From the archives - Musings of an amateur poet

Recently, while cleaning some old hard drives, I came across a folder containing almost 30 years of musings. Some were complete works, some were not. It was interesting to see how I developed my style (if you could call it that) or didn't over the years. This is not to say that I profess or even imagine myself to be a student of poetry. What I did notice is I developed a particular form and style (with minor variations) and more or less stuck to that. I'm also not going to imagine that any of my works are profound or, in the eyes of many, even that good. You be the judge.

So after a long hiatus from writing I decided to work my way back into it again. As I go through these some will be posted to my submissions section and some will remain here. These are in no particular order but I will comment on dates written or the inspiration.

Feel free to comment/criticize but try to keep it constructive.

All that being said, one of my more recent works:

Equine Sublime

Power and grace
a beauty sublime
Thus is the nature
of this creature Equine

Trusting and brave
an elegant breed
Thus is the nature
of this noble steed

Patient and playful
a companion no doubt
Thus is the nature
of this wondrous mount

Working and showing
or running the course
Thus is the nature
of the marvellous horse

A partner of man
since ancient time
Thus is the nature
of this creature Equine

August 2008

Published 10/01/2008

Have A Pint

Something a bit more whimsical... This was actually set to a metronome to get the timing down.

Have a Pint

A pint for me
A pint for you
A pint for all the rest of the crew

Fill your cup
Lets drink it down
Our troubles today we'll commence to drown

Lager or stout
dark or ale
Come on lads step up to the rail

Raise your glass
your stein or mug
Have a belt with the rest of the pub

Lets celebrate this wondrous brew
A pint for me
And a pint for you

Dec. 2012

Many times, over the years, I have drawn inspiration from scenes in films. The following is an example of one such work. Arthurian legends have always been a favourite of mine and this one is no exception. Drawn from the film "Excalibur" I wrote four pieces.

This one was inspired by the scene at Stonehenge where Arthur goes to ask Merlin for guidance in the upcoming battle.

Wizard

Wizard
Can you see?
What fate bestows on me.

And the evil
On this land
Is a blight
on kindred man

So I call out your name and pray
that wisdom will rise again

Thus I come unto the shrine
for the vision that transcends time

Before you my old friend
this kingdom now depends
The lands that I have lost
must be had back at frightful cost

So I pray...

Have you seen my Wizard?
Won't you find my Wizard?
Help me find my Wizard..

So I pray to you
My cold indifferent Gods
Since valor pleases you
I'll fight on for your cause

The fields are stained blood red
yet many lands are free
Pay thanks to the vision of new prosperity

Wizard
Can you see?
What fate bestows on me..

And the evil
on this land.
Is a blight
on kindred man.

So I call out your name and pray
that wisdom will rise again

Thus I come unto the shrine
for the vision that transcends time

Lo the valley mist
obscures the setting sun
The evil of dragon's breath
puts fear into everyone.

So I beg...

Have you seen my Wizard?
Won't you find my Wizard?
Help me find my Wizard.

Damn you Wizard!!!

July 1991. Mark_J

Kingdom of Lies


I used to trust the Government
the Courtrooms and the Law
But now I don't think
I believe in them at all

The rich they just get richer
The poor man just stays poor
And prisons have revolving doors

Chorus:
Kingdom of lies... Heretic! He must die!
Political ties.... The papers tell you
Religion it cries.."God is Calling!"
President fries....

The local Politician
yes you know the one
He's just increased your taxes
boy he's having fun

Yet we believe the promises
The ones they never keep
And get led to the slaughter.. like sheep

Chorus:
Kingdom of lies... Heretic! He must die!
Political ties.... The papers tell you
Religion it cries.."God is Calling!"
President fries....

We vote them out of office
Assassinate and kill
The replacements should be better
But they fuck the country still

Implement new programs
Regardless of the need
No service to the public..Just greed

Chorus:
Kingdom of lies... Heretic! He must die!
Political ties.... The papers tell you
Religion it cries.." God is Calling! "
President fries....

June..1990 Mark_J

Gods Lamb


(Spoken as if in prayer)

Fear not.
That whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(John 3:16 in part)

------

I felt no one could make it better
After all the calls I'd made
No hurt soul in the world
Could hurt as bad as mine that day

My God screamed out and yelled for me
With joy and hope in hand
He beckoned me to join his force
Be truthful make my stand

Chorus:

Gods lamb...A mortal sinning man
Gods lamb...A mortal winning man
Gods lamb

He said if you would come with me
All troubles will disappear
You'll stop your crying forever
I know why you weep your tears

He took me to that big ol' gate
The gate that faces East
His voice was like the roar of thunder
Made from men at sea

Chorus:

Gods lamb...A mortal sinning man
Gods lamb...A mortal winning man
Gods lamb

(Spoken as if in prayer)

Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me (psalm 23:4)

------

I threw myself unto the floor
When Gods came to destroy
The day the Temple opened up
Was the day I screamed for joy

The Lord continued mortal man
Tell them what you've done
Fighting door posts with your glory
Is not a job well done

Chorus:

Gods lamb...A mortal sinning man
Gods lamb...A mortal winning man
Gods lamb



Arrangement - Sherri H
Poetry - Mark J, Sherri H

12 Dec 91

Technical Notes: Originally taken from a concept poem I wrote. Shown in form after arrangement to illustrate the flow of lyrics. Spoken parts end with passage quote. Passages are not 100% accurate but were modified slightly to fit with tempo, timing and feel of the piece.