tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43686190001891284492024-02-08T09:26:09.179-08:00The World's Longest Sonnet Chain[Sonnet: son'it; A fourteen decasyllabic line poem having an a-b-a-b-c-d-c-d-e-f-e-f-g-g rhyming structure. A series of sonnets linked in chain link fashion. An ongoing work in progress.]Leo Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15030887222703508435noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4368619000189128449.post-16151482077707546422011-09-08T10:27:00.006-07:002021-07-16T16:07:02.281-07:00Infinitum Et Vltra<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It seems to me that I cannot decide</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exactly what it is that I desire;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It might be that I can no longer hide</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This need to light this big poetic fire</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Embodied in this embryonic verse</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Whose seed has taken root inside the womb</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Which shall should it fall victim to a curse</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Be not its incubator but its tomb</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But only if the curse involved a death</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And death kept to a schedule of its own</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When targeting somebody's final breath</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Which till today has no way to be known</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Except when pointing gun at someone's head</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And shooting twice to make sure that he's dead; ... </span>[link # 1]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The journey of a poem isn't known,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The path its footsteps take obscured by fog;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unless directions unto it were shown</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It finds its progress bogged down in a bog;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Objectives once identified are good,</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Around which strategies are tailor-made</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And statuettes emerge from blocks of wood</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When their envisioned backgrounds start to fade</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And images on canvases appear</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Upon the touch of paint upon a brush</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To bring forth criticism or a tear</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if it was a nude perhaps a blush</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Intended by the artist, maybe not,</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">According to what might've been the plot; ... </span>[link # 2]<br /><span style="font-size: large;">The mind always imagines but the worst</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Such as when cats go missing overnight</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Resulting in a comfort bubble burst</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And panic bombs exploding left and right</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Which every mother knows only too well</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When children home by two come back at five</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">With usually a sculptured tale to tell</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As kids are wont to do to stay alive</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Which in their lingo means not getting spanked</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And their allowances not getting axed</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And TV viewing rights not getting yanked</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And other benefits not getting taxed</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In any manner as befits the crime</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Of children not returning home on time; ... </span>[link # 3] </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The spirit of the Bard doth beckon me</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To speak the language that he spoke or spake</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">No matter how impossible it be</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">For one born drinking coke while eating cake</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And speaketh what was spoken on the streets</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Far from the lofty chambers of the arts</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Where classic works are born on music sheets</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And then performed in all their splendid parts;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The spirit of the Bard to me doth call</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Like sirens beckon sailors from afar</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And lure them to a point where they must fall</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When sailing vessel hits a sandy bar;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The loftiness though grand it mayest be</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Might be perhaps a bit too grand for me; ... </span>[link # 4]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A slate wiped clean enables thought rebirth<br />Invoking images of long lost loves<br />And salad days of innocence and mirth<br />Linked to the freedom of a thousand doves<br />As mentioned in an MLTR* song *</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Michael Learns To Rock]<br /><span style="font-size: large;">And what of heartache and its silent tears</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">That makes a love that seems so right so wrong</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As sang the brothers Gibb* in bygone years *</span>[The B</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ee Gees]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who set ablaze the world on disco floors</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Together with their disco counterparts</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And triggered off the opening of doors</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">For all of us with disco in our hearts;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">An era such as mentioned though be old</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Would to its generation be like gold; ... </span>[link # 5]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According to our purposes in life<br />So too are we accordingly equipped<br />Be it as both a mother and a wife<br />Or one whose wings of freedom end up clipped<br />Inside a dungeon shackled to the wall<br />Or on a stretcher hooked up to a drip<br />While loved ones waited outside in the hall<br />As death did too on board a ghostly ship<br />That ferried over to the other side<br />The souls of all who left this world behind<br />Be it a young and lovely-looking bride<br />Or one who's old and bent and almost blind<br />As death came like a thief on moonless nights<br />With randomly picked targets in its sights; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 6]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The search for true love is a futile one</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As disappointment waited like a thief</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To pounce when obstacles were all but none</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And rob one of one's faith and one's belief;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The search for true love is a fairy tale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose happy ending ends in tragedy<br />Which in a pub is drowned in pints of ale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Till faint and distant is the memory;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The search for true love is one that's in vain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like looking for that fabled pot of gold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That's made of fairy dust and bitter pain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Each time the trail from hot turns icy cold;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The search for true love is a waste of time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On which should not be spent a single dime; ... </span>[link # 7]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Distractions come in every shape and size</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like combat games played on computer screens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With the ability to hypnotize</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not only kids or children in their teens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As might expected be the target group</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But adults of all ages too as well</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Partaking of the same