On the Road

On top of blighted cypress, old crow appears 

To grow larger over centuries; 

Small figures walking by disappear 

In a minute, year after year. 

To a Friend, Unhappy with Herself

If I were you, I’d think twice about being 

Something other than you are. 

Unhappy with your present lot, 

You might be thinking of being 

A perennial flower or even a queen bee, 

Or something even more farfetched, 

Whatever that may be. 

But let’s get serious— 

We know all that’s impossible. 

So why not be yourself 

And make everything possible. 

A Plague on You, Shylock

Wishful thinking Rosy 
Rat gut package twine of course
There’s no such thing but 
Metaphorically speaking if
Bill hadn’t let the cat out of the bag 
Back in the Globe we could all be
Tying rings round parcels 
Of fat cat operators

With no strings attached, 
Sending them all packing.

Visionary

What is it with you? 

You want everything under the heavens

Even when nothing’s in view. 

Vitriol: The Plutocrat's Payback

My dearest Lady Jane, 

We know it’s a shame and rotten 
But really, there’s no need to explain the obvious 

Farewell of your well-off infamous snotty 

Obnoxious proboscis—you see, we’ve heard 

Rumors of a vicious tumor and it’s plain

As that snippet of a snub gracing your face, 

Making you now look so innocuous. 

But still we wonder 

Is this really you? If you could 

Just give us a clue, pretty 

Please with sugar on it— 

For old times’ sake, 

Before you depart 

Give us your best parting shot— 

No need for formalities, dearie 

Dispense with the snot.