The Weakest Housekeeping Link

He hated clutter as a young adult.
He only kept the necessary then.
But soon he fell in love, and the result
affected him of course. Soon after when
they married and he tried to keep things nice,
he learned his partner differed in regard
to cleaning house and shopping. She’ll buy twice
or even sevenfold, and won’t discard.

He made his case for spare. She wasn’t moved.
She smiled but said her priorities
were otherwise. Their rooms grew disimproved,
and pretty soon he stopped his pretty pleas.
He’s not about evolving into drudge.
Their home’s a mess. It’s meaningless to judge.

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The Misfit

The way I walk to market takes me past
some houses made a hundred years ago.
The buildings were constructed then to last,
from storied residence to bungalow.
Today I see example of contrast:
a habitat that’s counter to the flow
of vintage houses block-appropriate.
Contemporary style looks misfit.

(Ottava Rima)

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The Dupe

You say you’re giving up duplicity.
I hear and then admit my own surprise,
but I don’t think I show that audibly,
and phoning we don’t see each other’s eyes.
Astonished now I’m wondering what lies
you’ve strewn like mines along the path we wend.
I guess it’s time I query you, old friend.

(Rhyme Royal)

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Who’s Blocking You?

Who’s blocking you from seeing a reply?
Your texts and emails aren’t getting through,
like someone’s sabotaging every try.
Who’s blocking you?

You might adjust your phrasing if you knew,
and maybe then your query would get by.
A guy’d be heard – absurd, and sadly: true.

You delegate to him, and then words fly.
So was it she as gatekeeper, or who?
You’d chill if you could just identify
who’s blocking you.

(Roundel)

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Opportunity

I opened lips to give my girl advice,
although she’s grown and didn’t voice request,
and free suggestion isn’t worth its price.
Instead I read the symptoms I was stressed
myself. I’ll wait for her to query twice
but counsel me. The wisdom I expressed?
My game is slow, but I’ll suppress the kvetch,
and use this opportunity to stretch.

(Ottava Rima)

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Watching Birds

Four mornings watching birds take food outside
some windows that I visit now and then,
have entertained and taught. Identified
by plumage as they flit and light again,
assorted by their size and where stripes narrow,
I know a nuthatch from a finch or sparrow.

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Travel Pix

Outside the bike shop, waiting in the car,
digesting lunch I gladly paid to eat
(while visiting, 500 miles far
away, where loved ones live and snacks are sweet),
I gazed at scenes unlike the sights my street
affords: a different cityscape than home.
I ventured out and paced 2 dozen feet,
and shot the scenes that illustrate this poem.

(Huitain)

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The Problem with Me

The problem with me is, in order to feel
alive and awake just like I used to be,
I have to advise while I try to conceal
the problem with me.

Though you may accuse me of jerking a knee,
I’m speaking my truth now I live to reveal:
for sure as I breathe, you all need therapy.

You’ll argue I’m strident. I try to be real.
I’m certain if you do the work you will see
I’m right, so refrain from attempts to repeal
the problem with me.

(Roundel in dactylic tetrameter)

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On She Who Would Be Loved

Her sister’s plan seems odd to both our wits,
but we decide to live without a man,
so we see strategy that contradicts
her sister’s plan.

Continuing cohabitation’s span
is destined for more punishment, and bits
of bitterness. We’d rather watch a ban.

But we’re for love and what she figures fits.
We’d sooner circle her embracing, than
engage in any argument. For it’s
her sister’s plan.

(Roundel)

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Impatience Locations

We note variety in her and me.
I get impatient when I wait at home.
Her antsiness occurs more publicly,
while waiting for her banker or a friend.
But she’s no issue with late company
to her address – she bides with little tasks.
I think my problem (writ impatiently)
is caused because I’m working on a poem
and need to know what time’s allowed to me.

(Magic 9)

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