Looking at your photograph, write a poem from two different perspectives. Write a poem as the person in the picture. Tap into your methods of figurative language exploring what this character might think, say, touch, feel, smell, and sound like.
Then, change direction. Be the outside observer viewing this person. Once again, tap into your methods of figurative language exploring what this character might think, say, touch, feel, smell, and sound like.
Don't be afraid to try and use some of the poetic devices we have studied. Maybe the two characters meet- what happens in the exchange.
Good luck!
The Journey of Life Goes On...
ReplyDeleteLook down that valley – oh, it is long.
I’ve come that whole length, now I am strong.
I’ve trekked all day, to the world’s sweet song.
Oh how far that I have come.
The air, it brushes on my face;
A touch much softer than silken lace.
I feel the warmth of nature’s grace.
Oh how far that I have come.
I look up at the trail I’ve yet to go,
A challenge yes, this I do know.
I’ll work and climb so I may grow.
Oh how far that I have come.
Who is that man upon the crest?
Has he really given all his best?
He has yet to go the trail the rest.
Oh how far he has to climb.
The pains now coursing through his feet,
The sweat upon his face, not sweet,
But bitter on the brink of defeat.
Oh how far he has to climb.
The stench of hurt now fouls the air.
He cannot go on, he mustn’t dare.
For if he triumphs, who but he will care?
Oh how far he has to climb.
The journey forward is rough and torn,
With those who chasten with scoff and scorn.
But if we push on we shall not be forlorn.
The journey of life goes on.
I’m sitting on my beach towel coloring
ReplyDeleteWhen a couple gets up and starts walking
They’re laughing at each other, I’ll bet he’s funny
His foot scatters some sand, honest mistake I’m sure
It gets in her eyes, and she is blinded for a second
Then she hits him on the arm
Why would she do that? It would hurt!
But he just flashes her a smile, perfect and white
Then she reaches out to hold his hand
But don’t guys have cooties? That’s odd
He picks her up and throws her in the ocean
I would be so mad if a guy did that to me!
She jumps on his back, and they giggle
Then she looks over and catches me staring
I blush and begin to look away, but she waves
I reluctantly wave back, feeling so immature for gawking
I’d do anything to be that old
Mature and confident in every way
We get up from the sand and walk
The sand is hot in my toes, warming my feet
He kicks up some sand and it sprays us
Some gets in my eyes, I playfully hit him,
“What did you do that for?”
He flashed me a smile, his eyes twinkling
Those eyes, I could get lost in them
I slip my hand in his, its rough from work
We giggle and he sweeps me into his arms
I’m fine with it until he walks toward the ocean
I protest loudly, but he throws me in
Cold, blue water wraps itself around me
I come up sputtering for air and get splashed
I jump on his back and we laugh
I look over and see a little girl on the beach staring at us
I wave, and after a while she waves back, uncertain
I’d do anything to be that young
Not a care in the world
A day trip with mom,
ReplyDeleteMy hand in her palm.
A warm sunny day,
Perfect in every way.
The sun in my face,
Wearing a hat just in case.
A gentle warm breeze,
Warm enough to wear capris.
A walk through the leaves,
A feat to achieve.
The smell of sweet fruit,
All the way up from the root.
A soft, ripe, red berry,
In my basket I carry.
The sweet, juicy strawberries,
Make me think of dancing fairies.
An hour of fun,
But I want to be done!
*************
Bright summer day,
Perfect for frolic and play.
Hot pink dotted hat,
Upon the top of her head sat.
A cute little girl,
blonde hair with curl.
Crouched among strawberry vine,
Feet and hands entwine.
A basket at her feet,
Full of harvest oh so sweet.
Tasting goodness undiscovered,
Soon over her treasure she hovered.
Luscious red juice,
Across a tiny face set loose.
A dazed, overcome look,
Her high dose of energy overtook.
A long day of bushes to comb,
Time to go home!
Grandma,
ReplyDeleteSeriously,
Can we go yet?
My cheeks hurt!
The pool is just right there,
Do you really need more pictures?
It’s been an eternity!
My feet are hot,
Oh please just let us go!
I’ve been so good,
All I want to do is jump in!
Oh grandma please,
Really?
Finally!
Yes!
Oh these children,
So little,
They want to go,
And just go, go, go,
All the time,
They grow so fast,
Do so much,
Do they realize one day this will be gone?
Surely not,
I just hope they hold tight to their innocence,
And never grow up,
Despite how hard they try
Grandma,
Please tell me about the days when I was young,
When I had not one worry,
Just ran,
And played,
And laughed,
And danced,
Oh grandma life has grown so hard,
Why did I have to grow up?
Smiling Faces
ReplyDeleteIn the quiet crisp wood
We enjoy time with our family
For a family reunion only comes once a year
In the quiet crisp wood
Next to the family cabin
We start a fire for dinner
And maybe some marshmallows after
Next to the family cabin
As our dad snaps a picture
We smile and laugh
At our little cousins as they play
As our dad snaps a picture
At the photo in front of me
I see two smiling people
That could be related, as I look
At the photo in front of me
In those cherry smiling faces
I wonder what was the cause
But I might never know
In those cherry smiling faces
With a knock at my door
I see the man from the photo
And my brother beckons me to dinner
With a knock at my door
I picked up a flower with a long green stem
ReplyDeleteIts smell engulfed my senses; its sight caught my attention
The fuzzy white prickles, I called them, tickled my lips
For it looked so peaceful, content with where it was
She plucked up some weed, from the ground where it developed
That smell was intoxicating, it smelled like dirt
The dandelion she picked made her giggle, how repulsive
Would I ever let my kids do that? No sir, not at all
I sat on the rolling field, of green that radiated an essence of summer
It was nowhere near anything impure, which made the moment so right
Lifting the flower to my lips, I held my breath
And made a wish for another day that could compare to this
She assembled herself on a patch of grass that smelled of rotten manure
It was in the middle of nowhere, nothing to do, just endless boredom
She put the dirty weed next to her mouth, and stopped breathing
Doesn’t she know that wishes are for kids?
