* ABC Poems *
* Search for Intelligent Life *
Live, Love, Laugh
ABC poems
This is a new form of poetry for me...one in which the composer must take each letter of the alphabet, in turn, and make a word which somehow has a connection to the previous and succeeding ones. Some poems like these come out beautiful. This one was a little silly, I think, but it was fun composing it.
| Barbaric Yawp |
Angry, barbaric Cartesians
Devoured
Eleven
Freudian green hairballs,
Insisting,
'Jungians killling lyrics
Must NEVER
overeat Pizza!'
---
Quietly resting streamside,
The unduly vexed Whitman
Xylophonically yawped,
'ZZZZZZZZZ!'
Live, Love, Laugh
Anniversary Waltz
--------------------------------------------------- August Always Finds Us Here subtitle: Will We Ever Be Alone? 73 We went to the lake on our honeymoon and made a vow that sometime soon we1d take a trip where no one lives and not bring ten of our relatives! 74 our first anniversary was just as nice as it could be our trip to the lake was a plus and we only had 19 people with us! we said someday we1d be alone with no TV, news or phone maybe if things did not go wrong we1d spend next August in Hong Kong 75 our second anniversary was spent at the lake, and you see there wasn1t much for me to do (I was expecting child #2) all the relatives played in the boat and just to make sure it would float They all came (were there now 21?) Aren1t anniversaries fun? 76 our 3rd anniversary we were again enjoying the scenery at the Lake. Did I hear my husband say he1d like to move up here? I1ll think about the situation. maybe then we could vacation somewhere else. 77 Our 4th anniversary we spent up here again, you see when we get in the truck, it knows the way . Tom says 3Lake!2 and it goes. We found a 57 ChrisCraft Tom checked it out fore and aft Of course we1ll keep it moored up here for we return every year. 78 Our 5th anniversary we saw part of Tommy1s dream come true as we found a lot that, with a little help, we bought Nothing on it but some weeds and a few old oak trees Maybe someday after we roam here Often enough, we1ll build a home here 79 Our 6th anniversary You1ll guess where we went, I think How clever of you! We went to Clear Lake That1s where every summer takes The four of us, and usually There are relatives here for us to see This year was no different. Everyone Was fishing and enjoying the sun (except me...I get sunburned too easily, so I hop in the truck and explore all the backroads) 80 Our 7th anniversary is not spent far over the sea Or in the South, North or East regions of America. At least We know where all the rest stops are, And we1re not going very far. The lake is 500 miles away. It takes less than half a day. 81 Our anniversary #8 We couldn1t find (oh yeah?) someplace as great (at least he couldn1t find A place. Would I mind If we all went to the lake again? Sometimes you know you just can1t win) As the lake for our summer trip We sit in the boat and fish. He catches fish; I don1t He tans nicely; I won1t Oh well. The kids enjoy it here But could we go somewhere else next year? 82 Our 9th anniversary found us with the lake again around us dreams of Hong Kong put aside while in the boat we take a ride our anniversary, our repast was just the two of us (at last!)_ However, after dinner, fishing called my hubby. I was wishing he would surely come in soon as we could share this harvest moon 83 Our 10th anniversary was different - August came, and almost went before we traveled to the lake why so long this trip to make? the night of our anniversary we were someplace else, you see There was a natural childbirth class, and we were there so we could pass. 84 anniversary #11 was sort of hellish sort of heaven at the lake, but a little cramped at Glenhaven Beach we camped in a trailer on Pete1s lands because the Shamrock had changed hands They didn1t want us over that way because they new owners were quite gay. 85 With more kids to Pete1s we went But this time we thought to bring a tent the trailer for Tom, me and the baby the camper for jack and Tony.. Jami, Tami and Lori shared the tent. And that1s the way the summer went. 86 No more 3just browsing2 for us a future income is a must as we look at Clear Lake property and find a place for our family planning commission, zoning changes as our life rearranges trips to the county seat we often must repeat what will we do? where can we live? what information can the books there give? Restaurant? Trailer Park? Resort? Many options for us to sort 87 While I was watching Jessi nap, Tom took off his fishing hat, And walked over to Indian beach to see if the Diazes he could reach He got to talking to a guy came back with a sparkle in his eye and said, 3How1d you like to own Indian beach?2 (I thought it was way beyond our reach) I probably answered something like, 3Hon, Have you been sitting too long in the sun?2 But he was serious, and when Jessi woke, To the owners we went and spoke. 88 Our 15th anniversary Instead of going over the sea, To Hong Kong, that fantastic port, We purchased a Clear Lake resort. We really had planned to fly west, But we had equity to invest And we put Hong Kong out of reach When we made the down payment on Indian beach. 89 When we first started coming here As a couple, I think there were About 20 Chisam/Whelchel clan To fish, to relax, or to try to tan. The numbers always fluctuated, As we yearly celebrated1 Our anniversary. Now our Indian beach 3family2 Is mostly more like 63 people to share the day with us. So I wonder now Can we go elsewhere Sometime, to just Romance and share? 