imitate my poor husband—
just pinch the tube.
knead and press and stretch.
luck yields to demand.
matter offloading.
noisome
opulence
plenishes in a blink!
quiet panic builds.
rationalize
squares.
this isn't toothpaste.
utilize shallow breaths.
Gifts received from so many
Out from under the shadows, memories of beautiful women and girls
who gave, shared so much more than they received, strings of pearls.
No diamonds, gold, platinum, or bouquets of flowers, just a shallow man
who provided very little in return but did the best he knew, the best he can.
It was a time when loving, from me, was not more than a superficial gift
offered to all those who desired, a plutonic relationship alone with the stiff .
My regrets haunt, broken hearts long since healed, what do they, today feel
about a fool who could have had meaningful relationships, this man of steel.
B. J. “A ” 2
June 9th, 2026
Jam or custard-centred is a matter of preference.
Under the counter lights, the many delights beg—
Slathered in cream is a bonus to consider.
There’s no greater buzz than entering the emporium.
Doughnuts have always been my emotional crutch
Ever since my college days, when cramming for exams.
Slipping sugary treats into my school satchel;
Soggy, healthy whole-wheat sandwiches were ignored.
Even during pregnancy, my craving intensified.
Recreating my one secret indulgence always flopped.
The small corner bakery still serves the best temptations—
Shedding the pounds on my hips: a lost cause.
Jasmine scent perfumes the air
Under a canopy that’s enchanted.
Laughter sings love’s mighty praises.
Youth itself rejoices in all its glory.
Fiery sparkles in the darkness
Ignite the sky with joy and glitter
Regaling all across the land.
Effervescence and a playful sense of magic
Work wonders for the soul while
Orchestrating bursts of awe and childlike wonder.
Recalling extravagances of a distant past,
Kaleidoscopic visions vivid and magical ~
Surreal evenings forge longlasting memories.
AP: Honorable Mention 2026, Honorable Mention 2026, Honorable Mention 2026
Winds of Change
---------------------------------------------------
The Winds of Change, “ the last piece of the puzzle ”.
The Winds of Change, the last puzzle, in the wings.
Man’s soul, man’s spirt riding the Winds of Change,
leaving behind the mysteries encountered in this plane
only to journey, on the Winds of Change to experience
the mysteries, the adventures in the unknown, next plane .
B. J. “A ” 2
January 30th, 2016
The Camera Man
Depression
Depression clouds the lens, throwing it out of focus.
Distorting the images before it, altering perceived reality.
Depression hovers above like an ominous, menacing black bird,
hanging onto the winds of times passed, over its pray,
ready to swoop down with furry upon its victim with vengeance,
with razor sharp talons ready to pierce this fragile spirit’s soul.
Dragging it over shards of broken glass, slivers of glass reflecting,
refracting moments, experiences, stories that shed some light
before dropping it all into a black hole, from which seems no escape.
Times passing has deflected, yet the mirror still holds sway to the past.
The past, not but an evil land, a prison with tarnished, rusted, rotting cages
wherein lies skewed images, much like Salvador Dali’s surrealistic paintings.
The Camera Man – Depression, will either find serenity, a beautiful lake, still.
Its surface calm, un-rippled by life’s journey, reflecting not but blue skies .
B. J. “A ” 2
January 21st, 2026
Jeans and sandals strolling along the beach
Unfolds the magic of summer
Natural beauty captured at sunset
Easy living no cares in the world
Sublime rays reflected nonchalantly off gentle waves
Kaleidoscopic explosion of a cacophony of colour
In itself mesmerizing to our delighted senses
Evening approaches, the moon not far behind
Silky smooth the touch that creates memories
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
Stewing o’er surprise storms?
"Crying's not for me."
Wringing peace from panic’s plea,
welcome water’s whimsey.
Let the rain soak in…
revive sapped energy
restore grass to green
relax the worry-warts.
"Raindrops keep falling on my head
But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning red
Crying's not for me
'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining
Because I'm free. Nothing's worrying me." B J Thomas
Just as you would suppose,
Unleased hatred only grows.
Do lash out, I’m sure you’ll see
God gives this freedom to you and me.
Mind your soul to heal the hate.
Enlighten your path before it’s too late.
Note your actions and words, if you will
That your hate will ever be still.
All that anger held inside
Looms from within, not outside.
You were T
^ h ^
A e R
N O
C H
v
When reality was unmoored and adrift
When life’s harshest winds ripped a rift
When ominous clouds loomed overhead
When anger leashed gloom tinged red
You were a ( ( (( VOICE )) ) ) of reason
When kindness and healing was sparse
When probable friendships were a farce
You gave me hope, you kept me grounded
When rebound of love’s alarms sounded
You are a J
E W E
L of the sea
A whirling tsunami washed you ashore
A precious rock, I’d come to adore
Like colorful sea glass, I’m eased by you
A gem of a gift gallant and true
A treasured heart about to unfurl
I’m destined to be your pearl of a girl
Jubilant seasons come anytime on your way
Using an evergreen bush and tree everyday
Nice for dresses, foods, drugs, decors, display
In December, it’s a Christmas tree, hooray!
Pick the best types based on purpose
Elegant perfume, air-freshener’s scent for your nose
Rake the seeds for your home landscape, I propose.
Juniper- a genus of evergreen
Under the cypress family list;
Neath scented leaves, new berries are green.
It had a place in mythology's mist.
Protection, Long life, Purification
Expressed in religious celebration
Rejecting evil spirits in between.
Juniper,* you are a blessed tree, endowed by God for all to see
Umbrella you were to Prophet Elijah when from distress he did flee...
Never denying your sheltering role, helping ecosystem to be whole
Indeed fulfilling goal, as haven for birds, even for tired soul...
Performing best, providing habitat for wildlife with protective zest
Evergreen that smites longevity's pest and stands firm midst test
Ready to grant rest under your foliage toward victory's crest.
*1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
June 18, 2025
3rd place, "High Fives for June" Acrostic Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Andrea Dietrich; judged on 6/24/2025
Just an evergreen
Using its sheen,
Notably seen
In a pattern pristine,
Presenting a keen,
Earthy fragrance clean,
Releasing into air serene.
My little cousin, Junior, lost his mom when she was only 39 and he was 9. It was such a devastating time for him – her pet name for Junior was “June Bug”
Junior had a beautiful mom
Unlike any other
Never knew a heart so calm
Ever the amazing mother!
Blessed by her light, her sacrifice
Unending grace beyond a price
Glory to God for love so nice!
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