I wonder how far I can open my mouth.
ReplyDeleteIts open so big it could be all the way south.
I wear the colors purple and yellow,
To support Littleton High School for my friends and fellows.
I’m watching the football game,
Trying really hard not to go insane.
Score, Touchdown I think we’ve won!
The final score was 27 to none.
******************************
I really think she’s going insane,
I wonder what’s going on in her brain.
With her eyes open wide,
You’d think somebody died.
Her teeth so white,
It’s like looking at a light.
I know that the game has been won
But I think she’s having too much fun.
My face set to stare at the battle
ReplyDeleteBetween two uniforms
Like a hawk with the clothes of a zebra
My eyes follow the fighting up and down
sticks clashing, all over a small black disk
It is my battle to mediate
The observers of this battle may not feel highly
of all the calls I make
But I make these calls for the battle, not for them
Now blocking out the observers
Blocked only by a pane of glass
My face must lay focused on the game
With the ice churning up around me I wonder
what end will this battle come to,
and how can i make a difference in it
***********************************
Look at that ref over there
Being thrown to the fans like
meat being thrown to the dogs
The intense look on his face
Cannot block out the jests of those
that stand behind him
Without that shield of glass
who knows how the fans might attack
the ref who calls the game
The ref's face set in stone
really does not show the fans accusation
He will love you if you give him an eggroll
But the signs that the signs hold
As much as they want to insult and distract the ref
Will never get to him
Holding Hands
ReplyDeleteAs we stare into each other
I know he is the one
He is the answer to all my questions
He made me grow as a person
In the darkest of times we both stood there
Together…
When everyone said no
We both knew the answer is yes
We can make it
Even though we bath dream big
Our dreams collide together
And when things go bad
He grabs my hand and we stare into each other
That was all ten years ago and I miss her
I long for the smell of her coconut hair
For her sweet smell and soft skin
How could she have broken such an innocent heart?
What did it ever do to her besides love?
She dreamed so big she got lost in herself
How I don’t even know that person
She sends happy Christmas cards
Because I want to see how happy see is
But I know its all pretend
It was always just pretend
Now I’m not playing games
I rip this up and throw it in the flames
The Pictured Person
ReplyDeleteWhat a day to go for a swim in this beautiful lake.
The time has come for a dive into the world unknown.
The amazing colors and shapes that are all around me,
Bring me to a new perspective on the new world.
It is a different planet underwater.
Once I surface I find myself entangled in many green vines.
They feel like a bunch of little tubes with large leaves,
And I laugh because I happened to surface under them.
It is good to be back above the surface,
I can smell the fresh, crisp air and it is wonderful.
Another day of exploring the deep blue is over.
What a day it was to go for a swim in that beautiful lake.
A Bystander
Oh my goodness is that person alright?
They are fighting with many vines and I can tell they are struggling.
This fresh wind with the smell of the lake,
Almost made me forget my duty to watch the divers.
But, he also does look like he is having a lot of fun,
Splashing around in the cold and clear water
Watching the sun as a mirage above the surface.
The air is fresh, the water is still, and the world seems at peace.
Today would have been a perfect day to go for a swim,
In this beautiful and wondrous lake.
Lifeless hand
ReplyDeleteFull of blood
3 nice holes
Stitched back up
Careless act
That caused this horrible thing
It hurts and it’s horrible
I can barely stand it
I want the stitches off
I demand it
A horrible nuisance
I think
That I have put upon myself
I wish I hadn’t fallen
And that the window wasn’t broken
It looks disgusting
Sitting there, all weirdly colored
It must be painful
The poor kid
That got himself in this mess
Sure must be lucky
But most of the time
The hand is wrapped in bandages
So the pain is concealed
Still, the kid looks sad
With that big white hand
The days pass by, one by one
ReplyDeleteFeeling lonely and empty within
Nothing seems to satisfy
The painful blackness within me
She looks so perfect
Perfect hair, skin and teeth
And laughing so carefree
Why can’t I be her?
The smile I plaster to my face
Never seems to last when I’m at home
There is no reason to go on
Especially when the public has disappeared
She has hair that flows like the beach
Her eyes as pretty as a glistening diamond
I love her style
Why can’t I be her?
I try so hard to appear flawless
When inside all it is, is twisted darkness
I wish someone could come along and fix this
I am having a hard time coping
Today, she looks so fun to be around
I said hi and told her I liked her shirt
Now we’re best friends and I’m glad too
She’s just as sweet as she looks
Today, a girl I know said hi to me
She complimented my shirt
We became great friends
Told each other everything
I told her she was beautiful inside and out
She really did not believe me at first
She told me about the blackness
I told her, everything will be alright
Who knew that a friend was all I needed
For the twisted blackness has faded
She is so amazing and cured me in an instant
And all I think is, I want to be like her
Who are these people that look at me
ReplyDeleteWhat do they think of what they see
Do they think I’m too thin
And judge me by my weird chin
And say that I’m ugly
While they look away smugly
Or think that I’m pretty
And guess that I’m witty
My heart fills with wonder
And my confidence goes under
I hope they cannot tell
Inside I want to yell
While I walk across this stage
I am filled with rage
If I only knew what they thought
Then I would not be distraught
***********************************
Who is this girl upon the stage
She looks so young, hardly of age
She walks up and down
Likes she owns this town
Her confidence is strong
But can it last long
I wonder if she will ever know
She is the prettiest one in the show
In the morning before she wakes up
Who is this girl with no makeup
Is her life hard or is it fun
I wonder if she ever feels like the only one
Who hides her pains and cries in the night
Wishing for the morning light
Or is she happy and rarely sad
Because in life she ignores the bad
Who is this girl in front of me
What does she think of the world she sees
Finally,
ReplyDeleteHe’s coming home,
I nervously twiddle my thumbs,
As the driver stares back at me,
My heart is pounding,
The car ride over is a lifetime.
