Consolation of a Mediocrity

Consolation of a Mediocrity

He liked to
think that he’d managed to
excel in moderation.

–Tom Riley

Indubitable

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

Spewed Forth

Spewed Forth

You liked it neither cold nor hot—
And therefore you’re condemned to rot.

–Tom Riley

Idea Man

Idea Man

With abstractions he longed to have sex,
Begged ideas to hail him as “Rex.”
Intellectual goof!
Abstract thought stays aloof—
And the bedroom grows way too complex.

–Tom Riley

Everybody’s Way

Everybody’s Way

I must get out of everybody’s way—
And everybody’s way is everywhere.
Faced with these hard truths, what is there to say?
I must get out of everybody’s way
Indeed. Location is a game we play
In peril, and its rules are never fair.
I must get out of everybody’s way,
And everybody’s way is everywhere.

–Tom Riley

Unused

Unused

Limbs I never
even knew I had are
now completely paralyzed.

–Tom Riley

To Be Too Busy Is Some Danger

To Be Too Busy Is Some Danger

As I go for a trivial hike,
My contemplative mind is on strike—
And may stay so forever.
Curse all active endeavor!
It’s a busier life than I like.

–Tom Riley

In Practice

In Practice

They found your secret, sir. It’s time to lie.
But then, you’ve kept in practice, pretty much.
You knew determined enemies would try.
They found your secret! Sir: it’s time to lie.
The skills you’ve cultivated now apply.
With fellow liars you have kept in touch.
They found your secret, sir! It’s time to lie!
But then, you’ve kept in practice – pretty much.

–Tom Riley

Grampula

Grampula

They say I spoil my grandchild. So I do!
Such is, for Grampula, the proper role.
The Vampire Lord declines to change on cue.
They say I spoil my grandchild? So I do.
About my midnight world who has a clue?
What soul can grasp my more-than-mortal goal?
They say I spoil my grandchild. So I do:
Such is, for Grampula, the proper role.

–Tom Riley

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Thought he walked
on water but stepped on
a land mine.

–Tom Riley