The Signal

I was waiting for the signal

I was waiting for the light

I was waiting for the siren

To come crying in the night

 

I was standing at the ready

I was standing by

My hand was holding steady

Cross my heart and hope to try

 

I was waiting for the rider

Listening for to know

The hour was upon us

That it was not too late to go

 

I was waiting for the enemy

I kept my eyes fixed on the door

I was always looking outside

Awaiting something more

 

I was waiting for the signal

Through each forgotten year

But it always had been crying

The hour was always here

Yesterday's Wine

Horse hair is coarse hair

And spider silk’s fine

And the grapes plucked tomorrow

Will be yesterday’s wine

 

A thimble’s a thumbful

To drink when you dine

Makeshift for a snifter

Of yesterday’s wine

 

Tophats and tailcoats

And sheer dresses divine

What a free, fancy evening

Drinking yesterday’s wine

 

You smile your smile

And I’ll smile mine

And toast with a glass

Of yesterday’s wine

 

Well-met by moonlight

Where moonlight can shine

You’ll see them and be them

Drinking yesterday’s wine

 

Hidden, unbidden

Beneath the tall, silent pine

Slurping and burping

Yesterday’s wine

 

Horse hair is coarse hair

And spider silk’s fine

And the grapes plucked tomorrow

Will be yesterday’s wine