deep in the heart of things
complete stillness reigns

peacefulness of perpetual love
undiluted presence

yes love is a fortress
undisturbed completeness

Stick a knife in the dawn.
Twist the peonies
into puppets.
Put the goldfish on
the counter and feed
it cereal.
Mice cast shadows as
big as elephants on
the yellow walls of
my heart.
Dance a slow waltz with
the philodendron.
Dig up
Mozart
Bach, and
Wagner.
Make a chocolate cake.
Read me, TS Eliot, and
sing old hymns.

**** everything.
Mom and Dad have died.

there’ll always be chaos inside of my life
I’m just being honest, I’m speaking my plight
I know that my body has suffered a lot
and my mental health tries to stick to the plot

the truth is, I’m broken in ways you don’t know
in languages foreign and places you’ll go
but I’ve seen the people, I’ve heard what they say
and made it a point that I won’t live that way

that chaos is painful, I already know
I’ll pick up my feet and I’ll go it alone
and if it gets heavy, I’ll let it all out
I’ll go back to nothing, and build me a house

Death winks at the
lilies that smile in
the rain.
He takes her.
The last ***** trick.

Watered drinks and
syphilis doesn't do the
patrons any good.
Too much grief for
placebos and madness.
Relief must come.
***** and fantasy just
bring sickness, and
licking frogs is
out of the question.

Pipe dreams ease the pain
if you smoke them slowly.
Watch the blue ghost curl
into the feeling fan.

This saloon is home for the
iceman.
So, buy me another drink,
and we can think about
doing it all
tomorrow.
Isn't that right, Mr. O'Neil?

Older but not old
Not wasting away
Far from it and enjoy yourselves
Communities are not for everyone
Having a good time means different things to different people
Not your way or the highway
Your place and doing your own thing
Written two books and one in process
People read my poetry and are still surprised
Some bought the books
Seeing people of all ages and enjoying children
Excellent Welcomes and very Sad Farewells
Photo albums and videos help us remember
They introduce the little ones to their family
A new family member is due anytime now
Make for great stories and answers to their questions
We own our home and we worked hard for it
I still can't believe those poor young teachers did it
More to come on our journey and journeys
Still, hugging banisters and in awe of our kitchen
Maybe a second house and definitely travels.
Theatre, Photography, and attending Rock concerts
We moved in 33 years ago
Love our house
For those of you who believe you should sit on a throne with your crown
You are no better or worse than others
You might have more money but there are other riches you don't possess that others do
Kindness and Respect come to mind
My time is wasted on you
We are grateful and caring always