Steady chants outside
draws me to my small window
I am an ancient

Large colorful signs
I squint to find just one word
I limp to my chair

Why do they walk, chant?
young people don't trouble me
except a shooting

I think they mean peace
I am told they are harmless
I say let them be

Each warm summer eve
When the moon peeks from a cloud
I gaze at his face

When his lips pop up
I'm convinced he views my grin
It causes a giggle

When his lips sink down
I wonder about his mood
Do I change him so?

Eyes shut late at night
I see the moon in my dreams
no clouds to hide him

The moon is so bright
I can dance in its shadows
a cloud passes by

A bird winks at me
while sitting on a thin branch
I whistle, he flies

The lake remains still
until a  bullfrog leaps in
the water is clear

Forest greens like rain
I drink the water droplets
watch the sun peek through

Love is an invisible creature
hidden, it sees, feels, smells, touches and tastes
it holds the power
to fuse those in its path of timeless existence

**** goddess, keeper of the planets
ballerina arms, slightly bent
one at the elbow
hands flare, fingers wispy
like creeping vines
miniature head, twisted, disjointed
slight smirk on her petite face

Knees curve
reveals the soft darkness below
rich as a stemmed glass of deep red wine
thin curvaceous torso
full bosoms
she reaches out for a caress
void of love's fusion

Abstract world of brush strokes
echoes the artist's gift
black lines express her contour
muted hues of pink, yellow
divulge her sumptuous flesh

Goddess of lust, alone, yearns
for her earthly artist
to transform, fulfill her covets
together, as they drift among the planets
melt away into brilliance
a masterpiece to behold

My stress soars beyond the planets
birds' whistles hush
senses daze
ghostly notions
shroud me in heartbreak
one star catches my eye
perceives my torment
sprinkles me with warmth
to ensure a serene plateau

Rough seas assuage
subtle fog
faces concealed with cloth
awaken to a ghostly city
albeit, hesitant movement, unsteady
as prisoners' death rise
distance demands

One fervor to fly
like cooped up birds of prey
takes priority over all else
flocks of birds' salvation

Emotions unbolted
hurry to taste the rain
soak the sun
sense the buds, smog
sweat of the city

Bizarre is the normal for us
rousing, prior to lockup
as it is, eager, a fresh smell
touch, passion, like strangers anew

The dark virus upon us
killer of desires
cleaves our tender attachment
hips lock together
our breaths' steam
clouds our love vision

Shadows shroud us
blossoms wilt
as does our cores
reflections on our drift
assures our own nests
endless oceans asunder
rise of the moon
painful farewell
wet lips entwine
spoons us closer

We part with a cup
rich with water droplets
alone we dream
disturbed we slumber
conceals our agony
romantic whispers over rough seas

I amble along city streets
skin to skin shoppers, fast pace
people watchers, tots wailing
car fumes, taxis swerve, screech, sirens
turmoil of the mind
I bear my moody thoughts with me
my brown cracked leather journal
copious scribbles, sticks to my hip
I jot down slivers of life

Couples smooch
biker delivers food
pregnant woman waddles along
two toddlers ride their bikes
homeless man, face concealed
slumbers on a rickety bench

The city unveils me
my cracked journal preaches
deep in my core
I fetch myself
in a silent universe
begs me to write
upon chaos around me
where I slip in to my inner self

Ancestry, mystery of one's core
Great-Grandfather, mentor, patriarch
carver of carousel horses
adorned with colors
of an artist's palette
inspiration for generations to flourish

Across torrent waters
of a vast ocean
he begets his progeny
the artist's palette
settles into the hands of my father

He, out of many siblings
inherits the consummate gene
glued to his canvass
like a musician embraces his harp
he brushes landscapes feverishly
rolling green farmland
against a vast turquoise sky
oils of color that stretch to the earth's crust

Ancestry lines smack me in the face
I envy my father's talent
luck and patience speaks as
I unearth my own
painting and poetry
an ancestral reality
grateful for the gentle horse carver

