Conflicts from Writing Unpoetry

Just a note on the psychological and emotional cost of writing nonsensical poetry. It seems to take its toll on my heart, mind and soul. There is a psychic conflict that arises when one attempts to enter into a world where the very opposite of common sense, the backside of knowledge and intellect, is the basis for truth in expression. This conflict arises more fully when one’s mind has been more integrated into society in habit, daily experiences and communication. So, I have become more social, more religious, I hate to say it, but, more normal. Perhaps, some may say, I have become more mature. But this change has taken me out of a world of mental absurdity and meaninglessness, and pushed me into a more stable, more straight ahead reality, so to speak. So, because of this change, writing poetry that defies meaning, like I have been in the habit of writing for over thirty years, becomes more of an exhausting chore, and less of an enjoyable pastime. For this reason, I have resorted to writing Unpoetry less often, and it is become less of a go-to source of relief and solace. I think I will continue to write it, since I believe it has value and needs to be continued and passed on to others. But if I continue in a more stable mindset, I won’t be doing Unpoetry as much as I used to do it.

Alive

Walking through my neighborhood,

I see the kids at play,

And the parents chatting.

The young people walk their dogs,

And mow their lawns.

Moms and dads

Drop their children off for daycare.

Healthy people walk

Up and down the street,

Keeping fit and feeling good.

Kids on skateboards and bikes

Roam around, just enjoying

Being active and outside

In the cool winter air.

Men work on projects

In their driveways and garages.

Women tend to little ones,

Running errands

Or heading to work.

A peace falls on the place.

It is good to be alive.

Tenfold

Meandering along

An uncertain journey,

I take it as it comes,

Being in the moment,

As best I can.

Not worrying

About what I will eat,

Or what I will wear;

But always sure

That whatever happens,

I will be okay,

For I am surrounded

By friends and family,

A spiritual cloud of witnesses,

With my best interest at heart.

And thus I feel secure,

Knowing that tomorrow

Is a time, not to be

Anxious about, but

To look forward to

With anticipation and hope.

Tomorrow is

Not for sure,

But God goes forward

Before us, and

Blesses our going in

And going out,

Our exchanges,

Our travel,

Our conversations

And our tasks.

Treating my neighbor

In a way that I

Would want to be treated,

I bless myself

As well as my neighbor.

Loving and caring

For those around me,

I build a castle of karma,

That returns to me tenfold.

Why I’m a Democrat

I believe that the wealthy have a responsibility to share their wealth with the less fortunate.

I believe that the government is in a unique position to manage the collection and redistribution of wealth to the less fortunate.

I believe the government has a responsibility to protect the vulnerable from the powerful.

I believe the government is in a unique position to regulate big businesses and keep them from becoming too powerful.

I believe the decision about birth control and abortion should be made between a woman and her doctor, because it is first of all a medical issue and until a baby is born it is part of a woman’s body.

I believe the government is in a unique position to protect nature and creatures, regulate big businesses use of natural resources and protect endangered species from the abuse of the greedy, powerful and wealthy.

I believe in diversity, equality and inclusion with regard to race, religion, sex, gender, nationality, ethnicity and age. I believe that these differences should be protected by the government and helped to thrive and multiply.

I believe the government has a right to tax its citizens to provide the services it provides, and that everyone should pay their fair share to make sure the government has the funds it needs to work the way it should.

I believe the government should provide medical care free of charge to everyone.

I believe the government should care for the elderly when they reach fifty years of age. The government should provide a pension and unlimited medical care to the elderly.

I believe education by schools, colleges and universities should be provided by the government for free. I believe health care and education are human rights that should be supported and protected by the government.

Rolls Royce

I feel so solid. Permanent. Oozing

Cement from every pore. Sliding from

A shovel to a hole. What shall I do?

Oh, what shall I do? I like plants.

Maybe I could hold a plant. Maybe I

Should start my own restaurant. Or

Maybe a board game store. Hell,

Maybe I’ll buy a football team. With

What money, you might ask? All that

I’ve saved up from taking orders as a

Pizza delivery person. Yes, I deliver

Pizzas in style, driving a Rolls Royce.