* * *
110421
DOUBLE-TAKE
“Odd,” he said.
He was the passenger in my car,
so I wanted to know.
“Well, when I was younger,
I used to think of Death
as some entity I would occasionally
glance at in my rear-view mirror
as I zoomed down life’s highway,
so to speak.”
Okay, a little odd.
“Anyway, today it hit me:
‘Objects in mirror may be
closer than they appear.’”
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: second thoughts.]
110420
MESSAGE
IN A BOTTLE
Hello
to a fellow
castaway,
from myself
on this beach.
Today
(who knows why?)
this bottle
dropped
from a hazy
sky.
What can I say?
The gods
must be crazy.
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: message in a bottle.]
110419
LOVE IS KIND
I called to love.
It didn't come.
I haven't known it yet.
Not yet.
Love
doesn't mind.
So if you come to me
for love,
here is what you'll get—
my efforts to be kind.
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: love or anti-love poem.]
THIS IS LOVE?
Why can’t a spouse
be considerate?
Or at least consider it?
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: love or anti-love poem.]
110418
LIKE: A HOW-TO
like like new
under sun—
like like life
just begun—
like like coo
of turtledove—
like like you—
like like love
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: like _____.]
110417
'TIS! 'TISN'T!
nothing
is bigger
than
everything
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: big picture.]
110416
SHOCKING DEVELOPMENTS
Cameras may take snapshots,
but snapshots don’t take cameras.
Case in point:
this abruptly encountered
rural Oklahoma scene—
stoppedvehicles,blueflashinglights,
policecruiser,brokenfence,wanderingbulls,
highbluff,enormouswhitewindturbines.
The shock of any shock
is its snap back to ordinary—
in this case, Oklahoma redefined.
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: snapshot.]
TWO-LANE TRIP
I didn't take a camera
to Oklahoma,
but I got a snapshot:
police car lights, broken fence,
escaped bulls, bluff just beyond
crowned by a row of white wind turbines
Not the Oklahoma I remembered.
[ASIDE: Our trip lasted from 5:30am to 11:30pm. Thankfully,
I got the poem prompt at an OKC Starbucks. The poem has already
morphed but this is the pre-midnight version.]
110415
UN PROFIL “CLASSIQUE”
Nom: Hercule-Savinien
Pseudo: Dartagnan
Date de Naissance: Mars 6
Résidence: Près de l'Hôtel de Bourgogne, Paris
Education: Collège de Beauvais
Profession:
Musicien; écrivain; scientifique; mathematician;
cavalier; et l'auteur de la littérature, la "science-
fiction," et la poésie
Favoris:
- Restaurant: Rageuneau Patisserie
- Alimentation: Raisins, macarons
- Pièces de Théâtre: La Clorise, Roméo et Juliette
- Musique: Les ballads
Je Déteste:
Les mensonges, les préjugés, la lâcheté, la bêtise,
et de compromise
J’Aime:
L'intégrité, l'esprit, l'impétuosité, le courage,
et la gloire (et, bien sûr, Roxane)
Signe Particulier:
Mon nez, ce qui est "Magnifique!"
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: a profile.]
110414
TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
Medical therapies invite controversy—
What works? What doesn’t? Who decides?
Pharmaceutical ads have taken a new tack.
It’s no longer “Take this for your malady,”
but “Take this so your malady will not
disturb others.” On the horizon is
“Have family members take this medicine
so they will not be a disturbance either.”
…Regardless of the rationale,
“Take this medicine.”
This week, a case was battled out in court,
in the press, and in opinion polls.
A financially strapped mom was found guilty
of attempted murder for withholding
chemotherapy drugs from her autistic son
who died at the age of nine of leukemia.
The therapy was too painful, she testified.
All in all, it’s a great case for speculation.
It’s enlightening to discover
how established medicine defines
successful cancer treatment:
a very short-term extension
of a sufferer’s projected demise;
Suzanne Somers mentions this in
“Knockout,” the book about her own
cancer-related tangle with chemotherapists.
It may be a case where she got it all wrong.
Medical therapies invite controversy—
What works? What doesn’t? Who decides?
SHANTYMAN
Oh, my will is weak,
but my swill is strong
and I do love
a silly-sung song.
RUNNING, OUT OF TIME
“What a fiasco!
How will I ever redeem myself
with the committee?
I must have missed something
the client said; I’ll have to
look through my notes tomorrow.
But when? When? Let’s see…
right after the staff meeting
should work, provided—
Huh? Did you say something?”
“Yes, you look a little lost.
When are you?”
WORK? NOT MY BUSINESS
"A Day's Work,"
I named my business,
but didn't work
a single one.
"Grand Poobah"
was my title.
Mission Statement:
"Just Have Fun."
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: none of my business.]
110413
FRIENDSHIP AND CHALLENGE
First, his father died.
When his mother was taken to
a permanent nursing facility,
that left him home alone.
He went through money then
(all of it) and friends.
We did what we could.
He was just enough mentally
un-challenged to hold down
a short series of janitorial jobs.
Then he fell into the safety net
of the homeless.
