Why I Am Not a Drunk

Why I Am Not a Drunk

Hey, I did
without my wine till 8
a.m. – or 9!

–Tom Riley

Paradisical Perception

Paradisical Perception

To Paradise the martyr has ascended—
Something his foes will never understand.
Everything went exactly as they planned.
Reality’s complaint has been amended.
Anyhow, that’s the story now defended.
The world is made of bodies, goods, and land—
All of it under strength’s swift, smug command.
There are no consequences unintended.
Meanwhile, the angels who do not exist
Are gathering, despite elite advice.
The Absolute is absolutely pissed
And is not mythical or weak or nice.
The Hand of God is now closed in a fist.
The martyr sees it all from Paradise.

–Tom Riley

Warning! Warning!

Warning! Warning!

He warned us that his warnings were a crock.
As prophets go, he really was the best.
On truth does any speaker have a lock?
He warned us that his warnings were a crock
And his analysis a thing to mock.
His was the only way to pass our test.
He warned us that his warnings were a crock.
As prophets go, he really was the best.

–Tom Riley

No Joy

No Joy

I find no joy, lads, in my victory.
A faster runner took the wrong damn road
And left the race to undeserving me.
I find no joy, lads, in my victory.
With your hurrahs I cannot now agree.
I reap a harvest that I never sowed.
I find no joy, lads, in my victory:
A faster runner took the wrong damn road.

–Tom Riley

Just Like Her

Just Like Her

I do like Lil Mariko, more or less.
I know a girl who sounds just like her, too.
An old white guy, I readily confess
I do like Lil Mariko – more or less.
I wish her, in the business, wild success.
And, hey, I’m not just saying that: it’s true!
I do like Lil Mariko! (More or less.)
I know a girl who sounds just like her, too.

–Tom Riley

Haunted

Haunted

Nowadays, sadly, it’s
only a few ghosts doing
the Ghost Dance.

–Tom Riley

Angel of Light

An Angel of Light

Just when you’re sure that things are settled right,
An evil angel suddenly appears
Accompanied by all-deceptive light.
Look for the bogus elven-pointed ears
And for a plenitude of fake, hot tears
If you’re in doubt, as likely you will be!
“The Final Stage of Revelation nears!”
The pretty face will tell you earnestly.
That is the time to hold simplicity
In your calm heart and not be led astray.
The complications of theology
Are for a later, less confusing day.
Right now you need to tell that shining thing
What it can’t bear to hear: “Jesus is King!”

–Tom Riley