23. Meetings
I met her in a coffee shop
she wore a blue shirt.
She told me of equations
and listened to my boring words.
She knows a friend of mine
from a long time ago
he and I no longer speak
because of what he stole.
The man comes in and asks
if we are both well paid.
She smiles at him blankly--
I let go of plans well laid.
I met her in a coffee shop
she wore a blue shirt.
She walked quickly to her car
as I wrote these boring words.
24. Dial tone
Sitting and waiting
for the phone to ring
by my bedside
three times and I’ll answer;
I hope you’re wearing something nice
to the funeral.
We placed a bell
beside the headstone
string to casket
three times and we’ll know
that we gave you up too soon
—the bell never rings.
Sitting and waiting
for the peaks on the machine
to become plains
three times they’ll try;
I hope you’ll dress me nicely
for the funeral.
25. Up All Night
so tired.
salt between my temples.
dancing fingers striking ivory
singing eyes shut
wide shut.
shut in my room.
so stale.
what is that disgusting smell
between these sheets.
so stale.
stale water.
trickling down my chest
from the head in the wall
a shave and comb.
but still my eyes are made of lead.
26. The Youth at Play
Lines in the sand
mark the young boys space:
shells atop sandcastles with a
small flag waving in the breeze—
ocean spray curling his hair.
Army men on crumbling towers,
tossed in the wind and the mist
that rolls off choppy waves.
Trenches moist with retreating foam
leaving behind brave souls;
a scuttling crab and jellyfish
both white as the moon
—the casualties of war.
27. Ticking
He held the earth in hand
dirt under fingernails
knowing one day
dirt would be ash.
Water washing creviced grime
circling the drain (as they say)
he knew that they were losing.
He held what is left in hand
coarse sand in a palm’s creases
if only there lacked idleness
if only there were time.
31. Reverberation
Another late night--
pot of coffee and pack of smokes
in a city of a million and one
(plus or minus, give or take)
though I know none.
No one to wander
to drink with, or play my hand
this city is so empty
despite the crowds, the traffic
not a friend in sight.
Like sitting in the opera hall
center section, row twelve
the show is starting
curtains speeding open
at the drop of a pin.
echo. echo. echo.
32. Carrier Pigeons
My lady and I
we used to go to parks
to feed the pigeons.
Some are fat
some are quick
but always bobbing--
always on the move.
My lady and I
we used to see each other
till she flew away.
Now I’m waiting
for the day
when she hones in--
traveling towards home.
38. Sleeping Habits
I lie awake at night shuffling
from this side to that side (east and west)
coming to rest in the more slept in
where the bed has deepened
from extended use.
As much as I desire evenness
I can never fill its entirety
rolling again from one to the other
half still smelling so familiar
the other foreign.
And I remember when our bed was even
on this side and that side (east and west)
from the weight of our two bodies
limbs entangled on most nights
lying very still.
Now this place that we used to share
in so many more ways than the one
is too large for my tiny frame
as I come to rest on the one side
away from you.
39. Misdirection
The line was short, for my daily drug.
I turned, seeing you at a distance
your features blurred by my tired eyes.
Mistaken. I saw you now the stranger.
How could you be here and there similarly—
such distance is not crossed so easily.
But exhaustion lifts reality’s veil
and for a moment, I imagine we’re together.
Again today, I saw you walking away
at night, under glow of street lamps.
Again my eyes deceived my heart
though the disappointment was expected.
40. Caterpillars
Leaves will fall of trees in autumn
forming piles between the roots
shooting deep into the ground
splitting off here and there
among the worms
tunneling upward
forming monolithic
labyrinths
to the ant and the aphid
and the crawlers like ourselves.
Though freedom may lay below us
our desire is high above
climbing ever upward
in search of wings.
