I don't like to brag, but I've seen it all
The virginal Springs, the legends of Fall
Where whispering pines, meet towering peaks
And raging rivers, raise babbling creeks
A fresh forest glade, festooned with fauna
Hot bubbling waters, nature's own sauna
Swam the Tasman Sea, hiked along the Nile
Even met a wretch, walking "his" green mile
Once I played the Met, and jammed with the Stones
Then won a big bet, while rolling the bones
Met the self-righteous, who claims to be right
And basked with the meek, who shines a true light
From Rome's Rotunda and Phlegraean Fields
To Chinese lanterns and Japanese shields
Sailed the Seven Seas, been around the Horn
Watched a nation die, watched a nation born.
I've seen followers and leaders of men
I've met the Pope, forgiving my sin
Saw too many rich, degrading the poor
I've stood at Hell's gate, passed through Heaven's door
I've traveled the moon, the stars in the sky
I've charmed the Devil, making Angels cry
Like I said before, I don't like to brag
Here's a toast to ME, waving my own flag!
Fruits Of War's Futility, Death And Destruction
As glittering spit falls upon hot rocks
rare gemstones melt into a frigid sea
ailing ships lay about three fallen docks
hummingbird chases a dozen honeybees
irreparable desert begs sullen sky
for some rain, as winged bats vacation
from the fiends that pursue asking the why
no trains dare stop at the new train station.
In rocky mountainous purple terrain
earth cries with billowy indifference
rattlesnake and mouse both cry out for rain
two red ants fight without interference.
An ocean vessel sails around the Horn
its ten guns aimed at both you and he
a mother doe gives up her first newborn
and with that Nature sprouts Sycamore tree.
As glittering spit falls upon hot rocks
ailing ships lay about three fallen docks
who cares that a great war is to be fought
with victims begging for peace to be sought?
Robert J. Lindley, rhyme
April 5th, 1972
Note ( A guy from our hometown was killed in the Vietnam war )
Teddy Talley. Sad and tragic..
War is an evil that mankind relishes and indulges in..
In a town down in Texas,
Lived a man in a tree.
He used to be a Sailor,
And spent his life at sea.
After twelve years of service,
His fate cruely got him.
When sailing around the Horn,
His ship went to the bottom.
The papers called it tragic,
The death of so many men.
And as the lone survivor,
Swore he'd never sail again.
Then he moved to Santa Fe,
Built a cabin in an Elm.
Said goodbye to the water,
And that tree became his realm.
For twenty years he lived there,
But not a friend did he make.
How ironic when a twister,
Dropped his cabin in a lake.
Though he drowned that very day,
You know Heaven wouldn't cheat him.
When he reached the Pearly Gates,
All his shipmates there to greet him.
All around the horn and neatly placed inside.
A battle of the fittest, a chance to seek a bride.
The mythical Cornucopia, a consecrated piece.
Sought by all the Gods, a broken horn from a beast.
A cheat became a bull, a legacy now it warns.
If you mess with the bull will you get or take its horns?
Maybe it came from Zeus the answers not quite clear.
I just set mine on the table with some turkey and a beer.
It might be filled with fruit depending on beliefs.
In Colorado it might be pot to give some good relief.
However, it got its start, it’s now a symbol and very trendy.
Whomever may possess one will live a life that’s good and plenty.
Cornucopia Poetry Contest for Kai Michael Neumann
5-10-20
Since Brig Copenhagen was only four
days out of Liverpool, there remained some
distance to cover. Because it was more
nearer winter bad weather had to come.
Ship needed to reef sails before they tore.
The menace of icebergs was always strong,
This consignment of tea to Halifax
by its English owners must not go wrong.
Then carrying passengers out of Boston,
such trade was good reaping much after tax.
Provided this battle could now be won
Around the Horn to California where
gold had been discovered now by the ton.
passengers hoping to get their fair share,
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