Home
is what you're thirsty for
when life squeezes the kid
out of you.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Witty Epitaph's 1-11
A dirty old man rests below
so loved his wiener
he named it Beau.
Here lies Lizzy Crass
her farts refrain
stench surpassed
a runaway train
into the prairie grass.
so loved his wiener
he named it Beau.
Here lies Lizzy Crass
her farts refrain
stench surpassed
a runaway train
into the prairie grass.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
After Electricity
It is pre-dawn
the lights have just gone out
the cause as yet unknown.
Coffee thankfully
has been pre-set and brewed.
The hot-tub steams silently.
The still water beckons
as I plant my aching bones
settling into the sultry depth.
The roosters crow at distant stars
their raucous
contest continues
as the sun begins its ascent into
a cloudless blue, tinted with pink
and orange. The palms stand
stiffly at attention. The Ko’olau peaks
loom like ancient warriors, awaiting the
first battle cry. And I hunt and peck
one-handed, continuing on
as if nothing has happened.
There is still much work to be done.
The end of our era approaches.
After electricity our words
will remain housed within dusty tomes
temporarily stifled.
We will have to seek them out
search over hill and dale
for there was and still is, treasure there.
the lights have just gone out
the cause as yet unknown.
Coffee thankfully
has been pre-set and brewed.
The hot-tub steams silently.
The still water beckons
as I plant my aching bones
settling into the sultry depth.
The roosters crow at distant stars
their raucous
contest continues
as the sun begins its ascent into
a cloudless blue, tinted with pink
and orange. The palms stand
stiffly at attention. The Ko’olau peaks
loom like ancient warriors, awaiting the
first battle cry. And I hunt and peck
one-handed, continuing on
as if nothing has happened.
There is still much work to be done.
The end of our era approaches.
After electricity our words
will remain housed within dusty tomes
temporarily stifled.
We will have to seek them out
search over hill and dale
for there was and still is, treasure there.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Diseased Minds
Some days are easier.
The battle rages on
between self- doubt
and change. They are
taking bets on the side lines.
The odds are against us.
Listen up
patriots. We are at war.
The front lines need to stand firm.
There is no room for MIA thinking.
Every empty space needs to be filled
with tough love. We will not tolerate
deserters. Deserters will be rounded up and sent
back for another series of anti-venomous thinking shots.
Stand FIRM. Stay your ground.
Look them straight in the eye.
Terror lurks there!
They feel it too, beneath the slip
of darkness when there is no one to
turn to. It torments them with false
promises. It leaves them without a pillow
hungry, tattered and pasty.
Look at them. They are what remain
blankly staring at the yellowed pages
suffering through the holocaust and barking mad.
The battle rages on
between self- doubt
and change. They are
taking bets on the side lines.
The odds are against us.
Listen up
patriots. We are at war.
The front lines need to stand firm.
There is no room for MIA thinking.
Every empty space needs to be filled
with tough love. We will not tolerate
deserters. Deserters will be rounded up and sent
back for another series of anti-venomous thinking shots.
Stand FIRM. Stay your ground.
Look them straight in the eye.
Terror lurks there!
They feel it too, beneath the slip
of darkness when there is no one to
turn to. It torments them with false
promises. It leaves them without a pillow
hungry, tattered and pasty.
Look at them. They are what remain
blankly staring at the yellowed pages
suffering through the holocaust and barking mad.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Forgotten Age
Right this way
ladies and gentlemen.
You are about to be amazed
astounded, electrified, and personified.
Here before you are the devitrified pillars.
Step this way to hear about it
to see the unbelievable waste that it was,
yes it’s true!
Right here before your very eyes
you will experience
the awe and
the majesty
of the most powerful
ferocious
beast of the modern age.
We will take you back
to its humble beginnings
then show you more at its peak.
We will reconstruct its rise to power
and ultimate downfall.
It was once
one of the greatest
super powers on the planet.
Watch it now as the cancer
chips away
at the facade, as it falls
and crumbles below.
Sir, please be careful
don’t feed it.
We lost a couple
just last week
they didn’t speak the language
couldn’t read the signs
which are clearly marked.
They got too close, wanted
a few extra pictures and BAM.
It ate them whole, nothing left
just a stain on the floor
dark and desiccated.
All right folks
move along now.
Keep your hands inside
the barrier.
Around the next corner
we have another exhibit
just as thrilling.
ladies and gentlemen.
You are about to be amazed
astounded, electrified, and personified.
Here before you are the devitrified pillars.
Step this way to hear about it
to see the unbelievable waste that it was,
yes it’s true!
Right here before your very eyes
you will experience
the awe and
the majesty
of the most powerful
ferocious
beast of the modern age.
We will take you back
to its humble beginnings
then show you more at its peak.
We will reconstruct its rise to power
and ultimate downfall.
It was once
one of the greatest
super powers on the planet.
Watch it now as the cancer
chips away
at the facade, as it falls
and crumbles below.
Sir, please be careful
don’t feed it.
We lost a couple
just last week
they didn’t speak the language
couldn’t read the signs
which are clearly marked.
They got too close, wanted
a few extra pictures and BAM.
It ate them whole, nothing left
just a stain on the floor
dark and desiccated.
All right folks
move along now.
Keep your hands inside
the barrier.
Around the next corner
we have another exhibit
just as thrilling.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Affliction-Slam poem
Most of us suffer from some form of it
if it isn’t drugs or alcohol
its cigarettes, coffee, exercise, gambling, shopping, SEX or FOOD.
We overindulge as a society
It is our RELIGION
and then we deny it.
We’ll tell you that you are CRAZY
We suffer from a DISEASE
therefore we need HELP.
We are not ACCOUNTABLE for our actions.
We stopped being accountable in the sixties
and it has morphed into the beast that it is today.
We changed the world alright.
Congratulations—Madam
we have a gazillion
afflictions and we BELIEVE that it will
take some hard work to get back
to normal.
When did we start
believing the lies?
We believe that we are insignificant.
We believe that life is a poker hand.
We believe that once you are afflicted
that there is little to be done, you have to live with it,
the devil made me do it.
Just swallow that knot in your throat
it will be alright in the morning.
But the morning has come and gone
and here we are fixed in front of our computers and the TV
waiting for the savior
waiting for that asteroid
waiting for 2012.
We believe in aliens, Big Foot,
the paranormal, and WAR.
We believe in pressing 1 for Spanish
and 2 for English.
We believe that being rich or powerful
or rich AND powerful will solve
most of our problems.
We follow the movements of
TV and film stars like they have
the secret to creation.
We just need to do what
they do, wear what they wear
eat what they eat.
We will put up with just
about anything, so long as it
doesn’t change any of our plans
or alter our thinking.
We want to give it all to GOD
all our problems, choices, suffering.
We want HIM to fix us, fix the country
fix the planet, fix the universe.
FIX EVERTHING, so we can
continue to do whatever we want.
We pray for an answer
but he has answered.
GOD is on strike!
He gave us all that we need.
The balls in our court
It's the last quarter of the game
the final tournament.
The sun is setting
on our parade.
Kiss your sorry
self serving issues
goodbye.
Departures are coming for you!
All aboard!
Go on
get in your sleeper
cars, this train is
bound for Affliction.
if it isn’t drugs or alcohol
its cigarettes, coffee, exercise, gambling, shopping, SEX or FOOD.
We overindulge as a society
It is our RELIGION
and then we deny it.
We’ll tell you that you are CRAZY
We suffer from a DISEASE
therefore we need HELP.
We are not ACCOUNTABLE for our actions.
We stopped being accountable in the sixties
and it has morphed into the beast that it is today.
We changed the world alright.
Congratulations—Madam
we have a gazillion
afflictions and we BELIEVE that it will
take some hard work to get back
to normal.
When did we start
believing the lies?
We believe that we are insignificant.
We believe that life is a poker hand.
We believe that once you are afflicted
that there is little to be done, you have to live with it,
the devil made me do it.
Just swallow that knot in your throat
it will be alright in the morning.
But the morning has come and gone
and here we are fixed in front of our computers and the TV
waiting for the savior
waiting for that asteroid
waiting for 2012.
We believe in aliens, Big Foot,
the paranormal, and WAR.
We believe in pressing 1 for Spanish
and 2 for English.
We believe that being rich or powerful
or rich AND powerful will solve
most of our problems.
We follow the movements of
TV and film stars like they have
the secret to creation.
We just need to do what
they do, wear what they wear
eat what they eat.
We will put up with just
about anything, so long as it
doesn’t change any of our plans
or alter our thinking.
We want to give it all to GOD
all our problems, choices, suffering.
We want HIM to fix us, fix the country
fix the planet, fix the universe.
FIX EVERTHING, so we can
continue to do whatever we want.
We pray for an answer
but he has answered.
GOD is on strike!
He gave us all that we need.
The balls in our court
It's the last quarter of the game
the final tournament.
The sun is setting
on our parade.
Kiss your sorry
self serving issues
goodbye.
Departures are coming for you!
All aboard!
Go on
get in your sleeper
cars, this train is
bound for Affliction.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year’s Ku 2011
Traveling showers
greeting, leaves damp calling card
moist samples attached.
Baby New Year coos
gurgling resolutely
promising nothing.
Last year exhibits
spectacle throughout islands
waves smoky salute.
Man’s best friend staggers
whines for ear plugs and gas masks
caustic revelry.
Common Mynas perch
squawk at swaying Manila
fronds, surfing air waves.
Nature reigns supreme
on pacific tropic isle
snowing lava peaks.
Man of war jellies infest
Waikiki inundated.
greeting, leaves damp calling card
moist samples attached.
Baby New Year coos
gurgling resolutely
promising nothing.
Last year exhibits
spectacle throughout islands
waves smoky salute.
Man’s best friend staggers
whines for ear plugs and gas masks
caustic revelry.
Common Mynas perch
squawk at swaying Manila
fronds, surfing air waves.
Nature reigns supreme
on pacific tropic isle
snowing lava peaks.
Man of war jellies infest
Waikiki inundated.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Surviving Cigarettes
You know maybe it’s just me
but I don’t need to walk around
with a heavy sign around my neck
that says I am a recovering cigarette smoker
that it has been twenty years since my last drag.
I don’t need to go to meetings
or confess my cravings
which I honestly don’t remember.
I don’t need the pat on the back
or the camaraderie of fellow ex-smokers
to get through another day.
I sent that bitch packing.
I buried it
said a few words
and left it to rot
where it belongs.
I didn’t look back.
Some friend
it soiled my lungs, hair
and clothes.
It yellowed my teeth
wrinkled my face, turned me into a liar
and a sneak. It made me miss out
on special times with friends and family.
It was a selfish, conceited bully.
It made me believe
all sorts of lies.
