On Ron Hynes

How many times
Did I hear Ron Hynes
Pretending that I didn't care
In the Rose or the Ship
Trying to be hip
Secretly thrilled I was there
You can have your fun
Down at Mile One
Me I'll just stay right here

Cause we lean on the bars
Listening to stars
Singing the St. John's Waltz

Freedom

Freedom is a tough row to hoe

You're not forced to wear burqa or bikini
(But the latter can be more dangerous)

You are as free to love
As you are to hate

The good are defended
As much as the bad

I think this is why
So many choose servitude

Hate Magnet

It is wrong to see hate
As a repulsive force
Its power lies in attraction
Like a black hole
That neither light nor love can escape

Remembering the War

I have forgotten
The war
As I knew it
Banzai charges
Grenade three pointers
The unknown soldier and Sgt Rock

I only remember
My grandfather
On a Labrador lake
Boating with his daughter
Dropping his medals
Into the cold dark about them