Senior Exercise Class Sincerest thanks to long-time Benician, Mary Frances Kelly Poh, she read one of my poems recently on Facebook about the atrophying physical condition of this 75-year old and responded by email, that I should join her exercise class. I did! Wow! Am I outta shape! Later today Wednesday, as I now write […]
Applications open for poetry scholarships
The window has opened for poetically inclined high school seniors to apply for a Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarship. The honor, named for Benicia’s first poet laureate, was established in 2015 to be given to two graduating seniors– one from Benicia High School and one from Liberty High School who are skilled in poetry. The […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: A Fish in a Bowl
I am a fish and I live in a bowl And to one day escape is my ultimate goal I am owned by a man who stands up six feet tall Who I watch through my bowl which he bought at the mall He often ignores me as hour by hour I plot and I […]
Poetry Corner: Katrina Monroe “No More (Dedicated to the Parkland School Victims)”
Their young bones cry out to the world, “Why?” Their please echo down the corridors of a building so anguished it closed its doors forever, its sounds of laughter extinguished. The learning and camaraderie gone, a symbolic tomb for those whose tender bodies were carried away. The young man in his loneliness cries, “Why?” Hearing […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Tin Roof Rain”
The rain is hitting on the tin roof. We’re all safe and warm inside. The dog snuggled up close by the bed, And I have my arm around you. Your fingers are running through my hair. You hear the words again, I’ve often said, “Hold me tight and love me. Breathe softly on my chest […]
Poetry Corner: Johanna Ely “I am Tired of Waking Up to the Faces of Dead Children”
I am tired of waking up to the faces of dead children who smile at me from the T.V. or computer screen. I want to tell them they are not dead. I want to reach down into the earth into the ashes and resurrect them— pull them up by their bones and hug them to […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “To Gail”
There was a time, alone. When all that was, was known. Our modern reverie And nobody there, but we. And, oh, to hold your hand Feet curled in the sand. In one fleet moment, to feel Something truly real. And, oh, just one brief kiss. And oh
The A Cappella Handyman: The Poems of Benicia
This was supposed to be Part 2 of the column, “Pieces of Work” about my ever-evolving employment history, but that’s more of an odyssey than this writer wants to deal with right now, so my apologies for any angst I may have caused. I’d rather share a few recent pieces, scenes about town, much more […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Destiny
The Dreg-ish-ness inside my soul, that’s fueled me all these years And stood by me through thick and thin, in triumphs, trials and tears Rekindles now to venture forth, to tour throughout the land And join with my old friends again, rebirth our erstwhile band A fair wind blows behind my back, the sun shines […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Our First Date”
It was March 17th, fifty-seven years ago, A long time has passed, I know. She walked across the quad while I held my stance, She asked me to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. I said “Yes” for my own sake, And thought, “I’ll give the girl a break.” We went into the gym and danced on […]