i
Words Forged Along the Path
Book II, the 1990’s
Patrick O’Neil
ii
Words Forged Along the Path
Book I; The 1970’s
Book II; The 1990’s
Book III; The 2000’s
by
Patrick O’Neil
ponart.com
iii
Copyright© 2023 by Patrick O’Neil
words@ponart.com
These collections of original poetry were written between 1992 and 1999.
All right reserved
Self-published
Cover photo and design by Patrick O’Neil
San Jacinto Wilderness, on the trail to Round Valley
December 2013
iv
Forged:
To give form or shape to, especially by means of careful effort
v
Words are my savior on the path of life
vi
Collections in this Group
Forged: ............................................................................................................................................... iv
O f L i g h t a n d R e f l e c t i o n ........................................................... 1
April 28 ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Oh, Beautiful Soul ......................................................................................................................... 7
The Circle Closes ......................................................................................................................... 10
9:02 PST ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Infinity's Tree ............................................................................................................................... 21
the flute ......................................................................................................................................... 22
F r a g m e n t a r y V i s i o n s ............................................................ 35
Canyon Sunrise ............................................................................................................................ 62
T o u c h i n g t h e S u n ................................................................. 68
Glendyn’s Song ................................................................................................................................. 72
O f t h e M o o n a n d t h e S t a r s .................................................... 84
1 0 0 0 V o i c e s ........................................................................ 92
garden walk .................................................................................................................................. 97
the sacrifice .................................................................................................................................. 99
quiet drifting .............................................................................................................................. 101
Birth and Death ......................................................................................................................... 104
Epitaph ......................................................................................................................................... 106
January 1, 1994 .......................................................................................................................... 110
THE BOOK..................................................................................................................................... 120
D a r k W i n g s ........................................................................ 1 2 6
words .............................................................................................................................................. 129
T h e F o u r t h V o i c e ................................................................ 1 4 0
I wish .............................................................................................................................................. 145
A S m i l e B e t w e e n S o r r o w s ..................................................... 1 4 9
W i n t e r o f M y D r e a m s .......................................................... 1 5 7
I n s p i r a t i o n ........................................................................ 1 6 0
ponart Of Light and Reflection 1
Of Light and Reflection
p o n a r t
1992
Copyright Patrick O’Neil
ponart Of Light and Reflection 2
as you sit in tranquil surroundings
meditate on one thought
as your world slowly stops spinning
consider what you've been taught
that pain is only fleeting
and that time cannot be caught
ponart Of Light and Reflection 3
capture the wind
harness the wave
to experience
the essence of life
one must be brave
(from a drawing)
ponart Of Light and Reflection 4
I looked for you
in the fire
and only found the flame
I looked for you
with the wind across the desert
and returned alone
I looked for you
in the willows that weep into the water
and they did not remember you
I looked for you
in the light of the night sky
and found only the blackness
I looked for you
in my soul
and now I can only wait
ponart Of Light and Reflection 5
April 28
I question all
but have answered none
and my sadness
has fallen victim to the dusk
with grays and blue
to the victor
the vastness is no longer
feared or ignored
why has the upward journey
failed to align my hopes and dreams
I often begged for guidance
but weakness shrouds my pleas
and when infinity's light found me
I was blinded, not saved
So, my mind deliberates no more
and the spirit within me
must drift...
and cry...
alone...
forever
ponart Of Light and Reflection 6
rainbow colors marching
sky swiftly falling
on satin textures
that rule the earth
life sweetly singing
future brightly shining
on a lonely soul
who found his way
ponart Of Light and Reflection 7
Oh, Beautiful Soul
flowing waters, feel their source
to this languid pool in a dream
where coolness reaches into your heart
and your hopes rise upwards like steam
looking up, see a circle of branches
gently reaching to entwine your core
looking down, the past reflecting
you float above and begin to soar
clouds beneath you, life ahead of you
a scintillating light guides the way
be absorbed, fall to its center
for within that peacefulness
you may stay
ponart Of Light and Reflection 8
in your evening thoughts
what is my name?
how does one return
to the time of first imagining
how does one explore
the space between god
how does one answer
the strident rhythm of existing
how does one reclaim
the evening thoughts that lead us on
...without being forever changed
ponart Of Light and Reflection 9
stars in the sky
look down on my form
the earth holds me
the winds cool me
the tides move me
I am...
I am...
