In a Minor Key

                         No one told me of the long nights

                         or the solitary nature

                         of one in a crowd

                         the body  ill conceived

                         clouds the vision

                         long enough to spread the pain

                         brings forth a sardonic smile

                         drawn to a mirror

                         stained by the witches' dark breath

                         Look to the rock

                         where the mountain stands alone

                         makes no obeisance  demands no tribute

                         or  mystique of the chestnut tree

                         whose shadows heal the spirit

                         for all who care to enter

                         in an amoral way

                         we do not judge

                         we cannot hurt

                         This is a lonely road

                         so are we all

                         you know me for what I am

                         not what I seem

                         and in that manner born to me

                         I hail the greater one

                         accept myself  in a minor key

                                                      Jack Mashman

                                                      Rev. 1994