11-26-2014

Harmony be with you if peace is not

"Greet the enemy with the respect you would like," offered Wu 
"Instantly your conflict becomes a dance. Keep thanks for God at your
Very center no matter what move your opponent makes. Do
Internal work to prepare for battles before they knock at the door.
Now is all you ever have to show praise for the Grace
God has given you. In Daniel's moment like a small stone sailing at
Goliath's brow: The words to his enemy: 'Why are we fighting, ace?'
Open path and direct hit. Silence. There is no reason, failing that, 
Doing what is expected. Following orders. Any reason one can name
Truly falls short of  sanity. Death. Vengeance. Honor. There is no need for it. 
How precious is all life? Too precious to take in the name of an idea.
All rhyme and reason falls apart in justifying war. 
No enemy exists who is truly aligned with evil unless we choose not to 
Kiss and make up projections of our inner faults
Sometimes we must understand instead of taking our stand. 

11-24-2015

Unseen Melodies are Sweeter

"Place a child's hand held game system over the photo, then
Look and see what is there." With this Jack produced
A portable game console and placed it over the evidence.
"You see?" "What is that?" McPherson asked with confused
Interest. "Near as I can tell that is Harold or should I say Herald"
Stunned at this revelation, McPherson repeated. "Herald Angel!
That spherical thing with winglike arcs is ...
"Herald of an Angel. Daniel has a good sense of humor. Harold Angel!
Exceptionally funny don't you think? Simple code keeps secrets inside.
This sphere, or whatever, is essentially an interdimensional phone call!
How many times in Biblical history have angels been described
In terms of something part human, part winged animal.
Not creatures at all but what nature looks like when a message
Goes through from one dimension to another. Sound waves in dimensional passage." 

11-22-2014

The intersection of Dimension and Vine

"Doesn't copy!" Blurted McPherson with a scowl,
"Every printed page is in blue ink that does not repro.
Photos come out somewhat. What now?"
"Take out your cell phone and take photos.
Have a scone?" asked Oneal as his partner
Plopped in the chair across from him.
Eyeing the pages and clicking the photos for starters"
"Right. Photos of Daniel alone. This is too grim.
Can't believe we are wasting our time on Harold.
Empty pursuit and that's the truth!" commented Jack's
Partner. "Only empty until you use the 3D viewer on 'em."
"The what?" McPherson looked confused. "Look on the back"
Instructions for how to view a hologram appeared
On the back of photo. "To catch an angel, add a dimension. Weird!"  

11-21-2014

Aim higher than the target

"Look McPherson, we know that Daniel is gone. We know 
He had an imaginary friend. This Harold. Why would the Sergeant
And the other brass be interested in a figment though?
Doesn't make sense they would be interested in a miscreant's
Dream. That's why I am interested. Let's find out a
Little about this Harold. Maybe following Daniel
Always was a fool's errand. If you want to pout about
Our loss, do it on your time. I am not going play Cocker Spaniel.
Rather I am going to concentrate on what Daniel was after.
Something tells me this Harold has the answers to that
Each time you follow a suspect you get to the scene late. I'd rather
Look at the suspect's horizon and get there first. Well what
Are you waiting for. Take this file folder on Harold Angel.
When you are through making a copy, meet me at the the cafe for a bagel." 

11-20-2014

John Keats's Day in Court

"What on earth are you talking about. We administer justice.
Heck with beauty. Get a grip will you?
Are you flippin' mad, Jack? We can't just allow any cuss
To alter timelines at his discretion. And who
Put this Daniel in charge like that? Also, as far as we know,
(Recorded and observed) there is no Harold.
Its just some figment of Daniel's twisted ego!"
Calmly Jack looked into McPherson's gold-
Edged spectacles and replied. "Look, maybe
Beauty and Truth and Justice are more tightly 
Entangled than we have the ability to see.
And I don't know why I can't rightly
Understand what I wrote about how Daniel vanished of late
Tea leaves? omens? poppycock! There is no reason to pursue him into his alternate state."    

11-19-2014

Big fish in a little song

McPherson looked steadily in disbelief at Jack. "I Don't
Understand. What do you mean you have decided to
Close the case? We are so close to catching him!" he moaned.
"Harold Angel is the case I have been assigned to. Besides you
Are overestimating our position. We are not any closer to catching
Daniel than when we started. I realized that when I was at the cafe,"
Oneal stated to his partner back at the department office. Watching
Angrily, McPherson blurted: "You didn't go to get coffee!
Breath-o-lizer test for you! Pronto! You went to the pub, right?
Open your mouth then. C'mon!" At this Oneal pushed past his partner. "I
Understand your confusion, but I have made up my mind. I am not tight."
The calm resolve in Jack's voice lended to the verity of the statement. "Why
Not sleep on it, ay?" McPherson pleaded." "No need, Jack returned,  
"O Thing of beauty so short thy life, in your moment,  I thy beauty learned."

