones

2008-04-25T00:11:00.003-05:00

ali can you hear me?

are you listening to my silence?

i have sung along with your silent tones

tell me how

i can sing to you

but wait

2008-04-24T23:55:00.003-05:00

you are the love of my life

but you hate me

i think

i can see it in your eyes

as you cry

i used to be your all

before you grew balls

and decided

that my strengths were only

a crutch

so fuck you then

who needs this

but wait

i don't want it at all

without you

strength of the one

2008-02-27T13:38:00.004-05:00

since when did freedom
get defined by cash?
how did my value
lose stature and crash?

how did my life
get stacked against money?
how did my liberty
lose out to financial cunning?

when did the corporation
take precedent over me?
how did group-think
overtake individuality?

when did "pursuit of happiness"
get defined as riches?
when did my dignity
lose out to sons of bitches?

when did art fall prey
to salability?
when did popular appeal
start to define credibility?

when did human value
become divyed in classes?
why should the strength of the one
be subservient to the masses?

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

in front of you

2008-02-26T14:10:00.003-05:00

it's all true
if you want it to be
you can be miserable
all by yourself

is a shattered mirror
broken? or just
a multi-faceted
expression of itself?

it's all there
right in front of you
the truth and the lies
that you tell yourself

is a beating heart
broken? or just
an expressionless
predilection of death?

it's all vanity
posed in your likeness
a shimmering view
for eyes of the deft

is a silent message
broken? or just
an open invitation
to join the bereft?

it's all frigidity
in the chill of your creation
winter's deadly gray
contempt to be felt

is a cold spring morning
broken? or just
concealed passion
waiting for the melt?

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

almost and yet

2008-02-13T13:41:00.004-05:00

indecisive

amorous
ladies
misrepresent
overtly
sensual
trysts

guys
obviously
tantilized

libidos
anxiously
increasing
desire

bodies
undulate
timidly

never
offering
truth

totally
offending
needs
ignore
gaining
happiness
together

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

voices

2008-02-11T10:37:00.001-05:00

prophet of doom, sage of sadness
prognosticator extraordinaire
cheer up you son of a bitch
your a fucking american
for god's sake

oh my god i can't believe you said that!
pissing on my pity parade
what gives you the right
to rain on my rainy day
bitch!

major malfunction
what a fucking brat!
got everything, needs nothing
wants to lie around and wallow
in a self effacing pile of imagined crap

what do you know?
you're not inside my head
you can't possibly understand
i'm depressed.... suicidal....
i have a fucking prescription!

wake up and smell the fucking roses!
you privilaged piece of dog shit!
you fancy yourself
the downtrodden artist
on the verge of death
yet all the while
you salve your imagined wounds
with cabernet sauvignon
and pour out your soul
on your fucking macintosh

who gives a fuck
that you spent too much
on your american express?
nobody with real problems
that's for sure

who cares
that your collection
of 12 year old scotch
is leading you to alcoholism?
not the rest of us drunks

you whine and complain and loathe life
all in the name of art
you fancy yourself the starving artist
while you buy in bulk
at fucking costco

i'm sick to death
at listening to your insipid rhymes
begging your readers to feel your pain
hiding behind a facade of depravity
in your barcalounger

for all of our sakes
pull the fucking trigger!
either shit or get off
the proverbial pot
you privilaged little fuck!

don't act like you know me
don't even start to imagine
don't think you can overtake
the voices in my head
you can kiss my ass!

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

for ali

2008-02-08T13:42:00.000-05:00

weep and mourn for the death blow has landed
sorrow and lament for the death toll that's paid
suffer the loss and imbibe in what is handed
relish the pain as humanity displayed

weep not for a tomorrow unventured
pour not your heart's feeling on the future in vain
capture this moment's burden trapped and indentured
bound to today in the past to remain

rise up and smile in a new life that's dawning
your pierced and broken heart springs forth anew
shed the shackles of winter's dark fawning
the radiant blooming of spring will come to you

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

in the shadow of you i linger

2008-02-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

in the shadow of you i linger
more aware with each passing day
of your presence like a ring on my finger
a reminder of something more in play
in silence you press and i ponder
the desire for our eyes not to meet
for your touch away from me to wander
to never wrest my heart's final beat
mysterious you harbor all power
i see you draw closer in time
you are cold like a february shower
in reigning you speak like a mime
at last my dire pleading is dross
alas our inevitable paths shall cross

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

unpunctuated rhythmic pause

2008-02-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

today

not unlike any other

day

i mourn your passing

fray

grieve the thrashing

way

your absence is present

stay

please stay

away

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

perhaps

2008-02-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

you pass by my window, pushed by the breeze
formed by the breath of god, change as you please
shifting in form, transforming with ease
white, grey then black, the azure you fleece

innocent with charm you caress the airy morn
in silence pass, a hardened mystery forlorn
a foreboding kiss, your mere presence adorns
a watchful eye skyward is born

shall i find in your passing a simple refrain
a gathering ambition t'ward life giving rain
or fommenting madness in darkest disdain
of peaceful memories which alone shall remain

drift on now and leave me alone with these thoughts
for present pondering leaves a future unwrought
and unsure of danger as of yet to be caught
perhaps a sunny day without you may still be saught

perhaps a sunny day without you may still be saught

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

formidably frank

2008-01-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

famothless
fallacy
follows
formless
fragility
forward
forever

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

to war

2008-01-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

to war to war
to go to die
to war to war
to grieve and cry
to war we go
to set things right
to death we go
to go in fright
to die in vain
to shed fallow blood
to pour refrain
to weep and mourn
to plow the grave
to widowed scorn
to rend the soul
to even the score
to war to war
to war to war