It was never satisfied
always wanting
more and more of my attention.
It had me fooled
spun me up like a top.
I forgot about food, I lived on diet soda and one meal a day.
It was the first thing I reached for in the morning
and the last thing at night.
I woke up to its trickery
I slowly learned that
I had other choices
that I didn’t have to be a victim
or a hostage
to this friend.
So I quit that habit
dropped it
for the cheat that it was
and suddenly food tasted better.
My car
house
and my breath smelled cleaner, sweeter
attracting positive friends
like health and fitness.
It brought things like
memory into sharper focus
reversed the damage to my lungs
gave me a life free from chronic bronchitis
made my immune system
more resistant to infection
and speeded healing.
My so-called friend
had been killing me inch by inch
guaranteeing me a
one-way express ticket
to the dirt and ash concert
but I decided to postpone
that rendezvous.
I know that time
will come soon enough.
In the meantime
I have too much to do
too many things to experience
so many doors to open
reawakening the child within
reminding me of
simplicity and common sense
of how things used to be and
could be again, if I just let it be.
Retesting boundaries
and exploring
beyond my comfort zone
way past where
any of my old friends
had ever gone
or will ever go.
but I don’t need to walk around
with a heavy sign around my neck
that says I am a recovering cigarette smoker
that it has been twenty years since my last drag.
I don’t need to go to meetings
or confess my cravings
which I honestly don’t remember.
I don’t need the pat on the back
or the camaraderie of fellow ex-smokers
to get through another day.
I sent that bitch packing.
I buried it
said a few words
and left it to rot
where it belongs.
I didn’t look back.
Some friend
it soiled my lungs, hair
and clothes.
It yellowed my teeth
wrinkled my face, turned me into a liar
and a sneak. It made me miss out
on special times with friends and family.
It was a selfish, conceited bully.
It made me believe
all sorts of lies.
It was never satisfied
always wanting
more and more of my attention.
It had me fooled
spun me up like a top.
I forgot about food, I lived on diet soda and one meal a day.
It was the first thing I reached for in the morning
and the last thing at night.
I woke up to its trickery
I slowly learned that
I had other choices
that I didn’t have to be a victim
or a hostage
to this friend.
So I quit that habit
dropped it
for the cheat that it was
and suddenly food tasted better.
My car
house
and my breath smelled cleaner, sweeter
attracting positive friends
like health and fitness.
It brought things like
memory into sharper focus
reversed the damage to my lungs
gave me a life free from chronic bronchitis
made my immune system
more resistant to infection
and speeded healing.
My so-called friend
had been killing me inch by inch
guaranteeing me a
one-way express ticket
to the dirt and ash concert
but I decided to postpone
that rendezvous.
I know that time
will come soon enough.
In the meantime
I have too much to do
too many things to experience
so many doors to open
reawakening the child within
reminding me of
simplicity and common sense
of how things used to be and
could be again, if I just let it be.
Retesting boundaries
and exploring
beyond my comfort zone
way past where
any of my old friends
had ever gone
or will ever go.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Twelve Steps for Kicking a Bad Habit
1. Stop it.
2. Kill the fucker.
3. Bury it deep.
4. Say a few choice words.
5. Stay away from others with the same bad habits. (They can have different ones, nobody’s perfect)
6. Tell everybody, secrets are toxic.
7. Say no to Bic lighters, pipes, needles and other bad influences.
8. Find a new positive hobby. It’s your choice, decide.
9. Get Healthy- start by taking a walk and not jumping to conclusions.
10. Get a dog who will love you, no matter what other crazy shit you do.
11. Meditate.
12. Believe in yourself- know that you will drop this cheat, learn and move on.
2. Kill the fucker.
3. Bury it deep.
4. Say a few choice words.
5. Stay away from others with the same bad habits. (They can have different ones, nobody’s perfect)
6. Tell everybody, secrets are toxic.
7. Say no to Bic lighters, pipes, needles and other bad influences.
8. Find a new positive hobby. It’s your choice, decide.
9. Get Healthy- start by taking a walk and not jumping to conclusions.
10. Get a dog who will love you, no matter what other crazy shit you do.
11. Meditate.
12. Believe in yourself- know that you will drop this cheat, learn and move on.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
An Old Violin
He once knew could still remember
which buttons not to push?
He once knew how to coax a smile
elicit a wish.
Grandpa may have pondered over
the cost
long before
time’s door clamped tightly shut
before the last flames were extinguished
what they
would resort to
to get
and keep that soulful instrument.
He must’ve known
how they would
justify their crime
long into the black night
when he was rudely awoken
by the last howl of the refugees
now silent and
covered by venal snow.
which buttons not to push?
He once knew how to coax a smile
elicit a wish.
Grandpa may have pondered over
the cost
long before
time’s door clamped tightly shut
before the last flames were extinguished
what they
would resort to
to get
and keep that soulful instrument.
He must’ve known
how they would
justify their crime
long into the black night
when he was rudely awoken
by the last howl of the refugees
now silent and
covered by venal snow.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas
Clarence the angel
Has to earn his wings.
Raring to go
It’s been two hundred years
Since he died.
The hour draws near.
Mary and George Bailey
Are ready for a miracle.
Sweet blessings are fulfilled this night.
Has to earn his wings.
Raring to go
It’s been two hundred years
Since he died.
The hour draws near.
Mary and George Bailey
Are ready for a miracle.
Sweet blessings are fulfilled this night.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
My Shadow
My shadow left
last night. He fell
heavy down the stair
bent the frame of my life
and lay
eyes glazed half shut
on top of the damp cement.
He left
waiting for me
to pick up his peaceful sleep
heave it into the back
of my pick-up
and deposit it
without ceremony
into a dumpster.
The loss crushes
squarely,
tamps
down my ambition
leaves it to drown
in a surge of regret
searching for logic
in a meaningless well
of recent history.
He left me
to find my way alone
through the green valley
now gray from a traveling flood
deep within the Ko’olau range.
I am sleepless but not defeated.
I am empty inside
without your wet nuzzle.
I will remember you warmly
throughout these shadow less days
to come. I will recall
you pitching your chew bone
high into the clouds
and then catching it firmly and
gently within your canine grasp
your muscular frame racing to meet me
following and inspecting my
every move, I am lost
right now without you, my loyal shadow.
last night. He fell
heavy down the stair
bent the frame of my life
and lay
eyes glazed half shut
on top of the damp cement.
He left
waiting for me
to pick up his peaceful sleep
heave it into the back
of my pick-up
and deposit it
without ceremony
into a dumpster.
The loss crushes
squarely,
tamps
down my ambition
leaves it to drown
in a surge of regret
searching for logic
in a meaningless well
of recent history.
He left me
to find my way alone
through the green valley
now gray from a traveling flood
deep within the Ko’olau range.
I am sleepless but not defeated.
I am empty inside
without your wet nuzzle.
I will remember you warmly
throughout these shadow less days
to come. I will recall
you pitching your chew bone
high into the clouds
and then catching it firmly and
gently within your canine grasp
your muscular frame racing to meet me
following and inspecting my
every move, I am lost
right now without you, my loyal shadow.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Loose Optimism
Cool sun
dries dark tear stains
red tea roses climb up
a gray wall barricade dead house
dreams crushed.
Black couch
leather harvests
mold spores, dead insects mass
along border, red spiders head
clean-up.
Red rose
rescues spirit
blackness leaves horizon
pregnant with well-fed deceit
black hole.
House waits
for new owners
to repaint ruddy walls
black fish jump, swim pond’s boundary
life peaks.
Red sun
trails moon
lifts morning’s black cover
chasing loose dreams like a lover
best prize.
dries dark tear stains
red tea roses climb up
a gray wall barricade dead house
dreams crushed.
Black couch
leather harvests
mold spores, dead insects mass
along border, red spiders head
clean-up.
Red rose
rescues spirit
blackness leaves horizon
pregnant with well-fed deceit
black hole.
House waits
for new owners
to repaint ruddy walls
black fish jump, swim pond’s boundary
life peaks.
Red sun
trails moon
lifts morning’s black cover
chasing loose dreams like a lover
best prize.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Habilitat Presents: Cornelia DeDona: Letters to a Prisoner
Happy Holidays!
I will be on local TV in Hawaii in January, put this on your calendars and thanks for watching!
Habilitat Presents: Cornelia DeDona: Letters to a Prisoner
1/11/11 Tue 6:00 pm FOCUS 49
1/12/11 Wed 1:00 pm FOCUS 49
1/13/11 Thu 8:00 am OAHU 52
1/14/11 Fri 3:00 pm FOCUS 49
I will be on local TV in Hawaii in January, put this on your calendars and thanks for watching!
Habilitat Presents: Cornelia DeDona: Letters to a Prisoner
1/11/11 Tue 6:00 pm FOCUS 49
1/12/11 Wed 1:00 pm FOCUS 49
1/13/11 Thu 8:00 am OAHU 52
1/14/11 Fri 3:00 pm FOCUS 49
Friday, December 10, 2010
Bumbucha Dreams
Bruno and Zeus stay howling.
Da blast
skyrockets me towards Pluto
where I crash land.
One blue-tongued plutonian
points at
plenty kanes, all named Lars
in der bebadeez.
Dey ski past.
Shoots, I follow dem.
Seconds pass, I ripped
from da blue tundra
by one nodda wail.
I spock da ambulance
speeding from da North Shore.
I stay talking Italian
to one Russian tita
wit one blue smile.
I drink one beeg Slurpee.
Da siren no’moa.
I ski to da fewcha
wea ereteeng blue.
I jettin wit Willie K.
on top da ocean.
Garrens!
Wat dat mean cuz?
Da blast
skyrockets me towards Pluto
where I crash land.
One blue-tongued plutonian
points at
plenty kanes, all named Lars
in der bebadeez.
Dey ski past.
Shoots, I follow dem.
Seconds pass, I ripped
from da blue tundra
by one nodda wail.
I spock da ambulance
speeding from da North Shore.
I stay talking Italian
to one Russian tita
wit one blue smile.
I drink one beeg Slurpee.
Da siren no’moa.
I ski to da fewcha
wea ereteeng blue.
I jettin wit Willie K.
on top da ocean.
Garrens!
Wat dat mean cuz?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Christmas Scent
Pine needles leave trail
carpet stairs with fresh clean scent
boosting sapped spirits.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Red Sunrise
Demands
surprise
blazes hot before your eyes.
Drips sublime
from its climb
trade winds leave
scarlet weave
crimson blush
dazzling brush.
surprise
blazes hot before your eyes.
