Kingsley Corner

This is the latest poem from my favorite poet; it was a gift last night. Enjoy. (The computer highlighted a line, and I don't know why it does that. Ignore the fact that a random line is highlighted; I didn't do it for emphasis or anything like that....)

A Case for Beauty

With shortened eye, some seek to rush the plan
and steal of spring the pleasures it implies.
They, drunk with ruin, sing "live while you can!",
and wile away the willing with their lies.
Alas! The truth, by some, not understood:
Eternal is the flame of womanhood.

While beauty's light from spirit's fire shines,
a spark that glints from heaven-borrowed coals,
when starved for fuel the ember soon declines
to faintest flick from aging, tarnished souls.
Youth, don't embark upon that foolish course;
exploiting light; extinguishing the source.

For if life be but festival or fair,
a fast and flashy gathering of thrills,
erected overnight with little care
and stricken in the face of winter chills,
then when it dims what in its stead remains,
but empty lots, and trodden paths, and stains.

Make then yourself a monument instead;
heed not if blind or selfish men may mock.
Enjoy constructive years that lie ahead
and build your walls with choices, block by block.
Then when, in winter, lesser lights expire
your spires and halls will blaze with inner fire.