the sands of your love
shaped and molded by your thoughts
marked by your footprints
then erased
forever changing
forever silent
forever yours
ponart Of Light and Reflection 10
The Circle Closes
I found you in the summer's rain
in a thousand tears
that reflects your pain
then collecting in a meadow's stream
these shared images
from a private dream
finally flowing to your mirrored soul
I searched within
to find my goal
I looked deep within your light to find
that love of life
gives peace of mind
and pain and sorrow have no place to stay
when we touch
our special way
ponart Of Light and Reflection 11
thoughts in lazy flight
spiraling through clouds of hope
billowing sails on azure memories
and returning to the now
with you
ponart Of Light and Reflection 12
if I speak the answers clearly
and uncover your questions, too
if I travel to a place before time
and return with your jeweled stars
if I bow to your shimmering ocean's brightness
and embrace your consuming fire
if I fall to the earth's liquid center
and into your outstretched arms
would you catch me
would you hold me
would you help me through
ponart Of Light and Reflection 13
traces of your fingertips
lingering laughter and sparkling eyes
I surround your fragile presence with
my love that gently tries
to reach inside your inner self
and be a flower in disguise
ponart Of Light and Reflection 14
9:02 PST
the day is gray with solitude
the rain plays its song on the leaves
time stretches slowly around corners
allowing for thoughts to travel far
and talk to you
ponart Of Light and Reflection 15
a stone has been planted
the world lays barren with waste
a thousand harvests forgotten
sweet memories of a taste
the world slowly withers
only twisted skeletons remain
for the stone covers all I know
mute testimony to the pain
ponart Of Light and Reflection 16
I lay my head
next to dreams unsaid
and sleep cradled
in the waters of life
where truth is found
and love abounds
I awaken
having said good-bye
for in that last kiss
I taste lasting bliss
and now know
that you are truly mine
ponart Of Light and Reflection 17
a short walk on a long pier
words, always words to say
gray eyes, I look deep within
cool breeze, and I try to warm you
touching, words are less important now
holding you, words mean nothing now
every fiber is aware of you
every texture
every pressure
every contact
is you
I am frozen
I am speechless
I am time that wants to stand still
and capture you
ponart Of Light and Reflection 18
if you could step inside my mind
would you marvel at what you see
I call on the spirits
of the crescent moon
that frolic on the
night's silver path
in the crash of surf
and heavy air
on the guardian rocks
with silent eddies
do they know
what I feel inside
do they know... the beauty
the beauty of loving you
ponart Of Light and Reflection 19
you see me
I see you
different pictures
but I feel
that our thoughts
are the same
ponart Of Light and Reflection 20
the long shadows of silence
creep across the canyon floor
the jagged rock walls
reflect the last feeble light of day
the trees on creeks' edge
cast dark fingers
on the deepening sky
the air settles into stillness
and the world
becomes quiet
so quiet
waiting
waiting for you
to announce
the night's hidden symphony
to begin
ponart Of Light and Reflection 21
Infinity's Tree
a leaf that falls
into a stream
begins a long journey to the sea
a leaf that falls
beneath a tree
feeds the forest floor
a leaf that falls
into my outstretched hand
is mine to hold forever
ponart Of Light and Reflection 22
the flute
winsome notes upon a flute
wafting across a field of green
hues that only our ears can see
floating on the country air
gentle elf with magic fingers
drown the air with a tune
(from Pain As Time 1973)
ponart Of Light and Reflection 23
dreams
with spinning fragments
waking to coolness
after the rain...
after the rain of my tears
I call out your name
for in the silence of my breathing
I feel your heart...
and shadows
that pass silently by
in the night
the mist mingles with my sadness
I touch those memories again
I am a soaring bird
in the company of stars
after the rain...
after the rain of my tears
ponart Of Light and Reflection 24
thoughts that visit briefly
give a mere moments pleasure
and then return to the black
the summer of my birth calls for me
I am allowed to see the before and after
before the seasons...
I stand for judgment
and after...
there is just the winding procession
where the road is a multitude of rocks
where the road is forever
and this life
which is the space between two rocks
provides the respite one needs
to hope
ponart Of Light and Reflection 25
hazy memories of lives gone past
quiet pools of solitude to hide in
fervent prayers for continued bliss
open arms that embrace the world
unknown faces that crowd a window
a baby's cry shatters the calm
gliding images that escape from blackness
the ocean continues in a silent way
all in my mind...
all in my mind...
all in my mind...
today
ponart Of Light and Reflection 26
a light reflects
off a silent pool of green
and hides secretive denizens
just beyond reach
where in deep caverns of mystery
they spin their cocoons
endlessly wrapping
the fragile shell of this life
I give to you solace
from winter's pale gray
for in this fire's offering
that drifts on the sky
I show a hazy memory's window
into my soul
that slowly opens
to embrace you and die
ponart Of Light and Reflection 27
I walk slowly with the shadows
as they fall into the night
I heed their beckoning call
as I follow the precipitous path
I feel their gentle caress
as my mind explores colored canyons
I expand into the universe
and become as time with you
ponart Of Light and Reflection 28
I follow the receding fingers
of the tide as it returns to sea
shells and pebbles on the sand disappear
as they spiral their good-bye's
I hear the soft sound of the water's retreat
as the far horizon comes forward to absorb me
and then, left stranded within my self
I begin my vigil to wait for you
my image stretches to surround it all
for I am the feelings of past existing
released from the invisible fire
I brush the ocean's deepest crevice
and the mountain's craggy summit
with my fingertips
and I veil the moon with my wings
(continued)
ponart Of Light and Reflection 29
my reason for being is seared on to my soul
by the endless sorrow of night
my reason for living
comes from my eternal quest
to escape the dark
in the great granite halls
I whirl among the alabaster statues
of the immortal gods
where the sounds of my passage
curse the lingering echoes of stillness
as I explore the vaporous rift
between your dreaming and awakening
I find... that you are love
so now knowing this I escape the solitude
and quietly the tide comes in
to carry me
to home
again
ponart Of Light and Reflection 30
gentle, gentle
wandering one
kneeling in a wooded dale
by a silent stream
with hands thrust deep
into decaying soil
living sunset memories
from a faded dream
find a seed protected
from the winter's cold
awaiting the warmth
of a distant spring
cupped in hand
sense its future
vining upwards
and the fruit it brings
living, dying
the great circle
wispy images
of souls long lost
judgment based
on your shared treasures
with life's rewards
traced in the frost
ponart Of Light and Reflection 31
touch with tender kiss
know that I am weeping
hiding sadness
from your eyes
touch with tender kiss
know that I am keeping
your crystalline light
deep inside
touch with tender kiss
know that I am sleeping
always... always
by your side
ponart Of Light and Reflection 32
pinpoint light of understanding
melodic rhythm of days going by
have found a source of infinite value
hidden within your silent sigh
ponart Of Light and Reflection 33
Love is...
