Downlow

Hey all, how about ending the month with a little update?

Life has been extremely hectic lately and I’m truly surprised that I’ve kept the blog going on a daily basis. Though I haven’t come right out and said it I now publicly acknowledge that I have officially sold out my mantle as hero for the working man by accepting a promotion to QA Manager of the company I still work for after 27 years (bleh). Needless to say it’s much more to worry about and when annoying thoughts are crowding my brain it’s tough to squeeze some poetry through the cracks. I shall endeavor to keep the streak alive but if it stops check the news for a backpage story about a would-be poet in upstate NY that finally took the bridge. ;-)

As far as my absence from the online poetry community, I would like to give an explanation though I don’t know if it will make sense to anybody but me. I love receiving comments (as I’m sure we all do) and I have received so many lovely ones that it gives me a false sense of confidence. So then I send out a bunch of stuff to be considered for publication and get no response at all, or the ever popular rejection. This just depresses me so much that I figured I’d withdraw and just keep putting it out there as my own personal form of catharsis. When I started this blog that was one of my main intentions, to have a discourse with the world through my creative writings, and I feel I have accomplished that somewhat as I have had readers from literally all over the globe. At any rate I miss the online friends I’ve made and will start getting around to commenting again as time permits.

Finally I would like to thank all the people that have kept stopping by and leaving kind words. Though I don’t come out and say it I really appreciate your thoughts more than you know. Oh well back to reality, later taters!

Clarity

And thus the body scintillates
a gem that gilds the night
every facet flooded with
the fury of the sun.

Such radiance is fleeting
yet pleasing to the eye
reminding us we're but a spin away
from the greatest golden treasure
of all

here upon this precious stone
this jewel of blue
we call our home.

Vanquished

Germs
Overtly
Invade
Noses
Gateway

Attacking,
Rapidly
Overpowering
Unprepared
Natural
Defenses.

Tissue?

It isn't very wise
to sit and fantasize
about the demise
of anyone that makes you a star

but you were never swift
if you catch my drift
prepare for your gift
a throbbing livid scar.

Radiance

Our frailties make us human
our hearts make us divine
when shining forth a lumen
that damns the dark design.

Resiliency

The cold makes us brittle
when winter winds whittle
away our wills

for once we stop flexing
we're pinned by perplexing
aches and ills

attempt to stay agile
becoming too fragile
acutely kills.

Systemized

How could we survive in space
so far from any star?
I've barely got the will to brace
myself to reach the car
as winter fury escalates
and solar solace dissipates.

Lucidity

Before the young are forced to learn
to tune in to the lies
they can see our auras burn
with their untainted eyes

the spectrum we emit conveys
how close we are to whole
auroras of transcendent rays
refracted through the soul

which radiate above ones head
unseen by orbs of jade
while those with innocence to shed
observe the truth displayed.

Underway

My feet are like icicles
it's time for some boots
as age and the elements
are now in cahoots

I'm no ancient mariner
but have succumbed to rime
and soon I'll be a refugee
of this forsaken clime.

Fiendish

I crawled beneath the covers to retire
without a clue about the dream to come
a struggle to escape from something dire
my heartbeat pounding like a martial drum
as copious amounts of sweat began
to drench the cotton fabric of my sheet
I ran and ran and ran and ran and ran
until I wore the flesh right off my feet
then suddenly I spun to face my foe
the fear of someone sinister so strong
that I could barely keep from giving in
but nothing scary ever seemed to show
and once I woke it didn't take me long
to realize my nemesis was sin.

Too Cool

The creek is chic
from a frigid streak
that slows it down
and stings my cheek

which makes me frown
as currents drown
beneath a sleek
and icy gown.

Crummy

And so it's begun
The Chosen One
has started playing games
but his mind is numb
and he's such a crumb
the place will go down in flames.

Childs Play

His precious smile is worth much more
than any gleaming gem
I wish somehow that I could store
a massive hoard of them

his laughter is a sweeter song
than maestros could invent
and I want to hear it all day long
to know that he's content

his presence is a blessed gift
that sometimes seems unreal
but cherised when I feel the lift
from every joyous squeal.

Revelations

Is everything about to change
in a drastic kind of way?
for lately life has gotten strange
and all the omens say

that everywhere the world will see
upheaval and unrest
upon the face of every sea
destructive waves will crest

volcanoes will begin to spew
their magma mess around
and massive cracking will ensue
across the crowded ground

the age of Man is sure to end
but no one can foresee
how little time is left to spend
so do it with esprit.

