tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71932092024-03-13T14:31:53.467-05:00Why not?An earthquake of expression. A tornado of thoughts.
A blizzard of boundaries. A Weickian world of wonder!Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-4111129130870154342021-04-18T23:35:00.001-05:002021-04-18T23:35:15.498-05:00Forbidden<p>Packed tightly in cedar walls</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They sit folded but unused,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Purchased for the right occasion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But now forbidden by my wife.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Still many years later they stay <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Because, she says, ‘old men <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Shouldn’t wear shorts.<o:p></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-4988065081890549332021-04-17T23:33:00.008-05:002021-04-17T23:33:56.139-05:00Untitled (so far)<p> From its perch high above</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It watched the goings-on below<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The diluvial transitions,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The wise men’s travels,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The 95 nails being struck by a
hammer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Like a younger sibling<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It played a lesser part,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The run to the campground pit,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The romantic couple’s overlook,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The chatter of friends beside the
waves.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">While behind the scenes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It moved the world in subtle ways,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The boats that gently rocked,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The weather forecast altered,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The changing moods at home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But when given consideration<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It welcomes the attention,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The giant leap of mankind,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The terror of ancient tribes,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The home of the man in the moon.<o:p></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-13479745807501463732021-04-15T23:07:00.001-05:002021-04-15T23:07:06.295-05:00Bloody Hell<p> Another shooting.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Another child won’t go home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Blood belongs inside.<o:p></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-254691525091908322021-04-14T23:38:00.000-05:002021-04-14T23:38:44.543-05:00The Corner<p>Sitting in the corner</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Salty tears rolled<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Between the outer layer of skin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And the inner soul of a man<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Whose heart cried out<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In screams heard by angels alone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">His family rolled on holding hands
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And inconsequential banter<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Between Pavlovian bells<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">From electronic friends<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">While hollow meals and chores<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Marked an eternally passing time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As days dissolve into lonely
fitful nights<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">With painful back, knees, head,
and hands,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And heart-hurting silences from his
loves,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">His mind moves from corner to
corner<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">With salty soul watering tears
inside<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And compassionate angels’ ears.<o:p></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-14569812476715949892021-04-13T22:59:00.001-05:002021-04-13T22:59:38.029-05:00Late night<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Napowrimo, you say.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A poem every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s best you don’t delay<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until you hit the hay<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To decide what to parlay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you do wait to convey<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A rhyming poetic display<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The result might betray<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The forced rhymes you slay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-20543347354908107802021-04-12T23:00:00.004-05:002021-04-12T23:00:48.578-05:00In the Heartland<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Someone told the weatherman</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To call his coverage area<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A word the community would like, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, he called us “the heartland”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With agriculture in the area <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It certainly was on land,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And everyone in the community <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Has a heart in their possession.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The weatherman was new to newscasting
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With the on-air presence of a geek
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who loves storm forecasting <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">More than public speaking skills.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, he called the place “heartland”
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again and again and again and
again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thirteen times in the weather
segment <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So we knew he connected with viewers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All of us who live with hearts and
