'Twas nearing night's end, the full Moon, yet to pale
Gave light to my feet as I was drawing nigh.
The wee man in green heard a sound, gave a yell
And t'ward a small hole 'neath the willows did fly.

His bag was still lying by chuckling stream,
Forgotten in haste as he made his escape.
I picked up the bag; it was light as a dream
And felt cold as death. Hair arose on my nape.

I looked to the hole 'neath the willows. Surprise!
For there was a door, opened wide, in the roots.
The wee man stood there; hands on hips, blazing eyes.
His face, brown and wrinkled, near matching his boots.

"Please give me my bag; for I've worked the night thru
To pick the best moonbeams, upon which to dine."
"My clan is quite large though that's nothing to you."
"The beams will all spoil from the slightest sunshine."

Quite taken aback by his speech and high voice
With hesitant steps, I returned the small sack.
"Forgive my intrusion, it wasn't by choice."
"I'm camping near by and I simply lost track."

"I love to go strolling before morning's break."
"I've done so for decades; since I was a lad."
"I heard the brook chuckle." "My thirst I would slake
And never intended to scare you so bad."

The wee man then smiled and his self introduced.
He'd placed his moonbeams in the hole, where 'twas dark.
"I'm Ian, the Gnome!" A clay pipe he produced.
The smoke it emitted smelled like rotten bark.

He perched on a root by the door, pipe aglow.
And asked if I'd ever seen people like him.
I sat on a rock, by the brook, down below.
Said "No!" "But I've read all the stories by Grimm."

"I've been fascinated, since I could first read
With all the old stories of ages, long past."
"The fairies and elves, dwarfs and gnomes, oh indeed!"
"But when first I saw you, I was so aghast."

"We're led to believe that you're myths; never real."
"That dragons to warlocks are figments of mind."
"That's nonsense, of course!" "May I ask how you feel?"
"And I beg your pardon if I've been unkind!"

Ian hesitated, he wasn't quite sure
If he should hop down, go inside, shut his door.
The sunrise would soon be too much to endure
But his willow trees would shade him a bit more.

He said, "It's been long since I talked to a man,
For most are too brutish, uncouth, unrefined."
"If I had but seen how you were, ere I ran
I'd know you love nature, are honest and kind."

"You still haven't told me your name." "Might I ask?"
"For I so dislike having strangers around."
"I'm Colin O'Brian." I pulled out my flask
Of good Irish Whiskey no one could turn down.

Ian's leather face was aglow with his smile.
My flask, which I offered, was soon at his lips.
"I haven't a taste of this brew in a while."
"I'm sorry!" "I left but a couple of sips."

I said to wee Ian, "I really don't mind."
"I filled it last night from a case I just bought."
Ian took the offer, said "Thanks, you're too kind."
"Would you like a taste of the moonbeams I caught?"

Not wanting this very strange visit to end
I said, "Just a bite." "Save the rest for your clan."
Ian got his bag, reached inside and then grinned.
"Here's one you'd enjoy." "It tastes like lemon flan."

True to Ian's word, it was as he had said.
The flavor was tart; near too much to endure.
Then warmth, head to toe, in my body did spread.
I was very drunk from one bite. I'm quite sure.

Ian's hearty laugh told me he was aware.
He said, "The effect will not last for too long."
"I felt since you gave me a drink, I would share."
"I think you enjoyed it." "Tell me, was I wrong?"

Agreeing with Ian, my head twirling 'round.
The Sun, barely up, and me drunk as a lush.
I felt as though it was a keg I had downed.
I wanted to sing but I told myself, "Hush."

After a few minutes, 'twas sober as ere.
I asked Ian if beams affected him thus.
"Only the real strong ones, but they are quite rare."
"Your bite, we give babes when they're starting to fuss."

"You are the first Man in the last thousand years
To taste of the Moon." "It's not normally done."
"In fairness, your whiskey has tingled my ears."
"Your kindness and friendship did warrant some fun."

