* * *
100625
CAT SPAT
And then there was the day
the neighborhood white stray
chased Emma on the deck.
She fought and squealed like heck
as I came running.
The stray took off, but what a scare!
Gray-fluff fur was everywhere,
but not one sign of blood;
that, at least, was good.
By luck or cunning,
Emma’d located a nook
from which to fight. I took
her in my arms and nearly wept;
she had started purring. Then she slept,
and then went back outside—
my blind battler, and my pride.
100624
AFTERNOON AFTER
To bed at four.
Awake at ten
to write this pome
then sleep again.
100623
SKYLIGHT
Today at dawn
I shut the blinds,
then was surprised
to wake and find
the room so bright;
I’d been sleeping
in the light.
NOT ALARMED
Except for skylight,
I would still
be sleeping.
WRITING IT OUT
Perplexed.
Panicked.
Inadequate.
Whatever my biology,
whatever my upbringing,
whatever my adaptations,
hurry reverts me
to juvenile feelings:
Not good enough.
Don’t know enough.
Don’t know enough
to get it right,
or, even, just to get it.
Can’t think.
Can’t think.
Can’t think.
Can’t remember
enough or fast enough.
And didn’t write it down.
What is the proper sacrifice
to hurry? In the work of writing,
if my strengths are my weakness,
do I become stronger by weakening?
Where is the center,
the balance point?
How much can balance?
What is the point?
100622
UNFAMILIAR VOICES
Which birds were those,
the first of dawn,
serenading his departure?
100621
WAKE UP, WAKE UP!
What is this—
an exercise in depletion,
or simple self-deception?
—working ‘round the clock
designing training courses
on how to manage time
and keep a life in balance.
* * *
Friday, June 25, 2010
Work, Play, Life
* * *
100620
JOB DESCRIPTION
What do they ask for
versus what do they mean
(they, meaning spouses
or would-be managers)?
There is more than a sinkful
of difference, for example,
between “Do the dishes”
and “Clean the kitchen,”
between “Clean the kitchen
and “Keep the kitchen clean.”
[ASIDE: Actually, this derives from a
presentation on diversity I once made at
a college. First I talked with women alone,
then with men, then with both together.
I came away with appreciation that people
communicate as well as they do, given the difficulties.
Each group, though, gave the identical response
to the question, “What do you most wish
your significant other understood about you?”
The answer: “How hard I work for their benefit."]
100619
OR-
ISON
Each moon
so fair.
Each sun.
One life
so rare,
so blessed
beyond
compar—
ison.
100618
REMEMBRANCE
Not for me a ring or locket.
Poem pieces in my pocket.
100617
OPUS
Too too many, don’t you think?
Too profuse with pen and ink.
SNEEZIES
She (in one room): Achoo!
He (in another): ‘Zatchoo?
100616
COURSE OF LIFE
Harm, charm, amusement,
glory, turmoil, strife.
Life is the teacher,
the master teacher,
teaching each creature
the way to master life.
100615
ANYTHING THAT WAKENS
Anything
that wakens us to now—
a sonic boom, an itch, a cow,
a door or body creaking—
that’s God speaking
(a.k.a., the Tao).
100614
REAL DEAL
I’ve pinched my arm
black and blue
making sure
my dream-job’s true.
100613
FORTUNE TELLERS
More of these
than blades of grass:
dewdrop globes, not of glass—
yet, crystal balls
(prismatic, bright)—
lucid forecasts of delight.
SHAPE
Touted in today’s paper
(in a sales flyer):
“Shaped Rubber Bands”—
primary-color squiggles
outlining animal shapes
(panther, dolphin, bear,
seahorse, butterfly, gator).
One mystery shape
goes undeciphered:
big-headed frog? tree in pot?
hammerhead anemone?
This optical-illusion puzzle
is a metaphor for external reality,
including the proposition
that it may not be external.
Every now and then
an insight falls into place—
but until you see it, you don’t see it.
100612
WRITER
Unlike some in the
work-world mob,
you won't hear me
moan or sob—
I love my job!
I love my job!
100611
THE TEACHER APPEARS
This job,
beyond the work itself,
has one benefit after another,
and the best so far
is one not even contemplated
at the outset—a good editor.
100610
LOVE’S GRACE
Life’s a school that each attends.
The work is hard; to make amends,
love graces us with friends.
Friends!
In unexpected forms and places.
100609
TAX RELIEF
After taxes—
ataraxis.
100608
QUITTER
First to go when I get busy
is exercise. Then sleep.
Then any semblance
of healthful eating.
The final mark of crisis
is when I stop writing
these daily po
100607
SAY OF HER
March two, two thousand two
to today when she is dead
(we know, we took her vitals)
she wrote a few good pomes
but was proudest of her titles.
TURNABOUT
Perhaps I wasn't
the world's best sleuth,
searching all those years
for truth.
No matter. I see—
@Truth is following me
[ASIDE: What a Twitter handle!]
