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 […]
3 poets laureate to celebrate 6 female poets in free library event
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will bring together three area poets laureate for “Voices of Change: American Women Poets Who Have Made a Difference.” The evening will feature Johanna Ely, Benicia’s poet laureate; Diana Lang, Vallejo’s poet laureate; and Genea Brice, Lang’s predecessor […]
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 […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “A Sketch from Life”
On my way home from today I came upon a scene so sad It made me mad, and caused The blueness of the sky To grey. Today. My neighbor’s son had caught a snake And with great glee, he tied it to a stake For all to see. When it was done, with all the […]
Poetry Corner: William Emes “Sacrifice on the Front Line in Yountville”
Once it was between men wading in their own blood. Once it was between men cowering in trenches. It was between machine churning through the sand. It has been the vastness of the sea. It has been the emptiness of space. Now, it can never be wider. It stretches painfully between men who cannot understand […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Living or Just Breathing?”
Some live lives while others just live lies Every second dies. Surprised? Reliving the past Remembering the moments Tryna make ’em last. Bad feelings buried deeper than the bottom of a well. Negative feelings leading to straight to Hell.
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Introspection
I used to be a cynic I saw the glass half empty The good things in the world were just Some carrots used to tempt me And then one morning I woke up And put my pen to paper The poem I wrote made all that stuff Just vanish into vapor A light bulb lit […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “High on a Hill”
High on a hill, In the day or the night, He will stand there just watching, And recalling the sight. One near yet so far, But still lost to the view, Is the one that he visits, And the one he talks to. Blossoms open in springtime, And crumple in fall, And he talks to […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “Mourn Not”
Mourn not untimely death; mourn not the waste of talents unrefined, of life not spent before Satanic illness, in its haste to kill reviled a life…from heaven sent. But count the moments—gems of treasured joy: The humor, strength and love he could impart. Each word, each smile—let not the grave destroy A soul which lives […]