live upon the land <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Appreciate his interest in making
us feel like friends, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">… But not 13 times in one segment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-83296434976495479382021-04-11T23:23:00.002-05:002021-04-12T09:53:38.167-05:00Getting Old<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Losing your mem'ries<br />Is not like an avalanche.<br />It's a glacial drip.</span></div>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-66158194333681467692021-04-10T23:56:00.004-05:002021-04-10T23:56:49.405-05:00Getting Smarter<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">At the appointed start time all had arrived.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The professor watched a chessboard of faces.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Each square showing a living smile and bright eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When questions arose a dozen blue hands appeared.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The screen sharing showed only what was intended.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There were no barking dogs or screaming children.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Education happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Isn’t it pretty to think so?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-66035594371476096062021-04-09T23:26:00.000-05:002021-04-09T23:26:11.083-05:00Handy To-Do List<br />Fist bump
<br />Thumb war<br />Inter-laced<br />Cross palm<br />Arm caress<br />Shoulder wrap<br />Waist cuddle<br />Cheek brush<br />Neck hold<br />Thigh rub<br />Lip touch<br />Breast brush<br />Midriff squeeze<br />Chest caress<br />Nipple pinch<br />Hairless surprise<br />Pearl pat<br />Foot rub<br />Dishes done<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-41678848949742213912021-04-08T23:39:00.000-05:002021-04-08T23:39:09.264-05:00Dry Buck<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The wind’s been moving the dust
around the grave</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For 113 years but the brush
covered hill<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Never grows any smaller.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The high valley snow measured in
feet<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blown by the same wind to mountain
drifts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is never cleared from above her
head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The wild grasses that grip each drop
of moisture<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Struggle to break through the hard
pan soil,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Crushed by the occasional grazing cattle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her sweet mother Eleanor died in sweltering
Phoenix<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But never did rise again after
giving birth<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So the baby was given her mother’s
name, Nellie. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her heartbroken father took her
and her brother home<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To his mother’s ranch in the Idaho
wilderness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But he was taken by TB before she made
a year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In 300 days grandma Mary lost a son
and a daughter-in-law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After raising her own 15 children
she became<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A mother anew to infant Nellie and
Ophel Jones.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The emotional agony must have been
supreme<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the 3-year widow struggled to
survive herself<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Raising two tiny grandchildren on
the dusty ranch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But a greater test awaited her as
the dry summer winds blew.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Consumption claimed orphan Nellie
from Mary’s gentle arms<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Never to see even one full year of
life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She took Nellie’s body to this hillside
and dug a dusty hole herself,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With weighty tears striking the
dirt like exploding raindrops<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mary buried the baby in the dark shadow
of the home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the high mountain valley of Dry
Buck Canyon <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nellie’s body rests alone in the
dust and grass today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No stone or cross marks the place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-66192053742337154742021-04-07T22:36:00.002-05:002021-04-07T22:36:49.809-05:00A Spring Kouta<span style="font-size: medium;">A baby big boy Burpee </span><p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Planted in a plastic pot </span></div><p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Lightly leans its leaves to light – </span></div><p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Salad snack to be.</span></div>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-19555621169915609282021-04-06T23:40:00.002-05:002021-04-06T23:59:02.942-05:00The South Fork<div class="tg-wrap"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dQJ102tN5M/YG0yytwD4-I/AAAAAAAC7_c/40JDyh-y8uEcPJA4U9Yfq4cL1u8YJxnIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1920%2BPrices%2BPlunge_original_front.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="People swimming in the swimming pool in 1920" border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dQJ102tN5M/YG0yytwD4-I/AAAAAAAC7_c/40JDyh-y8uEcPJA4U9Yfq4cL1u8YJxnIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w376-h267/1920%2BPrices%2BPlunge_original_front.jpg" width="376" />
</a></td>
<td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fmATCzvK8k/YG0w-PTmOlI/AAAAAAAC7_M/bFpwBxRk1sIMjG-ltSbkpEFPOpTs2DwSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1991_07%2BMarcus%2BPrice%2Bnear%2BPine%2BIdaho%2BHot%2BSprings.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Marcus soaking in hot springs" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fmATCzvK8k/YG0w-PTmOlI/AAAAAAAC7_M/bFpwBxRk1sIMjG-ltSbkpEFPOpTs2DwSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w179-h270/1991_07%2BMarcus%2BPrice%2Bnear%2BPine%2BIdaho%2BHot%2BSprings.jpg" width="179" /></a> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;">
<span>John homesteaded beside the warm spring<br /></span>
</span>
<p></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">at the end of Grouse Creek.</span>