88/89 afterwards... The first regular summer vacation we took (although we had Jessica and her friend Christin with us) not at Clear Lake was in 1996, when we went to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and the Lehman Caves. except for three nights, it was all camping. It was wonderful. On the morning of our anniversary we were holding hands, walking alone through a sun dappled forest and alongside a creek, watching a doe graze, marveling at the rocks and plants and trees all around us. It was the best anniversary I have ever had. 9/96 But the memories are piling up...1998 with Lori and the grandkids in Yellowstone, where we renewed our marriage vows near an unnamed springs area we named Love Springs Eternal. and 1999, when we stopped in the upper coast redwoods on our way up the coast and into Oregon.
Live, Love, Laugh
Balderdash
Balderdash The Wurbagool on the high LeeFang Offered no apology; He was there (or so he said) To study Piscatology. His acute Haptodysphoria Made him almost keck, So he ate oranges instead of peaches, And figured what the heck. From his perch he sighted hornitos Blowing smoke and ash. If you don't understand this poem, You haven't played Balderdash! wurbagool - flying fox leefang - ship rigging piscatology - science of fishing haptodysphoria - fear of touching fuzzies hornitos - hot lava rocks keck - to vomit 1988 --------------------------
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Department of Paperwork
------------------------------ Department of Paperwork In the late 20th century, the volume of paperwork involved in and required for and pertaining to whatever was causing such a problem and quite frankly, a paper pollution, That several big politicians left Camp David one day and travelled to meet with the greatest brains of the century (who, of course, were at Clear Lake) to think up a solution. After several days of meditating in the sun, and soaking up the brain-enhancing rays of energy derived therefrom, and also looking into other matters such as befit the time and place, such as who could catch the biggest bass, They came to the earthshaking but otherwise unarguable conclusion that the amount of time and financial burden involved in the required forms to be filled out by everyone put paperwork in a class By itself. They figured that this paperwork was being done at all times and on all levels by a minimum of umpteen individuals to tell what something costs, did cost, will cost or should cost, but let1s not get into that. And they also found that the ones getting the most money for being in charge of all this abundance of tree shavings werer invariably the ones who also got the most vacations and the little guys did all the work while on their chairs the big shots sat. So the Clear Lake Summit resolved thusly: Heretofore and without a doubt we will now form in its entirety a department limited unto itself to replace all departments heretofore having had anything to do with the requiring of forms or licenses to be filled out, crosszed off, and returned whether or not in the enclosed or not stamped or not (please add postage - the Post Office will not deliver without it) envelope...our duties we will never shirk. And this was their motto: We will go around and just be nosy and figure out things for ourselves, and we will eliminate the need for ten times the paperwork, because we will figure it out without it and if we can1t figure it out we will make an educated guess, and the mess we will make could not possibly be any worse than the situation as it is now, and it will possibly but maybe not costs the taxpayers a lot less. Anmd we will call it the Department of Paperwork. And then they decided to just go fishing the rest of the day And file their report in triplicate a different day. 7/7/89
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First Speech
First Speech I stand before this podium Or rather, I stand behind It...I1m afraid to be up here; I1m sure they won1t mind. This afternoon to tell you Can they hear my knees shaking? Do they know I am petrified This speech to be making? A few facts about something. What was it Dr. Kirk said? Write simple notes; don1t keep It ALL in your head... Maybe I can sell you What1d I do with that chart? Left it at my desk? Oh, what a bad start! A set of ideas, Just dropped to the floor All my note cards. Oh - where1s the door?!!! Or a new invention... But wait - I rehearsed! I remember what1s second, And what should be first. Or a political plan No one1s asleep yet. Step up to the map Before I forget. Too top secret to mention. It1s going all right! Speech almost over, No evidence of flight... In any event, Don1t talk too fast; Two minutes to go... Make it last... I might as well do it... Rounding the bend, Almost finished... Almost to the end! Eye contact, hand gestures... In all the confusion I can1t remember My own conclusion. Why, there1s nothing to it! Refer to the quote - Drive in the point The famous one wrote. I1ve reached a goal I never thought I1d reach - The conclusion yippeee!!!!!!! Of my first public speech! 9/6/89
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Flyicide
One balmy autumn afternoonAs I was going from room to room
Cleaning here and dusting there
(It had been a while - there was dust everywhere.)
