Love-In At Donovan

Love-In At Donovan

22 May 2017

I went to jail yesterday.

It was at Donovan state prison,

But I didn’t have to stay.

The occasion was a TEDx exposition.

Half of the speakers were from inside

And half of them were outside invitations.

All gave their speeches with pride

In spite of the facility’s limitations.

The theme was “Beyond the Surface,

Not judging a book by its cover;

Looking past another’s epidermis

To find all there is to discover.

After the speeches was socializing

With guests and inmates freely mixing.

Conversations ranged without specializing

Or having authorities doing the fixing.

For me the event was very positive

And I hope there’ll be repercussions.

The impact’ll make all more sensitive

And lead to productive discussions,

More dialog and experience exchanges

That eventually cause policy changes.

Beach Reach

Beach Reach
26 Dec 2015

To watch the waves breaking.
I must go to the sea;
And the rollers coming in,
It’s all calling to me.
Upon arriving at the shore,
I feel the constant breeze
And hear the continual roar
Which nature does with ease.
The gritty sand between my toes,
Feel of humidity in my clothes
And air’s salty scent in my nose,
Work together to ease my woes.
Walking across unmarked land,
As people stroll they emboss
Footstep paths in the wet sand
That wander and randomly cross.
Boundless water and sun beautify
All the lovely things I see.
The far horizon and big blue sky
Are the only limits for me.
While standing on the shore
I don’t want for anything more.

Like a cresting wave breaks,
Practical thoughts intruded
And a mood shift overtakes
Me so my amble’s concluded.
Turning around, I’m incredulous
By how far I’ve wandered to explore.
Walking to my car, there’s an impetus
To look back and watch the waves some more.

Who Are You, Passing Thru?

Who Are You, Passing Thru?
17 Nov 2015

Wind, where are you going?
You came for a visit today.
Wind, why are you blowing?
You came, but didn’t stay.
You danced the leaves all around,
Touching everything exposed outside,
Then left the leaves all over the ground.
Such an irresponsible, messy joyride.
After gusting all day, you departed.
Where on earth did you go?
Where and how did you get started?
Wind tell me, I want to know.

Moth, Bug Off

Moth, Bug Off!
10 March 2015

In my dry bathtub stall
There was a moth on the wall.
It had a pretty wing span
In shades of brown and tan.
“Poor moth,” I cried,
“You’re supposed to be outside."
The windows all had screens
Obstructing any easy means
Of releasing the moth outdoors
To fly in nature’s corridors.
I picked up a flip-flop
And with a very loud pop
Brought a instantaneous end
As the flier was flattened.

Embracing Pacing

Embracing Pacing
18 October 2014

While visiting my nephew
The baby wailed and bawled.
What on earth should I do
So he no longer squalled?
I picked up the wee one
And held him in my arms.
From experience in person
One way to silence his alarms
Was to walk the floor,
Pacing around and around.
Going outside thru the door
He stopped making any sound.
In a moment of reflection,
I realized he wouldn't stay
At this stage of perfection,
An expression of his naivete.
He'll be small enough to carry
For just a little while more.
This stage is just momentary
Then he won't be a baby anymore.

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.

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.

Outside And Inside

Outside And Inside
21 October 2012

The air lost its charm
And acquired a chill,
But my heart is warm
And full of goodwill.
As I smoothed the sheet,
It still retained
Some of your body heat.
The memory contained
In my heart of the embracing,
Holding you within my sweep
And full-bodied interlacing
Before falling asleep.
Yes, the weather outside
Is cloudy, raw and gray,
But my heart's song inside
Is bonny, blithe and gay.

Ideal Appeal

Ideal Appeal
7 June 2012

It feels like summer outside
So open the windows wide.
I hear a twittering bird,
A glorious day is assured.
Sandals and shorts at that
Will go with my straw hat.