what colors the world
ponart Of Light and Reflection 34
Of Light and Reflection
1992
ponart Fragmentary Visions 35
Fragmentary Visions
p o n a r t
1992 – 1993
Copyright Patrick O’Neil
ponart Fragmentary Visions 36
in an ancient time
trekked a forgotten tribe
isolated, in their own world
cruel
because existing was cruel to them
primitive
because that was all they knew
fair to observe, fierce to fight
they pillaged the earth they trod on
nomadic
they wandered aimlessly
through the bearded forest
the slash of burnt offerings
marked their travel
they lived
but their eyes were empty
and the world
gray, surrounded them
(continued)
ponart Fragmentary Visions 37
they did not hear the call of beauty
they did not feel the joy of living
they did not know why they were there
nor did they care
the cold was biting
one winter's day
the wind blew fierce
they lost their way
the night descended
the snow fell deep
the spirit of life
was not theirs to keep
the empty sun rose
to a world of white
only a few shrouded echoes
described their plight
winter cradled their earthly remains
and spring quickly erased
their journey
of pains
ponart Fragmentary Visions 38
flat land, heavy land
landscape of another day
desolation citizens
in a struggle to survive
red sun, cold light
in a well that has gone dry
I raise and shake my dying fist
at this world I so despise
ponart Fragmentary Visions 39
when thoughts are held on to
and explored
they reveal the spirit within
when thoughts are shared
as gifts
they become alive with love
ponart Fragmentary Visions 40
softly crying, deadly silence
emanating darkness from below
looking forward, seeing nothing
just the puppets dancing slow
reaching upwards, touching coldness
stabbing ice in a jagged sore
stumbling backwards, on to daggers
blissful peace, my end to war
ponart Fragmentary Visions 41
whispers hiding
behind tomorrow
come forward to hear
what they have to say
soft, trembling words
from fog and unfocused
say embrace the river
be on your way
rushing rapids
no returning
the wind lifts up
your victory song
for given the strength
of a thousand suns
you embrace this life
where you belong
ponart Fragmentary Visions 42
immerse yourself
in the placid stream
and feel the power within
the many wonders of the world
become focused inside this dream
the answers to your questions
the ones that you never asked
are ripples in the continuum
now that you’re finished with the past
ponart Fragmentary Visions 43
doors and windows
show steps beyond
to worlds that call for me
where the breeze whispers
enchanted thoughts
to trees that bend to listen
see crescent slivers
of shimmering light
piercing
the meadow's dark curtain
feel the warmth
of many suns
as the purplish night
slowly withers
know that the truth
hidden in each of us
is awakening
to calm our fears
so, find the sword
that cuts the knot
and fly beyond
the stars above
ponart Fragmentary Visions 44
images of imposing granite
touching history, becoming part
with eyes above and feet deeply rooted
in rock and in my wondrous world
I sense the textures of time and witness
the transforming of boulders into dust
go to where the wind and rain
fight the elemental battles
go to where nature's patience fills
desert washes with coarse sand
go to where you may embrace
your deepest, inner god
then touch yourself, with a smile
and feel the purple sunset shadows
as you are there, where granite crumbles
beneath the fingertips of time
ponart Fragmentary Visions 45
if I have made you happy
and have seen your inner soul
then I have finished
what I set forth
then I have paid the toll
ponart Fragmentary Visions 46
quietly passing, tremors of mine
blanketing silence, thick with remorse
deepest passion, memories lost
delicately balanced, precarious thought
ponart Fragmentary Visions 47
I see your smile from far away
I know that you are sleeping
I touch your dreams from far away
I know that you are keeping
the wonders of our gentle way
found in our quiet weeping
ponart Fragmentary Visions 48
I am
am found
found as
as one
one what
ponart Fragmentary Visions 49
I look in to a deep, dark hole
and it looks back at me
I run the ocean's beaches
and swallow what I see
the wind plays with my melody
haunting, cruel, and long
the waves toss it back at me
as they sing their victory song
ponart Fragmentary Visions 50
you touch on world harmony
you free the slaves of time
you gather forth the fruits of love
you are forever mine
ponart Fragmentary Visions 51
thunderous volleys
that cry for release
tortuous chasms
empty with grief
scattered by the wind
in a rhythm of hate
lay the deflated promises
of tomorrow
ponart Fragmentary Visions 52
I have finished
the call of the father
the one buried
in you and in me
not recognized
in its present form
not happy
till flying free
the answer
will always remain hidden
its purpose
the enigma of time
I place my heart
next to your soul of souls
I collapse
into death so fine
ponart Fragmentary Visions 53
black rock, moon glow
shadows that hide the way
smooth glass, falling star
off the path, we stray
ponart Fragmentary Visions 54
let me look inside your love
I wonder what I'll see
let me live inside your heart
for all eternity
ponart Fragmentary Visions 55
moonlight
silver dancing
with the leaves
ponart Fragmentary Visions 56
shine a light
down a well
ripples on water
the story to tell
always looking up
at the sky
always yearning for
but never to try
ponart Fragmentary Visions 57
encircled by iron hands
shadows cast on empty spaces
illuminating pulsating sphere
retrograde descending orbit
pitiful blank walls of torture
hiding the stark landscape
from peering curious eyes
many eyes, thoughts of escape
knowledge of failure
where failure is death
but death is an escape
so, we go
up... and over
sometimes
to be free for a moment
is to live
for a lifetime
ponart Fragmentary Visions 58
fading echoes of mine
shouted again and again
silent steps one by one
but never moving on
deep breath of desire
lost in the fire's motion