20 December 2009
31 August 2009
Back to School (as if I could come up with something more creative)
Classes started back today, so far so good. I have my father's college Physics teacher, which is pretty awesome. Now I've got an hour to kill till Oral Comm--a class which should be boringly simple. I really dislike having so much time in between my morning courses, I mean, what is there to really do except spend money on coffee and blog/twitter/facebook. Well I guess its not much different than what I'd be doing at home, and this way I get to feel all intelligent by being at a University instead of lazying around my house. Saw several people today, wish they too had nothing to do. C'est la vie. Note to self: bring a book to read tomorrow. I think I'll go sit on the grass in the sun instead of the little patio outside the bookstore cafè.
05 July 2009
14. Dinosaurs
Some day soon we’ll run out of oil
seeing foolishness for what it is.
The dinosaurs will tell us
that is wasn’t their fault--
they couldn’t have seen it coming.
And when they go home to face themselves
they will say into the mirror
“All those nutters
who tried to change things
......they were right all along.”
15. Married Life
You slipped your fingers
between the buttons of my vest--
that ring looks perfect on you,
right at home.
I then stepped over
the threshold of our new house
moving so quickly through,
that we forgot.
We never took a breath
or learned to see the flowers
measuring moments lost
in coffee cups.
16. Footprints
Footprints in the sand
showing you the way
to the boat across the sea.
--though the tide will wash
away the path before
you get there.
17. Road Trip
I drive along the road.
alone.
no radio.
no company.
A small town approaching.
stop.
no signs.
no satisfaction.
I drive along the road.
alone.
no radio.
no company.
18. A Home
Sitting on the stone
wondering about
the long way home
you begin to see
you were there all along.
19. Days
Passing days
lend themselves
to repetition.
repetition.
repetition.
People who
repeat themselves
play a part.
a part.
apart.
People who
repeat themselves
do not see.
do not see.
do not see.
Passing days
may lend themselves
to discrepancy.
anomaly.
discrepancy.
20. Fireflies
The fireflies will color the night
tiny Christmas lights in the air
and the soft fluttering of wings.
We kissed between the fireflies
eyes sparkling with specks of green
and the soft pattering of our hearts.
And all the birds in the trees will see
the way our fingers find each other’s
and the soft glow of the fireflies.
21. Bees
busy
busy like bees
buzzing
here to there
underground
in the sky
always moving
always buzzing
never sleeping
New York, New York
poor New York.
Some day soon we’ll run out of oil
seeing foolishness for what it is.
The dinosaurs will tell us
that is wasn’t their fault--
they couldn’t have seen it coming.
And when they go home to face themselves
they will say into the mirror
“All those nutters
who tried to change things
......they were right all along.”
15. Married Life
You slipped your fingers
between the buttons of my vest--
that ring looks perfect on you,
right at home.
I then stepped over
the threshold of our new house
moving so quickly through,
that we forgot.
We never took a breath
or learned to see the flowers
measuring moments lost
in coffee cups.
16. Footprints
Footprints in the sand
showing you the way
to the boat across the sea.
--though the tide will wash
away the path before
you get there.
17. Road Trip
I drive along the road.
alone.
no radio.
no company.
A small town approaching.
stop.
no signs.
no satisfaction.
I drive along the road.
alone.
no radio.
no company.
18. A Home
Sitting on the stone
wondering about
the long way home
you begin to see
you were there all along.
19. Days
Passing days
lend themselves
to repetition.
repetition.
repetition.
People who
repeat themselves
play a part.
a part.
apart.
People who
repeat themselves
do not see.
do not see.
do not see.
Passing days
may lend themselves
to discrepancy.
anomaly.
discrepancy.
20. Fireflies
The fireflies will color the night
tiny Christmas lights in the air
and the soft fluttering of wings.
We kissed between the fireflies
eyes sparkling with specks of green
and the soft pattering of our hearts.
And all the birds in the trees will see
the way our fingers find each other’s
and the soft glow of the fireflies.
21. Bees
busy
busy like bees
buzzing
here to there
underground
in the sky
always moving
always buzzing
never sleeping
New York, New York
poor New York.