"Men can't eat the moonbeams unless given free."
"Besides, it takes magic to catch them just right."
"You may never get one again, 'cept from me,
And I'm only out with the full Moon at night."

"Please pardon me, Colin." "I must go inside."
"The Sun is now up and my shade soon won't be."
Then turning, Ian closed the door, which did hide
All traces of any entrance 'neath the tree.

Not one to be rude, I got up from my rock;
Put flask in my pocket and drank from the stream.
I looked at my watch. It was near eight o-clock.
I thought to myself, "Was this all just a dream?"

And as I walked back through the meadow, once more,
All nature was fresher then ever, to me.
Amazed by the wonders this world has in store
Though none like the moonbeams I ate 'neath that tree.

The years pass me by and my thoughts often go
To that silvered meadow where new friends were made.
Wee Ian, the Gnome, living somewhere below
Those old willow trees, with not quite enough shade.

As You Like It

(The Fisher or the Beauty)

Treading softly 'fore the dawning, Comes the fisher" cross the moor.
Carries hope afresh this morning, Tackle ready for the chore.

Rainbow colors are his choices, Taken from all natures throng.
Listens to the creatures voices, Smiles at their familiar song.

Sun creeps o'er the gorse and heather, Gentle breezes, rippling spring.
Asks not for more perfect weather As he drinks his tea with cream.

Now to battle with the Beauty; Picks with care his weapon small
Hoping it will do its duty. Strips his line out; readies all.

Watch the stream for telltale ridges, Casts his line with surest grace
Dropping through the clouds of midges, Touch the water. Leaves no trace.

Sees the mighty Beauty rising, Could it be, this time He'll take?
Feels the slightest tug comprising, Set the hook He cannot shake.

Whiplash body, no deterrent, Ever ready for the fight
Crashing from the crystal current, Comes the Beauty to the light.

Awesome strength, the line goes screaming, Taut, the Fisher" tries to keep.
From His mouth, the pattern streaming, Beauty diving to the deep.

Now to battle endless hours, Muscles straining at both ends.
Who shall wear the victors flowers? Only will and strength depends.

As the Sun is slowly setting, Comes the Fisher" from the stream.
Lost the battle with the Beauty! Wakes to smile! 'Twas just a dream. --or--
Smiles with victory, creel o'erflowing, Proudly strides. His catch, supreme.

Bubblicious

Are your children having trouble
Looking for the perfect bubble?
Have they chewed so many kinds
Their jaws are tired?

Some with taste that leave you flat.
Other's flavor, "Gone like that"!
Don't you think the makers really
Should be fired?

Get some money! Run right down
To the nearest store in town.
Buy our bubblegum before
It's all devoured.

Wrap your lips around our gum.
Bubblicious, we're the one.
For our flavors make your
Tastebuds feel inspired.

Fairy Queen

Late on a cool spring afternoon, I strolled in silent wooded glade.
Beneath the gray, moss-laden boughs of ancient Oak, in forest keep.
Perchance to calm my restless thoughts with wonders Nature now displayed.
'Midst massive trees in new green frock, fresh donned once more from winter's sleep.

'Fore day had faded, giving leave to twilight clouds of mauve and gold,
I spied a maid in gown of white and thought that I could hear her weep.
That sound, no soul could ever bear lest it be blackened and ice cold.
Why came she here? What was amiss, to cause this maid such sorrow, deep?

Not wanting to disturb, I turned with quiet steps and meant to go
But was betrayed in my retreat by last year's fallen twig, which broke.
With gasp, surprised, she looked my way. Her violet eyes tear filled, aglow.
Sad music seemed to fill the air, when through her tears, to me she spoke.

"Why have you come into this place where fairies dwell, and why intrude?
The path here's hidden from your ken, for here, mankind can not exist."
My words, unbidden, coarse but true explained my contemplative mood
To one from fables of my youth which told of those in time's dark mist.