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

homeless

2008-01-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

darkness settles across the eastern sky
a silent foreboding of what's to come
salient embrace of the fears of man

the chilling wind caresses the skin
a leviathan claw slicing the flesh
cruel reminder of society's hand

a shivered glance longs for warmth
or soothing touch of lingering breath
putrid reminiscence of better days

fear of death climbs the laddered spine
icy rungs of inevitable haste
silent strokes of reality's brush

lost in a sea of winter's humanity
gripped in cold and unwoven warmth
forgotten by all forgiven by none

lain to rest in memory's dreams
to die or not in unknown haste
only tomorrow knows my fate

© 2008 BY W GARY FORRESTER

08

2008-01-03T01:50:00.000-05:00

it's a new year

i died a little more

raised a glass in toast

swore to make it right

shamed the attempt

scorned the truth

scared myself

shunned it all

slid deeper

into

the

as i do it again

2007-12-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

as i do it again i fear i cannot stop
i fade into the swallowing fog

i am losing my way as i wander along
lost in sorrow i fear what i have become

stand aside and bear witness to my own demise
knowing both truth and consequence

silent and ashamed i keep to myself
alone in the disease of my own making

hear the warning calls of the one i love
see the shame and feel the codependency

the tormenting weight of addictive turning
presses upon me like a millstone's grind

the thief has arrived my life to steal
concealed already in the robbers bag i rest

giving way i yield to slippery slope
feed the dereliction of desire

fuel the fire and fan the flames
even as my own flesh burns

inflict the pain of the prisoners mirth
tightened rack at my own hand

cannot speak the shameful words
pride and fear has marked the way

lament the disappointment's curse
guilt has paved the rueful way

down the path of no return
what is to become of me? i say

in what truth shall my children rest?
that i have succumb to a grave?

that in cursed pleasure opened in jest
i long to find and know the rooted cause

for this malignancy that rots in my soul
i look without and never within

deny myself the truth from which i hide
sick and troubled my countenance fades

cannot bear the burden that is mine
to disappoint the maternal and bridal pride

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

bottled death

2007-12-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

you follow in the shadows
lurking, watching, stalking

you whisper in the dark
calling, attracting, luring,

you weave a lurid tale
acting, exaggerating, lying

you draw me away
painting, portraying, promising

you massage my inhibitions
touching, soothing, stroking

you promise rabid joy
cavorting, frolicking, carousing

you deliver reckless fools
slurring, staggering, humiliating

you steal my sensibility
robbing, pillaging, raping

you rock my judgement to sleep
flirting, caressing, seducing

you extricate my dignity
releasing, forgetting, embarrassing

you inebriate my soul
wandering, abandoning, convicting

you leave me with my guilt
regretting, weeping, repenting

you take away my hope
depressing, maligning, destroying

you are bottled death
sickening, debilitating, killing

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

life awry

2007-12-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

feel the pull
tendon's strain
the cord taut
cutting grain

drawn the noose
by friendly hand
darkened eyes
a final stand

see the edge
toe the line
feel the death
invite the crime

cannot stop
sudden plunge
the rush of life
to be undone

die at once
no refrain
sorrow takes
away the pain

no one knows
voices within
drawing nigh
calloused grin

life undone
in ordered steps
systematic
odd regrets

reason falls
shallow grave
self-inflicted
deadly wave

portent rise
missive thrust
adamant truth
unhallowed trust

saved alone
peace in jest
life awry
dead by self

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

judgement's curse

2007-12-05T16:14:00.001-05:00

judge not the choices another man makes
misguided movements of another's soul
don't stand apart from humanity's stake
in living life by freedoms grandest toll

look up above and find your guidance fair
to he or what in faith alone will trust
and know that you and you alone are where
the faithful leap of choice is ever just

i cannot judge my neighbors way of life
as failing to meet some most sacred creed
only in death do we share common strife
the freedom to see our mistakes impede

leave well enough alone is what i say
to all who stand in most bitter vile rage
no god gave you the sacred right of way
to judge the acts on another man's stage

be free and fight for all that freedom brings
to live your shortest life in peaceful bliss
without the burden of the warring stings
of judgement's curse and evil's cold redress

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

alison

2007-12-04T20:42:00.000-05:00

i don't know you really
but i see you in my dreams
your narcissism fuels my flame
and fires my loins
with malcontent
while guilty thoughts
of merriment course
my inner veins

your beauty fills the cyber lanes
and gilds the lonely day
as i look for peace
in your sea of words
and die in your evil pain
throbbing pains
of vengeful shame upon
your spousal rage

but alison your radiant smile
i see with closing eyes
your glowing grace
of unknown ways
mysterious happiness reviled
i know not where
or why you cry
in anguishing lament

i reach for you wanting you
to touch your bared breast
to share your lively
witted smile that suckles
upon your chest
in peaceful smiling
radiant
and silent rest

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

what music will we sing

2007-08-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

what music do you sing
in your heart when you dream
what is your stereotype?

is there room in your soul
for more than what you know
to be the ambiguous archetype?

can you swing, can you sway
is courage there to play
in colors more than hype?

can you groove in the shoes
of different souls than you
in rhythms that are ripe?

are the skins of bronze and rouge
and browns with all their hues
coloring your world tonight?

can you share in the joys
of multicolored girls and boys
who dance in musical delight?

will you jam in your soul
as the inner-city grows
with drumming power and fight?

can your burdens unite
in common human strife
to breathe life’s vigil light?

can the music’s sweetness flow
from your head to your toes,
bring peace to your darkened night?

can we open our eyes
to see a paradise in
hides of our neighbors plight?

can we lay aside ways
long instilled through our days
to bring peace into purest light?

can you take my tarnished hand
and dance in demented lands
to usher in the noble knight?

will you lay down your blades
and calls for jihad’s ways
to dance with me in plain sight?

can you trust my outstretched hand
which longs for you to stand
with me, although i am white?

will you give me a chance
to act far beyond the romance
to dance in peaceful respite?

can you join my rapt jazz
and play a tune that has
the peaceful rhythms of right?

what music will we sing
in our hearts when we dream
when we write the new stereotype?

