Joel Fallon, Benicia’s first poet laureate, died in 2016 but his legacy as an architect of poetry in Benicia lives on, in more ways than one. One of these legacies is the Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarship, which is awarded to two poetically savvy graduating seniors, one from Benicia High School and the other from Liberty […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “Contemplation”
THERE is many a mile to cover Before my day is done; And many a challenge to cover Till the dawn of each setting sun. Tradition and breeding are buried Beneath the deeds of each day— And the greatness is in the doing Whatever the game we play. Life passes us by all too quickly; […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “My Lady”
Beauty and kindness, Giving chase and thrills. A sorceress who conjures, All her heart wills. Love with a smile, Eyes, laughing or teary. Safety and warmth, A comfort when I’m weary. Her photo sits on a table. Her fragrance blossoms the air. Footsteps softly pass. Voice giving loving words of care. Breath from her soul, […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill ” Depression”
Distorted thoughts Social exhaustion Just tryna make my mind function Sometimes I malfunction. Alcohol fixes my anxiety temporarily. Don’t wanna go crazy! People call me lazy. Lucky them, they have the energy to do things. I’d rather be sleeping or staring at the wall. Where has the time gone? Where is my alarm! I hit […]
The A Cappella Handyman: Notes on Design
Notes on Design/The Magic of the Moon I always felt there could be a wedding of the arts and sciences as much as there could be a union of our reason and our passion. So having been schooled in the heat and sweat of a summer-like science, I longed for the fall and the magic […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: 5 O’clock True Blues
A writer’s life’s not easy It is swathed in perspiration, Rejection and correction, and erasures and frustration So every day at five o’clock To fortify my mind I hit the bar and let it go; just leave it all behind Here I sit; my bar man Pours me up a good stiff drink I’m sipping […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Tasty Death”
Taste of charcoal and barbecue sauce. Chop up the pig, it’s time to pig out. I like the taste of death in my mouth! Chop up the cow. Time to chow down. Turn his smile into a frown. I don’t care. I just like the taste of death on my plate and palate. Looks like […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Box Car”
Roll box car roll, But don’t leave me behind. Roll box car roll, And show me what you find. You travel so quickly, On tracks made of steel. Wind hits me and I feel The click-clack of a wheel. Roll box car roll, And return me to home. Roll box car roll, And no more […]
Poetry Corner: Carolyn Fallon “April in Benicia”
Such a surprise! Out my kitchen window- A demure, debutante delight, in fragile blossom, Gowned by Spring’s couturier. An intimation of youth and joy, But, alas, so ephemeral, Just like us.
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “Worth Remembering”
It isn’t the whistle that pulls the train; Nor the boom of the gun that kills, It isn’t the thunder that waters the grain; Nor the smack of the kiss that thrills, It isn’t the cackle that lays the egg Nor the grunt that makes the pork; It isn’t the flavor In an empty keg; […]