! Days Of Power Dedicated To Michael Karl ! The Eve Of “Compete!” (Processed. Examined. Weighed.) ! As the doors to Tucson Strength open, A rookie lifter, I step into check-in chaos.  Michael is quick to assess:  “I’ll wait for you in the car.” I cool my heels in a huddle.  Seated next to my stance,  A woman lifts her … More Days Of Power

! Boxing Forward Dedicated To Lizetta Smith, And, 41 Lines For Josiah, Aged 41 Years ! We enter our “fight club” as chance selects us, Huddle there only to talk and laugh.  As usual, Coach Lizetta intervenes by raising a glove, Followed by our captain, Karen, aka “99” Shouting, “Listen Up.!” Silenced to attention, we rivet our sight On the curling paper taped to the mirror. … More Boxing Forward

The 10th Iteration was adapted from the final lines of the 9th Iteration to be a specifically Spanish poem. I utilized an online translation site. As a result, I suspect the translation may not make much sense as Spanish.  ! February 17th, 2023 10th Iteration Spanish language version ! Do not be deluded, death is an illusion.  We … More February 17th, 2023/10th Iteration

February 17th, 2023 9th Iteration Dedicated to my beloved husband, Floyd Russell Taylor ! Poem ! Since you died, as if you were a god, Say, a Zeus, You visit and put on a guise: ! At first, a petal from a blossoming tree, You landed in my hand While you whispered in my ear: … More February 17th, 2023/9th Iteration

February 17th, 2023 8th Iteration Dedicated to my beloved husband, Floyd Russell Taylor ! Poem ! Comfy on the couch, Tired from being overly, overtly happy, A renegade thought escapes my Id: “Despite the many days like this, Life was better by his side.  So much so.”  Mind you, no longing, no wanting.  This is … More February 17th, 2023/8th Iteration

In Memoriam: Floyd Russell Taylor ! He has turned his back to us To kiss the earth. Yet something of his nimbus stays with us As a blessing. Ascendant, The inherited mark of Cain all humans hide, No longer casts his shadow as he wanders. Nor can he curse (as if he would), And send … More His Emminence

Car Carnival ! Dedicated To: M.K., J.D., D.J., B.B. ! ! What wonders! For hours at a time, they lure our curiosity. Each displays an eccentricity of design no longer dreamed. In their aggregate called a show, they are a tableau to fill a vacant lot, Until the traveling rodeo rides back in with a Whoop! ! Men beautify these wrecks into beauts, Reglaze them with the colors from … More Car Carnival

! ! February 17th, 2023 (6th Iteration) In Memory, Floyd Russell Taylor Also, Dedicated  “In Pectore” ! ! ! Having arrived just prior to demolition, As if this were the gift of a scar to mark God’s favor, I was permitted to revisit the wings of the seminal seminary  Where I had taken my deepest breath, Where my timid mind began to fly temerity.  Distracting furniture had been extracted. … More February 17th, 2023/6th Iteration

! ! ! February 17th, 2023 (5th Iteration) In Memory, Floyd Russell Taylor ! ! ! Since that day, my days have dimmed. By the lookout, daybreak is gauzed by blinds, spliced by slats.  They hide the seat where once I sat  And foolishly hoped for the impossible.  Walking through the afternoon monsoon, Searching for Oz, often, the rainbow flickers … More February 17th, 2023/5th Iteration

! Ghost weddings are practiced in China and other countries to ensure dead family members aren’t alone in the afterlife. They can unite two deceased partners or one living and one dead. ! February 17th, 2023 (7th Iteration) In Memory, Floyd Russell Taylor ! ! I sit contemplating this anniversary.  Wooden window slats at half mast, as the … More February 17th, 2023/7th Iteration