27 June 2009
untitled again
6. The City
Every hour of every day
he thought of moving to the City.
Every hour of every day
he realized he could not.
When the new king came
he knew he had his chance
to see the buildings touch the sky.
Every hour of that day
he rode a train through the country side.
Every hour of that day
was one hour closer to the City.
But when the train stopped
and everyone left the station
he felt as though he were mistaken.
Every hour for the rest of the year
he learned to hate the City.
Every hour for the rest of the year
he longed to see the ocean.
7. Trees
The birds wont sing in the winter days
--they flew from here some time ago.
But the trees will fill the silent nights
--their songs are low and long and sad.
They say their names and “how d’you do”
--and speak of their long lost cousins.
Our ears are closed to their old wise songs
--if we would only listen to the trees.
8. Solitaire
dropped gaze, long night
never will it fade
for all the memories long since passed
for all the memories I cry
jealous heart, and half gone day
if only you knew
if only you knew
arm outstretched, finger poised
now no more thievery in this place
though it would never be withheld
grasping hands find only space
sun is setting, a sleepless night
grimaced face
grimaced face
feel it pulsing
luminescent
swan song glowing
love’s last breath
full of longing, unrequited
memory no more
memory no more
lacking time, don’t leave
turn round-see damage done
missing pieces, broken lines
see damage done
sigh and smile, one last kiss
Jacob dies tonight
Jacob dies tonight
9. More Dreams
The boy looked out his window
longing to see the trees and clouds
instead of factories.
Long ago the woods were purged
to satisfy man’s fat and greedy fingers
gorged on paper.
The boy returned from work today
gaunt hands covered in grease and ash
dreams long gone.
10. Reach
Once I knew a girl
who climbed up in a tree
she tried to touch the sky
but only found the leaves.
11. Ben and Alice
Ben was seventeen
when the Coopers moved in next door
Alice was unpacking
when Ben first noticed her.
Ben was twenty seven
when that Cooper became a Worth
Alice was still smiling
when Ben said those sacred words.
Ben was seventy seven
when his Alice was given to the earth
Alice was there lying
though he thought she took a breath.
12. The Fallacy of Artwork
He brought the box up to his eyes
a click
he wondered why he does it
this day and that day
(perhaps another)
pressing on to print
because it always looks like trash
His teacher always told him
to view the world differently
than the others in his life
they come and they go
merely passing through
but he lingers to see what they miss
permanence
He brought the box up to his eyes
no click
no moving on
there he stood to wonder
he stands and he stands
(and sits for awhile)
but he doesn’t see the meaning
13. Steps
Lost in the woods
without a path present
limb and leaf rustling around
the others will stand
as one in the clearing
warm and safe together
the woods are dark
the others will say
“turn back to us.”
but he longed to see
like Michaelangelo--
seeing images in stone
Every hour of every day
he thought of moving to the City.
Every hour of every day
he realized he could not.
When the new king came
he knew he had his chance
to see the buildings touch the sky.
Every hour of that day
he rode a train through the country side.
Every hour of that day
was one hour closer to the City.
But when the train stopped
and everyone left the station
he felt as though he were mistaken.
Every hour for the rest of the year
he learned to hate the City.
Every hour for the rest of the year
he longed to see the ocean.
7. Trees
The birds wont sing in the winter days
--they flew from here some time ago.
But the trees will fill the silent nights
--their songs are low and long and sad.
They say their names and “how d’you do”
--and speak of their long lost cousins.
Our ears are closed to their old wise songs
--if we would only listen to the trees.
8. Solitaire
dropped gaze, long night
never will it fade
for all the memories long since passed
for all the memories I cry
jealous heart, and half gone day
if only you knew
if only you knew
arm outstretched, finger poised
now no more thievery in this place
though it would never be withheld
grasping hands find only space
sun is setting, a sleepless night
grimaced face
grimaced face
feel it pulsing
luminescent
swan song glowing
love’s last breath
full of longing, unrequited
memory no more
memory no more
lacking time, don’t leave
turn round-see damage done
missing pieces, broken lines
see damage done
sigh and smile, one last kiss
Jacob dies tonight
Jacob dies tonight
9. More Dreams
The boy looked out his window
longing to see the trees and clouds
instead of factories.
