th'Lady's Library
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Electric SnowAmethyst Images
Tapestry
The Beach
Life
Winding
Someone...
Restless
the meeting
A L O N E
The Black Dragon
The Magic Quest
Make Believe
Morning Mist
Sigh
The Silver Path
Echoes off The Wall
The Watcher
Where Have All The Dragons Gone?
Who am I?
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Electric Snow
Electric Snow
Dark leaves
frosted with moon glow
glinting like electric snow
No clouding in the night sky mars
ebony strewn with diamond stars
Breezes causing leafy mutters
an owl's cry
a field mouse shudders
The lake
a dark and silent mirror
thoughts reflected
sharper
clearer
All around, the world is sleeping
mental silence
growing
deepening
Far off sirens
lonely
haunting
intensify the needing
wanting
Off again
outward careening
seeking warmth
and joy
and meaning
To touch a thousand sleeping minds
a hundred million different kinds
Questing for a kindred soul
years of seeking take their toll
Alone upon the paths I tread
while others are asleep in bed
Perhaps I should accept my lot
be satisfied with what I've got
Instead of always looking
lonely
for that which may be dreaming only
I can't!
I want to see his face!
to find the path
our magic place
to fan the spark
faster
higher
round and round like spirit fire
soulmates dancing
linked and spinning
never ending
just beginning.
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Amethyst Images
Amethyst Images
Evening mists
like shadows
of dark amethysts
or phantom hands
from quiet lakes
the edge of dreams
nor quite awake
swirling round
like memories
the softest sound
like wistful sighs
the mind's eye watches
time go by.
Remembering...
when passion danced
merged in wonder
hearts grew wings
'neath silver moons
entwined there under
lay entranced
then slept in spoons
September 23, 1992
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Tapestry
Tapestry
Silver threads
dangle
in neglect
lie tangled
among webs
on a loom lost in time.
Colorful bands
of unfinished design
heart strings
begin to unwind
gathered no more
through the Weaver's hands.
Once brilliant rose
fading, like hope
to amethyst
while waiting
lost in the mist
of unraveling strands.
July 4, 1993
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The Beach
Virginia Beach
2 AM on 09/23/89
It's after midnight
Hugo has vanished
to the west
his winds
put to rest
The beach is quiet
waves cresting high
the sight of the moon
like a sickle boat
sailing the horizon by
Closer than friend
who walks by my side
without a sound
bare feet in the sand
matching my stride
The sky is ebony
a thousand stars
like tranquil beacons
summon wanderers far
and reality weakens
Lost
in a night without time
we walk
through a poem without rhyme
Written for Darrell, September 25, 1989
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Life
Follow me if you wish, as my mind wanders... pondering life, and what
happens when it ends... does it end?
I saw in my mind's eye a tiny ripple of water high in the mountains, a creek
being born, chuckling as it tumbles over the rocky bones of the hills,
gathering bits of this and scraps of that as it learns its way down the
slope. Small and carefree at first, absorbing everything, growing and
changing. Meeting others as it follows its path, merging with them
sometimes, becoming a part of them and absorbing them into itself, becoming
both more and less. Other times, only running along side for a time until
paths part. Time passes... the little carefree trickle has become a wide and
stately river across the plains, drawing ever nearer to the sea. The river
is full of all that has passed, reflecting all it has seen, everywhere it has
roamed. The sea calls to it now, and relentlessly summons it forth. The
mighty river makes its way quietly however, serenely, content to be no more,
to come home to the endless cradle of the sea.
The storm builds and grows, black and wild, the winds wail over the waves,
lifting the water high into the clouds and carrying it far away over the land
to release it at last as rain upon the mountain.
and...
a tiny ripple of water high in the mountains, a creek being born, chuckling
as it tumbles over the rocky bones of the hills....
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Winding
Winding
Winding through
the busy routine of my day
like silver strands
or chords of music play
thoughts of you
warm, like your touch
brushing my face
reminding me
the softest trace
that I love you
so much
May 11, 1992
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Someone...