eyes searching all around
only finding icy glare
the music calls for forgiveness
someday my ears will hear
ponart Fragmentary Visions 59
a tree stands alone
in a storm
long ago
given up its green
tempered by wind
this warrior sings
of many battles
and victories seen
a lifeless husk
the strength of demons
holding on
through heat and cold
finally crashing down
with fingers pointing
at the gray churning sky
and the last story told
ponart Fragmentary Visions 60
no words may express
these images inside
no thoughts do justice
to feelings held in
no pen
no symbol
no gesture
completes the picture
as you do
touching the raw edge
of my existence
ponart Fragmentary Visions 61
small pebbles,
eroded memory
of a larger world
ten thousand years
waiting on this path
held in my hands now
for many thousand more
colored striations speak
in the language of shadows
I go back to their liquid birth
in the fires of yesteryear
fulfilling their destinies
to be found only by me
back on the path now
awaiting my return
sense of eternity
and the solitary
peacefulness of
introspection
ponart Fragmentary Visions 62
Canyon Sunrise
morning sunlight shadows
on ragged ageless cliffs
evening moonlight shadow memories
escape into the clear morning air
fire dancing thoughts
of pictures crackling
now long gone
the sounds are waking
the breeze is calling
to hear this morning's song
ponart Fragmentary Visions 63
it doesn't matter where you stop
to take that look around
for you will never understand
the quietness of time's sound
ponart Fragmentary Visions 64
and I cried
because of what is lost within me
the colors I have been chasing
are just beyond reach
as I almost touch
that feeble spark of enlightenment
my tears fall onto the sand
and share with the world
more than I...
will ever know
ponart Fragmentary Visions 65
stop the discourse
and reach into the limitless sky
as the shroud slips away
sunshine smiles on the water
married with the breeze
across the valley
and skimming the swaying treetops
I fly the beauty
of the morning's sparkling presence
ponart Fragmentary Visions 66
a time for stillness
and starlight memories
the eternal quiet
of being alone
hands around
the quest for living
trajectory of thoughts
hear gradient laughter
then push through the darkness
to be welcomed home
to arms that hold
with caressing thoughts
for one must be loved
to be
ponart Fragmentary Visions 67
Fragmentary Vi sions
1992 - 1993
ponart Touching the Sun 68
Touching the Sun
p o n a r t
1993
Copyright Patrick O’Neil
ponart Touching the Sun 69
black rock, moon glow
shadows that hide the way
smooth glass, falling star
off the path we stray
fading night, quiet step
embrace the break of day
fool’s gold, lost prayers
keep the demons at bay
high cliffs, crowning clouds
the words we try to say
distant dreams, sad journey
we touch the sun and pray
ponart Touching the Sun 70
I struggle with these thoughts
that place me far inside
with windows all surrounding
I barely touch those wispy figures
as they parade their soul's music
for me to interpret
ponart Touching the Sun 71
in the infinite silence
between moments
exists an eternity of answers
to our one question
ponart Touching the Sun 72
Glendyn’s Song
many years
have passed the mark
since I last sang this song
many swords
have crossed their blades
many souls have suffered
but my eyes grow weak
and my beard grows long
with peace now being offered
so once more I tell this tale
once more I ride this demon
crouch down close to my fire
for the cold sinks to your bones
as the shackles of the evil eye
turns back those bygone days
(continued)
ponart Touching the Sun 73
Glendyn was my given name
in that carnage so long ago
now my spirit roams these darkened halls
with the hearth now centuries cold
and though my body is long since dust
my story must be told
we were the mighty brethren
in long boats we did arrive
we had our quest to fight and burn
slaying all we found alive
and as we marched across the land
you heard our battle cry
the winter's breath was our friend
fierceness was our shield
we fought until the death of all
our honor would not yield
and of the brothers in battle lost
we burned upon the field
(continued)
ponart Touching the Sun 74
entire towns we left in ruins
dying embers in the snow
the gods required sacrifice
our bloodthirst they did know
and as we crossed the village gate
our blades strained to taste our foe
there was plunder that we gathered
young lasses that we caught
we kept them for our pleasures
the rewards of battles fought
and the goddess that we worshiped
was the destruction that we wrought
we raised our swords in victory
our shields hung by our side
for underfoot lay the broken bodies
of the innocent that died
and the blood that froze to mother-earth
surely brought tears into her eyes
(continued)
ponart Touching the Sun 75
now I have seen the tunnel's glimmer
of this punishment forlorn
I hear the children screaming
as my soul is burned and torn
and I await the eternal quiet
of their forgiveness and their scorn
the light is growing stronger
my dust trembles beneath the stone
their far-off voices speak to me
as the seeds of mercy sown
and my misery hangs in tatters
as gristle from the bone
my peace is that much nearer
the gods hear my anguished plea
for I am the last brethren
who still journeys this dark sea
and with my endless song now over
I am, forever free
ponart Touching the Sun 76
sad times that roll on by
a smile that breaks the barrier
a motion of hands
disperse the vapor of despair
eyes searching, above and out
finding that essence
embracing the ways of the past
discovering lightness
buried in thoughts
multicolored confusion
breathless escape
sun-sparkling corridor
central spire of fleeting hope
pause in those quiet times
ponart Touching the Sun 77
chains that have nothing to say
the cell door swings empty
windows barred against the light
the walls drip silent and dark
shadows delimit the space between time
the lock thunders across forever
alone now with the future
