Rick Grimes and the Sense of Community

Rick Grimes and the Sense of Community

 

 

To slay zombies (and bandits) we itch.
The emotional payback is rich
when you keep things that clear
and your actions sincere.
But this governing crap is a bitch….

 

 

–Tom Riley

Little More

A Little More

 

 

“I’m keeping up with everything you say.”
“Why, then, I’ll have to say a little more.”
“My skills I’m truly eager to display.
I’m keeping up with everything you say
all through your busy lecture of the day.
Are you impressed by my perception score?
I’m keeping up with everything you say….”
“Why, then, I’ll have to say a little more.”

 

 

–Tom Riley

Unled

Unled

 

 

“I am the leader you should follow, lad!”
“Pardon me, sir. I choose not to be led.”
“Unattached sheep are aimless, sick, and sad.
I am the leader you should follow, lad.
Your current independence is a fad.
Oh, every body needs a brainy head!
I am the leader you should follow, lad….”
“Pardon me, sir: I choose not to be led.”

 

 

–Tom Riley

A New Routine

A New Routine

 

 

“I’d really like to try a new routine.”
“Believe me, son: they’re all already old!”
“I’m guessing that I know just what you mean.
I’d really like to try a new routine,
however: make a different sort of scene
and watch a new catastrophe unfold.
I’d really like to try a new routine!”
“Believe me, son: they’re all already old.”

 

 

–Tom Riley

Failed Savior

Failed Savior

 

 

They are slipping in now. Every rat
finds a hole. He does not meet a cat.
We’re all waiting for it–
the next terrorist hit.
And Obama won’t save us from that.

 

 

–Tom Riley

Tired and Retired

Tired and Retired

 

 

Mr. Tangle at last is retired.
Though he may still give talks uninspired,
it’s a pretty rare thing.
Up above, angels sing.
Were his services ever required?

 

 

–Tom Riley

Limerick on the Morning of Christ’s Nativity

Limerick on the Morning of Christ’s Nativity

 

 

Before long, the absurd waiting halts.
(It is one of the season’s chief faults.)
Robots cry: “Warning! Warning!
It’ll be Christmas Morning!”
I shall soon have my full dose of schmaltz.

 

 

–Tom Riley

Sniper Rifle

Sniper Rifle

 

 

Santa’s reindeer look
so different in the sites
of my .303.

 

 

–Tom Riley

Chatter of the Old

Chatter of the Old

 

 

“Must I endure the chatter of the old?”
“Not if you shut your own unresting trap.”
“To the concerns of corpses I am cold.
Must I endure the chatter of the old?
On their transcendent wisdom I’m not sold.
I’m weary of their moralizing crap.
Must I endure the chatter of the old?”
“Not if you shut your own unresting trap.”

 

 

–Tom Riley

Recruitment

Recruitment

 

 

“Donald Trump’s a recruiter for ISIS!”
she declared. “It’s a national crisis!”
Facts conspired to refute her.
Who in truth is recruiter?
Why, it’s Bill — with his widely-known vices!

 

 

–Tom Riley