Author: ArtesianMind

Summer Haiku and Micro-Poetry

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How often
do two twigs
work together
to catch a pine cone?

—

song sparrow on post.
a second one brings breakfast.
shared food. shared table.

—

bumblers and hummers
answer the invitation
of monarda blooms

—

juvenile robin
half-dozen worms droop from beak
“eat like a bird?” Ha!

—

a warbler
yellow-rumped
window-stunned
fear and senses stalled
just long enough
to be my friend
if only for a moment.

—

Twin yellow comets
chase each other, synchronized
Give up, land on limb

—

chipmunk’s spring deposits
are now towering blooms.
what seemed to be hoarding
has proven to be investing
with beautifully high returns.

—

in long, single file
like Beatles on Abbey Road
three gaggles parade

—

wind blows sweetly
through the reeds
while the bass
pulses underneath
and strings strum…
to hold it all together

—

a heavy air that threatens rain
and brings excuse to stay inside
is welcomed as an air to claim
a day of rest too long denied

A toad.

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A toad

found floating
in a rain-filled watering can
in my garden.

Alive.

How did he get in there?
How long had he been in there?

Were his thoughts of despair
that this would be his slow, saturated end?

Were his thoughts of hope
that something would come to free him?

Or were his thoughts none at all
as he hopped through life
moment by moment
without any concern
of what the next moment would bring?

Either way
I tipped the can
and drained the water
and he didn’t even hurry
to escape
from his would-be watery grave.

So I left the can prostrate
so that he could hop out
and continue his life
and his moments
at his own leisure.

I was his savior
and he didn’t even care.

He didn’t even
seem to know.

 

-published 2017 edition of Spring Thaw! Itasca Community College

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Shrieking Woman

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O shrieking woman of early morn:
You shatter the silence with your horrid voice.

You’re black and beautiful
with a shaggy throat.

But no heavenly beauty can redeem for such a hellish voice.

The others sing a melody,
delightful harmonious cacophony.
But you, my dear, just squawk and caw
ear-twinging screams
of laboring squaw.
I daresay your nails
on a chalkboard slate
would produce a sound
more pleasant
more pleasing
less grating.

The others’ calls
welcome the day
and herald the sun

but I fear your war cries
will kill the day,
send the sun in full retreat,
and leave us in darkness.

Shut up.

 

-published 2017 edition of Spring Thaw! Itasca Community College

A Christian and an Atheist Walk Into a Bar

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ArtesianMind's avatarUncommon Loons Theatre Company

13418753_625309517627551_3136932056967622599_nA Christian and an atheist walk into a bar… they order a pitcher of beer, rehearse a play, and enjoy some live jazz thereafter.

One of the great things about a small, two-man show? You can do just that. Rehearse anywhere at anytime, provided both actor/directors are available.

The beauty of the situation was amplified by the stage directions in the script that require eating and drinking. The popcorn and IPA before the actors served well.

And thus begins the rehearsing of ‘Pistachios’ which will premier early August at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Whether you’re Christian, atheist, or just a lover of theatre, it’s a show anyone can empathize and everyone can enjoy!

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Spring Haiku and MicroPoetry

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IMG_1461Shadows of snow
tracing the ground
Where sun didn’t go.
into a gray world
with unassuming blossoms
maples bring color

syrupy buds prepare
to unfurl their green crepes
with sweet and sticky air

tulip in a vase
from the wind a bumblebee
withdraws to withdrawal

 

IMG_1785Awake,
Unfurl,
and Free your fronds!
Stretch your spine,
Release your yawns.
your season Breaks:
the frost is gone.

 

 

red licorice sticks
with sprigs of mints:
harbingers
the rubus confectionery
will soon open for business

February-March Micro Poetry

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IMG_1012 I am here to entertain.
The least you could do
is feed me.

—–

three dozen birds flock the front yard
red polls and pine siskins
a rowdy crowd of hungry guests
fighting for seats at the table

IMG_1207Rusted autumn leaves
linger well past their season.
Some just can’t let go.

—

Two bursts of rainbow
frame the intense morning light:
Celestial sun dogs.

—

IMG_1268Soft paws stretch outward,
Yawning free from a long rest
ere they turn to leave.

—

Fifty feathered troops:
An army of red berets
attacks my feeders.

…for those of you who celebrate…

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Why do we feel the need to qualify our festive greetings in this age? In the name of tolerance do we need to separate? “Happy Easter… to those who celebrate.” “Happy Hanukkah…to those who celebrate.” “Happy Holidays… to those who celebrate.” Can’t we just wish good tidings to the world without drawing lines of separation between those who celebrate and those who don’t? In this world of tolerance, I think we have become more divisive.

Do I celebrate Ramadan? Heck, no. But that doesn’t mean I’ll be offended if someone cast a broad net of well wishes on social media and says, “Happy Ramadan!” or “Happy Kwanzaa” “Happy Freethinkers’ Day” or to me and others. I will think, “Oh! I don’t celebrate that… but thanks!” In this modern age of alleged tolerance and inclusivity, we seem to be more apt to draw lines of separation with our greetings.

So in the spirit of divisive inclusivity, tomorrow I will be wishing everyone, “Happy Monday! …for those of you who celebrate.”