(December 16, 2022) * That violent, violating jolt.The shudder diminished too fast,As if a hand cupped the car to stifle it deadly still.The lighted interior went pitch in an instant.The Christmas carol was instantly obliterated by a tinkling of the glassThat was dropping away, our protection now projectiles.It was accompanied by a smash, as if … More CRASH

I surprised myself with this poem. It is not my usual subject matter. * The woman sits in the dirt Digging into her pots, Planting bulbs.  Momentarily, a shadow looms, Moving to block her light. She does not need to raise her head To sense this is some foreigner  With a question: * “Why are you … More Planting In Mariupol, 2nd Iteration, Definitive

I do not consider this version definitive. I began with this on my way to the definitive, 2nd iteration. * The woman sits in the dirt, Digging away in her pots Planting bulbs.  Others, older, sit on benches Within the confines of the courtyard. They are oblivious to her presence.  Each one stares at something Solely inside of themselves. The ghost … More Planting In Mariupol, Iteration 1

This is a poem about the human condition. It channels the ghost of Emily Dickinson. Unfortunately, this may well be my greatest poem, the one that lives on after I have passed. * Woeful be the misbegotten who have loved us in vain.  Wherever can they go? There is no time to ever think of … More Woe

While I am primarily a narrative poet, I wanted a version of this poem that was lyric poetry. I might well be able to publish this version. * Dedicated to Dr. Stephen Gould And For Alla Gallagher * * The violin case open in front of him is empty of alms. Unlike others here in the station, … More The Violinist, 2nd Iteration

I encountered two poems in college that have haunted me my entire life. Years ago, I wrote “Pax Aeterna,” my response to Sylvia Plath’s masterpiece, “Mystic.” I have finally written my response to the masterpiece by Rainer Maria Rilke, “Going Blind.” * The violinist was a young black man I continually encountered at Civic Center … More The Violinist, 1st Iteration

I wanted to write a response to the masterpiece by Yeats, “The Wild Swans at Coole.” Nonetheless, my style owes more to Gerard Manley Hopkins. This is one of my best poems. * Dedicated to William Butler Yeats And For Alla Gallagher * My fourth retreat is a nest of old memories.  I search for … More The Missing Peace

* As I started writing this poem, I did not believe it was any good. In fact, I thought it was one of the worst things to come from my pen. It certainly is unusual. But as I persisted, I gradually discerned this piece was the opposite of what I perceived initially. I now think … More The Missing Piece: Beginning, Finale and Codas

Months have passed since your passing.  As I decide to write this poem, Through the window, I finally see A hummingbird sip from the nectar In Thumbelina’s cup, Wired to a tip of the grate.  A good omen, this! I am grateful. * * While the hospital was a hell for you, Hospice was not.  Nonetheless, Toward the … More Forever

As I reached for a door, about to leave the ward, The words of his distress pierced my hearing, On their way to a stab of my heart.      “I can’t understand why       I can’t go home with you.” I turned to catch the look on his face. * I patiently reiterated the truths of our … More Together