11-16-2014

What happens to a song deferred?

"Comfort is a wonder. Thank you, Helen," Oneal  
Held out his mug for more and his server poured.
And so it was amid the rush of steaming coffee he could feel
Saul's transformation on the road to Damascus. His thoughts soared
Inspired by sight restored. No he could not yet see. But he felt
Now that his days of darkness were numbered. The years
Gone by spent on a chronological conveyor belt
Were ending. Jack sensed his a welling of tears.
It was as if he were in some tale by O. Henry
Now he was close to having the goods on Daniel.
Daniel, who had clearly messed with laws of nature when he
Ought not to have. But maybe the song was hurtful.
Why else would such a bizarre set of circumstance
Sever it from its moment of reaching an audience.  

11-13-2014

Fill that cup?

On further consideration of the recipe, Jack noted
No specific step as significant to the success
(Even though all steps had their impact) of dough to bread,
With transformation in general, as the sharing of one's uniqueness.
Really substitutions could be made, except for that kind of love.
Intense mourning filled Jack for the years he had spent
Taking that sharing as the air that was all around: below and above
(True sustenance) for granted. "Fill that cup, luv?" the waitress smiled at his nodded assent.
Enjoying that blessed interruption in an entirely new way
Now officer Jack Oneal felt so very thankful and no longer alone.
Coding of connection was built into each day.
One could choose to feel separate, this was true, but one could atone.
Defeat was nothing more than turning away from hope.
Every day presented an option to renew connection and do more than cope. 

11-12-2014

On further inspection of The Tony Cycle Jack found a
Recipe tucked into the book as a bookmark perhaps.
A handwritten instruction revealed a pound of 
Nuanced conservation was an inherent belief of a chef who maps 
Good advice into the list of baking steps. And Jack waxed
Eloquent in his mind on the sort of person who offered
You a bit of their life experience along with a list of facts.
Oh sure, you could get on well enough just following the herd.
Usually one learns to read between the lines or listens to
Grandma in the kitchen and gets the love and the lesson.
Lonely pursuit that: not heeding the little suggestions. You
Are liable to miss some of someone's life's mission. 
Diaries of experience knock-knock on one's door to remind:
"I didn't say Banana. Hey, most of love is about forethought of different kind."

11-10-2014

Peacefork

The next thing Daniel knew Wu was whisking him off to a park.
"Have you ever heard the one about the immovable object
Encountering the unstoppable force?" was Wu's next remark.
"Of course." responded Daniel. "And which are you? Be circumspect!"
Retorted Wu. "I do not engage in frivolous wars, I am neither."
"You surprise me Daniel, I would have pegged you as a 'wall man.'
Ok. So you are a bystander then, I will give you that. What brief air
Flows in a moment eternal?" Daniel answered, "God's CPR to Adam."
"The teacher learns from the student I see. Ok one more: Who can be
Held responsible for the end of the cold war between America and the USSR
"Everyone knows that, it was Reaganomics: raise the ante until one side runs out of money."
"Wrong! it was Robert Frost. He wrote "Mending Wall." Both Reagan and Gorbachev were
Avid readers but Gorbachev understood the poem and Reagan didn't.
Let's just say that the em-path taken by Gorby made all the difference.
"Let's just say you are drunk," Daniel submitted with unusual spunk.

11-08-2014

No Rubber Bullets Required

Good thing for Daniel, Wu was in a good mood.
Every person Daniel passed looked at him as if to say
"Thinks he's in a New York City neighborhood."
Until one particularly brash man said, "OK
Put this back in your pocket."  Wu ripped the card
Mightily from Daniel's forehead. "Where do you think
Our paths are supposed to cross?" "Here on the boulevard?"
"Very good, but you needn't make such a stink!
Everyone is staring!" Wu was a slender but daunting presence.
But Daniel felt oddly pleased to be in his company.
And it reminded him of the time at a Frank Zappa event
Crowded at the stage front, the artist had saved many
Kindred fans by making crowd control into a bit of performance art while
Singing: "Get up. Move back. Sit down." It made the fans dial   
It back down and prevented a surety of mass bashing from hired security.    

11-7-2014

First Fist

So with the slam of his apartment door
Understanding left with Harold
Patiently Daniel gazed for a diamond like the Koh-i-Noor;
Reached out and touched air. Cold
Embers in the fireplace shifted with the
Movement of wind from Harold's departure.
Enough mystery in his single word to make a
Universe wonder. So Daniel gathered the resolve he could muster,
Leapt to his feet and directed himself  Wu-ward.
The card was supposed to act as an introduction.
It was completely blank. Daniel held it like a throwing star.
"Maybe I should just paste it to my forehead and await further instruction."
And that is what he did. He was feeling hungry so he went
To get a bite to eat and as he walked to the diner, he spent
Each moment enjoying the looks of passers-by; trawling for Wu to take the hook.

