Jack In The Box

He's been alive for a short time
less than a hundred years.
Beans have been here longer,
in mason jars.

Three cheers.

The Queen ruled over countries
longer than he's been
but he will catch up slowly
now that she's in the wind.

He is the briefest moment
compared to Magna Carta,
city streets, the things
we seek,

ideas and books about us.

Many books about the queen
but none about this jewel
It's up to him, biographing,
to bury his time capsule.

For the archeologists!
The only ones will care
have heart attacks about buttons
sharp edged stones,

foot bones and kick back chairs?

Location is important
land fills will never do
slip it in a six foot hole
but near a landmark too.

In about ten thousand years
dug up and then displayed
Worker on Assembly Line
just trying to get paid.

Oh a brief example
how did we all survive !?
popping up! A shout-out!
Jack In The Box

We found the way this time.

Chills

In the midst of growing

there's a little sound
sits him down says 'steady'
also adds a "now".

In a world of random
there are brief affairs
in the garden of
spring flowers

there's particular.

Autumn is the message
puts man in his chair
winter is the mailbox
flies him off somewhere.


Kickback chairs forever
always looking up
steady is the countdown
zero is "Times Up!"

Audience a number
under par a need
rockets go up every day
or splash into the sea.

Everyone's a number
except for those left out
special case Alzheimer's
wandering about.

Standing in the driveway
six a.m. no clothes
there's a pretty picture
auto spell can't hose.

Rehearsing a new Monet
bee kissed in a garden
acting days in many plays
catch a chill no pardons.

Try to use a driver
stay put in the chair
focus on the ceiling,
new words

write one out of there.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

 

Jefferson Rock, located in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.  Where we went hiking ten years ago.  Lots of historical significance.  

Stream Of Consciousness

 

Buddy

 Days are long, disturbing

roads are wet they slip

red lights, cameras

slow him down

he clicks a music fix.

Tickets are expensive

the airport's far away

a passing sign is missing

red neon letter A.

While the engine rattles

fumes float up his way

he notices his sticker

expired yesterday.

Pride And Prejudice

 

Blame the afternoon for this

sleep is on his mind

eyes have weights upon them

 seduced the rest

reclined.

Aged finds retirement in bed without a phone

no appointments new underwear 

fits right

no where to go. 

Maybe a cashmere blanket 

not really needed but

you never know after a doze

a tiny shiver

Beth?

Just a solid hour of rest

his body calls a truce.

Just a giant nap on springs ruined long ago

bedspread losing threads as well where scent

of one was known.

As the Bible says it was and shall be ever more

a nap is just a way to miss and slowly

travel home.

Slowly then awakening ten minutes just to walk

make it to the kitchen shelf

and the coffee pot

sit down in his favorite chair

as the light grows dim

dial his favorite movie

new plan for sleep therein

walking slowly in the dark

he sees

Elizabeth! 

Come in!  

Next Stop:  Paint Brushes

Break On Through

He's not an ai kind of guy

can't teach old men too much
born before transistors
smoked cigarettes for lunch.

Dated before birth control
drafted when eighteen
answers in the library
get twenty years for weed.

Pledge Allegiance in the class
made to pray each day
ladies treated second class
MLK in his grave.

Redskin football in DC
Hitler hiding somewhere
baseball not for everyone
white churches fed despair.

Everybody happy?
Oh, I think not bro
assembly lines are ready
slave ship built cars
 
just row.

Thankful for Marsh Chapel
Tim Leary and his crew
Woodstock and great music
poems with YouTube.

Vibes that rise and freedom
Doors along the way
navigating decades
opening here. 

Let's pray.