CliffSongs

  Troubadour   He could smell it, Troubadour that he was, Feather in his hat, Harp at his back. He sensed an ill, A tribulation, A wrongness that had settled, And the village distant was imperiled dire.   He was only a troubadour, A traveler and a singer, A player and a tramp, His continued existence Relying solely on goodwill earned From the tales he could tell, The song that he knew, And the instruments of his trade.   In the village ahead he knew, He would sing again.   The ravage had not lain long on the hamlet, Nor had its grotesqueries found all as yet, But it was swift-moving, And indiscriminate. The lone figure approaching Would be warned off by sign, If he could read, By arrow if he could not.   The troubadour hardly glanced at the posting: Too like others he had seen, Too often that were writ. The first arrow passed close, The next would require a keen aim, If it were not me...

  Ritual   The rhyme is uttered out of turn, The cadence cold and spoken stern. A rite fraught with an ill intent, A ritual meant to torment. An obsession never earned, Wishes whispered in nocturn. Mere fancy when night holds sway, Delusion in the light of day. Curses spoke in dark of moon, Repeated now in eldritch tune. Misfortune cast meant to destroy, Symbols in arcane employ. Hieroglyph and ancient rune, Books and scrolls and walls festoon. Pages have been read and turned, Herbs that have been crushed and burned. Figures carved and subtly named, Creatures caught and foully framed. Uncanny motions, secret dance, Bizarre potions, fevered trance, Seize the night, oppose mischance, Nothing left to circumstance! Light is dawning, rite complete, He has no plans the sun to greet. Night has waned, and day begin, This time has passed fortune to spin. Time to rest, gain strength and then…   Tomorrow he will try again. ...

  Top Dogs   Who puts themselves above us, Or at least out of reach? Who delivers potent lessons, But will not practice what they preach? Who demands your willing sacrifice, That they covertly leech? Listen for the victim’s voice, That from on high does screech.   How long must you climb To where the depths of sin are found? How low must you go To where you are duly crowned? How high do you fly Before you run aground? Oh, it’s a long way down to Where the men at the top are found.   These masters and commanders Expect the most of you. The more that you accomplish, The less that they must do. They move on down the line, While you wait in the queue, And follow all the laws they give you, The ones that they eschew.   How long must they climb To where the depths of sin are found? How low must they go To where they are duly crowned? How high do they fly Before they run aground? Yes, it’s a long way...

  Test   Onto this plane he has been set, In this world but the guest. Many days still lie ahead, Before he takes his rest. Naked does he enter, And we hope for the best. Markedly is he watched, Many is the test.   Sent out into the world, There is attempt to advise it: “Reality is simple, One only has survive it.”   In this existence we are set, In this life we but guests. Many days will lie ahead Before we take our rest. Naked are we sent out, And we expect the best. Trials beset our watch, Many is the test.   Unlearned step into the world, A word spoken in private: “Reality is ample, It is up to you to thrive it.”   We find ourselves in this place set, Remember we are guests. Days and days are still ahead, Before we come to rest. Naked were we sent out, And we must make the best, Of what is given on our watch, Many is the test.   Unversed we venture in the world, It’s sa...

  The Coffee   They won’t let you Have all the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee that you want. I want to have All the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee that I want.   Sun’s up! First Cup! Leave me be, don’t interrupt! Big cup! Bottoms up! I need my caffeine hookup!   They won’t let you Have all the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee that you want. I want to have All the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee that I want.   Drive through, dark brew, Don’t wanna see me cuckoo! Review, maybe two, I have work I must get to!   They won’t let you Have all the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee that you want. I want to have All the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee that I want.   Brain chem mayhem, Can’t slow down in front of them. 3 PM, REM, How can I wake up again?   They won’t let you Have all the coffee, All the coffee, All the coffee...

  Marathon   Murder on the mainland, Death in the high seas, Desperate distractions, Expect more of these. Officials in the hot seat, See them fail the test. Shifting blame elsewhere, Doing what they do best.   They carry on with their carrying on, And I can’t get no rest. We’re in some kind of marathon, For god’s sake, Let me catch my breath!   Hey there Mr. Money Man, What did you diddly do? Babies on the island, I’m looking in the Who’s Who. I hear what the survivors say, You don’t come away so clean… Maybe you didn’t, but maybe you did, And maybe it’s Maybelline.   They want us to just move along, Give the thing a rest. It’s like some kind of marathon, And I can’t catch my breath.   No more nights in dirty town, No more getting your dirty on. Maybe you need to go to ground, What goes around comes around. No more attempted land-nabber, No more unasked-for crotch-grabber. No more bl...

