GENERAL SUBJECT POEMS

of Duane L. Herrmann

(warning, a few of these are written in the surreal style, others....)

40 The Box

39 Touch

38 The Power of Touch

37 Blazing Journey

36 Times, Now.

35 Submerged

34 Delphiniums

33 Wedding Dance

32 Stream of Consciousness

31 In The City

30 Babies Fly to Heaven

29 Refugee

28 Hidden Valley

27 Number Eleven

26 Waiting

25 2322 Plass

24 Fleeting Thing

23 Empty Spaces

22 "To Make the World Safe..."

21 Nourishment

20 "Perfection is Not..."

19 Flight

18 Body Debris

17 Spring Lake

16 Sanctuary

15 Night Landing

14 To James R.

13 Poetry Reading

12 Imagine

11 Destination

10 A What?

9 Oh, Dear

8 To Wage Peace

7 Dear David Lester

6 The Open Eye

5 Mr. "X"

4 New Federal Union

3 Traveling

2 Daily Run

1 Lonely Universe

40 THE BOX

The box needs to be a box

because it only knows

it is a box.

It knows

because it has been told:

THIS IS A BOX!

But,

it would not be a box

if it knew

that identity

comes from the inside

out.

The Box

can be anything

it wishes to be

if only it dared

to think

outside the box.

What limits we impose

on ourselves

and others

when we think

like a box

in a box.

We can be anything

we decide and strive

to be.

39 TOUCH

The innermost core of being

nourished and loved

after decades

and a lifetime

of absence

and neglect.

It is so strange

that something so simple

as touch

can be so powerful,

important, essential

and good.

A loving touch

conveys acceptance

at the basic

cellular level,

a message that goes deep

and true.

I never would have believed

the change.

38 THE POWER OF TOUCH

Touch is a curious thing

we need it for validation

or withhold it to punish

or abuse it for power.

Touch can nurture life

or betray it.

Touch can be gentle

or cruel.

The power of touch

can destroy or maim

and cause the spirit

to wither and die,

one long touch

can bring a spirit to life.

The tragedy is perversion

for reasons unloving.

How can we teach and heal

those who’ve never been loved?

37 BLAZING JOURNEY

Filament of lace binds me in

though I soar...

Blazing violent pink from the side

sweeping in,

Deep assuring purple overhead

roiling

to welcome and embrace,

magenta streaks.

Music everywhere, victorious!

Success!

Flying deep to regions far away

unknown,

holding fast, undeterred

identity,

waving wind speeds by

attuned

in union, praises ring

joyously!!

36 TIMES, NOW

Time doesn’t answer,

it passes by

slowly or lurching

we never know.

People bewildered

longing for assurance

life was good once

but they forget,

Forget the uncertainties

that were survived

by others

not affecting them

And uncertainties now

will pass in time

forgotten,

only our progress

Will be noted and envied:

that so much could be done

by so few

and so tried.

It is not who we are

but what we do

despite

the uncertainties now;

Change is painful

but necessary

for now to be bettered

for future,

Because our striving

is our salvation

and the world’s

and victory

Will come

on the wings

of exhaustion

and hope.

35 SUBMERGED

The phone rings

the first guest enters the door

“Where is my husband?”

“Where is the meeting that he’s at?”

This is the wedding party

I don’t know about a meeting.

“But it’s information from your office!”

This office doesn’t sponsor all the meetings.

“How can I find the meeting!?”

more and more strangers arrive

Maybe an article in the newspaper...

at the library

or the police may know...

I’ll take that for you.

“You’re absolutely no help!!”

I’m sorry ma’am, yes: this way.

Put the gifts over here please,

the reception has begun.

34 DELPHINIUMS

at 411 Woodlawn

Leading to the gracious home

the sidewalk circled

precious delphiniums

her pride and joy

for loving care

had made them grand!

Then one day the message boy

hurtled to the house,

he could not stop for flowers

nor did he even see them.

The news was shocking:

her only son,

her pride and joy,

had died in France by gas.

The vision of his ghastly fate

in trenches far away

remained

the day the flowers died.

