The smallest state’s equivalent to us –
two Senators are what we each elect.
So why is there an argument or fuss
preserving filibuster? We all know
the Senate’s anti-democratic, plus
Republicans are weak and seek to cheat.
So politicians think they should discuss
a moribund tradition none select.
The GOP is whining like a wuss.
(Magic 9)
I heard the sprinklers fire while in bed.
I rolled supine and opened morning eyes
to evidence of rain above my head –
the spattered glass of skylights a surprise.
Two hundred miles east there’s heat instead,
and low humidity, and blood-red skies.
We’re California big and so diverse,
no matter what there’s always somewhere worse.
(Ottava Rima)
The place across the yard sold recently.
Protective parents purchased it to house
their kid who seeks a Cal advanced degree.
And based on what I see, these folks espouse
all paths to caution, internet-advised
and disconnected from reality,
installing tools unneeded – specialized
for suburbs and enhanced security.
Although nobody lives there yet, the scene
that greeted me this morning, through green limbs,
was every window aproned with a screen
of darksome mesh inside white vinyl trim.
I sigh. The insects here are not severe.
If I were they I’d leave the windows clear.
Surprised myself this morning with a ride
I thought I lacked the stamina to do.
With hesitant consent I modified
my calendar, from nothing to a few.
Deciding to begin, to soldier through
two-thirds of my routine or maybe less,
successive pedaling conveyed ten new
degrees of latent vim, and happiness.
(Huitain)
Five lovely days with 5 I like a lot,
and then an afternoon amid 4 more,
all finished with a Sunday brunch we got
where Mom’s recovering – back on her floor
but slower, with a walker – not a chore
but still a stressor. Love is work and fun.
Full 7 social days elapsed before
I took today, away from everyone.
(Huitain)
My problem with a lot of books these days,
at least the ones the Kindle hawks to me,
has less to do with failure to amaze
than the extent of the banality.
Not only do I know too frequently
the words I’ll see before I turn the page,
but I abhor this growing tendency
to grab a verb like “grab” without a gauge.
(Huitain)
The adult children set a policy:
to come to them their folks must pre-arrange
a baby visit. Maybe history
accounts for what appears to be so strange,
or lack of sleep or normal hormone storm,
but now the olds have taken such offense,
their heated indignation keeps them warm –
the lines are drawn indelible, immense.
The heels dig in. Did someone make a threat?
Is that an ultimatum I just heard?
The opposite of movement is to set
oneself in stone. That strategy’s absurd
as congressmen too petulant to work
with others. Brother, please don’t be a jerk.
My promise: if I’ve
a criticism of you,
I’ll say it out loud.
Away from home but on familiar land,
it’s good here now. I miss my bath and bed,
or course – amenities at my command –
but I’ve this week abundant love instead.
These people understand my heart and head
a little more than most, without a swerve
to judgment or a shrug or fancy fled.
I feel appreciation I deserve.
(Huitain)
Of course I wouldn’t write you to offend;
I didn’t send that text to criticize.
Why were you so inclined to cringe, distend
the tone to judge, and fire those replies
all self-reflective, immature, unwise?
I’m not a type or version on a shelf.
As much as Mom, you fail to empathize.
I’m forced to write this much, to see myself.
(Huitain)
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