tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85587496726460591312024-03-14T00:29:23.916-07:00Creative flotsam and jetsamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.comBlogger645125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-66517470229464496972012-11-26T13:58:00.001-08:002012-11-26T13:58:49.614-08:00THE PEOPLEit's the people you know...<br />
love 'em and hate 'em<br />
i do<br />
'cause i still can't understand them<br />
with their bombs<br />
and their billboards<br />
scarifyin' the earth<br />
with nonsense<br />
and texting<br />
and the kardashian worlds<br />
collide<br />
with jersey shores<br />
a veritable hurricane<br />
of bullshit<br />
and flotsam and jetsam<br />
floating on a tsunami<br />
of disaster<br />
apocalypse<br />
of ideas<br />
or lack therof...<br />
for it ain't right<br />
to write<br />
or text<br />
when someone asks tenderly for<br />
your attention<br />
and the people<br />
return your kindness<br />
with bombs<br />
and billboards<br />
and nonsense<br />
the insanity<br />
of this world<br />
makes me long<br />
for fresh turned topsoil<br />
and montana skies<br />
midst cowboys<br />
with haggard faces<br />
tobacco on chins<br />
red eyed bullozer men<br />
whiskey on breath<br />
and smiles<br />
full of honesty<br />
for these are my peopleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-75937698865279691762012-09-20T14:02:00.000-07:002012-09-20T14:24:28.330-07:00I'M A 47%'R AND PROUD OF ITI was born poor on the southside of Chicago. My mother worked a full time job as a secretary. She walked four blocks to the bus stop every day. My dad worked nights as a bartender. My parents always stressed the value of work and a good education. I saw my dad work on ulcerated feet due to advanced diabetes. He died after double amputations. He never took welfare or unemployment compensation. We lived check to check, and we were happy when he got a few tips from customers. My mother worked until she was 68 years old.<br />
<br />
In grammar school, I delivered newspapers, worked in a flower shop, and sold items door-to-door to finance my education at St. Rita H.S. in Chicago. My mother begged the principal, Father Crawford to lower my tuition, because we were so poor. He was a good man and accomodated her. I graduated in an academic program with honors and was accepted at the University of Notre Dame. I was proud, but couldn't afford the tuition, so I went to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale Illinois.<br />
<br />
I graduated a Dean's List scholar, and was accepted into the Master's Program in Psychology at Central Michigan University. Back in 1971 if a young person didn't have the money to go to grad school, he would have to work to earn it, and delay his academic career. I worked as a warehouseman, clothing salesman, and finally landed a job as an apprentice in Local #150 as a Heavy Equipment Operator.<br />
<br />
I never did make it back to college, because I fell in love with my new trade. I studied nights to become a certified crane operator, and did whatever it took to learn my trade. We worked long hours in the heat of the summer, and the snows and freezing rains in the winter. My lungs were decimated by asbestos, dust, benzene and all types of other noxious chemicals. <br />
<br />
I worked 33 years at my trade, and was proud to make a good living for my wife and daughter. We doubled up on our mortgage payments and saved our money.<br />
<br />
Now, I am 63 years old. I am disabled because of all the hard years of work. I've had cancer, bypass surgery, I suffer from arthritis and a variety of other ailments. I do well with my pension and social security disability. I know that both are endangered by this new Republican regime who calls me a victim and a whiner. Yeah, I'm a guy who built America, and never gave up because my folks didn't have the money to send me through. I managed to become a professional artist and to write four books. Yes, I am a part of the 47% who is the best part of America.<br />
<br />
I have faith in my compatriots. I am glad that Governor Romney has been honest in regard to how he feels about me and my ilk. These patriots who hide behind God and the flag seem to show their true colors these days. A president is in charge of governing for ALL the people of the commonwealth. I never asked my dad for money to start a business, because he would have given me enough to sell popcorn on the street corner. I had a greater vision than that for me and my family.<br />
