FOR THE LOVE OF SPRINGTIME in the USA

LET'S NOT DO LUNCH

`

A rose by my nose makes me sneeze

Don't ask me to sniff one, oh please

Sharp thorns lurk unseen

Behind each leaf green

And I might be lunch for the bees!

`

THE GARDNER

`

Spiders and ants, bugs and bees

Why am I down here on my knees

Sweating, sneezing, mulching, weeding

Just to save this fickle seedling?

Grasshoppers lurk just out of sight

Planning to eat it long before night

Hungry rabbits, birds, mice and deer

Never are very far from here.

The sun has risen high in the sky

The tender seedling begins to fry.

I drag out the hose, water it lots,

Track in the mud, clean up the spots.

After I'm sunburned, calloused and sore

They'll be selling this stuff at the corner store.

Spiders and ants, bugs and bees

Why am I down here on my knees?

When I could just charge it

And catch some Zs!

~~

copyrights 1996, 2009

Maybe these just-for-fun writings will help take the edge off our trying times.

Til next time

SHADOW OF THE EAGLE

SHADOW OF THE EAGLE

`

Evil hands of terror have carved canyons

in our hearts

Dark rivers deep within run laden

tinged with salt

Embossed on purple silouettes are names

of those now gone

Memories float in crimson pools of pain

that won't move on

Stones that fell in churning smoke lie heavy

there inside

Our certain world, no longer whole, spins on

in somber time.

Then comes the mighty nation rising strong

to meet the foe

United in defense against the wounding of our souls.

Those cruel hands have pushed us all

across the Rubicon

And in the shadow of the eagle now

they run.

~~~

Copyright (c) Beverly J. Caligaris 2001, 2008

All rights reserved

~~~

I wrote this poem for the 9/11 event. Do you think it is still relevant?

THE HAUNTING OF AN AMERICAN DREAM

In my mind was the terrifying vision of our country under a great pall. The plains, the hills, the valleys all swarming with dismal beings in drab clothing. They were called Middlings. To receive their monthly provisions and utilities, the Middlings were required to work long hours at jobs that were chosen for them. Most had to work beyond retirement to pay for use of the health care system. Those who grew old and frail were denied all but very basic care because they were no longer productive.

The coastlines and borders of our country were made up of shimmering crystal palaces inhabited by the affluent and beautiful Knowbs. The Knowbs were entitled to live luxuriously with fine cars, expensive clothing, gourmet food and private schools for their children. After all, directing the Middlings, collecting taxes and conducting fund raisers was quite extensive and exhausting. So they vacationed, crossing the land in fancy high-speed overhead railways, or flying to and from their private airports in their private jets...

But when the door closes, there will be sweet smelling candles, kittens and tea parties.

NOTA BENE
I am in awe, lifted out of the fear. My faith in America restored and polished to spun gold. The many gatherings full of heart and courage, seemingly spontaneous, were purposeful and dedicated. Much has been accomplished, without a shindy. But much remains.

Til next time.