Drips sublime
from its climb
trade winds leave
scarlet weave
crimson blush
dazzling brush.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Eclectic Mixture
Strange and diverse come to mind
it’s a good thing grandpa was cremated
that seems to be the way to go
no somersaults in the grave for me
I’ve done my calisthenics
It’s no wonder we go to war
malcontent a routine part
of our genetic makeup
praying to a higher power
practicing self hypnosis in order
to maintain our zombie personas
in order to sit for hours
in our glass towers
contemplating the wonder
of our malleable form
adding a pitcher
of eco-consciousness
to our self-absorbed mix
an elixir
concocted by
mad scientists
staring into telescopes
pondering the cosmos.
Ah- but there’s
also tomorrow
waiting for
our savior to return
and what forms will he, she or they
take?
Will we bow
or shrink like
violets?
Will we be caught up
or smote like
dying embers?
Is it a choice
like all our choices
have been
or has this been
predetermined
altered
by a mind
greater than ours?
Are we random
ingredients
thrown together
as in a hobo stew?
Am I the potato
you the meat
as diverse as
two can be
and yet
together
we provide
sustenance?
Gene Roddenberry
the creator of Star Trek
was definitely on to something
together we can overcome the odds
together we are brilliant
diamonds
slicing through
the dark side
of our natures
like a knife
through butter
each individual
an integral part
of the equation
honing in on
the answers
to our own unique
accountability
in the primordial
stew.
it’s a good thing grandpa was cremated
that seems to be the way to go
no somersaults in the grave for me
I’ve done my calisthenics
It’s no wonder we go to war
malcontent a routine part
of our genetic makeup
praying to a higher power
practicing self hypnosis in order
to maintain our zombie personas
in order to sit for hours
in our glass towers
contemplating the wonder
of our malleable form
adding a pitcher
of eco-consciousness
to our self-absorbed mix
an elixir
concocted by
mad scientists
staring into telescopes
pondering the cosmos.
Ah- but there’s
also tomorrow
waiting for
our savior to return
and what forms will he, she or they
take?
Will we bow
or shrink like
violets?
Will we be caught up
or smote like
dying embers?
Is it a choice
like all our choices
have been
or has this been
predetermined
altered
by a mind
greater than ours?
Are we random
ingredients
thrown together
as in a hobo stew?
Am I the potato
you the meat
as diverse as
two can be
and yet
together
we provide
sustenance?
Gene Roddenberry
the creator of Star Trek
was definitely on to something
together we can overcome the odds
together we are brilliant
diamonds
slicing through
the dark side
of our natures
like a knife
through butter
each individual
an integral part
of the equation
honing in on
the answers
to our own unique
accountability
in the primordial
stew.
Nipple Fruit
Fleshy nipple fruit
South American native
will do the laundry.
www.tradewindsfruit.com/nipple_fruit.htm
South American native
will do the laundry.
www.tradewindsfruit.com/nipple_fruit.htm
Monday, November 22, 2010
Defining Fun
Chasing a dimpled white ball can be exhausting.
Watching it bounce down cart paths, against coconut palms.
Looking left
when you should’ve
viewed right. So many
things go through your mind
like, How hard can it
be to follow a little white ball?
Funny you should ask because they have been known to
disappear in full view of the player and their cart partner.
Perplexing
doesn’t begin to
describe it
as you walk towards the spot
you last saw that blasted
white object and
circle the fairway
hunting for that
darling white ball.
Not a colored ball
because you know better than to
use one of those cute colored ones.
But a white ball, newly cleaned
that has managed to find the only piece of four-inch turf to hide in.
Come to find out it’s not hiding at all.
It went straight up not left
and is now in the middle of the fairway, but you still don’t know that.
And now instead of golf, you are playing hide and seek.
A children's game that
you plainly suck at.
Until finally the foursome ahead
still putting
giggles and yells
to you
the smart one
All four of them
pointing in exactly the opposite direction from where you have been
conducting your methodical search for the last five minutes
suggesting your time is up.
So you wave back
indicating that yes
that’s the S#@’n ball
you are looking for
and thank you for sharing!
And you’ve already hit three on hole number five, a par five,
after getting an eight on the par three with thirteen lovely little
hide and seeks to go.
Pausing to state
that it may be time for another lesson
drawn like the others
to the mental aspect of the game
that you are
still looking forward
to today's challenge
seeing all of your friends
wishing secretly that their game wasn’t
quite as good as yours.
Plowing through
eighteen distracting holes
thoroughly exhausted
and slightly pissed off.
And yes
you’ve signed up
to play again tomorrow.
Watching it bounce down cart paths, against coconut palms.
Looking left
when you should’ve
viewed right. So many
things go through your mind
like, How hard can it
be to follow a little white ball?
Funny you should ask because they have been known to
disappear in full view of the player and their cart partner.
Perplexing
doesn’t begin to
describe it
as you walk towards the spot
you last saw that blasted
white object and
circle the fairway
hunting for that
darling white ball.
Not a colored ball
because you know better than to
use one of those cute colored ones.
But a white ball, newly cleaned
that has managed to find the only piece of four-inch turf to hide in.
Come to find out it’s not hiding at all.
It went straight up not left
and is now in the middle of the fairway, but you still don’t know that.
And now instead of golf, you are playing hide and seek.
A children's game that
you plainly suck at.
Until finally the foursome ahead
still putting
giggles and yells
to you
the smart one
All four of them
pointing in exactly the opposite direction from where you have been
conducting your methodical search for the last five minutes
suggesting your time is up.
So you wave back
indicating that yes
that’s the S#@’n ball
you are looking for
and thank you for sharing!
And you’ve already hit three on hole number five, a par five,
after getting an eight on the par three with thirteen lovely little
hide and seeks to go.
Pausing to state
that it may be time for another lesson
drawn like the others
to the mental aspect of the game
that you are
still looking forward
to today's challenge
seeing all of your friends
wishing secretly that their game wasn’t
quite as good as yours.
Plowing through
eighteen distracting holes
thoroughly exhausted
and slightly pissed off.
And yes
you’ve signed up
to play again tomorrow.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Grinch
I am ungrateful
in my damp ivory tower.
Loved ones gorge with friends
on marzipan and chocolate
singing new holiday songs.
in my damp ivory tower.
Loved ones gorge with friends
on marzipan and chocolate
singing new holiday songs.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Mother and Child
Gothic depiction
holy mother and baby
divine unity.
Religious art notes
selfless spiritual love
enduring time’s trial.
Mother and child smile
feasting on a full banquet
of satisfaction.
Pious depiction
divulges social receipt
of bygone era.
holy mother and baby
divine unity.
Religious art notes
selfless spiritual love
enduring time’s trial.
Mother and child smile
feasting on a full banquet
of satisfaction.
Pious depiction
divulges social receipt
of bygone era.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Rain Concert--SOLD OUT
Thousands of evening dew congregates at the dead end
of Autumn. They been awarded free tickets to
the rain concert. Cloud, the opening act
threatens to burst on stage ahead of schedule
sending the fans into a moist frenzy.
Umbrellas
Slick posters of the band
and a wet T-shirt contest
flood the aisles and prompt
some LOL reactions from the crowd.
Check back later for
more info on next week’s
frost event.
of Autumn. They been awarded free tickets to
the rain concert. Cloud, the opening act
threatens to burst on stage ahead of schedule
sending the fans into a moist frenzy.
Umbrellas
Slick posters of the band
and a wet T-shirt contest
flood the aisles and prompt
some LOL reactions from the crowd.
Check back later for
more info on next week’s
frost event.
Ciao Blueline
Buon giorno (Hello) Scusi (Excuse Me)
Per favore (Please)
Tu parli italiano? (Do you speak Italian?)
After I finish this round
I’ll be taking a short break
Grazie-- Alice and Allen
Mi piace leggere (I like to read)
and post my poems on Blueline’s blue space
I plan to continuare (continue) and learn l’italiano in my tempo libero (spare time)
Che cos’e’ in italiano-- to write? (How do say to write in Italian?)
Ciao a blu (Blue)
I’ll be back soon
Io mi chiamo (my name is)
connied
A presto. (See you later).
Per favore (Please)
Tu parli italiano? (Do you speak Italian?)
After I finish this round
I’ll be taking a short break
Grazie-- Alice and Allen
Mi piace leggere (I like to read)
and post my poems on Blueline’s blue space
I plan to continuare (continue) and learn l’italiano in my tempo libero (spare time)
Che cos’e’ in italiano-- to write? (How do say to write in Italian?)
Ciao a blu (Blue)
I’ll be back soon
Io mi chiamo (my name is)
connied
A presto. (See you later).
Passport’s Language Guides--Italian for Beginners
Learning a Language is a lot easier and more fun than you think.
Buon giorno, come ti chiami? (What is your name?)
Connie, e tu? (Connie and you?)
Tonight’s lesson will be
translated
in a gondola on a Venetian canal.
Buon giorno, come ti chiami? (What is your name?)
Connie, e tu? (Connie and you?)
Tonight’s lesson will be
translated
in a gondola on a Venetian canal.
Ionithermie at the Spa on Holland America Line
The forecast says fair weather blue skies.
It’s Friday, another beautiful day at sea.
I’m on the spa phone talking to my husband
and signalling Vittorio, my spa attendant,
to please get me an Evian—
Dear, you should see him leering?
I swear all they do is flirt.
I’m early for my appointment, papers to fill out.
They want to know if I’ve ever had a hot rocks treatment
it is the latest in their line of relaxation treatments.
Yes I know I took the tour!
They also have teeth whitening.
I ask, Cassie, my clinician, about something
I’ve seen in the brochure
I noticed something here
about detoxification and cellulite reduction,
what’s that all about?
Oh it’s non-invasive!
We use electricity
at a low voltage
and we steadily increase it to detox
your cells
thereby breaking down
your fat cells and
reducing the appearance of cellulite.
First you have to take off everything.
we supply you with paper panties.
Then we slather you with mineral treatment
and finally we attach the electrodes.
You feel tiny shocks on the designated areas.
The treatment lasts for about twenty minutes
and requires you come back two more times.
How do you know how many watts to use?
It's as much as you can take.
We guarantee at least a four inch
combined fat reduction
from your hips, stomach and thighs.
Okay sign me up for the works.
Hello dear,
Yes I’ve signed up
for the electric shock treatment,
only they call it something else
Ionithermie.
What’s that?
Oh thanks dear,
he said, Good Luck!
It’s Friday, another beautiful day at sea.
I’m on the spa phone talking to my husband
and signalling Vittorio, my spa attendant,
to please get me an Evian—
Dear, you should see him leering?
I swear all they do is flirt.
I’m early for my appointment, papers to fill out.
They want to know if I’ve ever had a hot rocks treatment
it is the latest in their line of relaxation treatments.
Yes I know I took the tour!
They also have teeth whitening.