<br />
All I ask is that when you vote this November, remember guys like me. We worked hard for you. When you needed a water heater replaced or a road put in, we were there for you. I think President Obama has us in mind, and all the people in the United States. He ain't perfect, but by God, he isn't going to denigrate my life's efforts, and take away what I worked for all my life. These are not entitlements. I paid into my pension, and paid social security taxes all my life.<br />
<br />
True leaders understand humility and compassion. Never forget that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-31875076079551040242012-08-29T14:53:00.002-07:002012-08-29T15:00:08.607-07:00I'M A MANi dug in my heels<br />in hard, clay dirt<br />like a man<br />i stood upright<br />ready to make my stand<br />ready to fight<br /><br />i stumbled and fought<br />i said, "i can, i can"<br />so i fought to stand up<br />erect once again<br />'til the water came up<br />turned all to quicksand<br /><br />as i sank to new lows<br />i gritted my teeth<br />i visualized<br />i quaked at<br />what might lay beneath<br /><br />i shook off my fear<br />i waited for slaughter<br />i opened my eyes<br />my heels dug in water<br /><br />i walked azure waves<br />i saw a new land<br />i learned not to fear<br />i became a new man.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-77448853849380082222012-08-20T15:14:00.002-07:002012-08-20T15:24:44.391-07:00I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG...of the divided states of america<br />and to the corporations and banks<br />'cause they are people too!<br />a divided nation<br />(not only because we are bi-lingual)<br />for which it stands<br />two nations<br />under a "God"<br />sorry athiests!<br />who favors the wealthiest<br />and denigrates<br />women, immigrants, gays and unions<br />for we are WASPS<br />who believe in the "right to work"<br />which in real terms means<br />the right to enslave workers<br />because they can't form a more perfect union<br />much less any kind of union<br />because corporate america is gonna' squeeze you some more<br />and i thought the republic was<br />of the people, by the people, and for the people"<br />and liberty and justice for all?<br />it's just a myth<br />because there are those<br />who would re-write the constitution<br />both dems and repubs, or libertarian<br />and because we have a congress<br />that doesn't work anymore<br />and it's a damn shame<br />because the country<br />used to work just fine.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-838805327896983422012-08-16T09:02:00.002-07:002012-08-16T09:11:13.314-07:00RUNNINGyou saved my life<br />the eternal run<br />a mantra unfolded<br />on verdant trails<br />i heard my hearbeat<br />a wind in sails<br />and breathed fresh air<br />like native men<br />from way back when<br /><br />and i left the world behind<br />the world of machines<br />and broken dreams<br />for the run<br />so clean and true<br />a pristine view<br />of what man lost<br />at such a cost<br />my feet pound on<br />and on and on<br /><br />to future dreams<br />not banker's schemes<br />i love the run<br />the rush<br />the sweat<br />without regret<br />an hour a day<br />maybe more<br />it feeds my soul<br />i need no more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-78691734583197571812012-08-13T14:28:00.003-07:002012-08-13T14:39:27.963-07:00JUST SEARCH AROUNDneed a college?<br />just search around<br />not like my kids did<br />they went to ivy league joints<br />you'll have to go to community college<br />not princeton<br />not yale<br />not harvard<br />just search around<br />for managable college debt<br /><br />need retirement funds?<br />forget about it<br />the states have squandered your dough<br />unions are being busted<br />social security ain't guaranteed<br />just search around<br />for a job in your 70's<br />maybe you can be a greeter at wally-mart<br />since we outsourced all your jobs<br />why not?<br />it's good for your health to work<br />since you won't have affordable health care<br />just search around<br /><br />we are men and women of God<br />we want to lead your country<br />steal from the poor<br />give to the rich<br />we are the new robber barons<br />coming to your hood<br />the fabulous one-percenters<br />who have a new vision<br />for the wealthy in this country<br />hail to the banks!