But For One ... (+1)

Kurt Philip Behm

Do you write to a standard

that isn’t your own

Do you pledge your allegiance

to a dilettante throne

 

Do you shut out your Muse

when her words pierce the skin

Do you think before feeling

looking out never in

 

Is your nighttime belabored

with dreams from the past

Is the daylight a hunter

 your guilt running fast

Is the one choice that’s left you

the one you can’t make

Is the courage required

—your one failing grace

 

(Dreamsleep: October, 2023)

 

 

Oh Henry

 

God save the king

but not the queen

Her neck awaits

the guillotine

Someone to blame

each sacrifice

The son he wanted

whose birth on ice

 

The throne half-vacant

one seat to fill

The royal maidens

appear at will

Which one will prosper

how many fall

Into the moat

—of fate’s recall

 

(The New Room: October, 2023)

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Comments +

Comments7

  • Pop64

    This is poignant, reaching into the reader, making them question, contemplate. That is the effect of the author's choice of words, cadence and overall delivery of thought. Astounding!

  • Kurt Philip Behm

    Thanks so much, appreciated.

  • Christina8

    This is excellent, Kurt! So many poignant questions posed!

  • Kurt Philip Behm

    Thanks Christina. I'm glad it resonated.

  • Carly

    Wow, what beautiful rhymes, in awe 💕

  • Kurt Philip Behm

    Thanks Carly, I'm honored by your comments.

  • Kurt Philip Behm

    I agree, thanks.



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