For him, it worked.
Once, during his home-alone days,
I went with him to visit a sick friend;
he drove.
He drove serenely through the worst parts
of town, oblivious (unlike nervous me)
to littered sidewalks, broken-out windows,
graffiti, and tough-looking residents.
I examined his face, watched his eyes,
noted his easy talking, and realized—
he was as thoroughly in his own world
as I was in mine; further, nothing
prevented me from ease like his
except my own interpretations.
Today,
as doomsday reports come in
and safety nets erode,
I deliberately adopt my friend’s ease
to reinterpret the world.
I say, this earth is my home—
and I am not home alone.
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: remembering an old relationship.]
110412
BUSTED
“Withdraw? Oh, yeah? Well, draw a blank!”
My drive-by teller’s such a crank
(the muse who minds my data bank).
“You never thank! You never thank!”
“You don’t deposit the amount
to prime the pump that fills my fount.
You give me grief I can’t surmount.
You no-account! You no-account!”
[ASIDE: Submitted to Poem-A-Day challenge,
theme: a form or anti-form poem (this is monotetra).]
* * *
Showing posts with label time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Winter Mix
* * *
110101
NEW YEAR’S DAY
This day—
ostensibly about time,
but falling as it does
on a date of no particular
astronomic significance—
should serve as a reminder
that names of things
and ideas about things
often obscure the
nature of things.
101231
STAY OF EXECUTION
Leaves are dancing
up from the ditches
this warm December day,
resurrected by swirling
winds of protestation;
the year, apparently,
is not ready to die.
101230
LEFTOVERS
Those both old and bereft
cling all the tighter
to what is left.
101229
PROBLEM PEOPLE
Why are they
so difficult; so stubborn;
so unwilling to capitulate
to our superior wisdom—
and why,
when we visit their houses,
must we suffer the meagerness
of their offerings?
101228
CURE-ATOR
God,
have you any therapy
for the pain of being,
and of being me?
Such therapy is yours alone,
for the pain you’re feeling
you create and own.
When you think as I,
pain will go away:
“I’m okay. You’re okay.”
___________
Today I found this poem note,
dated 091025:
wind
shepherds
leaves
across
road
101227
TO YOUR HEALTH
Happiness
involves a task
and, no, it isn’t drinking;
before you think
a thought again—ask,
“Is that thought
worth thinking?”
101226
UPWARD PATH
“Guide my way,”
I again consent.
To renew ascent,
I renew assent.
101225
THE GIFT OF THE PRESENT
No matter, hopes of Christmas Future
or joys of Christmas Past;
we are Guests of Christmas Present,
which can hardly be surpassed.
101224
PAMPERED
My sweetie makes me coffee.
He brings me toast and jam.
He claims that I’m his honey
and makes me glad I am.
101223
DESIGNER
TOUCH
Life is kinder
than we think
or can think;
when we notice,
we call this
serendipity.
101222
COMING APART
AT THE SEEMS
All I know I know
is how things seem to me,
including this self-same me
that seems to seem to be.
101221
SEASON GREETING
Ah! My favorite time of year
when I enjoy—and wish for you—
a very and most-merry,
thrilling, dance-enhancing,
whoppingly exciting,
gleeful, cheerful new debut
of joyous Christmas shopping.
101220
RELIEF IS ON
THE WAY
A nightmare
is a lie you keep
until you rouse
your self from sleep.
Suspect there are
(to be let go)
“truths” you know
that are not so.
101219
EXASPERATION
Emma has been banished
from the bed
in hopes she’ll use a
proper pee-place instead.
101218
WHAT I LIKE
I like to go, I like to do,
I like to think and write, and then
I like to go and do it all again.
101217
DIS-BANDED
What is a ring to a marriage?
I lost mine yesterday,
trying to keep it safe.
My hand
mourns like an orphan;
my heart grieves like a waif.
What is a ring to a marriage?
I lost mine yesterday,
trying to play it safe.
[ASIDE: As instructed, I put all my jewelry in my pocket
before touring a food-processing plant. Several events later,
my wedding ring was the only item that had somehow escaped.
The loss prompted thoughts about priorities, spouses, possessions, etc.]
101216
NO GOOD CHOICE
Setting the alarm for five
wakes you up at four.
But if you didn’t set it,
at six you’d be a-snore.
101215
INTIMIDATIONS
OF MORTALITY
My cat puts his face
near mine each night,
then (sometime later)
his rear—
which means
that I begin each day
knowing the end is near.
101214
OLD AGE BENEFITS
I'm old—trust me—
but young enough to thrill
to a birthday card from my mom
with a twenty-dollar bill.
101213
DECISIONS,
DECISIONS
Colon or semi?
I haven’t a clue.
Maybe a dash
or comma will do.
If you think prose
is hard, well—foo!
just try poems;
they’ll try you.
* * *
110101
NEW YEAR’S DAY
This day—
ostensibly about time,
but falling as it does
on a date of no particular
astronomic significance—
should serve as a reminder
that names of things
and ideas about things
often obscure the
nature of things.