Someone
I seek
someone
someone who knows
when I need to be held
just held
not taken to bed
just held
arms around me
to shut out the world
against his chest
hear his heart beating
shirt buttons against my face
loneliness banished
protected
I seek
someone
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Restless
Restless
Restless
I walk the beaches of my mind
with you beside
close as my heart
yet so far apart
aching to find
someplace
where I can touch your face
feel your hand in mine
this pressure inside
like the surge of the tide
predicting the storm.
Heartbeats of thunder
exploding in wonder
then mellow to warm
August 24, 1991
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the meeting
the meeting
adrift
to wander again
the silver path
gift of the lady moon
leaves in the night
whisper old secrets
to neighboring oaks
the forest folks
they remember me
and grudgingly
allow me to pass
a stranger here
so long, so very long
the door, alas
ever an elusive gate
quietly, I await
aware
anticipate
where?
patience
patience, little one
why have you come?
what brings you to me?
so near....
ah yes, i see
(quiet laughter)
child...
why ask me
what you already know?
Go!
you know the way
you know the why
follow your mind's eye
and your heart strings
and dance!
until your spirit sings
December 20, 1999
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A L O N E
A l o n e
five letters
span the gulf of years
but no one hears
or sees
or reaches to feel
and make me real
Insubstantial
wind blows through
time like glue
The falling tree
the empty wood
misunderstood
crashes down
but no one hears
the Dryad's tears
Non-existence
empty space
lacks a face
eyes skim over
hands reach through me
never to me
Desolation
endless seeking
reality leaking
fading, thinning
lost forever
with no beginning
Empty spirit who
haunts the trails
who tries
but fails
with ghostly need
yet, to be freed
Someone must look
and finally see
inside of me
reach out to hold
with arms that heal
to make me real
May 7, 1989
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The Black Dragon
The Black Dragon
Ebony with crystal eyes
a beast's escape
a man's disguise
Wisdom, sadness, arrogance
summoned forth
yet driven hence
Body, still and hidden deep
thoughts range forth
from troubled sleep
Whispered of in legends told
by ancient ones
whose bones lie cold
Age old stories, fade and die
forgotten long
as time rolls by
Emerging with each setting sun
his search continues
for that one
Across a world of sleeping minds
forever seeks
but never finds
Empathy, soulmate's caress
the seeking long
hope growing less
Easier in eons past
all vanished now
is he the last?
Lost in lonely wandering
gazing inward
pondering
He all but missed the tiny shimmer
through the trees
the faintest glimmer
Centered in a sheltered glade
a silver pool
of moonlight made
A perfect setting in the night
he halts in wonder
at the sight
Violet eyes and golden horn
the ageless beast
the Unicorn
Asleep, she's suddenly aware
of great black dragon
there, not there
Unmoving save for questing thought
seeing much
revealing naught
Circumstances unexplained
they meet at last
as was ordained
Linked, they spin
and dance the night
the end begins
Ancient minds, alone so long
absorb each other
righting wrongs
The night is theirs
the stars invite
like silver stairs
They travel on, no more forlorn
Black Dragon and
the Unicorn
December 1, 1988
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The Magic Quest
The Magic Quest
The quest for magic
serious business here!
but, not to fear....
I come prepared
Oh, how they stared
in Woodies
when I bought these goodies!
A heavy coat
for lands remote
in summer?
What! no treasure maps?
in sporting goods perhaps?
bummer!
Flashlights
with 3 different beams
mirrors
to reflect your dreams
Silver nets to catch an elf
and last, not least
upon the shelf
trinkets
to attract the gnomes
from beneath
their mountain homes.
Pay the milkman
plan the trail
turn OFF the kettle
without fail!
The day is here!
the time at hand
piled high with gear
it's hard to stand
Pausing....
high upon the crest
pondering
which path to take
North Wind exhales
her chilly breath
and blows my pack
into the lake!
ARGH! Ahhh, what the hay
we'll do better without it
anyway!
