Guts
Hate your guts? I deny! I negate!
I plead not guilty. Truly I state
that your guts are all right
in my own private sight.
It’s your soul, not your guts, that I hate.
–Tom Riley
Hard Guy
Wed to pain, I find comfort a bore
and with ease I’m at unceasing war.
A soft bed I don’t seek.
Beds are all for the weak.
If I sleep, I shall sleep on the floor.
–Tom Riley
To the Holy All Things Are Holy
Does she strip down — and spread chocolate sauce
on her body? Well, yes — but no loss
of her faith is implied.
It has not been denied!
Between big tits, she’s wearing the Cross.
–Tom Riley
Cannibal Commentary
You’ll have to cook him really well–
and, even then, you’ll tend to wonder.
Yes, food-borne illness can be hell.
You’ll have to cook him really well.
There is no certain way to tell
what inner sins he labors under.
You’ll have to cook him really well!
And, even then, you’ll tend to wonder….
–Tom Riley
A Song of Groans
He has screwed up the easiest song–
and, indeed, done most everything wrong.
Now he’s on his way out.
There can be little doubt
that he stayed groans beyond count too long.
–Tom Riley
Specifications
I got your specs today from God.
I read them fast but with attention.
Toward niceties I do not nod.
Deficiencies I do not mention.
You are the Deity’s invention.
I cede that point, sir, right up front.
You must fulfill some high intention.
You are not just a fat-assed runt,
the sort of loser bullies hunt,
the sort of clown who merits sneers
instead of laughter. I’ll be blunt,
however: in my hostile ears,
your silver voice can cast no spell.
I’m sure I’ll hear it rise from Hell.
–Tom Riley
The Time
He waited for the time — and, yes, it came.
That is the way of calendars and clocks.
Oh, temporality was not a game!
He waited for the time, and, yes, it came–
according to the rules and not his aim.
His little feet were sweating in their socks.
He waited for the time — and, yes, it came.
That is the way of calendars and clocks.
–Tom Riley
Monophysitism
“There was only one nature!” they cried.
Then the battle was joined. Which side lied?
Soon the outcome decided–
and the world grew one-sided.
Judged by history, heresy died.
–Tom Riley
Merry Christmas
I had a merry Christmas, yes–
but not because you wished me one.
My cheerful mood I here confess:
I had a merry Christmas. Yes,
I did. Well, mostly. More or less.
Your absence was a cool, bright sun.
I had a merry Christmas? Yes–
but not because you wished me one.
–Tom Riley
Old Car
Hey, you’re driving a really old car!
You are under a tolerant star–
and your engine endures.
Such success reassures.
You have come — and perhaps may go — far.
–Tom Riley
Flammeus Gladius 