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

if ere there's been a time

2007-08-04T01:50:00.000-05:00

if ere there’s been a time that longed to call
upon a pow’r with greater strength than i;
to reach out to another one; to fall
upon my knees in humble fear, then why,
can it not be now? what wretched pride made
naught my fearful heart, and gallant folly
filled it's noble place? o that my faith was staid!
my unbent brow in contrition would be,
in awe before the holy majesty
of life and death and all that is unseen.
i'd bow in fearful hope to share my plea
to see beyond the way that i have been.

but yet, alas the fruit of death once hung
has poured it's deadly wine upon my tongue.

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

out tamarack way

2007-07-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

out tamarack way
we roam the mountain spines
up grandpa’s crooked back
smelling of laurel bay
where outlaws dream
in lonesome refrain
as sisters watch
and brothers play

out tamarack way
summer winds blow cold
on mossy rocks
over valleys broad
where peaceful rest
finds heavens day
upon the appalachian’s
ancient sway

out tamarack way
where beech king’s reign
and river’s new blood flow
we left a piece
of who we’ll be
when days of old
are ours to hold
as memory of today

out tamarack way
my heart does fly
across the morning mist
on sculpture strokes
of creation’s host
upon the godly crest
i long for the life of mountain folks
upon tamarack’s clay

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

in my dream

2007-06-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

in my dream, the world is a place that sees
with blinded eyes; that knows no means to steal
the hopes and dreams of those who dare reveal
a vision pure, of life as all could be.
with blinded eyes she can, and will, not see
the status of the dreamers flesh appeal,
or judge envisioned themes by carnal seal,
to dash the dream upon a crimson sea.

and in my dream, the world knows only peace
that’s bore on shoulders scorched by golden sun
alone, without the wars of man, or run
to bear the weight of mourning death’s caprice;
but strong with lifting bountiful increase
of earthly gifts, and store that pour upon
the labored toil of hands that never shun
loves burdened chore to give to all, a feast.

and in my dream, the mystery we seek,
the corporeal way; the keeper of life;
in peaceful curiosity that’s rife
with common ground for each man to bespeak
of eternal life in his own way unique;
no fear of any other man’s vain strife
to drive him from his goal of living life,
or alter his search for god through critique

and in my dream i’m free to dream of what
my heart desires. and dream of what i can
become. and be what only i can stand
upon my own two feet to be. my thought
shall only dwell upon this dream that taught
me how to see the good that’s in a man
and not upon the fear of what i am
when the baneful waking hour is duly wrought.

and in my dream, i see a world where all,
like gifts upon a barren alter, show
that not the taker reaps the givers vow,
but gifts do flow to they who give enthralled
to give like they who give not less than all
of what they have to live. they give although
they risk it all to free the grief and woe
and leave their burdens at the wailing wall.

and in my dream, no man does live without
the riches of the earth in all her share.
and no man seeks to harm a soul or err
against the love that lives in man throughout.
no harbored stores of harvest gold are cast about;
no helpless hungry mouths lie silent there;
but mother earth pours forth, their living share
that none, to feed, will live their lives in doubt.

and in my dream, diversity embraced
is mankind struggling in common fate.
no feeble bigotry or sanctioned hate;
no misspent anger aimed for racial chaste.
each human soul, in harmony is placed
in unity with heart and soul’s innate
redress; our loving care for all mandates
we all embrace each others dreams in grace.

and in my dream, all gods pour love and promise
upon creation, mortal, and aware
of heavenly guides who give all care, and share
their goodness without fear of their demise
by mankind’s longing search for compromise
‘tween pleasure, faith, carnal lust and prayer;
to join the flesh with spirit and repair
this dreamers soul, rent wide in sleeping reprise.

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

some days i feel so strong

2007-06-11T14:53:00.000-05:00

some days i feel so strong. and then i don’t.
like a virgin rose I greet the ruddy dawn
with glory, but to wilt and fade upon
the parched and crusted land as scarcely gaunt.

i rise in joy to find the strength within
awaiting me like a gaucho’s trusty steed
tramping rich to gallop in flowing speed
harnessing power, forsaken to the wind.

i soar on wings like knives upon the breeze
like blinding light i cut across the sky
to carve the way that is mine alone to ply
in raptor’s dive, with talons borne to seize.

but then it’s as some spirit robbing shade
steals the life, and leaves the tab unpaid.

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

my kimberleigh

2007-06-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

so sweet and pure, my kimberleigh, adorned
with glory’s smile; her radiant joy shines sweet
like new found gold, a fortune-filled retreat.
she grows in grace and peacefulness, she’s born
with charm and care. her dignity was formed
in years before her birth; passed down complete
with honor found through passion built on deeds.
She shares her trove with all who seek her store.

my kimberleigh, she fills my days with more
than i should know. her loving touch is where
i need, and when i need it most. but not
before her wisdom fair has found the source
of that which caused my heart to pain, and shared
her healing grace, the smile my pain has sought.

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

when at the end of days

2007-06-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

when at the end of days i stand, alone
and silent in a land that i know not,
memories of you will flood my soul, wrought
in joy and pain that only can be shown
in peaceful rest, and life renewed and honed.
shorn of fleshly lust that youth has sought,
free of fear, distrust and shallow care. caught
in arms of love where aging years were grown.

you, my love, are the measure of my worth;
the balance of my life, paid from my birth.
your beauty far exceeds the flesh we bare;
you touched my soul with everlasting care.
my days now done, eternity is clear
you, my love, are with me and ever near.

