Changes in the Season

I see change.

I see it, as I place it
in a poor man’s hand

A poor man, a veteran
finding solace in the songs
he sings.

For the war’s he has fought
for no other reason
then a change in the seasons

I see different now,
I see hope.

I wish I did.
I don’t know if I am telling the truth,

or if I know what the truth is.
I am just trying to feel good for a minute,
as I seldom see the night time
as a source of light.

I create art.

I create enough art, for both of us.

What words are heard
when you say you’re hurt,
when you say you spent it all on the rent,

when you say you are unhappy,
I listen.

I try to, but I sometimes get interrupted
as a poet usually does.

by life.

 

Doctor Doom

I try and not think, irritated like skin
my mind doesn’t release the ink
till it starts to stink,

like a foolish grin,
I wish I was him,
but I’ll never be,

I wish I was different
more resilient,
wish I was a strong man,

Guess I am,
But I see the world,
and I see the sun.

and I live in the shadows
a step in between greatness,
and mediocrity

I am just a poet, in this fair city.
Taking pills to sleep at night,
and pills to wake,

and I try and be hopeful,
look through the rose colored glasses
see a smile on my face,
brushed away

like tooth paste.

I need Amazing Grace,
I need a smoky piano,
I need a song sung to me in stereo
I need a comfortable chair to sit silently in.

I don’t need a television.
I am no revolution.

I am just a poet in this awkward world.
I am just a poem,
a couple lines in rhyme,
that take you away from life.

I am worlds away from them.
I am only just a pebble in your hand.
I am gold dust on an acid tongue,

I am only a dead signal when you try
and call home.

At least that’s what you told me I am.

All I am is a lonely me.

 

Illustration © James Conant

Illustration © James Conant

 

Jason Wright is the founder and Editor of Oddball Magazine. His “Jagged Thoughts” column appears weekly.

James Conant is a Cambridge artist who has recently added photography to his skills, which include clay sculpture, pen and ink, montages, and pencil art. He is always available for work and collaboration.