Nearly Gone

The trees in my yard have a clarity foregrounded

against the thinning fog.  The winter grass looks

ready for spring.  My heart’s discontent is a love 

song.  There is nothing I can do to change this scene,

this time, this longing in its blessings and curses.

That is what longing is – Jacob clinging to the angel,

the blessing, the wounding not letting go gives.

The poetry where everything fits – every step 

a dance step, every stumble a fall.

The low growling harmony of love songs where

every moment is a honky-tonk, all the music blues.

My discontent a hesitant redemption, a promise

that only I can break.  The fog is nearly gone.

-Byron Hoot

https://hootnhowlpoetry.com

Near the Time

It is early evening.  The sun has reversed its rays

from the west to east side of the landscape.

The predawn now the twilight

and that equally strong sense of an ending

beginning without the fanfare of first light.

It is a melancholy mood.  Subdued like a monk

lost in prayer streaming into meditation

where nothing is asked for because all 

has been given.  A slow, shuffling dance

of ecstasy, that silent promise of tomorrow,

the refrain that never changes though

the verses never remain the same.

It is near the time of gloaming. 

Byron Hoot

 hootnhowlpoetry.com

Insanity Rules by Cory Tambourine

 

'    

From Artist Cory Tambourine

http://mothlightva.weebly.com 

ON HEARTSONGS

Remembering Philip Church & Mattie Stepanek

Thank you Jeni Smith Stepanek for reposting this poem

ON HEARTSONGS

Dedicated to Poet Mattie J. T. Stepanek

PHILIP KENT CHURCH

~

There’s a wondrous place, when seen in context,

Which exists and then passes, before the speaking of a word,

It lies just beyond what’s occurred, and what happens next,

And if one listens carefully – it’s where ‘heartsongs’ are heard.

The notions of past and future are merely what we insist,

Both the last moment and the next are beyond our affect,

The truth is, this moment is the only time we actually exist.

And only have the here and now where we can have effect.

Vain-glorious pursuits can become so self-defeating.

When a heart’s songs are recorded, be wise as sages,

Bearing in mind - both riches and fame are fleeting.

Heartsongs must be inscribed to stand the test of ages.

Be still and listen in your heart for the echo from above,

Listening close in a peaceful moment of no fear or panic,

You can hear the heartsongs - recognized for their love,

And join the ranks of ‘peace-makers’ –

Like MATTIE STEPANEK!

https://www.facebook.com/Philip-Kent-Church-1409887615889348/