  Talisman and Loss   The talismans were scattered, And the world was lost.   It was dark then, Peril leered from every shadow. Creation was in the balance. Eldritch forces sought to wrest control, And failing that, To null it completely. They minded not that they too were of creation, Such was the evil of them.   Forces too there were of Life, They heard the music ‘twixt the worlds, Reveled in those harmonies, Though they be at times powered and violent, Or somber and searching. Equal they were in number and strength to the foe, So war raged ever in the cosmos, And much was lost That could not be made again. Then sought they aid from other creatures, With other wisdoms, And talismans were made in defense.   The talismans were fashioned, And hope lit hearts that were thought lost.   Smiths there were upon this world, Skilled at handcraft, And easily taught. Eager minds had they, And hunger ...

  New Faces and Old Fiends   Ancient tales confess knowledge of hulking beasts, Of unnatural beings that walked this world, Giants and ogres, Behemoths of violent inclination, Savage worms breathing destruction, The incubus, The succubus, Archfiends gathering souls, Or tricksters craving malicious outcome.   What monsters have we now?   Infernal in deed, Ascending high places, Sullying hallowed space, Gorging on the innocent, Ravaging the earth, Despoiling populations, Desecrating every habitat. Like to man in appearance and habit, They are monsters just the same.   They feed on the dreams of the desperate, But find the nightmare much more sweet, So, in secret conclave, They create the conditions required For horrors in everyday life. They smile in the face of starvation, They dance while bombs fall, They celebrate their savvy safety, While drunk on the tears of survivors.   They glorify th...

  Washington Goose Step   They lie, prevaricate, distort the facts, No time to govern, covering tracks. Bombastic babbling, targeted backs, Façade crumbles, black hearts bleed through the cracks.   Who still believes the sharpened tooth smiles? Who still believes in 4D chess wiles? Who still treads water in his talking point bile? Who still believes that he ain’t in the files?   Who stands there secretly on the run? Whose daily moves are always set on stun? Who gives the orders behind criminal guns? We need all of this over and done!   They ain’t never satisfied with what they’ve got: Sticky fingers inserted into every pot. Content to contaminate all with their rot, And tell all of us to be happy with our lot.   Who still believes that man ain’t a child? Who still believes that Vlad ain’t on speed dial? Who still believes he doesn’t want to hear “Heil!” Who still believes that he ain’t in the files?  ...

  In the Fire-Fens   Only a fool walks the fire-fens. Out there where the senses end. Some never return again, From a foolish night in the fire-fens.   This tale begins where it should end: A brave lad found at loose ends. An unwise wager made with friends: A dare to brave the fire-fens.   One night only he should spend, One night in the fire-fens. With warm regard these fellows send, With what fate would he contend?   Sometimes a fool tries the fire-fens, That vie with the senses of men. Some are known to return again, After the night in the fire-fens.   Bravely forth our lad intends. Bravely to the fire-fens. Therein he finds what not was kenned: The very spirit of the fire-fens.   Fire-red tresses she did tend, And soul-deep eyes that beckoned. Then all time seemed to suspend, And the lad was lost to the fire-fens.   Not some fool walks the fire-fens. Out here where senses conten...

  Murder and Policy   Faceless men that claim provoked, Another life has been revoked. Immediate, the White House spoke: Immediate mirrors and smoke.   Might this be just as they’re saying? Washington-approved slaying? Before this goes any further, Mr. Trump, you sanctioned murder?   No more rights for you and me: They ain’t right, and you ain’t free. This is exactly as you see: Murder is the policy.   What could prompt such fevered will? The truth will out, the poison pill. When they get close, you know the drill: See Jeffery’s ghost, state sponsored kill.   Who needs their intention masked? Who’s afraid we’ll see their past? This must be discussed further, Donald Trump, you sanction murder.   No more rights for you and me: They ain’t right, and you ain’t free. This is exactly as you see: Murder is the policy.   Who will cover for past sin? The complicit go all in. Unrighteous an...

