I am thankful for what is unpredictable— the sudden gush of rain, the lightning and the thunder— the insistence from this world to pay attention. I delight in colors indigo and orange, what gels into a sunset. I’m elated for what begins again— the wide-eyed dawn, the seasons that return in cycles of joy. But […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: The Urge to Merge
I live in California Pretty close to San Francisco Not right in The City But so near that I can say so When I’m driving in my car And traffic’s getting rough I try to hold my temper Until I’ve just had enough I see all kinds of people In the cars I see surround […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Honorman”
San Diego. Fabled land. Where you stuck out a young, bronzed hand. To be awarded, for all to see. The paper passed, from him to me. Weeks of training, it had been fun. Most had pride. Some had none. The paper hangs framed, on the living room wall. Remembrance of a youth, who once stood […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and reason”: The Why of Pets
What kind of pet? A Pussy Cat A Turtle Or a Frog An Aardvark Or a Goldfish An Iguana Or a Dog Maybe folks keep pets because It makes them know they’re needed Human beings can let you down And make you feel defeated Husbandry with animals Both now and in the past Might be […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “The Trouble with Hello…is Goodbye”
She would scorn me if she knew, That I mourn, but oh, I do. And I cried on day she died. Because she left me before I was ready. For us, it was love at first sight; Altogether, she was a beautiful person; The most gentle woman I have ever met, and yet—– She left […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Keep Laughing”
He extended his right hand. Greeted me with “03”, Though he knew I was another. Strong grip he gave to me. The doctor’s room was quiet, As we two stood there. A few moments of words shared, By two men with gray hair. He said “03” in honor. Our last conversation was started. We stood […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: What Happened to Forever?
Life was smooth and easy As each day just slipped along You and me together We were both where we belonged I think it was a Wednesday In the winter or the fall That we began to bicker About what I don’t recall You said, “You were the on that said…” I said, “You said […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “To Be a Success”
He said it almost casually As if He expected that I knew Or should know What was true. He was a man I had seen, and heard Many times; Among his peers, then as now, Considered a giant; A success, I guess. He had an ease about him Unbefitting, I thought, A man of such […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Rain”
It was raining then, as it is raining now. The drops cooling the earth where we made our first vow. The wind brings again that breath of chill, That I knew before when you loved me still. The drops dance lightly round my face, Mixing their bodies with the tears they erase. A muffled sigh […]
Poetry Corner: Johanna Ely “Birthday Poem”
It is one hour and fifteen minutes until my birthday and I am announcing I love you to whomever is listening. In the kitchen I’m hugging my son who wasn’t there the day I was born but who loves that I gave him life and am still present- these written words turning autumn leaves into […]