</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Oliver played within the warm spring <o:p></o:p></span>
</span>
</p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">in his own back yard.</span>
</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Eugene made camp beside the warm spring <o:p></o:p></span>
</span>
</p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">known as Price's Plunge.</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">David swam in the warm spring pool <o:p></o:p></span>
</span>
</p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">on the way to Featherville.</span>
</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Marcus soaked in the same </span>warm
springs</span>
</p>
<p></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Bathed in by his father, and grandfather,
</span>
</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">His great grandfather, and great-great grandfather.</span>
</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In mother nature’s South Fork playground<br /><o:p></o:p></span>
</span>
</p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Nothing ever changes.</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-68736328278789715022021-04-05T23:17:00.000-05:002021-04-05T23:17:53.307-05:00The First Time<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I kissed a girl <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She said I did it wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(She told me eyes must be closed.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I kissed a guy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It didn’t take so long.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(I was really unprepared.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I wore a dress<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A wig obscured my head,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(While rocking makeup, heels ‘n hose.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I saw a woman’s breast<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A baby was being fed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(I didn’t quite know where to look.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I proposed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She told me “absolutely no.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(The second time she said “no” again.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I saw her glow<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She told me she loved me so,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(And then I drove her home).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first time I was engaged<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She eloped and didn’t tell her folks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(She didn’t tell me either.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve died a thousand little deaths since then,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Imagining places I’ll never know,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As age begins to take its toll.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But now I know to close my eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To wear low heels and only glance, and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To not give up when first answered “no”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-52735492293660130802021-04-04T23:54:00.000-05:002021-04-04T23:54:10.844-05:00The Space Between<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uoEjp-M6No/YGqXvsKFuHI/AAAAAAAC79M/s4aLRi4amJQ_Jn7Um799Elv6MXIYOOS3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/vision%2Bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="576" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uoEjp-M6No/YGqXvsKFuHI/AAAAAAAC79M/s4aLRi4amJQ_Jn7Um799Elv6MXIYOOS3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/vision%2Bsm.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In the space between</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>L-P-E-D</i> <i>P-E-C-F-D <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>E-D-F-C-Z-P (maybe F)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>F-E-L-O-P (or is it B) -Z-D <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>D-E (could be F) -F (two F’s in a row can’t be right)-P-O-T-E-C </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Things begin to make sense<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>Which is better?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the blurry world comes into view,<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Flip. Click.
<i>This one?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facing life’s unclear choices,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Flip. Click.
<i>Or this one?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And negotiating unexpected corners.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>This one?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The ink and pixels, paint and light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>Or this one?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Give clarity to the road ahead.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slide. Click.
<i>Which is better?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-44163631327780552832021-04-03T23:38:00.000-05:002021-04-03T23:38:06.124-05:00An Easter Prayer<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tomorrow, God, could your hand touch</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those wrongly in incarceration,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those suffering in isolation,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those in eager anticipation,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those overwhelmed by obligation,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those seeking transformation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tomorrow, God, could your hand comfort<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Angry men who trust in guns,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mothers who cry for sons,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shoulders that carry tons,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those whose final breath departs their lungs,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And those who have lost loved ones?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tomorrow, God, as we remember your Son arose,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember those confined to chairs and beds,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember those with chronic disease and addictions,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember those seeking refuge in distant lands,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember those desperately looking for a meal,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And then, after all that and more, if you have time, remember
