Point of View

 

So here I stand on this high hill,

gaze down at years gone passed;

So many depressions and thrills,

Reached retirement years at last.

Time to take it slow at things now,

idly gaze on life’s swift passing;

natural landscapes can still wow.

Stay at home, avoid traffic harassing.

Thankful and chagrined simultaneously

by the body’s still-present quick desires,

the need to channel myself constructively,

not splurge these precious golden years.

I have made it where many friends my age have not,

While enjoying these times, they will not be forgot.

 

Light of Day

 

Hiding,

crawling low with my secret,

mustn’t shock them,

or gross them out,

offend with vulgarity.

Shock and surprise,

they soar above me,

verbalize and expose all!

Me the shy prude,

being humiliated by

their emblazonment of

realities in full light of day.

Time to stand up proud now,

and affirm “Yes, that is me too.”

I just didn’t want to offend you.

Sunday Regret

 

Tossing in bed in the middle of the night,

questioning my actions, did I speak right?

No matter what I choose to do,

seem to end up feeling like a fool.

Invited to a party this Saturday night,

Don’t tell a friend who might pick a fight.

I push away busy schedules of life,

seek a moment of peace from strife.

Going to the bar with a boyfriend can be tricky,

You see some hotties who are not being picky!

When younger I had my turn to be sexy and hot,

Now feel the flip side when I am older, and not.

To meet with a group of congenial friends

gives rise to many warm affectionate blends.

A seat at the table is all I want,

nothing extraordinary to flaunt.

A few more good times, a few more wins,

experiences enjoyed before I “pack it all in.”

Spy Balloons

 

What are Air Force pilots supposed to aim at?

There are so many things in our airspace;

Weather balloons, radiosondes, helium escapees,

recreational balloons with people riding underneath...

Experimental aircraft, gliders, drones, blimps.

Propeller planes and airliners all over the place.

In the midst of all of that, there are UFO’s or UAPs,

or whatever new acronym we use this week.

Just heard on the news that NORAD has

been adjusting their radars now to see the

newest unwelcome visitors to our airspace.

Makes one wonder how many were missed?

And it makes one grateful that a hostile power

did not rain down atomic weapons from a fleet

of hovering airships perched at 60,000 feet –

a height that apparently we were not watching.

These are strange times indeed,

listening to speeches by buffoons,

air force firing missiles at balloons,

renewed conflict in Europe, WWIII looms.

If we make it through this latest war iteration,

and manage to stay solvent as a great nation,

Millenials will have a big story for the grandchildren!

Is it time for fallout shelters to come back into fashion?

Never hurts to have one just in case.

Stay safe out there.

We just keep going there

 

Anytime one reviews the history of the 20^th century, they see so many examples of warfare between nations. Huge armies coming together to kill each other, smaller ambush actions to thwart some enemy. Genocidal actions against some hated population. Yet repeatedly we see some fine minds take a stand against this, and bring attention to the horrific human suffering. As a local example, most every family in the USA has some relative who has been in the military, and many have loved ones who have been in some war or other. Many have lost a family member to some conflict or other. WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, the list goes on and on.

We may question why why why. Why do we have to lose loved ones to this scourge of humanity? Why does it never end? Why can’t the human race as a whole learn the lesson – there are far better ways to settle differences? There are far better ways to compete. We have the Olympics. We have national space or economic programs that could engender friendly competitions. We have other avenues in which to compete. But we always end up resorting to the ultimate competition, where there will only be one winner – or so we think. But there are No Winners in a protracted war. There is only loss of life, damage to the environment, deep emotional scars to the survivors, depression, suicides, substance abuse, and homelessness. But our leaders just keep on getting us into wars.

And now the world is getting more and more confrontational, and edging closer and closer to another enormous world battle. Already a land war in Europe rages, and the big powers are being drawn deeper into it. We just don’t learn, and are doomed to constantly repeat our follies and errors. Perhaps our world is really some simulation, some version of an endless hell where people get a little hopeful, and then slide right back down the slope to mass slaughter of each other once again. Over and over and over again. If that is the case I sure wish some god-king would hit the off switch.

It is wearying just making the same mistakes over and over. Birth, grow, eat, have sex, hope, kill and die. And repeat. Someone please hit the pause button on all of this.

LOTR

 

Lord of the Rings Trilogy - some thoughts.

I watched this sprawling epic again the other day.

The massive battles, poignant moments, surreal Elvish scenes were all still captivating. Even two decades later it seems that the producers did a magnificent job of bringing those books to life. But I found myself comparing things like society when the books were written versus life today, 80 or so years after the books first appeared.

