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

A mini-sphere ruptures
amends untold lives for all time
abandons those close to devastation
the angel of death executes her calling
upon a still warm body
a man whose depression pleads for her to save him

Those left behind
remember the decimation
nightmares
demise, hollow
only dark memories float
angel of death clinches him
at once, they bolt into an unknown space of her choice.

The angel of peace
settles on earth
to inform us
of earthly worth

So much to learn
to ensconce our differ
we shall resist
at whatever trickster

The path to peace
lays onerous to thought
we ought not fear
the trend to be caught

We hope to instill
those who will listen
that peace is vital
for a life to glisten

Let us harmonize as we trek
on the pathway to still
as we ration our divide
strengthen our will

Trendy vibes
graffiti rhapsody
walls, fire hydrants, pissoirs, post boxes, lamp posts
barbie doll retro craze
gargoyles glued to decco slabs
slumber parties on empty benches
electronic beat echoes
through the canyons
cobblestone memories
restaurants, cafes, spew into streets
cars crawl gingerly
fearful of snagging
happy-go-lucky revelers
sunsets reflect off mirrored spires
notably one who harbors emotions
of a dynamic woman
and whose mood shifts with hues of color

A Mountain Bluebird
matches the sky
soars so high
he settles on a cotton puffy cloud
tires after a wind catches his wing
he takes respite on a pink-hued billow
light weight and fine fathered
comfortable, he relaxes his wings
in daylight, sun drenches him in hot yellow warmth
in darkness, blue moon beholds him in midnight caress

As he observes Earth
he notes devastation from afar
heretofore obscured
oceans jam-packed with plastic
denuded forests
scarified mountain tops
dank air, garbage spill
cities dense with humans
heaps of cars flattened out
smog hangs low

Once, home to a family nest
in an oak tree on a lush green farm
at present, he scrutinizes the spectacle
hence, he opts to tarry
with the clouds, the sun, the moon, the stars

Today, as leaves dance to the dark earth
red, gold, brown
mist soars to obscure the high mountain peaks
a mesmerizing mood

Brings me back to younger days when I flipped, flopped, splashed
in a myriad of puddles
while my mother shrieked "Don't get your pants wet"
I asserted my independence and gloated
in my own  slap happy world
not a word did I hear

At once, I smell the dew
Grass still green from frequent summer rains
listen to the squeaky wet grass beneath my boots
take note of those tiny morsels stuck underside

A macabre walk in the clouds
a muzzy vision of the sticks in the forest
tree tops just a mirage
I snap a photo to trap the ghostly silence
which attests to my musing temper

I used to swish about Bear Creek
behind our white clapboard family farm house
I remember the water smelled clean
Not salty or muddy
it squirts over glossy mossy rocks
all shapes ans sizes
slip slide after rain gushes down

When the sky opens its hatch
it belches rain in globs
Bear Creek swells swiftly
rocks fade away
it spins anger
waves emerge, frothy white caps
mimics an incensed ocean

Swollen creeks are bouncy
my inner tube travels fast
my bottom strokes frigid mountain water
but oh I wished it would last

His life hides behind a clown's face
pasty, psychedelic paint, gooey glop
please refrain from the peel
frigid tear drops
trapped into a cold, black stone

I like you, but not the way you think
my friendship though, is soft as mink
you shall find your own
or you will indeed be alone
do not fret
as you are one's best bet

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

Clockwork
midnight encroaches
a silent, old male reappears
to forage for leftover food
in unlocked, rusty garbage cans
street lamps divulge his coal black eyes
treacherous claws, slick snout
the moon’s torch accentuates
the thickness of his brown, hairy torso
his agility
every evening, his midnight supper
awaits his vacuous belly
no matter how paltry

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

Black and White
heavy wet snow
sleepy limbs
hover above
the frigid earth
icicles reflect
off the sun's radiant glow
melt as its warmth heightens
teardrops slip
patter on the roof
soft chunks plunge
without a murmur

Yellow light flickers
solo in the colorless landscape
smoke rises into a cold sky
hunter cabin's flame
frosted window
merrymaking clatter
seeps through a crack
men's chanting
celebratory jingles
snug on an arctic day

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

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

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

Thursday
last exam
edgy, jitters
study in a thick fog
troubled about the breakup
could she wait
one more day?