I ask, Cassie, my clinician, about something
I’ve seen in the brochure
I noticed something here
about detoxification and cellulite reduction,
what’s that all about?
Oh it’s non-invasive!
We use electricity
at a low voltage
and we steadily increase it to detox
your cells
thereby breaking down
your fat cells and
reducing the appearance of cellulite.
First you have to take off everything.
we supply you with paper panties.
Then we slather you with mineral treatment
and finally we attach the electrodes.
You feel tiny shocks on the designated areas.
The treatment lasts for about twenty minutes
and requires you come back two more times.
How do you know how many watts to use?
It's as much as you can take.
We guarantee at least a four inch
combined fat reduction
from your hips, stomach and thighs.
Okay sign me up for the works.
Hello dear,
Yes I’ve signed up
for the electric shock treatment,
only they call it something else
Ionithermie.
What’s that?
Oh thanks dear,
he said, Good Luck!
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
A remarkable memoir of
resilience and redemption
A diamond
formed from
the blackest coal.
A remarkable memoir of
resilience and redemption
A diamond
formed from
the blackest coal.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
An Inspired Christmas Tree
It
stands tall
in the corner of my
garage all decked out
for Christmas, with hooks and
different colored skirts hanging from
its fake branches. Mr. Blue Marlin swims
at the top, sticking his nose up,
avoiding the tempting banquet
all around him. Not
today, Captain
says he, not
today!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Cruising to Serenity
I spent the better part of today
decorating.
Christmas is coming
two weeks sooner.
My husband is designing
something unique
so up the artificial tree went
a canvas ready for his artistry.
I love his enthusiasm
the way he dives into a new project
and I figured while I was at it
I might as well put up my Christmas village too
and create something of my own.
It was a nice diversion
took my mind into a new direction.
The hours sailed by
and my cruise ship
took me to a place I hadn’t
been to in a long time.
The food was fresh
the hot tub a piping 102
the treadmill hummed
the lounge comfortable out on the deck
as I listened to my favorite music
in today’s port of call—Carefree.
Tonight the tempurpedic mattress beckons
although there isn’t a chocolate mint on my pillow
I grin at my reflection and gaze at tomorrow’s
schedule. Lunch with my writing friends
at another favorite port
tonight we sail to Serenity.
decorating.
Christmas is coming
two weeks sooner.
My husband is designing
something unique
so up the artificial tree went
a canvas ready for his artistry.
I love his enthusiasm
the way he dives into a new project
and I figured while I was at it
I might as well put up my Christmas village too
and create something of my own.
It was a nice diversion
took my mind into a new direction.
The hours sailed by
and my cruise ship
took me to a place I hadn’t
been to in a long time.
The food was fresh
the hot tub a piping 102
the treadmill hummed
the lounge comfortable out on the deck
as I listened to my favorite music
in today’s port of call—Carefree.
Tonight the tempurpedic mattress beckons
although there isn’t a chocolate mint on my pillow
I grin at my reflection and gaze at tomorrow’s
schedule. Lunch with my writing friends
at another favorite port
tonight we sail to Serenity.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
On A Mission
The news trickles in
calls, from Outer islands,
Skypes from Saipan
and the Mainland
What’s next—Oprah?
Get that white woman,
she will be our Mom beacon
careful don’t look directly at her
her message is strong.
It will change the way you look
at addiction.
It will shake loose the lies
and deception that we’ve been fed.
We’ll put her on our network
between Judge Judy and The Doctors.
The families will get their wake-up call
soon enough.
Quick get the warden on the line
I think I have the angle we need.
calls, from Outer islands,
Skypes from Saipan
and the Mainland
What’s next—Oprah?
Get that white woman,
she will be our Mom beacon
careful don’t look directly at her
her message is strong.
It will change the way you look
at addiction.
It will shake loose the lies
and deception that we’ve been fed.
We’ll put her on our network
between Judge Judy and The Doctors.
The families will get their wake-up call
soon enough.
Quick get the warden on the line
I think I have the angle we need.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Acceptance
We met
on level ground
and saw that we were
the same
that we had always
been that way
and that it was okay
I reached out my hand and
you accepted it.
You accepted it
knowing that this
leg of the journey
was just beginning.
Thunderous applause
from men and women
who needed a leg up
who got lost on the way
to their day job.
Took a left
and got stuck in quicksand
trying to understand the reasons
why she could and they couldn’t.
Listening intently and then
asking the tough questions
as if she were their Mom
looking for that common bond
finding instead their old selves
that could still relate to the world
still had some wonder left
that wanted more
and weren’t afraid to go after it.
Who was that person
who shined?
I liked her.
She exuded confidence
and she wasn’t afraid to
show her flaws
now that’s real strength.
She was as transparent
as glass
evoked tears
from calloused hearts
and struck solid gold
on their hit
parade.
on level ground
and saw that we were
the same
that we had always
been that way
and that it was okay
I reached out my hand and
you accepted it.
You accepted it
knowing that this
leg of the journey
was just beginning.
Thunderous applause
from men and women
who needed a leg up
who got lost on the way
to their day job.
Took a left
and got stuck in quicksand
trying to understand the reasons
why she could and they couldn’t.
Listening intently and then
asking the tough questions
as if she were their Mom
looking for that common bond
finding instead their old selves
that could still relate to the world
still had some wonder left
that wanted more
and weren’t afraid to go after it.
Who was that person
who shined?
I liked her.
She exuded confidence
and she wasn’t afraid to
show her flaws
now that’s real strength.
She was as transparent
as glass
evoked tears
from calloused hearts
and struck solid gold
on their hit
parade.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Testing 123
Test, Test
Can you hear me—okay we’re good!
The practice is done
The speech written
The DVD recorded and previewed by the Habilitat staff
All systems are a go
No butterflies
No regrets
we are in control!
well maybe one regret
I wanted my jumpy jay
to be here.
To be successful in his own right
to stand tall and proud next to me and declare
that the battle was over, the fire demon slain
he had finally won, was ready to give back.
But unfortunately that bird flew the coop
A long time ago
And there is no going backwards
Only forward
I have to take care of me first
Like it says on the airline emergency card
When the oxygen masks come down
Put it on yourself first and secure it firmly
then put it on your child
What do you do with a child
that won’t listen
when he’s all grown up
and doesn’t even trust in himself
let alone trust you.
What do you do when he
questions your judgment
doesn’t trust that you
have his best interests at heart?
You let him go.
You let him go
and hope that someday
he comes back
gets back in the boat
because he loves you
and you love him,
only right now he is still lost
and still looking
for dry land
and help in all the wrong places.
What do you do?
You let him go
and you pray
that he makes it on his own.
That he makes
the right choices
that he knows what he is doing
because it is his life
after all
And maybe
just maybe
you’re the ones
who need to trust
in him.
Can you hear me—okay we’re good!
The practice is done
The speech written
The DVD recorded and previewed by the Habilitat staff
All systems are a go
No butterflies
No regrets
we are in control!
well maybe one regret
I wanted my jumpy jay
to be here.
To be successful in his own right
to stand tall and proud next to me and declare
that the battle was over, the fire demon slain
he had finally won, was ready to give back.
But unfortunately that bird flew the coop
A long time ago
And there is no going backwards
Only forward
I have to take care of me first
Like it says on the airline emergency card
When the oxygen masks come down
Put it on yourself first and secure it firmly
then put it on your child
What do you do with a child
that won’t listen
when he’s all grown up
and doesn’t even trust in himself
let alone trust you.
What do you do when he
questions your judgment
doesn’t trust that you
have his best interests at heart?
You let him go.
You let him go
and hope that someday
he comes back
gets back in the boat
because he loves you
and you love him,
only right now he is still lost
and still looking
for dry land
and help in all the wrong places.
What do you do?
You let him go
and you pray
that he makes it on his own.
That he makes
the right choices
that he knows what he is doing
because it is his life
after all
And maybe
just maybe
you’re the ones
who need to trust
in him.
Monday, November 8, 2010
November’s Spawn
November’s spawn
came in like a wet blanket
shed its care on my doorstep.
It forewarned
sad times were coming
I saw that it was heavy
that I should not try to lift it alone
and I am ready this time
resigned to the fact
that we are alone.
We will face this together
and move on
that is how we began our journey
that is how we will continue
until long after the winter
washes all our dirty laundry
clean and
hangs it out
to dry.
came in like a wet blanket
shed its care on my doorstep.
It forewarned
sad times were coming
I saw that it was heavy
that I should not try to lift it alone
and I am ready this time
resigned to the fact
that we are alone.
We will face this together
and move on
that is how we began our journey
that is how we will continue
until long after the winter
washes all our dirty laundry
clean and
hangs it out
to dry.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Alien Trial
They live among us
now as in the past
scores of them
left behind
frantic for a new beginning
their former lives forgotten
bolting back with ancient gods
through key magnetic fields
back to distant planets.
Their offspring
surfacing throughout history
providing us with the missing link
explaining the giants and the freaks.
A controlled experiment
that started with the
small-brained ape.
Also scattered behind
other-worldly signs
strategically erected
to discern and ponder
giant markers
blocking the night sky
and ancient air strips
drawing the way
back home.
now as in the past
scores of them
left behind
frantic for a new beginning
their former lives forgotten
bolting back with ancient gods
through key magnetic fields
back to distant planets.
Their offspring
surfacing throughout history
providing us with the missing link
explaining the giants and the freaks.
A controlled experiment
that started with the
small-brained ape.
Also scattered behind
other-worldly signs
strategically erected
to discern and ponder
giant markers
blocking the night sky
and ancient air strips
drawing the way
back home.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Explaining Normal to an Alien
What’s normal Earthling
Where does it live
Is it under that rock
Does it crawl on four legs
Or walk upright
Play with fire
Take risks
Does it have to have a Mercedes
Sleep in the nude
Remember what it did
what it ate for dinner
Does normal worry
Does normal have meaning
Or does it just exist
Does normal get disappointed
Is normal creative
Does normal laugh
Does it ever fly off the edge
Self destruct
Have hot flashes
Sleep all night
Is my normal the same as yours
Does normal have to grow up
listen
Can normal hide
Does normal even exist
Is normal a choice
Can normal be warm and fuzzy
Smile a lot
Laugh at bad jokes
Soak up its fair share of Vitamin D
Drink alcohol and
Do drugs in moderation
Enjoy Sex
Dig its toes
deep into the sand
Eat organic vegetables
Wilted lettuce
know how to balance a checkbook
pay its bills on time
keep it's word
Have hobbies
Like hiking, running
Swimming
Bicycling
Boogey boarding
Stay busy
Volunteer
Eat pasta and pizza
Love dessert
Know GOD
Need to be heard
Require help and understanding
Is normal fickle
Well, Mr. Alien
Sometimes
if all the stars are aligned
and the earth's magnetic forces are fully charged
and the Moon is in Venus
and if you close your eyes and pray really really hard
and you gotta believe or it won't work then either
because those demons will get you if you're not careful
and you have to have lots of help from lots of friends
then
Normal
Makes goals
Practices
Asks for help
Sticks with it
when it gets hard.