I emerge from cab,
Smoothing down my white dress.
Excitement is in the air,
The energy is marvelous.
Celebration is in everyone’s eyes.
Confetti flying,
People singing,
Hugging,
Embracing,
Like they have known each other,
For a lifetime.
I spot a bus,
Blue uniforms file out,
Could it be?
I franticly scan the line,
His jet black hair,
Those mesmerizing,
Deep blue eyes,
I could recognize him a mile away.
I race through the crowds,
Pushing and shoving my way through,
Throwing myself in his arms,
It’s like we’ve just met,
The love of my life,
He tilts me back,
Our kiss is better than any before.
He is home at last.
***************************
I can tell she is nervous,
She stares at her hands,
Her long eyelashes batting up and down,
“Who are you meeting?”
I make small talk,
“My boyfriend”,
She replies in a dream like tone,
“He is returning from the war,”
She adds with pride.
As she gets out,
She flattens her white gown,
“I’m going to go find him,”
She states.
“Please wait here,”
I will be driving them back.
She sweeps through the excitement,
Heels clicking as she walks,
A Navy bus pulls up to the celebration,
She spots it and stops,
Smiling nervously while scanning descending the line,
An indescribable expression comes to her face,
She pushes her way through the celebrating crowds.
She has spotted him,
I conclude.
He swings her around,
Looking like he has just,
Won the best prize in the world.
Oh to be in love.
The corse sand seeps throughout my toes
ReplyDeleteAs the sound of the ocean goes
From loud to quiet, soft to fierce
Then, the scream of gulls pierce
My ears, pulling my wandering mind
Back to reality where I find
Myself staring straight
Into the mysterious ocean like bait,
Transfixed by the beautiful, unrealistic world
That lay before me
*************
She stands up on the beach
As if caught by the beauty of each
Wave that crashes onto the shore
She looks farther as if she can see more
Than we see of her, and solitary girl
Facing the wind, an ocean pearl
With each of my waves, her eyes
Find the beauty that lies
Throughout every place on Earth
She can find the peace
The steam rises off the street, and the smell of rain is overwhelming
ReplyDeleteThe thunder crashes around me
I look up to the sky and let all my thoughts and fear go away with the rain
I take all the rain in letting it soak me and drip down my face
The pouring rain cleanses my body and mind
The rain stops and it is like a whole new world
The grass is greener and the flowers are brighter
The world is a happier place after the rain
**********************************************
I look out the window at the pouring rain
Upset because I have to go out in the cold
It will ruin my hair I will be soaked
Out that window I see a little girl
Looking up and letting the rain pour on her
She is embracing it
By looking at that little girl, I changed my mind
Why should I hate the rain?
It is beautiful, and so is the little girl
That little girl letting the rain take over her body, taught me to love life
Love everything about it and don’t be afraid
So now I am not afraid of ruining my hair,
Or being cold and wet
The only thing I am afraid of is that I will forget to love the simple things in life.
Swing me around the dance floor Dad!
ReplyDeleteSurly you are not bad.
Having fun on this special day
These memories will never fade away.
For someone is getting married today
Giving us an excuse to play.
For I am happy as can be
When you are dancing next to me.
For I was young and still remember
That beautiful day in November.
*****************************************
With smiles as big as can be
They are having fun it is easy to see
The man leading the little girl
And every now and then they twirl
Dancing must be their passion
Because they do so in high fashion
They must be having so much fun
But soon the dance must be done
I wonder how they are doing now
Wondering if they are still making people say “WOW”
Their dancing ability must be strong
And the memories made will be last a lifelong.
Inside:
ReplyDeleteThe world is majestic
With rolling rain clouds
And fields that go
Up to your waist.
I’m the only person
Alive
In the world
And have control over nothing
There are no responsibilities waiting for me,
Or people to nag
Just peace
That comes with every breath
And happiness that beans on you
Like the sun.
Outside:
Only a country girl
Would be crazy enough
To spin around in the field of an oncoming storm
With arms spread,
As if to fly.
Only a city girl
Would stare up at the clouds
In the sky,
With wonder and curiosity.
Only a girl
Could stand to have hair
Whipping around crazily,
While thinking of something else.
Why anybody would want to stand out in
A field at the beginning
Of a storm is
Alien and crazy.
Years and years and years ago with colors bright and smiles shown
ReplyDeleteA family gathered in their warm California home.
Colors so vibrant with hair so short, it could only be in 1970.
A mother read to her children, a book that flowed off her tongue so flawlessly,
As if she was a story teller or the slayer of each horrific dragon.
In a California home sat a family, who loved and loved and loved another.
~~~~~~~~~
We were just children, as you see
The family sat down with me,
Daddy came home from work to see
And work on his photography.
Mother read to Lori and me
A book of all our favorite stories
And we were happy as can be.
Not a care in the world--
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing else
But me, and my best friend playing
Dress-up on a Saturday.
Gowns far too big, down to our
knees
Yet we feel like movie stars
Cameras flashing
Wide, toothy
Smiles
As we embrace--
Best friends
forever.
Two girls, friends since
birth
Smelling of their mother's perfume, draped
in jewelry.
Shining eyes, soft cheeks
Pressed together
Like sisters.
They know not what
the future holds,
Whether they may drift
Apart
But that doesn't matter--
Best friends
for now.
My breathing remains quick and even
ReplyDeletelike the tick of a metronome
in and out in one swift breath
RUN, RUN, RUN
MOVE!
YOU CAN DO THIS!
My face stays blank
calm, cool, collected
my feet make me feel as though I am flying
COME ON SHE'S GAINING,
DO YOUR BEST,
FASTER!
