Jeff
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Playing the Changes
Many thrive in I-IV-V, Cleaving to familiar chords, Heart steady as a metronome Until they return home. Others crave descending bass lines, Gliding down the half-tones, Letting logic lead the way Until their journey’s final day. Daring types take giant… Continue reading
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Like Mickey Did
Tingling down my spine From fingers on my skull. Eyes shut, cape draped, Head back, mind empty. * Ringing up ahead Brings echoes to my ears. Head back in time, Door shuts, dog rises and shakes. * Rippling in the… Continue reading
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Sketches of Cuba: A Poem for My Mother, Who Was Born in Cuba, Left Before World War II, and Never Returned
I came to Cuba and looked to the sky. I knew I wouldn’t sense your presence in the clouds – Pallid and staid, they’d never contain your sparkle. But I looked anyway, Hoping to catch you Like I sometimes imagine… Continue reading
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Sketches of Cuba: The Salsa Lesson
Around me loose hips sink dips I’m Chipper and game but nearly lame Excuse me as the beat outfleets my feet. . Frame me in your Canon fire Preserve my cherry cheeks and sweaty Streaks before I go for a… Continue reading
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Sketches of Cuba: Havana
Iron scrollwork, ironed schoolkids, Holey roads, holy robes Of white on acolytes. . Young pioneers plant verdant crowns on stately shells, Shade older ones who stack their fates on savory plates Of ropa vieja served with seasoned grace. . Jazzed-up… Continue reading
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Do Spanish Pool Pros Put English on their Shots?
Do Spanish pool pros put English on their shots? What did they serve at the Diet of Worms? Do spin doctors treat vertigo? These are things I’d like to know. * Was Noel Coward afraid to croon Christmas songs? Did… Continue reading
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A Triptych for the End of the Nats’ Season
I. Cold Storage M L O L … Continue reading
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I Found My Muse on I-95
Boneheaded Maneuver Weaving across three lanes – Be my guest, Merge without a glance While cutting me off – Brakes optional on the M5? Why are you on my tail? – [Disclaimer: As those in the DC area might notice,… Continue reading
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Canine Couplets
My mental tractor beam is on the fritz, The carrots fixed although my brain transmits. I excavate the chipmunks’ home – what wrath! My parents nearly drown me in the bath. I’m agent Max, illustrious canine spy; I lurk here… Continue reading
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I Want To Grow Old
I want to grow old, not just get old. I want my family to be thicker than my toenails, My ignorance to be thinner than my hair. I want my resolve to be stiffer than my joints, My nerves to… Continue reading