Was mind confused? Did eyes deceive? For this fair maid had wings of lace;
And in the grass where tears had blessed, sweet gold and silver flowers grew.
Those wings of iridescent hue rose o'er her head and framed a face
So beautiful words can't express. I dream, for this could not be true!

"My thanks for thoughts from mind and heart, for they are clear to me as speech.
You wonder who or what I am. I'm Queen of Fairies in this land.
And you, enraptured by the woods, strayed to a world you ne'er could reach
Unseen by man for centuries, this should not be, yet there you stand."

"These trees once whispered, with the wind, their wisdom, true, for all to hear."
"Be wary of this thing called Man! He'll bring great pain with callous greed.
He feels for nothing but himself." "They speak no more, for death is near."
Once more, I turned to leave this place. For mankind's guilt, I could not plead.

My knowledge, new, of why she wept, though of her tears, she never spoke,
Was weight upon my very soul. Somehow, emerging from the glade,
Into the night I walked, in shame. Forgiving words, could not invoke

Furry Clock - A Limerick

I have a Furry Clock. Unique? I know it!
But when it wakes me up, I want to throw it.
You don't throw furry clocks with ease,
Especially when they're Siamese.
I'd rather have a Feathered Clock to crow it.

Ice Cream

(Written when Ben & Jerry's © CEO left)

Your CEO and essay man has left you in a bind.
Your market share is dropping and you're being left behind.
The pundits on the news and street ignore one simple deal.
Your Ice Cream's not just treats and snacks; to some it is a meal.

Your brand name "Ben & Jerry's ©" might leave something to desire.
I mean, it has no punch; mystique; pizzazz or advert fire.
No connotations of the farm or flower bedecked cows.
You need a name that will inspire. Bring ooo's and aaah's and wow's.

Your flavors are well named and use imaginative zest.
Your ice cream is delicious. So much better than the rest.
No lack in your variety of wondrous taste's, diverse.
So find a name to inspire minds while taste buds you immerse.

How 'bout "Bliss Scream", there's entendre; though it's a little blue.
Or "Cream Caprice" is fancy and definitive for you.
"Aurora Land" brings visions of a fine "Northern De Lite".
While "Guernsey Gold" might keep your crass competitors contrite.

A "Tropicool" would chill you on a sultry summer day.
And "Home Maid" lets you reminisce of all that's gone away.
Some think the comic twist of "Udder Love" might do the trick.
Or use a Rapper name like "Ice4U", it's short and slick.

You like to see your name emblazoned on your product! True?
A little hubris "out the door" might bring folks back to you.
You've got to spend a lot of cash to show the world you're best.
So make some changes for the good. I know you'll stand the test.

Lady in Black

Be still, tainted temptress!
Sword words and Light lances shall slay thee with ease.
Begone, ere your stricken body, in shameful defeat,
is tossed into the chill abyss of Charon's vessel.
With these words, I bid thee depart.
__________________________________

Stay! Ebon lass, go slither back
Into your fetid castle, black
The souls you gathered ere this time
Have moldered; turned to grisly slime
This night, your hunger has no ease
Your putrid scent, by gentle breeze
Is wafted 'way, along with storm
You brought to steal my soul; and harm.
Fey lady, show me not thy face
For light and love has given grace
To one, once lost upon your sea.
The Poet Prince has rescued me!

Make Up

Each morning she wakes up
She never puts on her makeup
She'll do it as she drives her car

I'm usually behind her
I wish that I could be kinder
But I just want to go to war.

She's driving, her bathroom with disregard for the other car
Erratic, I follow, and think that her job will not be that far
As she pops the top on another new makeup jar and takes a quick peek at the road.

She stops at the corner
To put some fresh lipstick on her
The light is green but she won't go.

One beep to remind her
Of people in cars behind her
And none of us enjoy the show

She's trying my patience that's getting well onto the bitter side
She breaks out mascara to finish the job as we cheered and cried
Then pulls of the roadway and into the park and ride
As we all breathed a sigh of relief.

