Reading Three Books

A novel novel’s in my hands today,
expensive and well-written, but alas,
it seems to lack a plot. For English class
it may suffice, but me it turns away
to open neuroscience newly bought.
Then how I wish the author better taught!
Too thick with anecdotes, too thin with fact –
I search my shelves for something to distract.

And soon I pull my favorite out to read.
Two hundred years in print and perfect still.
From one to two, my reading now is three’d –
I flit from new to new to gentle thrill.
I claimed I’ve read the best, the great, the strong;
you called me arrogant, but you were wrong.

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Noise Pollution

The car alarms are bad, but backup horns are worse.
The first would be okay if stopping theft.
The latter interrupts attention like a curse,
and leaves us home inhabitants bereft
and longing for a break from penetrating noise,
when no one is endangered by the truck.
I don’t mind work and don’t care who the block employs –
repeating beeps are what I want to duck.

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It Worked Today

It worked today. I had good internet.
There was no glitch or hangup in my way.
I try to notice well but can forget.
It worked today.

The water pressure’s good. There’s no delay
in telephone or text. I’m not upset
by outside cats or inside kid dismay.

The toilet’s flushing fine. The coffee met
my needs. My games are launchable for play.
So much is hard but I’m not crying yet.
It worked today.

(Roundel)

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Iris Surprise

Before the end of January here,
the yards and gardens sprout with signs of spring.
Oxalis blooms and tulips start to spear
the air with blades of green, betokening
a change of season early in the year.
For just as winter comes before we sing
Noel, we of the West don’t recognize
tradition. Here’s an iris for your eyes.

(Ottava Rima)

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No Precedents

Imperfect practice
comprises no precedent
for a wise future.

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Cautious

The news reports they listen to or read
are erudite or academic sorts,
that fuel their fears and act like chicken feed –
the news reports.

That 1 in 12 tests positive distorts
perspective, by ignoring that indeed
11 stand beside as viral thwarts.

They’ve heard the worst, and say contagion’s seed
awaits all gatherings. As one exhorts,
the other begs. I’m helpless to impede
the news reports.

(Roundel)

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Blur

What day is it today? I used to know –
I opened up my calendar and looked.
I listed tasks and charted errands, so
I wouldn’t waste a step or miss a booked
appointment. Now is otherwise, and no –
it’s not retirement. My brain’s not cooked
with age’s plaque – I know your face and name.
But every isolated day’s the same.

(Ottava Rima)

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Early Vocabulary

Attempting to record precocious speech
at nearly 5, I note for “ignorant”
he coined “unknowingful,” which has more reach,
I think, and better catches what is meant.
And lately, as our Portal time is spent,
we look ahead to when this surge has moved.
We’re separated till the germs relent,
or waiting for his shot to be “improved.”

(Huitain)

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Lit & Life

Reading the stories
was better than life,
when I was young
and longing to live.

Reading the stories
is better than life,
now I am old
and remembering.

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Typhoid Tuesday

I call it Typhoid Tuesday nowadays
(for sure I’m aiming to alliterate),
as dread Coronavirus wends all ways
and keeps me mostly home again of late.
One day in seven I associate
with others – work and dining comes about.
Returning home I have to isolate,
but Typhoid Tuesday’s when I venture out.

(Huitain)

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