Because normal
Knows that life is short.
And LOL
Normal knows it is
a dying breed
and that no matter
how you choose to dissect it
normal requires
water, food, friends,
a steady supply of oxygen
and low stress levels
in order to thrive.
Where does it live
Is it under that rock
Does it crawl on four legs
Or walk upright
Play with fire
Take risks
Does it have to have a Mercedes
Sleep in the nude
Remember what it did
what it ate for dinner
Does normal worry
Does normal have meaning
Or does it just exist
Does normal get disappointed
Is normal creative
Does normal laugh
Does it ever fly off the edge
Self destruct
Have hot flashes
Sleep all night
Is my normal the same as yours
Does normal have to grow up
listen
Can normal hide
Does normal even exist
Is normal a choice
Can normal be warm and fuzzy
Smile a lot
Laugh at bad jokes
Soak up its fair share of Vitamin D
Drink alcohol and
Do drugs in moderation
Enjoy Sex
Dig its toes
deep into the sand
Eat organic vegetables
Wilted lettuce
know how to balance a checkbook
pay its bills on time
keep it's word
Have hobbies
Like hiking, running
Swimming
Bicycling
Boogey boarding
Stay busy
Volunteer
Eat pasta and pizza
Love dessert
Know GOD
Need to be heard
Require help and understanding
Is normal fickle
Well, Mr. Alien
Sometimes
if all the stars are aligned
and the earth's magnetic forces are fully charged
and the Moon is in Venus
and if you close your eyes and pray really really hard
and you gotta believe or it won't work then either
because those demons will get you if you're not careful
and you have to have lots of help from lots of friends
then
Normal
Makes goals
Practices
Asks for help
Sticks with it
when it gets hard.
Because normal
Knows that life is short.
And LOL
Normal knows it is
a dying breed
and that no matter
how you choose to dissect it
normal requires
water, food, friends,
a steady supply of oxygen
and low stress levels
in order to thrive.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Outliers
***A synopsis of “Outliers” –The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers
excites
dares
penetrates your psyche
with its high IQ
eliminates the bull
propels you past Jupiter
challenges
everything
you know
and believe.
Outliers
questions
who you are
when you were born
where you live
how smart you are
why you succeeded
when others failed
the innate qualities
that reside within all of us
and then dares you to
exceed your
present
expectations.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Jazz Raz Ma Taz-Suki Sue and Slicky Dicky
Rat atat tum
slicky dicky come
clicking down the street
two hot bodies meet
snappy tappy dance
dark side dey prance
yolk running white
slinky slapping dyke
who gonna say
who gotta pay
rubber lips dey smack
boozer heart she whack
wet on yer nickel
jerk, jack be fickle
jazz raz ma taz
Suki Sue pizazz.
slicky dicky come
clicking down the street
two hot bodies meet
snappy tappy dance
dark side dey prance
yolk running white
slinky slapping dyke
who gonna say
who gotta pay
rubber lips dey smack
boozer heart she whack
wet on yer nickel
jerk, jack be fickle
jazz raz ma taz
Suki Sue pizazz.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dependence
Dependence
weaves its fibers deep.
It watches
as you begin to falter
ready to pounce like a cat.
It scratches deep
leaves scars
that itch
a reminder of
the hold that it has.
You the hostage
it the toxin
your body craves.
It the venom
you lust after.
It the alien
tearing into your flesh
inserting a
humming metal diode
plugged in to your
nervous system
frequency ready.
weaves its fibers deep.
It watches
as you begin to falter
ready to pounce like a cat.
It scratches deep
leaves scars
that itch
a reminder of
the hold that it has.
You the hostage
it the toxin
your body craves.
It the venom
you lust after.
It the alien
tearing into your flesh
inserting a
humming metal diode
plugged in to your
nervous system
frequency ready.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Halloween
Hark
All Hallows Eve draws near
Lining up the livestock for slaughter for winter stores was
Linked to the ancient festival of Samhain. A time when
Otherworld borders were thin allowing both spirits good and evil in.
Warded off by guising on this
Elemental Autumn
Evening to celebrate the Celtic
New Year.
All Hallows Eve draws near
Lining up the livestock for slaughter for winter stores was
Linked to the ancient festival of Samhain. A time when
Otherworld borders were thin allowing both spirits good and evil in.
Warded off by guising on this
Elemental Autumn
Evening to celebrate the Celtic
New Year.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Paul the Octopus
World Cup guesser dies
Paul the famous octopus
leaves aquarium.
From The Australian:"The world's most famous octopus, the underwater Nostradamus, the eight-armed cephalopod prophet of the football pitch, has died in his German aquarium.
The good news, foul play is not suspected."
Paul the famous octopus
leaves aquarium.
From The Australian:"The world's most famous octopus, the underwater Nostradamus, the eight-armed cephalopod prophet of the football pitch, has died in his German aquarium.
The good news, foul play is not suspected."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Am I Crazy OR E.T.--Phone Home!
Am I crazy?
I have this feeling
I can’t seem to shake today
Maybe it’s because my bulova watch
didn’t come back. Only the parts
I needed, a new crystal and a battery
plus shipping.
I’m waiting for
Rod Serling
to call me
or Scotty to beam me up.
Captain there seems to be
a problem with the transporter
mechanism.
Kind of like Mr. Spock
playing chess
with a single
cell amoeba.
Meanwhile the Klingons
would be coughing up
greenish red snot tearing up
from laughing so hard.
Vowing like the terminator
to soon be back
before they
warped, factor 7 to the next galaxy
where the takeover would at least be a challenge for their intellect.
I have this feeling
I can’t seem to shake today
Maybe it’s because my bulova watch
didn’t come back. Only the parts
I needed, a new crystal and a battery
plus shipping.
I’m waiting for
Rod Serling
to call me
or Scotty to beam me up.
Captain there seems to be
a problem with the transporter
mechanism.
Kind of like Mr. Spock
playing chess
with a single
cell amoeba.
Meanwhile the Klingons
would be coughing up
greenish red snot tearing up
from laughing so hard.
Vowing like the terminator
to soon be back
before they
warped, factor 7 to the next galaxy
where the takeover would at least be a challenge for their intellect.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Red
Red
excites
unites
disturbs
unnerves
won’t apologize
and flashes hot before your eyes.
Doesn’t ask permission
or advice
persuades
demands
will do as it pleases
flirts and
lies
then strip teases
leaving you broke
red in the face
without remorse, a sore disgrace.
Wham bam
bleeds in the pan
surrenders juice
from the vine
to unwind
on the sand
getting tanned
wraps your wrist
in a twist
trails cut glass
sub atomic mass
finger pricks
smacking lips
autumn leaves
scarlet weaves
crimson blush
Cardinal crush.
excites
unites
disturbs
unnerves
won’t apologize
and flashes hot before your eyes.
Doesn’t ask permission
or advice
persuades
demands
will do as it pleases
flirts and
lies
then strip teases
leaving you broke
red in the face
without remorse, a sore disgrace.
Wham bam
bleeds in the pan
surrenders juice
from the vine
to unwind
on the sand
getting tanned
wraps your wrist
in a twist
trails cut glass
sub atomic mass
finger pricks
smacking lips
autumn leaves
scarlet weaves
crimson blush
Cardinal crush.
Klepto Mom
Mom is a kleptomaniac.
She steals shiny baubles
from the jewelry counter at Sears.
She can’t afford
a gardener
but has plenty of
different colored handbags
to match every outfit.
She doesn’t do yard work.
Instead of roses and tulips
her yard
has weeds and poison ivy
Taking things is her way of
coping with
Dad
Especially now that they‘re saying
he’s got that old-timers disease.
So Sis, watch her
the next time we go shopping
just don’t tell her you know.
She steals shiny baubles
from the jewelry counter at Sears.
She can’t afford
a gardener
but has plenty of
different colored handbags
to match every outfit.
She doesn’t do yard work.
Instead of roses and tulips
her yard
has weeds and poison ivy
Taking things is her way of
coping with
Dad
Especially now that they‘re saying
he’s got that old-timers disease.
So Sis, watch her
the next time we go shopping
just don’t tell her you know.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Obama Talks
Obama says SURE!
Suggests new referendum
sways local author.
Madame Tussaud’s—who do you want to meet?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Cirque du Soleil—Love
Cirque du Soleil—Love
is a kaleidoscope
wrapping the senses.
It's peace and love, warm and fuzzy
Beatles music
personified
reminding me of the musical genius
of John Lennon whose life was cruelly extinguished
outside his New York City apartment by a
monster with a gun.
A monster whose wife I met at church in
Hawaii, a devout unassuming woman. Still going
to work each day,
still alone.
is a kaleidoscope
wrapping the senses.
It's peace and love, warm and fuzzy
Beatles music
personified
reminding me of the musical genius
of John Lennon whose life was cruelly extinguished
outside his New York City apartment by a
monster with a gun.
A monster whose wife I met at church in
Hawaii, a devout unassuming woman. Still going
to work each day,
still alone.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Leaving On a Jet Plane
I’m leeea--ving on-- a jet plane
Do know-- when I’ll---- be back a—gain!
It’s the part in the middle
I’m not too sure about
It should be fun—funner, more fun
than anyone should have!
Three Cirque du Soleil Shows, comedy
and a plethora of female nude art
using color, subdued light and geometry.
Shopping
picture taking
people watching, sitting by the pool
slurping sodas, slapping sunscreen
on, shoveling through the desert
with a big spoon, going back for seconds
and then walking it off. Staying up way past
my bedtime far into the neon night
watching the stars line up
optimistic
that the magic roll of the dice
will levitate and rip through
the crack in the facade.
Do know-- when I’ll---- be back a—gain!
It’s the part in the middle
I’m not too sure about
It should be fun—funner, more fun
than anyone should have!
Three Cirque du Soleil Shows, comedy
and a plethora of female nude art
using color, subdued light and geometry.
Shopping
picture taking
people watching, sitting by the pool
slurping sodas, slapping sunscreen
on, shoveling through the desert
with a big spoon, going back for seconds
and then walking it off. Staying up way past
my bedtime far into the neon night
watching the stars line up
optimistic
that the magic roll of the dice
will levitate and rip through
the crack in the facade.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
On Speeches
A brilliant three minute speech
reigns in the right hemisphere
of my brain. Or is it
the left? No matter
it plans to move to the
correct corner soon.