<br />all hail to wall street<br />search around and make good investments<br /><br />oh! you don't have any money<br />you must be poor and lazy<br />infirmed<br />the wrong color<br />the wrong sexual leanings<br />or maybe you're just a woman<br />search around<br />there's hope for you<br />say your prayers<br />be God fearing<br />and trust us<br />work hard<br />prosperity is right around the corner<br />just search around.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-18050181286906330882012-08-09T14:32:00.002-07:002012-08-09T14:55:42.195-07:00MAN COULD HAVE BEEN GREATMan could have been great. He came out of the trees and learned to stand on two feet. He learned to walk then to hunt and with the skins of animals protected himself from the winds, the snow and the rain. He learned to seek the shelter of caves and later to build more elaborate huts. He learned to delegate authority, to farm, to gather to create art, and finally to war on other tribes for more stuff.<br /><br /> Greed and perniciousness now defined man. Rome and Greece rose above it all with great ideas of Democracy and beauty only to fall from decay within, because of greed, murder and animalistic behavior. Holy Wars mutilated the innocents throughout time. Most of it was done in the name of GOD. As technologies developed, man became more sophisticated in weaponry and lies. The innocents were still murdered or the lucky ones were put in sweat shops to earn money for the aristocracy.<br /><br /> I fast-forward to today, and see how man has developed slavery and double-speak to a fine art. Unions are bashed, state pension funds are in arrears, Congress in on a permanent vacation, human values are smashed by dictatorships. Our own politicians are suggesting that children pick up a broom to clean their schools, in order to save the states some money. We have presidential candidates either hiding their past, or not willing to show how much money they've made for the last ten years. People are hurting all over the world. Take away jobs, help for the needy, fire the teachers, the policemen, the firemen, the carpenters, the electricians, the plumbers, and up the salaries of bureaucrats, politicians, CEO's of corporations, and what do you end up with? <br /><br /> The IMPLOSION of a once great Democracy. Obama and Romney are more concerned about ammassing great wealth, and the backers who hold great wealth, than the commonwealth. Believe it. Neither one of them could swing a sledge hammer all day long. They never had to work for a living. In all due respect, I think Obama might make more than half-a-day, while Romney would whine, and probably sit on his ass, or try to pay someone to do the work for him. This is just my opinion after watching both FOX news and MSNBC. I have two evils to vote for, and I guess I'll vote for the lesser of the two. So far, Barrack Obama is my man. Taxing the wealthiest of Americans the same amount of tax that a working man has to pay, seems like a fair deal to me. <br /><br /> Maybe after all is said and done in world affairs, and the nuclear nightmare comes, what is left of us will all climb back up into the trees. Maybe this new "generation of men" will remember the past mistakes. They will climb out of the trees, learn to walk, make tools, then weapons, then go to hunt, grow food, and discover their neighbors. God help us all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-25097608025380764482012-08-06T08:41:00.002-07:002012-08-06T09:00:01.356-07:00I LONG FOR THOSE DAYSi long for those days<br />of adolescent haze<br />meeting up at the park<br />drinking beer in the dark<br />running wild on the streets<br />tapping our feet<br />to the primal beat<br /><br />oh how i long for those days<br />of parties and muscle cars<br />begging old winos <br />to buy us liquor from bars<br />going to dances<br />and teen hops galore<br />wearing my best just hoping to score<br />a teenage queen<br />a girl of my dreams<br />to take to the drive-in<br />and do stupid things<br />to impress her and keep her<br />but it was all about change<br />'cause for a kid in the 60's<br />there was no home on the range<br /><br />we longed for the streets<br />the surge of urban life<br />rumbles and music<br />cigs and delights<br />not