Otherwise
We lied about the fucking Ghost of Kyiv,
But otherwise the truth is what we tell
Compulsively. We don’t seek to deceive!
We lied about the fucking Ghost of Kyiv?
Well, hopeful fictions help punks to achieve
Confidence. You don’t like it? Burn in Hell!
We lied about the fucking Ghost of Kyiv—
But, otherwise, the truth is what we tell!
–Tom Riley
Finest Efforts
His finest efforts didn’t sell.
That’s why he started writing trash.
He strove for an artistic spell.
His finest efforts didn’t sell.
The rabbit hole led straight to Hell.
The forest of his dreams was ash.
His finest efforts didn’t sell.
That’s why he started writing trash.
–Tom Riley
Napa Valley Heat Wave Sacrificial Urge
Sun above vineyards:
for cooler mornings, I’d almost
give up wine.
–Tom Riley
Dietary Advice
Helps your brain if you daily eat crow!
Your wits quicken, though formerly slow.
You transcend mortal fears.
The Big Picture appears.
Studies show! Studies show! Studies show!
–Tom Riley
Rally Now
We have to rally now for Roe v. Wade—
A ruling that we’ve never read in fact.
We feature every freak in our parade.
We have to rally! Now! For Roe v. Wade!
Our feticidal rage must be displayed!
Supreme Court justices must be attacked!
We have to rally now for Roe v. Wade—
A ruling that we’ve never read in fact.
–Tom Riley
Consolation of a Mediocrity
He liked to
think that he’d managed to
excel in moderation.
–Tom Riley
The Tragedian
“The words I write are sad – and therefore true.”
It’s sad that no one buys that argument
In principle – and even less from you.
“The words I write are sad and therefore true.
Mortal unhappiness I shape anew.
I crystallize the cold world’s discontent.
The words I write are sad. And therefore true!”
It’s sad that no one buys that argument.
–Tom Riley
Indubitable
They doubted once – but learned to shed
The doubts their masters told them to.
Conformity thus moved ahead.
They doubted – once – but learned to shed
The thoughts that were adjudged ill-bred
By those who claimed they truly knew.
They doubted one but learned to shed
The doubts their masters told them to.
–Tom Riley
Approaching Expiration Date
Truth: Ukraine will be pacified soon.
Ghost of Kyiv fans learned quickly to swoon
Over fictions incredible.
Shit, though, doesn’t stay edible.
Folks will presently sing a new tune.
–Tom Riley
Unpassable
He put on makeup like a girl
But couldn’t void that facial stubble.
On lashes he imposed a curl.
He put on makeup – like a girl
Who thinks to snag a duke or earl.
Fred Flintstone more that Betty Rubble,
He put on makeup like a girl—
But couldn’t void that facial stubble.
–Tom Riley
Flammeus Gladius 