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

the stream

2007-06-05T09:31:00.000-05:00

each day your life blood flows from start to end
upon the crusted brow your shadow flows.
from dawn to dusk your urgent power sends
all precious gifts upon your step bestowed.

you bring new life to they who pause and rest
upon your banks to cool and touch your soul.
of life, they drink of you, upon their breast
while dining free on deadly feasts untold.

vile curse of killing fields take life for life
and feast in sight of all your glory staid.
who tastes the blood of every victim’s strife
but they who lie in rest beside your shade?

pour forth healing waters upon my face
and rid me of this deadly fall from grace.

© 2007 BY W GARY FORRESTER

what you make of it

2007-06-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

life is what you make of it
so the story goes
maybe more or less of it
maybe so…who knows?

we breathe in and we breathe out
no one seems to know
the truth of life…what it’s about
in and out it flows

sages say it’s in our heads
in our hearts to hold
maybe just...can it be said?
the truth can't be told

wise men, priests and godly souls
seek the face of it
out there hidden in the knolls
lurking 'round a bit

we all want to know the thing
that sets us all free
grasping for the cosmic string
to garnish life with glee

meaning seekers high and low
abandon all at last
on their deathly beds they show
mortal shadows cast

standing on our violent shore
pause and seek new life
spring in paradise adorned
burdened seeds of strife

life is what you make of it
leave not a stone unturned
grasp it all, take all of it
as lessons thankfully learned.

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

by cursed fate

2007-05-24T13:36:00.000-05:00

for Sam... b: 3/29/50 d: 5/23/07

by cursed fate i stand in awe anew
to view again death's shadow falling true.
an open chasm cries for mortal flesh,
like weeping babes baying for the breast.

the gaping earth, she yearns for fleshly krill
unsatisfied she cries wanting more, still;
longing for bones, she widens more her girth,
never enough, her hunger for more is birthed.

O cursed are thee, foul death, who never wanes
but lives to wrack our lives in mortal pain.
cursed are we who watch in fearful shame
as you, foul death, our loved ones live to claim.

who, cursed grave of earth, are you to feast
upon the mortal fruit of man and beast,
to dine upon the souls as common fare
and macerate the loneliness without care?

why? ask we, in a deep and mournful drone.
why we are left at all, empty, alone?
what shall we do and how shall we go on,
and why shall we not die before the dawn?

i stand and stare into your vile and gaping wound
cursing your thirst for melancholy boon.
never filled your invitation calls clear
to lie in fallow earth, for all men is near.

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

pleasantries

2007-05-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

you throw your weight around
like a mortar blast
demanding attention
like a plague

you bark and drool 'cross town
like a rabid pest
snarling ambition
like a threat

you priss and preen in vain
a showgirl's debut
flaunting attention
debutant

you spew your vile poison
like a riled viper
permanent condition
like a death

you chastise your allies
like a venus stare
stonewalling rendition
like a rock

you patronize your foes
like a bitch's lair
inviting suspicion
like a thief

you demoralize all
like satan's fall
demonic habitation
like a flame

you live your life in fear
like a trembling child
egotistical cage
like a mouse

you never think of them
like they who give t'you
self-abasing few
like a bruise

your day will come and soon
like falling statues
debasing barrage
aimed at you

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

the divide

2007-05-15T08:28:00.000-05:00

ambition is an ambulatory condition
flowing in and through the veins
renewing anew the waning sinews
pulsing in and to the brain
resurrection of the fallowed erection
caressing and feeding the flames

dereliction is a salutary predilection
ignorance of and for the strain
wasting away in incessant debasing
societal silent refrain
transformation of freedom's foundation
blind eyes turned from the pain

derivation is an ego-centric manifestation
rewards for self to attain
cavorting for me and others aborting
successfully measured remains
pillaged raping of the common good's failing
opportunity on bludgeoned stains

capitalism is the democratic schism
the great divide is plain
wealth gained on striped backs obtained
gross division of prosperity sustains
freedom redefined as the aristocracy arrived
the peoples' liberty in chains

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

sometimes

2007-04-19T12:56:00.000-05:00

for the victims of the VT massacre...

i feel so cold, sometimes
when the harsh wind blows
i hold to what i know
and try not to show
that i'm frightened
by the passing storm
of rage

it terrifies me, sometimes
the lightning flash
a moment in time
that sears the soul
i fear to realize
humanities cursed fall
to mortality

i feel so numb, sometimes
when i see the scathing touch
of mankind's cruel stroke
of vile thirst for blood
stealing the very breath
from those who share
this life

i weep alone, sometimes
for the loss of it all
the innocence of childhood
falls to the torrents of evil
crowned on the brow of man
taking and ravaging all
that is pure

i pray aloud, sometimes
to god in utter awe
and fear of the one
that knows my thoughts
and sees my inner fear
to act upon the vile display
of discontent

i curse it all, sometimes
and despise the world
that maligns and kills
it's own beating heart
robbing history of new life
replacing the joy of youth
with sorrow

i reach in hope, sometimes
to grasp the reigns anew
to ride the winds of change
in peaceful freedoms way
man's potential fulfilled
refreshed and renewed
in god's grace