enjoyed now<br />'cause there is fear<br />in the air<br />it ain't really clear<br />how to be a kid<br />without being cowed<br /><br />i guess this is why<br />i long for my days<br />when there was'nt a future<br />there wasn't a past<br />the present was good<br />it just couldn't last<br />i long for those daysAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-43613314616153420002012-08-03T09:52:00.002-07:002012-08-03T09:59:06.333-07:00HOW TO ROLLstudy hard in school<br />don't take any shit from anybody on the playground<br />if attacked by a group<br />always pick the biggest guy<br />gouge his eyes out or grab his windpipe<br />hold on 'til he turns purple<br />never give an inch<br /><br />at work<br />be the first on the job<br />the last to go home<br />work 2 or 3 jobs<br />until you secure a better position<br />save your bread<br />don't buy fancy cars or clothes<br /><br />buy real estate as soon as you can<br />double up on your mortgage payments<br />keep your body and mind in shape<br />don't waste your money in bars<br />only date girls you would take home to your mother<br />keep your mouth shut at work<br />don't gossip<br /><br />protect yourself at all times<br />always have a "plan-B"<br />when you are old, diversify<br />buy stocks, bonds, annuities.<br />make sure you have enough to retire<br />never carry any credit card debt<br />this is how to roll.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-61268168708252230932012-07-23T14:56:00.002-07:002012-07-23T15:09:31.762-07:00CRAZY PEOPLEcrazy people come in all shapes and sizes<br />most of them are locked up<br />or let go by governments<br />some live without doing crimes<br />some do crimes without getting caught<br />many of the worst are studied by scientists,<br />never are executed, because they are interesting<br />some write blogs and receive adulations from the public<br />many are artists, musicians and politicians<br />religious leaders are my favorites<br />they are worse than politicians in my book<br />i always wonder why the murderous ones never get "the chair"<br />maybe i've seen too many jimmy cagney movies<br />seems that manson should'a gotten the chair years ago<br />a guy or girl who guns down masses of people should get "rubbed out"<br />or better yet...<br />let the families of the deceased have fun with him/her<br />issue baseball bats to the families<br />let them decide what to do with the crazy person<br />save the taxpayers some money<br />help the economy<br />the gentle, crazy people should recieve some help<br />don't let them wander the streets<br />maybe the politicians can take up a collection<br />give them some money<br />maybe the politicos won't be so hesitant to show their tax returns<br />and will be able to brag about how humane they are<br />that sure will come in handy at election time<br />it's sure a crazy world<br />filled with crazy people<br />it always has been<br />it always will be.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-31799613248265552532012-07-16T15:47:00.002-07:002012-07-16T15:56:26.368-07:00TELEVISIONi don't want to see hoarders...<br />the biggest loser<br />insane chefs denigrating the help<br />the kardashians<br />people eating worms<br />hollywood gossip news<br />or flannel-shirted men catching catfish.<br /><br />damn the ice road truckers<br />guys catching crabs for endless hours<br />game shows<br />gossip shows<br />and slanted news like FOX and MSNBC.<br /><br />damn the situation comedies<br />game shows<br />an elderly vanna white<br />and countless movie re-runs<br />it's all so dumb, dumb, and dumber<br /><br />give me more masterpiece theatre<br />shows with integrity and culture<br />new releases<br />something well thought out<br />well written<br />forget it<br />it's not going to happen<br />and when it does<br />it's cancelled<br />i guess i'll read a good bookAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-89059749935645852722012-07-14T14:40:00.002-07:002012-07-14T14:46:26.586-07:00THEY WATCHthey watch you and me<br />those statisticians<br />media geeks<br />politicians<br />clergymen<br />car salesmen<br />the IRS<br />insurance companies<br />banks<br />all those greasy fingers<br />dipping into information<br />looking for self-aggrandizement<br />through you and me<br />pernicious<br />dangerous<br />all seeming benign<br />warm and fuzzy<br />presenting as santa claus<br />or the easter bunny<br />but growing like a cancer<br />inside of us<br />they probe<br />and use the scalpel<br />to extract our souls<br />and we are powerless<br />to do much about it<br />but spread the word<br />expose the jackals<br />and take to the streets<br />signs in hand<br />take your beatings<br />'cause you started watching<br />themAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-61042968905923895322012-07-11T12:34:00.002-07:002012-07-11T12:51:09.035-07:00ON TURNING SIXTY-THREEif i don't wake up dead...