If Only All We Need Were

How woefully wrong

every single thing is now

with Brat Boys of America

running all the shows

It’s amazing how quickly

respect turns to regret

in higher-circus atmosphere

We are endlessly capable

of scudding what’s right for us

But for love’s indefatigability

Another Cavalcade of Seasons and Songs

Fold the year’s pain

into renzuru--

everything you lost locked

in the heart,

head full of yearning,

embarrassments

like showy tailfeathers,

all your melodies memorized

in the wings.

Keep your crane of ghosts

and minor chords

creased in your notebook,

carry it with you,

stashed in your pillow for dreaming.

Sharing an older poem that seems both topical and timely.

Untitled: America

In the USA

the following is acceptable

A man’s last moment alive

groveling on the floor

of a hotel hallway

multiple killing machines

trained on him

following snarled orders

to crawl forward

keeping legs crossed

not to move

sobbing

begging

for life

his fatal mistake

an involuntary movement

to pull up his pants

The gun that killed him

inscribed with the words

YOU’RE FUCKED

This is acceptable

to the police

a jury

our government

and the court of public opinion

is not universally decrying

an obvious miscarriage

of justice

and basic humanity

There is something very wrong

at the most basic human level

in the USA

on this earth

and I don’t know how

to end this poem

Possibly the Fussiest of All

What will become

of the one whose

fear comes calling

First snowy day

blows away thoughts

of maybe not

Kitty prefers

to nap, stir not

she purrs all day

What about love

dreams made of clouds

above our hearts

The Real Toads are trying out a challenging and very fussy little form
called THAN BAUK in the Imaginary Garden. Yikes

The Collected Poets Series

Hello, Friends, it’s December! Next up, I am thrilled to announce that I’ll reading as part of a distinguished poetry series at my favorite coffeeshop in my favorite town on Thursday night. Look here for photos, bios, poems: THE COLLECTED POETS SERIES

Marian Kent & Irene Willis

The Collected Poets Series

December 7 at 7:00 pm

Mocha Maya’s

Shelburne Falls, MA