18 December 2013

Solstice Instance

Solstice Instance
17 Dec 2013

Considering the time of year,
A day of sun brought some cheer.
A persistent thought suggested
Stripping and going bare chested.
The idea went against reason
In the winter solstice season.
I didn't anticipate any harm
And working like a charm
The sunshine kept me warm.

30 November 2013

Grope With Hope


Grope With Hope
25 Nov 2013

Hello newborn, hello.
Just to let you know
Mommy loves you so.
Aye, you're such a wee one,
Learning about life's dealings.
Right now along with everyone,
We're experiencing strong feelings.
There's Mommy's concern and care,
Alternating between swearing and prayer.
Family members worry about your welfare
And all want health, fair and square.

Once on a spiritual weekend retreat
I had a rebirthing experience to embrace.
At first, I didn't recognize the feat.
It felt like I was in a very confined space
With strong, firm forces moving me about.
Then there was light, light everywhere.
No matter how I turned my head to checkout,
The brightness was around, always there.
My tiny torso filled with emotion, full bore.
That feeling was hope by the score.
Hope that I would be loved and cared for.

I like to think that every baby has hope.
Like me, hope's in every newborn's envelope.
In welcoming you infant, within our scope
There're desires in our hearts, too.
We hope you have healthy, happy years.
We want to do very well by you.
As you grow, we expect to guide your fears.
Because of how we think, our hopes will manifest
Differently for everybody. There'll be frustrations,
But we all desire an outcome that's the best
And promise to be mindful in our ministrations.

20 November 2013

Mellow Hello


There's an old Neil Diamond song that starts "Hello my friend, hello."

Mellow Hello
18 Nov 2013

Hello Jamison, hello.
Just to let you know
Daddy loves you so.
Aye, you're such a wee one,
But your life's just begun.
Before very long
You'll be big and strong,
But that's down the road
When you're all growed.
Just for now,
As time will allow
Stay in my arms here
And fall asleep, my dear.

18 November 2013

All Call


All Call
17 Nov 2013

Come, come, whoever you are,
Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving,
Whether your home is near or far.
Leave off your sadness and grieving.
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Even if you have broken your vows
A thousand times beyond repair
And eaten the meat of sacred cows.
That was a different paradigm
Not at all suited for you,
Belonging to a different time.
Now the calling rings true.

Come yet again, come, come.
Join us in our joyous celebration.
Know that all are very welcome
In our peculiar congregation.
We’ll sing and we’ll shout
Hosannah! as we hang out.
It will be a walkabout,
A pilgrimage without a doubt.
Join us to experience something new,
To rekindle your inner magic.
This invitation means a changed you
That feels whole, not tragic.

17 November 2013

Welcome Pilgrim


Welcome Pilgrim
16 Nov 2013

Hello Jamison, my newest nephew.
My, my it's been really busy
With lots of activity around you.
We've all been in a tizzy.
Grandma Adams came to give childcare
While you and Bronwyn were hospitalized
And Monson went the ER for his welfare.
Everybody was stressed, almost traumatized.
Britton lost his first game of the season.
Then Sterling flew to a Denver conference
Where he spoke to thinkers of reason
Using physics research as a reference.
After a few hectic days, we're glad
To have you home with the family.
We're all ready, with Mom and Dad,
For life to continue more serenely.

10 October 2013

Touchstone Undertone

Touchstone Undertone
7 October 2013

At the gym while my body was busy,
My mind ranged free to supposition,
Thinking about what the future will be
And came up with a proposition.
Traditionally, my high school class
Has a reunion once every ten years.
So far we've met four times en masse.
Accounting for life expectancy, my dears,
We'll probably meet only thrice more.
If you knew you were only going to see me
Three times before going thru death's door,
How would you greet me?
How would you treat me?

Life's so unpredictable and very uncertain,
We don't know what the future will bring
And what will happen before the final curtain,
So let's include everyone under our wing.
We can do this by smiling at everyone,
Especially at others we don't know.
There doesn't have to be any reason
Just let our love and respect show.
How many more times are you going to see them?
Why not behave like crème de la crème?
How would you greet them?
How would you treat them?

07 October 2013

Trading Post Meaning Diagnosed


Trading Post Meaning Diagnosed
2 October 2013
Inspired by an article by Steve Simpson published in the San Juan Record.