101231
STAY OF EXECUTION
Leaves are dancing
up from the ditches
this warm December day,
resurrected by swirling
winds of protestation;
the year, apparently,
is not ready to die.
101230
LEFTOVERS
Those both old and bereft
cling all the tighter
to what is left.
101229
PROBLEM PEOPLE
Why are they
so difficult; so stubborn;
so unwilling to capitulate
to our superior wisdom—
and why,
when we visit their houses,
must we suffer the meagerness
of their offerings?
101228
CURE-ATOR
God,
have you any therapy
for the pain of being,
and of being me?
Such therapy is yours alone,
for the pain you’re feeling
you create and own.
When you think as I,
pain will go away:
“I’m okay. You’re okay.”
___________
Today I found this poem note,
dated 091025:
wind
shepherds
leaves
across
road
101227
TO YOUR HEALTH
Happiness
involves a task
and, no, it isn’t drinking;
before you think
a thought again—ask,
“Is that thought
worth thinking?”
101226
UPWARD PATH
“Guide my way,”
I again consent.
To renew ascent,
I renew assent.
101225
THE GIFT OF THE PRESENT
No matter, hopes of Christmas Future
or joys of Christmas Past;
we are Guests of Christmas Present,
which can hardly be surpassed.
101224
PAMPERED
My sweetie makes me coffee.
He brings me toast and jam.
He claims that I’m his honey
and makes me glad I am.
101223
DESIGNER
TOUCH
Life is kinder
than we think
or can think;
when we notice,
we call this
serendipity.
101222
COMING APART
AT THE SEEMS
All I know I know
is how things seem to me,
including this self-same me
that seems to seem to be.
101221
SEASON GREETING
Ah! My favorite time of year
when I enjoy—and wish for you—
a very and most-merry,
thrilling, dance-enhancing,
whoppingly exciting,
gleeful, cheerful new debut
of joyous Christmas shopping.
101220
RELIEF IS ON
THE WAY
A nightmare
is a lie you keep
until you rouse
your self from sleep.
Suspect there are
(to be let go)
“truths” you know
that are not so.
101219
EXASPERATION
Emma has been banished
from the bed
in hopes she’ll use a
proper pee-place instead.
101218
WHAT I LIKE
I like to go, I like to do,
I like to think and write, and then
I like to go and do it all again.
101217
DIS-BANDED
What is a ring to a marriage?
I lost mine yesterday,
trying to keep it safe.
My hand
mourns like an orphan;
my heart grieves like a waif.
What is a ring to a marriage?
I lost mine yesterday,
trying to play it safe.
[ASIDE: As instructed, I put all my jewelry in my pocket
before touring a food-processing plant. Several events later,
my wedding ring was the only item that had somehow escaped.
The loss prompted thoughts about priorities, spouses, possessions, etc.]
101216
NO GOOD CHOICE
Setting the alarm for five
wakes you up at four.
But if you didn’t set it,
at six you’d be a-snore.
101215
INTIMIDATIONS
OF MORTALITY
My cat puts his face
near mine each night,
then (sometime later)
his rear—
which means
that I begin each day
knowing the end is near.
101214
OLD AGE BENEFITS
I'm old—trust me—
but young enough to thrill
to a birthday card from my mom
with a twenty-dollar bill.
101213
DECISIONS,
DECISIONS
Colon or semi?
I haven’t a clue.
Maybe a dash
or comma will do.
If you think prose
is hard, well—foo!
just try poems;
they’ll try you.
* * *
Monday, December 6, 2010
Pets and Predicaments
* * *
101118
COUNTER POINT
"Tick-tock," goes the clock
that hangs on the wall.
"Tock-tick," claims another
just down the hall.
"Ding-dong, both wrong!"
a third chimes in.
"I am music; you're just din."
101117
ESCAPEES
There's a mouse in the house,
I suspect—just look how
this bedroom is wrecked.
A chipmunk’s misplaced—
this I know—brought in by the cat.
Where'd it go?
101116
COUNTING THE MINUTES
Muse, it's 5:19 a.m.
That's awfully late.
Was I stood up?
I thought we had a date.
101115
PERCHANCE TO DREAM
Things get precious,
just by being rare—
like that thing that knits
the raveled sleeve of care.
101114
MEDITATION
DIRECTIONS
“Breathe—slow—in,
through the nose,
to a count of seven;
hold another count,
then let it out—
through the mouth—
at that same pace.”
(Then pass out?
Nothing was given
about when
to breathe again.)
101113
LOVE TAKES A TOLL (for Emma)
A year of your pet's life
equals seven of yours.
(About.)
(Depending.)
Life with a cat or dog
(a typical choice)
can be heart-rending
as it grows up—
for how it acts up
and what it gets into.
On a cat, you cain't
impose restraint
or, on a cur, a curfew.
Pets take a toll.
This formula occurs:
For every year of your pet’s life,
take off one of yours.
101112
DOUBLE DOWN
I thought “depressed”
meant sad and bad,
but now I know—
it just means low
and oh… so… slow.
