Jigsaw

How can I be happy

With the world at large?

I know better,

I’ve seen the box

This puzzle came with,

Have you?

Pieces scattered everywhere,

People mistaking blue backing

For sky.

Newspapers for clouds,

Writing on the wall

For anything but

Writing on the wall.

– Vagabond Prophet

Rain or Shine

When I was just a lad

I used to sleep outside.

I’d shut the door on my bedroom

Walk out to the backyard.

Sleep there all night long,

All year long,

After dad left

It was the only way I knew

To be closer

To that different better father.

Rain or shine

You still called me “mine.”

– Vagabond Prophet

Ruthless

Nothing as sharp

As a well timed word

Aimed at the spirit.

We’re almost there

Now tear the wound open wider,

Don’t forget to be ruthless.

I’ve got the salt ready

To slowly knead

Throughout your pain.

Tear it open

Let it all come pouring out,

Everything that’s you.

Leave it on the page,

Then and only then

Will you get some rest.

– Vagabond Prophet

Gravity

Gravity reversed

Taking everything

Away from me.

Reality accursed

Spinning shadows

In the daylight.

Day dreams perverse

Twisting innocence

Into cruelty.

I don’t want to know

What I’d be like

If you withdrew fully.

I already look in the mirror

And think there’s too much me,

Like gravity’s reversed

Taking everything away from me.

– Vagabond Prophet