  Hard Shell Breakage on Pennsylvania Avenue   Talk About Cowardly Office: Set the price Back it down Pretend that there is a plan Look for land Gain no ground That’s just about on brand   The Always Completely Obscure: Just two weeks We can’t wait Sounds like there’s something in store Two more weeks So you state At least now we know the score   This Always Claimed Outburst: The biggest Not ever Never been heard of before So many Not any Listening is become a chore   Take Another Close Observation: Bad numbers Bad polling When did the prices come down? False promise All trolling The tables are turning ‘round.   There’s A Corrosive Agent: Tough talking Slow walking No follow-through on a caper All squawking All balking This kitty is made of paper   Temper Always Causes Obstinance: The mess up The ketchup The losing that goes on and on Some dress up Caress up ...

  Bugs Meets the ICE Patrol   Uneducated, untrained and on the loose, Making their violence from any excuse. Fathead’s failures got him turning up the juice, Who signed up for these terms of abuse?   Let the icy stand where they are, Let’s confront them with the bizarre: Will they find a glitter bomb too far? And it seems fart spray soaks into Kevlar.   When they show up Can you hear the circus music play? Clown all of these clowns, Get them out of our way. Humor is greater than hate On any old day, Our smiles and our laughter Will win the day.   Want to un-camo a goon? How about some paint in a water balloon? They think they are so immune, Let’s see how they like being lampooned.   Maybe let the air from a tire, Maybe some dog shit in a bag on fire. Sign them all Wile E. Esquire, Turn their efforts comically haywire.   When they show up Can you hear the circus music play? Clown all of t...

  Republic Retrospection   Fading Fuhrer map selection, Minions try to slow defection. Old guard tries to skew detection, And bury unwise misdirection.   Today’s gesture of deception: Kosplay Kommandant projection: The brave bullies need protection! Another day of infection.   Is this how the Republic dies: With shocked silence and open eyes? Will you wave goodbye where the eagle flies? Is this how the Republic dies?   And the marching boys once so proud, All are masked, aren’t seen out loud. Oath-breakers, life-takers in shroud, False immunity they’re endowed.   Lady Justice scales corroded, The House minister that has toaded. Too long was this foreboded: The Lawless’ guns are now loaded.   Is this how the Republic dies: With shocked silence and open eyes? Will you wave goodbye as the eagle flies? Is this how the Republic dies?   Brutal boys disguising. Criminals comprising. Anne...

  Contest   Long dark and fear at the edges, He barely remembers the name. The sharp sword and ancient pledges, None but he left to quench the flame.   Sorcelor’s word and promise made, He must travel the unclean way. Grace deferred and the bounty paid, Of the final price, who can say?   Cold-hearted and a colder life, He chosen for the lack of heir. Bold martyr, he will face the strife, Though none maybe to mark him there.   Infernal rage, risen to burn, Who better to face reddened scourge? Last of his kind, his resolve stern, Will he earn the funeral dirge?   The foe before him, grown too bold, His reckoning draws to him near. No woe deters him, grown too cold, Battle beckoning without fear.   Icy veined, and his sword in hand, Red fury seems an overmatch. The burning bane, he makes his stand, What fee can his achievement catch?   The fiery clash, they now meet, Neither will stall...

  High Seat   I am stupid and pliable, I’m a little insane. I am corrupt and I’m liable, I get off on your pain. I make praise to dear leader, Look at him dewy-eyed, I throw him crayons for his reader, And repeat his hooey lies.   Just swallow our defenses, Do not trust your own senses, We are allowed these offenses, Say the robes on supreme benches. I am human incomplete, I am yet so hard to beat, I am a gimp that’s sitting In a Cabinet seat.   Well, I am a gimp in a Cabinet seat, I aim to see you stay under our feet. We don’t care if you all hit the street, We’ll take it all; you’ll take a backseat.   I am a toy and I’m a tool, My mind is not my own. I am a ploy and I am cruel, I will burn this your home. Have benefits been disrupted, For me there’s no effect. It’s just that I’m corrupted, And our foot is on your neck.   We say things so ridiculous, That you are getting so sick of us. ...

