Insensate Murmurings

Careless mutterings
fall from lips
like foliage whisked from a tree

Insensate murmurings
hands on hips
and calls of insincerity

Sips of tea
as hours turn
from two digits into one

and bleary eyes
squint and yearn
to comprehend what is done

Moonlight gives
but little aid
to darkened paths once tread

and courage is
the debt that's paid
for avarice turned to greed and dread

Simple times
may return
and comfort fill the purse

until those times
the rest will burn
crestfallen with this curse.