Intention outstripped
his power of reason
Leaving him naked
—a meadow deflowered

(Dreamsleep: February, 2022)

Don’t make the time,
take the time
—life inside the difference

(Warsaw: March, 2022)

If the first casualty of war
is truth

The next casualty of war
is peace

The third casualty of war
is life

Until the last casualty of war…
hope

(Warsaw: March, 2022)

Rodeo Poet,
bronc riding Sage
Arena unbridled
—dallies unfrayed

(Las Vegas: December, 2021)

The genius of Robin Williams,
the prescience of Harry Nilsson
The magic of Brian Wilson,
the artistry of Nina Simone
Celebrity robbed them of their greatest gift,
the most treasured one of all
To live at peace within themselves
—a normal life recalled

(The New Room: January, 2022)

You can burn a book,
but never burn its truth
The flames sear the meaning,
tattooed at the root

Dousing this sacrilege,
my felony went untried
Escaping with the Muse in tow
—a fugitive decried

(Dreamsleep: January, 2022)

To run from today
or hide from tomorrow,
the ultimate hunter,
time waiting downwind

Each day a stalking,
your tracks to betray you,
escape out of season
—the wolf closing in

(Sacandaga Lake, New York: January, 2022)