Browns Bay Sunrise, Auckland

 

In-som-nia

 

I break down the word

like it shatters my life

as persistent as

a prisoner’s strife

A hidden affliction

in the dead of the night

leads to a feeling

that something’s not right

Will it shorten my life?

Some people think so

Engulfed in this nuisance

I try to let go

A release of ambition

annealed by fire

this things got me beat

no point in desire

like a marionette

I’m jerked on a string

I cannot fight back

it just increases the sting

a breeze passes by

I look up in hope

has the man and his hand

let go of the rope...

will I be free

to enjoy natural slumber

or does this clown

really have my number?

I get extra time

to read and compose

and look on the bright side

of no nightly repose...

Where is that Sandman?

I beg and implore

to show that controller

the ultimate door...

Hell is not being able to let go

That fiery demon

deep within me

is restless

and discontent

It has no external power

For me

there is only one

Universal Being

I trip myself up when

I hold on tight

to my desire

for a world shaped by me

the isness is

what I’m really looking for

a blossom, a red sky

as potent as a new day...

Parallel Paths

 

I rearranged my kitchen

parallel path

to building huts

on the side of a small volcano

A human instinct

as old as time itself

satisfaction innate

as I turn my surroundings

into something past and present

Will my house be perfect?

Never.

Do I love it?

Very much.

Our huts were disposable

now my life depends

on a cottage roof

Rain out. Love in.

a place to play, and be real...

The Primrose Path

Small steps

etched upon my mind

the primrose path

layered with tiny red chips

ha’penny clutched

in my sweaty palm

anticipation

that sweet jet plane

will melt in my mouth

a big expedition

for a small solo boy

now that memory

centres me

as I sink

towards

the Land of Nod.

Prisoner of Self

 

Prisoner of Self

Sitting on the shelf

of unlimited expectations

my ego squirms

under the light of day...

sleep won’t come

rest is on the run

until I accept

bodily limitations

Joy was a thing

of yesterday

as I look into the depths

of an event horizon...

Caravanserai

 

I tested the fabric of reality

and ended up with my tent in shreds

I walked 12 miles with my mind on fire

and spent 3 months in a hospital bed...

At first my God was in everything

an ancient people’s way

then I was led to a fireside

and that’s where I chose to stay

The need for a fix of sweet delight

enlightened the night for my soul

with many friends, a path without end

and a life that makes me whole.

The writer in his Viking phase...

 

 A day at the Zoo

The bonobo scowled at me

he did not like me looking...

Who was zooming who?

I saw a wild animal

a 10 year old girl

throwing a tantrum on the ground

Poor polar bear

paced around and around

in the hot New Zealand sun

ice creams melted

‘Do not feed the animals’

but it’s OK to stuff yourself

The hippopotamus was the worst

annoyed by laughing watchers

he fanned his little tail

and sprayed shit everywhere

Lou Reed said it was a ‘Perfect Day’

But I saw something else

teasing, taunting

an expensive tour

for little children

and parents

who must endure.

 

You overestimate me too much

I have a yen for yen...

a trip to Japan

would fill my soul

with money with a little hole...

A hundred for a dollar

how would I keep count?

Looking for nirvana

While my expenses mount.

I shell out the folding paper

guessing at its worth

round the temple I go

kicking up the earth

A hundred Buddhas stare at me

with a golden smile

perhaps I’ll stay in Nippon-land

and chill out here in style

estimations an easy game

when none of it matters

I’ll go home to Aotearoa

and leave my dream in tatters.