I didn't climb

A wiseman can sometimes play the fool.
Although we've put men on the moon - 1969 was a long time ago!
I keep it in my head,
and for this reason
I've had to descend a mountain 
I didn't climb.

(Tanka) Cushions

How come an object
such as a cushion which is
meant to be comfy,
and soft, can have such pointy,
sharp, uncomfortable corners?

(untitled)

It is war; only with rules.
It's a battle between two sides. To take ground, 
to enter enemy territory
and to inflict loss.
It's a campaign fought over many battles,
battles set in vast theatres of noise,
hope and expectation.
It's Rome and the Colusium.
It's feasting and drinking
a Colusium of death to the opposition.
Two opposing generals standing to one side 
shout their orders
to fit,
young,
practiced warriors,
dressed in colours
mirrored by the crowds who come and pay their coin and watch.
On a command,
the warriors withdraw,
regroup, 
and under the guidance of their respective generals
reasses their progress,
reconsider tactics,
then on a call,
return to fight once more.

The combatants apply the new plan with skill and determination.
The crowds become baying mobs,
chanting,
singing their anthems,
shouting abuse!
This is their territory and the opposition are not welcome!

The generals call for reinforcements
making changes,
swapping one injured warrior for a fit replacement
selected from the sidelines.
This battle must be won 
they use all the clever tactics they have to hand.
The two sides give all they have to give.
They fight this battle
to win this war...

...this war that is football!

(Tanka) Booooo

A 'Man United'
'sub' comes on and the 'Spurs' fans
'booooo' him because he's 
a former 'Chelsea' player...
This crowd really know their stuff!

To lye to lie to lay

Is it to lye or to lie or to lay?
"to recline whilst not telling the truth in a prone position?"
The greatest lies 
lie, lye, lay, lay in not telling the truth
but failing to lay at all.
Am I to never lye again,
but would that be a lie?
And not to tell the truth,
also be a lye?
Or a lay?
I must ensure that I would never again 
lie,
swearing the truth; to,
living,
lying
longing,
laying,
lying,
or just - lay; lye; lay; lie...

...why is liing not a word?