Headlock

Headlock

A.T. Cason

I struggle with existence
De rigueur, his demeanor
To need him more than ever
To want him not to matter

We battle for position
He wields about persistence
A scepter on his shoulder
Assured he is majestic
We battle for position

We wrestle over theory
If truth is born from being
His skill is fundamental
My skill is detrimental
With sweat upon the floor mat
We battle for position

********

I struggle with existence
Surreptitious, his manner
The match that burns forgotten
Until it finds the finger
We battle for position

He brandishes permission
A cutlass in his clutches
His back is to the corner
Assured of his defenses
We battle for position

We argue over reason
If history is holy
His source is incidental
My source is sacramental
And knowledge is the coffer
The key-shape: revelation
The treasure is salvation

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A.T. Cason
Songwriter & Musician

A.T. is a musician and songwriter from North Carolina with a Master's degree in music. He currently lives outside of London, working alongside his wife as a member of the folk music duo, Songs of the Folk.  Outside of performing original music, they work with refugees and asylum seekers, using music, poetry, and the arts to create spaces for community, recreation, and learning English. A.T.’s work, which he calls typoetry, has been presented at several art galleries and is currently on display at a gallery in Essex, UK. 

Painting by Sir John Gilbert (1870-93)