Synchronized with the breath in my lungs
and the even pound of my feet
I glance behind me
Not even close
I silence the screams flying through the air
my ears have closed and I hear nothing more,
just my even breath
steady and reliable
run run run
Muffled sounds fade as I charge my way on,
determined to win
the rough ruddy gravel beneath my feet
begins to pass faster
All else becomes a blur in the periphery
blobs of mashed color fly by
but nothing else matters
I can see the finish line
Hello everybody my name is Fred.
ReplyDeleteI protest the egyptian government with a helmet of bread.
I hope , my bread protects me from their lead.
Because I do not want that in my head.
You may ask me, “Why fred?
Why did you choose bread?
Surely you know it doesn’t stop lead
That you don’t want in your head!”
And I will reply, “You see silly head,
This bread will stop the lead,
It is made from the blood that was bled,
From the knights of old, with armor of bread.”
And then a boy, named Ted.
Walked up to Fred, with bread on his head.
He said, “I understand you Fred,
You wear the bread because it feels good on your head!”
“Ted,” said Fred,
“You have hit the right reasoning in your head,
I wear this helmet on my head because its bread,
The most comfortable thing to men named Fred.”
Photo: Firefighter Rescue
ReplyDeletetaken by: Annie Wells
1997 Pulitzer Prize Winner
The water is rising.
It's almost swallowed that little girl.
We can't get a rescue line across in time.
I'm going in.
Don't worry little girl, You'll be okay.
I have to hold on to this tree.
If I lose my grip, we both could drown.
I've got her. Pull me out!
--------------------------------------------------
Quick! Get a line across.
He jumped in!
That firefighter jumped in!
He's almost got her.
Get the harness!
He's holding on to that tree!
For your sake,
and the sake of the girl,
Don't let go!
He has her! Quick!
Pull them out!
Homeless Man
ReplyDeleteHow many poor choices have lead me to this?
I lost everything and received nothing in return
Ever since I was 17 I was lead off the path
By drugs, girls, and alcohol
If I could have it back I would change
I would have my life back
This ruin of me would change
I would be the jewel of society
All that I am worth is around me
From beer bottles and newspapers
To food wrappers and a few sets of clothes
Is there any way out of this prison?
Can anyone help me?
That stink fills the air of this entire city block
Why won’t you go somewhere else?
Sidewalks are made for pedestrians, not residents
If you want work, McDonald’s is hiring
Fryers and grills will soon become your lullaby
Your begging will not get you anywhere
Giving a man a fish will feed him for a day, teaching how to fish will feed him for a lifetime
Drugs and alcohol distract you from getting the finer things in life
If you don’t change now, you’re never going to get out of your prison
Late at night we pose just before we are going to dose
ReplyDeleteAs the picture is taken, the tram gives us a shakin’
Back from Disneyworld we come; it was past one o’clock when we were done
Just because we are in our teens does not mean our little kid spirits had died
We were still wide eyed
Bright red faces from days of sun pull out the smile of true fun
Our sun burnt noses add another similarity to the list
I do not see her a lot, so she is well missed
Only do we hang at a lacrosse game
But, oh, are we mistaken for one another
It’s kind of like having a twin sister or brother!
********************************************
I look down at my daughter and her friend
They are always together
Their similarities count forever, for example they are as light as a feather
Their Smiles ear to ear are always quite near
These two girls are like a fork and a knife
They will be together for their life
Apparent as can be
Is their friendship that shines like the sun when they are having fun
I have never felt so important
ReplyDeleteNever been a part of something bigger than myself
In my wheelchair I sit, peace fills me , making me whole
I reach my hands into the air, never feeling so strong
************************************************
From the outside I watch a particular boy catches my attention
He is in a wheelchair wearing a face full of bliss
The first thought that comes to mind is, strength
Strength to believe in the others
************************************************
I now rest peacefully on cloud nine
In a place where I am not defined by the chair I reside in
But by part of this community of people bound together by one idea
Peace
I have saved for three years
ReplyDeleteTo see this majestic place
Now here I am
With a camera in hand
So I must cherish this moment
With a photograph to remember.
Like almost everyone else
Who has visited this beautiful place.
Where memories can always be made.
So I can show my friends the places I’ve gone
The things I saw.
With my very own eyes.
************************************************
Oh dear, not another tourist
Why do they all come here?
With the snap of their cameras
And the awe in their eyes
They are just so mesmerized
Of the things I have known
My entire life.
It may be exciting for a short amount of time
But dear tourists
Why won’t you get out of my way?
People dancing all around
ReplyDeleteIn an array of a colors like the sky
A little blue bird is to be found
Perched on a finger called mine
You see people dancing
But why your are unsure
A couple is romancing
The scene is quite immature
The bliss in this moment seems endless
I’m full to the brim with content
This feeling I have is carelessness
And it continues to augment
The trees in this park are very green
The grass and ground are grey
You wish you had brought some sunscreen
Because you want to hide your face away
I say bye to the bird as he flies
And turn to look to my right
Bringing attention to a stranger nearby
And decide to give this person an invite
You see a dancer peer at you
As if asking you to join in the fun
You realize you’re dressed in blue
And feel as though fate has won
The stranger accepts my invitation
And soon is having a merry old time
After while others join the celebration
And their emotions become sublime
You understand how much you never play
To make the conclusion that you don’t mind
And on that un forgettable hot summer day
You finally start to unwind
Holding on for dear life
ReplyDeleteThe water rushing by in a blur
The warmth of the sun and the cool of the lake
There is nothing else I wouldn't prefer
The others on the boats
Lounging and being lazy
Look over to the side
And think, man she is crazy
The salt water in my eyes
I can feel my hands slipping
I move side to side
For the tube, it is whipping
The girl is very dangerous
Who would ever want to do that?
