Craft

Rough and calloused hands smooth water across the surface of the leather.
The gentle scent of released tannins permeate the room.
Sure and steady fingers guide the knife as it cuts furrows into the surface;
delicate curves and sharp angles.
Gentle tapping echoes through the house, hour after hour.

Tap. Shift. Tap. Shift.

An image slowly surfaces as the mallet and tools move across the leather.
First an outline, then details are painstakingly added.
The artist breathing life into a piece of hide.

Pace

I close my eyes,
and I can see your face.
My heart and mind vies;
which will dictate pace?

Heart begs to race,
mind pleads to wait.
Love will find a place;
by a twist of fate.

Have I asked to late?
I want to hear your call.
Hovering in an anxious state;
please. I'm ready to fall.

Let's take the chance.
Teach me to dance.

Maps

A map, a wonderful reminder hung on the wall;
a remembrance of good times and friendships.
Remember the bend in the river right here?
That's where I got my black eye.

That flight of locks, brutal,
but one of the best times I have ever had.
Plays, and long nights of laughter.
Ribbena and bangers and mash have become one of my favorite meals.

Keep Moving

If I keep moving, I might forget how much I cared.
It seems you already have; you've moved on yet again.
This is the third wedding you have planned on having me cater.
I'll do it because, despite the past, you are my friend.
Just don't expect me to be happy about it.

Do you know how much it hurt, having to smile when I wanted to cry?
I became really good at lying; I know you couldn't see it.
I smile though I am dying inside.

The Call

Seek here again O sons of earth
pipe and branch to lead the way.
At mothers call we all shall come
to guide our brothers and show our worth.

Misty mountains lay ahead
guarded by the winds.
The road stretches on behind
showing where we've been.

Walk the way of those before
guided by the call.
Find at last O sons of earth
the place where men stand tall.

Twisted Perceptions

Earth above and sky below;
Moonshine and the sunlight's glow.
Winters growth and summers snow;
Rivers stop and deserts flow.

Solid wind and misty stone.
Truths are hidden, secrets shown.
King's stool and a paupers throne
Multitude of suns, a star alone.

Crystal fire and blazing ice.
A single sleep and a first kiss twice
Careless shadows, worlds precise
A fractured gem at double the price

Lofty plains and valley peaks
Adamantine flowers, Granite weak
Quicksilver snails and lighting creeps
Vigorous death, and life that sleeps.

Smoke in the Night

Smoke curled out of the darkness. It was dark, but not quiet. Screams echoed in the night, masses of people crowding the night. Some were crying, some staring, others stood in disbelief of what was happening. Men in uniform were trying to keep order, and not managing very well against the surges of humanity. Lights flashed in the darkness, partially lighting the night. Smoke billowed thicker,the crowd's noise increasing. crackling could be heard, increasing in volume. Blinding floodlights illuminated the area and the first chords were struck.