addictive soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Where battlefield life is a living hell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For soldiers in a war computer game</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose battlefield survival skills are taxed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When dodging bullets bearing someone's name</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With little time to think or be relaxed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Except when luck runs out and one gets killed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And fallen soldier graves get dug and filled; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 8]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A new day has awakened with the dawn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And everything is just as it should be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like mushrooms forming patterns on the lawn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or featuring in someone's recipe<br />And kittens being born inside a box<br />Or somewhere inaccessible and dark<br />And someone catching someone's chicken pox<br />Or kissing someone's missus in the park<br />And someone being pursued by the cops<br />Or cheating on a written test in school<br />And someone buying something at the shops<br />Or doing twenty-five laps in the pool;<br />A new day has begun and all is well<br />For all those bound for heaven or for hell; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 9] </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">According to the nature of our deeds</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So too are rewarded for our toils</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">With blessings in accordance with our needs</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Or lashings in the form of sores and boils</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As spoken by the prophets long ago</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And documented in a holy book</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Regarded by the world as less than so</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">From king and queen to bishop, knight and rook</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Who follow the dictates of their own hearts</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And not the will of an almighty god</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As outlined in decrees set forth in parts</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Upon a path not popularly trod</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Where shepherds walk in search of new recruits</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Not lost forever to forbidden fruits; ... </span>[link # 10]<br /><span style="font-size: large;">A new year by tomorrow shall be born</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And who knows what adventures lie ahead</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">From nations that by war shall next be torn</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To icons that by fate shall next be dead</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According to what's in the book of life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or movie script as written by the gods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That mentions if a man shall take a wife</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if they shall find peace or be at odds</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if their union shall be blessed with child</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if that child shall live a hundred years</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if those hundred years are calm and mild</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Or drenched in blood and sweat and silent tears;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A new year by tomorrow shall begin</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And we shall toast it with a glass of gin; ... </span>[link # 11]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The good Lord had us made of flesh and blood</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because had we been made of hardened steel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We would fear neither God nor storm nor flood</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And stand and scoff instead of bow and kneel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And laugh at death and every known disease</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like we were gods and not mere mortal men</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With none in heaven or on earth to please</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Except ourselves whenever we chose when</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And thus contained were we in cells of flesh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose bars were not of steel but skin and bone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And eventhough the food was clean and fresh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When it came time to die we died alone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And once the puppeteer severed the strings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our souls began their journey home on wings; ... </span>[link # 12]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How nice to be a god with no concerns</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">About the trivialities of life</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Like food and clothes and income tax returns</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And planning Monday's schedule with the wife</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To see who takes the kids to school and back</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And mother for her scheduled hormone jab</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if the monthly budget is on track</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And giving up blood samples for the lab</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In order that what's wrong with you be known</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And taking pills for this and pills for that</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In order that improvement might be shown</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In terms of health including losing fat;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">How nice to be a god without a care</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">About the woes of men gods didn't share; ... </span>[link # 13]<br /><span style="font-size: large;">When death occurs it means God's back is turned</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Regardless whether human, dog or cat</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Or what might be the sum of bridges burned</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">By wickedness and lies and things like that</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But not by which an animal is judged</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As animals are innocent at heart</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And by their innocence cannot be budged</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To pull a load of evil on a cart</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Which human beings can be made to do</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If motivated by the right excuse</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Including mom and dad and me and you</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Depending on how long or short the fuse</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And also how explosive was the charge</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if it filled a bucket or a barge; ... </span>[link # 14]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A tribe was chosen out of all the tribes<br />To be a light that shines forth in the dark<br />With words of wisdom worthy of the scribes<br />And ancient as was Noah and the ark<br />That whomsoever eats the bread of life<br />And drinks the blood of sacrificial lamb<br />Shall not be harmed by hunting spear or knife<br />Or deadly horn of charging bull or ram<br />But like a god shall, well, immortal be<br />As promised by a prophet and a prince<br />Who sacrificed his life for you and me<br />And whose return has not been heard of since<br />And though it has been prophesized about<br />The whole world still behaves as if in doubt; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 15]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Through mighty signs and wonders are we taught<br />According as the will of God dictates<br />Including doing wrong and getting caught<br />Or being someone everybody hates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As all are by the hands of destiny</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Created in the foundry of the gods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With some destined for mediocrity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And others to prevail against the odds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which helps if one was made of hardened steel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And tempered in the furnace of resolve</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So as to not the pain of hardship feel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And overcome what else it might involve</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That greets us each day at the break of dawn</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Like drops of dew that sparkle on the lawn; ... </span>[link # 16]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The devil through the