33 WEDDING DANCE

A wedding

on a hill

on the rolling prairie

on the first day of the year;

A new year

and new life

together.

Rising sun

and gentle rain

will bless our way

as we face this union

of hearts

and minds

and souls.

We greet this day

and year

and life

with hearts full

and brimming –

Love floweth over

and joy,

and joy...

32 STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

I can't do it.

... want to

but...

Somehow

Can't.

Too analytical,

I guess.

Too determined

to get it right

as soon as possible,

for there is no time

to try and try

to get it

to be perfect -

really.

What can I do

to relax?

... be free?

... just let it flow?

I don't know.

Someday -

...maybe,

I can take the time

(an hour perhaps)

to really relax,

to -

... let it flow.

to -

... just write down

what comes:

the words.

Not choose them,

let them find me...

Anyway they will.

Someday

I'll do it,

I really will.

But not now.

Now I have to plan

for tomorrow,

solve a problem

at the office,

prepare dinner,

fix the car,

and print out

something -

ANYTHING,

to take

to writers group.

(And it better be good)

31 IN THE CITY

The train goes by the window

forty times each day,

people passing do not look -

see nothing anyway.

Paradise is a train ride away

distractions for your pleasure,

unending, day or night;

money is the price.

Whether it be learning,

refinement and a culture,

or sating base desires:

The city has it all.

30 BABIES FLY TO HEAVEN

When babies fly to heaven

the gates are open wide.

Playing at their Day-Care,

cookies and milk with angels

who come to greet them

and their wings are open wide.

The babies fly to Heaven

with angels by their side.

Innocents are fortunate

with no sins to pay,

the angels come to greet them

and their wings are open wide.

29 REFUGEE

So unexpected

in a moment of calm,

relaxation...

! DISASTER !!

tHE WorLd

tURneD uP siDE dOWn

in a MomeNT.

It doesn't matter how great or small

or if

to only just one person

TRAUMA

is still life shattering

,disorienting *

No Way Out.

can't function

can't think

can't

even

breathe

28 HIDDEN VALLEY

A community of souls

ever changing

but always dedicated

to excellence in art.

Cabins scatters in the woods

and on the hillside

where inspiration

rustles in the leaves.

A respite from the world

and a chance

to work, work, work

and concentrate.

Where is this haven

for the future of the world,

the salvation of souls

and energizing moments?

Someday it shall be

and I must wait

to help it along: this colony

of fruitfulness and peace.

27 NUMBER ELEVEN *

The man in the water

walking in waves

rolling and surging:

He is so small.

The world is overwhelming

so vast and huge,

cold and impersonal,

But it is there.

The choices are drastic,

destinies unknown;

goals, directions unseen.

We struggle on.

Waves surge around us,

the distance is great;

we continue no matter

Where we may end.

* Surrational Images

- Scott Mutter (1992)

26 WAITING

The naked house stands

near dead, waiting;

waiting for life

or nothing.

Curtains hang limp in open

broken windows,

boards hang

for the wind.

Barren the scene, the world:

all is gone.

Even the trees are leafless

and sigh.

The heat sears it all.

A gentle breeze lifts

the curtains and bends

dry grasses, rustling:

"Coming, coming," whispering.

Rain drops down

as life

returns in joy.

25 2322 PLASS

(the address)

Friends writing

warm

against the dark

(disillusion, fierce,

rages on

outside the circle)

creating new worlds,

synergistic,

regenerative,

building hope

against the darkness

crowding on all sides.

The ancient craft,

and sign of life,

faithfully holding trust

with the souls

of humankind.

24 FLEETING THING

For a moment

I felt I had a bit of Truth

then I turned my head

and it was gone -

disappeared

past the air.

How is it that Truth,

so fair,

can vanish

with the turn of the head,

or blink

of the mind?

23 EMPTY SPACES

Moonlight streams in windows

of missing glass.

One foot crunches small bones

in empty rooms with dirt,

the laughter

is all gone

and clouds

obscure the light.

What time

will boards fall?

Whither, whither,

when?

This life

is all gone.