Heavy rains made for lots of weeds
Growing around the trading post.
I procrastinated due to pressing needs
Until weeding became foremost.
So I was sitting on a box in which milk's crated
Extracting goat-heads and cheat grass,
When a restored '69 Chevelle decelerated.
As it parked, the stereo's output mass
Was so loud that Every People by Family Stone
Could be heard, "There is a yellow one
That won't accept the black one,
That won't accept the red one,
That won't accept the white one."
The hippie winked, switched off the engine
And headed into the cafe for his day to begin.
Next, a car that had seen better days
Stopped close to where I sat pulling weeds.
Out stepped two women of stylish Navajo ways.
"Which direction to the woman of weaving deeds?"
"She lives over there," pursing my lip
And indicating south to the Reservation.
One woman explained she had a kinship,
But there had been decades of social privation.
This woman had moved away to live among the "whites."
"Really, you left us to live with those guys?"
"Yes, I married one and my grandkids are urbanites.
Disappointment must have shown thru my eyes.
Portuguese ancestry gives me darker skin, that's true,
Or maybe it was the way I pointed with my lips,
She looked at me in earnest, "Well, they're people too."
The women left to continue searching for relationships.
A few minutes later the hippie strolled out.
Then as he backed away, his stereo kicked in
"We got to live together," rock and rolled out.
It crossed my mind that insight often clicked in
At unexpected times from an uncommon emissary
And I should give my attitude a new itinerary.

13 September 2013

After-School Carpool

I live close enough to an elementary school to hear the crossing guard's whistle. This afternoon while watering the yard, I watched moms picking up their kids.

After-School Carpool
13 Sept 2013

Time to pick up the kids from school.
Buckle the baby and four-year old in their car seats
Remind them, "Safety's the rule."
Hug them and make them happy with candy treats.
Look both ways before pulling out,
Watch carefully while driving down the streets.
After the bell rings, the kids come ambling out,
Most are looking for Mommy, but some act like athletes.
"What did you learn at school today?"
"I don't really remember, but at lunch Johnny
Threw  up and went to sick bay.
He's sick a lot, that's why he's so scrawny."
Make sure everybody's seat belt is on
Before heading back they way you came.
Never boring, chances are odds on
You're looking for five minutes to claim.
Raising children is a large responsibility,
Keeping you constantly watching and busy,
Testing your patience and reliability.
It's enough to put men in a tizzy.
Because women are good at multi-tasking
They can make it look easy and such,
And do it all without asking
For help. Thank you very much.

26 August 2013

Dinner Guest for Breakfast


Dinner Guest for Breakfast
25 August 2013

I went for Sunday dinner at my nephew's,
Going to their friends' was confessed.
They had an invitation they couldn't refuse.
The friends' supper would be breakfast.
We would be having homemade waffles to eat
With the young family of Jacob and Nancy.
So we jumped in and drove down the street.
To their middle-class home, nothing fancy.
She was busy with the waffle maker,
I went and looked over the back acre.
After blessing the food, it was served.
The kid's plates were closely observed
To make sure they had enough in quantity
And inspected for parental seal of quality.
There was butter, peanut butter and maple syrup
To go on the waffles and eggs were scrambled up.
For the first time, in spite of reluctance,
Regardless of the prejudices I had,
I ate eggs and peanut butter all at once.
It really wasn't so awfully bad.
Perhaps it's a new way to get my protein,
A modification of my diet,
A variation on my usual routine.
Nah, I just thought I'd try it.

16 August 2013

Sunshine Song II

Sunshine Song II
16 August 2013

First thing in the morning
When there’s nothing wrong,
I’m outside running
Singing my sunshine song
Later in the day,
When I’m feeling strong
And things are going my way,
I’ll hum my sunshine song.
Thru out the rest of the day
As I work and go along
I’ll be making my way
Singing my sunshine song.

27 June 2013

Winner Grinner Spinner


Last Sunday after dinner at my nephew's, I played Star Wars Monopoly with him & his 2 oldest boys. Eventually I won and got to recite this poem.

Winner Grinner Spinner
21 June 2013

I won, I won!
I'm number one!
It was hard won
But so much fun.
When all was said and done,
I'm the favorite son.
I won, I won!
I'm number one!
It was hard won
But so much fun.
When all was said and done,
I'm the favorite son.
I won, I won!
I'm number one!
It was hard won
But so much fun.
When all was said and done,
I'm the favorite son.
I won, I won!
Ad nauseam.