me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-29075398644707369262021-04-02T23:34:00.002-05:002021-04-02T23:34:44.691-05:00Choosing the Wave<p style="text-align: left;">Duty whispered “consider me,”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">When commencement tassels turned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The Guard’s education was free,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">For a few years’ service earned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Parental support was not likely,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Yet in public affairs I would be,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Creating stories that honor duty,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And the adventures of a bear named Objee.</span> </p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Several enlistment forms would I see<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">With paragraphs on each leaf.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I read each obligation closely.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">To choose the waves of the sea.</span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Yet the recruiter failed to show</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">At the appointed date and time</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And a different wave claimed me.</span></p></blockquote>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-19956986475383967042021-04-01T23:52:00.004-05:002021-04-02T17:06:00.351-05:0021 Feet<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> #NaPoWriMo2021</span></h2><span style="line-height: 107%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b><u>21 Feet</u></b></span></div></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">From the golden delicious home<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">To the rocky wall and lilac bush<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">A backyard field of dreams.<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">From a dusty patch in Kentucky blue<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">To the meadow fescue edge<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">An open green for childhood dreams,<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">To below the crested hillside<br /> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Above the mint and carrot patch<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Where bunnies, birds, and butterflies dream.<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Just 21 feet from the apples to the lilac wall.<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Just 17 feet from the lilacs to the dusty patch.<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Just 22 feet from the patch to the minty hill.<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Yet behind the young boy’s eyes<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Each appeared to be 90 feet,<br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Beneath the roaring crowds it seemed.</span><br /></div>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-48751978199398058932021-01-03T00:53:00.000-06:002021-01-03T00:53:00.258-06:00Genealogy<p> Sometimes, when it's late at night</p><p>And I'm alone with Sportscenter </p><p>Turned down low, filling the void,</p><p>As I read dozens of search results</p><p>From hundred-year-old newspapers,</p><p>Trying to uncover a cousin</p><p>Whose name seems forgotten by time,</p><p>I feel the presence of relatives </p><p>Surrounding my chair, </p><p>Whispering in my ear, "Read that one."</p><p>"Don't quit, you've almost found me."</p><p>And when a marriage is revealed,</p><p>When the step of a sibling is understood,</p><p>When an infant death is discovered,</p><p>A child that nobody knew about, </p><p>A child whose mother's tears</p><p>Fell so far away and are long dried into dust,</p><p>I think I hear a great cheer, a shout of joy, </p><p>From beyond the TV, beyond the neighborhood,</p><p>Whispered in my ear, "thank you for remembering."</p>Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-50565809089869762302020-04-01T00:28:00.000-05:002020-04-01T00:45:05.436-05:00Love in Isolation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
While a deadly stalking coronavirus</div>
<div>
Silently crept thru springtime shadows</div>
<div>
Preparing to grasp the breath from us,</div>
<div>
Medically isolated in lonely boroughs,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
For fourteen days she risked her life</div>
<div>
Going store to store while social distancing</div>
<div>
To find her husband's Beefsteak Rye</div>
<div>
His favorite for sandwich making.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Greater love hath no woman than this<br />
To hunt and gather in jungles of germs<br />
Pushing wobbling carts through deadly mists<br />
Until long-empty shelves were reaffirmed. </div>
</div>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-27466085710724959532019-05-05T08:51:00.001-05:002019-05-05T08:52:31.395-05:00Mourning<p dir="ltr">The raindrops fell in waves<br>
Sometimes gentle spaced by time<br>
Othertimes drenching downpours<br>
So overwhelming as to block<br>
The view across the street.<br>
The water so thick, the road ahead<br>
Seemed blurry and dark.<br>
Mental windshield wipers<br>
Delayed, continuous, high speed<br>
Flapping to restore normalcy<br>
Removing the salty symptoms of<br>
Unwanted weather from public view.<br>
But once overwhelmed, it seemed best<br>
To turn them off and wait out the storm.</p>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-41020404099410498202019-04-30T23:51:00.002-05:002019-04-30T23:51:36.014-05:00#NaPoWriMo2019 Inspiration's Best<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Inspiration’s Best</h2>
For 30 days I have written<br />
The poetry bug I’ve been bitten.<br />
Daily prompts I’ve often followed,<br />
Some with self-consciousness swallowed,<br />
That Robert Brewer, and Napowrimo suggested<br />
And Phil Kaye and Sarah Kay requested.<br />
As time now runs out<br />
A final poem I must put out<br />
A word-smithed collection<br />
Of impromptu inspiration.<br />
The clock ticks down<br />
But no words are found<br />
So, I end as I been trained,<br />
In speech it has been ingrained,<br />
To finish with a summation<br />
Of my best lines of inspiration.<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Her angelic touch imprinting a memory</li>
<li>A permanent record of a living child, a survivor</li>
<li>Yet petitioning prayers yield heavenly hints</li>
<li>Then with each thrust of the wrist</li>
<li>My heart is still going. I didn’t die during the night.</li>