Is it really worth it
In the end to just be laughed at?
I feel the power of the speed
As the boat reaches 25 mph and beyond
I live for the adrenaline and excitement
When the tube crosses the wakes on the pond
Ouch-That looks like it would hurt
With the scratches on your arms and knees
But it also looks like she's having a lot of fun
With that skill- she has expertise
With that one last whip
The water and I collide
It was an epic joyride full of adventure
And I guess Ill just have to go for one more ride.
After my duties were done I went for a walk,
ReplyDeleteI went just around the block.
And just then a huge shadow appeared,
I became engulfed in a fear of being smeared.
I ran to a crack,
At the incoming attack.
The light was blocked,
And the ground rocked.
I want to help but I can’t,
After all I’m only an ant.
The porch I was sweeping,
**************************
When I saw an ant creeping.
I looked around,
And was amazed at what I found.
Greeting all the guests,
An anthill nests.
I took a step in the ants direction,
And he sensed his rejection.
He scurried to a crack,
Pleased, I merely turned back.
People cannot get me
ReplyDeleteThey just do not understand
They do not see what I see
They cannot comprehend
All they see is the crazy hair
All they smell is the chemicals
They do not really care
If I am testing on animals
I struggled through school as a child
I am supposed to be a genius, I know
I was immature and wild
But then I started to grow
I tried hard to learn
And learn a lot I did
People could now discern
From me as an adult or a kid
I chose to be a scientist
Became a very good and famous one
But you can just call me Albert-I insist
I think science is fun
I am having a bad hair day today
As you can see
I have to say farewell, as it is the end of the day
I hope people now can start to understand me
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Hey isn’t that that one crazy smart guy?
Yeah it is! Look!
Why does his hair look he just got his hair dry?
It may be from a shower he just took
Anyways, his stuff goes way over my head
It is just so brainy
Well I should probably head inside and in my bed
I am tired and it is rainy.
I fought in the war between the states
ReplyDeleteI seemed to escape the fates
When all my pals are now no more
Thus were the outcomes of such a war
When it came time to return from base
I could not find my place
***************************
I chanced upon a man
He had a long rough beard and his skin was tan
But there was something in his eyes
something that made him seem wise
I went and sat by him as he greeted me with a smile
We spoke and conversed for a long while
He told me he fought in the Civil War
He told stories of battle, victories, defeats, gore
The war was over when I was just a boy
The only gun I owned was a wooden toy
I was enthralled by his stories
Of his failures and his glories
******************************
Young Will and I became good friends
The kind of friendship that age it transcends
For the first time since the war I found my place
I was sad because I had no money
ReplyDeleteStroking the strings but it didn’t sound lovely
It was a drab world that I lived in
Sad because people didn’t know if I was a her or him
The guitar felt damp from the after storm
Trying to get dinner since the day I was born
I had the short hair and the build of a guy
Yet with feminine facial features friends were hard to come by
I stared through the window at the drab little figure
As the rain stopped the blur started to wither
Chords and lone plucks could be heard through the cracks
As my finger lingered over the onion ring stack
Coins dropped down if the giver was kind
But the head was still drooped and the change not shined
Dull as can be the musician and dime
Yet the notes kept on coming oblivious to time
A coin could be heard as footsteps rushed past
No excitement inside night was running in fast
I can sense through the window a kid pondering me
The glass pane was fogged; my details were hard to see
I was glad for that smudge that one veil of my shell
A mind that couldn’t judge me because it just could not tell
Playing guitar the only thing I can do
To bring me up and show I am not different from you
A spoiled girl I see,
ReplyDeleteIn ruffles up to her neck
An over the top party
Pulses in her extravagant backyard.
And yet,
She is actually…
Pouting!
Secluded in a chair in the left far corner
She lounges alone with a sad face.
Could it be she didn’t want the party?
By the way she dressed it was obvious,
Of course she liked the glamorous lifestyle
She possessed.
The live rock band blasts,
As I try to think why,
Why must she bring the mood down
And have her own pity party?
I keep dancing
And let her slip out of mind.
He didn’t come
My father, absent for most of my life events
He promised this time!
This one is huge, I told him
But work always comes first.
He tries to make up for it
With lavish presents galore,
A red car for hannakah,
3 wiggling puppies for easter,
and now my $10,000 diamond crown
from Jared’s of course.
I know he means well,
But I wish he would just quit.
Everyone here is having a good time
Except me.
They eat my gormet appetizers
And splash in the chilly pool
Thrash to the awesome live band
And don’t even notice me
Here
In the corner.
Alone.
I stare coolly from my pool-like eyes at the camera,
ReplyDeleteThe most suave gangster of the era,
Between my pinstriped suit, and my striped tie,
Well, ladies, don’t be shy,
Check out my fedora, and my sweet chin,
Even more attractive coupled with my career of sin ,
Not a soul can even touch my seraphim-like looks
Or else they’ll be visited by me, and my posse of crooks
Listen to me, my friend,
You could really use some help,
Before your social life hits an end,
So take my advice, don’t make me yelp,
That unibrow, it’s horrible!
I’m sure it’s shaveable,
And then there’s that hat,
It’s been out of style for years, that!
The suit looks pretty nice,
It even adds a little spice,
So now go off into the world,
Please don’t call your gang to make me some sort of tie, curled.