earth goes back and forth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">
And taunts Almighty God with what he finds</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
So as to add more sinners to the broth</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
By sowing seeds of evil in their minds</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
And whispering directions in their ears</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
And making them believe they too are gods</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Whose actions are devoid of mortal fears</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
And lack control as from reactor rods</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Or as he did to Job he does to them</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
To fill their hearts with hate for God as well</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Which God allows in searching for a gem</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
From those destined for heaven or for hell</span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Which Shakespeare mentioned often in his plays</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And Banquo learnt when
ended were his days; ... </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">[link # 17]</span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like
pieces on a chessboard aren't we all<br />
And moved about by He who calls the shots</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And who
decides if we should stand or fall</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According
to the way He joins the dots</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As planned
about a trillion years ago</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In all
aspects of life from start to end</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For
everyone on earth from Jericho</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To all
four corners of the world, my friend, </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With horse
bits in our mouths and cattle prods</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To make us
go where we've not been before</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And thus
are we but fodder for the gods</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And for
whose pleasure jester garb we wore</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or prison
stripes the day the laughter ceased</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In keeping
with that gods did as they pleased; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 18] </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I
will sing the praises of my God<br />
Who disciplines me for my errant ways</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By
bringing down upon my back a rod</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To teach
me good behavior all my days</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So that no
longer crooked is my path</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nor
devious as my thoughts were wont to be</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And hence
no longer targeted for wrath</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or
retribution was someone like me</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose
genes comprised of devilry and sin</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Inherited
from since the world began</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And in no
way diluted until thin</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No matter
were you woman, child or man</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As what
was in the blood was in the blood</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unless
flushed out by means of fire or flood; ... </span>[link # 19]<br /><span style="font-size: large;">
The devil promises us paradise</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
While leading us along the road to hell</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
With sugar-coated chocolate candy lies</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose
insides were an empty, worthless shell</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
wasn't known until it was too late</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And it was
time to answer for our deeds</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When
finding ourselves standing at the gate</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Beyond
which pleas for mercy no one heeds</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And where
the screams of souls condemned are heard</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And where
the scent of burning flesh is smelt</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And where
the thought of freedom is absurd</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When body
fat and tissue start to melt</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Forever
and forever without end</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
When time becomes a seamless, endless blend; ... </span>[link # 20]</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The wrath
of God which mortal can endure</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When city
blocks are leveled to the ground</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To claim
the lives of both the soiled and pure<br />
Whose lifeless bodies utter not a sound?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The wrath
of God which mortal can withstand<br />
When ten-foot ocean waves crash onto shore<br />
And devastate the populated land<br />
To claim the lives of both virgin and whore?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The wrath
of God which mortal can survive<br />
When crops go bad and famine strikes the earth<br />
To claim the lives of oldest man alive</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As well as
infants three days fresh from birth?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The wrath
of God is called by many names<br />
From destiny and luck to fun and games; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 21]<br /><span style="font-size: large;">
When momentarily God looks away</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
A cat comes limping home as from a fight</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Although
its injuries might make one say</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It fought
and fought and fought all through the night;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When
momentarily God's back is turned</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A dog gets
knocked down on a busy road</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And though
its hopes for long life end up spurned</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It does
not end up flattened like a toad;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When
momentarily God's eyes are shut</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A bus
falls off a cliff and people die</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And though
the cause might be a loosened nut</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They won't
be coming home for chicken pie;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God might
be dozing off an awful lot</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According
to the casualties we've got; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 22] </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How weak
and feeble is the human shell<br />
That falls apart in old age at the seams</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Unlike the
oldest monastery bell<br />
Whose chimes were still as clear as highland streams;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How frail
and fragile is the human flesh</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That
easily gets bruised as well as bleeds</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No matter
were you born in Bangladesh</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or in a
private hospital in Leeds;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How doomed
and mortal is the human form</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
viruses and germs attack at will</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
lightning turns to burnt toast in a
storm</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And small
projectiles to the heart doth kill;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How easily
destroyed is humankind</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
Is what in daily news reports you'll find; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[link # 23]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How easily we justify ourselves</span><br />