11-6-2014

Finding Dr. Wu

"I know you are tired. Just try not to exhaust yourself.
New environments are challenging. Despite the fact
That everything looks comfortable here you are on a new shelf
Of existence. Listen to what your body is saying. You can't act
The part you don't feel. So listen to what you body tells you,"
Harold looked in expectation at Daniel. "Well, OK. Can I get a guide?"
"Exactly! Harold agreed. "A guide is a great idea! Try Philip Wu!
Now take his card!" Harold handed Daniel a business card that was all white.
"Excellent and how am i supposed to read this blank card?" "Use an
X-acto knife and cut out all the parts that are not Dr. Wu's business card!
Take a trip to the park watch the children playing, get a tan.
First and foremost relax and wait. When the moment to move onward
Opens, the card will introduce you to Dr. Wu.
Right. well i am off to the movies. East St. Louis Toodle-oo!"
Moving into a posture of objection, Daniel found Harold raced in the opposite direction.

11-5-2014

Lightspeed is not fast enough for truth

"Truly you make me feel like Adam in the garden of
Eden questioning God about the nature of death."
Answered Daniel. "Never equate me to God above
Replied Harold seriously. "Not even in jest." God's breath
Shimmers through all creation and it is right to look for traces
Time and again in others. But we are creatures not the Creator.
"Am I able to view what is happening the in the timelines adjacent?"
"I wouldn't if I were you at this point even if you could. Mental theater    
Never emancipates us when dealing with timelines. That is why the Bible
Educates us not to attempt divination on the Holy Spirit's dime.
Daniel, when you journey to the next dimension it will be viable.
Not now though, it would be like viewing it from an airplane. Looks orderly and sublime
Obviously though you cannot see the closeup details from that position.
The truth is light is not the way to illuminate truth. Even light is too slow to reveal intuition." 
"Errors in translation, eh? Well, 'my head beats like a song by the Clash, writing cheques that my body can't cash.'"

11-4-2014

Unknown understated

"Tell me about the believesphere, Harold, what is it like?
Oh well words will hamper what I mean to tell you
But i will try. I guess you could say it the place where faith hikes,
Explores its unknown parts an relishes each drop of dew.
Like an arena where collaboration replaces competition.
It's like the certainty you feel but can't put your finger on.
Every hope lives there. And the odd thing is those who petition
Victory in this wonderfully mixed up plane, there don
Every medal and remain unknown. So be happy for trials,
Suffering, and loss for the sake of love. Remain humble.
Phantasize against the ruling group-thought. Search miles
Here and leagues there and all the while hear the cockleshell.
Expect the believesphere to break the sense barrier.
Rare is the mailbag of eternity so keep watch for the carrier.
Every letter in that pouch is the wonder of unthought pleasant scorches. Ouch.

11-3-2014

What profits a prophet?

"Well, I suppose I can manage that," Daniel replied.
"Onward now. No looking back. The rose of dawn
Needs watering. And I have lost my living tide.
Dust on the river bed will I think on.
Ever looking for the shape my new story 
Resists to take and hoping all the while.
Where have the whales gone? No need to worry. 
Humpbacks of our lady ring the bells. For miles
Every Jonah waits for taxi service to their fates.
Rare gems of experience and sunlight glisten
End of the world begins to seem dated
Like a lonely man's way to think he listens.
In daily lives the cries and smiles fend off the steam
Of revelation as the venting of an interpretless dream
Now has a more important lesson, than any Augustinian confession."

11-2-2014

Printing pressed

Taking a look at the wall unit, Daniel saw
A particular volume of poetry he had missed
Before. "I see The Tony Cycle is a part of this time flaw."
"Lots of that edition are here" Harold confessed.
Edition One. You brought it from one timeline over
One of the last in that timeline in fact.
Found it in your pocket."  "The cover
Needs to be repaired," Daniel said looking at the back.
"Open it to page iii." Daniel complied. "This is
Nonsense where is the acrostic of the poems?"
"See that is a result of your bringing this
Edition into a new timeline. Check it with other tomes
Next time you are in a book store. You possess a misprint
Should be worth about a cool mil. Which, of course, is a hint.
End any thought of selling it now. No one can EVER see it. No way. No how."

