Ode to Man

what is the heartbeat of life,
the intangible lifeblood of man?
what forces incite his waiting spirit
or causes its ardor to wane?

who moves the noble mortal
in the courses of his destiny?
and with Atlas’ strength anchors
in diluvian depths his loyalty?

why does man pulse with fire
the engine of his blood stark
against a cold and frightful sky
riveting light against the dark?

how can he strive upon strife
exciting tempestuous passion
and then land firmly in his place
in a fine and fearless fashion?

i know not. so ask me not.
for i can only wonder
same as you.
– 12/17/09 – 16

Further Book Consumption

The Mysterious Benedict Society,
The Mysterious Benedict Society: and the Perilous Journey,
The Mysterious Benedict Society: and the Prisoners Dilemma
- by Trenton Lee Stewart

An excellent series, appropriate for adults as well as children.

The Legacy: The Legend of Drizzt, Book VII
Starless Night: The Legend of Drizzt, Book VIII
Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II
Gauntlgrym: Neverwinter, Book I (Neverwinter Saga)
Road of the Patriarch: The Sellswords, Book III (Forgotten Realms: The Sellswords, Book 3)
- by R. A. Salvatore

I’m a huge fan of Salvatore.  Always excellent.  I’ve now read nearly all the books in the Drizzt collection.

 

 

Busker

he played music on a street corner
not yet full of the seasons bustle
the rise and fall of mournful notes
a landscape painted in Christmas hues

his red stocking cap sat a jaunty angle
while tendrils of wispy smoke drifted
on the wind, and brass vibrations wafted
down the city streets at mid day
– Busker – 12/14/09 – 11