<br />on friday i will be sixty-three<br />the number doesn't frighten me<br />i've been telling people i am that age for six months<br />it seems to deaden the shock for mewhen the day finally arrives<br /><br />in my halycon, hedonistic days<br />i celebrated with shots and beers<br />cigarettes and women<br />moving from bar to bar<br />with a payoff of a hangover<br />and sometimes worse stuff in the morning after<br />i had myself some fun<br />but when i think about it, it was a waste of my precious time<br /><br />today, i don't drink or smoke<br />i don't chase women<br />i am grateful for my adult daughter<br />my beautiful and intelligent wife of 32 years<br />my health despite emphysema, cancer, and double bypass surgery<br />i'm glad i can still hear...<br />although i ask you to annunciate and shout at me directly<br />otherwise, i'll just smile and nod my head affirmatively<br />because i won't know what the hell you're saying<br /><br />i hate when people move faster than me<br />knock me out of the way to get to doors before me<br />'cause i move slower now<br />i think i might faint, if someone younger might offer a seat<br />or open a door for this old man out of respect<br />we seemed to do a lot more of that when i was a young man<br /><br />if i take you out to dinner<br />promise to converse with me<br />don't mumble<br />don't text<br />i find this to be very rude<br />i remind myself i shouldn't be bothered by these things<br />but they bother me anyway<br />i promise to read less about politics<br />and to enjoy more sunrises and sunsets<br />i enjoy watching the finches at my bird feeder<br />i love watching children and like petting dogs and cats<br /><br />the gym is my drug today<br />i love feeling my old body respond<br />i'm grateful for my health<br />something i always took for granted<br />'til i ended up in jail at the age of fifty-three<br />i had a spiritual awakening that day<br />gave up booze, drugs and smokes<br />i met the devil at the crossroads<br />and made the right turn<br />i am forever thankful for having a higher power<br />direct me in the right way<br /><br />sixty-three sounds good to me<br />seventy-three doesn't scare me<br />i seem to enjoy the company of younger people as i age<br />my contemporaries i enjoy as well<br />but sometimes they are too crabby<br />i was going to buy a muscle car this year<br />but my wife talked me into a 4-door sedan<br />too many of our friends can't negotiate the back seat of a 2-door<br />i guess i'll have to buy a 'caddy' convertible<br />now that's stylin'.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-12893447748987835152012-07-02T15:01:00.002-07:002012-07-02T15:15:47.355-07:00THE NEW FOURTH OF JULYthey allow the wealthy to steal<br />they blame a certain group of people<br />for the nation's problems<br />immigrants who come here<br />for a better life<br />who toil in the fields<br />who toil in the factories<br />who do with less<br />and are used as cattle<br /><br />the evil ones know <br />what they are doing<br />they hide behind flags<br />they display false patriotism<br />they promote false gods<br />and bibles<br />in favor of scientific fact<br />they persecute intellectuals<br />they polarize society into two groups<br />the rich prosper<br />the poor get poorer<br />they send work overseas <br />and promote slave labor<br />they are against unions<br />they are against women<br />they speak of homosexuality as an aberration<br />they control the banks<br />they control the corporations<br />they are the few<br />the paranoid haters of justice<br />no, this is not nazi germany<br />this is the american political right<br />it all seems wrong to me<br /><br />they will gather in fine homes<br />this fourth of july<br />waving their flags<br />spinning their webs<br />making their plans<br />in the name of