Pernicious

another train passes
along the tracks of an addict
sweet liquid poppy
never was a good parent
although one may be found
at your nearest stop and go
anything to escape
those white picket fences

many clean shaven men
have stepped from the closet
lost in a woman's world
as guilt sends them to repent
within a cenobitic community
it is there they learn true love
yet remain confused
by the closed door of confession
which has become just another closet

a sixty year old maiden teacher
has settled for early retirement
to pursue an education of bliss
forfeited for the benefit of others
deflowered by a tainted gardener
marking an early exit from life
another lesson taught......

and in all that..there is wonderment

youre jammim', i liked this one too

cenobitic?

Wow. Didn't think anyone left alive would ever use that term. Props for doing so.

Once again, excellent work.

To critique, which I can only hope you'd want or expect, there seemed to be an awkward rhythm from the first two stanzas to the third, and there is so much said here I think maybe you should consider revision.

Publishable, man! Publishable.

yes I appreciate the fine observation, doesn't sit well with me either, one of these days I hope to have time to redo a lot of the stuff I've written. I definitely appreciate the positive feedback and the honesty.....Thanks much