They story borrows from a lot of mythologies, English, Norwegian and Germanic among others. Tolkein even lifted a few names from some of the old tales and myths. But he wound it all together into a stupendous new worldview and adventure. People are still copying his methods today, IMHO.

The hobbits generally got around on foot. The main wizard, Gandalf, was frequently mounted, bareback, on a huge white stallion. The Riders of Rohan were all mounted, and fierce fighters too. The Orcs reminded me of old Roman soldiers, on foot with long pikes, and squared shields. And the Orcs also reminded me of Imperial Stormtroopers – couldn’t hit anything with their arrows most of the time. But Legolas the Elf never missed, at times rapid-firing the arrows and never, ever running out. Maybe his quiver had a Star Trek type materializer built in, hmmmm. But it was all great fun anyway. I do pity the actors having to shoot those scenes, hour after hour, trying not to be silly or laugh or something. I guess they were well paid, as well as experienced at their craft.

The movies often showed the raw edge of primitive combat with swords and pikes and sticks. You were face to face with those who wanted you dead (or on the dinner table in some cases). And you weren’t a real warrior (of men) unless you could ride a horse. It struck me that nowadays people will immerse themselves in virtual worlds of combat, in the WoW or Fortnite type of games. Doing battle of some kind with other players, sometimes in tournaments. The ultimate endpoint of this will be some kind of ST-NG Holodeck where you can end up exhausted, with cut marks and bruises, etc. The safety settings that would disallow any serious injury might not always work right! Then the lawsuits will begin. Talk about human combat.

But I can’t help thinking that 20^th century mindset wanted to remove us from the pain, discomfort and disease of previous centuries. And nowadays we are so comfortable that some will seek out the medieval miseries as a distraction or diversion. Just look at all of the Renaissance fairs. We should be careful what we wish for. One nuclear war will put us right back in that atmosphere – or worse. With no “quit” or “exit” or “end game” icon to click on whatsoever.

In the meantime I hope to see the huge LOTR prequel that came out a while back. One of these days. What a mind trip (but I wouldn’t want to be there for real.)

Roll Over George Orwell

 Remember back, once upon a century...

When we were able to be who we wanted,

match outer appearance with inner identity.

Select any book out of a school library

to check out and read it with no oversight.

We were free to date whom we wanted,

read any publication we desired, free

to have medical procedures performed

on our own body with no input from the state;

We had freedom in the truest sense, to be

ourselves and manage our own destinies.

Those days seem gone forever,

now we must conform to the gender

and identity demanded by the State.

We can only read state-sanctioned books,

face prison time if we dare defy this.

That monolithic Communist entity we feared?

We have become that awful nightmare.

Now we must follow the mandate of the State;

in all matters large and small, no longer are free.

Every facet of our lives and fate run by the State –

especially if that state is Florida!

Just waiting for the flow of refugees streaming

back to Cuba, from the socialist nightmare of Florida.

Should start up here any day now…

Thors Day rambling

 

Last December the publisher of a national magazine

produced an edition with Santa on the front,

and many fantastical articles inside.

Copies were shipped from a printer,

to Midwestern distribution points.

Labeled, then they went out in the mail,

sent to a household in central Iowa.

I received a copy gratis, in early February.

The front cover was a bit worn,

articles and information inside still as

fresh, cogent, and impactful as on the day printed.

I read, contemplated and soaked in the

information, which effectively illumined pathways

just as good as it would have on the day it was written.

For funds up front I would have received it months ago.

But I had no need, and in any case

my mental landscape was already stuffed full:

holiday concerns,

Internet sensations,

smartphone silliness,

general media lunatic frenzies aplenty.

It is nevertheless nice to read about

many erudite and complex subjects,

whether right away or three months late.

(Quantum Computing still seems like a colossal waste of money.)

But knowledge is power,

no matter when you get it.

Thanks for reading this day’s musings,

now bring on Friday and the weekend.

Time for a beer.

Days Dragging and Years a Flying

 

All of a sudden a friend turns 80,

and it hits me once again how fast

we all went from youth to old age.

Sure, the days dragged by.

Whether waiting tables, cleaning offices,

taking phone calls or juggling books;

whether serving drinks at a bar,

writing software for a mainframe,

selling tickets to a Broadway play,

or playing a musical instrument;

Whether acting in a local production,

or shooting a TV commercial or series;

Whether writing a novel or screenplay,

essay, short story or even a poem;

The days do come to a close,

the years do fly by,

and priorities certainly change.

Cherish those friends and good memories,

hold close the things that last and matter.

One day it will all be done –

but let us hold that off as long as we can,

and celebrate another day together.