democracy<br />for something quite different<br />than land of the brave<br />home of the free<br />liberty and justice for all<br />except the ninety-nine percent<br />who pay too much tax<br />and suffer for the corporates<br />and their political vampires<br />who suck the blood<br />from what was once<br />a great nationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-42848256188061619332012-07-01T15:15:00.002-07:002012-07-01T15:24:26.037-07:00I DON'T NEEDi don't need<br />new shoes<br />the blues<br />frightening news<br />gizmos that don't work<br />the latest app<br />that's a fact<br /><br />just give me good food<br />a mellow mood<br />sunrise and sunsets<br />no regrets<br />about foolish things<br />i don't need the bling<br />i just need fresh air<br />the wind in my hair<br />a coursing run<br />out in the sun<br />eight hours of sleep<br />meditation that's deep<br />good books to read<br />a place just for me<br />a bed and a chair<br />it's all really there<br /><br />if you look you see<br />you don't need tv<br />just simple things<br />you might even sprout wings<br />to fly above<br />you might fall in love<br />for you don't need<br />to be deceived<br />by the worldly spin<br />just ignore it<br />and grinAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-40692816407503737262012-06-28T15:04:00.002-07:002012-06-28T15:14:20.541-07:00SUMMER HEATit was a chicago summer<br />in the late 50's<br />so hot you could fry an egg on concrete<br />the acrid air smelled of the stockyards<br />on halsted street<br />the dead carcass smell got in my throat<br />and made it raw<br />and we kept the apartment windows closed up<br />blinds shut<br />shades drawn like a tomb<br />'til sundown<br />no cooking allowed<br />only bologna sandwiches<br />peanut butter and jelly<br />or spam<br />'cause it was too hot<br />i played outside <br />drank water from the water hose<br />and i didn't die<br />played baseball from dawn 'til dusk<br />sometimes got lucky with a dime<br />and bought an ice cold coke<br />or old dutch root beer<br />the windows were opened at night<br />a whisper of wind sometimes came in<br />the stagnant humidity made sleep difficult<br />i took a tepid bath<br />and lay myself down<br />in front of a tattered sceen door<br />hoping for sleep before the water evaporated<br />air conditioning was'nt owned by many people<br />we survived<br />and raised bratty kids<br />who never shut the lights off<br />and left doors open<br />so "con" edison makes extra git<br />i think of the good old days<br />and realize how bad they really were.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-49562222854155704322012-06-23T14:50:00.002-07:002012-06-23T15:00:07.090-07:00WELCOME TO THE WORLDwelcome to the world<br />a spank on your ass<br />as you gasp for your first breath<br />and all you do is scream<br />and it frightens the hell out of you<br />then comes your first fall<br />and blood on the knee<br />then bully punches in schooyards<br />put your brain to work<br />on devious measures<br />to get even<br />and you either toughen up<br />or run like the devil<br />afraid, afraid, afraid<br />all the time<br /><br />and at this tender age<br />the decision is made<br />to eat or be eaten by the world<br />the grimy, unfair world<br />it kicks you when your down<br />so suck it up, pilgrim<br />and build big muscles<br />and make the right connections<br />build your brain<br />'cause the muscles can always be hired<br />accumulate as much as you can<br />step on necks along the way<br />to that highest rung<br />on the ladder of success<br />some day you can be on top<br />"on top of the world, ma"<br />as cagney might say<br />yeah...you're a gansta' brotha<br />in control<br /><br />then one day<br />you look in the mirror<br />and see your elderly father<br />the drunk, the asshole, <br />the one you swore you'd never become<br />and you sit alone<br />hated by many<br />loved by few<br />on top of the world<br />that welcomes you no moreAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-84457411158605347772012-06-22T13:43:00.002-07:002012-06-22T13:54:48.306-07:00SO'LONG AMERICAamerica, where are you?