don't rush past

shhh, she whispered
as she held him close
my love keeps the night at bay

shhh, she whispered
as she stroked his hair
don't worry come what may

shhh, she whispered
as she kissed his face
the morn never fails to come

shhh, she whispered
though a tear touched her cheek
your cup overflows with grace

shhh, she whispered
as his eyes slowly closed
rest well though you wander far

shhh, she whispered
as his head reached her lap
He knows your dreams yet unspoken

shhh, she whispered
as his breath crept away
there's your room in unending day

carousel

down by the river
that some can't pronounce
old painted horses
get ready to dance
someone's nostalgia
preserved their wood hearts
so kids can come ride
if their iPad is dead
around and around
with benches between
up and down
at a pace quite serene
for those who can pause
leave the merry-go-around
laugh like the child
they left far behind
its garish paint pairs
with music of tin town
and none can quite say
what that is about
who's twirling who
around and around
a break from the spin
on an old painted horse
getting ready to dance

burning

a red sun rises in a smoky sky
a dying world fallen prey
to consequence-free people
o my land what have they done?
my heart aches for your stately trees
once a sea of green far as sight
now embers and blackened trunks
the outcome of supreme thoughtlessness
i've lost my escape ring somewhere
there is no longer an exit from Jadis's world
toil and trouble, smoke and ash
i must find hope under this sickly sun
forgive even the worst of these
know in time i will find the door
leave forever this wounded life
come further up and further in