It promised.
In the meantime
I wait like
a hopeful puppy
with a pink ball
tossing ideas at the wall
hoping they bounce and snap back
so that I can shine
for a few moments
in the light of acceptance
before the gray balding
man in the back
goes home to daydream
about poetry
comes up with
a tantalizing verse of his own
and shares it
with the world.
reigns in the right hemisphere
of my brain. Or is it
the left? No matter
it plans to move to the
correct corner soon.
It promised.
In the meantime
I wait like
a hopeful puppy
with a pink ball
tossing ideas at the wall
hoping they bounce and snap back
so that I can shine
for a few moments
in the light of acceptance
before the gray balding
man in the back
goes home to daydream
about poetry
comes up with
a tantalizing verse of his own
and shares it
with the world.
Journey to the Center of the Earth 2
Movie set takes priority at Heeia Kea Boat Harbor.
No parking for anyone at anytime
between Ocotber 14th thru November 2nd.
Fisherman, Tour Boat Operators, Tourists,
left to flounder like a pod of
beached whales on a deserted isle.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Feeding the Boys
They gallop like horses
to the back of the house
answering their master’s call.
Who wants to eat?
Hungry, dripping saliva
tails wagging
ears pulled back
trained to wait
until he is finished
scooping out the dry
and finally adding the meat.
Canines glinting
they descend quickly
into their meal
inhaling the savory chunks.
Meat is what they hunger for
devoured first.
Tonight’s meal
short ribs
marinated and cooked
carefully deboned
meat not pedigree dry
leftovers for the doves and the mynas
who watch and wait
for the scraps.
Sizeable portions left behind
spilled in distracted haste.
Patient for their turn to feast
to puckishly perch on
metal rimmed bowls
in small semicircles.
Pecking and
cooing at their mates
who gossip above
in the octopus trees
about this morning’s
breakfast menu.
to the back of the house
answering their master’s call.
Who wants to eat?
Hungry, dripping saliva
tails wagging
ears pulled back
trained to wait
until he is finished
scooping out the dry
and finally adding the meat.
Canines glinting
they descend quickly
into their meal
inhaling the savory chunks.
Meat is what they hunger for
devoured first.
Tonight’s meal
short ribs
marinated and cooked
carefully deboned
meat not pedigree dry
leftovers for the doves and the mynas
who watch and wait
for the scraps.
Sizeable portions left behind
spilled in distracted haste.
Patient for their turn to feast
to puckishly perch on
metal rimmed bowls
in small semicircles.
Pecking and
cooing at their mates
who gossip above
in the octopus trees
about this morning’s
breakfast menu.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sad
I should be happy not snappy
a clown
instead I drown in
the stroppy sphere
of tears
sliding bleakly down my
cheeks
a
danger
sign
in the Eden
of my mind.
a clown
instead I drown in
the stroppy sphere
of tears
sliding bleakly down my
cheeks
a
danger
sign
in the Eden
of my mind.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Cleaning Day II
The Craftsman Wet/Dry vacuum
inhaled a yard of dirt and grass
from the garage floor on a sucking rampage
leering at the treadmill and weight equipment
freshly wiped down with ammonia
baying at the bottom
of two mirrors sprayed with Windex
dried to a streak free shine.
It howled inside the gold Hyundai
leaking soapy residue on the chipped cement floor
then pulled me to the Studio
where it jumped at the dusty cobwebs
spiders and centipedes
dead and alone.
Napping
this afternoon
now that it
has had
its fill.
inhaled a yard of dirt and grass
from the garage floor on a sucking rampage
leering at the treadmill and weight equipment
freshly wiped down with ammonia
baying at the bottom
of two mirrors sprayed with Windex
dried to a streak free shine.
It howled inside the gold Hyundai
leaking soapy residue on the chipped cement floor
then pulled me to the Studio
where it jumped at the dusty cobwebs
spiders and centipedes
dead and alone.
Napping
this afternoon
now that it
has had
its fill.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Poetry Slam
I smell the sweet ginger
lei hanging from my office door
another birthday gift
from my son.
It makes me proud to be his mom
proud that I went last night
to something W A Y
out of my comfort zone
a poetry slam
where the average age in the room
put me into the mold category
sweet mold
but mold nonetheless. I loved meeting Kealoha
waiting in the wings
having my name called out, I loved that I was spot-on
my delivery, my timing.
And guess what
they gave me a 10
and some eights
and a seven point something or other
but H E Y, I did it.
I got up in front of
total strangers; the hot, and the self-righteous
the chubby and the unprepared.
and I delivered my lines and I forgot about being nervous
because I O W N E D that stage
I owned my poem
I owned my precious three minutes and
ten seconds and no one booed or hissed
Or said get off the stage Auntie.
And there was real talent in the room
Real honest-to-Jesus talent and it lifted me up
enforcing my belief in my new religion
A warm and fuzzy peach in the eye of the storm
And I saw Liz Soto of Youth Speaks
and I thanked her for being my inspiration
Mentioned her name on stage and she thanked me for that.
And we hugged.
My husband Tommy even said
He was proud of me.
That you poets are C R A Z Y
but that I showed spunk, that in spite of everything
I did get up and perform my poem
that I had practiced for weeks, polished like a diamond.
I think it caught him off-guard.
He said, that ten o’clock was way past his bedtime
that was why we had to leave before the end.
Before the esteemed author, Karen Finneyfrock, had
completed saying what she came there to say.
I heard her first three poems though.
And I was glad I did.
Because I K N O W I heard
what I was supposed to hear.
And well the rest will come soon
because I am a champion
not a quitter.
And free styling or practiced
It is MY TIME.
So step aside slam poets
plan to perform paperless
because I am here now
and my strong words
are dangerous.
lei hanging from my office door
another birthday gift
from my son.
It makes me proud to be his mom
proud that I went last night
to something W A Y
out of my comfort zone
a poetry slam
where the average age in the room
put me into the mold category
sweet mold
but mold nonetheless. I loved meeting Kealoha
waiting in the wings
having my name called out, I loved that I was spot-on
my delivery, my timing.
And guess what
they gave me a 10
and some eights
and a seven point something or other
but H E Y, I did it.
I got up in front of
total strangers; the hot, and the self-righteous
the chubby and the unprepared.
and I delivered my lines and I forgot about being nervous
because I O W N E D that stage
I owned my poem
I owned my precious three minutes and
ten seconds and no one booed or hissed
Or said get off the stage Auntie.
And there was real talent in the room
Real honest-to-Jesus talent and it lifted me up
enforcing my belief in my new religion
A warm and fuzzy peach in the eye of the storm
And I saw Liz Soto of Youth Speaks
and I thanked her for being my inspiration
Mentioned her name on stage and she thanked me for that.
And we hugged.
My husband Tommy even said
He was proud of me.
That you poets are C R A Z Y
but that I showed spunk, that in spite of everything
I did get up and perform my poem
that I had practiced for weeks, polished like a diamond.
I think it caught him off-guard.
He said, that ten o’clock was way past his bedtime
that was why we had to leave before the end.
Before the esteemed author, Karen Finneyfrock, had
completed saying what she came there to say.
I heard her first three poems though.
And I was glad I did.
Because I K N O W I heard
what I was supposed to hear.
And well the rest will come soon
because I am a champion
not a quitter.
And free styling or practiced
It is MY TIME.
So step aside slam poets
plan to perform paperless
because I am here now
and my strong words
are dangerous.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Diamond Head Hat Collection
Diamond Head’s rim view
Contributions optional
Trades 5-15
Barter is available
for lithe quick-thinking shoppers.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Phantasmagoria
Twisting my way
into a dark jungle
pushing past awkward and wild.
As a valiant oak offers
cool shade
from the blistering sun.
Long forgotten leaves
surrender their hold
fall away
and expose old scars.
Submissive browns
reconciled reds and oranges
long-suffering yellows
raked and
heaped into piles
ready to finally
appease the gods.
A kaleidoscope
briefly
soothing the ache
that gnaws
like a fungus
mushrooming
white circles on the lawn.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Windward Times— Special Edition, September 29th 2010
***A prose poem written in pidgin english
Da gross cockroach militia stays booming in da plumbing
in da face of mass killings in Kaneohe town.
Small kine remenants was seen unda da kine drain stops.
Our leaders met at da G8 summit behind braddah Kimo’s drainpipe stay Kahalu’u.
Kimo was heard to say—“Wat and you still alive?”
Rumors have pop up dat da militant Ant Army stay invading us on account of dey stupid leader,
da kine Mack-Mood I-Stay-One–Damn-Jerk,
who won one nodda election by his bullying.
We stay on da threshold of war. I repeat da invasion stay soon.
Bans going be carried out.
It was agreed dat furda talks going need happen
maybe next month at da Cockroach U. N. behind Auntie Carol’s Pearl City Bowl.
On one nodda note, da Common Myna’s
stay spurtin tru-out da Windward side.
Dis roach reporter saw
mass sightings of bird kookai-- piles brah!
Dis one--major.
Tunnels stay being blocked.
Dey was warned…. Bring yuz guys shovels we tink dey got one pony in dea.
On one lighter note,
Da Annual Cockroach Ball stay happening mid-October, try let dem know soon
if you stay come--eh?
Lady Gaga, Janet and Cher, our hot cuzins on da mainland,
stay proud to announce da grand opening dea new consignment store
at da site of da old Arakawas in Waipahu
dea got da kine gently used gowns wit wing slits on top
plus matching roach bags, titanium jewelry and get sticky spike shoes fo grab sweets
jus in case you need dance and run. Titas--No bring da kids--eh!
Dis just In--Da human peoples in da state still no more job,
us being watched, but brighter days coming,
Ho--da deadly freakin gas nearly gone wat!
In Sports—Wings Flapporino da Flyin Hawaiian scores da winning touchdown
winning over dea arch rival, Boots Black of da Bedbugs—who defeated da Stinkbugs from Philly last year --Final score, 32-2.
Weather Alert—Partly cloudy wit remote kine showers—Highs stay in da low 80’s, Lows stay in da low 60’s Same as always—brah! Hey baboose--Try keep da storm drains closed and carry one snorkel—no need floaters, downpours stay flooding low lying pot holes-one risky bugga dat!
Try member da numba one cockroach rule, cuz--Safety First!
Da gross cockroach militia stays booming in da plumbing
in da face of mass killings in Kaneohe town.
Small kine remenants was seen unda da kine drain stops.
Our leaders met at da G8 summit behind braddah Kimo’s drainpipe stay Kahalu’u.
Kimo was heard to say—“Wat and you still alive?”
Rumors have pop up dat da militant Ant Army stay invading us on account of dey stupid leader,
da kine Mack-Mood I-Stay-One–Damn-Jerk,
who won one nodda election by his bullying.
