Seasonal departures, 10 December 2003

February is when I'm planning
to make my swift departure
from the earthly ties that bind me
to the winter that is here.

For a house and room downtown
beckon to be paid
to dwell in safe and sound
while I might gently wade
in glorious southern waters
with my chin against the sun
and prance with summer's daughters
and whistle while i run.

So it might be trifle hard
to make it for the weddings
and consequently retard
the events that are unfolding.

But please keep the months henceforth
open for some mirth
some good old doodling time
for old Portuguese Goan shrines

I'm determined to have a show
in the majestic Chowgule haven
Of watercolours galore
on the day that I've been saving.

Who knows what might happen
between now and then
a pleasant winter's companion
a clucking of a hen
A spider's silky cobweb
a rustle of a leaf
the happenings until Feb
are left to the Cosmic Chief.

How strange of you to ask
about my silver whisky flask
But the winter almanac
has me drinking cognac.

I do enjoy a glass of scotch
As I smoke my pipe and watch
the smoke rings blow away
into the light of day.

So farewell my sweet maid
(An expensive maid I reckon!)
while I try my best to trade
my winter,for the Deccan.

Deep rooted,
Harper Leafless

(Sent on an email to M.)

11 December 2003

The cosmic chief is idle
and wasting all my time
look only at what I'm holding
its a gin tonic and lime

if your thinking february
i have to rethink my life
and i need to earn some money
so i can be your wife

meanwhile i'm taking it easy
and thinking if perchance
if our wayward wanderous minds
might find themselves in france

or do goan climes await me
with portuguese wine and song
if you come this february
will you be staying long?
we should time our footsteps
to cross each others path
if not we'll wail in sorrow
in the lonely aftermath
somehow i don't see that happen
since our loyalites are clear
there is no alternative
to holidays and beer

do keep me very posted
on the pattern of your time
and sing to me your queries
in the form of classic rhyme

love
marmadeliene and toast

Lost Green July Umbrella, 27 June 2001

what's your secret Marmaladeine
to write such lengthy letters?
it's not often have I seen
'the lengthier the better'

Of profound wit and consequence
of life and work you speak
but then it's better hence
forth to ride the peak.

I had a silent freak out at work
which ended in a twitch
and then it dawned on me to shirk
that merry monstrous witch.

The monstrous witch I talk about
is one that's in my head
once in awhile he/she jumps out
and weaves a silky thread.

this twine unravels like a cloud
and pours in every stream
before you know....it's much too loud
can only hear the scream.

And then it dawned on me at last
'A haircut  is what I need'
to soothe and to console the blast
of monstrous witch's deeds.

it worked quite well madeleine
i worked till 9 at night
and pushed that horrid old mean
witch way out of sight

My hair is still long you know
it's my strength and saving grace
the locks in even numbers grow
and curl up on my face

So here ends my days adventure
of monotone and vice
and now the bed I must sensor
to dream a dream that's nice.

monocled,
harper

From Harper -16th August , 2005

Madeleine,

You wild woman from the east
It's to you I pen these words aleast
from under this ancient oak
who in this city's smog and smoke,
transforms this twilight as it seems
into a pleasant evening dream.

I write to you after solemn absense
From Harper's solitude I reveal my presence
I've lived and loved and laughed this summer
And now I sense an oncoming murmur,
of shorter days and longer nights
And thoughts to reckon and quests to fight.

I'm moving now at even pace
headlong into my inner space
And delving deep into my self
The soul I seek is on my shelf.

I'm ready now for a new adventure
Of heavenly sights and cosmic pleasure
Magic happens at every moment
To me this bliss is heaven sent.

Onward,
Harper

Birthday bliss

Madeleine of birthday bliss
To thee I send a solemn kiss
that shall land upon thy brow
betwixt thine eyes, I know not how
in dainty fashion through land and sea
Past lunar lightyears quietly.

And in the opening of that cosmic eye
May your pasts unravel and futures fly
May your dusty crevasses be swept ashore
May your wanted dreams be dreams no more
May all your realities be fulfilled
May your life's adventures seek their thrill
May you wander freely coast to coast
with people whom you love the most
And may the beauty of your actions reach
the lives of many with love to teach.

Love,
Harper

May 2006

Edit blues

December 13, 2003.

Harper.

i know not
harper
I do not know
what i know
and what i know not

Between edit panic
is not good for my hair
If a single hair whitens
its ironically not fair

help me with telepathy
help me through a dream
help me in any way you want
or I will simply scream

howl,
mad l.eine

found as a printout tucked away in a sketchbook.

Winter muse