Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Double Standards

Double Standards
By: R. A. Slater
11/28/12

I reaped the benefits of his sexism
Favored because of my gender
But I grew tired of it after awhile
A line I would not cross
Men were crapped upon
As were the less endowed
He couldn't even be consistent in that
Knowing others had spoken before
And failed in their attempt
The truth fallen unheard
So I bided my time as I searched
Then gave my notice with glee
They tried to screw me even then
Dismissing me before my time was done
They gave me a sop
Hoping I'd just go away
But I took great care
Filling out my exit papers in detail
Finding out later
Thru the grapevine
That I had made his life at work
Too hot for him to handle
And he beat them to the punch
Quitting and leaving the state
What joy I felt was coupled with my shame
At not speaking up sooner
 

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Looking Glass

The Looking Glass
By R. A. Slater
11/27/12

I look in the mirror and there she is
My own worst enemy staring back at me
She knows my every weakness, my every flaw 
I am an open book to her, even what I hide 
She leads me astray, exploits her knowledge of me
Intent on getting her own way
But I am all there is
No one else can fight her 
I alone can conquer
To run the race before me
Though my path is not smooth
And the way ridden with obstacles
I need no one to swoop in and save me
For as I am my own villain
I am my own hero
Shouldering the burdens of reality
I press ever onward
Refusing to be defeated

Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Truth About Winter

The Truth About Winter 
By: R.A. Slater
11/24/12

Winter is harsh and unyielding
With its cold snaps and January thaw
Wind howling at the eaves
Snow flying, covering everything
Ice encasing freezes lasting for weeks
Yet in its own way
It brings a breath of fresh air to life
Resting and renewing the spirit within
Preparing for the spring growth
Storing up energy for the green rush
So that the cycle can persist

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Late One Night

Late One Night
By: R.A. Slater
11/21/12


I was wandering late one night
Pondering the meaning of life
By the light of a pale moon
When I was interrupted by a curious sight
Ghost riders in the sky leaving their trails of fire
As slow moving meteorites
They alighted in my path and approached
'Tell me young lady, what country are we in?' The pale rider in front asked
'Why, it's America!' I answered in stammer
The riders in the back broke into chorus
Singing 'Song of the South' off key
'We're looking for Georgia,' the leader did say
'You're close,' I stammered again and pointed south 'it's about a three hour drive that way!'
'I guess that fiddler gave us good directions after all!' The leader said with a sigh
With a tip of his hat, he thanked me and gave me a wink
Then as one they turned their fiery steeds 
And galloped away, still singing in their off kilter way
I stood there amazed and watched them go
As odd as it was, the sight as they again lit up the shy
Really was something beautiful  
With my path again clear I continued on my walk
No more answers than when I started
But my heart beat lighter
Their song lingering in the air
Long after their trails had faded

Is This Paradise

Is This Paradise?
by: R.A. Slater
11/22/12

Is this paradise?
With the morning crush invading my sleep
The smog infested dream breakers
That harrow me on my way?
Far from it and no one can deny
The drive to make a dollar
Bowing and scraping to another
Watching for another to fall
Securing our place for tomorrow
To pay the bills and keep up with the Jones'
Is no one's paradise

Rather to stay up too late
Writing of humanities silliness
Spinning webs of lives and dreams
Causing wars and bringing down kingdoms
Breaking hearts and putting them back together
To sleep the sleep of the satisfied
Arising late to watch the last fog
Wisp away in the morning breeze
Sipping from the coffee cup new vigor
Fresh resolve to solve
All the loose threads from the night before

Chains on my Legs

Chains on my Legs
by: R.A. Slater
11/20/12

Pictures and papers laying about
Scattered petals of a dying flower
Memories and broken dreams
Chains about my legs
No order at all
A life of chaos
One day at a time
Sorting it all out
Bringing order to past and present
So I can let it all go
To embrace the future
And fly with the eagles
Released from my chains


Monday, November 19, 2012

The NeverEnding Saga

The NeverEnding Saga
By: R.A. Slater
11/19/2012

The Wheel spins ever on
Taking its characters from one country to the next
One Way or another
Spinning a tale too large to take in
Capturing its visitors with prophecy and intrigue
Description of splendid palaces and humble villages
Men and women of Power
Villains masquerading as heroes
Heroes found among villagers, wolves, and savages
Love entanglements and hatreds running deep
From one Age into the next
He held us captive even beyond his death
The NeverEnding Saga ends this January
Much to our anticipated dismay