A buzzing sound filled the air.
Annoyed it would not go away,
And irked that I worked while it played,
I went to the kitchen to find
(Thoughts of flyicide crossed my mind)
A swatter to do the dastardly deed.
Back to the stairs and up to the top,
Where the sudden silence made my feet stop.
Would the annoying buzzer still be ahead?
(Or in some other room, instead?)
But I saw 'twas a spider, eating his head.
10/24/99 smchisam
Flyicide -- The Sequel One balmy autumn day so sweet
As I was going from street to street
Shopping here and shopping there
(It had been a while - the cupboards were bare.)
A sour smell filled the air.
I looked into the alleyway
And saw a stranger snoring away.
His clothes were ragged, his shoes unsoled
And if the whole truth be told,
He smelled like urine, sewage and sweat.
Another druggie, would be my bet.
Annoyed that this was near my path,
I went to the police and asked
If they could do something about it
And I filled out forms while some weirdo shouted
And I went out the door to return to my shopping task.
Back down the stairs and across the street,
I looked down the alley when I heard shuffling feet
Were they making him leave already? Good.
I was sort of hoping they would
But no, 'twas no uniform of blue,
But an eight-limbed soider with a knife or two.
In the shadows they searched him,
Then dropped back his head,
And backed slowly away....the stranger was dead.
10/24/99 smchisam
Live, Love, Laugh
Geese on the Beach
------------- Geese on the Beach (may be sung to the tune of Home on the Range) Oh, give me a broom and the light of the moon on a beautiful starlit night... I1ll chase all the geese off of Indian Beach until they get out of sight! Geese, geese on the beach and the broom1s almost out of reach I will have to get wet Cause the broom I must get Away from the noisy old geese! dedicated to Dwight Hamro for courage above and beyond... 7/24/89
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Horrible Winter Day
I toss and turn to the beat of the windLet me sleep! Let me sleep! When will this end?
Finally...some sleep. Then I awake with a cough.
The lights on the radio are blinking off
And on. Oh, no. The power was dead.
A hammer is pounding inside my head.
The clock on the wall says a quarter to eight.
A quarter to eight? I'm late! I'm late!
The shower is cold -- pilot must be out.If the power's still gone, hot breakfast is out.
I call to see if there's school today
But the phone is out. What a wonderful day!
I dress in a flash and run out the door,
Then run back for the keys that I dropped on the floor.
The knob won't turn -- of course -- it's locked.
Nobody to answer if I knocked.
Wait - the spare key's under the car.Good thing, 'cause it's too far
To walk. I sit in the driver's seat
And listen to the sluggish beat
Of the windshield wipers...once, twice...
Trying to clear the window of ice.
I climb back out, turn on the hose --
Nothing- - - - - - - Who knows
How long this will take? I turn it off,Scrape the windshield, resume my cough.
The car won't start. Come on! Come on!