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And fool ourselves believing wrong is right</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When viewed through eyes not human but of elves</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And fairies born of angel dust and light</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We like to fool ourselves we were at times</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As evident in what we say or do</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not even were they classified as crimes</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As judged by God or men like me and you</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not even if the errors of our ways<br />
Leads us along a path of rocks and thorns<br />
As said to be the price somebody pays </span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For those whose heads concealed a pair of horns<br />
Not visible, folks, to the naked eye</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As grey hair neither was beneath the dye; ... </span>[link # 24]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The young before their time are snatched away</span><br />
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And everybody says, "Oh, what a shame,"</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not knowing it's a better price to pay</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Than adding sin upon sin to one's name</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As do we all from cradle to the grave</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According to the nature of
our hearts</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Regardless were you master or a slave</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or one whose songs were soaring on the charts</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As that is what we were since time began</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As walking in the ways of God is tough</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And meant more for a prophet than a man<br />
Whose endeavors are never quite enough</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In searching for what fuels his earthly goal</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And fills his belly, not his unseen soul; ... </span>[link # 25]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How nice to die and start life all anew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And do what in the eyes of God was right</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With no regard for one's own point of view</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Except for what was righteous in His sight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And thus be blessed from start until the end</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In all aspects of life including health</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which once was compromised was hard to mend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Regardless of one's ownership of wealth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As even wealthy men were known to die</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At some point or the other in their lives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About which honest medics wouldn't lie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To either them, their children or their wives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That hospitals could only do so much</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With all their life-extending tools and such; ... </span>[link # 26]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just as it's mentioned in the book of life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So too have we been struck down by the sword</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That we might not betray a faithful wife<br />And thus be cursed forever by the Lord</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who frustrates our attempts in doing wrong</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By chopping off our hands as well as feet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As sinfulness is easy to the strong</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As breathing air or walking down the street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And so have we been ruined in our sleep</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Such that we wake up to a world that's dark</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So that our victims do not have to weep</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Should we but see them and like wild dogs bark</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And so are we imprisoned in a cell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That we might not for misdeeds burn in hell; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 27]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The shaping and re-shaping of our lives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To make us go where we might not have gone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is sometimes done by using sculpting knives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or fishing hooks used in the Amazon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And in some cases plastic surgery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Performed upon a man against his will</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And though it might be seen as cruelty<br />It stops him doing that which makes him ill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like food he used to eat that's full of oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And what he used to smoke that harmed his health</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And leads to people buried in the soil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Regardless of their standings or their wealth<br />Which might prolong somewhat their days on earth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In places where they get their money's worth; ... </span>[link # 28]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How nice to die and leave this world behind<br />With all its troubles left behind as well<br />And in the afterlife some comfort find<br />Unless of course you find yourself in hell<br />In which case life on earth would be preferred<br />In spite of all its troubles I suppose<br />Although somebody else might be deterred<br />Such as a Martian with a funny nose<br />As life on earth was like a lucky draw<br />Whereby you died if lucky you were not<br />As ordained by the pulling of a straw<br />Or by its length while casting names by lot<br />To see who dies tonight while sound asleep<br />Or gets killed by a bear while herding sheep; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 29] </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And what of love romantics sing about<br />That sets the world ablaze with hopes and dreams</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And makes one from a rooftop want to shout</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The name of his beloved from its beams</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And tell the world of his undying love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For she who makes the robins sing and dance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And makes the sun shine brightly up above</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And gives the nights a hint of wild romance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And makes him skip where once he used to walk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And makes him glad where there was no joy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And makes him sing where once he used to talk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And makes him once again a little boy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Without a single worry in the world</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To care about as each new day's unfurled; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 30]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What song shall I sing thee, my Valentine,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This fourteenth day we lovers celebrate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we sit here by candlelight and dine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As lovers everywhere do on this date?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With eyes as deep as oceans full of love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And lips as sweet as honey found in jars</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thou art a goddess sent from up above</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To hold my hand and take me to the stars;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What song shall I sing thee, my lovely queen,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To celebrate the love I have for thee,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">O thou whose beauty men have not yet seen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As I, thy slave, with mine own eyes doth see?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How truly blessed a mortal am I, aye,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To be the chosen apple of thy eye; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 31]</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What sort
of verses did you have in mind</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When you
requested them from one as me?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My writing