<br />your glory has gone<br />you're the land of the few<br />no big-fin caddilacs<br />no pride in your lawns<br />just rubbish and discontent<br />we all feel like pawns<br /><br />no hotdogs or ice cream<br />on hot sunny days<br />we fear nitrates and cholesterol<br />you've ruined all our ways<br />no packs of smokes<br />for a quarter or two<br />it's evil to smoke<br />so we bid "butts" adieu<br /><br />no afternoon cocktails<br />to celebrate our days<br />for this is the beginning<br />or an alcoholic's haze<br />no family reunions<br />the cost is too great<br />we all sit at home<br />and furtively wait<br /><br />for sickness or death<br />in hospital beds<br />they've become too expensive<br />so we stay sick, instead<br /><br />america of old<br />where have you gone?<br />it's sure not much fun<br />without your bountiful song<br />i wipe my tears<br />and think of old days<br />the magic of dreaming<br />your glorious ways<br /><br />it's sure not much fun<br />being overdrawn<br />the banks took it all<br />so i'll just say<br />so'long.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-36591348051165116062012-06-19T13:39:00.003-07:002012-06-19T13:48:40.958-07:00THINGS I DONT/DO CARE ABOUTi don't care about the kardashians<br />the biggest loser<br />political polls<br />paris hilton<br />lyndsay lohan<br />glenn beck<br />rush limbaugh<br />the obama family<br />the romney family<br />horoscopes<br />tarot cards<br />video games<br />the world news<br />organized religion<br />conspiracy theories<br />and a lot of other crap.<br /><br />i do care about<br />pension and social security checks<br />my family<br />exercise<br />good food<br />animals<br />flowers<br />the sun and skies<br />personal improvement<br />meditation<br />honesty<br />a good night's sleep<br />friends<br />health<br />the ability to deal with pain<br />love<br />hope<br />faith<br />dreamsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-13953627768927823932012-06-11T14:07:00.002-07:002012-06-11T14:22:23.487-07:00SURVIVALhe bullied me<br />all the time<br />in grammar school<br />then in early high school<br />everybody saw it<br />they laughed at me<br />he stole my cigarettes<br />then everyone left<br />and i sat alone<br />on park benches<br />with such great anger<br />i promised i would get even<br />someday<br /><br />i grew up<br />went to college<br />gained some smarts<br />and some muscle<br />but the hurt still lingered<br />i was damaged<br />but hid it away<br />in some small corner<br />of my psyche<br /><br />i went on to a man's world<br />construction work<br />machines<br />tunnels<br />dangerous work<br />that required guts<br />and a lot of perspiration<br />i was has hard as the rock<br />and the men i worked with<br />i was ready<br />for when i met him again<br /><br />he was an office worker now<br />pudgy, white-collar worldly<br />no longer to be feared<br />and i sat at a round table with him<br />and the people who saw what he did to me<br />i was drunk<br />and he was afraid<br />i sensed it in all my being<br />so i challenged him to go outside<br />to see if he could still steal my smokes<br />he declined<br />my buddy told me to stop<br />so i did<br /><br />i found that i wasn't proud of this<br />saw him some ten years later<br />at a reunion<br />we'd both experienced cancer<br />his was worse<br />we both made it through<br />and i was truly glad for him<br />his swagger was gone<br />and so was mine<br />we both had learned something<br />respect for one-another<br />and humility<br />we were survivors<br />brothers at last.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-23971607549198002332012-06-08T08:52:00.002-07:002012-06-08T09:13:19.294-07:00SEIZE THE DAYseize the day<br />yeah, sure<br />the day seizes me<br />in either palm<br />one is sweaty<br />the other one frigid<br />it depends on the season<br />of my continual discontent<br /><br />when i open my eyes<br />the sun frightens me<br />i'd rather have clouds<br />they're more truthful<br />ominous clouds<br />makes the hurt more acceptable<br />as i think of humanity<br /><br />the drunks headed to the bar<br />at ten-in-the-morning<br />to have an eye opener<br />watching game shows<br />all joyous laughter<br />between coughing jags<br />and brown pleghm<br />spit up on the floor<br />or in rust stained urinals<br />why are they happy?