The quiet woods are
dark and deep
all the creatures
seem asleep
Bent to examine
a gnarled tree
my back is turned
I fail to see
the Dryad point
and laugh at me.
Later...
snores rise loudly
from my camp
fairy folk dance
around my lamp
giggling as they
twirl and stamp
hopping up
light as a feather
leave tiny tracks
on my shoe leather
while they tie the laces
all together!
Echos
on the breeze are borne
of cloven hooves
and golden horn
rumors of the Unicorn
seeking long
to find her lair
and all the while
half aware
of her ageless violet eyes
behind
the quiet shadows
in my mind.
Long last finds me
home again,
my quest for magic
all in vain
I searched and sought
from sea to sea
Where could all the
magic BE??
and WHY are all of you
LAUGHING at me?
May 9, 1989
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Make Believe
Make Believe
Tense
harried
too long since
I've tarried
and wandered
the paths in my mind
and pondered
while searching to find
the unfindable places
longing to see
those invisible faces
gaze back at me
Sighing
and weary
of trying
when clearly
that which I recall
memories or dreams?
were fantasies all
yet, somehow it seems
unlikely and thin
if fantasy only
where did it begin
why now am I lonely?
So I follow
the river that flows
the wind as it blows
the path where it goes
the notes of my song
borne on the breeze
whispered along
through the limbs of the trees
still faintly heard
while I seek to retrieve
that which I conjured
from "make-believe"
January 3, 1989
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Morning Mist
Morning Mist
Walking through a fantasy
morning mist surrounding me
Sunlight not yet come alive
he hit the snooze
is catching five...
Soft grey tentacles of mist
gentle ghosts that twirl and twist
lightly touch my face and hair
with curious hands
that aren't quite there
Thoughts are straying as I wander
feet keep walking as I ponder
In the silent autumn woods
'neath towering trees
with rainbow hoods
Ways to reach the magic places
how to see invisible faces
awaiting just beyond my grasp
I'll close my eyes
and then perhaps
The misty phantom touch I feel
will solidify, becoming real
The rainbow arching through the trees
made up of
technicolored leaves
Will lead, not to a pot of gold
as in the fairy tales told
but to the realm within my mind
mundane reality
left behind
Amazed, I'll walk among a race
gazing in wonder at every face
awakening memories, old and lost
remembering banishment
ruing the cost
Eons since I've walked this land
the journey long, returning banned
convicted, sentenced without a trial
doomed to wander
perpetual exile
I'm home at last but can I stay?
or will it slowly fade away
Shimmering at the break of Dawn
when day has come
and dreams are gone..
November 11, 1988
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Sigh
sigh..
Toggle
smile on
smile off
alarm clock
raisin toast
conference call
west coast
business lunch
briefcase
budget crunch
public face
after five
in the rain
exist
survive
begin again...
don't wonder
or ponder
look under
or wander...
Grow UP!!
(exasperation)
of what use
imagination?
02/16/90
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The Silver Path
The Silver Path
Perched upon a mossy rock
no one's awake
so late o'clock
I watch th'Lady Moon arise
the stars reflected
in her eyes
She paints upon my quiet lake
a silver moonlit
path to take
Leading on to dreams of heart
if only I
knew where to start
Sudden wings obscure the moon
etched,
black on silver
like a rune
Breeze picks up
predicting storm
I crane my neck...
a fleeting form...
Approaching
with a cry like thunder
what draws you here, my friend?
I wonder...