An Iowa Masterpiece

 

He wrought works in silver                 found objects and made collages

branching to other disciplines              woodworking and painting took hold

learned impressionist styles                  emulated European masters

taught middle and high schools              studied in Paris and Munich

painted murals on commission              put on his own exhibitions

he was always striving towards              another grand project in progress

the next beautiful creation                     something novel from his process

    only to be known and defined by a man, woman, pitchfork and window.

        I would be happy to have done half as much as Grant Wood.

                                            And who wouldn't.

Contrapuntal Playground

 

moving along down a trail               snow scrunching underfoot

minutes wending away                    mind numb to time passages

breath-cycling cool air                    eye scans passing scenes

bare trees and ice glaze                   hardly hear my heartbeat

flow of scenes and vibes                memories trickle past

weave in and out                           awareness shifts internal

watch out where I walk                 black ice can cause a spill

better be vigilant now                    keep an eye focused forward

glitter transforms to asphalt          back towards the transportation

Another walk completed              beauty soaked in one more time

    Open the car door to re-enter uncivilized environments.

The paystub said 12/30/1980            So long ago now

look at those tiny numbers                so much less for stress

but that young man was glad            pay bought a lot more

even in a time of inflation                and needs were simpler

provided the essentials                    cigarettes and chicken necks

some brew at times too                  bread and peanut butter

Oh the simple magic of                 a trip down memory lane

surging youth at 21                    everything was still possible

Gazing back on it all                 wonder where it went to like

just like my parents                  grand and great-grands wondered

now pushing up weeds             feeding the flowers I flatten

    as I wander over their graves, my tears watering them all.

RIP David Crosby

 

He seemed to be a freak’s freak,

an icon of the 60's rock world;

A man who did not compromise anything.

David Crosby was certainly a unique performer.

Forming two very popular bands in the

heart of the 1960’s counterculture movement,

he was in the center of upheaval and revolution.

He gave us a beautiful voice and strident lyrics, 

an unyielding personality with sweet demeanor.

So we lose another great singer-songwriter,

leader of the “Baby Boomer” exultations

to rock and roll, turn on, tune in, drop everything…

and change the world in ways still being felt.

The creativity unleashed truly did change humanity.

We can debate the good or evil of outcomes,

but few can deny the impact of David Crosby on

the music and the consciousness of the times.

I sincerely hope that he is in a better place now;

perhaps entertaining a different audience,

but with his same incredibly beautiful soul.

Rest Well David – your gig here on Earth has ended.

Ice in several shades of blue

 

Not a peep from the birds today,

they are well-nested or flown south.

No sign of squirrels or rabbits,

even though the temps are warmer.

Any creature with a spot of sense

has found a deep, lined burrow.

Mid-January thaws don’t fool us!

We know a blizzard is coming,

sooner or later – probably sooner.

But it is good to get out when one can,

take a stroll in balmy temperature respite;

Enjoy nature’s ‘pause button,’ before

she comes back at us with a bomb cyclone.

Still we know that March’s warmer sunshine

gets closer and closer every day – so we

hang on and throw some ice-melt and deploy

shovels and snowblowers for fast access.

Another cycle comes and goes like usual.

Stay warm everyone.

Where do they think they are going

 

You see images on the daily news,

long lines of refugees waiting to

cross the border into the US.

Impatient, seething, writhing.

Someone sure told them a big lie.

Up here in the USA, we are

constantly pummeled by severe weather,

tornadoes, hurricanes, floods snowstorms.

We are constantly in some state of emergency,

recovery or rescue from fires and droughts, etc.

Our economy is not the best anymore,

our farmlands are being depleted fast,

oil reserves burned up, water resources iffy.

Inequalities are rampant, many poor in the cities

struggle to keep pace with inflation let alone advance.

Just where do these refugees think they are going?

It must really be horrific in their home countries,

to send them fleeing on foot or riding rail cars,

packing into the back of a van or truck illegally.

They might get fed a meal or two from Border Patrol

or some churches stepping in to help – and then end up in

legal limb here while waiting to see a judge.

Flooding into a country that has more than its share of problems already.

There has to be a better solution than to

weigh us down with all their problems,

when we are already staggering under 34 Trillion dollars of debt!

This might be a time for the U.N. to intervene in

their home countries and try to improve conditions there.

There has to be a better way to help.

Peace and out,

(from an overwhelmed US buried in debt and problems.)

Once Despised Now Idolized

 

E.A. Poe the poet helps solve a murder,

in the flowering of his youth at academy.

(Or so says a recent movie.)

The wonder of a young man that can drink and

carouse and still make stunning mental leaps.

E.A. Poe the poet writes a long poem about

a raven, a big crow really, and achieves

immortality in the literary world. A

mental leap of centuries gained by one published work.