22 "TO MAKE THE WORLD SAFE..."

Rotting corpses flung

from shallow graves

still wearing uniforms and medals

new a month ago

as the ground is plowed

by this week's bombs.

"Over the top, Boys!"

the commander sings

and dies.

We will all die.

We are all dead.

This war

will kill us all.

"To make the world safe

for Democracy..."

will make the world safe

for no one.

Not even the dead

can rest today.

21 MOMENT OF NOURISHMENT

A fragrance of peonies

enters the room

while I eat poems

one

one.

The bird sings "Life,"

and

"Joy soon."

I taste poems

by Whitman and White,

How Right!

Wafting into corners

the fragrance mingles

with stanza and verse,

Life

could be much worse.

20 "PERFECTION IS NOT..."

It was not the perfect party

though you tried

to be the perfect host.

The beverage mix

was either watery

or too thick.

The offered brownies

carried bits of shell

mixed in the nuts.

It was nearly a disaster;

Jan and Jean were leaving

and things weren't right.

The picture saved the party.

The artist cried, "It's perfect!"

You wanly smiled.

At least "something" was done right.

The matting had reduced the sky

bringing focus

to the focus.

The gate of Bahji stood

stretched out in all its glory:

simply perfect.

It was a perfect party

remembered years and years

from that unlikely night.

Thank you,

my dear Roger,

and sadly, "Good bye."

19 FLIGHT

A flock of eye-glasses Swimming

in the clouds

with wings of brilliant hue

Pass by

leaving the mind amazed.

Where does the journey go?

and when?

Sapphire seas rustle on the shore

calling: "Come. Come."

My knees are frozen

and feet fixed in sand,

no motion but wish.

Turning inward, in, in:

the real true journey,

Without which

we die.

18 BODY DEBRIS

Bit and pieces of the body

littered the sidewalk;

a piece from this member,

a part from that.

Cuts and snips

tear the body apart.

Aghast, you feel?

Neither victim nor cutter

in their solitary act

care about reactions.

The cutting goes to its end.

The man walks on

his fingernails trimmed.

17 SPRING LAKE

Sitting on the rocks

on the edge of the lake,

the water gently claps

into holes and spaces.

The breeze bringing waves

brings ancient sounds

that have survived

the post-columbian age:

Thumping, thumping, rhythmic thumping

drums and chants:

in clear and ringing tones

through the opposite trees.

The chants of America:

native words in native voices,

five hundred years endured,

proudly raised once more.

In the clear evening sky

the night queen sails,

smiles on children of the moon,

knowing they will shine once more.

16 SANCTUARY

Ornate,

rich in tradition

and imagery:

centuries of faithfulness reflected.

Gutted,

wiped out by "modernizing"

hands;

opulent panorama rubbled.

Stark now,

spare lines speak

no truth.

The ages have been plundered.

A simple country chapel

transformed into meaning-

lessness.

Who few call it "progress?"

15 NIGHT LANDING

Night landing,

reveals surprising beauty.

Street lights:

yellow, blue and pink, reflect on snow.

Traffic lights:

rainbows - yellow, green and red.<

Nightlanding

saw it all - ugliness transformed.

Hidden patterns

to the sight below, unseen.

Night landing

only that reveals surprising

beauty wonder:

vision from a faerie land.

Chicago, 1984?

14 TO JAMES R.

A good friend is like an old shoe:

comfortable,

unpretentious

and reliable.

An old shoe is a man's best friend,

he will go miles

without complaining.

And old is a good shoe -

and I'm glad I have mine.

13 POETRY READING

Gathered on the lawn

beneath trees and sky

listening to poetry, crickets

and one bull frog.

The evening breeze

is cooler than the day;

communion

and a peaceful end.

The world swirls 'round

the isolated glen,

lovers of the spirit

and beauty gathered.

12 IMAGINE

One moon,

two moons, three moons, four...

why not more?

WOW!!

What a tide!

11 DESTINATION

Leaves rained violently

into the light

as the car sped

through the night.

Turning and the wind

shaking as if to get in.