August 30, 1994
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Echoes off The Wall
Echoes off the wall
Streets so black and shiny slick
with moonlight,
faded, cold and sick
Old brick walls rise
etched with grime
run with moisture
tears of crime
Dark filthy steam like liquid hate
slithers forth from every grate
Loneliness so powerful
it eats your soul
dissolves your heart
tears your consciousness apart
Vibrating echoes in your life
slice memories open
like a knife
Sirens wail like banshee screams
caught and held
in nightmare dreams
Endless halls with slimy walls
desperate search
for some escape
while evil lurks for souls to rape
Old terrors stalk,
like ravening beasts
death hoped for..
the one release
Satan's own catch 22
manic laughter
joke's on you
Doomed to flee
forever screaming
memories lethal
deadly dreaming
Mind death at last
you're finally free
peace, dearly bought
insanity
02-12-89
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The Watcher
The Watcher
Relentlessly the cycle turns
light to darker, shadows cast
yet somewhere still an ember burns
to light the future from the past
Wind blows lonely through the glade
dark and quiet, edged in frost
breezes still, the moonlight fades
a single ray lights up the moss
Appears there now a figure kneeling
green eyes sad, are eons old
matching leaves form vaulted ceilings
rustle in the North Wind's cold
The figure in the moonlight shimmers
like echoes of a distant storm
the watcher, startled, catches glimmers
of the surroundings through her form
A sudden flash lights up the sky
as flames outline a massive beast
circling the glade up high
round and round from west to east
Spotting the figure on the moss
it spirals down toward the glade
the branches sway, the leaves are tossed
it gently lands beside the maid
The dragon curls around the lass
and searches with his emerald eyes
for signs of life or shadows cast
the clearing echoes with his sighs
The huge head lowers to her lap
but passes through it to the ground
wise old eyes close for a nap
warm breath escapes, a sighing sound
The watcher sees the figure stir
his own eyes fill as tears are shed
he sees her reaching through the blur
her hand upon the massive head
Her eyes like windows to the past
memories like rivers flowing
beginning to understand at last
the watcher is saddened by the knowing
Lost between the worlds is she
divided, trapped and torn apart
the one won't set her body free
the other world that owns her heart
The watcher stands there contemplating
angry hands roll into fists
cold wind and dragon's breath creating
swirling clouds of silver mists
When next the watcher's eyes are clear
the glade is empty, figures gone
the misty portal disappears
dispelled again by breaking Dawn
November 25, 1988
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Where Have All The Dragons Gone?
Where Have All The Dragons Gone?
Where have all the dragons gone?
the unicorns
the warriors brawn
the maidens fair
no longer there
and other characters of my song
Where have all the dragons gone?
no longer conjured gleefully
in whispered words of fantasy
by men of ancient history
or village idiots who claimed to see
the fabled beasts in every tree
Where have all the dragons gone?
who used to carry me on high
through the ebony starlit sky
seeking adventure, castles and kings
seated firmly between their wings
and never thinking to ask them why
Where have all the dragons gone?
the fearless ones so free of care
they've retreated shaken to their lair
reality more than they can bear
while I ponder all unaware
the mundane mysteries of car repair
Where have all the dragons gone?
unlike them to abandon post
when they know I need them most!
banished by an unlikely host
of rent increases and stuffy nose
mournfully the North Wind blows
Where have all the dragons gone?
I lost with them a part of me
that I will probably never see
and I MISS that person I used to be
an empty aching cavity
that I will carry permanently
Where have all the dragons gone?
I miss the shimmering of their scales
I miss the magic of their tales
I miss the wind through their wings like sails
the child within me reaches and wails
and the longing within me never fails
January 8, 1991
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Who am I?
Returning to my rocky seat
now somewhat damper than it was
I watch the moonlight paint rainbows in the droplets of water everywhere.
Chin on hand
I ponder your question
who am I?
DreamRider...
wanderer...
exiled, from where?
to here
to watch and listen
in this place where honesty is scarce and empathy unknown
where sad spirits huddle in concrete boxes, gazing at smaller boxes
watching artificial tales rather than creating their own.
Long ago having accepted (?) that soulmate is not to be in this lifetime
I will continue to wander the beautiful places
outside of the concrete boxes
to perch on an overlook in the gentle old Blue Ridge mountains
at sunset
and watch the wild deer come within a few feet
to walk the beach late at night
after the storm
and sometimes
when the silver path of the moon is very bright
even an exile may follow it, home
for a brief time...
or
(as I glance up from my pondering)
sometimes
to greet another wanderer upon that same path...
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