skills of late have lagged behind</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As has
what love I may have had for thee</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which was
no fault of yours but one of mine</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For which
I once again apologize,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Deserving
death by drowning in the Rhine</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For
causing tears to flow down from your eyes</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For which
I hate myself with all my heart</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And curse
as well the day that I was born</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For better
life be snuffed out at the start</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Than be to
others like a jagged thorn</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That
causes pain wherever it doth grow</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
teardrops of the innocents to flow; … </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 32]</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The three
moles that surround your pretty nose</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do not
distract the viewer from your face</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As neither
do the sharp thorns from a rose</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose
beauty isn't dislodged from its place</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because it
is your eyes that strikes one most</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With deep
and piercing looks they did possess</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like one
in endless search from coast to coast</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For
something or someone without success</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And what
about the lips above your chin </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
represent the doorway to your heart</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And all
the love that may be found within</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
flows out once released by Cupid's dart<br />
And dazzles him who's spellbound by your charms</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And finds
his paradise within your arms? … </span>[link # 33]</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why does
it bother me till daylight ends<br />
To see your photos on somebody's wall</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Since we
were only social network friends</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who might
in this life never meet at all?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why does
it bother me like one gone mad</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To see
somebody else in love with you</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From all
the photographs of you he had </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Quite
openly displayed in public view?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What thorn
was this that pierced my side all day</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That's
been there from the moment it was known</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Somebody
else loved you from far away</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From
photographs of you he's made his own?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No hidden
meaning in what is unseen</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is hoped
in that which makes my brown eyes green; …</span> [link # 34]</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why is my
speech affected when we talk<br />
With words so slurred that they were hardly heard</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As if I
had a mouth that's full of chalk<br />
Which in my coffee had been slyly stirred?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Were you a
sorceress in false disguise</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose
spells made gibberish eloquent speech</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of anyone
who looked into your eyes</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or as you
spoke stared at your lips like peach?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why do my
hands shake every time we meet</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
butterflies inside my belly fly</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And why
does clumsiness engulf my feet</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When in
your presence stood or sat did I?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What is my
body language telling me:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That I
should be afraid of one like thee? … </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 35] </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When cats
go missing panic holds the reins<br />
And peace of mind is nowhere to be found</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
desperation races through the veins <br />
And screams in utmost pain without a sound;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When cats
stop coming home the mind goes mad<br />
And something in the heart begins to die</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And what
one thinks has happened is all bad</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As
optimism at this point's a lie;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When cats
go missing panic grips the heart</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
doesn't let go till it screams in pain</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And feels
as if it's being torn apart<br />
When calling out their names is done in vain;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A missing
cat might seem by nature mild</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But not
when likened to a missing child; … </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 36]</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just how
might one do evil with one's eyes<br />
If blind was what one had been since one's birth</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And how
might one weave tales from crafted lies<br />
If one had been mute all one's days on earth</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And how
might one do evil with one's hands<br />
If what one had in place of them were stumps<br />
Like others have laid waste to foreign lands<br />
With tools like armies, bombs and ammo dumps</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And how
might one do evil with one's mind<br />
If one had not the right amount of brains</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like
bandits of a certain gifted kind<br />
Who specialize in robbing banks and trains?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Without
the right tools - metal, flesh or wood</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div lang="en-MY" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One can do nothing whether bad or good; … </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 37]</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's been
a long time since you were last seen</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And fresh
still were the wounds that scarred my heart,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">O you who
were both lady and a queen</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And wore
your feline fur coat like an art;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I often
wonder in what form death came</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The day
you suddenly stopped coming home</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As did for
some a bullet with a name</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And others
in a hospital in Rome;<br />
It might've been most probably a dog<br />
Or as you crossed the road a passing car<br />
Which also kills by way of toxic smog<br />
In long term ways like nicotine and tar;<br />However, if by men your blood was shed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I swear
they shall to wolves be someday fed; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[link # 38]</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I
shall sing the praises of my God<br />
Who castrates his opponents in their sleep</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And knocks
their teeth out with an unseen rod<br />
And renders them as harmless as were sheep</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
thereby nipping evil in the bud</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before it
has a chance to spread its wings</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And drag
the innocents off through the mud</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or cause
the fall of kingdoms and their kings</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By
treachery or sorcery and such</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
sometimes murder by the king's own son</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose
hands at times conceal a woman's touch</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That lurks
behind the quest for battles won</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Regardless
of the cost in terms of blood</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That