After all the action
I'm getting traction
From the satisfaction
Of your reaction.
From the composition
Of your disposition
It's an imposition,
I'll supposition.
In addition
I have a premonition
You'll commission
My verbal rendition
As future ammunition.

16 June 2013

Blue Ribbon

Today I went to the county fair and was pleased to discover I had won a first prize blue ribbon for my crocheted tablecloth.

Unescorted Sporting Assorted Cavorting

This poem about ecstatic dancing was inspired by the text of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLzsaEwZ9tY
Is there an activity in your life that affects you deeply emotionally?


Unescorted Sporting Assorted Cavorting
15 June 2013

We have come to be danced.
Not the pretty graceful waltz,
Not the pretty pretty pranced
Please-pick-me defaults,
But to claw our way into the belly
Of the sacred, sensual animal hop.
The unhinged, unplugged silly
Cat is out of its box slop.
Holding the precious moment
In our palms and stomping
Our feet like we meant
No end to our romping.

We have come to be danced.
Not the jiffy booby
Out to be romanced
Shake your booty,
But to wring the sadness
From our skin skip.
Blow the chip off our shoulder badness,
Slap any apology with our zip.

We have come to be danced;
Not the monkey see, monkey do
Move like you're entranced
One, two, move like you,
But the grave robber, tomb stalking
Tearing scabs and scars raking
To rub the rhythm raw hawking
Against our souls' quaking.

We have come to be danced
Not the nice, invisible
Shuffle self-consciously enhanced
But the matted hair indivisible
Voodoo mama, shaman shaking‚
Ancient bones aleaping
Stripped casings forsaking,
To find our wings sweeping,
Sharpen our claws, loosen the tongue,
Shed dead useless cells of example
And slip into the ever young
Luminous skin of love trample.

We have come to be rocked
Not the hold our breath
Or splash in the shallows deadlocked,
But the ending of shibboleth,
By the trinity of physical body,
Hot breath and rhymthic beat.
Shouting hallelujah to embody
Rejoicing head to feet.
Please, mother may I?
Yes, you may take 10 giant hops.
The ollie ollie oxen free,
Everyone can come to our heavenly lollypops.

We have come to be bounced
Where the kingdoms meet head-on
In the cathedral of flesh announced
To burn back into the light dead-on.
To unravel, to play,
To take wing, to pray
To root in skin sanctuary enhanced,
We have come to be danced.

11 June 2013

Description Depiction


Description Depiction
4 June 2013

Not some banditry
Nor a tedious litany,
But a bit of poetry
That's all about me.
Since high school
I've worn glasses.
My face isn't a tool
To please the masses.
I have a toothy grin
And a ponytail.
Although I'm thin,
I'm not that frail.
My skin is pale;
My veins are blue.
That's the tale
I'm sticking to.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
A far inferior exterior
Doesn't show off the lover
With a superior interior.
My written verbosity
Presents at times
My innate curiosity
And a love of rhymes.
I may look like a Nazarene
With interactions that are gracious
And come across all serene,
But my pursuit of goals is tenacious.
Other characteristics
Like competitive and organized
Are among my statistics.
A sense of humor is prized.
A chance to be creative
And play card games
Makes me appreciative
And furthers my aims.

11 May 2013

Rattlesnake Outtake


Original post to LinkedIn Poets:

~ Diamondback ~
~
It does not come in front of me
no that would be nice
but it doesn't think twice
for it sneaks up from behind
aims for my back
when it plans it's attack
It doesn't give you a chance
but that's part of it's dance
Before it does battle
it loves to show off and
rattle & rattle then tattle
I stop and move not my feet
and I hold my breath
for it's about to strike
and cause my death
but the great spirit intercedes
and does a kind deed
for my ancestor sends forth
a hawk to pick up rattlesnake
for the hawk at the last second
grabs it with his talons
and gives it a good shake
then swiftly flies with it away
and drops the evil snake
into a canyon deep, tonight
I know that I shall have
sweet dreams
after I fall
asleep!

by bonnie j. flach (c)
posted 5-9-2013

My response: I was bothered that your poem kind of rhymed, but mostly didn't; so I reworked your poem. I hope you're not offended. 

