Tag Archives: working through issues

Demographic Shock: Napkin Poem Free-Verse Improv Poetry

This poem was written years ago — I don’t know when — at Speak For Yourself open mic night in Provo, Utah, at Enliten Cafe / Guru’s on Center Street

The napkin poem
of the evening
is caught
in demographic shock,
and so must celebrate
we, who are not celebate,
we who are
older.

At last, I’m seeing
more gray beards,
male AND female,
with listening ears
and minds.

They bring their words
of wisdom,
words of age.
Some may rage,
but mostly we just say
lessons we’ve learned,
words we want to share,
because sharing words
keeps us safe.

Sharing words keeps us
angst-less,
and keeps us living,
and keeps us
alive.

During His Service — Thoughts On My Neighbor’s Passing: Revolutionary ConTEXTing Haiku

My neighbor (“the golfer”) passed away unexpectedly last weekend. At his funeral, during tributes from children and friends, many thoughts and feelings came up, which I turned into poetic texts to myself.

When a good man passes 11:04 a.m.
When a good man is/
Taken too early, it shakes/
We who aren’t ready.

Life Elevated Example 11:49 p.m.
When you see a life/
That is elevated, you/
Know you must improve.

My Neighbor’s Advice: 12:13 p.m.
“Prepare to stand in/
The presence of God.” That’s his/
advice from the grave.

Urgent Work 12:24 p.m.
For such a one to/
leave so early shows how the/
work is so urgent.
OR
For such a one to/
leave so soon shows how urgent/
the Lord’s work must be.

Kind Words Of Welcome 12:26 p.m.
Welcome back, brother”/
were the kindest feelings and/
words I ever heard.