Tomorrow I'll ensure
That never again I'll endure
A trip behind a bathroom on wheels

And though I may be late
I'll get to work without my hate
For ladies with such poor driving skills

I pray that some poor guy who wants to go flying by
The ladies in bathrooms as they fix their other eye
Won't be hurt, or be maimed, or won't have a crash and die
Because of some girl's vanity

So girls, when you wake up
Please put on your complete makeup
And make the road a safer place

The men will all thank you
And won't feel they need to yank you
Or throw your makeup to outer space

Stop driving, your bathroom, you can if you only try
The men will all love you, so please don't you make them die
He could be your future husband or your steady guy
Put it on before you leave home

Mind's Wings

Visions from the Heart

Ride with me now on wings of thought
To lands where ne'er were battles fought
No Hunter's horn was ever heard
Nor life-drops spilled from wounded bird.
A place in time; mayhap the start
Of myths and legends from the heart.
A forest, green, mid sea and sky
O'er which fierce visaged Griffons fly.
But look! The face is mere disguise;
For 'tween it's ears a Fairy lies.
And riding on it's rust red back
Are Elves in green and Gnomes in black.
Far down below 'neath bough and tree,
Graze Unicorn, alive and free.
From brows adorned with fluted spears
Fly opalescent rainbow tears.
Gold meadows, ripened by the sun,
Are home to Dragons; blue and dun.
They stretch their spangled lacy wings
To warm. And hark; a mother sings
Soul wrenching songs to calm the fear
Of dragon babe, who cuddles near.
In shaded ring, fair Wood Nymphs danced
By Satyr's pipes; their joys enhanced
When coltish Centaurs prance in tune.
Life celebrates beneath full moon.
In misted mountains Dwarf's do dwell
From mines, their chanted songs now swell
And weave a rune, protecting all
From evil, lest it cast a pall
Upon this fair and noble place.
Where dreams live on and eyes do grace
Thy beauty, only known by few.
Our thoughts give life, and strength imbue.
These mythic creatures' fame and lore
Live on in those; both rich and poor
Who fly upon the wings of dream
From mundane tasks in this life's scheme.
Stay while you can within this clime
Of wondrous sights, alive in time.

May they live forever in your souls and minds.

One Step Closer

We rush past miracles each day and never give a thought
To beauty that surrounds us all, which can't, with gold, be bought.
All Nature's gifts are given free to those who would receive.
For those of you who hurry past these gifts, I truly grieve.

'Tis sad! You've never watched a baby bird's first try at flight
Or heard the poetry of wind through Autumn leaves at night.
My tears, I shed for blinded eyes, which saw but took no heed.
Of sunsets, red and gold as though the heart of clouds could bleed.

No time to watch the butterflies as they put on a show
Or sit at eventide and see a firefly's ghostly glow.
No ear for hearing songs of joy from birds of every hue.
No eye to see a fawn's first step. Such things are not for you.

Your hands, too busy to caress the velvet petaled rose
Or sip the breath of honeysuckle with your jaded nose.
Go, lie upon your back in emerald fields of new-mown grass
And give a moment of your life to watch the cloud-ships pass.

That lump of feeling in one's throat; it's though by pleasure drowned
Spent watching Winter's first snowflakes float gently to the ground,
And turn an Autumn colored day to pristine white, which clings
To children's lashes as they make a new snow angel's wings.

We view this world as if we stood on lofty mountain peak
And notice naught upon life's path except for what we seek.
Could we but see this world by stepping closer, holding still,
It's wonders would entrance our hearts; and soul, so blest, 'twould fill.

Rhinoblasty

as i cleaned out my locker
i was in for quite a shocker
for way in the back i found on old gym shoe

i haven't lost one lately
and it puzzles me quite greatly
as to how it got there, i cannot construe

grabbing with my fingers, lightly
it was long and so unsightly
i examined it with care and held my nose

i'm aware my feet are bigger
but this shoe could hide a pig or
two or three and oh the stench brought purple prose

how in heaven did i miss
an odorific shoe like this
must have had an awful cold for this past year

of one thing i'm now quite sure
that nasal science has the cure
for that shoe helped sinuses be clean and clear

The Bower

Beside yonder bower, engulfed 'neath its shade
A carpet of clover was bed, soft and green.
In reckless abandon, two lovers had laid
A pauper with nothing, his lover a queen

No care for the world in which each played a part,
He, asking for alms to be dropped in a cup
Eyes drawn to the castle, entombing his heart
Where she, on her throne from gold goblets did sup.

