Seeking a Sign

Seeking a Sign

“Generatio mala et adultera signum quaerit et signum non dabitur.”

Where’s the sign
that my offer of thanks
has been accepted?

–Tom Riley

Durkey

Durkey

 

I had turkey, of course. Common luck.
But I also had savory duck!
That’s what sets me apart
In the Thanksgiver’s art.
That beats you, you contemptible fuck!

 

—Tom Riley

Existential Answer

Existential Answer

 

 

“I lack a razor now to shave my face.”
“Be grateful that you have a face to shave!”
“Your existential crap is a disgrace.
I lack a razor now to shave my face.
I only want a day that moves apace.
I only ask some comforts in my cave.
I lack a razor now to shave my face….”
“Be grateful that you have a face to shave!”

 

 

–Tom Riley

Markos Eucharistikos

Markos Eucharistikos

 

 

 (for Monica Tol)

 

 

The Wisest of the Emperors gave thanks

At the commencement of his self-directed

Notes.  On a firm foundation lay the planks

Of that impressive edifice, perfected

Not so much in the dots that it connected

As in the Heaven that it showed on high.

In his tent, as his body’s cells defected,

The Emperor revealed the brilliant sky.

Yet does his genius truly satisfy?

What he thanked was as vague as any cloud.

Equivocation?  No.  Still less a lie—

But who would shout that name of God aloud?

Those notes were glorious – yet somehow hollow.

The God Augustus thanked the God Apollo.

 

 

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

 

T.R.

 

28 November 2013

Divine Prankster

The Divine Prankster

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Earnest does not care for pranks.

He would love to give pranksters hard spanks.

     In itself, though, his ass

     Is a prank he’d rule crass.

For the Lord’s sense of humor, give thanks!

 

 

 

 

–Tom Riley