schooled

 

i was schooled

not in the school

of scoundrels

who, exactly know

the way of success

and plenty

these seemingly wise

rebuked me

for my refusal

to follow

their easy model

rather i was schooled

in the school

of trees

and those distant stars

as the clouds

fair and dark

tutored me

to be free

like singing creatures

of wings

large and small

to fly, and fly away

and never be afraid

of want, height

or even failure

i was schooled

until i learnt

the lessons

to let go

as those seemingly wise

rebuked me

for my refusal

to follow

their easy model

of success

and plenty

© henry victor     25.01.1981

play kindness

you healed my broken heart

making it overflow with delight

replacing older blocked veins

with newer memories, no pain

flowing like a fresh spring river

surging with melting snow of winter;

in the morning you protested my not

picking and throwing to the second

floor, the dog’s toy to play on way

to your school, teaching me to play

with a four-legged and learn kindness

an urgent skill than picking to count

© henry victor       28.01.2016