sweeps away the fallen like a flood; ... </span>[link # 39]</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My
repertoire of culinary skills</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Encompasses
a range that's not too bad</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From
scrambled eggs on toast without the frills</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To sardine
sandwiches I learnt from dad;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Let's not
forget my instant noodle stew</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Into which
vegetables and stuff are thrown</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like in
the fashion of a witch's brew</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Into which
magic spells and stuff are sown;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Canned
mushroom soup's another favored dish</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For one
with little time or love for food</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who still
ensures there's always lot of fish</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For both
his cats in times of bad or good;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As long as
it is hassle-free and quick</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Come time
to cook and eat that's what I'll pick; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 40]</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do not
flee at the sound of gunshots heard<br />
Or from exploding mortar rounds next door<br />
For though they might be fatal to a bird<br />
Or to an infant crawling on the floor</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
revellers behind it are mere kids</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or most of
them at least are anyway</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And come
their festivals they make their bids<br />
For having firecracker fun all day</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And every
night before their big day comes</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
either you get used to or you don't</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As bombs
explode from cities to the slums </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As even
cops can't stop them or they won't</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And so for
visitors, a friendly tip:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Bring
earplugs on your next Malaysian trip; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 41]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How nice
to be a pebble on a beach</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And never
have to worry about food</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From one
meal to the next which cook books teach<br />
Was an adventure underneath the hood<br />
And not the chore it might appear to be<br />
To those with little love or time for it<br />
As in the case of specimens like me </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who tired
of its bottomless-like pit</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Located in
the belly of the beast<br />
Whose hungry mouth was never satisfied<br />
Regardless of how bountiful the feast</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or rich
the culinary course it plied</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
rendered weak its host if lax were you</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As
bottomless-like pits were wont to do; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 42] </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A new year
has begun and what have we?</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Islamic
militants and severed heads,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Good
falling-oil-price news for you and me,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh,
airline travel everybody dreads</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With every
new disaster that unfolds,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A round of
peace talks with the Russian bear</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About its
neighbor's garden it now holds</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By proxy
though the uniforms they wear</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Belie the
flag the rebels battle for,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
monsoon season turning land to sea</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And making
thousands scramble out the door</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As TV
viewers watch while sipping tea,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The power of a cartoon from a pen</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That
brings forth blazing guns and enraged men; ... </span>[link # 43] </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"No
leftovers for us," so say my cats,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"And
each time we get fed we want it fresh</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, no,
we're not as spoiled as other brats</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nor were
we what's called cuteness in the flesh;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's just
that scavengers we weren't since birth</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Unlike the
backyard cats that came and went</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As were the billion strays that walked the earth</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who lived
not in a home but in a tent</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And heavy
on the chicken if you please<br />
And let the backyard cats have all the fish</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">'Cos when
addiction overtakes disease<br />
That's all you want to see piled on your dish<br />
Or maybe it's our taste buds that's to blame</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For liking
chicken without any shame." </span><span style="font-size: large;"> …</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>[link # 44] </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Unwanted
kitten dumping season's here</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As
symbolized by what's outside my gate</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And dumped
by someone when the coast was clear</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And that
would mean at night when it was late</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
probably because it was a girl</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which in
these parts meant babies all the time </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which
someone without heirs would treat like pearl</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And not
like being female was a crime</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As was the
case in some parts of the world </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Where
sons-in-law were bought with cash and gifts</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And rolls
of silk embroidered and unfurled</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And on the
wedding night a skirt that lifts:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A bonus
that's part of the bridal price</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Paid by
the parents without thinking twice; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> [link # 45]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Arab
Spring has reached Malaysian shores</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But Najib
and his armies step aside</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And even
grant safe passage to the scores</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of yellow
T-shirts marching side by side</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Demanding
that he hand over his crown</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For
millions he received from overseas</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In private
bank accounts somewhere in town </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kept
undisclosed in spite of public pleas</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But to his
credit tear gas isn't used<br />
To clear the streets crammed full of yellow shirts</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
salvage traffic codes that were abused</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By
law-sidestepping folk in jeans and skirts;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As long as
everyone is safe from harm</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
victory of this round's in his palm; </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
… </span> [link # 46]<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imprisoned,
aren't we all, by full-time jobs</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or marital
commitments, some might say,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Resulting
in domesticated slobs</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whose full
potential see no light of day;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imprisoned,
aren't we all, by petty things</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like food
and water, clothes, a bed, a roof,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scoffed at
by creatures born with feathered wings</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Such as
