Drone

Pensive
apprehensive
and well… just a bit defensive,
I’ve sloshed through swamps
with futile stomps
while self-doubt chomps

away

at

every

fiber of my being.

I didn’t choose to be alive
though opted not to live
but now I yearn to flee the hive
with all I’ve got to give—
released from those communal fears
the buzz of freedom in my ears.

Making Doo

When complications aggravate
two types of folks remediate:
those that make the best of it
and those that wallow in the shit.

Obtundent

Increments have quickly flown
to shuttle shadows past the point
that dawn could ever re-anoint
as chilling rime bites the bone.

Throughout the veins of stoic stone
a slowness creeps that won’t desist
when craggy crevices are kissed
by crystal climes it can’t postpone.

Those fading wisps of spring cologne
remind us not to squander tears
on seasons lost as solstice nears
when chilling rime numbs the bone.

Crumb

I find myself thankful for life
with all of its hardship and strife
at times fed up with our race
intent on a morsel of grace.

Haggled

Each day anew I fancy gains
while shrugging on these comfy chains
which help restrain what fight remains

but shining facets dazzle more
than any labored metaphor
a novice blade could underscore.

Beneath a sky as gray as I
myopic misconceptions ply
their tawdry veils before my eye

with livid shades that slowly scar
the fleeting gift to see afar
beyond this overwrought bazaar.

Variable

A different me?
I guess we’ll see
as factors form
a noisy tree
whose dialects
in all respects
confound my mind
with crossed effects
that correlate
to deviate
my goals beyond
the standard rate.

Revolution

Well this is it true believers, I am done with another chapter in my less than predictable life. I have successfully completed my courses and would like to thank all the staff at the University of Tennessee and PSPI for 3 great weeks; you really took care of us well. I’m heading back home earlier today to embark on new journeys armed with fresh knowledgeand high expectations. It is officially one year today that I started this blog to force myself to write more and it definitely worked. Browsing through my archives I can’t even believe the amount of material that came out of me in 365 days. Life has limited my creative time lately but hopefully the next year will be filled with inspiration that I can share here for anyone that is so inclined to read it. The poem I’m posting today is a direct result of all this statistical lingo I’ve absorbed lately, so take it for a spin and enjoy!

Tin Soldiers

The unrefined solder
that fabricates fodder
can weaken without proper flux
to make the seams flimsy
unraveled by whimsy
a cadre of slow moving ducks.

Briar's Patch

I

While walking through the woods one day
I heard a rustling sound,
by peeking through the leafy splay
a brand new world was found—
quite startled, I beheld an elf
who smirked then introduced himself.

"Be steady man, I mean no ill
consider me a friend,
my name is Briar from yon hill
an onus to expend,
so listen now as I regale
a strange and tragic sylvan tale."

Intrigued by this impromptu plea
I swallowed down my shock
meandered to the nearest tree
and sat upon a rock
"Okay" I said, intent on him,
"and by the way, my name is Jim."

He gave me an appraising glance
then let a chuckle slip,
assumed a most dramatic stance
one hand upon his hip
a scripted pause, then he began
the saga of his troubled clan.

"For eons we have roamed this place
at peace with all around
avoiding those who sought our race
by living underground
the shield of nature’s verdant arm
has kept us safe from any harm.

But one day not too long ago
a strangely shriveled sprite
found the place where we lay low
and told us of her plight
a necromancer very grim
pursued a sly malicious whim."

Once more he paused and slowly cast
a most discerning stare,
some kind of test I must have passed
for he said, "Now prepare
yourself to hear some gruesome facts
which just may drive you from these tracts."

My interest piqued, I merely shrugged
allowing him to speak
apparently the dam unplugged
and then in one long streak
he blurted out the ugly truth
his knuckle gnawed by nervous tooth.

"It seems this cur, by name of Zack
has somehow found a way
to siphon off what he should lack,
his power grows each day
but also warps his addled mind
which rots inside a fragile rind.

He seeks all creatures who possess
the mystic eldritch spark
to feed on them with eagerness
while welcoming the dark
that shrouds his heart with blackest silk
the foulest foe of fiendish ilk."