Red, plump, juicy, sweet, a bit prickly
a wee green flower sits atop
I tiptoe carefully through
tiny earth paths between rows of bright red

I pick strawberries
when school is finished
and the hot sun reaches its peak
trees are heavy with leaves
some branches almost reach the ground

My basket is always full
well, not quite
eat one, throw one in the bucket
I smear my lips and tongue bright red
a mess on my freckled dace
I lick my lips, afraid to lose a morsel

My grandma bakes strawberry pies
I stuff my mouth
globs of whipped cream

okay, ready for more!

Your spontaneous obsessions
of which I fall short to acknowledge
will assuredly provoke nightmares
upon my last meager reposes

My age creeps
like a ghost, silent, sinful
eyes with bird wing creases
oozes out of its corners
deep crevasses from nose to chin
ruts in between the eyebrows
wrinkle cream slops on
day after day
night masks, stiff,sticky, peel-off
contemplate the mirror
ouch!
more remedies

Serious reflection
I scrutinize faces of women my age
compare to my own
but who ages gracefully?
someone buries poison in my genes

I mull over my close family photos
smack from both sides
my fate screams
father has worry wrinkles on his forehead
mother has a double chin
grandmother has floppy underarms

I persist to my Hungarian ancestry
beauty experts agree these young women are stunning
I explore older family photos
still I detect the same
creases, wrinkles, ruts, blotches
I weigh my options
surgery? fillers? Botox?
scary notions

I think I'll dream of those pretty young Hungarian women
let nature decide my fate

12:25AM, dark, still
at once gentle rumble of the freight train
passes through my village each eve
three horn blasts startle me
as my eyes droop, book in hand
my clue to sip some brandy
view the antique ticking clock
turn the loose switch on my favorite lamp
smooth my silk coverlet
puff my down pillow
ease my drowsy head
muse about my sailor boy
in a distant place
until slumber shrouds me
in perfect bliss

The flag-draped wooden box slides down
a cold steel ramp
the drizzle slightly dampens its vision
It is a dark, bleak early morning
my eyes blur, hours of bawling, heaving
dried tears on my face and black suit
my little ones hold tight
looks of fear emanating from their eyes
bewildered

Soldiers soaking wet, stand like statues
never move, no emotion
carry out their duty
the flag gently folds in perfect form
plants in my shaky hands as a gift
though I pause to receive
whispers of thank you
I stand motionless, rigid, timorous
I am vacuous, no one stirs me
thoughts ramble through my mind
why did he go?
Why him?
I am a widow

We blink in sync
five seconds, he's astray
the Red Head Finch greets me in the morn
in a distinct and inviting play

We cement our friendship
he lands on his perch at dawn
wings flutter, our cryptic wave
he chirps to arouse, as I stretch and yawn

Dark world virus, kills those who gasp for air
solitary confinement smacks us all
distressed, we open the window and sob

we wail for those whose spirits have left us
we clap for those who care for our sick cores
and laugh for all of us who stay healthy

You, the peerless one
who strokes my nose and cuddles
my top pal ever
we're entwined in our love fest
our cores match a knot
we grab each other's giggles
and muse the dream thoughts
we move beside as one

Years pass and we age
but our lures refresh our flesh
life is a tussle
we smack it with coupled srrength
and bond as glue sticks

Stagnant cow brown eyes
a face of blues
embeds tear droplets  on my cheeks
I strive to boost your spirits
all I sense is a hedge between us

In darkness we nest
my hands reach to sense her mouth
she stirs to feel mine

Our fingers entwine
as we play with our faces
our lips smack as one

Juicy smooches stick
we can whiff each other's breath
laugh at our weird jokes

Hazy sun
struggles through a thin layer
of high gray clouds
treeless islands
relentless wind
whips through tall grasses
they sway like a drunkards dance
winters darkness lingers
in the North Atlantic latitude
gusts force slaps the rain sideways
batters all in its path

Undulating green hills
fresh water lakes
salt smell of the sea
sweeps the islands
rugged farmers tend their vegetable plots
and plant stubby trees
which challenge the fierce gales
summer’s sun intrudes cumulous clouds
begets luminous colors on the rocky coastline
flowers sprout, birds engage, fish skip

I slip on the moss covered rocks
lift my droopy hair,
peer at a gentleman's green eyes
the color of a ripe olive.