<li>If I could be me, I would speak.</li>
<li>I give you virtue – to manifest humanity.</li>
<li>Replanted row by row in scratched out soil.</li>
<li>While placing offerings of food and water.</li>
<li>Go skinny dipping with friends.</li>
<li>While prayers echo off the walls</li>
<li>The ridges and edges of a lover’s moistened skin</li>
<li>Another 30 minutes. 30 minutes -30- ###</li>
<li>Her fair cented heir flowing down to teas the heels of her fete.</li>
<li>I fear that if you don’t take care, dear Jab.</li>
<li>She stays up ‘til 2 or 3 – but only when it needs to be.</li>
<li>A sister missionary posted a thesis on our door</li>
<li>But instead, he is really quietly brilliant.</li>
<li>Vaulting under timbers, swaying restfully.</li>
<li>Searching skies for asteroids, astronauts, and airplanes.</li>
<li>Who’s music sheets contain long periods of rest</li>
<li>The clay castles in the concrete jungle have kept me busy.</li>
<li>I love potatoes, but not microwaves.</li>
<li>Horning in on flocks of hornbills at a watering hold.</li>
<li>You are my Parthenon, my Basilica, … I am your Ponte Vecchio, your David.</li>
<li>May I enter your courts with thanksgiving, shouting joy and praises to thy name?</li>
<li>He knew me.</li>
<li>Moments of meditation, mediation by modestly moving our minds.</li>
<li>When little ones give gifts of dandelions or partial bites.</li>
<li>A word-smithed collection of impromptu inspiration.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-57865525536647479032019-04-29T23:29:00.004-05:002019-04-29T23:39:09.194-05:00#NaPoWriMo2019 - L<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
L</h2>
A big sister’s love plays<br />
When little brother or sister<br />
Want to pounce and jump.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love glows<br />
When reading books together<br />
For the twentieth time.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love endures<br />
When loose lips and fists<br />
Bring harshness and anger.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love inquires<br />
When tears leak out of eyes<br />
And sadness springs forth.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love receives<br />
When little ones give gifts<br />
Of dandelions or partial bites.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love takes<br />
When danger or injury<br />
Might result from carelessness.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love gives<br />
When sharing toys or snacks<br />
Gives joy to the little ones.<br />
<br />
A big sister’s love teaches<br />
When little brother and sister<br />
Need to learn what love is.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-55288505339661859022019-04-29T23:01:00.000-05:002019-04-29T23:39:00.721-05:00#NaPoWriMo2019 - Divine Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Divine Days</h2>
Sabbath, rest.<br />
Jumu’ah, prayer.<br />
Uposatha, cleansing.<br />
High Sabbath, judgment.<br />
Tsukinamisai, offerings.<br />
Shmita, fallow.<br />
Jubilee, release.<br />
<br />
All people proclaim<br />
The power of personal<br />
And persistent pauses,<br />
Moments of meditation,<br />
Mediation by modestly<br />
Moving our minds<br />
Toward making peace.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-4849043586363711642019-04-28T00:00:00.001-05:002019-04-29T23:38:49.483-05:00#NaPoWriMo2019 - Eugene<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Eugene</h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew trees by name.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew birds by song.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew plants by leaf.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew carpentry by father.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew plumbing by study.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew labor by example.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew humility by mother.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew courage by experience.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew honesty by heritage.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew people by observation.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew persuasion by practice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew politics by passion.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew railcars by business.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew religion by reading.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew love by living.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He knew me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193209.post-82407940682868657382019-04-27T23:44:00.003-05:002019-04-29T23:38:39.160-05:00#NaPoWriMo2019 - What is wanted?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
What is wanted?</h2>
What is wanted?<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"></span>Dearest Father, who art thou<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"></span>That findest time for me<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"></span>A sinful and worldly soul?<br />
<span style="margin-left: 0px;"></span>What is that?<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Father, it is I, who am born again<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Seeking to do thy will that I might<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Be worthy of renaming as Abram and Sarai.<br />
<span style="margin-left: 0px;"></span>What is that?<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Father, it is I, a child of goodly parents<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Who taught and raised me to serve others,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>That all might be raised to a higher place.<br />
<span style="margin-left: 0px;"></span>What is that?<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Father, it is I, a disciple of your son<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Who condescended that we might be live,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>That the pure in heart may see thee.<br />
<span style="margin-left: 0px;"></span>What is that?<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Father, it is I, whose health is failing,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Whose strength is fading in old age,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Seeking thy approbation for all eternity.<br />
<span style="margin-left: 0px;"></span>Blessed art thou, my son.<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Father, it is I. May I pass through the gate,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>May I enter your courts with thanksgiving<br />
<span style="margin-left: 40px;"> </span>Shouting joy and praises to thy name?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Dr. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110441744155267859noreply@blogger.com0