100606
BLISSFIT
My idea
of bliss
is this:
overhearing
people
laughing.
* * *
100620
JOB DESCRIPTION
What do they ask for
versus what do they mean
(they, meaning spouses
or would-be managers)?
There is more than a sinkful
of difference, for example,
between “Do the dishes”
and “Clean the kitchen,”
between “Clean the kitchen
and “Keep the kitchen clean.”
[ASIDE: Actually, this derives from a
presentation on diversity I once made at
a college. First I talked with women alone,
then with men, then with both together.
I came away with appreciation that people
communicate as well as they do, given the difficulties.
Each group, though, gave the identical response
to the question, “What do you most wish
your significant other understood about you?”
The answer: “How hard I work for their benefit."]
100619
OR-
ISON
Each moon
so fair.
Each sun.
One life
so rare,
so blessed
beyond
compar—
ison.
100618
REMEMBRANCE
Not for me a ring or locket.
Poem pieces in my pocket.
100617
OPUS
Too too many, don’t you think?
Too profuse with pen and ink.
SNEEZIES
She (in one room): Achoo!
He (in another): ‘Zatchoo?
100616
COURSE OF LIFE
Harm, charm, amusement,
glory, turmoil, strife.
Life is the teacher,
the master teacher,
teaching each creature
the way to master life.
100615
ANYTHING THAT WAKENS
Anything
that wakens us to now—
a sonic boom, an itch, a cow,
a door or body creaking—
that’s God speaking
(a.k.a., the Tao).
100614
REAL DEAL
I’ve pinched my arm
black and blue
making sure
my dream-job’s true.
100613
FORTUNE TELLERS
More of these
than blades of grass:
dewdrop globes, not of glass—
yet, crystal balls
(prismatic, bright)—
lucid forecasts of delight.
SHAPE
Touted in today’s paper
(in a sales flyer):
“Shaped Rubber Bands”—
primary-color squiggles
outlining animal shapes
(panther, dolphin, bear,
seahorse, butterfly, gator).
One mystery shape
goes undeciphered:
big-headed frog? tree in pot?
hammerhead anemone?
This optical-illusion puzzle
is a metaphor for external reality,
including the proposition
that it may not be external.
Every now and then
an insight falls into place—
but until you see it, you don’t see it.
100612
WRITER
Unlike some in the
work-world mob,
you won't hear me
moan or sob—
I love my job!
I love my job!
100611
THE TEACHER APPEARS
This job,
beyond the work itself,
has one benefit after another,
and the best so far
is one not even contemplated
at the outset—a good editor.
100610
LOVE’S GRACE
Life’s a school that each attends.
The work is hard; to make amends,
love graces us with friends.
Friends!
In unexpected forms and places.
100609
TAX RELIEF
After taxes—
ataraxis.
100608
QUITTER
First to go when I get busy
is exercise. Then sleep.
Then any semblance
of healthful eating.
The final mark of crisis
is when I stop writing
these daily po
100607
SAY OF HER
March two, two thousand two
to today when she is dead
(we know, we took her vitals)
she wrote a few good pomes
but was proudest of her titles.
TURNABOUT
Perhaps I wasn't
the world's best sleuth,
searching all those years
for truth.
No matter. I see—
@Truth is following me
[ASIDE: What a Twitter handle!]
100606
BLISSFIT
My idea
of bliss
is this:
overhearing
people
laughing.
* * *
Life, with Animals
* * *
100605
TIME OUT, ALREADY!
Foo, foo, foo! Foo and fudge!
Things go badly when we judge.
He’ll suggest, plead or nudge.
She’s entrenched; she won’t budge.
She is nursing some old grudge.
[ASIDE: Someone discussing WWI and WWII
mentioned “old grudges” (which take place
at many levels).]
100604
DUCK CALLS
“He’s a she,”
my brother announced.
So Buddy became Bootie—
appropriate for a duck’s physique,
we thought.
Quattro, on the other hand (or wing),
was so called for failure to flock
with the triplets, unnamed.
Now he’s part of a duo.
That’s how fairy tales end these days.
SOGGY SAGA
That title sounds trite.
The situation is not.
Three lives were lost overnight.
I feel responsible,
though no one is certain of the cause—
the stormy night?
snapping turtle or other predator?
waterlogging?
I was warned about waterlogging.
Today’s report from the pond
is that Bootie and Quattro
(duck and duckling)
spent the entire afternoon side by side,
making exploratory excursions on the pond.
If one duckling survived, why not four?
About this mystery,
investigations reveal nothing,
the only evidence being non-evidence.
The verdict, however, is clear:
humans are not in charge,
nor should they be.
WRITE NOW
Well,
here’s a chance
to go to bed early,
something I fancy
clearly and surely.
But,
there’s a spot
still blank on the page
and a poetic urge
that must be assuaged.
100603
BACK ON THE WAGON
The re-beginning
is the most important
part of the work.
