The Writer’s Materials
“A writer is not different from a reader, in that the common ragbag of orthodoxies and assumptions is what the poet has to work with as well.” – Seamus Heaney
The Holy Family
When I was a small boy, I was a little confused about December 25th. I knew it was the birthday of Baby Jesus, and because he got presents, I got presents too, even though my birthday was in September. I thought it was very nice of Baby Jesus to make Santa Claus give me presents
Lethal Vanity
“The essence of elephant hunting is discomfort in such lavish proportions that only the wealthy can afford it.” ¬ – Beryl Markham, West With The Night Tembo, Monarch of the African forest, The grandest and wisest land creature there is, May soon go extinct unless people protest The use of his tusks in the jewelry
A Quandary
Every day there’s a large flock of turkeys that strut Down our driveway, conversing in gobbles and clucks. On Thanksgiving Day we eat everything but Such amiable birds. It would bring us bad luck To devour our neighbors, who mean us no harm And are handsome, to boot, with a certain odd charm To their
Deep In November
Autumn’s blazon’s gone. The colors of the woods are Rust and verdgris.
The Green Flash
THE GREEN FLASH There are about a dozen people standing and sitting in a large, high, airy room with windows on three sides. The windows are open, shaded by faded green and white striped canvas awnings. The main one overlooks a long grassy hill which ends in a natural bowl. The flat bottom of the
The Joy Of Lying
I take delight in flagrant oxymorons. I’m tickled when I find them popping out Of statements by officials who have gone wrong But try to plant a reasonable doubt. These bumbling authorities tell whoppers And wonder why they never are believed. The Big Lie, so they think, is the foundation Of trust between deceivers and
Natural Law
Flaky Foont: “Where does it all end, Mr. Natural?” Mr. Natural: “In the grave, m’boy, in the grave.” – R. Crumb
November Conversation
“It’s getting late, old friend,” said Death. And you are growing old.” “But I have light and warmth and breath,” I don’t yet feel the cold.” “Your skin’s too loose for you. Your hair Is white and getting thin. Release your spirit from its lair To take its final spin.” “But I’m still dancing with
A Thought About Veterans’ Day
Perhaps we ought to laud our vets by saying no to any more wars.