My Bitter Mouth

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No

In a bed

Or a car.

On a plane

Or a train.

In the long grass

Or a barren beach.

Against a wall

Or a kitchen table.

As long as it isn’t

Against a will.

FIRES

The Art of War

So many times I try to divide,

My mind from my heart

In matters pertaining to war.

 

We need no bullets,

Or hatchets buried deep

To slice each other’s soul –

 

A loosely spoken word,

As poison as a dart

That’s touched a crimson frog.

 

A look as cold as space.

A heart as unyielding as gravity.

These weapons often star.

 

It rends my aching spirit

Creates in me a destructive  mind,

‘Cos deep inside I know.

 

Without you I’m only half,

And you can surely see –

You’ll never have to bleed for me.

…………………………………………..

 

• If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him.
• If he is in superior strength, evade him.
• If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him.
• Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
• If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.
• If his forces are united, separate them.
• If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them.
• Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .”

 

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Recovery

My heart is left aching

From the thing that you did.

My soul is still reeling

From the things that you said.

You’re the fly in my ointment

When you should be the glue.

Its just salt in the wound

When I see you with him,

But the pain it will drive me

And soon I’ll be whole.

Then you’ll see me all vibrant

And glowing its true.

So like a breeze that is freshening

I’ll sweep you aside.

You’ll be nought but a mem’ry,

A pothole in my path.

That I filled with my spirit

My strength and my heart.

Like that light in the tunnel

I see my spring clearly.

I’ll wish you good health

But nothing too cheery.

🙂

Pain

Once again I have used a word that some may find offensive, so please don’t read further if you think you may be offended.  I have not used the word gratuitously and I believe that without the word, the character of the senryu would be softened and it’s impact significantly reduced.  If you choose to leave I understand and wish you all the best; if you read on, I hope you find the piece meaningful. Kind regards, Andy.