<br /><br />seize the day<br />wild-eyed poets like me with no talent<br />self-absorbed artists who paint with mud<br />and think they're the new warhol<br />movers and shakers in cheap plastic shoes<br />who lease cars to impress<br />the clients who never buy from them<br />wealthy bastards<br />holed up in offices<br />hiding behind mahogany desks<br />hoarding money<br />looking over shoulders<br />worrying about the deal<br />hated by their families<br />the day seizes them<br /><br />no control<br />we have no control<br />books are written<br />great paintings are painted<br />some endure<br />most do not<br />we care about all of this<br />for we want immortality<br />someone to remember us<br />because we are special<br />when in fact<br />we are nothing<br />the day seizes us<br />as we spin toward our demise<br /><br />so why do we try?<br />someday a mother's day card will be found<br />written by an eight-year old<br />the ultimate in love<br />and the words will have meaning<br />and the finder will be moved<br />in knowing that this child <br />is now dead and buried<br />a small legacy left<br />but worth it to the viewer<br />because we live on hope<br />and we live on faith<br />to seize the dayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-80750309368898544282012-06-06T09:13:00.002-07:002012-06-06T09:20:24.669-07:00RAY...ode to ray bradburyhe passed away at ninety-one<br />the master of words<br />contriving stories<br />of illustrated men<br />and strange magic<br />he's drinking dandeline wine<br />in celestial tiers<br />now<br />special spots saved <br />for genius<br />provided by the gods<br />who were mesmerized<br />by his uniqueness<br />and i miss him already<br />for in my hands<br />as a nine-year old<br />was one of his magic books<br />and something wicked<br />did come<br />and it frightened me<br />in a special way<br />he had more punch than poe<br />my dear ray<br />who inspired me<br />to read more of him<br />and others<br />so that i might be<br />nourished by <br />the word.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-23113145092727421102012-06-01T09:54:00.002-07:002012-06-01T10:01:30.993-07:00TRAFFICstop and go<br />red and green<br />exhaust fumes<br />suffocate<br />urban masses traveling<br />weaving in and out<br />all in a hurry<br />to perdition<br />un-ending<br />in sweltering heat<br />where radiators spew<br />and tempers flare<br />sliding in the winter<br />heaters that never quite heat<br />frozen windows<br />to and fro<br />home and work<br />back and forth<br />the ebb and flow<br />the yin and yang<br />of western thought<br />dualisms<br />sometimes considered<br />on car radios<br />but not often<br />while cacophonous<br />radio commercials<br />interject insanity<br />between songs<br />with virtuosity<br />in question<br />damn trafficAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-16488823104337889152012-05-31T12:43:00.002-07:002012-05-31T12:50:46.361-07:00I GAVE UPi gave up booze<br />i gave up smokes<br />i gave up chewing tobacco<br />i gave up harley davidson<br />i gave up fast cars<br />i gave up chasing women<br />i gave up porn<br />i gave up ice cream<br />i gave up soft drinks<br />i gave up jelly donuts<br />i gave up red meat<br />i gave up sugar<br />i gave up white bread<br />i gave up chat rooms<br />i gave up politics<br />i gave up shopping<br />i gave up religion<br />i gave up television<br />i gave up group identification<br />i gave up painting<br />i gave up reading<br />i gave up writing<br />i gave upAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558749672646059131.post-85743022663956491072012-05-29T08:50:00.002-07:002012-05-29T08:57:53.930-07:00SWAGGERsitting in airport kiosks<br />smoking cigarettes<br />drinking scotch<br />picking up girls<br />on their way to nowhere<br />i had swagger<br />in those good old days<br />when gas was cheap<br />and i was young<br />wearing a pinkie ring<br />on my way to vegas<br />when america walked proudly<br />and the slots went cha-ching<br />and hookers were angels<br />who ate at the free buffet<br />with me for friendship<br />two top-shelf Chivas's<br />for a buck<br />and free breakfast<br />at the stardust<br />when swagger was supreme<br />and the juice was flowing<br />and we swaggered onward<br />losing a bit each year<br />'til it was no more<br />now staring at vacant faces<br />in the mirror<br />looking at lost youth<br />hopes and dreams<br />cast aside <br />for the realities of today<br />no more swagger<br />anymoreAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581061541800788843noreply@blogger.com0