Advancement?

Here we go again
another seeming chance
to alter circumstance
or patronize my pen

there I go once more
beginning something new
suspended halfway through
the yawning door.

Pennant Race

There's bound to be some changes
when the lineup rearranges
but don't decide who's winning
by watching half an inning.

Reboot

The higher the heel
the more the appeal
to those that like to fall but never feel

while bad ones fulfill
the need for a thrill
they never give love and it's doubtful they will.

ad libitum

When riding out to where we jam
it's like returning to who I am
the meadows sighing in the breeze
as brightly chirping symphonies
gild maples, birches, and the pines,
the bushes and tenacious vines
with songs of lilting lovliness
which often prompt me to regress
on nights like this when I adjourn
to where we improvise and learn
about arrangements that may lead
to three collaborators freed.

*whimper*

I'm such a sentimental old sop
and there's nothing I can do
to make the salty streamers stop
once they have begun to brew

I miss those days when I was young
and tears were just a way to vent
before they ever truly stung
with pain that never will relent.

Menagerie

The clouds are great misshapen things
like twisted snakes with dragon wings
such fierce behemoths drifting by
leviathans that roam the sky
and glowing creatures stranger yet
chatoyant till the sun must set.

Celebration

He never knew his father as a lad
but learned to be one once he was a man
and every day I can say I’m glad
that he heads up our unassuming clan

his gentle heart is perfect for the task
with patience that would make a saint feel shame
he’s there whenever we’re inclined to ask
and I'm so proud to carry on his name.


Happy Birthday Dad!

Beware the Wedgie!

This is just so absurd
I can’t even find a word
But one thing I do know
From now on I’m going commando!

Brink

The giant is desperate (as if we should care)
to find someone eager to purchase his share
he squandered his assets (as I have conveyed)
by putting his trust in the fools that he paid
to double his kingdom (as experts may do)
but none of his geniuses ever came through
and now we are standing (as close as we can)
to the void that might swallow this fantasy land.

To The Point

I knew I heard a knock
so I unlatched the lock
and almost dropped right there
for waiting on the stair
a gruesome figure stood
around his head a hood
that hid his features well
but anyone could tell
this creature's only goal
was harvesting a soul.

I swallowed down a yelp
then asked if I could help,
he pointed at my chest
(I had cardiac arrest)
then he said, "Are you Jim?"
and I said, "Nope, not him
try next door instead."
Before he left he said,
"I like to be succinct."
and then he kindly winked.

Chop Chop

I've got to attempt
to act like I care
for no one's exempt
from feeling the axe
upon their neck hair
for being too lax.

Lost

An orphan was left at a mission
its origins sadly unknown
an innocent filled with derision
from facing the world all alone

there was nothing this girl wouldn't swallow
as long as she felt a nice buzz
she had to keep everything shallow
her memory fettered by fuzz

she carried a child one summer
at least she believed that she did
but duty was really a bummer
so she just aborted and hid

she used to take tablets for pleasure
but now she must pop them for pain
while learning it's vital to treasure
our healthy days sober and sane.

Flaked

I know I'm not on crack
but my joints just love to do it
whenever I must strain my back
it's certain I will rue it

if I don't give my spine some slack
they'll probably have to fuse it
and now another storm's on track
and I'm about to lose it.

Device

The lines are coming faster
their meaning very clear
the pitiless antagonist
reflects one truth, and here's the gist:
we all obey one master
each day a bit more near,

and though there's nothing novel
to help us change our lot
despite the end that's meant to be
we've got to age defiantly
and never ever grovel
before we ply the plot.

Backlash

In recent years
the flakes were few
it now appears
our time is due
as fortune veers
towards whackos who
are fond of this white frozen stuff
come shovel mine, I've had enough!

So They Say

When lack of sense causes an issue
it's usually because of a lapse
so don't go in search of a tissue
just rectify things and perhaps

you'll learn to be less of a victim
and more of a positive force
who doesn't rely on the dictum
that only redoubles remorse.

Refreshing

A new moon
a new year
how opportune
to have you near
my dear

as corks fly
and toasts blare
the past goes by
while we prepare
to share

a new way
our love vast
and treat each day
(although too fast)
like our last.