Watercolor Words
Topic: Watercolor Words
Watercolor words
cascade through my brain and paint
a beautiful you.

Poetry Dies
Topic: Poetry Dies
As poetry dies
the world is stark, dark.
Make my words just disappear;
I flounder for expression.
Capture the inkwell
before a sea spills.

Who He Was
Topic: Who He Was
He was the debonair sailor
you met that summer eons ago
when you visited Aunt Rhoda
near Boston harbor.

He was on his last leave
before a two-year
tour of duty overseas.

The three days you spent together
were idyllic. Everything
and everyone duly faded
into the background.

You had a very difficult time
when he had to leave, but
you promised to write, so did he.
He would come home to you.

You moved; he got reassigned.
The mail was delayed. You lost touch
with each other and never found
him again. But you never forgot.

Neither did he.

In Memory of the Future (revised)
Topic: In Memory
I remember my solitude
as it will be five years forward.
Much like an isolated rabbit
ever watchful for his next predator,
I wait for you.

Ten years ahead, I?ve developed
a nervous tic in my neck
from constantly looking back.
My eyes are blurred and shadowed
with the impossibility of age.

Fifteen years in my future,
I surrender to my destiny
and forgive my hesitancy
in living my life each day.
I fear you?ve already left
even before you arrive.

After twenty years, it barely matters
since my thoughts migrate
regularly without season.
I watch the calendar and wonder
which day will be my last,
but I finally understand

you will be there then.

My Everlasting Once
Topic: My Everlasting Once
I never married, never littered
the world with images of myself,
and never asked for immortality.
I squandered my days in work
and words that become my legacy.

I keep to myself with only
a significant few others?quietly,
somberly?to contemplate life
and its varied conspirators.
My thoughts on most idiosyncrasies
shared only between pen and paper.

Were I to expire?simply be no longer?
the few I know could profess to know me.
The intangible nature of my mind
might cause suspicion among some
of my questionable associates.

How little they understand
the multi-faceted diamond
that is my warped and twisted brain.
Surely, they recognize purity of heart;
they must cope with insanity as well.


This is based very loosely on An Everlasting Once by Theodore Weiss

Lackluster Moon
Topic: Lackluster Moon
The lunar orb lacks luster
compared to my thoughts.
What once mesmerized
my nights, now disturbs
each sleepless dream.

I bury my head under pillows
and my body under blankets.
My bed is my shallow grave,
but my soul is tormented
since it can't depart my body.

The lackluster moon haunts
my purgatory much
like a poltergeist in search
of unsuspecting victims.

But I know he watches
and waits for only me.

Remember When?
Topic: Remember When?
Remember when
it was fun to make mud pies?
Goo could ooze between
fingers and even toes
and life was good.

Somehow mud pies
no longer appeal.
Dirt seems dirtier
and soap my friend.
Even snow angels
are too much trouble.

This is the price
of getting older.

Write an Image
Topic: Write an Image
Write with a passion
what you know?what makes most sense.
Paint pictures today.

Make me a mountain sunset
with your watercolor words.

For Mike
Topic: For Mike
Today is such a big day
in your young life.
You?ve gone
from ?uncle?
to ?dad?
at the fate of the court.

All of your hard work,
persistence, love, and money
have paid off.
Your sister couldn?t have
asked for more.
Most of all, your belief
in the good things in life
have saved you both.

Look forward
with pride and hope.
You have
a wonderful son
and he,
a perfect father.

For Doug and Laura
Topic: Doug and Laura
As you start the journey
through your engagement,
remember, this is only the prelude
to many years together.

Attention in the coming months
will be given singled-mindedly
to the "event," the wedding day.
Again, perspective please.

May your wedding day
be everything you ever dreamed.
It is, though, only one solitary day
that marks the beginning.

Remember to plan for the life
after that day. Remember to cherish
those first moments of "husband,"
"wife," and "marriage."

Those tiny moments adhere quickly
into "ever after." Savor the delicious
taste of each and treasure them always.
Plan not just the event, but forever.