Came across this poem today while reading, The Everyday Poet- Poems to Live By Edited by Deborah Alma.  All of us have things in our lives that remain incomplete, unfinished, that we just don't quite seem to get around too. These become our 'one day' things. We attach the best intentions to these things, but they just slip by. I think the poet, Jann Kaplinski captures the very essence of this aspect of the human condition. We all have things we just never quite get around to doing. Some happen on a daily basis, while others seem to get deferred somewhat longer. I find it most gratifying when poets write about those small moments in life and elevate them in ways that make them worthy of the reader's attention. Enjoy... THE WASHING NEVER GETS DONE . . . The washing never gets done. The furnace never gets heated. Books never get read. Life is never completed. Life is like a ball which one must continually catch and hit so that it won't fall. When the f...

Sometimes a poet feels the need to raise a voice, make a statement, or a stand. Sometimes the events of the world prompt and provoke a response. In 2016, the world has experienced a lot of social and political uncertainty. Think about the US election of Donald Trump as President, the Brexit movement in the United Kingdom, the growth of fake news stories and the emboldened stance of xenophobes and racists in many countries.  It is with such matters in mind that I am writing today. In a world where shallow news reporting is increasingly relied upon, it is important to be an educated consumer of information. Social media displays both positive and negative attributes.We must afford it due diligence, use it wisely.  We must be willing to learn, grow and reflect. We must learn to filter information and question sources. Blind acceptance is dangerous. Is my poem a rant?  Am I taking a stance? You decide, dear reader. We write for different purposes.  ...

P LACES and P OETRY A discussion over dinner with friends landed on the topic of visiting Venice. All present had been fortunate to visit this unique city in Northern Italy at least once. A few days later still mulling over my memories of Venice, I recalled sitting in Campo Santa Margherita and observing the scene across the piazza that morning. The poet within heard the call and my notebook collected these words. Poetry among other things is about recalling memories. Italian Cafe Scene I sit here Outside a Venetian cafe The chairs face the piazza European style Slowly sipping an overpriced cappuccino  The faces of people passing reveal secrets My gaze shifts to ancient buildings bordering the square I imagine the view from windows and balconies Sitting here Outside a Venetian cafe The snakes in my head And the mad cats clawing the inside of my belly Vanish Overwhelmed by the allure of tranquility And the beauty Of this morning