Rattlesnake Outtake
10 May 2013

It does not come in front.
No, that would be nice.
It doesn't think twice
About sneaking to hunt
Aiming for my back
When it plans to attack.
It doesn't give me a chance,
But that's part of the dance.
Before it does battle,
It loves to show off,
Shake its tail and rattle.
I stop, not daring to cough,
Just shaking in my shoes.
I'm holding my breath
For it's about to choose
And cause my death.
But the great spirit intercedes
And initiates timely deeds.
My ancestor sends out
A hawk to pick up the rattlesnake.
With a last-second rout
The hawk gives it a good shake.
Then with the serpent
In his talons, swiftly flies away
For the evil snake's descent,
Dropped into a deep canyon's bay.
Tonight I know that I
Shall have sweet dreams,
Enjoying my shut-eye,
Protected by spirit teams.

26 April 2013

Bedtime In Rhyme


Bedtime In Rhyme
25 April  2013

Shoot today in the head
And trundle off to bed.
Today was work and fun;
And what's done is done.
Tomorrow will be here soon enough
Bringing its own challenges and stuff.
Let's hope sleep comes on quick
And lying in bed will do the trick.
I just hate tossing and turning
When my brain keeps on churning.
With a yawn I said,
"Shoot today in the head.
It's time to hit the bed."

11 April 2013

Rejection Reflection


The host asked for a reflection
Dealing with poetry rejection.

Rejection Reflection
11 April 2013

I didn't know the judge's predilection
About choosing from my collection
So after some introspection
I made a tough selection
Hoping for a connection
That would pass inspection.
After viewing the winners' section
My emotions went another direction.
It felt like a hit to the midsection
And I hid under the covers for protection.

01 April 2013

Separation Celebration


Separation Celebration
30 March 2013

The announcement on Facebook
Of celebrating retirements
Was the invitation's hook
To meet a party's requirements.
Annette and Earl get to ignore
That hated alarm clock chore,
Rolling over for one more snore
And don't report for work anymore.
Common folks, both young and old,
Gathered at Vicki's Ramona bungalow,
Socializing all over the threshold
Inside and out, going with the flow.
Eating before hunger could vanquish us,
Chicken was a stomach-filling contender.
The barbecue sauce was delicious;
With ham and short ribs being tender.
Mixing and mingling in knots,
While drinking soda and beer,
People were toasting with shots
Making for plenty of cheer.
A band was set up in the driveway
With dancing just because,
Live music was more organic that way.
What a fun party it was!

16 March 2013

You're a Poet And You Know It


You're a Poet And You Know It
15 February 2013

You're a poet
And you know it,
When you read a creation
That you wrote but forgot about
And think, "I like the ideation.
It touches me without a doubt."

When someone else reads your writing
And comments on how it made them feel
Or sees the world in different lighting,
Then your transmuted words are real.
You've become a poet
And you know it.

04 March 2013

DA Sundae


DA Sundae
3 March 2013

The other night I saw a waitress in my dream
Who was making a sundae for me,
Even tho my gut gets torn up by ice cream.
She was having great difficulty
Getting a pimiento-stuffed green olive
Out of the jar. Rousing, the corollary
I worked out was sundaes, I believe,
Are made with a maraschino cherry.
I also realized the problem presented
An allegory for gay marriage
And the waitress' troubles represented
Justice's possible miscarriage
By the Supreme Court as we anticipate
Their ruling on DOMA and Prop 8.

27 February 2013

Early Spring Park Fling


Early Spring Park Fling
26 February 2013

I stepped outside after playing canasta,
The weather was so warm, I said, "I just hasta."
So before it started to get dark
I drove a few blocks to Balboa Park.
Starting with Spanish Village art
I enjoyed the displays in that mart.
Strolling further along
Street performers sang a song.
By the Botanical Building were koi
For one and all to enjoy.
I had the unexpected happenstance
Of running into an acquaintance.
Walking a few steps more, how cool
To be enchanted by the reflecting pool.
Spanish Colonial style prevails
In the architectural details.
I had it made in the shade
Sauntering down the promenade.

10 February 2013

Visualization Formulation


Visualization Formulation
9 February 2013

Let go of the old rules.
Just release and let go,
Use some new-age tools
To go with the flow.
Behaviors that were learned
With the best of intention
Must now be overturned,
No longer meriting retention.
Slowly breathe out to simplify
Actions that no longer serve,
Patterns you want to modify,
Paradigms that get on your nerve.
Focus on what to change
Sending away what irks.
Concentrate within range
To bring on what works.
Breathe in really deep
Visualizing life anew,
See what you want to keep
Imagine a changed you.