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

and so it goes

2007-04-12T07:56:00.000-05:00

In memorial

Kurt Vonnegut

11/11/1922 - 04/11/2007

another war today began
and so it goes

innocent death at the hands of man
and so it goes

justice lives where no man stands
and so it goes

injustice lives in violent bands
and so it goes

we crush the life of innocent hands
and so it goes

scourge the peace across the land
and so it goes

putrid stench of deadly strands
and so it goes

in horrid stance the blood flow ran
and so it goes

death continues at man's awful hands
and so it goes

the poet sings and screams again
and so it goes

lives and dies while in the end still stands
and so it goes

peace

2007-04-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

i tire of the day that's filled with hate
that tears at the soul of mankind's fate
weeping in the moment of a deadly state
aware of every malevolent slate
mourning the bloodshed of violence innate
praying for peace too late
too late

i die a little in a daily dirge
i witness the potent malfeasant surge
the call for death delivered at the urge
of the warmongering moronic call to purge
the evil of misunderstood forsaken curse
driven by the strings of the purse
the purse

i cry for all in dire repose
to reach for another embracing those
whose pained existence for calamity arose
to strike at what insecurity exposed
as vile ungodly threats composed
of wealth that greed sows
that greed sows

i strive to lay my soul in peace
to live in love with all who lease
breath from the source of life's release
longing to hold in arms of love i reach
to them that my calm would breach
in longing hope for peace to teach
for peace to teach

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

mercy's edge

2007-03-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

on mercy's edge we cling
wishing, wanting, bleeding
for gracious touch we sing
in joy, in time, in peace

on mercy's edge we share
giving, praying, clinging
forgiveness comes unaware
in time, in peace, undeclared

on mercy's edge we bleed
panting, grasping, sharing
humanity shares the seed
in peace, in war, in deed

on mercy's edge we join
uniting, reviving, surviving
mankind renewed by loin
in war, in deed, we mourn

on mercy's edge we cling
wishing, wanting, bleeding
for gracious touch we sing
in joy, in time, in peace

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

no peace today

2007-03-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

a baby died today
burning flesh
life fled away
mother cried
when the soldiers
came

allah cried dismay
creation burned
and swayed
mullah's spat
when the soldiers
stayed

christ walked away
blood flowed
wounds displayed
fathers cursed
as the soldiers
obeyed

death played today
piercing souls
as prey
dancing merrily
when soldiers plied
their trade

desert burns in play
as god mourns
the day
he blessed
the soldiers
deadly tirade

no mercy in the clay
of mankind's
blistered way
pouring wrath
in the soldiers
wicked tray

no peace today
or any day
when in the dawn
man's ire is born
on the soldiers
shouldered play

warfare's way
cannot be made
a peaceful stay
peace is found
when soldiers place
their guns away

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

they as us

2007-03-20T14:21:00.000-05:00

someone pointed the way today
cleared a path for me
showed me
held my hand
it felt like they cared
in a scolding way
pity maybe
if not love

that human touch though
touched my soul
gave me
security abreast
it felt like they cared
in an insecure way
pathetic maybe
if not empathy

not exactly warmth
but yet not cold
guiding me
encouraging
it reached out to me
in a guarded way
frightened perhaps
but present

i love humanity still
in spite of us
thrilling me
caring
touching everyone
cautiously
knowing deep inside
we're the same

we can't escape our fleshly link
tying one to all
feeling me
wanting to know
understanding
gently
the struggle we share
together

you know me inside
in spite of the hate
we grow
bound as one
living
dependent
leaning and pushing
alive

i am thankful for the touch
the strangers hand
of camaraderie
love me as you
and i'll love you as me
we
they as us
joined

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

tolly's lament

2007-03-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

sometimes the pain is so great
the failure so straight
the compassion too late
the mind cannot support the weight

did the wrong
was where did not belong
evidence is strong
enduring is long

cannot take what is to come
cannot hide from the funeral drum
deserve only to succumb
fate is sealed and am numb

ending is better sometime
death the only sublime
only control is to climb
to punish my own crime

take my life in stride
honest to the end arrive
self punishment derived
only peace in suicide

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

my heart's intent

2007-03-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

who made you
judge and jury
of my soul?
dissecting my heart
autopsied intent
proclaiming it vile
the cause of love's
dying breath
and death

sleeve adorned
feelings galore
marred in innocent
banter judged
as slander
deemed to be
uncaring
insensitivity
unaware

how can you know
the intent of the soul
of another
sojourner?
words paint in
dimension's bounds
granting a view
only unsettled
ground

assume evil and
evil you find
veiled in composition
sublime
scathed scandal
hurtful ramble
judged actions
accountable
at birth

why must i
sell myself again
and repair
a vow unbroken?
proclaimed guilty
vile motive
professed
"i wasn't even there
your honor"

since you know
the intentions
of my soul
why don't you
know
the whole
of my love
for
you?

my words have life
all on their own
free
of interpretation
no parenthetical
secret guise
hidden
in obtuse
gesture

my love rests
in your hands
unchanged
but burdened
by fetters
and lashed
by cold lament
that thou knowest
my heart's intent

