The tested one. The challenged one. The dutiful one. The prideful one. The one you think you are. The one others think you are. The one you hope you are. The one you really are. James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author […]
Poetry Corner: D.L. Lang “Benicia Bound”
T’was a foggy Benicia morning as I commenced to wandering down the great fishing pier that in yesteryears launched train ferries out yonder as Jack London came a-haunting. She’s a sleepy little town where you can hear the sound of train whistle symphonies often. D.L. Lang is the current poet laureate of Vallejo.
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “‘What If?'”
“What if?’ questioning, Will they be there? Sights and sounds, Memories to share. He doesn’t believe they will. They talk the talk, But talk is talk, He knows they won’t “walk the walk.” He’s at his prime, Knows his trade. Knows what to push, What to evade. Except for the moment, Nobody cared. “I don’t […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Rest Son”
Son, rest warm in your sleep at night. Let not a noise or move cause fright. Walk in dreams alive and clear, Where laughter reigns for all to hear. Be where there is joy and play. Drink full of rest before break of day. Lie there snug with quilt up tight, With stuffed friend near […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Goddess (IRL)”
Your beauty is amazing an artwork don’t need to makeup for anything! I wish you’d let me keep staring. But you call me crazy. I know I’m a freethinker a lover of art loving life isn’t really that hard. I see beauty in breathing Don’t need a god. You are a goddess. Your beauty is […]
Poetry Corner: Mary Susan Gast “The Season’s Greetings”
This is the season Of riotous angels deranging the skies With songs of peace and goodwill. This is the season When past and present swirl Like snowflakes blown across time’s boundaries. This is the season When little children lead us Into mystery and clarity. This is the season Of dogged hope That love among us […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Footlocker”
There’s thirty years in that footlocker— All of them as a Marine. It holds a life of pride And tells of places seen. There’s a shell casing Filled with smooth black sand From a bloody fight On a small Pacific island. He had lied of his age Short months before To become a Marine And […]
Poetry Corner: Katrina Monroe “Walking the Dog at the Benicia Pier”
The Christmas grand dame stands at the end of First Street, proudly displaying her rainbow jewelry sparkling in the sunshine, and surveying the barking seals who sing situations, and bask in the joyfulness of everyday life, while soaring seagulls an egrets suddenly swoop to snatch their supper from the Bay Area’s bounty. The waves brush […]
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 “Snowtown”
It’s a little town that comes to life only once a year— just three cheerful buildings that look like they’re made of gingerbread and white icing, set down carefully along the edge of a fireplace mantle. The miniature snow men and snow women stroll between the bakery and the post office, their arms filled with […]