For the picture, go here:http://www.wikitree.com/photo/Al_Capone-2.jpg
The sun blinds me
ReplyDeleteThe smell of exhaust fills my nose
The cracked pavement stings my bare feet in the city
People all around me yell and scream as the wind blows
And I, the person that also looks upon the scene
I see the chaos among the crowd
The smell of sweat emanates from the congregation that is rude and mean
And the place that is never anything but loud
As I walk among the pushy people
I see an observer
She watched me as if I was to be her next pupil
At least that is the talkative crowds rumor
I gaze at the girl in the crowd with the sun bearing down
She meets my gaze
And I decide to hurry in the smog and turn around
Before she puts me into an unbreakable daze
Of confusion is what we are feeling
We both are connected in some way
As if there is a secret we are wielding
This overwhelming feeling is what we both display
In the never ending chaos of the crowded congregation
In sweltering summer day
Of the observation of two with determination
To monitor the situation in a new way
Summer Beauty
ReplyDeleteOn a boat on the sea,
A gentle wave rocks me
And the sun blares brilliantly
In the midday sky,
Greeting my skin
With a golden kiss.
An occasional spray
Of sweet ocean water
Refreshes the clear, blue air
And gently lands
Upon my skin
Replacing the warm summer air.
As far as the eye can see,
Nothing but blue.
Greenish-blue bays
Teeming with fish,
And a sky unbroken
The color of newborns’ eyes,
Gentle and calming.
The birds
And the ocean
Serenade me
Swish-swash, ca-caw! Ca-caw!
As I rest on the rail of the boat,
A solitary human
(for the crew currently hides)
Among this marine stretch.
Peaceful, blissful,
Summer sailing.
The Man Who Raises the Sail
I hear the chef’s skillets
Sizzling below me,
And dishes clanking
As the crew prepares to eat.
But food cannot
Maintain my interest,
For there, on the bow,
Stands a lady
Who captures my awe.
A flattering black suit
Contrasts her golden-brown skin.
And her face, impossibly perfect,
Hides in the shadow
Of an oversized sunhat.
I cannot help but drool,
Feeling the gentle breeze
That gracefully billows
Her shimmering light hair
And that blows my way
The sweet scent
Of her lovely perfume.
The boat gently rocks
To the rhythm of my passion,
And just as I step
Out of the dark shadows
To sweep up
My woman of choice,
My boss calls behind me
To leave her alone
For she asked for solitude
And musn’t be disturbed.
So I sink back into the shadows,
Where I belong.
Out of mind and out of sight.
The man who raises the sail.
A picture that my mom must take,
ReplyDeleteAnd I will show no shame,
Believe me I am not a fake
One day you will know my name.
A super hero I must be.
Stand proud for who I am
Saving lives, one day you’ll see
Those villains they will scram!
My goggles sit upon my head
With cape around my neck
No shirt, but I wear shorts of red
Orange flippers on the deck.
************************
Look at just how cute he is!
The way he stands so proud
That brilliant smile and cape of his
I assure you I am wowed!
Hands upon his tiny hips
One foot before the last
White teeth behind two smiling lips
He must have had a blast!
Around his neck, a towel tied
Yellow goggles upon his head
Orange flippers that he couldn’t hide
As he stood with shorts of red.
"She's really been doing well considering the
ReplyDeletecrash."
Mrs. Linda spat over her bulging, stained, nurse's wear.
He couldn't bear to look at her though,
He had eyes only for his once brilliant mother
She looked happy
That was good.
She was playing with the kazoo in her mouth. squeaking it like the ducks they used to feed together.
her arms were kept steadfast to the chair with padded cuffs, like a disobedient child.
The boy finally looked away, he stood up.
And walked away.
"So comfortable..."
she thought
Blurred eyes scanned the warm outdoors where she sat
she squirmed slightly, longing to chase the butterflies she saw dancing on the wind... or were they leaves?
She breathed the wind in and out
not even noticing the noise of the kazoo.
her eyes pulled up slowly and grittily to the boy who's teary eyes were bobbing away,
he looked so familiar.
Giant bird up in the sky?
ReplyDeleteColorful wings make it fly?
Red, blue, and green UFO?
Cascading down from high to low?
Hot air balloon drifting through air?
Passengers feeling the scare?
Walking closer to the scene,
Reveals something I had not seen,
A boat below creating a wake,
Parachute along for the take,
People laughing from above,
Peacefully flying like a dove,
Bare feet dangling, arms out wide,
Experiencing a thrill one cannot hide,
At the moment, I could not wait,
I marched down to pursue the great,
Signed my name on the line,
Paid my money...I was on cloud nine,
The next one in the air was I,
Parasailing-a sight from the sky,
In my gear and ready to go,
I ascended above the ocean below,
Nothing like I first expected,
All strapped in, I felt protected,
Silent and serene,
Hovering above a carpet of bluish green,
Warm sea air against my face,
Moving at a relaxing pace,
A bird's eye view of the coast,
With a 360 degree angle to boast,
Not a voice or sound I hear,
Just picturesque sights to peer,
Before I know the descent begins,
Left with only memories and grins.
Friends
ReplyDeleteLinking personalities
Seeing one-another’s smiles
Feeling blissful and faultless
Protagonists
Fanatical
Diverse personalities
Content bonds unambiguous
Laughter shall undeniably pursue
Friends
Kids
Becoming older
Learning from each-other
Feeling goodness in life
Support
Irrational paranoia
ReplyDeleteMakes you the enemy
Standing there
With your hair
All slicked back
And your ears
Sticking out like aircraft carriers
They’re way bigger than my own
You bother me
Instinctively
The way a dog trapped outside
Is bothered by its owners
You are my owner
Let me in, you buffoon
Don’t be so stupid
You annoy my brain with your little games
Poking and twisting my every thought into something
It’s not
I know what the root of these feelings may be
I might be jealous of you
Or maybe you’re actually a terrible person
But we’ll let my gun decide who you are
And where you’ll be
Because my mind still
Makes you the enemy
***
This is where you belong, loopy
Your brain has become sloppy and soupy
You’re creating images in your own mind
But it’s alright, because you’re with your own kind
Paranoid Schizophrenics are the ones
Who will take a hold on your own guns
Off in la-la land
Cannot be cured
He’s pulled out a gun
His sickness matured
My brain is on overdrive and blank in the same instant
ReplyDeleteMy legs are feel like lead and yet are almost absent
The rubber beneath me supplements
As The power coming from above relents
The little hair left on my head tingles
While all I ate before the race mingles
My homeland watches along
With the world helping me stay strong
_________
Similar to a stampede
8 athletes break free with incredible speed
Those around me could care less
Their attention in ultimate regress
The distance to the finish deteriorates
The energy starts to escalate
In the moment of victory for the elite
Our eyes meet for a single heartbeat
My hands are outstretched,
ReplyDeleteSurvival is the main concern,
Before my life slips,
Food is what I yearn
I am young and starving,
But many have died before,
People see our photos,
But my future is unsure
People will see this picture,
A photo of utter despair,
And I truly wonder
What people think elsewhere
I look at the photo,
Sadness strikes my heart,
A life of poverty,
Is there anything I can do on my part?