We stay on da threshold of war. I repeat da invasion stay soon.
Bans going be carried out.
It was agreed dat furda talks going need happen
maybe next month at da Cockroach U. N. behind Auntie Carol’s Pearl City Bowl.
On one nodda note, da Common Myna’s
stay spurtin tru-out da Windward side.
Dis roach reporter saw
mass sightings of bird kookai-- piles brah!
Dis one--major.
Tunnels stay being blocked.
Dey was warned…. Bring yuz guys shovels we tink dey got one pony in dea.
On one lighter note,
Da Annual Cockroach Ball stay happening mid-October, try let dem know soon
if you stay come--eh?
Lady Gaga, Janet and Cher, our hot cuzins on da mainland,
stay proud to announce da grand opening dea new consignment store
at da site of da old Arakawas in Waipahu
dea got da kine gently used gowns wit wing slits on top
plus matching roach bags, titanium jewelry and get sticky spike shoes fo grab sweets
jus in case you need dance and run. Titas--No bring da kids--eh!
Dis just In--Da human peoples in da state still no more job,
us being watched, but brighter days coming,
Ho--da deadly freakin gas nearly gone wat!
In Sports—Wings Flapporino da Flyin Hawaiian scores da winning touchdown
winning over dea arch rival, Boots Black of da Bedbugs—who defeated da Stinkbugs from Philly last year --Final score, 32-2.
Weather Alert—Partly cloudy wit remote kine showers—Highs stay in da low 80’s, Lows stay in da low 60’s Same as always—brah! Hey baboose--Try keep da storm drains closed and carry one snorkel—no need floaters, downpours stay flooding low lying pot holes-one risky bugga dat!
Try member da numba one cockroach rule, cuz--Safety First!
We stay proud to bring you dis edition of da Windward Times
Paid for wit cash by Butterfly Airlines, da junior of Monarch Butterfly
Flying Furda den da Rest—Cos Can!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Ancient Birthing Stones--Koolau Golf Course
Ancient birthing stones
isolated ocean view
spiritual flow.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Searching for a Savior
They called him
teacher,
skilled and
wise.
They feared
his gaze
the fire in his eyes.
He did things
that they could not explain
why
they sold him
in exchange
for their pain.
He came with a special guarantee
believe it
and you will be set free
but science later
came along
and put their blinders back on
to wander lost
throughout time
without a savior
powerless to find.
A host of casualties
to heap up the cost
in this village of the damned
forever lost.
Plumbing Hell
**This is my creation---using real places and an ancient ruler whose bones remain hidden today.
Kamehameha I was also known as The Great One
The supernatural
lurks
beneath the plumb
of perception
waits in misery
and obscurity
for discernment.
Sometimes
you can hear them
as you hike
up the Stairway to Heaven.
Climbing up steep
cliff ladders with
howling winds at your back
the almost imperceptible
low chanting and drums
between the undulating peaks
shrouded in mist.
Pointing
to the petroglyphs
naming
the hidden path
to the secret tomb
of The Great One
a formidable foe
even in death.
Calling up things better left alone
as an apparition appears
somber
from beneath miles of sediment.
Larger than life
intent to lead
his army of
night marchers.
Blood-thirsty
lips cry
bewitch waterfalls
unlock ancient doors
between emerald cliffs
waking hell’s elite mercenaries
a foul eruption
panting in the shadows
hungry for flesh
leering in the gloom
as he
brutally stabs
a black widow.
Her web
thick with
motionless prey
entombed
and screeching
his name.
Kamehameha I was also known as The Great One
The supernatural
lurks
beneath the plumb
of perception
waits in misery
and obscurity
for discernment.
Sometimes
you can hear them
as you hike
up the Stairway to Heaven.
Climbing up steep
cliff ladders with
howling winds at your back
the almost imperceptible
low chanting and drums
between the undulating peaks
shrouded in mist.
Pointing
to the petroglyphs
naming
the hidden path
to the secret tomb
of The Great One
a formidable foe
even in death.
Calling up things better left alone
as an apparition appears
somber
from beneath miles of sediment.
Larger than life
intent to lead
his army of
night marchers.
Blood-thirsty
lips cry
bewitch waterfalls
unlock ancient doors
between emerald cliffs
waking hell’s elite mercenaries
a foul eruption
panting in the shadows
hungry for flesh
leering in the gloom
as he
brutally stabs
a black widow.
Her web
thick with
motionless prey
entombed
and screeching
his name.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Blue Angels
Slice sky
blue pie
solo cross
diamond floss
smoky exhaust
spiral gravity
pure depravity
ozone cavity.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Night Music
The north wind gasps in
the wee hours as
pipes play and ghosts dance
across the coast highway, wreaking havoc.
Naani is one of Indian's most popular Telugu poems. Naani means an expression of one and all.
It consists of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bounded to
a particular subject. Generally it depends upon human relations and current statements
the wee hours as
pipes play and ghosts dance
across the coast highway, wreaking havoc.
Naani is one of Indian's most popular Telugu poems. Naani means an expression of one and all.
It consists of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bounded to
a particular subject. Generally it depends upon human relations and current statements
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wishful Thinking
Wishful thinking
is something we adopt
a bright idea that comes at the worst possible time
and stays long after its welcome is worn out
like an old pair of garden gloves
with holes in the fingers
comfortable, but they no longer
do the job.
Unable to let them go
you then
try to fix them,
when one surely disappears
you convince yourself that sooner or later it will turn up
and everything will work out, but it never does.
Not until long after
you’ve thrown its mate into the trash
and it’s been hauled away
by that giant yellow truck
reeking of dead fish and stale beer.
is something we adopt
a bright idea that comes at the worst possible time
and stays long after its welcome is worn out
like an old pair of garden gloves
with holes in the fingers
comfortable, but they no longer
do the job.
Unable to let them go
you then
try to fix them,
when one surely disappears
you convince yourself that sooner or later it will turn up
and everything will work out, but it never does.
Not until long after
you’ve thrown its mate into the trash
and it’s been hauled away
by that giant yellow truck
reeking of dead fish and stale beer.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Mask
MASK
death mask
preserved age
displayed in Cairo
enameled gold and gems
guarded the soul from evil
guarded the soul from evil
“Egyptian clay mask remedy”
Pedicure
Feet
soak in
tepid swirl
nails clipped, shaped, filed.
Cuticles pushed back
calluses shaved, feet scrubbed.
Moisturizer massaged deep
into toes and calves up to knees
energizing tired feet and legs.
Red nail bed summons white hibiscus sketch.
soak in
tepid swirl
nails clipped, shaped, filed.
Cuticles pushed back
calluses shaved, feet scrubbed.
Moisturizer massaged deep
into toes and calves up to knees
energizing tired feet and legs.
Red nail bed summons white hibiscus sketch.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
My name is Gert
my corset hurts
my hair is fine
wrapped tight with twine.
My day begins
before the sun
with cows to milk
and chores a ton
My husband died
from the grippe
left me
six kids
and a buffalo chip.
The banker said
his last check bounced
across the prairie
unannounced
I’m good at sewing
can make a mean pie
spin a tall yarn
look you dead
in the eye.
I’ll groom your horse
keep the home fires
burning
just get me out
of this
butter churning.
my corset hurts
my hair is fine
wrapped tight with twine.
My day begins
before the sun
with cows to milk
and chores a ton
My husband died
from the grippe
left me
six kids
and a buffalo chip.
The banker said
his last check bounced
across the prairie
unannounced
I’m good at sewing
can make a mean pie
spin a tall yarn
look you dead
in the eye.
I’ll groom your horse
keep the home fires
burning
just get me out
of this
butter churning.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
You Might Be a Poet
1. If you have ten or more poetry books or your nightstand in various stages of being read
You might be a poet
2. If you have wallpapered your bathroom with rejection notices
You might be a poet
3. If you wake up in the middle of the night to write down an interesting word or phrase
You might be a poet
4. If you carry a small notepad in your pocket or purse and a fancy pen
You might be a poet
5. If you have heard of Ted Kooser or W.S. Merwin and know what they have been recognized for
You might be a poet
6. If you write a poem a day for fifteen months straight
You might be a poet
7. If you go to poetry readings held by someone called the Poetry Pope
You might be a poet
8. If you write grocery lists and what you are packing for a trip, in an ABCdarian
You might be a poet
9. If you understand what a clarity pyramid is
You might be a poet
10. If you like writing by a strict set of rules but can’t find the top of your desk
You might be a poet
11. If you spend all day tweaking a poem that’s already finished
You might be a poet
12. If you have been coming to Lillian’s classes for four or more years or have been published in
The Rain Bird
You might be a poet.
You might be a poet
2. If you have wallpapered your bathroom with rejection notices
You might be a poet
3. If you wake up in the middle of the night to write down an interesting word or phrase
You might be a poet
4. If you carry a small notepad in your pocket or purse and a fancy pen
You might be a poet
5. If you have heard of Ted Kooser or W.S. Merwin and know what they have been recognized for
You might be a poet
6. If you write a poem a day for fifteen months straight
You might be a poet
7. If you go to poetry readings held by someone called the Poetry Pope
You might be a poet
8. If you write grocery lists and what you are packing for a trip, in an ABCdarian
You might be a poet
9. If you understand what a clarity pyramid is
You might be a poet
10. If you like writing by a strict set of rules but can’t find the top of your desk
You might be a poet
11. If you spend all day tweaking a poem that’s already finished
You might be a poet
12. If you have been coming to Lillian’s classes for four or more years or have been published in
The Rain Bird
You might be a poet.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Legend of Nalo Man
***Nalo means lost in Hawaiian
Mana is spirit or power
Haumea and Wakea are ancient gods; Laka is their daughter, the goddess of hula.
Akepa: is a scarlet or yellow-green hawaiian honeycreeper
Last night he dreamt again of the past.
the answer disappears with the finches
when he wakes
under his mystical banyan
in Kalihi Valley.
The tree that he knew
as a child
which shows him its mana
in the howl of the damp
in the leaves
whispering her name
combing-out memories
tangled within their dark stillness.
Coarse roots stretching back
to the time of
Wakea and Haumea.
A goddess born from Haumea’s eye
Kapo has many names
one is Laka.
Laka can be seen
as a lizard or
a human.
Her chants
awaken
the old spirits.
He is blinded
afraid of her truth
a truth that haunts his stirring dreams.
He knows that
the stones of life
by the spouting waters
can heal him
from her intrusion
but he is lost.
Wandering alone
as he seeks the old path
that the kahuna spoke of
long overgrown and forgotten.
He remembers
that the words to her song
guide the way
but they are as faint as the stars
in the tropical sun
invisible
in his frantic mind.
