The Christmas Sonnet

Let's celebrate the homeless! Christmas Day
Is mangers, animals, and frankincense,
Gift-giving, both alarming and intense,
And wandering wise men. Who lost his way?
Who checked his feelings at the door? I say
I'm willing to appear a little dense,
But love for everyone? I'm on the fence,
And, frankly, this fence has begun to sway.

Be honest now: "There's no room at the inn"
Means no room at the inn. The place is full.
Declare it, if it isn't cock and bull,
And find a manger for them. It's no sin
To locate them with lambs. This is a win
For justice, and the dispossessed, and wool.

Bedrock Theology

A cagy Pelagian exhorted me,
Claiming to be merely a Manichaean.
"I learned this on an isle in the Aegean,"
He told me, "where I studied Anarchy."
I thought he moved with some uncertainty.
"You understand that grace is too plebeian,
Like a Tongan claiming he's Korean.
There is no right or wrong. We're all at sea."

So we began to argue. "Yes, it's true,"
I could allow, "that Logic has no sway,
But I remember you said, yesterday,
That new is old, but old's not always new."
"Perhaps," he shrugged. "Or not." When we were through
A sudden wind blew all our thoughts away.

A Few Modest Remarks

My modesty forbids a foolish grin,
But when I sliced your head off with my sword
I was so proud, I wanted a reward,
So I removed a donut from the bin
And had a bite. You babbled about sin,
And it was boring. I was really bored,
Completely done with wakefulness, restored
To action by the spittle on my chin.

The drool convinced me I should weaponize.
Ha! Weaponize! We're making words up here,
Inventing meanings, taking what was clear
And muddying the stream, fogging the skies.
You wearied me with thoughtful songs and lies,
And I indulged in one moment of cheer.

Now That You're Gone

I love you more than ever, now you're gone,
The wind and stars reminding me of you,
The sea reminding me of you, the dew
Reminding me of how you worked the dawn,
Enchanting even the bright sun that shone
Into our window, warm and ripe and new.
Now that you're gone, the weather is askew,
The sun as dark as what it's shining on.

I've tried it, and don't like the way I am
Without you: it's a meaningless endeavour,
Not sensible, not even slightly clever.
Saying I'm fine is nothing but a sham:
I do care, clearly. I do give a damn,
And now you're gone, I love you more than ever.