A look in her eye,
A frown on her lips,
Desperate and hungry:
She has a life of hardships
She is so young,
Where will her life bring her?
I feel sadness and look away,
and go from Africa, back to Denver
White like icing it coats the grass
ReplyDeleteSparkling in the sunlight light like a diamond
I run outside on this winter day
Flop down on the snow covered ground
I make an angel with wings so wide
The snow falls gently on top of me
It drifts in to my open mouth
On this snowy winter day
--------------------------------
A little nose pressed against the window
The door flies open, she runs straight out
No coat no hat just a smile
Making an angel with joy in her eyes
The snow falling into her open pink mouth
Clinging to her eyelashes
She looks so young so carefree
Making snow angels on this snowy winter day
My hair grows as long as I please
ReplyDeleteI always make sure it can blow in the breeze.
I can tell you’re staring at my beard
I know you’re saying I look so weird.
But why, I wonder, it doesn’t make sense
I guess some say it’s a major offense
But I am who I am
I don’t give a damn
I do what I want, my appearance is awesome
The nice one’s say I look like a blossom.
But I know, to you, I resemble trash
So go, be gone! I just want you to dash…
____________________________________________
Billy, don’t point and please don’t stare
I know she looks weird, but don’t cause an affair.
Why she has a beard, I just don’t know
So Billy please, just let it go.
Jimmy did you see that weird old lady?
If you ask me, she looks a little shady.
What is she trying to be, a wizard?
What’ll she be next, maybe a lizard?
Hey Rachel, look at that lady that’s smirking
I don’t think her hair is really working
But we shouldn’t be mean, it is her choice
So I’ll try to be nice and quiet my voice
Week two, day five,
ReplyDeleteRunning away wasn't that bad of an idea,
And they said on my own I couldn't survive
After all, it's summertime,
The sun is shining, and its warm outside,
To my name, I haven't got a dime
I made some super cool friends,
And we all just care for each other out here,
Just hanging out wherever the street bends
No worries and I'm doing what I choose,
The smell of cigarettes and more is constant,
I'm feeling the urge to ditch these old shoes
I'm enjoying it in this erratic old city
................................................
How long has it been?
Those kids never leave that nasty street corner,
They all look like they slept in a trash bin
It's such a shame,
America's youth wasting away on the sidewalk,
Its all that flower talk that's to blame
Someone is bound to get hurt,
The kids don't have any parents or guidance,
They haven't showered and wear ratty t-shirts
Just a line of them down the block,
Leaning against the closed store fronts,
Smoking, crowding the walks
When will these mangy kids just leave?
I stare.
ReplyDeleteThey stare.
Maybe there's something in my hair.
I look on my shirt, but it's totally bare.
Some metal object is now there.
It takes a quick SNAP and I'm scared.
"Take a look at my kid" they said.
Look at how cute is her head.
"Mom" says her, in front of Ted
"If you show another one of these, I'm dead."
Replied with "Better start digging your bed".
Ping Pong Petrov
ReplyDeletePetrov is the name
I really love ping pong
The way it makes me feel
So free
So delicate
It is my life
It is an honor to be chosen
My homeland, dear Russia, picked me
I will fight for my country
No matter how difficult it is
Or how tired I get
Here it goes
Breathe
Ping
Rats!
I missed
How could I miss?
I have failed Russia!
Stupid
Stupid
Stupid
But more importantly
I failed my dear mother
How can she be proud of me now?
Oh the agony!
Never again shall I play Ping pong
*****************************************
Who is that man?
He looks so happy
When he talks to himself
So crazy
So awkward
It is so funny
He’s wearing a red sweat suit
It says Russia on the back in large letters
Focused, holding the paddle
He raises a sweaty arm
Wow that’s gross
He pauses
Breathes
Ping
Oh
He missed
He throws the paddle
He hits his head in despair
Smack!
Smack!
Smack!
He falls to the ground
Sobbing uncontrollably
That must be embarrassing for his mother
When he screams
I quietly walk away, it’s just too weird
What a fantastic place
ReplyDeleteThe beauty, full of grace
The sight a beauty to behold
A moment like this a treasure of gold
A time to spend with my wife
No better way to live life
The roaring waterfalls all around
The splashing water coming down
Up here where the mountains meet
Life could not be more sweet.
********************************
Look at the happy couple there
Breathing in the mountain air
This old couple, long connected
Life together have perfected
Waterfalls as the beautiful backdrop
To the life that one day must stop
The smell of pine trees flowing behind
Their life a desire of all mankind
Together forever, until at last
They slip from this world into the past
I’m riding my horse along the river
ReplyDeleteThe water is calm and the breeze is cool
The trotting hooves follow the current.
When I was eight I discovered this place
Where my dreams flow like water
And I come here every week.
As I come to my hideout
A man lay sleeping
As if there was no tomorrow.
I was mad and disappointed
That someone had disrupted my paradise
I thought of waking him up to make him leave.
But I decided to go because the man looked tired
As I hopped back on my horse and pulled the reigns
I wondered what the man was dreaming.