Gray angry ocean
white caps slap the seaweed beach
one brave surfer falls

Red flags flutter mad
as wind blows off tourists' hats
one lands on the dunes

Dusk calms the cruel sea
beachcombers hunt for shells, *****
sandpipers, gulls peck

Gray angry ocean
white caps slap the seaweed beach
one brave surfer falls

Red flags flutter mad
as wind blows off tourists’ hats
one lands on the dunes

Dusk calms the cruel sea
beachcombers hunt for shells, *****
sandpipers, gulls peck

Ghostly night creatures
stir in the thick black forest
a high screech echoes

Dawn draws the day star
as chilled night immortals sleep
roosters crow, birds sing

Orange sun descends
as red super moon prevails
darkness lures spirits

He glides cautiously toe to heel
on slender orange legs.
The Blur Heron renders silent ripples
in the grassy wetlands.
His stature *****, graceful as a ballerina.
A pointy beak projects over a long narrow neck.

Reserved and confident
he dwells beside the Egret,
whose round white frame, curved neck
and skinny legs resemble sticks
from fallen from a dead tree.
The Egret peers with his beady eyes.
Still water snatches his reflection
and mimics his own torso.

In common, they stalk the tide
while they search for their prey
among the muddy waters of the lowlands.
Small fish, tiny shrimp, *****, young mammals
tempt them to satisfy their appetite.

The pair fly, elegant wings flap
slap the thin air, tackle the wind
and soar into a light turquoise sky.

One married man's pith severs.
Eyes and desire bestowed on two.
His wife, a previous scullery maid,
his prior lover, a married aristocrat.

His wife suspects trouble, jealousy,
Hearsay soars as he look smitten with "her".
By no means does he touch her bodice.
Yet, she bows and he kisses her hand.
Speaks to her in humble tones.

Thus, the lover gently loosens his capture.
She declares her stature.,
implores him to mend his spirit,
no longer shall it be sliced.
The whole belongs to his spouse.
The lover holds true to her dignified married lifestyle.

Winter's eve
fireplace crackles
yellow, blue flames
warm air swathes the house
scent of burning logs
expands my nostrils, breathe.


Crave for soup
bubbles on stove
tomato base
yellow corn
green beans and okra
white turnips
navy beans
touch of red pepper

Steam swells in the kitchen
my mouth pauses to taste.
Alas, I feel the warm liquid
ooze down my throat, belly.
Satiates
Ideal for a blistery cold night.

FAITH
If I can believe
in a healer, I'm content
but I can't find one.

MOONLIT
Let me ****** you
to my moonlit planet Hope
and never leave it.

REALITY??
Her angelic face
traps me in a trance-like calm
yet she is not real

Her face, soft as celestial clouds
pink cheeks, golden hair, ballerina torso
all marred within seconds.

One eve, she and her family flee the devil
their house in flames.
Yellow, orange, blue sparks
fling and surge toward the night sky.
Gray, acrid smoke smothers the family, the forest.

Her face turns to black ash
peeled and mottled skin
raw open wounds.

Their cottage, a rubble of charred wood
burnt clothes, furniture, torn photos, memorabilia
scatter like pieces of a puzzle.
A sole chimney stands

Kissed by a guardian's lips, they narrowly survive.
Scars everlasting.
Their lives like fragments of the shattered home.
Minds wander into hollowness.
Only remembrances cling.