101111
QUESTIONS
OF TALENT
Did I—do I—
have a gift?
Did I lose it?
Am I hiding it
even from myself?
101110
IN POEM COUNTRY
Up with the chickens,
then up with the owls;
I’m not one
to throw in the towel.
A poem is something
to not postpone;
I could write ‘em
till the cows come home.
101109
SIMPLE MINDED
You are there.
I am not.
That's the thought
I just thought.
101108
SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Leonard Cohen, for a poem,
used a book of rhymes.
I use one for mine; that’s the scoop.
Here’s my favorite group:
aquatic, chaotic, despotic,
erotic, exotic, hypnotic,
narcotic, neurotic,
psychotic, quixotic, robotic
Building blocks, rhyme-words are—
keys-and-locks, gears for clocks,
ingredients for a cake;
myriad combinations
for myriad things to make—
including exotic spells to cast
and chaotic spells to break.
101107
IT WASN’T MUCH
“A walk in the park,”
that’s what they say—
and that’s what it was:
an easy cliché.
It wasn’t much—
nothing arduous,
explosive or clutched;
nothing that transcends.
It wasn’t much—
a casual outing
by two casual friends.
It wasn't much—
before our fingers touched.
101106
HEY, SANTA! (for Trevor)
This, for you,
should be a breeze—
put brake pads
in my stocking, please.
101105
I GIVE UP
Clothes, money, attention,
opinions, encouragement, advice,
aggravation…
It doesn’t seem to matter;
no matter what I give,
I get more than double in return.
What gives?
101104
EMPATHY NO MORE
I know you’re
upset about something
and I know you want me
to get upset along with you.
But I don’t want to.
Getting upset
makes me upset.
101103
OPERATIONAL LIMITS
Medicine, what is your tonic,
your remedy for grief?
What can you offer as relief
for pain, intense and chronic,
in bodies already half-bionic?
101102
CLOCKING OUT
Summer birds are seen no more;
sky is emptiness galore;
northern winds grow whippy;
days turn short and nippy;
jewel-toned leaves
that crowned the trees
have browned or blown away—
the year is calling it a day.
101101
BARGAINING WITH MY CAT
“Give me some inspiration,
Scout—to write about;
I’m in the mood.”
“Hmm. Well, don’t be rude;
give me something in return.
I’m in the mood for food.”
* * *
101118
COUNTER POINT
"Tick-tock," goes the clock
that hangs on the wall.
"Tock-tick," claims another
just down the hall.
"Ding-dong, both wrong!"
a third chimes in.
"I am music; you're just din."
101117
ESCAPEES
There's a mouse in the house,
I suspect—just look how
this bedroom is wrecked.
A chipmunk’s misplaced—
this I know—brought in by the cat.
Where'd it go?
101116
COUNTING THE MINUTES
Muse, it's 5:19 a.m.
That's awfully late.
Was I stood up?
I thought we had a date.
101115
PERCHANCE TO DREAM
Things get precious,
just by being rare—
like that thing that knits
the raveled sleeve of care.
101114
MEDITATION
DIRECTIONS
“Breathe—slow—in,
through the nose,
to a count of seven;
hold another count,
then let it out—
through the mouth—
at that same pace.”
(Then pass out?
Nothing was given
about when
to breathe again.)
101113
LOVE TAKES A TOLL (for Emma)
A year of your pet's life
equals seven of yours.
(About.)
(Depending.)
Life with a cat or dog
(a typical choice)
can be heart-rending
as it grows up—
for how it acts up
and what it gets into.
On a cat, you cain't
impose restraint
or, on a cur, a curfew.
Pets take a toll.
This formula occurs:
For every year of your pet’s life,
take off one of yours.
101112
DOUBLE DOWN
I thought “depressed”
meant sad and bad,
but now I know—
it just means low
and oh… so… slow.
101111
QUESTIONS
OF TALENT
Did I—do I—
have a gift?
Did I lose it?
Am I hiding it
even from myself?
101110
IN POEM COUNTRY
Up with the chickens,
then up with the owls;
I’m not one
to throw in the towel.
A poem is something
to not postpone;
I could write ‘em
till the cows come home.
101109
SIMPLE MINDED
You are there.
I am not.
That's the thought
I just thought.
101108
SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Leonard Cohen, for a poem,
used a book of rhymes.
I use one for mine; that’s the scoop.
Here’s my favorite group:
aquatic, chaotic, despotic,
erotic, exotic, hypnotic,
narcotic, neurotic,
psychotic, quixotic, robotic
Building blocks, rhyme-words are—
keys-and-locks, gears for clocks,
ingredients for a cake;
myriad combinations
for myriad things to make—
including exotic spells to cast
and chaotic spells to break.
101107
IT WASN’T MUCH
“A walk in the park,”
that’s what they say—
and that’s what it was:
an easy cliché.
It wasn’t much—
nothing arduous,
explosive or clutched;
nothing that transcends.
It wasn’t much—
a casual outing
by two casual friends.
It wasn't much—
before our fingers touched.
