Author Archives: John

Simple Ways: pantoum

Some say that simple ways are still the best; as we add complication, things decline. How we live puts that principle to test: it’s so subjective, what one thinks is fine. So, adding complication wreaks decline? Stop making babies; that’s … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Thing Gets Old: ottava rima

A thing gets old because it starts out young and in the spring has little or no care; of consequence and karma, yet unsprung in early life, it remains unaware. Perhaps in early August, comes a sign: an aching in … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Small Towns: ode (Keatsian)

For what it’s worth, most places on a map merely exist as clots in highway veins: mere wisps of web for speed or tourist traps, perhaps historic, where that sense remains. At thirty thousand feet that’s how they look: just … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Call It Madness: mad song

You gawk and call it madness, a sickness that afflicts   the weak of mind,   the poor, the kind; by gods, you’re such a prick. You practice looking sideways, avoiding the fool’s eyes:   a damning mirror,   where you see clearer your … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Thought I Knew: madrigal

I thought I knew, but knew nothing of love before your true love grew to fill my heart; and now there is no other that compares. How small and turned within my life was then, so crowded and content with … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rest Your Head: lullaby

Rest your head and close your eyes, listen to this lullaby: let the sights and sounds of day gently dull and fade away; let the chirping crickets’ song slowly make the minutes long; let the fresh and cool bedsheets softly … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Debt Collection: limerick

There once was a young man from Kent who earned a lot less than he spent; when pressed to make good, he replied, “Well, I should, but I cannot surrender a cent.” Another young soul from Sabine said, “Brother, I … Continue reading

Posted in Lines | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment