When the Show Must Go On

We are entertainers.
Performers, actors, players, and liars;
stars of our own stage and screen.
The show must go on.

We wear our costumes.
Our hair and makeup, just so.
We hit our marks and
speak our lines.

The show must go on.

The lights are bright and glaring.
They give off the odor of heat.
The stage is what we make of it -
solid wood or flimsy balsa.

The show must go on.

We hope fellow actors can
remember their lines and
make their entrance and exit
in proper time.

We dread any techies missing  their cues -
losing a spotlight or botching the music.
Or even a fixture falling onstage with a crash.
The show must go on.

And what if someone drops dead
during a scene?
It happens, at times.
Should the show go on?

And what if a scene causes brawling in the crowd,
and some are taken outside to calm down?
It happens, at times.
The show must go on.

At the end of the show, we strip off the fake.
We greet the audience who want a stake
in knowing a thespian of their own.
They don’t see our real person within.

We are entertainers.
Performers, actors, players, and liars;
stars of our own stage and screen.
The show must go on.
The show will always go on.

 ©Ellen Pepper 2026

Come Away

 The golden leaves are dry and rustling on the trees.
Soon they'll drop and winter will come.
Will I remember your name as seasons change?
Will you recall what happened that night?

Come away with me to the forest at dusk.
The ground will be a spongy delight,
with flora and fauna restoring its life.
Oh! Remember to hone your carving knife.

Come away with me, I have a plan.
Come away with me, life will be sweet.
We'll find a way to alter the past.
We'll find the way to make love last.

Come away with me into the depths
of our fevered minds.
Let's explore the darkness of the heart.
Now's the time to not be blind.

We'll drive away the demons
that are festering in your soul.
We need to understand,
why they love you so.

Come away with me, if you're my man.
Come away with me, life is richly began.
We'll find a way to forget the past.
We'll find the way to have a blast.

The golden leaves are dry and rustling on the trees.
Soon they'll drop and winter will come.
Will you remember my name as seasons change?
Will you recall what happened that night?

©Ellen Pepper 2026

Oh, Gloria. Oh, Gloria.

 If you're sleeping when dawn draws near.
No one will know your hope and fear.
You'll miss the breaking of the light.
You never hear the  lonesome sound
 of a train at night.

Oh, Gloria, where have you gone?
Are you staying forever in the Land of Nod?
Your hands are folded, your face serene;
The sheet twisted 'round your sleeping bod.

I saw the mission you accomplished.
I saw the end of your Reign of Error.
I saw the floors you polished...
with only the blood of the bearer.

Oh, Gloria, what have you done?
The truth will be told before the sun
rises in the west after the shift -
the equator will move, despair will be swift.

They noted your fatal charm.
They noted your lack of fear.
They watched you with deep alarm.
They crept away when you drew near.

Oh, Gloria, we worry about you.
Sleeping so long - there's so much to do.
Spells must be cast before the full moon.
Move now or the crew will be blue.

Everyone knows what you came here for.
Nobody's helping, you know this for sure.
Yesterday's news has you lost for time.
Move quickly or be lost to the slime.

Oh, Gloria, so sorry to wake you.
What was I thinking? Maybe to break you?
Oh, Gloria, I'm sad now to think,
that you were brought to the brink.

Oh, Gloria. Oh, Gloria.

 

 ©Ellen Pepper 2026

Misplayed Spell

 "The outcome is doubtful." he said to the supplicant.
"But is it to be dreadful?" He was asked in turn.
"It's hard to say without having all the elements to hand,
but I'll know a week tomorrow - then you can return.

"Should I burn an offering?" He was asked.
"There's no need. What gave that notion?"
"It's just that I want the spell to work, Magister."
"You came to me for a reason, it needs but a potion."

The mists of Avalon were swirling round their ankles
 as they waded through the fen.
Dragonflies, beetles, muskrats and shrews
avoided the chattering men.

Arriving at the magic-made place,
the two quaffed fine black tea from India,
and shared scones from his butter case.
They spoke of nonsense and everlasting trivia.

Time passed, as it often does.
Anon the spell material appeared.
After a week had gone by, 
The Magister set to create the weird.

The incantation took some time,
as the wizard's strength was flagging.
The farmer's request was profound -
the sorcery begat soul dragging.

His invocation succeeded in
casting a solid glamour.
From the ashes of the sacrifice,
came a talisman for amour. 

"Keep this about your person, good sir,
when near the object of your affection.
She'll never resist your love and attention.
You'll find your satisfaction."

" Magister. I'm most grateful, but...
I wanted a milk spell on my cow's behalf -
 whose tired teats have dried, despite
the birth of her lovely brown calf."

"Oh, my dear sir - how unfortunate.
I understand your need now.
Tthere's nought to be done.
 but to give that poor cow
the benefit of this spell,
and hope that all will be well."

After a fortnight had passed,
the farmer came with a  jug of finest cream.
"Thank you, Magister! Daisy's milk came fast -
 there's plenty for the calf...it's like a dream!"

And that, children, is how a love spell ended well.
The moral of the story is thus and so, now:
Before casting a spell, be sure you can tell...
if the supplicant  wants a mate...
or to heal a cow.

©Ellen Pepper 2026

All Hallows' Eve

 Better safe than sorry.
Don't let the boogeyman get inside.
It's All Hallows Eve
 and tiny monsters will abide.

The frightening spectres are all afoot,
Goblins, ghouls, ghosts and goth.
All the kids are dressed to plunder the candy bins.
The booty will be hid in deep cloth.

(Be afraid. Be very afraid.)

Dogs are barking, excited by commotion.
Drivers slow down for the parade.
There's something eerie at the periphery -
is that a skulking monster in the shade?

Hairy legs and back. Shiny black leather.
Flashing red eyes, a grim chin.
Saliva spilling from its gob.
Danger, children! Danger hides within.

(Be afraid. Be very afraid.)

The wind picks up;
leaves are hustling across the lawns.
Children scatter in all directions,
as the monster approaches on pounding paws.

The grown ones snatch up their littles.
The youngest mewling in fear.
Doors are slammed one by one
 as the creature slinkers near.

(Be afraid. Be very afraid.)

The street rapidly empties of humans.
The wild creatures appear from hiding places.
It's their time now.
All Hallows Eve - monsters have grim faces.

The haunting begins.
(Be afraid. Be very afraid.)
(Be afraid. Be very afraid.)

©Ellen Pepper 2026

The Mirror as Witness

 What exists in the mirror ...
A world seen in reverse.
Left is right and right is left.
Wrong is right, left is correct.

(Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the guiltiest of all?)

The people living in the mirror -
they can't see you, can they?
They can't see themselves.
They're trapped behind glass.

What happens when you peer into it,
and a different world appears?
The furnishings and aura of past lives...
Standing as witness to history.

(Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's that walking down the hall?)

Who is that strange man with side whiskers?
The fine lady in a muslin gown.
That farmer at the window behind them,
bearing a basket of fresh eggs.

A different view shows a couple,
passionately intertwined on an ornate bed -
windows draped against a stormy night.
The mirror sees all, yet speaks not.

(Mirror, mirror near the bed, name those people on the bed.)

When watching the looking glass, 
what it's seen before cannot be seen without magic.
Scrying is called to account, but...
some things should not be seen again.

The mirror saw a life taken before its time.
It witnessed the assassin in the dark.
Reflecting is its only task, reporting is not.
If only that mirror could speak.

(Mirror, mirror on the wall, watched a body take a fall.)
If it happened in a mirror, did it happen at all?

©Ellen Pepper 2026

HAUNTING TIME in AMERICA

 The veil is thinning...
Walking past the graveyard...
The Haunts are moving about.
Unsettled by the waxing moon,
Disturbed by vague rumours of goblins.

(It's haunting time in America.)

Quivering in fear,
Children race past with bags full of candy.
The ghosts see them and rise as wraiths.
In terror, the little ones scatter.

It's haunting time in America.
Goons wear masks year round.
They hide their faces because
they're killers.

Kids with parents go door-to-door.
But not if they aren't pale-skinned.
The brown and black kids aren't free
to trick or treat.
The ICE goons will steal them.

(It's haunting time in America.)

When the bad guys wear masks,
and break the law,
It's a peril to move freely,
if you're on the Death List.

When government sanctions murder,
the ruler makes it impossible
to live like before, when the ruler
was here to help.

(It's haunting time in America.)

They're going to show an execution,
to entertain the people.
America is now 3rd world.
A country is whistling past the graveyard.

The ghosts of those slain by ruler's fiat,
will haunt the country forever.

(It's haunting time in America.)
It's haunting time in America

©Ellen Pepper 2026

LISTEN

 Listen to me.
Why won't you listen?
Can you heed what must be said?
Why won't you listen?

A starving child calls out.
Nobody hears her cries.
As time passes, more like her will die.
Why won't you listen?

The elder  on the park bench,
waiting for someone to hear his stories.
Time passes, he sinks into himself.
Why won't you listen?

Listen to me.
Why won't you listen?
Can you heed what must be said?
Why won't you listen?

There are those who interrupt -
 thinking they know more.
It's because they just don't listen.
Why won't you listen?

How can you know
what goes on in others,
if you can't pay attention,
when they're right beside you?

Listen to me.
Why won't you listen?
Can you hear what must be said?
Why won't you listen?

And soon, we'll fall silent, because
no one is paying attention.
Our words lack meaning to others -
so why bother speaking?

And when our silence gets too loud,
even to us,
we drift away to our  quiet place,
and listen to our own voices.

I asked you to listen to me.
Why wouldn't you listen?
Can't you heed what must be said?
Why wouldn't you listen?

 

©Ellen Pepper 2026

The Eagle Has Lost its Soul

 The eagle has lost its soul.
Dropping bombs.
Killing innocents.
Abducting a leader and his wife,
no matter their crimes.

Invasion commenced in the wee hours.
Civilians peacefully lying abed,
unsuspecting the imminent invasion
of a hostile force killing them dead.

More mayhem instituted by
a smugly insanely tempestuous toddler in chief.
Possibly illegally in power.
A conman, grifter, liar and thief.

How long, America?
How long before you rise up
and take him down?
The world is watching.

War crimes.
Hailed by the Chief.
Breaking of covenants;
causing fear and grief.

And what’s it meant to cover up?
Child rape, corruption, ill health, greed.
The current destruction of the USA.
The ongoing end to democracy.

How long, America?
How long before you rise up
and take him down?
The world is watching.

Countries on tenterhooks.
Fearful of his next act of utter insanity.
Who has the intestinal fortitude
to stop this vile creature?

How long, America?
How long before you rise up
and take him down?
The world is watching.

 ©Ellen Pepper 2026

The Things We Touch

 The morning blanket, we pull closer.
A baby's smooth cheek, we gently stroke.
We leave our mark on keyboards.
Our feet feel the heat of sand in summer.

(Where do our touches go, when we're gone?)

We handle this,
we fondle that.
Our hands caress fabrics and lives.
A cutting glance strikes at the heart,

(The things we touch still hold us, when we're gone.)

Remember the first time you felt snow.
When your toes felt cold rainwater in your boots.
The wooden bench in a new playground.
Your lover's soft face in a morning.

(Your touch echoes down the years.)

It's been ten years since you felt the embrace,
of the one you loved most.
Ten years since clasping close the one
who holds your heart.
Ten long years of yearning for enchantment.

(The loving touch, always remembered.)

The things we touch hold our essence.
We leave our mark, here and there.
The hearts we embrace always remember
 the tender way we touched.

(The things we touch still hold us, when we're gone.)
The things you touched still hold me, now you're gone.


©Ellen Pepper 2026

Your Presence Lingers

For those lost to war.

——————————————

Your presence lingers.
Though you rode away to fight the war -
your stallion rearing up in anticipation -
your heart stayed here at home.

Your presence lingers,

Though the persistence of  conflict
has torn you away from loved ones.
Images of you are burnt in my mind.
Your rough hands with tender touch.
Your eyes glinting with mischief.
Your wild, tousled hair reflecting the sun.
The way you threw back your head  in laughter.

Your presence lingers.

Your name is spoken every day.
No message has arrived.
Rumours have you at the front.
Another day has come and gone.

The battle scenes are noised about
by those who left and returned.
It’s been so long since you left...
Your presence lingers,
Your clothes haven't lost your scent.

We don’t know what to expect.
Some say the foreign King’s forces triumph.

The word came this morn,
our army has been defeated.
That you’ve been lost in battle,
and will never come home again, 
never.

Still...

Your presence lingers.


©Ellen Pepper 2026

Tale of Three Pebbles

 Three pebbles, found in the stream.
The mage holds them close,
sees their perfection:
round, smooth, hefty.
One black, one white, one grey.

The walls aren't talking anymore.
He relied on them for forecasts:
Weather, war, crops, all human affairs.
He puts the pebbles in his pouch.

Climbing the bank,
he takes hold of a willow branch.
Hauling himself up to the path;
the pebbles  heavier by the step.

The magic flowers greet him merrily as he passes,
glad he won't snip them for spells today.
He wipes away the reeds from his boots.
And moves toward his sacred cabin.

Liliana, his mate, awaits him at the door,
smiling in anticipation of his usual gift.
An aroma arises from his pouch;
the pebbles are warming as he enters.

He places the pebbles in her palm.
The woman begins to glow.
Happiness lights up her face.
She'll use them for divination.

Seated at the hand-hewn table,
she puts the pebbles in water.
Gazing intently at the three,
 she silently asks a question.

Moments pass, the pebbles turn about - 
this way and that.
Smiling with delight,
 she looks to the waiting mage... and, with joy,
announces  a child will soon be borne to them.

Sunlight from the stained glass window
 lights up the pebbles on the table.
The mage embraces her, she snuggles closer.
Rejoicing fills their hearts.

©Ellen Pepper 2026

I Found the Truth

 You weren't being honest.
I knew it. I felt it.
You prevaricated.
You faked it. You weren't real.

I found the truth,
I spied your secret message.
When shown the proof,
You went underground.

Your casual laughter said it all.
Your deflection didn't answer the question.
You hid your delight up your sleeve.
I saw it all, even in the dark.

I see you clearly now.
I see the past, as well.
Nothing means nothing, really.
Facts are found in lies.

Your contempt was obvious.
Your disrespect so blatant.
Why you felt entitled to hurt me,
I'll never know.

It was my fault to trust you.
My choice to be vulnerable.
I thought you were safe harbour.
Instead you were the iceberg
 and I, the Titanic.

When hope becomes delusion,
silence is easier than honesty.
The current situation...
ain't the final destination,
Regret will catch up with you.

I'll say "so long".
This is the end of the line.
I'd hoped for resolution, but...
That doesn't matter anymore.

 ©Ellen Pepper 2026

Changes Must Be Made

They're stealing  lives.
 We do not consent.

They're stealing people
 from their homes,
from workplaces,
from schools,
from all safe places.
We do not consent.

They're stealing families,
our neighbours,
our friends,
our co-workers.
our helpers.
We do NOT consent.

(They're in the wrong.)
 (Changes must be made.)

They're stealing the un-white,
They're stealing by accents.
They're stealing the innocent.
Some of them, they kill.

They send the stolen to prisons,
concentration camps,
to unknown foreign countries,
They're robbing them of freedom.
We do NOT consent.

(They're in the wrong.)
 (Changes must be made.)

They're killing those they choose.
They're thieves of human lives.
They break into homes,
they're neo-Staatspolizei.

They have  the power now,
but we can shift that.
They're in the wrong.
 Changes must be made.

(We do NOT consent.)

We can end this barbarism.
Let us all do it together.
Crimes have been committed;
 we're vigilantes now.

(They're stealing lives.)
(We do not consent.)

We must bring them down,
We must end their power now.

They're in the wrong.
 Changes must be made.

Let us foment rebellion.
Let all folks go on strike.
We'll wreck their lives,
if we can't sway their minds.

(They're in the wrong.)
 (Changes must be made.)
We do not consent!

They're stealing  lives.
We do not consent.
We'll take them down.
They'll never hurt folks again.

They're stealing  lives.
We do not consent.

WE DO NOT CONSENT!
WE DO NOT CONSENT!
WE DO NOT CONSENT!

©Ellen Pepper 2026

We Do Not Consent

 They have power over us now,
but we can shift that.
They're in the wrong.
 Changes must be made.

They're stealing our lives.
 We do not consent.

We can end this barbarism.
Let us all do it together.
We'll be like the ninja - silent and deadly.
Being careful, we'll never get caught.

Can we all be trusted not to divulge
our devious plan?
Have we the fortitude to take action?
Crimes have been committed;
 we're vigilantes now.

What they've done to females
can't be allowed to stand.
They've taken our freedom,
yet not done the same for men.

They're stealing our lives. 
We do not consent.

They began by stealing bodily autonomy.
They made it a crime to suffer baby loss.
They came for no fault divorce.
They're coming for our right to vote.
What next? Take away our jobs? Our money?
Take away our independence?

We must bring them down,
one troglodyte at a time.
We must abolish  female hate.
We must end their power over us.

We'll teach boys from birth,
that misogyny is wrong.

They're stealing our lives. 
We do not consent.

So yeah, let us foment rebellion.
Let women go on strike.
Let us be the ninjas who shock them.
Let that be the least of their terrors.

If need be, we can ruin their lives,
if their minds can't be swayed.
They're stealing our lives. We do not consent.
We'll take them down. They'll never hurt us again.

They're stealing our lives. We do not consent.

WE DO NOT CONSENT!
WE DO NOT CONSENT!
WE DO NOT CONSENT!

©Ellen Pepper 2026