© 2007 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

face the fate

2006-12-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

i search my soul
a journey low
for purity
to bestow
.
a sage for peace
prosperity
quite rest
for burden's lease
.
i delve in inner
solitude
remarkable
ingratitude
.
i seek composite
fortitude
to linger on
with attitude
.
i stand before
myself in fear
of nakedness
unrevealed
.
i long for grace
to share anew
a gentle touch
a healing dew
.
the world she moans
in burdened song
the battles long
bitter wrongs
.
mankind has sung
a mournful dirge
to calm the storm
of deadly surge
.
the hate it seals
the fateful doom
a viper's sting
in deadly gloom
.
a cry for peace
on deaf ear lies
baneful noise
solemn cries
.
cry we must
before we die
inside our souls
justice lies
.
reach for truth
inside of me
fear not the wrath
never flee
.
poisoned man
in hatred scorns
the innate peace
each heart adorns
.
i pray for right
humanity
empowered sight
so all can see
.
a new found way
in peace abides
the human race
in love survives
.
i long for how
i might repress
enigma's war
on righteousness
.
my heart does bleed
for mankind's ill
of hatred's fateful
merciless kill
.
live in peace
at one with all
make no excuse
for the warring call
.
absolve the hate
that feeds our fear
and alienates
what is not clear
.
i cannot rest
apart from those
who share the vest
of human clothes
.
we taste the sweet
and bitter life
that is our lot
in common strife
.
both you and i
we and they
alike we stand
before the grave
.
we face the fate
we share the same
at last we pine
shorn of fame
.
at peace we lie
at last at rest
the hateful vows
all in jest
.
we share the earth
now and then
at peace and rest
soon in the end
.
wisdom cries
and longs to share
beauty in word
and deeds declared
.
her glory it shines
in dignified clay
creation's bright hope
sanctified way
.
together we walk
varied in path
choosing our way
in peace or in wrath
.
no matter the road
we share our need
we cannot pass
life we must lead
.
i long for peace
no wars no greed
standing as one
united and free

as a child

2006-12-05T14:04:00.000-05:00

words of truth are plain
vision unrestrained
the mind of the child is sane

spoken thoughts relate
simplicity is innate
unsocialized rebate

innocence shines through
acknowledging the view
of the unpretentious few

no feelings to disdain
retrospect in vain
righteousness remains

secret thoughts abide
in the heart and pride
hidden deep inside

we struggle to be free
as a child we long to be
unjudged vehemently

responsibility
erodes the honesty
eruditely

hold the tongue in fear
of failing to appear
amicably austere

denying open care
relationship unshared
kinship left unbared

give as to a child
requite humble and mild
mete in peace unriled

live in childlike ware
pretensions undeclared
every soul made bare

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

a day of rest

2006-11-27T14:29:00.000-05:00

i long to see a day of rest before
the curtain falls abreast the stallion’s mane
swaying long in graceful spray along
the soldier’s marked and hated strained disdain

we murder those who in constitution forged
diversity outside the accepted norm
in freedom’s name we crush the human score
conform in death if not in hatred’s swarm

the champion of freedom mounts his steed
to conquer all impeding corporate sway
smite the prey too blind to understand
the wisdom found in wealth’s pursuing way

with philanthropy we paint a formal guise
to mask the stench of capitalistic pride
no longer drawing the breath of freedoms mirth
the enslaving machine takes us for a ride

well-beaten paths are marred by cloven hoof
the devil’s minions spread their greedy seed
a generation spawned in opulent crime
ethics slide to situation’s need

for those who fail to comprehend and seek
to be what god bestowed their souls to be
we weigh upon the scale of pleasure lost
and strike the gods as sacred casualties

the warring dollar feeds on blood alone
scared of no ones market yet unsold
funding death in guise of greater good
rhetorical blather truth as yet untold

we stroke our brows confused by all who seem
to hate our simple peaceful godly lives
and why they strike at what they want to share
the peace and joy of all that we contrive

the blind man sees with darkened soul and yet
prevails in truth that hides in brilliant light
unseen by eyes that squander precious gifts
and take unto themselves what’s not their right

as conquering kings we stride upon their land
and crush the necks of all who fend their crest
we most possess the will and might to win
in spite of freedoms prayer to not oppress

we’re led by pawns at rich men’s beckon call
empowered by the population’s severed head
prey on hopes and dreams of working men
who trust in history to work in their stead

we sent you forth to secure a sacred trust
inviolate our virgin faith untouched
you raped the solemn oath your voice had sworn
and reaped a corporate harvest sins unblushed

the grand experiment lies wounded now
scorned and shamed by an awful heavy hand
the world turned cold by pompous raw conceit
away from god's once blessed promised land

turned from us the world seeks unity
her champion the still elusive peace
diversity of souls entwined in life
a partnership in common earthly lease

so end the wars we perpetrate upon
the worldly brew that stews in haste
to find the cause for their demise inside
the confines of our sin and wanton waste

let us create a place where stallions run
in peace and solitude where all can pray
and put away the implements of war
i long to see rest restored in that day

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

hate in the name of the god of love

2006-11-21T09:22:00.000-05:00

a small extent is our commorancy
a global epoch joined by consonant sin
assuaged and lynched by ills of deceitful quag
a lewd melange consumed in bosomed mirth
the salve for festering wounds of common fear
the looming spectre of mortality

camaraderie reborn in dread commons
a living share of fabled faith's millstones
fellowship in chastened polity
forbidden thoughts of creativity
suppressed by the blind man's guilt and finality
scorned by the mass of genial confederacy

all common souls cry out in fealty
each disparate entity seeks unity
strike the intemperate antagonistic foe
heathens of independent thought revoked
daring to question the gods of sovereign truth
they always hate in the name of the god of love

bound together by fetters of flesh and bone
the spite foments the clans dilatory demise
bitter blood thickens the caustic brew
we hate for the sake of utter continuity
we sever the arteries of humanity
thus suicide in the name of longevity

looming mystery is all that prevails
the generations pass from soil to soil
history ever widens her mortified tale
forever veiled the contentious chalice pales
beyond the grasp of reason and pondering
shrouded in the depths of eden's grave

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

truth manifest

2006-11-16T14:11:00.000-05:00

all subject to interpretation;
or are there absolutes?
and if there are absolutes
can they be truth?

your way or my way
their way or the highway
i only know that i don't know
the way only the pursuit

flatulent dogmatism clouds
a fog of petulant vade mecum
veiling through virile remonstration
the sojourners longing view

thought is left to deconstruction
objective logic perilously exposed
subjectivity is the nature of faith
constitution of the unspoken rue

broken down component parts
smaller the atoms' nuclei implodes
truth manifest in the beating heart
innate genetic chain given clue

soul of man in it's minute part
finds truth and absolute hope
unknown knowing truth is found
god speaks.... "i am"

