NEVER!

Never. . . Ragged word, jagged thought
The shaper of wood spoke the word freely
Joining it with others that we would not fain to hold
Yet he found value often in the paltry term

Never death. . .

Never fear. . .
Never forsake. . .
Never enter. . .
Never again. . .
Never. . . Never. . . Never. . . .

Now filled with life mated
In intimacy with pregnant thoughts
Smoothed by the mind of the crafter of
Rough hewn emblems
Meaningful symbols
Finished to perfection
Polished by the wood worker from a distant place

Burnished wood. . . once rough hewn
Sparkling gem. . . tremendous pressure
Glistening linen. . . skein of royalty
Rippling sinews. . . flaring nostrils
Majestic scepter. . . blood has bought it
Reigning Sovereign. . . unending kingdom

I will never. . . .

-- Larry V. Newman