I Hang My Hat of Cordiality, But . . .

SLAM 2004

SLAM!  (18+) Spring 2006 SLAM! - Congrats to the winners - see you all next time! #554585 by Cappucine

Topic: two landscapes.

Write a poem of two landscapes, be they physical, psychic or both.

I Hang My Hat of Cordiality, But . . .

Two landscapes
abide within my soul.
The first of them is practical.
It glides me amiably
through narrow streets.
It hangs my hat
On respectable hooks
And ices smiles of cordiality
To pass me through the days.

Yet inside me dwells another
Of horrors that flash and grind.
Villains march on prowl
Like wolves whose open mouths
Dribble wicked thoughts.

My mind’s eye sees them
Gnawing on innocence
In pleasure and malicious avarice.
Then a golden-hearted hero,
Galloping astride his steed,
(That iron-strong stallion, Virtue)
Conquers all and saves the day.

Two landscapes
Froth and hiss inside my mind,
Jerking me from side to side.
Reality-based or fantasy fun;
They sneer and fume at each other,
And I pretend I do not hear,
Though my fingers curl with need.
I touch my hat; I check my smile
And walk down conventionality.

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