**** 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

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

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

Watercolor rolls on my canvas
as a sprinkle of tears on my cheeks
cool colors of blue, green, purple, jet black
mimic my sober mood
I scrawl repeatedly
until I strike my resolve

Trees obscure the atmosphere
lakes succumb to burnt umber
vacuous canvas swallows my spine
hues of paint befit my spirit

Gratification commands accomplishment
my cheeks prove to be dry
so too the consummate work of art

I trust that my next attempt
reflects a warm-hued mood
as the break of dawn awakens
strokes of red, orange yellow
splash on my canvas
in a flight of frenzy
my hand on the run
as my world unlocks
clarity prevails

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

The moon wakens my evening nap
compelling beams of beguiling yellow light
render my eyes to flutter
bespeaks of intensity
captures my focus
spellbinding lust stalks me
cascades at midnight
begets a lecherous mood
scents of burning embers

CHAINSAW

Willowy forests sustain us, creates new life
We breathe its colorful energy
Scents of pine, damp moss
Rain, wet tree stumps
Flowers, needle-covered paths
Winter snow saturates, whiteouts of magic

We hug trees for they soothe our inner core
Yet, the whine and grind of chainsaws
Denudes vast swathes of broken hearts
Shrivels in shreds of grief

Dawn
sun peeks above the horizon
billowy white clouds dangle high
mist hovers low to the ground
rainbow colors stretch
as the gasses flow
into the swelling round balloon
a straw basket lay
on damp long grass
in wait for our journey
we board, listen, smell the fumes
to our surprise
bottles of champagne
black caviar

We lift off
as the engines roar
we greet the sun
but only for moments
we can almost touch the cotton clouds
we climb as they dance around us
dive, skip around tree tops
then swiftly surge upwards
like a gymnast's cartwheels

The gasses ease
as we gently drift toward earth
we look below
at a field of bright yellow flowers
as we put down on this soft cloth
greeted by French school children
all giggles, they stare at us
and our rainbow balloon
but what would this journey be
without an ending of champagne and caviar

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.

Summer moon winks to my delight
but when he shows a scowl
he shrouds me with fright
the stars, they eternally shimmer
and cause my eyes to blink
I plead with them again to turn the lights much dimmer
a lonely star tumbles to the ground
I run, legs flying, to catch it and miss it
mother says come, I guess I'm homeward bound

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

CLUTTER

Clutter muddles the mind
A plethora of ideas
Musings, dreams, disturbing notions
perplexed, a rushing river
oblivious to calm waters
suspends slumber, blurs blue skies together

A luminary space of disjointed concepts, daunting,
Dive with the dolphins, prattle with a parrot
Scrutinize the moon’s abstractions
Trim the inner linings
Tranquilize the chaos

Lavender, sweet orange, rich amethyst
Compress a deep cobalt sky
Breath of darkness soon encloses
Locks me in a cosmic dream
I ascend to a brilliant star
Somewhere life of sorts prevails
All and sundry float
Slightly overhead
Unknown to brush the glaze
Euphony cascades with moonbeams
Further, celestials dance in abstract forms
Whilst I awaken
My splendid star descends
In a gradual manner
To open my moody eyes

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

Rain pours down on my broken core
my nerves pulsate from the soak
still I quiver, though I dry myself
in the warmth of the sun
darkness besieges within
as the world passes me by
my comfort lay in the blackness of the ocean
lifesaver that has its absence
only fleetingly

I find solace with the sea creatures
I am lulled
they greet me with an enduring glance
no pretense in my sanctum
voices of my sphere
who empathize with my pain
and, as I exit for a time
I deem unsavory
the colors of the detached world, onerous
I totter after my soak, rattle with unease
my repose is dark, as I yield to the inkiness in peace

A pair of expert free divers
High fly into the clear aqua sea
They splash in unison
Deep cavities in the water
Wide circles of ripples
Shapes obscure in the abyss
Bubbles surge to the surface

In the dark blue deep
Figures interweave
Hair swings back
Plucked by the current
Immerse in freedom
Envelop in sensual desire
Seek intimacy they both covet

Sea creatures embrace them
Who thirst equally
lovers kiss among
The psychedelic colors of swimming species
Who encircle them and share their secrets

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!

Dreamy sunsets
passing cotton clouds
sun dips underside
three colors blend
into a wash of rainbow hues
a kaleidoscope of keepsakes

EMBERS

Aging folks, sagging cores
sliver of passion endures
two arthritics push life to the limit
travel like snails to reach the flesh
under silken sheets
ecstasy wilts
albeit, innermost embers
still burn

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

His broad euphoric smile
melts my inner core
my pulse dances
candles shimmer
on his pearl white teeth
I am awestruck by their beauty
as the light peters out
we caress in the shadows
though I remain fixed on that white beam
in my mind's eye

I slowed my old truck
a dead deer was in the road
Hmmm, or so I thought

A hummingbird flutter
shreds my gut
agitates the peace
no method to shut
my alter ego seeks its best
to settle this critter down to rest

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

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

FRIENDSHIP
Why do friends snub one another
When rage batters them
No remark of what harm has taken the fury

Hence, one lunches a question
Is this person truly a friend?
If yes, then why not spew the fury?
And let is pass
Is it weakness?
Is it fright?
Is it foolish?
Does one dismiss it?
So that is the ultimate brushoff
Friends should never forget
Between us is undoubtedly the best bet

In my dream I adore you
in reality, not so
In my dream I trust you
In reality, not so
In my dream
You don’t love me
so now, please go

“Good Morning”
simple act of kindness
common words
draws a smile to many
no deep meaning
absolute transparency
renders a perfect day
I say these words
To utter strangers
whether or not
It is noticed

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

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