E.A. Poe becomes a drunk and opiate user,

offends the polite society that helped make him,

ends up a stumbling vagabond and then dies young.

His is not just the sad tale of another alcohol addict!

E.A. Poe managed to write successful short stories

and longer works at times, firmly etching his name

in the annals of literary fame – forevermore.

E.A. Poe – a tragic figure in life, but not in death.

If his ghost lives it surely marvels at the legions of

readers, and middle school students reading about

his silly raven, taps on the door, and lost love Lenore.

E.A. Poe, literary giant now, long gone,

I’m grateful for using your name in vain,

to write yet another honorarium about you.

Thank you, good sir, for inventing rap,

and leaving us with intricacies still unfolding,

creativity inspiring humble hacks like me,

forevermore.

R.I.P. E.A. Poe.

Bye 2022

 

Well there goes another one almost done.

Nights of grinding work gave way to

some retirement bliss and happiness.

And a discovery that a retiree is also

a marketing commodity, to be

relentlessly targeted with ads and scams.

Bombarded with garbage, occasionally

useful, often interrupting, irritating and

annoying. No wonder old people are grumpy.

“One in five US residents are on Social Security”

said one newscaster: A lot of grumps and growls!

Plenty of time now to surf the web and see

so many ways to spend scarce saved-up money.

(New employment is starting to look more appealing.)

As much as I would like to be of service,

It would frankly be nice just to survive.

New days bring sunny respite from horrible weather,

Balming up temps and renewing hopes alike.

New Years bring promise of new experiences,

fun with friends and family in the future.

Time to put gloomy old 2022 to bed permanently.

Was it Bad? Sometimes, but nowhere near as bad as 2020!

Happy New Year to everyone.

Thanks to the People of Service

 

Thanks go out to the people of all service,

willing and smiling, efficient and helpful.

A surprise encounter with fresh efficiency,

Informs me of my condition going forward.

The noise of worker shortages and problems

resounds from many media outlets. So one

goes out to shop or get seen by someone,

expecting the worst, god knows what.

Sometimes it can be difficult…

Then other days there is a pleasant surprise:

A smiling, efficient young worker who satisfies.

Bright store clerk who scans grocery items

with a “did you find everything?” then a

“Have a nice day.”

I will now, thanks to you!

A healthcare assistant all bright and efficient,

“Where did you come from, some miracle human mold?”

Takes my temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

(At my advanced age they should all be repulsed.)

never believe all the bad news you hear,

There is still good out there, do not fear.

Prime Time for Friends

 

So many familiar faces, and some new ones too:

we mingled and talked, sat down and chatted.

The month went by fast, weren’t we just here?

We shared ups and downs and compared memories.

Everyone in the room is exceptional here:

we are all survivors of decades of turmoil.

diseases, epidemics and pandemics alike;

discrimination, bigotry and harassment too!

It is so nice that we can sit down to dinner together,

despite any lingering, differing political beliefs.

We share a common orientation and similar history.

can trade anecdotes and forget any medical misfortunes.

Another year draws to a close, the holidays are on us,

some have no families, others may still be estranged.

Does not mean that we can’t still laugh and reminisce,

feel renewed hopes rise and birth a fresh happiness.

Happy Holidays to all however you celebrate,

raise a toast to a better year ahead for everyone.

Que Sera Sera

 

It is what it is,

and it is all that it is,

will never be any more than it is,

nor any less than it is.

Someone else will always tell you what it is,

their version will differ from yours what it is.

In the past it has been what it was,

No more nor less than exactly what it was.

Never certain of what it was because

of, but it was always just what it was.

What will be will be,

nothing we can do about it,

neither you nor me.

Things will be what they will be,

Whether we are chained or free.

How or why or where they will be

doesn’t much matter, they will just be.

The program will run on,

until the end of the universe.

We will not see that happen,

but can still be certain that

what will be will be.

And what is, just is.

And that is the way it is.

A Dagger Poised

 

A small country of five million souls,

perched near the huge Russian bear;

They used to proclaim neutrality,

pragmatic and perhaps a bit scared.

In the twentieth century they have been invaded,

prodded and bullied for strategic territories;

Finns fought a short war with Russia in 1939.

They share an 800 mile border of miseries.

Recently things have changed again,

and Finland has joined in with NATO.

Those five million are willing to fight,

and their military is first-rate – Russia,

take note and beware. Checkmate, Putin.

Although there are caveats, such as

not wanting to provoke Moscow too much;

limits to stationing NATO troops in their country,

it still can act as a foil if Russians decide to march.

The desperately tough and resilient Finns led

the way to a stalemate in the north, and the

Western Alliance can breathe a sigh of relief,

for a time perhaps – until the next war!