101106
HEY, SANTA! (for Trevor)
This, for you,
should be a breeze—
put brake pads
in my stocking, please.
101105
I GIVE UP
Clothes, money, attention,
opinions, encouragement, advice,
aggravation…
It doesn’t seem to matter;
no matter what I give,
I get more than double in return.
What gives?
101104
EMPATHY NO MORE
I know you’re
upset about something
and I know you want me
to get upset along with you.
But I don’t want to.
Getting upset
makes me upset.
101103
OPERATIONAL LIMITS
Medicine, what is your tonic,
your remedy for grief?
What can you offer as relief
for pain, intense and chronic,
in bodies already half-bionic?
101102
CLOCKING OUT
Summer birds are seen no more;
sky is emptiness galore;
northern winds grow whippy;
days turn short and nippy;
jewel-toned leaves
that crowned the trees
have browned or blown away—
the year is calling it a day.
101101
BARGAINING WITH MY CAT
“Give me some inspiration,
Scout—to write about;
I’m in the mood.”
“Hmm. Well, don’t be rude;
give me something in return.
I’m in the mood for food.”
* * *
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Love of What Is
* * *
101021
LIFE’S A BREACH
Breakthrough
can be double win:
breakthrough out,
breakthrough in.
101020
CATERED TO
Ah, here comes the morning;
something brings the sun.
Someone brings me coffee;
blessings on that one.
101019
WELL SERVED
Not only am I blessed,
but able to tell
how blessed I am:
Alive and well.
101018
LUNCHBOX PARADOX
Self, must I send you back to school?
A sweet is not a healthy treat.
And don’t forget Prime Diet Rule:
The more you eat, the more you eat.
101017
CAELUM IN TERRA (for Fay Jean)
One joy
(so long longed-for)
life graciously sends…
one long conversation
with one long-time friend.
101016
WEEKEND, WITH FRIEND
Nothing is an effort;
all is light and grace.
In our time together,
things just fall in place.
101015
CONSTANCY
Over and over
life answers its own quiz,
sometimes with fizzle,
sometimes with fizz—
always conveying
love of what is.
AL FRESCO (for Fay Jean)
Sundown
on the terrace—
a spectacular view,
wine, food, conversation…
all of this, and you.
101014
TROWELING IT ON
My work grows ever more concise
as my time grows shorter.
Once I placed a brick a day;
now, little more than mortar.
101013
NOS IAM VICTORES
We
who are about to die
salute ourselves.
101012
ADS SUBTRACT
I rarely mention politics,
not because it’s fiddlesticks,
sleight-of-hand, or lies-and tricks;
campaign ads just leave me blitzed.
101011
TIME, WELL, SPENT
There always seems
so much to do—
so forgotten
once I’m through.
* * *
101021
LIFE’S A BREACH
Breakthrough
can be double win:
breakthrough out,
breakthrough in.
101020
CATERED TO
Ah, here comes the morning;
something brings the sun.
Someone brings me coffee;
blessings on that one.
101019
WELL SERVED
Not only am I blessed,
but able to tell
how blessed I am:
Alive and well.
101018
LUNCHBOX PARADOX
Self, must I send you back to school?
A sweet is not a healthy treat.
And don’t forget Prime Diet Rule:
The more you eat, the more you eat.
101017
CAELUM IN TERRA (for Fay Jean)
One joy
(so long longed-for)
life graciously sends…
one long conversation
with one long-time friend.
101016
WEEKEND, WITH FRIEND
Nothing is an effort;
all is light and grace.
In our time together,
things just fall in place.
101015
CONSTANCY
Over and over
life answers its own quiz,
sometimes with fizzle,
sometimes with fizz—
always conveying
love of what is.
AL FRESCO (for Fay Jean)
Sundown
on the terrace—
a spectacular view,
wine, food, conversation…
all of this, and you.
101014
TROWELING IT ON
My work grows ever more concise
as my time grows shorter.
Once I placed a brick a day;
now, little more than mortar.
101013
NOS IAM VICTORES
We
who are about to die
salute ourselves.
101012
ADS SUBTRACT
I rarely mention politics,
not because it’s fiddlesticks,
sleight-of-hand, or lies-and tricks;
campaign ads just leave me blitzed.
101011
TIME, WELL, SPENT
There always seems
so much to do—
so forgotten
once I’m through.
* * *
Friday, March 12, 2010
Joy and Pain
* * *
100311
"O’ WAD SOME POWER"
Hello, again, everyone.
I am happy to report
that my 24-hour lipstick does,
in fact, adhere for the duration.
I have learned to apply it
without resorting to a mirror
and (thanks to a bulletin I received
just moments ago), I can attest that
it adheres equally well to teeth.
100310
CRAMMED
Hurry, hurry,
don’t be late!
There’s no room
to ruminate.
100309
FISHY
I only looked;
he was a winker.
When he said
we would wed,
he had me hooked—
lyin' stinker!
WHY?
"Where is the city?
I hear that it's pretty,"
the chicken asked the road.
"Several miles north,"
the road sent her forth.