the past swirls away
and is gone
ponart Touching the Sun 78
there lives a spirit
under an ancient moon
that glides across a lake
entering the woods
finding a sleeping form
for its soul to take
like a silent breeze
placing a cold hand
you shudder yourself awake
burning with fear
and living that dream
peace with your god you make
ponart Touching the Sun 79
Indian heart, hidden in shadows
dappled sunlight through ancient trees
soft sounds heard, keen the hunger
black eyes searching the forest floor
swift pursuit, quick the capture
strong hands hold a quivering life
stone knife falls, merciful silence
crimson offering to the skies above
loping run, return to family
sharing strength while sharing love
feel sun's warmth, cloud's give comfort
as god smiles down on laughing children
Indian heart, return to beauty
to hunt again under the vast blue sky
ponart Touching the Sun 80
for I have spoken, spoken for this day
and in your hands, the shapeless clay...
formed by pressure
you hold your life
formed by thoughts
you hold your future
formed by heat
you hold the past
formed by tears
you hold our sadness
formed by love
you hold me
ponart Touching the Sun 81
I wish I knew the lives we lived
to ease the pain in this one
I wish I knew the words we said
to now count the final tally
I wish I knew the feelings we shared
to complete this one last picture
I wish I knew the way to touch you
to stay in your heart forever
ponart Touching the Sun 82
empty pages
silent pen
trudging alone
along the path
again
ponart Touching the Sun 83
Touching the Sun
1993
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 84
Of the Moon and the Stars
p o n a r t
1993
Copyright Patrick O'Neil
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 85
repeating patterns
of glossy memories
of wings
beating against a living membrane
where a narrow beam
of connecting thoughts
takes you beyond
the moon and the stars
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 86
count the miles of troubles now gone by
and empty shells surrounding circus pictures
where tension and grief pushed out tomorrow
see distant lands through the fire in your eyes
becoming dust that escapes between fingers
to mingle with the world below
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 87
boxes within boxes
leads to debts one must pay
ashes fallen ashes
covers all hope in a silent way
shadows marching shadows
leads the fallen into gray
crying endless crying
marks eternity for those who pray
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 88
the shutters slowly open
grimy windows cringe at the light
sickly hands part the curtains
dark shadows escape back into night
an eyeless face beckons you closer
pictures of scurrying shapes taking flight
the evil smell overwhelms your senses
be quick to rise and escape in fright
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 89
red waters churning beneath a colorless sky
brings forth these thoughts that are burning
a light that quenches
reflects past life's corners
and brings forward
these shadowy dreams
of what we fear
standing in the kaleidoscope
looking past the precipice
absorbed by soft fog
melting to the center
where god is so near
face the eternal puzzle
interlocking strands of confinement
riotous fusion of blazing suns
collapsing galaxy of sadness
I find myself in your last tear
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 90
a young girl sits
alone at a table
discovering that
she's inherited the world
leaving behind
the carefree child
she makes a vow
without even knowing
and sets in her life
a spark that continues
to expand and to grow
into the flame of today
ponart Of the Moon and the Stars 91
Of the Moon and the Stars
1993
ponart 1000 Voices 92
1000 Voices
p o n a r t
1993 - 1994
Copyright Patrick O'Neil
ponart 1000 Voices 93
I share these voices given to me
and revel in their power
I find these voices given to me
exist high in an iron tower
ponart 1000 Voices 94
floating leaves, endless ripples
water causing an empty thought
fallen trees, furrowed trenches
earth surrounding what I've caught
fallow fields, private meadows
god held prisoner to what he's wrought
finding peace, garden treasures
the end to mysteries that I've fought
ponart 1000 Voices 95
on wings
high above
the tiny specks of life below
on wings
cutting through
the feathery wisps of rolling vapor
on wings
voice of hunger
shrieks across the painted desert
on wings
changing winds
cause shifting patterns of fearsome shadows
on wings
where solitude
becomes my reward for living
on wings
ponart 1000 Voices 96
as far back as one may go
to a liquid connected world of warmth
tendrils touching long lost memories
in a quiet invasion of inner solitude
slowly opening aperture of awareness
loosening the confines of darkness
first breath
ignites the fire of life
first thoughts
embrace time's start
first eyes
open into the layered fog
first words
declare the reason to exist
first steps
cross the river and go beyond
into this universe
into your world
ponart 1000 Voices 97
garden walk
enemies within, deep well of conflict
smooth flagstones to follow blindly
feather fronds protect silent thoughts
cascading dew forms jewels to rely on
tentative steps, three forward, one back
protective crouch, relive parting sorrow
then deep breath, full of moss and earth
leather leaves show the textures between moments
diagonal columns of sunlight march beyond view
lazy floating motes ignore intruder’s passage
timeless enchantment between spider's filaments
captured dancing nymphs entangled in deception
holding closely those prayers that save us
quiet struggle, then freedom's flight
ponart 1000 Voices 98
light's boundaries
testing the limits of space
innumerable thoughts projecting beyond
noticed by searching beings
rebroadcast to their central place
collected, analyzed, and studied
found inconsequential and discarded
but providing a century of mirth
while waiting for their next discovery
the purpose of our lives...