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

a lament

2006-11-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

a whisper in time is all that's given
a gentle ripple in the wind blown sand
fallacious foundation, solidity riven
shifting breeze across the strand
a near silent expression of all things living
the passing time leaves death at hand
calling all, the melancholy bidding
wait not to make thy stand
for each has once then all is hidden
beneath the trodden wayfaring land

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

enigma

2006-11-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

'tis not to be known
in the depths of the soul
where another man's enigma resides
hiding in malignant travesty
armored in the minds keep
guarded by fear and insecurity

delving and prodding
lovingly evolving a relationship
springing to life in revelation's elation
bared and exposed showing the known
safety in experienced throes
burdened with burning truth

convalescent brooding deep in the mind
of each sinner's sinister sine
parallel worlds aligning blindly
inching t'ward colliding realities
praying for unspoken commonalities
to bolster the dungeon's gates

longing for the confessional's balm
freedom from secrecy's false calm
stifled by the repugnant humiliation
tell the tale is the heart's grisly swell
absolution from the crushing weight
the millstone of silence' gate

deep in the soul is truth's all
the piercing awl of humanity's call
shared by all the confessional's trawl
digging deeply with cleansing scrawl
the bludgeoning curse of nature's law
laying the stones of guilt's appall

but cursed and foolish are they
who fail to pray and prey on illusions way
seeing not their own mottled clay
modeled by day to keep at bay
another's curiosity in willful sway
exposing the truth delayed

outed now by forceful skirmish
the feared day of another man's soul
laid open the veins of vulnerability
exposed to the blade of despair
cast not the first stone crafty sinner
Cain's lot is a wretched snare

know not but only the knowing
that enigma lies within us all
man's burden is a hidden weight
known but to the singular soul
trust only the truth in knowing
each man's commonality is the fall

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

a dirge

2006-10-30T09:42:00.000-05:00

she stands in the prairie an edifice of reality
empty and shorn of her glory
a symbolic gesture of the soul sequestered
bygone relevance of the storied

now silent to her history lost in modernity
sands of time bemoan in effigy
a signpost proclaims the new world's disdain
unchecked cloying entropy

like an elder recluse ignored by pertinent youth
devalued and shorn of machination
her beauty now questioned by bountiful obsession
with self-reliant actualization

she stands now solemn a shrine for the fallen
lonely and absently devolved
devoid of purpose sacrificed on the alter of avarice
primordial resolution absolved

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

god waits

2006-10-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

living a marketing nightmare,
god in his underwear
clutching a hyundai's bumper
bared and shamed,
re-crucified and re-slain
grimy displayed blunder

trampling grace in guileless expose'
revealing fraud behind the curtain
scarecrows and tin-men parading bobble-head jesus
christ on whole wheat,
messiah's only skin deep
comedic rhetoric flows

prince of peace reduced,
six digits on a license plate
faith in cuteness,
meaningless shit
emptiness or worse,
poisonous death

bear witness to barrenness,
plasticine saviour
molded by powerless hands
grasping at absolutes
in history's well,
full of the corpses of theologians

fundamentalist conservatism's unyielded demise
liberalism's meaningless disguise
standing on violence or standing on nothing
arguing for unknowable truth
trying to make faith into factual base
a recipe for righteousness

lost in the heart of every breath
god weeps in the soul of creation
we see with blinded eyes
knowing life and death evokes
the science of unknown
origin

my god your god your rule mine
bible torah koran
my truth your truth no truth in line
nothing but turmoil at hand
shaken to the core of our being
god waits

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

rhyme for nine eleven

2006-09-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

nine eleven
terrorists heaven
violence leavens
human division

america's vanity
gross prosperity
blind depravity
burning malignancy

islam wriggles
cultural struggles
social muddles
hatred befuddles

allies jockey
relations rocky
leaders cocky
D.C. knocking

armies vying
innocents dying
corpses lying
mothers crying

orphans weeping
flags waving
souls praying
peace escaping

hope is fragile
love is tactile
peace is mobile
war is juvenile

grow humanity
mature commonality
ply charity
embrace diversity

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

progeny

2006-09-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

i lumber along trying to be strong
or maybe i don't really care
about whatever happens
or whoever calls
or nothing at all

i act like i know all that i need
never seeking company
i don't need you
i'm all alone
on purpose

my eyes follow the child
with sad gazes and regret
i marvel at the insipidness
like i did better
yeah

i fool myself with alacrity
portending anxious readiness
exuding self-esteem
but burning inside
in fear

unable to release failures claws
suffocating in bitter stew
forcing my dreams and desires
on an unaccepting few
offspring

they wriggle and writhe under duress
of my weight and pressing
undressing their freedom
baring their flesh and soul
weeping

carressing in parental tenderness
yet lambasting guilt and stress
obsessive compulsive
passive aggressive
suicide

i pass along this generational ill
aware but incapable of recovery
praying for the miracle
fresh child birth
defect free

i see the maternal gaze burdening my soul
weighing on me like death
pressing for her perfection
or pretense of such
unrequited

i secretly long to escape in the breeze
never to face or to bereave
knowing it won't be
ever to be free
a son's love

i fight the genetic brood that tempts my soul
i deny that it courses my veins
but i spew the vile poison
the liquor of malfeasance
in posterity

suffer in silence longing for peace
free my children from this dearth
quell the lineage curse for eternity
overcome the obscenity
free my progeny

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

life

2006-09-08T13:20:00.000-05:00

a child's eternity abates to an elders breath
the ticking clock adjourns it's labor for no rest
the grand journey begets a growing past
a future littered with foreshadowed death

waste not the precious passing time's reign
garnish the moments plate with attentive mirth
embrace each passage as opportunities birth
leave not a morsel vanquished or unclaimed

the journey's end slinks nearer by the hour
bereaving youth of her tenuous pretense
shirking the desires of eternity's recompense
finality grasps mortality to devour

leave not a stone unturned in sorrow
rejoice in each gift bequeathed by the day
persist in strength with each clarion ray
accept consequence without wanting for the morrow

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

right?