09 February 2013

Expressed Request


After listening to songs from musicals, here's a poem for Valentine's day.

Expressed Request
9 February 2013

Just a thought
On the spot
Why not
Give it a shot?
Asking in advance,
Does your stance
And side-long glance
Mean taking a chance
On a new romance?
You wanna dance?

Dance with me baby?
Now's your time to speak.
Say "yes," not "maybe."
Let's dance cheek to cheek.
Starting might be hit or miss,
But after we've begun
With some diligent practice
We'll be dancing as one.
As we waltz across the floor
To the beat of the score,
It makes my heart soar
To be with the one I adore.
Dance with me
And let's see
If we can be
In harmony.

20 January 2013

When I Heard at the Coming of Twilight


When I first read this poem, it impacted me. On reflection, I wondered if it could be improved by rhyming.

When I Heard at the Coming of Twilight
14 January 2013
Original by Walt Whitman

When I heard with the coming of twilight
How my name had been received as luminary
In the capitol, still it was not a happy night
For me that followed; and else, when I made merry
Or when my plans were fully completed
Still I was not entirely glad.
But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed
Of perfect health, refreshed, singing,
Drinking in all that was to be had
Of the ripe breath of autumn's bringing,
When I saw the full moon above the land
Grow pale and disappear in the morning light,
When I wandered alone over the seastrand
And undressing, bathed, laughing with delight
In the cool waters, and saw the sun rise,
And when I thought of how my dear friend,
My lover, was on his way, a prize,
Oh, then I was happy to no end.
Then each breath tasted much sweeter—
And all that day my food nourished
Me more—and the beautiful day passed fleeter,
And the next came equally flourished—
And with the next, at evening, ecstasy,
My friend came. Later as an underscore,
While all was still, I heard the sea
Roll slowly, continually up the shore.
I heard the hissing, rustling liquidly
Upon the sands, as directed to me, murmuring
To congratulate me, for the one I love avidly
Lay sleeping by me under the same covering.
In the cool of the night, without sound,
In the autumn moonbeams, his face was inclined
Towards me, and his arm lay lightly around
My breast—and that night was happiness enshrined.


When I heard at the Close of the Day
(No. 11, from ‘Calamus’ written circa 1859)
by Walt Whitman (1819-1892)

WHEN I heard at the close of the day how my name had been receiv'd
        with plaudits in the capitol, still it was not a happy night
        for me that follow'd;
And else, when I carous'd, or when my plans were accomplish'd, still
        I was not happy;
But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed of perfect health,
        refresh'd, singing, inhaling the ripe breath of autumn,
When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and disappear in the
        morning light,
When I wander'd alone over the beach, and undressing, bathed,
        laughing with the cool waters, and saw the sun rise,
And when I thought how my dear friend, my lover, was on his way
        coming, O then I was happy;
O then each breath tasted sweeter—and all that day my food nourish'd
        me more—and the beautiful day pass'd well,
And the next came with equal joy—and with the next, at evening, came
        my friend;
And that night, while all was still, I heard the waters roll slowly
        continually up the shores,
I heard the hissing rustle of the liquid and sands, as directed to
        me, whispering, to congratulate me,                        


For the one I love most lay sleeping by me under the same cover in
        the cool night,
In the stillness, in the autumn moonbeams, his face was inclined
        toward me,
And his arm lay lightly around my breast—and that night I was happy.

15 January 2013

Competition Disposition


Last year I won the first place gold medal prize from World Poetry Movement. Recently I got an email requesting a submission for this year. I looked thru the poems I had written in 2012 and narrowed my choice down to three: Afternoon Swoon, Resident's Absence and View Adieu.


Competition Disposition
Original by Robert Frost
14 January 2013

Three poems lay on my desk of wood
And sorry I could not submit them all,
Limited to one entry as I understood,
I read them and thought as hard as I could
About which to send in answer to the call.

Each having its own rhythm and rhyme
And all equally appealing
As suited to the subject and paradigm
Of a requested poem at this time,
My quandary proved to be revealing.

The more I looked the less I was sure
Of which was the best to submit
And which one had the most allure.
So I tried the familiar procedure
Of asking the people most proximate.

I shall be telling with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Three poems lay on wood and I --
I used my own judgement to go by
And that has made all the difference.
_______________________________

The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost (1920)

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.