ponart 1000 Voices 99
the sacrifice
cold silence
blanketing darkness
legs fettered
arms akimbo
eyes uplifted
frozen terror
knives piercing
empty scream
melting pain
conscious falling
heavy thud
ponart 1000 Voices 100
voices take so many forms
with these stories that must be told
voices that are always there
with the source uncountably old
voices provide the questions
when the answers are already known
voices are the soul's extension
a reward when the spirit has grown
ponart 1000 Voices 101
quiet drifting
a door to find, a life to lead
with hazy motion and circular thoughts
without the key, what good this search
without your help, what good this effort
without your love, what good this life
ponart 1000 Voices 102
darkness precedes the light
dry wind whispers before the rain
eclipsing shadows move overhead
unknown presence observes quietly
panoramas of life all around
individual experiences woven as cloth
cloaking tightly our innermost needs
for here is the essence of why we breathe
ponart 1000 Voices 103
the sounds of water lapping
of time drifting slowly away
away from secure feelings
away from treasures held
away from comfort found
away from knowing you
ponart 1000 Voices 104
Birth and Death
one is for laughing; one is for crying
one is for entering; one is for leaving
one is for learning; one is for forgetting
one is for quietness; one is for loudness
one is for finding; one is for losing
one is for beginning; one is for ending
one follows the other
but I know not which
ponart 1000 Voices 105
reach deep, beyond the pale
soar high, and touch infinity
stretch from yesterday through tomorrow
and implode into the nothingness
then as a flower, with far reaching petals
blossom inward, into the heart of god
ponart 1000 Voices 106
Epitaph
count the leaves that die and fall today
for that counts your minutes remaining
count the clouds passing by today
for that counts your friends soon grieving
count the birds soaring high today
for that counts your demons unbidden
count the sun in the sky today
for that counts the lives you are given
ponart 1000 Voices 107
like
seeds in a row
waiting for wind
like
seeds in a row
waiting for rain
like
seeds in a row
waiting for sun
like
seeds in a row
waiting to carry on
ponart 1000 Voices 108
silent footsteps, golden glow
figure silhouetted against the light
intense streamers, fragmented refraction
knocks on your door when the time is right
thunderous bells, mountains calling
now quietly sleeping and shrouded in white
ponart 1000 Voices 109
patterns of movement
the wind whistling change
this tormenting vagueness
where all is so strange
with the harmonious kinship’s
we try to arrange
ponart 1000 Voices 110
January 1, 1994
pieces of a puzzle
scattered and hidden
no reassuring picture to follow
haphazardly assembled
where spaces show between the jigs
but it's the best I can do
in this short time
that I have
ponart 1000 Voices 111
to know that time is given
takes it so quickly away
ponart 1000 Voices 112
panes of glass
from far away
show ocean ripples
as they snake on sand
where the silent darkness
shimmers beyond tomorrow
forming radial blurs
of absolute symmetry
so soon to discover
that the projection of thoughts
ultimately causes
the evaporation of being
ponart 1000 Voices 113
close your eyes
and see yourself
in between this flash
of darkness
close your eyes
and be yourself
shrug off this bitter
wind's caress
close your eyes
and free yourself
from this empty world
of excess
ponart 1000 Voices 114
these three lines a triangle make
with two lines forever diverging
one line going nowhere
and a point to mark your spot
ponart 1000 Voices 115
the wind blew
and the sky falls into the night
in a world of no reason
naked figures march
through twisted desolation
melting into the far horizon
white hot embers scorch the remnants
of final consciousness
abandoned orbs
of universal intelligence
litter the cruel landscape with disdain
and the patchwork essence
of the deceivers
obscures from harmony
the bearer of my guilt
ponart 1000 Voices 116
capture
the immensity of inner conflict
cower
beneath the fluted shell of apathy
weave
an escape based on the ancient dreams
declare
freedom from the ultimate blackness
journey
to the place of answers
and live
in the spirit of all songs
ponart 1000 Voices 117
If a door opens...
pass on through
If a path beckons...
follow its trail
If a light shines...
absorb the power
If a friend calls...