INTERVENTION
When cats claw
or dogs are yappy,
when you’re feeling
sad or sappy—
with a lilt,
sing, “I feel crappy!”
Silliness induces happy.
100602
PEKINS: $4
Practically speaking,
our duck was an orphan,
and that would not do—
so nothing would do
but to purchase four
more ducks via Craigslist.
The price was a clue
to their size, but we were
clueless going in.
Turned out,
they were just old enough
for swimming, so we
turned them out at the pond.
Practically speaking,
our orphan duck became
an unexpectant mama.
Let’s see how she does.
100601
SAW DUST
That bumble-
sized bee
boring holes
in our home’s
fascia boards?
That would be
a wood bee.
[ASIDE: Also known as a carpenter bee.]
FRUIT
ENROUTE
Went out
walking
today,
thoughtless,
like a
sleepwalker.
Returned,
empty-handed,
but with a
mulberry
aftertaste.
SKIN THAT ONE, PILGRIM,
AND I’LL GITCHA ANOTHER
Bless me,
but it’s been a while,
this turn at life—
each turn of dial,
each turn of stile,
each trip down aisle,
each phase, each style.
Mercy,
but it’s been a while!
[ASIDE: A sometimes yearning for
a fresh start or reset button.]
100531
SINGLE WHITE FEMALE
Neighbors got involved.
Long story short:
duck is now ensconced
on my brother’s farm and pond.
Efforts are underway
to secure suitable companionship.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Mattress pad, comforter (placed
underneath the sheets in summer),
fitted sheet, upper sheet, bedspread
(actually, a heavy decorative sheet)—
all of these were run through the laundry
twice today.
A certain feline someone
has developed a bad habit.
Before we named her Emma,
she was called Sweet Trouble.
* * *
100605
TIME OUT, ALREADY!
Foo, foo, foo! Foo and fudge!
Things go badly when we judge.
He’ll suggest, plead or nudge.
She’s entrenched; she won’t budge.
She is nursing some old grudge.
[ASIDE: Someone discussing WWI and WWII
mentioned “old grudges” (which take place
at many levels).]
100604
DUCK CALLS
“He’s a she,”
my brother announced.
So Buddy became Bootie—
appropriate for a duck’s physique,
we thought.
Quattro, on the other hand (or wing),
was so called for failure to flock
with the triplets, unnamed.
Now he’s part of a duo.
That’s how fairy tales end these days.
SOGGY SAGA
That title sounds trite.
The situation is not.
Three lives were lost overnight.
I feel responsible,
though no one is certain of the cause—
the stormy night?
snapping turtle or other predator?
waterlogging?
I was warned about waterlogging.
Today’s report from the pond
is that Bootie and Quattro
(duck and duckling)
spent the entire afternoon side by side,
making exploratory excursions on the pond.
If one duckling survived, why not four?
About this mystery,
investigations reveal nothing,
the only evidence being non-evidence.
The verdict, however, is clear:
humans are not in charge,
nor should they be.
WRITE NOW
Well,
here’s a chance
to go to bed early,
something I fancy
clearly and surely.
But,
there’s a spot
still blank on the page
and a poetic urge
that must be assuaged.
100603
BACK ON THE WAGON
The re-beginning
is the most important
part of the work.
INTERVENTION
When cats claw
or dogs are yappy,
when you’re feeling
sad or sappy—
with a lilt,
sing, “I feel crappy!”
Silliness induces happy.
100602
PEKINS: $4
Practically speaking,
our duck was an orphan,
and that would not do—
so nothing would do
but to purchase four
more ducks via Craigslist.
The price was a clue
to their size, but we were
clueless going in.
Turned out,
they were just old enough
for swimming, so we
turned them out at the pond.
Practically speaking,
our orphan duck became
an unexpectant mama.
Let’s see how she does.
100601
SAW DUST
That bumble-
sized bee
boring holes
in our home’s
fascia boards?
That would be
a wood bee.
[ASIDE: Also known as a carpenter bee.]
FRUIT
ENROUTE
Went out
walking
today,
thoughtless,
like a
sleepwalker.
Returned,
empty-handed,
but with a
mulberry
aftertaste.
SKIN THAT ONE, PILGRIM,
AND I’LL GITCHA ANOTHER
Bless me,
but it’s been a while,
this turn at life—
each turn of dial,
each turn of stile,
each trip down aisle,
each phase, each style.
Mercy,
but it’s been a while!
[ASIDE: A sometimes yearning for
a fresh start or reset button.]
100531
SINGLE WHITE FEMALE
Neighbors got involved.
Long story short:
duck is now ensconced
on my brother’s farm and pond.
Efforts are underway
to secure suitable companionship.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Mattress pad, comforter (placed
underneath the sheets in summer),
fitted sheet, upper sheet, bedspread
(actually, a heavy decorative sheet)—
all of these were run through the laundry
twice today.
A certain feline someone
has developed a bad habit.
Before we named her Emma,
she was called Sweet Trouble.
* * *
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