Through history we find few wits
So phenomenally sharp
That the greatness never quits
Ringing brilliant as a harp.

Of mankind, there are few
Who achieve complete fame,
With an insight so true
That memory never forgets the name.

Mister Scotus should be both proud
And humiliated all at once,
That of all the idiots in the crowd,
He should be the one true dunce.

~ Daniel F Mitchell

Time, stay thy stand a moment more!
Spare my soul a lasting thought,
A concluding prayer before
My supplication is naught!

O Allah, Buddha, Christ! O God!
O Demon of the dark deep!
Hold my trembling hand, while I nod
Away to the final sleep!

I go as a lamb to slaughter,
My spirit as pure as fire,
My heart flowing as clear water,
With hope as my only choir.

And whether to heaven or hell,
Or to some cold, dreamless, space,
What prophetic savior can tell?
Or if my tears will leave a trace!

Away childish consternation!
I go where forever goes!
Let faith be my consecration!
I meet eternal repose!

Let peace be at my side – my guide
At this long-awaited hour.
My destiny I will abide -
The writ of creation’s power.

~ Daniel F Mitchell

Gods, titans, bullies, I’m calling you out!
How you once scared me soul-through -
Made me run, tail-tucked, for a sanctuary of doubt!

But now I see clear through you.
I have grown older -
Much bolder!

Here, I make my stand!
I have drawn a line in the sand.
I dare you to cross, to knock the chip from my shoulder!

I won’t back down – no surrender, no retreat!
I vow defiance, till victory or defeat!

~ Daniel F Mitchell

Boldly bear the chains of thy love.
Bravely face the hurt of thy loss.
The mires of despair, rise above!
Let the storms toss!

Love’s passion was meant to be felt -
As spark, as flame, as dying coal.
Fires burn and die. Snows freeze and melt.
There is a toll!

Was it better to have loved so,
And lost so much when love passed by,
Or never to have known such woe?
Love must soon die!

The shackles of a heart must be.
Pain is the forge of love’s device.
The end of love is misery.
It is the price!

~ Daniel F Mitchell