ponart 1000 Voices 118
There are mysteries
that remain beyond
this daily turmoil
ponart 1000 Voices 119
small window view
from angel's secret playground
past silver wings and curling vapor
the towering presence of turbulent clouds
become sentinels from the deeper blue
now lonely soldiers passing by
deep landlocked dragon tears
reflect their silent passage
to viewers from afar
ponart 1000 Voices 120
THE BOOK
very short
deservedly ignored
life's ambition
final chapter
now over
the end
ponart 1000 Voices 121
dying light
evening tremors
midnight spasms
morning cold
try to escape
this binding sadness
and fly above
these murky depths
to the end
the final mystery
in quiet repose
you now pass through
ponart 1000 Voices 122
good-night moon...
it's time for me to go now
good-night moon...
it's nice to remember you when
good-night moon...
it's hurts for what I must do
good-night moon...
it's dark now your light is gone
good-night moon...
it's cold without you here
good-night moon...
it's over
I belong to sadness
ponart 1000 Voices 123
I am time
unknown
beyond all measure
I find
and after finding
I pass by
leaving behind
these delicate leaves
suspended
before the wind
ponart 1000 Voices 124
the place I go
not far away
where quiet prevails
and darkness yields
with loving touches
that conquer all
are friends who guide me
through times of pain
for in our smiles
sharing a moments peace
I find what is lost
exists so near
ponart 1000 Voices 125
1000 Voices
1993 - 1994
ponart Dark Wings 126
Dark Wings
p o n a r t
1994
Copyright Patrick O'Neil
ponart Dark Wings 127
dark wings
whispering downward
searching out secrets
discovering mine
razor talons
now rushing for me
overpowering my struggle
taking my heart
cold bead of an eye
looking right through me
posing eternal questions
answering with fire
cruel beak
dancing in frenzy
freezing the image
delivering death
ponart Dark Wings 128
ACT I
"Open up", said he
"Why", the quick retort
"Shiny presents and pretty baubles"
"That should do", she said
ACT II
"Put them on the bed", said she
"Gladly" the quick retort
"Now let me show you to the door"
"That will not do" he said
ACT III
"Open up", said he
"Why" the quick retort
"I am cold and lonely out here"
"That's too bad", she said
ponart Dark Wings 129
words
words to make one feel good
words to run away
words to defend your honor
words to beg you to stay
words to question the future
words to describe today
words to weave a small lie
words to make one pay
words to enjoy a quiet dream
words to escape the gray
ponart Dark Wings 130
hand touching white smoothness
shaping the cold form
with file and grit
rounding and carving
freeing one figure
out of countless choices
freeing one spirit
waiting within
ponart Dark Wings 131
in the lingering quietness...
a ruby silence of thought
saving my hopes for tomorrow...
protected from fierce onslaught
ponart Dark Wings 132
following patterns throughout the day
makes time the master of none
ponart Dark Wings 133
powerful words strung in empty meaning
fools the followers of modern problems
search your heart to find true order
then live your deeds to match
ponart Dark Wings 134
the air that we breathe
the thoughts that we keep
the treasures that are found
the courage beyond all reach
the beauty deep inside
the belief of one who cares
the days unfolding forever
the time I shared with you
ponart Dark Wings 135
my blood flows in the river
the river without breath
and without life
then courses through the narrows
the narrows of dark
and of death
as I yield to the many sorrows
the sorrows that blacken
then caress
ponart Dark Wings 136
words hidden behind cruel shadows
found in the silence of the night
words with such little meaning
silently spoken, silent fright
ponart Dark Wings 137
the red demon
that visits
in my sleep
extracts
these promises
I cannot keep
for if
I wake
before the dawn
I would search
and find
my soul now gone
ponart Dark Wings 138
I have poems that will never be written
poems that will never be said
for these are the thoughts that carry over
to life from the land of the dead
my words all alone are quite empty
but together, they carry time's weight
and after roaring inside these chasms
they slow and give pause at the gate
for I know I shall never see over
the walls are too high and too wide
but the spirit, so restless, within me
must know, at least, that I tried
ponart Dark Wings 139
Dark Wings
1994
ponart The Fourth Voice 140
The Fourth Voice
p o n a r t
1996
Copyright Patrick O’Neil
ponart The Fourth Voice 141
what is near
and
what is far
simple words
to ponder
ponart The Fourth Voice 142
an eternity of vibrations
from nothingness to extremes
multi-point visions of motion
pray to the voices within
ponart The Fourth Voice 143
effortless flight beckons
cycles of hunger and satiation
gradual cold, dark turning
sensation of transition
folded wings
quietness
waiting
now
ponart The Fourth Voice 144
long, far away
shrouded trees with snow
whispering sliver moon of darkness
ice prisoners point the way
frozen crystals of breath
lost in the immense tundra
embracing those thoughts
of sun and warmth
then falling into
dreams
ponart The Fourth Voice 145
I wish
I wish to scream
but have no mouth
I wish to see
but have no eyes
I wish to hear
but have no ears
I wish feel
but have no hands
I wish to die
but have no life
ponart The Fourth Voice 146
steam obscuring the moon
above
dust drifting over dreams
below
fire consuming my world
inside
wind lifting my soul
away
ponart The Fourth Voice 147
shattered chain fragments
announce to the deceivers
to reckon with this new day
ponart The Fourth Voice 148
The Fourth Voice
1996
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 149
A Smile Between Sorrows
p o n a r t
1996 - 1998
Copyright Patrick O'Neil
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 150
I will find the time to pray