I cleared my throat respectfully
to interrupt his spiel
"So what’s this got to do with me?
Divulge the real deal."
Once more he chortled, eyes aslant
"My, my you are impertinent,

all right, here goes, I need your aid
our nemesis is strong
‘tis fate that led you to this glade
my instinct’s never wrong
so please come with me to our cave
we’ll sup, then plan to beat this knave."

I gauged his twinkling impish eyes
uncertain of this quest
but much to his unmasked surprise
benignly acquiesced,
"We’ll make an effort not to flub
now let’s go get some elfin grub."

II

And thus the human Jim
along with valiant Briar elf
would take a chance, though slim,
to reach beyond the centered self
to face a grueling test
defending those innately meek;
we bow at Fate’s behest
or scale the highest snowy peak.
So Briar led this gangly
man to chambers down below
where whispered spurts of slang
revealed how little humans know
his clan distrusted those
that weren’t conceived in open fields
they’d witnessed jealous throes
with all the horror hatred wields,
but kindly showed the hand
of truce proffering a repast
"Eat all that you can stand,
for this could surely be your last."
The food was truly strange
but still the best he’d ever had
amazed at such a range
of tastes Jim gorged himself like mad
from ant-encrusted cakes
composed of sticky honeyed grain
to frothy fruity shakes
which made him numb with frozen brain;
he sampled all the treats
he could, his gusto quite intense
apparently the threat
of death enlivened every sense
but once he felt his hunger
fade his fear began to grow
he knew the evil monger
would be ready for a show.
"So Briar, tell me what
the heck are we supposed to do?
This Zack sounds like a butt
head who will strike if we pursue;
perhaps a trap would be
the best, but who would be the bait?"
and gasping Jim could see
that this was sadly Briar’s fate.

III

A tempest came unleashing shrieks of doom
with sheets of rain that draped the brave in cold
together we advanced into the gloom
convinced our sense of right would make us bold
but fearsome shades of doubt began to loom
behind the landscape evil sought to mold
as fractured flora warped beyond belief
shook twisted limbs in pantomimes of grief.

We found a safe retreat not far from where
the darkest forces seemed to emanate
while Briar took a moment to prepare
my anxious mind began to calculate
the odds of beating Zack within his lair
and knew we’d make a bookie salivate
an underdog whose future looked quite grim
the perfect lure to snag a bettor’s whim.

"Ahem" I heard behind me so I turned
to see the elf adorned with fancy mail
he stared at me with eyes that fiercely burned
then said "I shall endeavor not to fail
but just remember" (as my stomach churned)
"to intercede the second that I hail
and strike with all the fury you can aim—
don’t hesitate to end this madman’s game."

I sensed that he knew more than he would say
but simply said "OK, I’ll do my best"
he grunted saying "Follow me this way
it’s time to face the viper in his nest!"
Then grimly marched to join the coming fray
a soldier’s heartbeat drumming in his chest
reluctantly I trailed my little chum
unease increasing over things to come.

Remaining out of sight but very near
to Briar, I controlled an urge to run
I strove to keep my jaded conscience clear
intent on seeing this injustice done
but still felt gnawed by feral fangs of fear
whose nasty nips I couldn’t seem to shun
when suddenly a ruckus up ahead
engulfed my mind in drooling jaws of dread.

From where I hid (behind a tree) I saw
a strange and truly scary thing unfold:
this foul behemoth with a gaping maw
made hungry gurgling sounds that turned me cold
and hanging there within it’s mottled claw
was Briar trying hard to break the hold
one hand enveloped a peculiar blade
which pulsed with yellow light when thrusts were made.

But Zack was ready, parrying with ease
then knocking Briar’s dagger to the ground,
his tactics were devoid of subtleties
he knew that there was no one else around
to challenge his unsavory decrees
his power had indeed made him unsound
in mind as well as form; a sad disgrace
that meant to dominate the human race.

I cowered there embracing prickly pine
uncertain how to prudently proceed
aware that soon the duty would be mine
to somehow make this fearsome creature bleed
and then I saw the weapon sleekly shine
with steely strength I knew that I would need
amazingly enough it seemed to call
"Come forward man it’s time to stand or fall."

