The arbiter

THE ARBITER

It is the father of today
The brother of tomorrow
A cousin of another day
The dirge of abject sorrow
So as you smile but hurt inside
A chameleon inbred
Recount the deeds to flout or chide
By which a future’s led

Dissect the sphere of comforts band
Mark out the limits set
Forswear the place you will not land
Isolation the safest bet
Keep your counsel close and dark
Your countenance sincere
Yet always see the fleeting lark
Of the happiness once here

But as you walk the road of chance
Pause briefly, stand and watch
A stranger may outlook enhance
Past traumas put to scotch
For I hold the franchise on your smile
The arbiter of free will
I thaw the frozen lake of gloom
And know you can love still

So when we meet look not at me
Just try to pass me by
Ignore the traits that you can see
Suppress what you cannot deny
Let slip the smile you kept inside
As I speak your name first time
If I find the place your heart can’t hide
In a corner of a desolate mind

JP.