I've had enough for a Monday morn!
It finally starts, reluctantly.I guess I should have empathy.
As we dodge the branches all over town,
I begin to see ominous mounds
Of white on the side. Could that be snow?
A little further and I know for sure...
Five to six inches; maybe more.
Going slow up a hill -- this is really a pain --
I slide on black ice into the oncoming lane.
Can't see over the top of the hill...
Pray no one is coming. CAR, you WILL
get back OVER! It seems like forever
Til we crawled back. I know I'll never
Drive again on a day like today.
What a horrible, terrible, depressing day.
I finally get to the campus, whereI find only a few others there.
The look on their faces is the same as on mine
As we look at the doors and read the signs:
'If you made it this far, you'll be delighted to know
That classes are cancelled due to the snow.'
memo from e.e.
--- look well where I my verses lay, for I planned them just that way. critics, please withhold your say, til you comprehend the game i play. -smc 1989
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Misquoth the Raven
Readers of Edgar Allen Poe:Did you ever want to know
What happened to that oft-quoted raven?
Well, I saw him the other day,
As he perched across the way...
I guess he up and moved to Glenhaven!
He wanted out of Edgar1s reachSo he flew north to a Clear Lake beach
And changed himself into a chickadee.
he thought it was a great disguise,
But it didn1t fool this reader1s eyes...
And I caught him quoting Poe again, you see.
Though in a book this bird was born,He got tired of all the scorn
From fans of Vincent Price down in L.A.
So he traded his mansion for a shack,
And when they asked him to move back,
3Nevermore2 was all that he would say.
s.m.chisam
Live, Love, Laugh
The Case of the Red Truck
The Case of the Red Truck In a red truck she came our way wanted beer, didn1t want to pay to her a con job was an art pretended her truck was hard to start Tom was kind...brought the beer outside But when he got there, found she had lied she said thanks and stepped on the gas almost knocked Tom on his ____ she stepped on the pedal with 4 tires squealing Tom jumped in our truck and was fast wheeling to catch the gal and even the score foir stealing from our little store around the curves she went so fast but Tom saw a CHP go past flagged him down and gave him the facts so then the Law got into the act They tagged her doin 80- thru Nice Tom followed more slowly if you please she was cussing everyone near and far as they handcuffed her and put her in the car Tom signed the papers for a citizen1s arrest then got back in his truck and left The moral of this little tale? Steal from us; land in jail. 6/17/89
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Search for Intelligent Life
How do you measure intelligence?A gram of this and a millimeter of that?
How much brain does it take?
How much heart?
How much spirit?
Ah, you say, no spirit is needed.
Astronomers look
for intelligent life in the universe
in between the planets and the stars
Astrophysicists seek it
somewhere in the plasma
between gas molecules
Hollywood seeks it
between the celluloid
and the ratings
But what do we find
if we look here?
intelligent life?
Emotional life?
Spiritual life?
Is there charity between us?
Is there a place for God?
Einstein said,
"Science without religion
is lame;
Religion without science
is blind."
smc 3/2000
It Smells Like Rain
"It smells like rain," we always say.I even said it the other day
To this smart (aleck) person I know
And he said to me, "How do you know?
Just what is it that you smell?"
--And he knew it, I could tell!
I decided to find out
At the school library I sought,But in those books I could find naught.
I went to the one in town
And wrote reams of info down,
But nowhere was there writen a clue
That would tell me what he already knew!
I sat there with a pout.
I shifted the info aroundto see what could be found.
Some chemicals smell; some shouldn1t...
But those few facts somehow couldn't
Tell me just what smells like rain.
I started all over again.
This answer's worth more than gold!
My brain cells almost burnedBefore I finally learned
That it wasn't ozone or silacate clay,
Or dioxide or some kind of ray.
I finally got the answer when
I thought to ask another friend,
And she told.
(After all this, do you supposeYou're well acquainted with your nose?
If you find your guess isn't true,
Ask me, and maybe I1ll tell you.)
(It's mold.)
For Paula, who told me. Not for Rick, who wouldn't tell.Copyright s.m.chisam