The time has arrived for Benicia to have a new poet laureate. On Sunday, Tom Stanton assumed the position as Benicia’s top poetry official, and he takes the reins from Johanna Ely. In his new role, Stanton promises to bring some bold new ideas to the title. Stanton is no stranger to Benicia’s artistic community. […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Forgot”
By chance we met again last night. You so startled, with a breath of fright. The voices were the same as words we shared. Using phrases, though few truths were bared. The girl who promised to wait forever. The boy on whom fate used a lever. “We’ve all missed you,” your words had said. My […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Enemies of Reason”
Enemies of reason Merchants of hate. Kids showing up to school late. Hall passes. Kids ditching science classes. Crooks peddling fiction books giving kids an imaginary hero. Telling them they’re broken like windows. “Y’all need this!” plead the enemies of reason. Drug dealers in suits poisoning the minds of kids. Taking advantage of their innocence. […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Little Boys
Little boys are grumpy When they first get out of bed Crying, whining, screaming; “Was it something that I said?” Then a dose of chocolate milk It seems to chill them out Mothers know what works the best For boys without a doubt Now let’s have our breakfast Turkey bacon, scrambled eggs Tossed around the […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “The Package”
He stood there thinking, moving his feet. His only love waiting across the street. The light seemed stopped as he waited at ease, Watching her dress ruffled by the breeze. The small package held firm in his hands, While inside lay the tiny gold bands. For a moment he looked from the woman he knew, […]
Poetry Corner: Johanna Ely “Build a Library”
Build a library where 7,000 books become 100,000, where children with Teddy bears listen to stories until they fall asleep, and teens study late into the evening, cell phones left on vibrate— where neighbors meet to hear a famous author speak, or a musician play guitar. Build a library where literacy is a free gift, […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: The Illusion of Ownership
Think of all the things on Earth, which people think they own Buildings, land and money, they can spend or waste or loan It all works if everyone, respects the current laws Sometimes ownership breaks down, exposing all its flaws We use small bits of paper, which we trade for things we buy We’re living […]
Poetry Corner: Johanna Ely “A Pair of Haiku”
Haiku for Carolyn Under the white plum— a snowstorm of memories covers two old friends Old Woman Haiku By the open door an old woman undresses— the moon her voyeur
Poetry Corner: D.L. Lang “How to Swim Through a Tornado”
Violence starts by simply not seeing one another as human beings, but as usable things to be molded as we please. It grows when we allow our emotions and expectations, to control our actions rather than pausing to reflect on how our actions will affect others. When we ignore the cries for help that sound […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Nanak’s Langar”
Truth is immortal Light dispels darkness Some call him Guru Nanak I call him a dreamer a rebel, a challenger but they get mad at me for doing the same. I’m baffled at people blind to their own hypocrisy. The “Go With The Flow” mentality, maddening insanity. And it seems to be never-ending! Covered heads […]