But road was just trickin'
and so the plot thickens.
Why did the road
cross the chicken?
100308
MORNIN’, SUN!
Hello,
my mellow
yellow fellow!
EXERCISED
Check me out—
can anyone tell,
do you suppose?
I feel like I smell!
What?
With your nose?
100307
PEST ASIDE
Just a comment:
I haven't thought it through,
but I suspect
some awful trade's been made;
that you earn your life
by signing on
as God's assassin;
that he doesn't do his own
dirty work.
DAILY REVOCATION
from sleep sublime,
dawn pries my mind—I rise
then comes the crime—I fall
back in; back into time
100306
COMMON QUEST
to make play pay
but still stay play
100305
INCREMENTAL
Major griefs
from minor beefs—
how they load us;
those petty hurts
we never used to notice.
* * *
100311
"O’ WAD SOME POWER"
Hello, again, everyone.
I am happy to report
that my 24-hour lipstick does,
in fact, adhere for the duration.
I have learned to apply it
without resorting to a mirror
and (thanks to a bulletin I received
just moments ago), I can attest that
it adheres equally well to teeth.
100310
CRAMMED
Hurry, hurry,
don’t be late!
There’s no room
to ruminate.
100309
FISHY
I only looked;
he was a winker.
When he said
we would wed,
he had me hooked—
lyin' stinker!
WHY?
"Where is the city?
I hear that it's pretty,"
the chicken asked the road.
"Several miles north,"
the road sent her forth.
But road was just trickin'
and so the plot thickens.
Why did the road
cross the chicken?
100308
MORNIN’, SUN!
Hello,
my mellow
yellow fellow!
EXERCISED
Check me out—
can anyone tell,
do you suppose?
I feel like I smell!
What?
With your nose?
100307
PEST ASIDE
Just a comment:
I haven't thought it through,
but I suspect
some awful trade's been made;
that you earn your life
by signing on
as God's assassin;
that he doesn't do his own
dirty work.
DAILY REVOCATION
from sleep sublime,
dawn pries my mind—I rise
then comes the crime—I fall
back in; back into time
100306
COMMON QUEST
to make play pay
but still stay play
100305
INCREMENTAL
Major griefs
from minor beefs—
how they load us;
those petty hurts
we never used to notice.
* * *
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Out of Time
* * *
100228
SUPPOSE NO ROSE (for Cory)
Strip it from all referents.
Eliminate its liaison to love.
Erase its scent.
Remove all that it does.
Suppose it never was.
The question this will pose:
“What is ode to rose?”
100227
TSUNAMI, TRIVIA
Time keeps everything
from happening at once;
prevents collapse, disaster.
To judge by Twitter’s
speed and range—time’s
running out, and faster.
EPITAPH 2
Genesis.
Exodus.
Acts.
Lamentations.
Revelation.
Proverbs.
100226
EPITAPH 1
Crayon.
Pencil.
Pen.
Typewriter.
Computer.
Tombstone.
[ASIDE: This is a variation of a poem I wrote awhile back.
This one is for a publisher’s contest: write your life story in 6 words.]
DDUUEETT
Cross-eyed, I have
four hands, so that—
solo on my keyboard—
I can play duet.
* * *
100228
SUPPOSE NO ROSE (for Cory)
Strip it from all referents.
Eliminate its liaison to love.
Erase its scent.
Remove all that it does.
Suppose it never was.
The question this will pose:
“What is ode to rose?”
100227
TSUNAMI, TRIVIA
Time keeps everything
from happening at once;
prevents collapse, disaster.
To judge by Twitter’s
speed and range—time’s
running out, and faster.
EPITAPH 2
Genesis.
Exodus.
Acts.
Lamentations.
Revelation.
Proverbs.
100226
EPITAPH 1
Crayon.
Pencil.
Pen.
Typewriter.
Computer.
Tombstone.
[ASIDE: This is a variation of a poem I wrote awhile back.
This one is for a publisher’s contest: write your life story in 6 words.]
DDUUEETT
Cross-eyed, I have
four hands, so that—
solo on my keyboard—
I can play duet.
* * *
Monday, February 1, 2010
Animals, Weather, Time
* * *
100131
ATTUNED
I love it when he whistles and laughs
and jokes with the cats;
their ears swivel to tune him in;
they climb onto his lap if it’s available;
they gently paw his face, stroke his cheek,
then settle in to ride the warm rhythms
of his chest. "More," they say. "More!"
100130
SNOW DAY
Deer braved the yard today,
where they cautiously fed.
Cats braved the snow for birds.
Birds braved the cats for bread.
100129
WEATHER
WISHERS
What?
You didn’t expect
more snow to fall?
Please.
It’s January,
after all!
100128
BLAST!
"Brace yourselves,"
weathercasters scold,
rhapsodizing over sleet and ice.
Hmmph. That isn't nice; it's cold!
100127
TIME PIECE
"Time flies," Eagle cries.
"Time flies," Frog sighs,
"snatchin’ you up like some bug
that its flickin’ tongue has tazed.
Oh. Time flays," croaks Frog, amazed.
