People
surround
but I’m always
alone
In naked
seclusion
fleeing
the throne
Caught in
the snarl
of their
consonant rhyme
Shunning
all
overtures
— fields still unlined
(Gardiner Montana: August, 2025)
Categories:
gardiner, freedom, writing,
Form: Rhyme
I never think my thoughts deep thoughts --
though I'm no Peter Sellers, they are
but common trite reactions. l do not live
an examined philosophic life; nor have I
focused, fathomed understanding.
But -- there is, everywhere, wide-eyed blank confusion --
crowds that do not listen, do not hear, cannot ken --
that do not choose even NOT to grasp
what is shown, or read, said, or written.
While reveling in company that towers
oh! so high in intellectual singularity --
such myriad dazzling talents! -- alas! I
am only still another erstwhile
Chauncey Gardiner.
Envoi: Where are (perhaps in hiding?)
our popular current Feynmans -- Sagans --
Hawkings -- even Einsteins? Now I will --
I must ! -- ask: think YOU that ignorance
might NOT be bliss?
Categories:
gardiner, 12th grade, confusion, culture,
Form: Free verse
Ectopic Wanderings
Born far from where
I was supposed to be,
nearer to the end
I chased the beginning
throughout my life
—forever going home
(Red Lodge Montana: September, 2021)
18kt Memories
I’ll wear a Rolex
once I’m dead,
as accolades surround
The past what’s left
of what was right,
buried in the ground
Beneath my dreams
above my hope,
one wish to tell the tale
Of life now lived
with death in charge
—new gold among the shale
(Ouray Colorado: September, 2021)
As Darkness Fell…
I got in the door
when no one was looking
and stayed
as the world looked away
I crashed every feeling
borrowing dreams
awake
in the afternoon’s mourning
(Ely Nevada: September, 2021)
Together Alone
Wisdom and love
in conflict they wed
to sleep through the darkness
—alone in the same bed
(Gardiner Montana: September, 2021)
Rent To Own
Once you move past
the imagery and symbols
vision stays constant
—connection secure
(Thermopolis Wyoming: September, 2021)
Categories:
gardiner, travel,
Form: Free verse