2006-09-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

gone

2006-09-07T14:51:00.000-05:00

gone, gone are the days of hunger
of passion and raw lovers' care.

gone are the nights of exploration and wonder
of delight in the night bedroom air.

gone, gone are the glimpses of ardor
of sheer emotion in my lovers stare.

gone are the dreams of ecstasy and plunder
of physical pleasure in my lovers dare.

gone, gone are the quickened heartbeats candor
of romantic embrace in my lovers lair.

gone are the rushes of adreneline and power
of sensual lust in my lovers flair.

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

once

2006-09-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

you wanted me once
when you were young and free
you longed for me then
when all was right

you touched me once
when you were curious and naive
you burned inside
when all was new

you surrendered to me once
when you were willful and sure
you dreamed about life
when all was unknown

you loved me once
when you believed in me
you worshiped me then
when all was clean

you trusted me once
when you were helpless and in need
you sang my praises
when all was serene

you admired me once
when your expectations were met
you rested in my arms
when all was at peace

you inspired me once
when you could see my potential
you encouraged my best
when all was in sight

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

self deceived

2006-09-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

like a stop-sign with bullet holes, i protest
a silent reminder, misspent anger
wasted energy, shrouded revelry
look at me, suffer the angst i detest

silent and stalwart, unashamed and revealed
commanding attention, demanding acquiescence
shocked by defiance, bullet-hole killed
hear me, my missive, still

shorn of reason, piqued by malignant inanity
prattle of dumb fools, deafened by absurdity
bitter pride, genetic camaraderie
ignore me, reticent calamity

wearing the pain, honor or shame sequestered
silently shouting, stopperred and muted
held at bay, baying at will
loathe me, silent jester

eschewing pacific, brewing the bitter melange
boiling over, spewing poison
deserved retribution, collateral damage
fear me, rent menage

standing alone on the corner aggrieved
protecting the picket, the malefactor's demise
disfigured honor, a scarlet shame
pity me, self-deceived

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

a corporate song

2006-09-05T14:27:00.003-05:00

build the cocoon
build the cocoon

work

spin

build the cocoon
build the cocoon

work

spin

die

what do you mean i can fly?

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

fortuitous grace

2006-09-05T09:29:00.000-05:00

Dedicated to Sox the cat

peaceful retreat
arrested complete
portent usurping
replete

submission ensues
as shock subdues
the pounding heart
alludes

life yet flows
mind still knows
eyes of the soul
forebode

flail not
struggle wrought
death's deluge
sought

murderous claws
act without pause
no remorse or shame
disclose

callous aggression
pouncing intrusion
a deadly embracing
illusion

helpless wanting
life jaunting
escape withholding
fearing

swift embrace
utterly no faith
salvation's breach
fortuitous grace

afflicted antagonist
freed to find rest
a last chance
at best

embrace the reigns
cast loose the chains
salvage the heart
again

be free to arrive
live and not die
imbibe the reproof
be wise

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

no hope

2006-07-31T08:47:00.000-05:00

In Memorium:
Samuel Dwight Smith
b: 02/1972 - d: 07/2005

what is left
when the end is near?
empty hope
a dull stare

fight is done
when the breath is gone
thought subsides
calm death

waters cool
when the will lets go
distant dream
shadow grows

light fades
when the ember cools
gone the days
peace invades

quiet now
when the hope is gone
nothing more
to do

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

Wisdom

2006-02-23T09:02:00.000-05:00

a dandelion grows in the sidewalk
suckling the deposits of life
knowing not the crushing step
of the boot that passes by

from deaths sudden press
it scatters its seed
plying for fertile loam
it refuses to die replete

cast off truth is truth no less
though cursed by ignorance
misguided youth on her own way
yet only truth frees

© 2006 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

To be found

2005-12-19T10:11:00.000-05:00

Summer's gone and it's cold outside
Winter's long and it's cold inside too
I can't see the sun and I can't remember warm
been a long time in the shade

My heart broken with a crushing wound
inflicted by my own heel
brought about by instability, imbalance, insecurity
self-doubt and no power to control

The gray clouds hang on my soul
I am shivering with the cold
the anxiety swells within me as I wonder
if I am alone

From this pit I cry wounded and in pain
alone in my soul I am in despair
I cry out to who I know not
faithless I want to be spared

I know not what I know not
I can't seek with blind eyes
I feel the cold of loneliness around me
Lost. I want to be found

© 2005 BY W. GARY FORRESTER

That Girl of Mine

2005-11-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

where is she gone
that girl of mine
has she lost her way?
what is she thinking
that child of mine
thinking or not today?
I see her eyes
that girl of mine
longing for her way.
what will the world give
that child of mine
not holding at bay?

she turned away
that girl of mine
searching for her path.
pressed my lips
that child of mine
defying a father's wrath.
made her mind
that girl of mine
she not I that hath,
the drive to free
that child of mine
in earths mire a bath.

evil does swirl
that girl of mine
lonely and naive.
open arms
that child of mine
embraces the demon seed.
what to behold
that girl of mine
and what to concede?
fathers bruised soul
that child of mine
broken rules to heed.