Conversations and Rations

I tried a different rhyming scheme in this poem.

Conversations and Rations

5 May 2011

I went to my friends’ for pizza night,

Looking forward to that weekly delight.

I dressed with the kilt-and-no-shirt look.

Other friends were there with foresight,

They brought mixed fruit and a book

About Lucrecia, the daughter of a crook.

After being married against her will

She started to write her own guidebook.

Her beginning battles were all uphill.

The tales of her deeds give us a thrill.

She became a master of misdirection.

It was like she had a license to kill.

Pizza was baked and came as a selection

One of green pepper and mushroom confection,

The other was pepperoni, all right;

All blending for a friendship connection.

Hurray for Susan’s Birthday

Hurray for Susan’s Birthday

17 March 2011

Susan thought this birthday would be goner,

But we wanted to surprise her with honor.

We want this year

To be a time of cheer.

As she turns the big six-oh

We want to thank her so.

After the trials and joys

Of raising four fine boys

She gets to do reruns

With granddaughters and grandsons.

Thanks for your example and the difference

You have made in the lives of the students.

You have been a person of positive influence.

What we mean and these words we’re usin’

Say happy birthday, we love you Susan.

Spring Fling

Spring Fling

8 April 2011

A gust of wind power

Sent the spring rain

Of a brief shower

Against my window pane.

Outside under the eaves

Crystals winked in sync

On the grass and leaves

To the sound of plink, plink.

I kicked off my flip-flops

To walk around barefoot,

Get wet from the raindrops

And enjoy the sensory input.

I unzipped my coat

To feel the setting sun

On my chest and throat,

A vitamin D dry run.

For precious minutes

I got to enjoy nature

At its freshest, in its

Own nomenclature.

Let Loose For Bruce

Let Loose For Bruce

28 March 2011

Today is a great

Time to celebrate.

Let’s shout “Hurray!”

For Bruce’s birthday.

His age I’m told

Is sixty years old.

This time the pessimist is wrong,

He never thought he would live this long.

Bruce mumbles, “Yeah, humbug,

Just sweep the whole thing under the rug.”

Peek Week

Peek Week

23 March 2011

I can’t believe it, I’m pinching myself,

I get to take my dreams off the shelf.

At first my retirement felt like vacation.

Now it’s starting to sink in, no vexation.

I get to do as I please,

To go or take my ease.

Today I went hiking with friend.

We felt unrushed to the trail’s end.

We hiked Torrey Pines, then at my mention

Went over and trekked around the extension.

Next we looked at the handpicked

Displays of the Cedros Art District.

A day to do as I wanted,

My will got flaunted.

Tomorrow I get to vote in

A new activity or the same again.

I Ought To Get Paid

A coworker asked me to write a poem for the people having birthdays in her unit. So I wrote one but she requested a re-write. The re-submittal was titled, "I Ought to Get Paid."

March second for Monica

And her family in India

Is an occasion to celebrate,

She was born on that date.

She’s spirited, talented, smart

And appreciates poetry and art.

To join the potluck

Don’t push your luck

By acting like a barbarian

And forgetting she’s a vegetarian.

March 23rd is a replica

For beautiful, active Erica.

Most days she’d rather be outside.

Health conscious choice keeps

Her on the slim side,

Just one benefit she reaps.

The combined food and cheer

Will be March 16th here

At 11:30, the time to appear.

Current Plan

My, My, A Last Good-bye

4 February 2011

Life is sweet,

Bring a treat,

An afternoon dessert potluck

To wish Al Smith good luck.

After twenty-two years plus

It’s his turn to leave us.

Join him from 2 to 4

Before he’s out the door.

March 16th is the day

For this last hurray.

The North Central FRC

Is the place to be.

At the 5055 Ruffin Road lunchroom

We'll toast, roast and consume

The food and dish the dirt

So he gets his just dessert.

You'll have to ask the guard

If you don't have an ID card.

Government Devilment

Government Devilment

27 January 2011

Lena’s gonna moan, cuss an’ wail

‘Cause her Sarah’s goin’ to jail,

And Lena’s afraid of havin’ to make bail.

It’s really not Sarah’s fault, you see

The problem’s with the Georgia DMV.

Sarah needed residency validation

To transfer the car registration.

They aren’t joking, I sense

‘Cause they revoked her license.

Sarah moved to the other coast

Now she’s gonna up an’ roast.

She’s of mixed race

An’ doesn’t know her place.

Lena’s reaction an’ motherly instinct

Wants Sarah in the California precinct.

Ceremony of Sanctimony

Ceremony of Sanctimony

23 January 2011

Doing as advised and authorized

Britton was galvanized to be baptized.

Following the Mormon tradition

And rules for admission

He had to wait

Until he turned eight.

As is usual and customary

There were kids from the Primary.

Adults acted as witness

To make sure of form & fitness.

Now in humility or pride he can boast

He was given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Grandparents from both sides

Were there in case he backslides.

His parents didn’t say it out loud,

But they were all smiles and proud.

Larson has a few years to learn,

And then it will be his turn.

Uncle Al was a fly on the wall

To write a poem about it all.

Lawn Song

Lawn Song

15 January 2011

It’s a time of hope and cheer

The first mowing of the year.

As good a sign as I have ever seen

The grass is a bright emerald green.

The cycle of life has revived

And Spring has arrived.

Memories come into play

By the scent of watermelon or hay.

For most people it’s been a while

Since the weather made them smile,

Just months and months of cold and dreary

But here in San Diego it’s only January.