Shades of Gray

for some who face
this complex life
sharp lines divide
the good and bad

all is wrong
that is not right
what not divine
from evil born

there is no room
for calm dissent
no right to doubt
the cherished law

if in their mind
the matter rests
they cannot bear
another view

but would we not
be better served
by eyes attuned
to shades of gray

Metaphor

some must write
in prose obscure
to make you think
or so they say

but why not pen
what thoughts arise
in simple terms
that all might hear

I guess to ask
would be in vain
for artists know
what peers adore

they write what we
cannot absorb
and so their work
receives acclaim

and I would try
to share that style
if clever lines
could soothe my soul

Two

some moments
only two share
words expressed
emotions bare

locked in time
memories dwell
but do they rise
in her as well

November

drifting leaves
the scent of smoke
shorter days
toward winter lead

in the woods
a barren look
where silence builds
before the dark

but on the lakes
a lively scene
as ducks and geese
escape the snow

across the fields
the weathered stalks
where voles and quail
reclaim the spoil

and in the skies
the raptors soar
intent to cull
the weak and old

War

since man could hate
these battles rage
for glory sought
and power gained

declared by those
in safe retreat
their legions sent
to fight and die

and those who live
forever scarred
their bodies torn
their minds betrayed

though other means
might better serve
a force of will
is what we choose

if over time
our motives fade
a treaty signed
a victor hailed

though many young
are lost in vain
these wars endure
no lesson learned