Category Archives: Poetry

Residents Only How is this different from the deep south?There is no “Whites Only” signon the front of the Orange Grove Plunge. That’s one difference.The sign says,“South Pasadena Residents Only,” and you need an officialSouth Pasadena resident ID cardto show … Continue reading →

You Do Not Always Have Me John 12:1-8 The flowing lake is always filling,but is never full.Once there was a true sense of fullness—of which all that now remainsis an empty print and trace.The lake strains for completionwith waters around … Continue reading →

On Mount Wilson Mother said her father,my grandfather, had a request.He wanted to take a drive up to Mount Wilson for a dayand he asked to take me with him.Just me. I thought that was strange,but I said OK.It was … Continue reading →

The Drifters Their lyrics sealed the promiseof August of ’59,There goes my babymovin’ on down the line. I had a brown-eyed sweetheartwhen I was seventeen.Our worlds were far apartand the Drifters fell between. The mournful whine is silent;the booming drum … Continue reading →

Owl Love Sometimes on my morning run,I hear the call and responseof two owls.They move around,never in the same place twice,but I know who they arebecause the smaller of the twois one white note higheron the keyboard,and each has a … Continue reading →

[haiku] pan-fried troutI learn something newabout my father

The Plumb Line Amos 7:7-17 With a plumb-line, the wall of Israel was erectedwith closely-fitted, well-joined stones.These perpendicular stones were the very bonesof a great nation, but a careless people neglectedtheir promise to the Lord. They failed to stay the … Continue reading →

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector I’m feeling special standing in the temple.I’m such a sight to see!I lift my words to you my Lord.Behold: take a look at me! Indeed, I have risen above the rest.Lord, … Continue reading →

Lao Tzu Advises the Board of Directors The best manager is a gracious guest in my house.As host, I am pleased to do my best.We both get what we want. The best manager is hardly recognized.Good results come naturallyand the … Continue reading →

NOTE: From Bud and Mary. The year was 1956 when I was 14. Friday Night Fights Every Night The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports–Boxingfrom Madison Square Gardenwith the Look Sharp/Be Sharp theme songand Jimmy Powers announcingwas a regular Friday night eventfor … Continue reading →

She Loves You The Kennedy assassination stunned the nationlike nothing else since the attack on Pearl Harbor.We all remember what we were doingwhen we heard the news. What followed was six weeks of sorrow.The grieving widow and her two small … Continue reading →

Back Jackknife for Bud Baldwin His rigid arms are pointing down as he walksthe diver’s practiced pace toward the edgeand deftly spins around to set his feet.The crowd grows quiet as he is on his toes,to seek and find the … Continue reading →

[tanka] the boy who cameto be my fatherkissed her cheekwhat did my face look likebefore that happened?