*************************************
I was peacefully resting when
A teenager on his horse
Woke me from my deep sleep.
I hadn’t slept in three days
I was looking for a soft place to rest
I liked the feel of the dirt and water around me.
Why did the boy disrupt me
He was so full of himself
Riding away with his horse.
When I was sleeping
I had the same dream again
The one about my mother.
I wish she was here
It’s been years since I’ve last seen her
The only way I see her is in my dreams.
The Fountain in Spain
ReplyDeleteWe sit by this quaint fountain
Seemingly safe
At least that’s the way I feel
With his arms around me
Secure
But I know that we are not
I know that someone is always watching
Waiting
Life shouldn’t be lived completely in fear
I forget sometimes that this is exactly what my life is
It’s easy to do when I’m with him
When I am being held so tightly…
*************
It is hard to know where I am sometimes
The places, the couples
They all blur together
I am a zombie chained up in a room full of the living
The happy
I am never “the one”
I am always living in a shadow of regret
Lost hope
I pretend to be the happy one
But who am I kidding?
I hope that they, at least, are happy
That couple on the fountain…
Sock-hop
ReplyDeleteHere we go!
Everyone’s lined up and we have bags on our legs
I look around and laugh at my friends
Summer is finally here!
It’s just for fun, but we are competitive as we await the signal to start
BAM!
Someone pops a balloon and we’re off!
Hopping, jumping, pushing, screaming, running to the finish!
We are too giddy to see who won, but instead give each other high fives
After stumbling out of the sack, I see a girl, watching us from across the park
I tilt my head in curiosity. I don’t know her
I lift my hand in a wave, her eyes widen and she quickly looks away
I shrug and turn back to my friends
It’s a perfect summer day
==============================================
I’m walking through the park, but giggling interrupts my peace
There are girls in sacks, racing to the finish
So carefree
I am not like those girls, having fun there
I am shy
I laugh to myself as one of them pushes another over in an attempt to reach the end
What nonsense, but fun nonetheless
The girl with black hair spots me and waves
I panic and quickly look away, embarrassed at being caught
I turn back to look at the girl, but she is already occupied
Being easygoing, taking the chance to do something daring
Something fun
But it’s just another summer day
Joy in Simple Things
ReplyDeleteOh look!
What a wonderful sight,
The bear, it moves like it is alive!
And that silly face,
I want to reach out and just brush it.
My mother's glowing shine like diamonds,
And I giggle and try to leave.
The child, so happy,
Not knowing the world around him,
Enjoying the little things in life,
Things that adaults overlook,
Becuase it's "childish" or "immature,"
He can't help himself and tries to leap,
For the dancing bear.
I wish I could be like her.
ReplyDeleteI envy her I really do.
Why does she get to have it all?
Cars and shopping sprees at the mall
And here I am, with nothing to my name
I’ve got no chance of a future
And she can she her name in fame
I wish I could be like her
I envy her I really do
Granted she doesn’t have it all
But she doesn’t take anything for granted
Nothing is to small
There she is, she knows the value of a dollar
I get poor grades and she’s a practically a scholar
I wish I could be like her
I envy her I really do
She doesn’t have a care in the world
When everything is handed to you on silver platters
Her world is like a ball, just a whirl
To her nothing matters
I wish I could be like her
I envy her I really do
She’s got really character to her
She appreciates everything
And my life passes me by like a blur
People like her for her; she’ll be the first to get a ring
I envy her I really do
I just want to be her
Her life seems perfect
I envy her I really do
I want to be just like her
She really has it all
I found a foreign traveler, a pale, ghost-skinned man,
ReplyDeleteWho looked like, he could lend me a hand.
Tall and wise, although I won’t mention his size.
The boy had dark eyes,
Void of life, about to give up.
Yet, when he saw me,
A spark came and set them free.
I took his hand, and brought him to my father,
Who looked like a lamb, that just escaped the slaughter.
He grasped my hand,
In an iron-hand clasp,
And took me to, a frail old man.
I pleaded for his help,
But he just stood there and stared,
Like he didn’t even care.
The boy exclaimed in an unknown tongue,
But trying to understand him, was no fun.
Then I stopped, and pulled him out back,
So hard, that I made him drop his pack.
I showed him the family crypt,
And watched him trip,
As he finally understood what was wrong,
He didn’t look so strong.
He seized my hand,
And took me to a shrine,
That was covered in vines.
Then it dawned on me, at this place by the sea,
The true nature, of his father’s health.
Irrational paranoia
ReplyDeleteMakes you the enemy
Standing there
With your hair
All slicked back
And your ears
Sticking out like aircraft carriers
They’re way bigger than my own
You bother me
Instinctively
The way a dog trapped outside
Is bothered by its owners
You are my owner
Let me in, you buffoon
Don’t be so stupid
You annoy my brain with your little games
Poking and twisting my every thought into something
It’s not
I know what the root of these feelings may be
I might be jealous of you
Or maybe you’re actually a terrible person
But we’ll let my gun decide who you are
And where you’ll be
Because my mind still
Makes you the enemy
***
This is where you belong, loopy
Your brain has become sloppy and soupy
You’re creating images in your own mind
But it’s alright, because you’re with your own kind
Paranoid Schizophrenics are the ones
Who will take a hold on your own guns
Off in la-la land
Cannot be cured
He’s pulled out a gun
His sickness matured
The flashing lights and the stares
ReplyDeleteAre becoming too much to bear
The pressure of perfect clothes and fantastic hair
Money and designer clothes to wear
Childishly, I decide my life is not fair
They yell out, “Do you have a moment to spare?”
I try to smile, but shoot a glare
Does anyone notice, does anyone care?
*************************************************************
I watch from afar, with pity in my eyes
She is young to deal with the world’s lies
The media crowds, not noticing that she seems shy
No one sees that she is about to cry