Long ago the woods were purged
to satisfy man’s fat and greedy fingers
gorged on paper.
The boy returned from work today
gaunt hands covered in grease and ash
dreams long gone.
10. Reach
Once I knew a girl
who climbed up in a tree
she tried to touch the sky
but only found the leaves.
11. Ben and Alice
Ben was seventeen
when the Coopers moved in next door
Alice was unpacking
when Ben first noticed her.
Ben was twenty seven
when that Cooper became a Worth
Alice was still smiling
when Ben said those sacred words.
Ben was seventy seven
when his Alice was given to the earth
Alice was there lying
though he thought she took a breath.
12. The Fallacy of Artwork
He brought the box up to his eyes
a click
he wondered why he does it
this day and that day
(perhaps another)
pressing on to print
because it always looks like trash
His teacher always told him
to view the world differently
than the others in his life
they come and they go
merely passing through
but he lingers to see what they miss
permanence
He brought the box up to his eyes
no click
no moving on
there he stood to wonder
he stands and he stands
(and sits for awhile)
but he doesn’t see the meaning
13. Steps
Lost in the woods
without a path present
limb and leaf rustling around
the others will stand
as one in the clearing
warm and safe together
the woods are dark
the others will say
“turn back to us.”
but he longed to see
like Michaelangelo--
seeing images in stone
24 June 2009
untitled
1. Distance
Remember!
The days of hand holding
we would run through misty fields
together.
nothing would come between-
happiness. ecstatic to be one.
and now?
Remember!
The tea we slowly sipped
we sat on the empty terrace
life.
cities that are furthest from-
distant. used to the empty chair.
longing.
Remember!
The vow we made that night
together we would live forever
forever.
2. Glass
Harold saw the ocean for the first time today
from left to right there was only the sea
Harold saw the ocean for exactly what it was
downward, a window to the earth.
and the earth was sad.
3. Progression
A year ago today we found a bird’s nest
and knew we would build a home together
when the time was right
A year ago today we lived together
and thought it would always be this way
but we knew better
A year ago today we made a change
and our life together remained steady
the change didn’t stop
A year ago today you moved away
and we saw each other once a month
longing for what we had
4. Dreams
Once I dreamt I was a leaf
falling from limb to land
to be trodden on by
man and beast alike--
until no more.
Had I only been a bird!
5. The Son Also Rises
My father called today
we spoke of this and that--
small talk.
My father said on the phone
“What will you become--
without me?”
My father heard what I had done
and strung together words--
stinging words.
My father thought to himself
that I would no longer follow
him blindly.
My father said on the phone
“Son I have risen up and away to
be great!”
but my father knew in his heart today
that the son also rises.
Remember!
The days of hand holding
we would run through misty fields
together.
nothing would come between-
happiness. ecstatic to be one.
and now?
Remember!
The tea we slowly sipped
we sat on the empty terrace
life.
cities that are furthest from-
distant. used to the empty chair.
longing.
Remember!
The vow we made that night
together we would live forever
forever.
2. Glass
Harold saw the ocean for the first time today
from left to right there was only the sea
Harold saw the ocean for exactly what it was
downward, a window to the earth.
and the earth was sad.
3. Progression
A year ago today we found a bird’s nest
and knew we would build a home together
when the time was right
A year ago today we lived together
and thought it would always be this way
but we knew better
A year ago today we made a change
and our life together remained steady
the change didn’t stop
A year ago today you moved away
and we saw each other once a month
longing for what we had
4. Dreams
Once I dreamt I was a leaf
falling from limb to land
to be trodden on by
man and beast alike--
until no more.
Had I only been a bird!
