Shaped Like West Virginia

I am shaped like West Virginia and she is shaped like me. A more unique outline this country will never see.

Her rolling hills and dark hollows.

Her wide valleys and running waters.

Her fierce loyalty. Her stubborn pride.

Her old-time traditions. Her revolutionary side.

She was forged from conflict, and she was forged hard.

She was formed to be forgiving. And her arms were formed large.

She knows that you might leave her. She knows you probably will.

But she knows you’ll always miss her. She’ll soak up your good-bye tears.

And should you wish to return, and your wish does come true,

You will always be welcomed.

She has missed you too.

No 'E' (Part 1)

His hands clutch my hands
My lips cling to his lips:
Two souls jump in that abyss.

Joy

Lust

Insanity

...Bust.

Minds join, twist, split
Back in two parts.

Oh that this had to start

Why that souls had to part.

Autumnal Thoughts (Taking Notes I Am Not)

Cool air whisks through the trees.
Orange. Red. Yellow.
Streets on fire with bright leaves.
Yellow. Orange. Red.
Autumn leaves on my shirt.
Orange. Red. Yellow.
Real leaves make my eyes hurt.
Yellow. Orange. Red.

10/6/09

Class Notes (What the hell are we talking about?)

It's a little unpolished-but here it goes:

How did we get here?
The subject was so clear.
Respond to the reading,
express what we're feeling.
Where did it all go so wrong?

The conversation has taken a turn.
How are we to learn
When there is no focus or teaching.
Everyone talks, about what I know not:
I lost track three conversations ago.

7 o'clock. One hour is shot,
one article we have discussed.
Now we talk of assessment...
Your guess is my best guess
on how this subject is relevant.

What the hell does this have to do
with finding resources for you,
Oh scholar of the Humanities.
I shall not be rude, though I want to:
I just want to get up and leave.

9/09

Ode to Edith (Granger)

Edith Granger, man. Yeah.

She worked in a shop...
She couldn't find stock...
Her customers, they were annoyed.

She needed a fix...
Some kind of index...
Sell more books, remain employed.

She thought, "Poetry's hot!
We'll give it shot."
The rest is reference history.

By subject you search...
First line you can look...
Last line and words that are key.

Dear Edith is gone...
Her work still lives on...
In the Columbia Granger's Index.

It will help you find...
Poems that rhyme...
From epic, free verse or sonnet.

Edition number 8...
Seems almost like fate...
How easy it is to consult.

At the library you'll find...
Copies online and in bind...
Purchase at bookstore or Internet.

Insomnia

I lay down to rest and
simultaneous images of
simultaneous happenings
flood behind my eyelids
as I lean one arm over
my bed cause I can't sleep.

I'm writing.

Sleep has to sneak
by the words.
Naps are best.
The words are resting.

Darkness hits and the words begin nesting in my brain, in
my heart. Running so fast I don't know where to start. Will I
remember these gems of wisdom in the morning?

No. Can I rest now? No... guess I'll keep writing.

11/99

For Sisters, at Christmas

Even though you are miles away from me
I hold a picture of you in my heart,
and that image never fades or dims.
It is eternal, a priceless work of art.
Christmas isn't just about giving and getting
or last minute trips to Wal-Mart.
It's about those whom we hold dear.
That is indeed the best part.
So Merry Christmas, my dear sisters
and although gifts for you haven't filled my cart
I hope this gift will hold some memories:
Not a lifetime's worth, but it's a start.

12/2000