The Temple of Regrets


It is inside the temple of regrets
We must erect a new tower of strength
We must ensure that it is the right length
Casting its shadow before the sun sets

The topics of conversation vary
Depending on the class of company
And some languages sound like tympani
While others somehow make you so weary

How much of life can a soul really bear
If things are believed to run by lucky breaks
The hard rain falls and the howling wind shakes
Before man makes plans to repair the tear

The pollies sail a ship always on course
According to their ever abundant hopes
Despite a suspicion that there are slopes
Where rusty wrecks lie in sandy remorse

And yet smart gents snigger away their days
Staring at the funny naked people
Who would pick straight from the trees their staple
Asking wryly why they do not use trays

In the minds a realisation may dawn
Of comforts and frettings so unneeded
Of the poet's dire warnings unheeded
On the cool tablet that God will have drawn

Lucignano, 1 August 2006