It Could Be Verse

poem

  • On Turning 67

    They say that age is just a number; If that’s the case then once again I’m in my prime! So many numbers over time – During my youth the 33s, Fab Four, Take Five, and Three Dog Night In my… Continue reading

    On Turning 67

  • That Every Patriot Resist

    If Lincoln were alive today, Imagine his dismay. He’d thought that after Civil War We’d long endure, but now He wouldn’t be so sure: When Maniacs And Goons Abound, He’d stand again on hallowed ground And would insist That every… Continue reading

    That Every Patriot Resist

  • Soundtrack for a Walk with Max

    I took Max out today with ears unplugged By pods, no Band, no Dylan, Raitt or Young To set the world a step away and keep the chug of Mowers at bay while Max is blessing bushes, Eying squirrels, wriggling… Continue reading

    Soundtrack for a Walk with Max

  • Memories and Vietnam

    I started writing a poem about my trip to Vietnam but could not come up with anything true to my feelings. Having grown up in the ’60s, I found visiting the country an emotionally charged experience. Then last week, I… Continue reading

    Memories and Vietnam

  • Hong Kong

    Here’s 2024 travel poem number three. Hong Kong is a fascinating, liminal place: It’s now but also then. It’s neither here nor there. It’s shark fins and sharp suits And sampans and shrines to The spiritual and flavorful, The physical… Continue reading

    Hong Kong

  • New Zealand: Milford Sound

    Here’s my second 2024 travel poem. Milford Sound in New Zealand is high among the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The morning rains have given way To shrouding mists and sheathing falls. Birds burst the silence, dive for prey… Continue reading

    New Zealand: Milford Sound

  • Australia: Uluru

    This is the first in a series of short poems inspired by places I’ve visited this year: Under a singeing sunset, crouched among the grasses Like some desert rodent sheltered from the Unremitting heat, I conjure shades of Red my… Continue reading

    Australia: Uluru

  • 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

    Like Mickey Did

  • 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

    Sketches of Cuba: A Poem for My Mother, Who Was Born in Cuba, Left Before World War II, and Never Returned

  • 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

    Sketches of Cuba: The Salsa Lesson