“Small Minds” by Hans Hofmann
truth bangs its head
on low ignorant
beams of mistrust
it simply can’t stand
in cramped space
of small minds
(originally posted November 2013)
NaBloPoMo
All posts tagged NaBloPoMo
“Forest Wonders” by Carol Nelson
I eavesdrop on trees
on their eloquent colloquy
these standing professors
distinguished and tall
carry calm conversation
on subjects profound
coming each from his
different perspective
though sometimes a topic
aligns them in teams
with sycamore, hemlock
the hornbeam and pine
gathered into debate
against hickory, maple
and chestnut and oak
each filling the spaces
between them with gestures
from different-length limbs
emphatically turning
multi-finger-tipped hands
to some elegant point
of discussion
I’ve learned much
of the nature of things
through my listening
years in the forest
no longer do mysteries
phase or perturb me
I now know the deepest
held truths of existence
the means of perfecting
man’s genius, correcting
his squalors of civilization
alas these rich timbertold
wisdoms must ever
remain here
I cannot divulge them
I’m sworn to the
secrets of brotherhood
even as shag-bark grows
slowly in place of my skin
(originally posted November 2013)
“Eagle Eye” – Image from pinterest.com
why do birds have eyes
for creatures
no others can see
what have they done
to earn private feast
biologically blessed
exalted by mute evolution
with powers to
measure and judge
every nuance
of movement
within seas of motion
like wavering acres
of tall flowing grass
or lamentable thoughts
that escape
down the cheeks
of a guilt-shaken man
(originally posted November 2013)
Tlaloc – Aztec Deity
rain is mine
to command
to call down with
benevolent flourish
or halt with a
brandish of temper
either way
I am Tlaloc
the giver of glory
through abundance
of prosperous yields
or through famine
of punishing drought
either way
will your story
be written
forever on stones
of the pyramids
praised upon altars
or damned in the runnels
either way
it is you whose
behavior will choose
from my gifts
but as son of the war gods
I may nonetheless
move to destroy you
(originally posted November 2013)
This Norman Rockwell painting appeared in Look magazine in 1968.
It is titled “The Right to Know.” Here is the caption:
We are the governed, but we govern too. Assume our love of country, for it is only the simplest of self-love. Worry little about our strength, for we have our history to show for it.
And because we are strong, there are others who have hope. But watch closely from now on, for those of us who stand here mean to watch those we put in the seats of power.
And listen to us, you who lead, for we are listening harder for the truth that you have not always offered us.
Your voice must be ours, and ours speaks of cities that are not safe, and of wars we do not want, of poor in a land of plenty, and of a world that will not take the shape our arms would give it.
We are not fierce, and the truth will not frighten us. Trust us, for we have given you our trust. We are the governed, remember, but we govern too.
where’s the parade
for the regular Joes
the everyday Janes
solid citizens
leading their lives
without drama
pursuing the dream
not illusions
seeking modestly
quiet contentment
respecting the rules
stoically struggling
to hurdle the obstacles
wantonly thrown
with ruling class glee
in their paths by a
government grown
to an insular bloat
disconnected from
people who bear
all the weight
of a civilized upright
exceptional nation
for they are the
spine of republic
(originally posted November 2013)
“Rabble Rouser” by Paritosh Sen
rhetoric devolved
flippant glib partisan hacks
whip into frenzies
hot-buttoned constituents
bloodsport provocateurs
(originally posted November 2013)
Book Illustration by Stefano Navarrini
one flick of the lance
should unhorse your conceit
ink can overwrite
even the blackest intent
with a legible triumph
(originally posted November 2013)
“Pas de Deux” by William Tolliver
the music of anger
drifts upward
escaping like steam
from a belly wound
quickly dispersed
free of gravity’s oath
holding both of our
misshapened spheres
in their mutual orbit
a pas de deux
wobbly but danced
through two lifetimes
avowed to keep step
for better or worse
and the better by far
has it evermore been
(originally posted November 2013)
“Pentimento” by Mickey Cunningham
gestured apologies
scratch at ill-spoken
impasto on canvas
first brushed by
pure heartstrokes
with lush lusty colors
now dulled beneath
layers of life wanting
clemency knowing
not how to reveal
vibrant passions
from under smeared
rancor built up
by dismay not
with she who sat
model in full bloom
of youth but with
he the self-loathed
and failed artist
who never could
capture that singular
moment again
(originally posted April 2013)
“Poppy Field IV” by Diane S. Dean
petals drawn
through warm blood
drip their sacrifice
staining pressed
peaceful lapels
with remembrance
of lives never lived
beyond wars
lost to exigent
perils of politics
fouled with aggression
demanding and daring
the best of our youth
stand and fight
for the principled
causes of liberty
each generation
has answered that
terrible call
rising tall
to the challenge
each time without fail
laid their beautiful
bodies between
right and wrong
in those reddening
fields where their
valor would seed
and volition
would propagate
delicate monuments
flowers for heroes
to decorate memory
(originally posted November 2013)
Poesy plus Polemics 