Unmindful of stations to which they were born
Each drawn from first touch as she proffered her aid
Eyes locked; one with hope and the others, forlorn.
The pauper; young, strong; the queen loving, afraid

None noticed when spark turned a glance into flame.
Queen's ladies and squire had averted their face.
The ladies felt "she was too bold", "Oh, the shame!"
The squire held her steed, for he knew 'twas his place.

She young and headstrong when the old queen had died
The king, lost in battle ne'er siring a son
The new queen, Alana, could not be denied
Sole heir to the throne 'fore two score years were done

The pauper, not always a child of the street
Had wondered for years from a land far away
His vision of childhood near lost, incomplete
Dreams, fleeting, brought pictures, which never would stay

A face, smiling down, bejeweled hair, golden tressed
Another, full bearded, with jovial mien
Each visited him as a clouded dreams guest
Then faded with dawn, a mirage never seen

Fate's net had been cast with a jester's wry grin
The new queen and pauper, mere pawns in its scheme
Though' outwardly different, these lovers had been
Through kindness and chance, lived a mutual dream

Chance meetings, love, kindness shall ever enthrall
The kingdom did flourish. 'Twill always remain.
With true love and selfless devotion to all
That well shaded bower was loneliness' bane

Awakening

In ebon depths of cavern, chill
'Neath mountains veil of virgin white
One thousand years of stillness broke
Two phosphor eyes shed eerie light
Pale orbs of opalescent hue
Lay shattered on the sandy floor
In scintillating mounds of gems
Cascades, like distant thunder's roar
From every mound, creatures emerged
Each glowed like seas were bleeding green
The new-born myths of ages past
Turned emerald eyes to Mother, Queen
In silent words, within their minds
The dragon queen greeted her brood
Then led them through the coal black caves
To mountains heart for their first food
Great molten lakes they reached in time
With sulphur shores and granite bed
Large crystals grew on every wall
'Twas on such fare that dragons fed
"Not damsels left for sacrifice
Tho' fables propagate that tale
They needed clean and sturdy food
And couldn't stand the "human smell"
So too the tales of armored knights
Out slaying dragons by the score
If truth be known, a dragon chick
Would love to snack on what they wore"
Bright crystal walls were nearly bare
And sulphur swept from cauldron's tide
The crystal was for nourishment
And sulphur fed their fires, inside
The dragon queen, with sated chicks
Resumed her trek to mountains feet
For there, beneath a glacier's bed
A dragon's council was to meet
From every compass point they flew
Converging on that ancient place
Their giant ships beneath the ice
Would ply once more galactic space
Vast rainbowed arrows sliced the sky
Pierced hearts of man and beast with fear
Till quiet voices in their minds
Said, "Worry not! We are not here.
Just shadows of a wishful dream
Not dragons from your fairy lore
We're clouds blown by a summer's breeze
Or birds in flight from distant shore"
As calm returned in dragon's wake
The Elders met, their minds as one
Some old, when Earth was just a mist
Of stellar dust around the sun
Their disembodied thoughts sailed out
Much faster than mere light could fly
To new-formed worlds 'round distant stars
With fresh green grass and clear blue sky
The choice was made for their new home
A virgin world in throes of birth
Much like this place so long ago
Before mankind evolved on Earth
The great ships, full of dragons, left
Their glacial hold without a sound
Like leaves adrift on Autumn winds
They floated, far above the ground
Then disappeared into the night
Which reigned in void's deep abyss
To their new home where they could live
A peaceful life of dragon bliss