Barry Middleton

I wish that I had written you
when I was young and strong and wise
I knew that I would never die
I'd face the world without disguise
...

both are like the falling leaves
a tale that no one ever believes
a passing season and a lover
...

Big psychotic eyes and vicious beak,
you convey terror to the lesser species.

Feathers askance like a professor's hair,
...

there are so many things I did not say
I may have hinted once or twice
but that is not enough
...

my sole meek wish was
to be naked as the rain
to be eloquent as the rose
...

I cherish early morning,
the lonely time.

To wait and watch the glow,
...

if love is a promise in spring
so love may as surely take wing
for springtime must end
though lovers pretend
...

I save the bits and pieces of the past
the trinkets and the faded photographs

disheveled like the windblown autumn leaves
...

Some are made of arrogance,
and some are made from steel.
Protection is imperative,
so all must raise their shield.
...

I know they retired
my favorite word,
why I never will know.
But I plan an attack
...

they say that knives can kill
but that is not the purpose
of a knife
...

I got used to being a verb
usually transitive of course
holding lovers, moving mountains
rushing about banging into things
...

I might, I can, I will, I must
that's all I know that I can trust

I could, I shall, I guess, I may
...

the relevant secrets elude me
the tree of life and knowledge
alas banned for unknown motives
...

Because he coveted beauty
above wisdom or power,
death would be his destiny.
Wisdom may have saved him.
...

the one I loved has gone before
a diamond in the night
she rests amid the silent stars
and hidden from my sight
...

the window moon is bright
the muted world is still
and there is peace within
but night has brought a chill
...

I lost you on a chilly night
in autumn

now only in my dreams may you
...

Come walk with me this final mile,
and grant to me a parting whim.
We shan't go deep into the woods,
or stroll the main street in the town.
...

if ever he did speak in words
for long he has been mute

and yet there is a whispered wind
...