"Time flays," Horse neighs.
"Time flows," Raven crows.
"Time flows," Bear knows,
"driftin’ us along with gentle dreams
of polar ice an’ siftin’ snow.
Ah. Time floes," sighs Bear, mid-doze.
"Time floes," Whale blows.
"Time flees," buzz Bees.
"Time flees," Dog breathes,
"bitin’ our hides to set us movin’,
then lightin’ out; that irritatin’ tease!
Ooh. Time fleas," Dog moans, aggrieved.
"Time fleas," Cat agrees.
[ASIDE: I wanted to leave out quotation marks because they
were so cumbersome and distracting, but that didn't work.]
100126
RELAXED FIT
“When you retire,” his buddies asked,
looking at him a bit askance,
“who, at your house, will wear the pants?”
“Myself,” he winked, with a cheerful glance.
“Of course, I’ll be wearing putter pants.”
100125
TWENTY-TWENTY
Best gift so far,
this twenty-ten—
contact lenses.
I see again!
100124
TOO LATE
I missed a meeting
I meant to attend;
there’s no way to regroup,
recoup, or amend.
100123
BUZZARDS
“Unclean!” they’re seen—
“Untouchable!
Gnarly-headed grotesques. Fearsome
Underlings. Awful offal-eaters.
Horrid things on wings!”
Of this, buzzards are oblivious—
as they are of praise from students
of their ways, who say, “It’s official.
Buzzards are good to us. Beneficial.”
They recycle and renew.
Like morticians, beauticians, mothers,
menials, and multitudes of others
(maintenance workers, trash collectors,
hazardous waste operators, plumbers,
and sanitation crews, to name a few)—
discretely and with daily diligence,
they efface life’s ugliness.
They lift in air like dreams.
For those with eyes to see—
such elegance, such grace!
100122
LOOKOUT
At my north-sky facing view,
two trapezoidal windows
show through to a vast expanse
of icy blue; slightly smudged
with gray and white. But—
not a single buzzard in sight.
100121
MEAT OR POISON
One man’s crumpet
is another man’s strumpet.
One woman’s jackpot
is another one’s crackpot.
[ASIDE: Just playing with words, which,
like old stereotypes and clichés, are also
one person’s meat and another’s poison.]
100120
WINTER THUNDER
Startling!
Like a midnight pounding at your door
in the secret-code cadence of a comrade.
SELF-EMANCIPATION
First you have to make it okay
with yourself to think about
what you might possibly want.
Then you have to decide that,
yes, it’s okay to actually want.
Next you allow yourself to
full-heartedly accept
wanted and waited-for things.
After that, permission to pursue
is a natural progression.
In fact, you stand self-revealed
as a natural progression.
100119
CHARM SCHOOLED
It’s hard enough to
charm life into beneficence
when you’re an ingénue;
much less, a nongénue.
ASPIRANT
As if either is a place,
somewhere between seven and seventy,
I got used to living. I expected to expect
every day another day, and every day
three square meals, slow or quick,
and all my blessings double-dipped.
Little plain-old mortal me
aspired to immortality: unending life,
and not just that—ease, abundance, health,
pleasing occupation, and an inside track
to bliss. It hasn’t happened—yet
I’m caught by the idea. First, I’ve heard,
you go through death and back
near-endless times. Or not.
* * *
100131
ATTUNED
I love it when he whistles and laughs
and jokes with the cats;
their ears swivel to tune him in;
they climb onto his lap if it’s available;
they gently paw his face, stroke his cheek,
then settle in to ride the warm rhythms
of his chest. "More," they say. "More!"
100130
SNOW DAY
Deer braved the yard today,
where they cautiously fed.
Cats braved the snow for birds.
Birds braved the cats for bread.
100129
WEATHER
WISHERS
What?
You didn’t expect
more snow to fall?
Please.
It’s January,
after all!
100128
BLAST!
"Brace yourselves,"
weathercasters scold,
rhapsodizing over sleet and ice.
Hmmph. That isn't nice; it's cold!
100127
TIME PIECE
"Time flies," Eagle cries.
"Time flies," Frog sighs,
"snatchin’ you up like some bug
that its flickin’ tongue has tazed.
Oh. Time flays," croaks Frog, amazed.
"Time flays," Horse neighs.
"Time flows," Raven crows.
"Time flows," Bear knows,
"driftin’ us along with gentle dreams
of polar ice an’ siftin’ snow.
Ah. Time floes," sighs Bear, mid-doze.
"Time floes," Whale blows.
"Time flees," buzz Bees.
"Time flees," Dog breathes,
"bitin’ our hides to set us movin’,
then lightin’ out; that irritatin’ tease!
Ooh. Time fleas," Dog moans, aggrieved.
"Time fleas," Cat agrees.
[ASIDE: I wanted to leave out quotation marks because they
were so cumbersome and distracting, but that didn't work.]
100126
RELAXED FIT
“When you retire,” his buddies asked,
looking at him a bit askance,
“who, at your house, will wear the pants?”
“Myself,” he winked, with a cheerful glance.
