The Harrowed Forest
Contributed by Mary Wessling
A rose weeps raindrops on an open flame.
A blade slashes the stem of a dying fern, wasting away.
The trees bend and crack and twist from the tormented winds, inflicting their pain.
Emptiness forms as the roots tear and strain.
The branch collides, the forest subsides.
Life begets death begets living remains.
The green rots into the moistened soil, where seeds lay claim.
A sprout, a root, a fertile coop.
Life begets death begets hope again.
Beguiler
Contributed by Robert Lyons
Spineless and conniving
Resting in place amongst the thorns
Waiting for night’s eve
To make believe
Forked tongue flicks
knowledge’s tricks
Sick, disturbing, thoughts
Innocence is torn
Naked truth lost, shame is born
Guilt from betrayal
Trust is worn
Delaying growth
Loathing snake
Sun rises
To burn and blaze
A sinful night over
Dawn of the end of days
Stopping by Woods on South Montgomery Way
Contributed by Doug Ferguson
(With apologies to Robert Frost)
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the Caribbean, though;
He will not see me standing here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little dog must think it queer
To stop without good reason there
Between our house and southern woods
The darkest evening of the year.
Giving her Frisbee another shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
She wonders why the fetching ceased
And she can't chase and finally take.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And a dog to run before I sleep,
And a dog to run before I sleep.
A New Beginning
Contributed by Brenda Stinnett
Before change can begin,
we need a new beginning.
Old habits from yesterday
can be put to rest
if we can stand firm
and say,
It’s a new beginning.
The fireworks that lit up the sky, remind me of choices –
as if to say
we here in America
will not give up –
and now can have
a new beginning.
Not just material things
to pursue,
or make more money
than you usually do,
but to find your inner spirit
and renew your faith…
for a new beginning.
Fruit of the Vine
Contributed by Robert Lyons
Heart entwined in winding bind
Beginning and ending in present time
Voluptuous fruit lending fragrance
Nuptial loot mending fractured fences
Erupting in acute passionate embraces
No traces of life's manic paces
Disruptions erased by supple positioning
Souls immersed in glistening warmth
Fusioning glow interned in the stars
Trusting flight in mooted anticipation
Explosive fancy, an interwoven participation
A swirling dance before a gentle separation
The beating heart slows in quiet fascination
Seriously and In Jest
Contributed by Wendy Brooker
This poem is dedicated in thanks to the humorists, comedians, and cartoonists who have influenced my life and continue to do so by making me laugh and helping me to be curious, encouraging me to consider questions from various viewpoints and learn. Growing up in tumultuous times of social change, I was always motivated to work at “getting the joke” – after picking up on the fact that there was a joke to get. To a considerable extent, it meant the difference between not being aware or being aware of different attitudes and events taking place in the wider world around me, being street smart on my own street and beyond.
I am fascinated by what gelotologists study, humor and laughter. It is well known that laughter has proven health benefits. Stress is reduced, circulation is stimulated, and the immune system is boosted because of the release of endorphins and increased oxygen intake. Research has also demonstrated how relevant humor can activate our sense of wonder and enhance learning. This is not only true in formal education, but in our own understanding of human nature and ourselves.
In Jest
Humor has at times inspired me
to learn because I yearn
to figure out what’s funny,
put my finger on the burn,
watch the world and tables turn.
Tip over all the sacred cows
on each side of the barbed-wire fence!
Brain cells dance with raised eyebrows,
laughing at uncommon sense,
revering bold irreverence –
- WB