the eagle, regal and aloof;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imprisoned,
aren't we all, by things like greed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And lust
and anger, jealousy and hate,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which lead
to sores that fester, wounds that bleed,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
maggots that come crawling out the gate;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imprisoned,
aren't we all, by life on earth</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In prison
cells of flesh and blood since birth; </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
… </span>[link # 47]<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Accordingly
as we have been equipped</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So too the
lives that we were destined for:<br />
For some as soldiers off to war zones shipped</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While others find their calling in a store;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Accordingly
as we've been cursed or blessed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So too the
nature of our destinies:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For some
to bring forth children as you've guessed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While others bomb our homes and families;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Accordingly
as we've been shaped and carved</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So too the
paths for which we were ordained:<br />
For some to eat like kings and yet be starved</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While others walk with God and yet are stained;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No destiny
can ever be fulfilled</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
Unless the right tools needed were first milled;</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">...</span> [link # 48]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mister Nice Guy I have always been</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Has learnt the hard way sometimes to say 'no'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Resulting from the blackouts on my screen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The times I did not say 'no' like a pro;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mister Nice Guy I once used to be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Has now learnt to say 'sorry, try next door'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As it was better looking out for 'ME'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Than cleaning someone's vomit off the floor;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mister Nice Guy hat I once had worn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Was now collecting dust inside a box</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As it was better blowing my own horn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Than looking for somebody's missing ox;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Advisable it was to not be nice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If sharks were spotted and thin was the ice; </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">...</span> [link # 49]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If I were to but dip these feet of mine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Into a pond of pure Shakespearean verse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My tongue would soon be slurred from too much wine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And alien would my language be or worse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And anyone that did but hear me speak</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Would think of me as quirky, strange or odd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And in these modern times a language freak</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who should in language terms be better shod</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like one who hath the knowledge gained in schools</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And hath the application skills as well</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And doeth not the wrong that's right for fools</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nor doth he in the archaic past dwell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As wouldst thou too wert thou a fool like me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And if that's so, plus Shakespeare, that makes three;</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> ... [link # 50]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If I composed a sonnet every day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I would in fifty days have fifty more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To add to a collection, if I may,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Describe as something unheard of before</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As who made sonnets linked to form a chain<br />Especially these modern days in time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Except someone perhaps with half a brain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And wit enough to look for words that rime</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And count off syllables from one to ten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which any child most certainly could do</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And pick a word that rhymes with 'ten' like 'hen'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Instead of something else found in the zoo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of words that rhyme and pictures that they paint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like those that make you smile or make you faint; </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">... [link # 51]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Men oftentimes forget they are not gods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And act accordingly in all they do</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like hunting polar bears with sharpened rods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And cougars, elk, an elephant or two</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For trophies to be hung up on their walls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or photographs to show off to their friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As if that mirrored how big were their b*lls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In tandem with contemporary trends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like social media websites nowadays</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Where all their hunting trophies were displayed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And sparked debates between the 'ayes' and 'nays'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And left the nature-loving groups dismayed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And led to children asking parents why</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Such creatures that harmed no one had to die; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">[link # 52]</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When
writers hit a wall their minds go blank<br />
And silent are the mighty pens they wield</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Somewhat
like having nothing in the bank</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or having
farm tools but a barren field;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When
writers hit a wall the lights go out</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And all
that's left to do is close up shop</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Somewhat
like planting season hit by drought</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
sun-scorched skies from which falls not a drop;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When
writers hit a wall the taps run dry</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And all
related work comes to a halt</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Somewhat
like breaking eggs one means to fry</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But
pulling out the plug for lack of salt;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A
temporary thing, this writer's block,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As ships
at some point must return to dock; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[link # 53]<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beware she who controls you with her eyes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And guides you with a sweetness in her voice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As for her sake you will indulge in lies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Should complications leave you little choice;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Beware she who controls you with a smile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And guides you with a softly spoken word</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As for her sake you will do what was vile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Were nobler options better off deferred;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Beware she who controls you with her charms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And guides you with a slight touch of the hand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As for her sake you will resort to arms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Should actions less dramatic seem less grand;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A dangerous phenomenon was love:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before you touch it, better wear a glove; ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[link # 54]</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My