“Of course, I’ll be wearing putter pants.”
100125
TWENTY-TWENTY
Best gift so far,
this twenty-ten—
contact lenses.
I see again!
100124
TOO LATE
I missed a meeting
I meant to attend;
there’s no way to regroup,
recoup, or amend.
100123
BUZZARDS
“Unclean!” they’re seen—
“Untouchable!
Gnarly-headed grotesques. Fearsome
Underlings. Awful offal-eaters.
Horrid things on wings!”
Of this, buzzards are oblivious—
as they are of praise from students
of their ways, who say, “It’s official.
Buzzards are good to us. Beneficial.”
They recycle and renew.
Like morticians, beauticians, mothers,
menials, and multitudes of others
(maintenance workers, trash collectors,
hazardous waste operators, plumbers,
and sanitation crews, to name a few)—
discretely and with daily diligence,
they efface life’s ugliness.
They lift in air like dreams.
For those with eyes to see—
such elegance, such grace!
100122
LOOKOUT
At my north-sky facing view,
two trapezoidal windows
show through to a vast expanse
of icy blue; slightly smudged
with gray and white. But—
not a single buzzard in sight.
100121
MEAT OR POISON
One man’s crumpet
is another man’s strumpet.
One woman’s jackpot
is another one’s crackpot.
[ASIDE: Just playing with words, which,
like old stereotypes and clichés, are also
one person’s meat and another’s poison.]
100120
WINTER THUNDER
Startling!
Like a midnight pounding at your door
in the secret-code cadence of a comrade.
SELF-EMANCIPATION
First you have to make it okay
with yourself to think about
what you might possibly want.
Then you have to decide that,
yes, it’s okay to actually want.
Next you allow yourself to
full-heartedly accept
wanted and waited-for things.
After that, permission to pursue
is a natural progression.
In fact, you stand self-revealed
as a natural progression.
100119
CHARM SCHOOLED
It’s hard enough to
charm life into beneficence
when you’re an ingénue;
much less, a nongénue.
ASPIRANT
As if either is a place,
somewhere between seven and seventy,
I got used to living. I expected to expect
every day another day, and every day
three square meals, slow or quick,
and all my blessings double-dipped.
Little plain-old mortal me
aspired to immortality: unending life,
and not just that—ease, abundance, health,
pleasing occupation, and an inside track
to bliss. It hasn’t happened—yet
I’m caught by the idea. First, I’ve heard,
you go through death and back
near-endless times. Or not.
* * *
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Winter Mix
* * *
100105
DEAR GOD!
I have this—but I want more;
I want that, with every pore.
I have things that I adore;
I have merchandise galore—
things in use and things in store—
but I want more, and more, and more.
Thanking? —Something I abhor.
Asking? —Even though it’s such chore,
once again, I implore,
“Please, Sir, may I have some more?”
[ASIDE: As I enjoyed a warm shower this morning,
I realized how full my life is of simple pleasures
that I take for granted and that most human beings
have never once experienced.]
100104
PEEK-A-BOO-HOO
All those days
being discreet,
effacing myself,
trying to hide.
Such effort!
And you weren’t
even looking.
100103
NIGHT VISITOR
There’s no gift like a giver—
and the One who gave us sight
and touch and hearing
visited last night,
leaving a world of stillness
wrapped in winter white.
DISMAL DECADE
Bad as it was, it’s over now—
the decade of the Aughts—
and would have been much better,
had we fulfilled our Oughts.
100102
BLUE—WHO KNEW? (for Carrie)
I learned tonight—
a Blue Moon's not blue;
just the second one
in a month with two.
[ASIDE: As for me, I learned online today that this date
can be written 2010-01-02 or "20100102" which reads
the same backwards or forwards. Such a palindrome
will not recur for ages.]
* * *
100105
DEAR GOD!
I have this—but I want more;
I want that, with every pore.
I have things that I adore;
I have merchandise galore—
things in use and things in store—
but I want more, and more, and more.
Thanking? —Something I abhor.
Asking? —Even though it’s such chore,
once again, I implore,
“Please, Sir, may I have some more?”
[ASIDE: As I enjoyed a warm shower this morning,
I realized how full my life is of simple pleasures
that I take for granted and that most human beings
have never once experienced.]
100104
PEEK-A-BOO-HOO
All those days
being discreet,
effacing myself,
trying to hide.
Such effort!
And you weren’t
even looking.
100103
NIGHT VISITOR
There’s no gift like a giver—
and the One who gave us sight
and touch and hearing
visited last night,
leaving a world of stillness
wrapped in winter white.
DISMAL DECADE
Bad as it was, it’s over now—
the decade of the Aughts—
and would have been much better,
had we fulfilled our Oughts.
100102
BLUE—WHO KNEW? (for Carrie)
I learned tonight—
a Blue Moon's not blue;
just the second one
in a month with two.
[ASIDE: As for me, I learned online today that this date
can be written 2010-01-02 or "20100102" which reads
the same backwards or forwards. Such a palindrome
will not recur for ages.]
* * *
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