He bargains with her for the key
but the guardian
taunts him
detecting his weakness
for drink
and keeps his path
shrouded in darkness.
Countless moons wax and wane
as flocks of mischievous Akepa
gather leaves and weave seed leis
within the coarse black strands
of his lengthening beard
as he sleeps
at night
between the broad roots at the
foot of the banyan
its thick branches
shielding him
from her wiles
as he fitfully rests
inside their sway.
Mana is spirit or power
Haumea and Wakea are ancient gods; Laka is their daughter, the goddess of hula.
Akepa: is a scarlet or yellow-green hawaiian honeycreeper
Last night he dreamt again of the past.
the answer disappears with the finches
when he wakes
under his mystical banyan
in Kalihi Valley.
The tree that he knew
as a child
which shows him its mana
in the howl of the damp
in the leaves
whispering her name
combing-out memories
tangled within their dark stillness.
Coarse roots stretching back
to the time of
Wakea and Haumea.
A goddess born from Haumea’s eye
Kapo has many names
one is Laka.
Laka can be seen
as a lizard or
a human.
Her chants
awaken
the old spirits.
He is blinded
afraid of her truth
a truth that haunts his stirring dreams.
He knows that
the stones of life
by the spouting waters
can heal him
from her intrusion
but he is lost.
Wandering alone
as he seeks the old path
that the kahuna spoke of
long overgrown and forgotten.
He remembers
that the words to her song
guide the way
but they are as faint as the stars
in the tropical sun
invisible
in his frantic mind.
He bargains with her for the key
but the guardian
taunts him
detecting his weakness
for drink
and keeps his path
shrouded in darkness.
Countless moons wax and wane
as flocks of mischievous Akepa
gather leaves and weave seed leis
within the coarse black strands
of his lengthening beard
as he sleeps
at night
between the broad roots at the
foot of the banyan
its thick branches
shielding him
from her wiles
as he fitfully rests
inside their sway.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Poet Lives Here
A
Pithy
Observant
Evocative
Tattler
Lassoes
Images, and for a
Voluble show of approval will
Enlist
Spell-checker, cliché
Half-truths
Euphemisms
Rambles, rants and
Eminent domain.
Pithy
Observant
Evocative
Tattler
Lassoes
Images, and for a
Voluble show of approval will
Enlist
Spell-checker, cliché
Half-truths
Euphemisms
Rambles, rants and
Eminent domain.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Pricing Philosophy
I am GOD of my section
omnipresent
directing the flow
making the ultimate decisions
as to what stays
what goes
how much to charge
how little
which polished newcomers
get an all access pass
to Bill’s Bookmobile
which ones go on to the prisons
and hospitals
And what inevitably gets called home
to heaven
the tired,
marked up
mildewed,
highlighted ones
with post-its stuck
in irretrievable places
spoiled and unsalable.
Hell has to wait
its turn after
a dissertation on morality
even bullshit
endures my scrutiny
green in my omniscience.
The list
of human
speculation
is endless
in fact
stacks of them
keep petitioning
for another audience
hoping
for a different outcome.
Love
my favorite
usually ends up
at the top of the pile
since I am
GOD
and GOD is love
and well
because I said so!
omnipresent
directing the flow
making the ultimate decisions
as to what stays
what goes
how much to charge
how little
which polished newcomers
get an all access pass
to Bill’s Bookmobile
which ones go on to the prisons
and hospitals
And what inevitably gets called home
to heaven
the tired,
marked up
mildewed,
highlighted ones
with post-its stuck
in irretrievable places
spoiled and unsalable.
Hell has to wait
its turn after
a dissertation on morality
even bullshit
endures my scrutiny
green in my omniscience.
The list
of human
speculation
is endless
in fact
stacks of them
keep petitioning
for another audience
hoping
for a different outcome.
Love
my favorite
usually ends up
at the top of the pile
since I am
GOD
and GOD is love
and well
because I said so!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
I Touched Death 15.25
I touched death’s icy hand
and peeled back my crying skin
glued on
with false hope
safety pinned with lies.
This couldn’t be him
who
had captured my heart
cradled me in his hot embrace
searing, empty promises.
This wasn’t him, in this shiny black casket
in this frozen parlor.
This was a wax mannequin
an empty shell
pumped full
of foul juices
preserved like the frogs
ready for dissection
in 10th grade biology
I was dreaming.
My fingers touched his
hard and fixed
his death mask
distorted smile
carefully dressed in a suit.
I thirsted for his affection
slit without warning
on that dark haunted road
black as a tar
black as a bottomless well
yearning for the splash.
Frozen screams
skated across the green bog
trapped
beneath thick black ice
fists hammering an opaque ceiling
tagged and trapped in the horror zone
waiting for some sign
that I could still see him.
Shredded like a rag doll
sliced by hot steel
by a drunken monster in a black Cadillac
blood drained,
organs extracted
at no extra charge.
Waiting for one last damp kiss
before his appointment
with Mr. Grim.
and peeled back my crying skin
glued on
with false hope
safety pinned with lies.
This couldn’t be him
who
had captured my heart
cradled me in his hot embrace
searing, empty promises.
This wasn’t him, in this shiny black casket
in this frozen parlor.
This was a wax mannequin
an empty shell
pumped full
of foul juices
preserved like the frogs
ready for dissection
in 10th grade biology
I was dreaming.
My fingers touched his
hard and fixed
his death mask
distorted smile
carefully dressed in a suit.
I thirsted for his affection
slit without warning
on that dark haunted road
black as a tar
black as a bottomless well
yearning for the splash.
Frozen screams
skated across the green bog
trapped
beneath thick black ice
fists hammering an opaque ceiling
tagged and trapped in the horror zone
waiting for some sign
that I could still see him.
Shredded like a rag doll
sliced by hot steel
by a drunken monster in a black Cadillac
blood drained,
organs extracted
at no extra charge.
Waiting for one last damp kiss
before his appointment
with Mr. Grim.
Las Vegas 15.24
City of sin, din
sights and lights.
City of luck
Mega bucks
cherry red lips
Chicken Ranch hips.
City of lost wages
redeemed savers
wedding chapels and
venture capital.
City to lose
drink too much booze
rack up coins
wolf tenderloin.
A city with eyes
cameras up high
and Cirque shows every night
while gorgeous show girls
show off their girls
and Criss Angel levitates
breathing deep in a red rock scape.
A city of slots, high rollers, big shots
musical fountains and Roman art
River pools, sidewalk misters
Shopping malls, iconic vistas.
Where dry heat is a relative term
as flamingos drip on a Venetian urn.
And tourists leave last dollars
in Wheel of Fortune slots
shouting
honey come quick, I’ve won the jackpot!!
sights and lights.
City of luck
Mega bucks
cherry red lips
Chicken Ranch hips.
City of lost wages
redeemed savers
wedding chapels and
venture capital.
City to lose
drink too much booze
rack up coins
wolf tenderloin.
A city with eyes
cameras up high
and Cirque shows every night
while gorgeous show girls
show off their girls
and Criss Angel levitates
breathing deep in a red rock scape.
A city of slots, high rollers, big shots
musical fountains and Roman art
River pools, sidewalk misters
Shopping malls, iconic vistas.
Where dry heat is a relative term
as flamingos drip on a Venetian urn.
And tourists leave last dollars
in Wheel of Fortune slots
shouting
honey come quick, I’ve won the jackpot!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Overindulgence 15.19
Spoiled
myopic youth
neglects his teeth.
Gummy candy
belly and
devouring habits
dentist’s dream.
myopic youth
neglects his teeth.
Gummy candy
belly and
devouring habits
dentist’s dream.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Communication 15.18
Hiking
unfamiliar trails
with foreign speaking
strangers.
Accessing understanding
utilizing
sunscreen and sign language.
unfamiliar trails
with foreign speaking
strangers.
Accessing understanding
utilizing
sunscreen and sign language.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Contentment 15.17
Septolet
The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break in between
the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.
Daylight streams
gold
pink and
sapphire vistas.
Silver encircles
uncharted white nimbi
admit one.
The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break in between
the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.
Daylight streams
gold
pink and
sapphire vistas.
Silver encircles
uncharted white nimbi
admit one.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Low Battery 15.16
Recharge Battery
Find adapter cable
plug into computer and wait.
Remember when an apple a day kept the doctor away?
well, some things never change
apples still fuel the day.
Find adapter cable
plug into computer and wait.
Remember when an apple a day kept the doctor away?
well, some things never change
apples still fuel the day.
Dieter 15.15
Dieter
is a serious man
who doesn’t care much for children.
He is still single
in-between women and loves his imported beer
although not quite as much as he did in his youth.
At fifty two, he wears thick eyeglasses.
Dark blond and blue eyed, his pock marked skin is clean shaven.
He wears an aloha shirt and loose tan shorts for evenings out
complete with white crew length socks and a clean pair of deck shoes
inadequately concealing his portly frame.
He hoards his money
earned from
installing razor wire fences around prisons,
this has been quite lucrative over the years.
In his spare time he looks through the real estate ads
and waits for that special parcel
in a neighboring state, not too far from his Mother,
who is eighty two now, an ex smoker burdened with emphysema.
He has many friends.
One has a Hawaiian themed backyard complete with swimming pool
around which preside Tikis which he carved by hand from oak, cherry and other hard woods.
At the intricately carved bar
blowfish twirl from suji fishing lines and swim
in the heavy air
bright with white lights stuffed into their diaphanous round bellies.
Voracious mosquitoes thickly blanket this upstate New York town
underwhelmed by the lack of trade winds or repellant
overwhelming his cousin, Crystal.
is a serious man
who doesn’t care much for children.
He is still single
in-between women and loves his imported beer
although not quite as much as he did in his youth.
At fifty two, he wears thick eyeglasses.
Dark blond and blue eyed, his pock marked skin is clean shaven.
He wears an aloha shirt and loose tan shorts for evenings out
complete with white crew length socks and a clean pair of deck shoes
inadequately concealing his portly frame.
He hoards his money
earned from
installing razor wire fences around prisons,
this has been quite lucrative over the years.
In his spare time he looks through the real estate ads
and waits for that special parcel
in a neighboring state, not too far from his Mother,
who is eighty two now, an ex smoker burdened with emphysema.
He has many friends.
One has a Hawaiian themed backyard complete with swimming pool
around which preside Tikis which he carved by hand from oak, cherry and other hard woods.
At the intricately carved bar
blowfish twirl from suji fishing lines and swim
in the heavy air
bright with white lights stuffed into their diaphanous round bellies.
Voracious mosquitoes thickly blanket this upstate New York town
underwhelmed by the lack of trade winds or repellant
overwhelming his cousin, Crystal.
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