fortified defenses have been breached</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
overrun by an invading force<br />
Whose spear tip has my inner sanctum reached<br />
In hopes of choking life off at its source;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My
impregnable fortress has been stormed<br />
And overrun by kamikaze hordes<br />
And where my last defenses have re-formed,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Beneath
their feet were thin and flimsy boards;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My
fortified defenses have been crushed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
overrun by chariots of war</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In waves
till all resistance has been hushed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And
lifeless were the bodies on the shore;</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, influenza
is at times a bitch,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Its remedy concocted by a witch; </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. . . </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[link # 55]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes it takes a blow to slow you down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From going way too fast for your own good</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or wading in too deep where people drown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Such as the wrong side of the neighborhood;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes it takes a kick to set you straight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(The best type's executed from behind)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From circling round the corners of an 'eight'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(As happens in the field or in the mind);</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes it takes a punch to wake you up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Not necessarily from someone's fist)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From seeing not the overflowing cup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(As foggy was the mind or was it mist?);</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Misfortune is at times a wake-up call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For getting rid of termites in the hall; </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. . . </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[link # 56]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">The tide has turned, the enemy retreats,<br />Again the regimental colors fly<br />As heard again too were the drummer's beats<br />And the rejuvenated battle cry;<br />The worst has passed, the best was yet to come<br />Or better times than recent days at least<br />And better though they be there will be some<br />Where not entirely vanquished was the beast;<br />A new day dawns, the darkness fades away<br />Together with the demons of the night<br />And while the sun doth shine let's maketh hay<br />Before nightfall returns with all its might;<br />The human body may be fit and strong<br />But when attacked by germs, the night is long; </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">. . . </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">[link # 57]</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Angel of Death passeth overhead</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And seeth not the lamb's protective blood</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He strangles in their cribs four babies dead</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And goes off like a hurricane or flood</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In search of others destined for the grave</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Regardless of how spotless were their hearts</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Such as belonged to bear cubs in a cave</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Or to their mothers carted off in carts</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To bile farms or to circuses and zoos</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But not to slaughterhouses for their meat</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Such as the spotless-hearted type that moos</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Or other spotless-hearted types that bleat;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">My four cat babies buried with their bowls</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Had not an ounce of evil in their souls. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">. . . [link # 58]</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tentacles Of Death were still around</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As evidenced by one more feline death</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Which happened from afar without a sound</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As would an arrow snuffing out one's breath</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whilst targetted was one more in its sights</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whose sister just the other day was slain</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">And whose own days were darkened as were nights</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">For two days now while silent was its pain</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">But now the worst of fears knocks on my door</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As missing has it been since night didst fall</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nor was it on its cushion on the floor</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I came home and stepped into the hall;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, dear, what's that across the road ahead</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inside a roadside gutter, cold and dead? </span>. . . [link # 59]</div><div style="margin: 0in;"><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A house devoid of cats' s an empty house</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's ripe for homeless demons on the prowl</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As well as other creatures like the mouse</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">That need to hide from creatures like the owl;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A house devoid of cats's a barren place</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where nothing grows or lives upon the land</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just as upon the moon you'll find no trace</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of life of any sort but rock and sand; </span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A house devoid of cats's an empty nest</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Which although once was full of life and joy</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">And always warmed the insides of one's chest</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Was now as lifeless as a broken toy;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A house devoid of cast's an empty shell</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where wandering ghosts and demons come to dwell;</span> . . . [ link # 60]</div></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The devil showed himself to me today</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">In miniature serpentine-like guise</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I was not about to run away</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I knew all about his charming lies</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">And had on me the armor of my god</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">And therefore had no fear at all in me</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As blameless was the path on which I trod</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just as my robes were spotless as could be</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I say this not as I was a saint</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or well-versed in the teachings of some book</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Which everyone I knew would say I ain't</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">And even might suggest I was a crook</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">But as the armor of the gods I wore,</span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">On second thoughts, I think I'll say no more; </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>. . . [link # 61]</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">. . . [to be contd.]</span></div></span></div></span></div></div></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Leo Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15030887222703508435noreply@blogger.com