Night Vision

it is at dusk
our landscapes fade
as mother sun
withdraws her light

and then we see
the worlds beyond
and face the truth
that darkness brings

No Racist

he was no racist
he told us so
he even hired one
he paid him well

he was no racist
he knew the truth
they could be lazy
they could be trouble

he was no racist
some were his friends
just not on our block
just not at our church

Clouds

adrift above
like silent ships
sailing by
on steady winds

ever changing
vapor mounds
reflecting light
producing shade

at times alone
amidst the blue
at others packed
across the sky

bringing rain
to desert lands
or raging storms
to hapless towns

taking shapes
that children see
evoking fear
as darkness grows

they mirror us
in many ways
fickle friends
sudden foes

Early Days

modest home
neighbor friends
factory smoke
carefree days

backyard birds
burning leaves
trains and tools
love and trust

yellow bus
vicious nuns
early deaths
latin prayers

pools and sun
focused work
gender games
time to leave

Welcome Home

home from war
a joyous time
the family whole
a soldier blessed

old friends to see
old times relived
toasts are raised
a welcome home

suspicions rise
though not expressed
of subtle change
of darkness there

but all is well
until it's not
and then the war
erupts anew

for pain and fear
still burn within
and in a flash
more victims fall

but who's to blame
for what unfolds
the youth who left
or those he served