Contradictions

There is none so blind as one who sees
None so deaf as one who hears
There’s none brainless as one learned
None as brave as one who fears

When one listens one gains wisdom
From all those who gush with words
Those who judge will not see reason
And destitute the one who hoards

There’s none fairer than the ogre
Who’s been crushed by angry heels
None so humble as the fallen king
None so tall as one who kneels

There’s no wiser than a simpleton
None more saner than a clown
None more astute than mindless fool
None more lofty as those down

There’s none richer than the poorer
None who benefit from pride
None as sainted as the sinner
None as free as those once tied

There is none who is more peaceful
Than the soldier who’s at war
None so strong as puny weakling
None so close as one who’s far

None are lower than the haughty
Or more false when claiming truth
So beware those claiming friendship
Against their charms be resolute

When the final chapter’s written
All our guises will be bared
And the stalwart will gain victory
And those once despised revered

Rosevina Halley

December 13, 2008

The Wall

Hoping to guard my vulnerable heart
I built a robust wall
Expecting that its bolstered girth
Would dull my certain fall

Each brick was carefully measured
The mortar laid with care
Each facet painstakingly positioned
No sacrifice was left to spare

Each crack plastered with vengeance
The slightest fissure sealed
No mighty sword or sharpened lance
Could pierce its forceful shield

In spite of strengthened bastion
My heart lay naked; prone
The wall built for protection
Became a friendless throne

And now my cherished barrier
Holds me as captive prey
No knight on mounted destrier
Will come to save the day

Rosevina Halley

December 11, 2008