5. The Son Also Rises
My father called today
we spoke of this and that--
small talk.
My father said on the phone
“What will you become--
without me?”
My father heard what I had done
and strung together words--
stinging words.
My father thought to himself
that I would no longer follow
him blindly.
My father said on the phone
“Son I have risen up and away to
be great!”
but my father knew in his heart today
that the son also rises.
04 June 2009
maybe next time
Awesome bit of hiking trip, did some great bouldering and didn't die--thus, success. Started writing another short story (never told anyone that I started the first one, so know that I did and that it is weirdly formatted). Number two is a bit less Vonnegut in format. Took apart a light bulb, put something inside it, and now working on putting it back together. Dremels are great at dismantling but terrible at reassembling. Anyway, when I do get it right, it'll be quite possible the best photo I've ever taken (at least from my point of view. I'll of course publish it on here and everywhere else I publish photos for that matter.
The new Death Cab for Cutie EP isn't as awesome as I had hoped, but its not really bad, that is to say, I enjoy listening to it. Bought the title album of Other Lives and its actually really good.
I got a Keffiyeh type garment the other day, more of a scarf than a square, but cool none the less. I've already gotten a lot of strange looks wearing it around town--I hope I've been branded a supporter of terrorism, if nothing else then to prove the ignorance of so many Americans.
Hoping to meet Shamuel Shansky later tonight. Dunno what, if anything, after that. Maybe some time in the park. All my classes are registered, hurrah.
Can't think of anything else to say.
The new Death Cab for Cutie EP isn't as awesome as I had hoped, but its not really bad, that is to say, I enjoy listening to it. Bought the title album of Other Lives and its actually really good.
I got a Keffiyeh type garment the other day, more of a scarf than a square, but cool none the less. I've already gotten a lot of strange looks wearing it around town--I hope I've been branded a supporter of terrorism, if nothing else then to prove the ignorance of so many Americans.
Hoping to meet Shamuel Shansky later tonight. Dunno what, if anything, after that. Maybe some time in the park. All my classes are registered, hurrah.
Can't think of anything else to say.
10 May 2009
Title Shmitle (shmitle sounds Jewish)
Mother's Day is silly. We don't need to give card companies a lot of money to appreciate our mothers, I think we can, and should, do that all the time. But if you're too lazy to do that, don't go to Hallmark and buy a card--make one instead. Show those corporate big wigs who's boss by not paying them exuberant amounts of your likely not very hard earned money (not because you don't work, but because no one can get jobs anymore).
In other thoughts, Star Trek is the best movie I've seen this year. Seeing it a third time tomorrow, and I would encourage the very few of you who may glance at my blog to go see it as soon as you get the chance.
Even though its not the most expensive top of the line mountain bike, my Trek 3700 rocks the rocks. And the dirt. And just about everything else it rides on. I'm enjoying being athletic by being outdoorsy, its a "sport" I'm actually good at (lawl).
Last night, a lot of the band alums that went to the concert ate dinner at Huey's, and lemme say, it was awesome hanging with everybody again. I hope I wasn't too loud and obnoxious, but I probably was.
Enjoy it while it lasts people, because soon the zombies/Cylons/Skynet will be here and we'll be fighting for our lives.
In other thoughts, Star Trek is the best movie I've seen this year. Seeing it a third time tomorrow, and I would encourage the very few of you who may glance at my blog to go see it as soon as you get the chance.
Even though its not the most expensive top of the line mountain bike, my Trek 3700 rocks the rocks. And the dirt. And just about everything else it rides on. I'm enjoying being athletic by being outdoorsy, its a "sport" I'm actually good at (lawl).
Last night, a lot of the band alums that went to the concert ate dinner at Huey's, and lemme say, it was awesome hanging with everybody again. I hope I wasn't too loud and obnoxious, but I probably was.
Enjoy it while it lasts people, because soon the zombies/Cylons/Skynet will be here and we'll be fighting for our lives.
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The sky is raining thin mints?!
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