I shook my head but stood as though controlled
exhaled a prayer for guidance from on high
I darted for the dagger, dropped then rolled
and neatly snagged its hilt while on the fly
then Briar screamed with agony untold
and in my head that voice said "You must try
to stab the brute in his tormented heart
my magic will make his evil depart."

As Briar writhed within it’s foul embrace
I looked to see a sight I’ll not forget;
all impish charm was gone without a trace
his tortured features glistening with sweat,
he groaned, then looked me squarely in the face
and said with labored breath "I’m not dead yet
so grow a set and strike you human shmuk!"
Without a thought I gritted teeth... and struck.

This Is It!

Well true believers I'm happy to report that I'm leaving today for the last week of my classes at the University of Tennessee. It has been a hectic 3 months and just when this is coming to a close I am in the midst of starting a coffee shop. I've never felt so frazzled in my life and apologize that I haven't been able to leave a lot of comments. I appreciate everyone who stops by and thank you all! I am leaving an unfinished poem that I have been working on for a long time. Someone left a comment a while ago that they would like to see something longer so I hope it's acceptable. I should have the ending together by the time I get back next week, but until then please enjoy. Bye,

Bob

Sign of the Times

Plastic placards populate
the lawns of those mistaken
to think the Lords of Liberty
were somehow rudely shaken
for pompous peacocks still parade
their ostentatious odium
as brand new speakers sidle up
to climax at the podium—

such a public display makes me go *ug*
could they possibly be more smug?

Sopped

Last night we meshed
I woke refreshed
to don new daring visions
which sixty ticks
saw fit to fix
with multiple revisions
cold streets resist
the colored mist
too stubborn to disperse
that dreams instead
it soon may spread
throughout the universe

where mermaids garbed in vibrant kelp
submerge regret within a whelp.

Sequestered

When browsing the aisles of containment
bedecked in my lower class raiment
I see them smile crisply clean
like they just oozed out of a magazine;
she cuts my hair if I need a trim
and each time more white appears
to feel the bite of mechanical shears
while I wonder how she stays so slim
and almost painfully prim.

Outside a fake owl holds virtue at bay
as pigeons keep flocking to flutter away
the trinkets they’ve earned
the marrow they’ve spurned—
it truly is pathetic
to gauge who’s more synthetic
the jury or the courtroom that’s adjourned.

XX

Well how do everybody? This week’s Ringing has been brought to you by Jo Janoski and it is once again a joy to behold, thanks a million Jo. I have been fortunate enough to be included in all 20 so far and I am truly honored. I don’t want to get too corny here but I for one have always been excited about the gathering of people from all over the world, even if it is only virtually, to share their creative efforts. And don’t forget about all the time and energy everyone put into hosting it – Great Job to all!

Comfort Food

We share a vow to show how much
we care within our heart,
we crease our brow whenever life
decrees we be apart;
I jot a line to emphasize
the thought that won’t desist—
a lust to dine upon the luscious
banquet of your lips.

Dancing with The Stars

With each twirl I was swept
as she moved my heart leapt
such a vision except
that it’s only illusion,

but I watch nonetheless
hoping someday to dress
in a tux and confess
my enamored confusion.

When her sequins ignite
we shall dance through the night
while subdued stars invite
our fandango of fusion.

The Best Spots Are Not On The Map

New journeys start when pavement ends
a constant trek towards blinding bends
where prudent drivers tap the brake
before each drastic turn they take.

A scenic summit soon descends
new journeys start when pavement ends
beware terrain that’s flat too long
you’ll wind up stuck behind the throng.

Perspectives change from state to state
in some you’ll find the cleanest slate;
new journeys start when pavement ends
an avenue that ever wends

around the forest and the trees
then over mountains framed by seas,
to get away? It all depends—
new journeys start when pavement ends.

Unleavened

I doubt that this all-purpose tripe will ever seem uplifting
or that the lumps will be removed upon repeated sifting
as paradigms of plentitude consume through proper shifting
the rising time a dreamer needs to let their mind go drifting.

Scary Ring

Hello to the very few who may actually read this. If you like scary stuff head on over to Paper Tigers to read the Ringing of The Bards Halloween Edition. Some really great creative efforts are there and even my crap. Great job Ozmo, you are truly a wizard. Take care!