alkali streets
bleed with the dreams of
humanity, angels in
bootlegged Blahniks
flutter wings of
dubious intention
a silent wisdom of the gods
spills empty pockets ...
gilded pillars of
Olympus, brought to
ruin by pushcart
pariahs -
the tattered pages
life scribbles on -
a cursive profanity to rub
each nescient nose
sawbucks for
flesh by the warm
handful - strains of
the night, bound
sewer vents
puff their vile breath
as vagrants bask in
putrid warmth ...
every horrid
tale plays out
in actuality
and yet, ABOVE ...
the precious,
resplendent heavens
witness …
ALL.
Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden, November 6, 2022
Categories:
bootlegged, america, angst, appreciation, beauty,
Form: Free verse
Life on the Edge of a Desert
David J Walker
First of all
It’s really a converted prairie
Once a jungle of buffalo grass
A thick jumble of forest for the
smallest of all God’s creatures
land captured and plowed asunder
becoming The harvest
of common principle
the subject of the annual
King Cotton fall festival
That is if God chooses to cleanse
the agrarian sins
And sends a Eucharist of rain to the
Forgiven farmers of bootlegged
Aquifer moisture
Last of all
It is a land of open sky
Endless sky
Left in the hands of the fearless
Subjects of the winds
Where every new generation
of true pioneers
will live and die
under the watchful eye
Of a living and loving God
Categories:
bootlegged, adventure, life,
Form: Free verse
beckons darkest day
offering a farthing of
moonshine and starlight —
coupled flesh warm beneath quilt
Winter wine keeps spirits’ bright
beckons darkest day
coldness of the Christ’s sealed tomb —
tears and fears presume
the worst of ebon, the death
of life and healing; breathing
celebration of
the birth and rebirth from God
at the darkest times —
star of Bethlehem sojourns
to every bootlegged corner
celebration of
all sons and daughters of King
haloed in moonshine —
silent nights prescribed, roaring
hearth and candlelight; pristine
12/9/2020
Categories:
bootlegged, christian, christmas, winter,
Form: Tanka
From his pulpit the parson railed 'gainst booze
For some in his pews this wasn't good news
For so many, you see
Bootlegged on the qui vive
They all harmonized in singing the blues
Categories:
bootlegged, humorous, religion,
Form: Limerick
A cheater never a winner was.
An honest man earns his great applause.
Bootlegged words make confidence schism.
Stealing verses denies truth's wisdom.
Writing one's best makes ideas glisten.
Expressive minds hope people listen.
So go ahead, have some gumption.
Live life golden; ascend con's basin.
Deceit never did bring satisfaction.
Observed ideals take positive action.
The harmed forgive, though it is not easy.
A higher order shows loves flows deeply.
One should never choose to plagiarize,
Not while thoughtfulness remains alive.
© October 30, 2011
Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen
Categories:
bootlegged, angst, forgiveness, life, on
Form: Couplet