Cocoon
I go about my day wrapped in respectability, drowning in duty, displaying my pleasant smile, gracefully answering minutiae, never ruffling the waters, never stirring the stew. But after dinner in the twilight I play the piano -- Tear off the mask, rip open the sores,...
Your Eyes
You can tell a lot about a person by their eyes. I have seen bulging eyes, Bloodshot from allergies, Darting from side to side, Always looking for adulation, Never noticing the downward glances From those who are hurt or neglected by the all-consuming...
When My Love Makes 40 Clove Garlic Chicken: A Recipe
When my love makes 40 clove garlic chicken, he goes to the grocery store and carefully selects garlic heads that are firm and not blemished. He also buys elephant garlic, for it has an even milder flavor than regular garlic. It also has larger cloves, so he doesn’t...
Go to Him
This poem was inspired by the sensual and haunting song, “Wait for Her,” by Roger Waters, the bassist and creative force behind the legendary rock group. Pink Floyd. He, in turn, was inspired by the poem of the same name by Mahmoud Darwish, the passionate Palestinian...
A Kaleidoscope of Love
At dawn, our love was bright with promise. Rays of yellow sunshine Danced with delight through our days. Verdant green vistas stretched out before us. Orange and white wildflowers sprang up As our love blossomed. In the evenings, our passion pulsed Deep crimson...
Counting My Blessings: My Experience in the Stanford Psych Ward
In the fall of 2008, I entered Stanford Hospital. No, I did not have a rare kind of cancer or leukemia. My sickness was also insidious, elusive and frightening. I suffered from bipolar disorder. I was haunted by moods that swung high into the unreal heavens and down...
HAUSER
This poem was inspired by a performance of the Croatian cellist, Stjepan Hauser, in a breathtaking ancient Roman Amphitheater. You may watch it on the YouTube at “HAUSER & friends: Gala Concert at Arena Pula 2018.” Watch it and become entranced! HAUSER ...
Pebbles from Moonstone Beach
I love to search the shore, Select smooth stones that shimmer Under the liquid shine of the sea. Turquoise, coral, amber and onyx. Each one unique, Shaped by the wind and waves, Nestled next to seaweed In swaths of texture and color That rival a pointillist painting....
Oleander Ladies
Oleander Ladies The hardy oleander bush Flourishes along highways Oblivious to the exhaust Of passing automobiles Vibrantly hued flowers Bend on graceful stalks Like the long-limbed ladies That stroll along Union Avenue They glance enticingly At passing customers Who...
Kit Fox
The following two poems I have submitted to CSUB's spring publication featuring poems on the theme of California's flora and fauna. I chose the kit fox and the oleander. Kit Fox It flickers across the field Swiftly moving As if its feet don't even touch the ground...