How Now

There is nothing I would change

about my life, even if I could,

because it all brought me to this.

Through darkness, yes,

even the valley of death, 

the end result is bliss.

There is nothing I would change

about my life, even if I should,

because it all brought me to now.

Some strife, a magnificent wife,

a noble living, a seeking life,

prepared well for my final bow.

So, what brought me here, through

pain and joy, glee and grief, 

the answer’s simple: Grace, faith, belief.

What Brought Me Here?

How Now

There is nothing I would change

about my life, even if I could,

because it all brought me to this.

Through darkness, yes,

even the valley of death, 

the end result is bliss.

There is nothing I would change

about my life, even if I should,

because it all brought me to now.

Some strife, a magnificent wife,

a noble living, a seeking life,

prepared well for my final bow.

So, what brought me here, through

pain and joy, glee and grief, 

the answer’s simple: Grace, faith, belief.

Shadow

A poem written from the point of view of a painting on the wall...

He stares at me, frequently,

daily gives a passing glance,

not knowing I can also see,

watching as we do this dance.

He knows I have a certain beauty,

sometimes even seems to hear it.

as I hang here in my solemn duty,

does he know how much I’ve held my Spirit.

Perhaps he merely sees my hues,

nothing more, simply that,

maybe tomorrow he will choose

to recognize his loving cat.

Wisdom

In those days 

of rage and anger,

I easily found ways

to get upset, disjointed.

Now, I know my mind,

seek the longest line,

with the chattiest clerk,

the customer who’s the biggest jerk,

and am never disappointed.

Baby It’s Warm Inside

We are also challenged to write a poem, a prequel to another poem we favor, using the last line of that poem as the first line of our new piece...

After Rod McKuen

Baby, It’s Warm Inside

Even as the world dashes headlong

toward it’s very end, daily it seems,

efforting to do itself harm,

I can stop moving, be more

deeply moved, and 

listen to the warm.

On Hole Watch

From Charles Bukowski’s

“The Most Beautiful Woman in Town”

Here, we were challenged to take the last line of a favorite poem and have it be the first line of a sequel...

On Hole Watch

The night kept coming and there was nothing I could do.

I would be vulnerable, above ground for a time, this I knew.

I would be frightened to my very toes, this was certain too.

If I survived, someone would relieve me, I knew not who.

In the meantime, I would perform my duty, as it was mine to do.

In truth, I was ready as shots were fired and missiles flew,

and I clearly lived to report, dear reader, this dreadful night to you.

After Victor Hugo

After Victor Hugo

Before I was a man, 

I was a fitful lad,

regretful, sad, Ill-pleased,

lamenting the life I’d had.

Before I could become

a newborn worker of light,

I strode through valleys dark,

my angry fire burning bright.

There was no path, 

yet miracles ensued,

friends helped me find my own,

my body and soul rescued.

The raging fire now quenched,

the rouged embers languish,

long after midnight’s knell,

yet I know this body healed,

every fiber, every cell.

Blessings in Disguise

With blessings and grace,

with mind, body, soul,

that’s how I am,

that’s how I roll.

When it looks like the worst,

and for solace I thirst,

I just give faith a nod,

knowing I’m one with God.

A Cambodian verse form, Patya Vat

Morning Zen

Early on some days,

just to please my eyes,

I sit, watch the sun rise,

through Mt. Woodson’s haze.

It quiets me 

in many ways,

this simple gaze

over the kumquat tree.

An earthly treasure,

completely free,

available for all to see,

a calming pleasure.

Raina & Art 2019-2020

2019-2020

Raina, Artie, George and Nia,

on your New Year’s anniversary,

we wish we could see ya.

There might be rain, a little snow,

but you have each other,

your loving glow.

A magnificent couple,

with their girl and boy,

who could ask for more 

than the H. family joy?

We’ll never forget it,

that day you said, “be mine”,

we’ll never regret it,

watching your love shine.

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