This poem is written without capitalization or punctuation, making it vague like dreams.

Trance Expanse

sometimes a sensation of spinning

or a panicked feeling of falling

at sleep’s nebulous beginning

frequently floating, just lolling

or jumping to different scenes

interacting with family or friends

from co-workers to drama queens

to discuss with or make amends

sometimes they haven’t been 

seen or thought of in years

people come and go unbidden

existing in their own spheres

whether seeming real or sublime

in haziness, for all schemes 

there’s no sense of time

in the soft land of dreams

Hypocrisy Legacy

Hypocrisy Legacy
24 Sept 2015

The recently deceased was laid to rest
With all the proper praise and prayers.
The family dressed in their Sunday best
And put on appropriate bereaved airs.
The rest of us played along, acting our parts,
Giving lip service to the dead one’s benevolence.
While we all knew in our heart of hearts
That the dearly departed was full of malevolence.

My Monticello Man

Inspired by Kenneth Adams & Kik Grant.


My Monticello Man
9 June 2015

Second only to loving me,
He cherishes his family.
He shows how much he cares
By the things he shares.
Holding on to his clan,
That’s my Monticello man.

Some promises are pressured,
But he always keeps his word.
His words are plain and sincere.
He’s determined to hang in there,
Finishing what he began.
That’s my Monticello man.

Manipulation is for the birds,
He was raised with high standards.
He’s hard working and reliable.
His integrity’s undeniable.
Doing the best that he can,
That’s my Monticello man.

While displaying innocence
He reacts with patience.
Mostly following society’s views,
He keeps traditions and values.
A cut above the common Everyman,
That’s my Monticello man.

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.

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.

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.

Slinging Mud At A Blue Blood

Slinging Mud At A Blue Blood
2 April 2012
Imagine this as a pub drinking song.

Beat the tambourine:
"God save the Queen!"
If you know what I mean.

I don't have a penny to own
So let's throw her a bone
As she sits on the throne.
This year's her Diamond Jubilee
So let's celebrate like she's family
And we all have the same pedigree.
Beat the tambourine:
"God save the Queen!"
If you know what I mean.

You know, she's barely begun.
After all, the Queen Mum
Lived to a hundred and one!
We can act like aristocrats
All dressed up in hats
Living like fat cats.
It's a chance to preen
And say what we mean
By "God save the queen."

Gratitude for Latitude

My friend James Kent publishes an online newsletter for his family & friends. It's called Ohana News. Each year he asks for contributions for his Thanksgiving Issue.

Gratitude for Latitude

4 November 2011

This year I’m grateful to get a pension

Meaning no alarm clock (That I savor.)

Which greatly reduces my tension

And contributes to each day’s flavor.

I’m glad of the serendipitous discovery

That chocolate, blueberries and walnuts

Improved my short-term memory

And boosted my brain out of its ruts.

I’m thankful to be in San Diego County

For the weather, Balboa Park, beach,

And mountains; meaning so much bounty.

I appreciate having friends within reach,

To socialize with gay men who

Think along the same lines as me,

Enjoy the same activities as I do

And add to my felicity.

Clan Plan

Clan Plan

by Al Smith

18 April 2010

Two phone calls: one of information

And a second one of expectation,

Clarification, explanation and examination

All to avoid the exasperation

Of cross-communication.

Whether or not we’ll be able

To match each other’s timetable,

Exploring each possibility

To the point of incontrovertibility

Coming up with a solution

And making a resolution

Of whether to go or stay

And what will work each day.

With my nephew’s move everything changed

Now my whole life’s become rearranged.

I used to always go there

Now everybody’s coming here.

Instead of making reservations

I don’t have to change locations.

It seems like in a blink

I’m having to rethink

And this paradigm shift

Leaves me a bit miffed.

In spite of feeling somewhat bemuddled

I want to make plans that won’t be scuttled.