the time to say what must be said
and for this moment
I am you
and for this moment
you are me
entwined in my words
reaching for your thoughts
I live again
to breathe your soul
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 151
I am
a warrior
these countless days
I have brought honor to my master
but now the sun sets dim
blood red and feeble on his last day
brocaded servants attend to him
as I kneel in the cool garden darkness
beyond the lanterns reach
the night surrounds me as his passing from this life
is announced by the soft sobbing of his wives
grasping my sword
and with quick thrusts
I climb the moons silver staircase
to serve my lord once more
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 152
quietly waiting
expecting changes
a new style in this
ever shimmering mosaic of living
unexpected emotions prevent
hiding in the wide open
a view of life as a series of lines
intersecting planes
perimeter realignment is required
due to spiral inconsistencies
I stand alone with many
still waiting
walking from high ground on ancient paths
answers obscuring answers
unseen forces cause atmospheric discontent
white covering cold
blankets a silent plea for forgiveness
polarization of memory
indicates a fading of existence
one final reptilian deception
colors the last light
shallow circles of repentance
repeats with terminal sameness
all while waiting for this one last
smile between sorrows
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 153
a word to describe deepest thoughts
exists in you and me
never to be said
without being lost
a prayer I shall never see
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 154
I speak again for all that is lost
the words that are always present
sunshine filtering through unanswered dreams
I step forward to claim what is mine
circular searches which never have found
the piercing beauty of treasures once held
and long travels through time will never complete
I seek, but I never shall find
thinking out loud the forbidden thoughts
then hiding in remote mental caverns
the healing light that will never shine
I explain, but I never shall describe
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 155
gentle goodbyes are now complete
the earth returns to spinning
lingering touches burned in thought
we knew there was no winning
ponart A Smile Between Sorrows 156
A Smile Between Sorrows
1996 - 1998
ponart Winter of My Dreams 157
Winter of My Dreams
p o n a r t
1998
copyright Patrick O'Neil
ponart Winter of My Dreams 158
in the winter of my dreams
I remember
how the doors I have passed
still call to me
but the lateness hurries me on
and the last door is passed by
as the sadness from yesterday’s tears flow away
peace melts through the center of my world
ponart Winter of My Dreams 159
Winter of My Dreams
1998
ponart Inspiration 160
Inspiration
p o n a r t
April 1 – 2, 1999
Copyright Patrick O’Neil
ponart Inspiration 161
there are answers
to every question
ponart Inspiration 162
placed within a gentle fold
of lights and rushing stars
while held within the arm of god
we welcome this future’s caress
ponart Inspiration 163
another story
based on thoughts
opened to those that hide
obscure to those that search
enigma of creation
worthwhileness of existing
endless road
infinite choices
always returning
to the way
of discovery
ponart Inspiration 164
yes
the door opens
peering in
turning around
hands outreaching
beauty found
breath let in
breath let out
and held
in the spiraling moments
that defines
this dream
ponart Inspiration 165
You think
and live
You find
and worship
You love
and lose
ponart Inspiration 166
the beginning is the simplest
the end is the saddest
and in between, we share
secrets exposed in wonderous words
flash by
struggling with perfect expression
and then let go
ponart Inspiration 167
I’ve called out
and await the answers
I’ve opened my thoughts
to an oblivious universe
I’ve screamed curses
at the indifferent horde
I’ve defiled
all that is sacred to you
I’ve cried
these countless tears
ponart Inspiration 168
the rage subsides
but reason does not return
the yearning remains
for all that cannot be expressed
for all that cannot be found
but inspirations must exist
in tiny fragments to collect
in tiny fragments to piece together
in the friends that we keep and hold
in the friends that define our life
ponart Inspiration 169
and the tears turn to joy
and joy to a radiant smile
and a smile becomes a universal answer
the smile that I give to you
only the epilogue remains
and that must write itself
ponart Inspiration 170
lulled into final security
the grand finale
the premature expectation of hope
a final burst
shattering time
flattening space
destroying equilibrium
but dearly holding on
to this flat line signal
out of control
spinning wildly
previous final chapter
requires explanation
ponart Inspiration 171
random firing
complete breakdown
plummeting into darkness
demons escaping vileness
red swirls of confusion
rising gorge of revulsion
recognition of evil
final judgment
ponart Inspiration 172
barely hearing fading bells
rippling across green meadows
the colors of life shine bright
beyond analysis
beyond conceiving
beyond belief
there is a pillar
high into the sky
made by thoughts
protected by dreams
and climbed by all
ponart Inspiration 173
the search has ended
the light shines down
the truth remains unknown
but peace is held out
and accepted
I’ve tried to share
but only you can judge
this elusive understanding
ponart Inspiration 174
the end should be explained
in words that comfort and appease
but that is not possible
so, one must present private visions
plucked from free thought
the door will open wide
when one reaches out
and touches the latch
all has been said
for now
ponart Inspiration 175
I have brought you into me
the way I think and feel
do I dare now let you out?
ponart Inspiration 176
Inspiration
1999