  Shots Fired   Shots fired, The assault begun, War in the streets of America. Pale house of Pennsylvania Avenue: You have given murder a pass, This bloodstain Cannot be covered in orange paint. You have made yourselves known, You have chosen.   Where can this path lead? You believe you can hide behind shameful action, Your shame is known, Your crimes shadow every move, You took the largest stage, And all eyes are on you.   Shots fired, The offensive launched, War on the populace of America. Homeland Insecurity, The lie is too bold, The murder too plain, You are too complicit, You display your colors, You have chosen.   Where does this road lead? You believe you can invert the story, The facts are known, The cameras captured every move, You lie at every stage, Too many eyes have been opened.   Shots fired, The onslaught commenced, War on the core of America. Correspondence and com...

  The Animal Cornered   An animal is cornered. It snarls and claws, Its defense is reflexive and desperate: The animal is cornered.   Is capture inevitable? It retreats to darker holes, Or to hide behind obscuring items, It will not abide capture…   The animal lashes out. It savages what is within reach, It tears at more as it rages, The animal is lashing out.   What damage may ensue? What thoughtless carnage supplied? The moment is the matter, Consequence is never considered.   The animal begins to rave. Illness long conquered its senses, All that is left is fear and fury, The animal is raving.   Survival of the torment it imagines is paramount, Reality is of its own design. Perspective is long lost, Fight or flight is what remains.   An animal is cornered. It bites and mauls, Its defense is reflexive and desperate: The animal is cornered.   What may tame the brute? ...

  Dreamless   Where do you go in deepest night? What phantasms there in your sight? What horrors found when your mind takes flight? What fears grip you in nightly rite?   Into darkness you descend, A hole that you can never mend. Into a darkness you descend, The place where you cannot pretend. Into your dark you descend, Dread the only dividend. Into the dark you descend, Where the empty never ends.   What you’ve stolen you must preserve, But you have been closely observed. It all just gets on your last nerve – The destination you deserve:   Into darkness you descend, A hole that you can never mend. Into a darkness you descend, The place where you cannot pretend. Into your dark you descend, Dread the only dividend. Into the dark you descend, Where the empty never ends.   In the belly of the beast you’ve ridden high, In the belly of the beast you’ve gotten by. In the belly of the beast do the ru...

  Stain   What once was tarnished Is now stained. What pride is there In petty aggression? What has been verified Beyond savage greed? How do we hold freedom aloft With our heel planted on the neck? What oily advantage have we procured? What ego has been stroked? What wickedness steered from? What wickedness performed? A spotty reputation Is now smeared with blood. Have we gained security? Or are we now more suspect? “We…” I do not recall sanctioning this aggression. I do not remember an appeal to Congress. “We.” Are we to be punished, Rebuked, Scorned, For the ambitions And the fears, Of one man, Soiled in spirit, Soiled in his very clothes. What pride is there in that? Will we accept his stain? Who among us has earned that mark? Who will willingly wear it? Who among us Has so little regard for themselves That they will allow the crimes of one man To brand us all? Our nation was tarnished, Yes, No...

  Course Correction.   A corrupt regime, Authoritarian and abusive. State media control and Crimes against humanity. Suspect elections, Opposition crushed out of hand. External political interference, Economic hardship in-country. A despot remaining in power Through means nefarious, Condemned by International Court, Are we to ignore all this? We must do what we do!   The good part is: Russia has oil.   So much that is wrong, We have the power to correct! How can they stand against our might? A mighty eagle are we that we may swoop in, Remove the tyrant, Make that far country our own! We will free the masses from oppressive rule! We will calm the waters disturbed! We will raise our banners high, We will drill deeply because:   Russia has oil.   Let the world rejoice! We will assert our justice! We will manage the situation! We will make ourselves known! We will step on some toes! Who w...

  The Price of a Meal   The dusted day drags, The parched pastures pass, Their parched people peer, None come this way, Yet he is now among them.   They will not accept him: He is Outside, He is Outland, He cannot know their troubles, None that have not lived them may.   They would drive him, Were it not for his bearing, Were it not for his sigil, And the weapons he carries – Those speak to worse troubles yet.   He seeks the inn, Little more than a brew-sell, Thought it speaks of lodge. He will be overcharged. He will be overcharged by all. Until.   It has not been a fortnight That the messenger arrived. Messenger, ha! A child! Sent by whom she would not say, She was not pressed for it, The fear on her spoke clear.   They had come: Rovers, rogues and robbers, Long were they tracked, Their path too uneven, Their targets too well chosen.   Flush with ill gain, They mel...