Sit quietly at the water’s edge, under the delicate calligraphy of black branches. Listen for the tiniest ripple of still water- let it soothe your heart. Notice how a pale blue-gray sky sweetens to dusky apricot on the horizon, how it softens the distant bridge, the sleepy hills. Watch the gulls careen and swoop, fly […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “My Father’s Face”
I saw my father, Again last night. He appeared to me, When I turned on the light. I looked in the mirror, And saw his face. The same as mine, Same hair, same eyes, yes, same face. The tree to the acorn, The acorn to the tree. Son of his, Came to be. I understand […]
Poetry Corner: Andrena Zawinski “Singing Bird Haibun”
“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.” ––Basho It is not a steely-eyed egret nor heft of pelican but just a singing bird that catches my fancy from a balcony perched across from pines lining the marina. Here I make watch of another shifting sky, distant buoy sounding swells in […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: August
August stay, that we might play, please let our summer linger Lest the trees, let loose their leaves, and turn to bony fingers Your poppy brings us dreams of dragons, breathing smoke and fire Your onyx sports, its black and shiny, formal-wear attire Lay still upon the grass in August; find a four-leaf clover Wish […]
Poetry Corner: Andrena Zawinski “Pareidolia”
On the moon’s craggy canvas, our brains brushstroke a face with droopy lids and fleshy smile from craters and ancient lava flows. We spot Demeter on a russet, the Virgin Mary in a quesadilla, Our Lady of Lourdes on an oak bark, reclining woman as Mt. Tamalpais, amazons battling cumulus nimbus, a smiley face emoji […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “The Folk Singer”
The house lights dim He walks on stage— Applause turns into hush, In keen anticipation of His stories, rich and lush. He sings of places far away Of lost loves, and of home Of promises, of restlessness That make me want to roam. His tempo carries me away His words just what I feel I […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “2 August 1964, Black Knights, Fast Boats”
Time to ride, Daylight is done. Fast boats ready, Warmed by the sun. Black berets snug, Safety there in pride. Rumble of the engines, Compass for a guide. Lock and load, Ready for the fray. Senses on “Go”, Sent for the prey. One more time, Move into the night. One more time, Look for the […]
Photo: All’s Fair for Benicia poets
The A Cappella Handyman: Poets’ Conversations
Poets’ Conversations JPL6’s gonna be outa town, So she asks TES, our Poet-Artist To emcee the Benicia First Tuesday Poets’ Night Meeting for Aug 1, 2017. Who in turn calls me, sayin’, “Can you make me a reminder poster For the Flock, theme’s gonna be, ‘Writers, Poets, and Song,’ And can you sing something, too?” […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Which Age to Act
“Act your age Jeff! Act your age!” It’s ringing in my ears! People have been telling me To act my age for years My Mother and my Father And my coaches and my teachers My girlfriends and bartenders And my workmates and my preachers As I’ve gotten older My condition seems to worsen I still […]