What do you do? Fine - I'll mention other things,
In Jo"burg, the expats were bored - went to
a roundabout and drove around, disgraceful,
don't you play any sport? Not even couch-rugby?
I used to race go-karts, play tennis, chase
the girls, even in winter, oddly in autumn;
I'm a chess player, bunch of nerds, no wonder
sometimes I'm a man of few words, expletives.
And now - I travel, write homily on Koh Samui beach,
with vacant-eyed Nesbo just out of reach,
writing is a lonely job, like waiting to die,
you'll find out - no matter how far you may fly.
Nesbo had just committed another repetitive crime,
while I was still battling with endless rhyme.
Categories:
expats, adventure, fun, imagination, poetry,
Form: Prose
Singers
I wanted to be a singer of popular tunes, but I didn’t have
The voice for it, sounded like humpback a whale’s mating
call it was said; how would they know I swam with whales
along the coast of Alaska in my younger days, only gave it up
when a flipper was damaged by a propeller
A school friend became a singer made money travelling
around fairs singing what was in the wind at the time.
He also sang in noisy restaurant with heavy Norwegian
accent and students laughed at him, they were learned
people and would in time become lawyers and doctors.
My school friend when visiting our common hometown
is interviewed and he talks about the old days, anecdotes
I think it is called. I can sing like whales their mysterious
sounds I master, but can’t use it night clubs are for dancing
the mating stuff comes later.
I once met an English pop star, who looked like a Peter Pan
slightly frayed at the edges, he even had a vine-yard, he was
much loved by the expats till there was a hint of a scandal of
the unsavoury kind. Nothing has been said, but time is more
morally unforgiving now, so he went to live in Jamaica.
Categories:
expats, abuse, celebrity, kids,
Form: Ballade
The Misfit
When I first came to Algarve I thought I had
to blend in I went to British bars and met
expats, who had never been to a Portuguese
restaurant, yet spent time whining about
the country they lived in now and the country
they had left. Undeterred I tried to fit in and
bought second hand golf clubs and became
a member of a nine hole golf course.
I found the so called sport tedious, but was
intrigued by what is called the rough where I
found bird nests, rabbits and beautiful flowers.
“**** the nature follow the ball,” an irate Brit
shouted at me. In the mood of fitting in, I did
that, but l let my membership payment laps.
Categories:
expats, culture, freedom, giggle, humorous,
Form: Sonnet
severely agitated
by remarks
on patriotism called nationalism
which for me casts a negative shadow
isn't nationalism a thin disguise for saying
communism?
I so love my country
and was brought up with religion
although I have followed my own spiritual path
in adulthood
my American heart stands true
I'm the one crying at parades
at marine bands and military choirs
voices raised together in patriotic, even religious song
bring me to my knees
power
is what causes death and war
abuse of power political or religious
and yes children in America
even exchange students and expats
should raise their voices in thanks and praise
for being allowed to stand
in American schools.
pledging allegiance
showing respect
Categories:
expats, passionme,
Form: Free verse