"Hurry," it said,

"Hurry: speed, speed."

Life cannot wait a moment -

nor death.

Tombstones rise on all sides

(what a surprise).

10 A WHAT?

Some may call this a poem;

maybe.

It has four and twenty lines,

On them are six and nine-oh words,

Of these,

three are contractions.

There is no plot,

no imagery,

no hidden meanings.

Not much of anything.

It doesn't even have much point,

a lot like some lives seem:

No point, no purpose, no meaning.

But that's not going to happen here.

I mean...

writing has a purpose,

even if not much.

The purpose of this, is that,

anyone

(even you or me)

can write something like a poem -

Sometime.

So -

Why not now?

9 OH, DEAR

"Humor," he said - God damnit!!

and slammed his fist on the desk.

Imperial decree.

But we all can see

Peanutbutter on the wall

in the hall

Walking by -

I'd rather fly,

Over the moon with

blinking stars,

to show how far we've come:

Space Station Mars.

8 TO WAGE PEACE

To wage peace

is to fight the greatest battle of all.

Mobilize battalions of

knowledge,

understanding,

equality,

mercy, and

communication,

Against massed hordes of

ignorance,

suspicion,

prejudice,

fear, and

self interest.

With the battalions of Light combined,

and the plans well laid,

We SHALL overcome,

and the earth made free for all.

7 DEAR DAVID LESTER

It was the shock of non-recognition.

Some of his appearance was similar

but...

the face was puffy,

the chin was doubled,

the hair was graying

and

the tummy was round.

He was a middle-aged man.

But, but...

I went to school with him.

I know I did.

How did he get so old??

I know I've changed a bit,

my face has filled out,

my chin's a little thicker,

my hair is flecked with gray,

and...

my tummy is soft and full.

How odd...

he looks just like me,

but I'm not old at all.

6 THE OPEN EYE

In every hidden place

the eye never sleeps

seeing:

exploded bodies in Nam,

Afghan children burning,

heads pop in Tienamen,

visit to the Titanic,

the holy house in Fars.

The eye shows the world

that no injustice

can be hidden by night

or distance.

The video eye ensures

the Age of Illumination:

the Century of Light!

5 MR. "X"

Malcolm who-did-not-know

his source,

oh, he knew his recent

family life,

and the slave pained

story before

(in the land of the free

with justice

and equality for all).

But...

What about before?

Before the slave boat?

Before the capture?

Before the theft

of all that was human

and dignity?

He "x'ed" out the betrayal

of man's inhumanity

to man, woman and child,

to begin again.

And build dignity

from pain.

4 NEW FEDERAL UNION

The new federal union:

a federation of states,

like a joining lattice

all across the planet.

The new federal union

to be based on peace

among the nations

all across the planet.

A union of the peoples

and tribes upon the earth,

diversity with unity

all around the globe.

United to protect our home

multiple views agree

on building peace and speech

all around the world.

All the different peoples,

of all colors, hues and views,

work in harmony

for the place we all can share.

For this dream, this vision

workers have begun

with prayer and dedication

all across the planet.

3 TRAVELING

Going out to the woods

with a book,

sitting on a hill

with trees for company:

I can think of no greater bliss.

The wind moves gently

across the page,

birds proclaim their presence

and shade dabbles

space around my feet.

I am alone with time

and eternity;

with a book I step

out of my life

and know another for a while.

It is necessary

for a trip like this

every once in a while.

2 DAILY RUN

They race:

four inches at a time;

wavering frail arms

place the walker ahead

with great deliberation.

"Beatcha this time, Ethel!"

calls the winner

with a gleam in her wrinkled eyes

reaching the dinning room door.

"There's always tomorrow."

retorts the other

only inches behind,

losing just for a day.

1 LONELY UNIVERSE

Looking at pictures of other planets;

their moons, rings and rocks...

(it's lonely there)

To see crater marked globes, barren,

unearthly beauty, but...

(no life or love.

The space between is vast,

out efforts frail;

the task to learn is great.

More precious now, our life on earth,

(varied, diverse and plentiful)

we cannot waste.