Sun heats my mood
burns my flesh
dries my eyes
shrivels flora

Drives my thirst for wicked rain
to crash through angry clouds
pummel my body, earth all around me
dwell in forests
sniff damp air
sense water droplets
on velvet leaves
linger, respect, savor

My dignified knight, **** of armor
shapely bodice illuminates my eyes
strong muscular hands touch mine
long bony feet curl over my legs
hairy chest warms my *****
blue veins protrude form his enduring arms
angular face, bearded chin, gray eyes
plant me in a trance

When apart, I yearn for my knight
I still see his comely shadow
sense his smooth corps against mine
emptiness creeps into my mood
I ache from quarantine
others fail to catch my glimpse
though a wink or two has no purpose
I wait uneasily for my kindred spirit to return

Jitters, grasp hands firm
bodies swim in cold fresh air
release, float,breathe,dream

Threadbare hands
dark blue veins protrude
across arms, elbow to finger
swollen skin hides gold wedding band
knuckles poke out, like small stones
rigidity stifles writing

Years a poet
born to scribe
he rocks
in his worn cane chair
his mind travels
shrewd and clever
he uses his husky voice
to tell his tales


Silvered-tongued
roadmap of life
alone,no one heeds
naps away the bleary afternoons
hands crisscrossed

Harbor lights
reflect in brackish water
tall, thin houses of color
reach to the black sky
yellow moon beams
ice floes ferried by wind
driven by heaving waves

Seawall shelters harbor boats
ripples dance
sea smells creep in window cracks
breathe deep
dawn, blackness dwells
boats move
fishnets stretch
motors run
boots slosh
weather chatter
off to catch
fried fish supper

My brain distressed
spilled my wrath
will the passion subside?
only the inner mood determines

Scrupulous green brilliance
splashes of pink, yellow
summer's sun kisses
surges of downpours nourish
until.....

Your reflection
mirror of obsession
moves
like a slow waltz

Winter moon's fierce wind
smacks us in the face and stings
kicks the outdoor chairs

Limbs scatter about
front door mat flies in the air
lands on the car

Wind gusts shake the house
we listen to the moan
the moon releases its clutch

Blinking lights
spray the Tennessee sky
black night noise
disrupts the calm

Silver bullets dash
through dense dark air
one harmed
one dead

Sirens bellow
yellow tape
shrouds the scene
common event
in this hood

Police suppress the fight
drugs pay the rent
cycle persists
more harm
more deaths

She slumps over him
best friend, a furry lad
strokes his rough brown hair
labored breaths
his eyes half locked
wee droplets seep out
her forlorn face
head elevates
to catch a glimpse
of his wet nostrils
she awaits, not a stir
blank stare
her eyes plead to blink

"It's time"
she quivers, clench fists
needle plunges deep
"He's gone"
she implores to stay
he rests peacefully
asleep as the motionless stars
his only caregiver
in silent tortuous mourning

I am a female political warrior
burning with an inspiring cult
intense in logic
tortuous in deed
determined to succeed

Sensitive in essence
cold-blooded in flesh
no barriers to accomplishment
though strong, tolerant, compassionate
please, I invite you to spar with me

Fall, **** trees submit
empty woven nest suspends
wind smacks it to earth

Lone robin quivers
family flock deserts him
he lingers on thin bark

Turmoil shrouds him
eyes flicker like lightening
brown wings flap, he's off!

Though the shades are drawn
upon my eyes
I forever sense
the spices of your sweat
cumin, cloves, mint, nutmeg
heightening in the murk
of my globe
so stimulating is your corps
I merely imagine your beauty
even more

Few words to reveal
must I clarify my stand?
harm, humility, betrayal
I speak no more
you feel my sore
I beg you cease
For I have earned my peace

Whoosh, hiss
slow burn
murmurs
glides right
earth swells
slender clouds
flow by
silent saints
sun peeks, hides

Whine
bald treetops
glides left
thump
****
skyscrapers
heads bob
rumble
thud
breathe