Remember Well
Chinese remember well that years ago
we hit their embassy, and shrugged, and grinned.
Their leaders are not Biden-brainless, so
Chinese remember well that, years ago,
while we were putting on our horror show
in silly Slavic Serbia, we sinned.
Chinese remember well that, years ago,
we hit their embassy — and shrugged and grinned.
–Tom Riley
Perfect Looks
AI’s defined the pair with perfect looks.
And you and I, babe? We come pretty close.
Set aside all those ancient picture books!
AI’s defined the pair with perfect looks.
The new god has an old line: Fiat lux!
In this, at least, it hasn’t grown verbose.
AI’s defined the pair with perfect looks.
And you and I, babe, we come pretty close.
–Tom Riley
All-Father
Two ravens were the only drones he had.
They did have a tremendous impact, though.
He wasn’t just an ordinary dad.
Two ravens were the only drones he had?
Sure. In those terms, his enterprise was sad.
Somehow, however, he stayed in the know.
Two ravens were the only drones he had.
They did have a tremendous impact, though.
–Tom Riley
Philippians 2: 5-11
That hymn to Jesus set the world on fire–
but nowadays it only keeps us warm.
As clear as any convert could require,
that hymn to Jesus set the world on fire
through startled Paul, who’d altered half his ire.
We’ve lost the substance, but we’ve kept the form.
that hymn to Jesus? Set the world on fire!
But nowadays it only keeps us warm.
–Tom Riley
A Toad from the Ruins
What? Is that toad Chris Christie still around?
I thought that COVID targeted the fat.
I just glanced at the headlines — and I found.
What? Is that toad Chris Christie still around?
With foolishness and deep dishonor crowned,
he should be gone with 2020’s scat.
What? Is that toad Chris Christie still around?
I thought that COVID targeted the fat.
–Tom Riley
Impending Obama Inc. Announcement
When will Obama Inc. admit at last
that beauteous Michelle still has a dick?
Barack and company: forget the past!
When will Obama Inc. admit at last
that even Reggie Love is way outclassed
in phallic terms by our first former chick?
When will Obama Inc. admit at last
that beauteous Michelle still has a dick?
–Tom Riley
Give Me That Old Time Religion
Is old religion good religion? Sure.
But there are older cults, dear sir, than yours.
Is any fixed faith actually secure?
Is old religion good religion? Sure,
it is. At least its practices endure.
But does it know the lightning that restores?
Is old religion good religion? Sure–
but there are older cults, dear sir, than yours.
–Tom Riley
Iron Fist
Zelensky says he’ll strike with Iron Fist!
From Marvel Comics now he steals his stuff.
As Churchill clone and master strategist,
Zelensky says he’ll strike with Iron Fist.
Limper, though, than a dead fish is his wrist.
Is he in truth, O Hohols, man enough?
Zelensky says he’ll strike with Iron Fist!
From Marvel Comics now he steals his stuff.
–Tom Riley
Treatable Condition
The angst I’m treating now with alcohol
will pass when I am sober in the grave:
I won’t be feeling anything at all.
The angst I’m treating now with alcohol
will cease to irritate me and appall.
My mortal nature will have made the save.
The angst I’m treating now with alcohol
will pass — when I am sober in the grave.
–Tom Riley
Dutiful Dreamer
Did I intend to dream of you last night?
I never court my nightmares. They just come.
Was I resolved when I turned off the light?
Did I intend to dream of you last night?
When my eyes closed, did I keep you in sight?
Please be assured: I wasn’t quite that dumb.
Did I intend to dream of you last night?
I never court my nightmares. They just come.
–Tom Riley
Flammeus Gladius 