Derailed Quatrain #30

Midnight Masquerade

behind the shiny mask lies visage withered
bespeaking ancient strength like molten iron
fragile in his arms the porcelain maiden
in minor chords the minstrels set a rhythm

Derailed Quatrain #29

Tucked Away

melodious bird in golden cage
mournful it intones the day
blankly stare at silver key
longing someday to be free

Derailed Quatrain #28

Whisper of Beauty

star drawn on canvas dark
meticulous creation of brilliance
ink spilled in dripping tendrils
supernova winks out of existence

Derailed Quatrain #27

Precarious Pachyderm

"An elephant on a tightrope?
My goodness, sir, you must joke!
Now what is that shadow I see?
It's falling, oh dear, oh dear me!"

Derailed Quatrain #26

Awkward Rain Dance

under the boughs of an oak
the old fool stood up and spoke
how he scolded and cursed at the rain
'til a lightning bolt shattered his cane

Derailed Quatrain #25

Gasping for Errant Sanity

confused like shoes on the head
trying to scream without steam
thoughts like dirty clothes strewn
trapped in a caving in room

Derailed Quatrain #24

Two lefts ain't right!

he moved his feet to the beat
he bobbed his head to the medley
she cried out in pain asking why
did this bum have to be so clumsy

Derailed Quatrain #23

Man's Real Best Friend

he doesn't wag a furry tail
or try to lick your face
upon a wooden plank he died
to save the human race

Derailed Quatrain #22

Foundation Shaken

searing flames, rising, licking
giant boulder tumbling down
howling winds of rage and fury
icicles like sharp spears falling

Derailed Quatrain #21

Terrors of the Night

slither and coil, flicking, hissing tongue
eight hairy legs crawling, spinning out a web
dark and silent stillness, pounding heart and breath dried up
wake up, wake up, 'tis just a dream... or is it?

Another Silly Limerick

Mayor made of Stone

oh rubbed I the proof in his face
his hands were entrenched at his waist
I shouted and screamed
"Corruption and greed!"
a bonnet and gown of fine lace

Derailed Quatrain #20

Arabian Twilight

rolling dunes of golden sand
sunset tendrils ever reaching
vultures wait with eyes of hunger
as thugs ambush the caravan

Derailed Quatrain #19

Bile and Homicide

ants on the prowl for rotten garbage
bicycle rusting, neglected, unused
core of an apple, freshly discarded
Sinister figure, trench coat and hood

Derailed Quatrain #18

America on Parade

fire engine, sirens blaring
wedding gown on virgin flowing
children's tongues from raspberry candy
a nation's might is in the family

Derailed Quatrain #17

Messengers of Blood and Mercy

lion majestic and quick to pounce
man of renown expelling all doubt
steady the ox and thorough the plow
eagle proclaims the glory and power

Derailed Quatrain #16

Traffic Light Berserk

golden eagles diving
Dripping crimson blood
waves on emerald shore
sparks and twisted metal