Category Archives: Poems

Settlers

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Jeff

The red oaks are still robed in their green and red glory as we approach Christmas. The hackberry stands quiet in its winter bareness. I do not know the tree with tiny leaves that remain green all winter. Here on … Continue reading →

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Immigrants

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Jeff

The fish and chips on the table are an idea imported from England. The English had to wait for potatoes to emigrate from Peru, put down roots, acclimatize, settle in, assimilate. Tikka masala arrived later, a bank shot emigré from … Continue reading →

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How Long & How

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Jeff

I can be compassionate for someone without wanting them to be president. I can want them gone from that position without pulling the trigger myself. I can want them gone and want the path to that end be right. There … Continue reading →

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Dare Devil

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Jeff

He bungee jumped the tallest bridge, the one in China. It required a lot of lies to authoritarian authorities. The thrill was shorter than he expected. Elsewhere in China, someone built a higher one. The authorities are on to him. … Continue reading →

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Burden

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Jeff

Down by the dying park, on the bench, sits a man with a story. It’s heavy. He tells the story to anyone who comes within earshot, even the pigeons. At first, he had bread to toss. They came and he … Continue reading →

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One Coyote

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Jeff

     One Coyote There in the night, a coyote choir, perched atop the ring of cliffs, surrounding us, singing. How many? I cannot tell. Voices rising, falling, together. Oddly together. Coyote’s mask slips. One coyote sings to the cliffs … Continue reading →

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Prophecy by Pauli Murray

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Jeff

Powerful 1969 poem by Pauli Murray, still relevant. I sing of a new American Separate from all others, Yet enlarged and diminished by all others. I am the child of kings and serfs, freemen and slaves, Having neither superiors nor … Continue reading →

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La Bloga

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Jeff

First publication of the year, “Condemned”, published on La Bloga, “The world’s longest-established Chicana Chicano, Latina Latino literary blog.” Edward Vidaurre, Poet Laureate of McAllen, TX, read at the Austin Poetry Society’s Open Mike earlier this month. To continue the … Continue reading →

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Grey Brother

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Jeff

Gray Brother Grey Brother comes, speaking to me and I listen for I know that if I do not, he will act in my name, with my face, and people will claim it was me that did it when I … Continue reading →

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Shape Shifter

Posted on January 27, 2018 by Jeff

Shape Shifter “The desert is the ultimate labyrinth.” — Arab proverb The stars have gone all strange. The compass wanders and will not hold. The dunes shift in the night, and if I’m not watching, again in the day. Lost … Continue reading →

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