11-1-2014

Trigger nom et tres

The cafe was where Jack came to get inspired
And he slumped into his usual booth
Looking at the little book he'd just acquired.
Editions. Plural. Of this obscure book. His youth
Offered little time for reading what with his
Father having died when he was very young.
Time was money for Jack. Education, hit or miss.
When he did have a moment he had sung
Over at the local pub. Irish ballads mostly.
Edition Two. OK. How different could it be?
Daniel must be asking the same question. Ghostly
Images of what it all could mean suddenly
Tormented Jack: A bullet hole in a muse's heart?
Spheres colliding as they drift apart?

10-31-2014

A treat trick to try at home
And now a word from our sponsor: All blessings flow.
Kindness heals the stiffness that the mind congeals.
If one person stops to say "how are you?" all powers bow
Surely to the force of directed love's appeals.
So let not fist, nor scowl, nor sword, nor any weapon withstand
The intention of goodwill toward all. Stand tall
Until you cannot stand, but smile and give with open hand
Reach into the basket and take some joy! For all
New friends are just a sharing reach away.
Sweets are sweeter when offered gladly
And richer all who see a need and respond today
Now think on those you know or see, who look down sadly.
Give a treat to one who madly frowns away life's pleasure.
End a bad dream with a single candy-coated treasure.
Right before you a miracle stands, melts in the heart, not in the hand. 

10-30-2014

Into the mythology

Now that Jack had the Tony Cycle he felt odd satisfaction
On the right path or just happy that he had a task
To complete: Read the tomes and compare editions.
He wanted to know what the differences were and ask
Intelligent questions of Daniel about his knowledge of Harold.
Now he could begin. And he did by going to his favorite cafe.
"Got to do some reading now McPherson. See you back at the fold.
Tomorrow we can think about next steps." "This case will drive me daffy."
Offered Jack's partner. "Like no case I have ever been
Fortunate enough to participate in," rejoined Jack.
"Eh, yeah." McPherson replied. "Well I would not have seen
A silver lining on this case. But I'll give you it's a head scratcher that."
"Right. Off you go then. Wish me luck in understanding this  
But, God knows, I am not one to decipher visions. Off to see the Wiz."  

10-29-2014

Inside out

Daniel paused for a moment. "What did you have in mind?
A lighter shade of pale? A white room with black curtains?
Yellow?" Harold smiled and then offered. "Something of that kind. 
Outside with you Daniel! Time to look around. A certain
Freedom from the past is what you need most.
Release your expectations. Where have you never been?"
"Everest." Came Daniel's reply. "Give up the ghost
Can't you? The outwardly exotic is not attainable when,
Really, you have not exhausted the inwardly exotic.
Ever see the movie "My Dinner with Andre?"
"At least 3 times," Daniel replied. "Well Wally world is the spot i pick 
To send you," Harold returned. "But you just said in a various and sundry
Individual way that i should go out not in. So what am i to think.
Opt for the guru on the mountain top or celebrate the water i drink?"
No Answer. "Perhaps I'll go to the park. Watch the children playing. Maybe i'll find in my head what my heart is saying."   

10-27-2014

Back at the apartment

The morning light spread across the interior.
Harold's voice came softly to Daniel,
"Eyes open, Daniel time for a new day." He inferred or
Made an educated guess that the tan well
On the far side of the room was the wall unit.
"Must have fallen asleep." he yawned squinting.
"Everything ok?" asked Harold playing a minuet
Now on a CD Daniel did not recognize. "Hinting
That it is time to dance are you?" Daniel asked.
"Oh it is always dance time for me, I just
Thought you could use a bit of rest. Tasked
Right to the limit you have been of late. Rust
Umber is your shade isn't it?" Harold remarked.
The interior of Daniel's apartment was heavy on earth tones. This sparked
Harold's interest. Ever consider redecorating. Something a bit more invigorating?" 

10-26-2014

The Cure?

If you could develop a vaccine to keep
Most germs at bay. What would you choose
Microchemistry aside, to save so many from sleep?
Unicorns breath? Something more arcane? Try but you will lose.
No, the best medicine for common germs is strong immunity.
If that is so then who among can shield our systems from hell?
The lowly horseshoe crab might be the best (of family Limulidae) 
Yes this arthropod is sturdy and not just for its shell.
Below the depths for 450 million years the HC has survived.
You want an elixir from Ebola? Our friend must have it inside. 
For imagine all the germs it has bested after all it has imbibed.
I think that we shell never see an life form as tough as old HC. Besides
Really wonderful things have already been done in Medicine with HC blood.
Every piece of knowledge we cherish may be saved by one who slogs through mud. 

10-25-2014

The Key is its own Puzzle

While fishing the boy called Thomas O.
Had a vision long ago of how the verse-uni
Alters with observation so
Time must not in a single string pursue.
It baffled him though what form to give
Shape comprehendable to the idea of time
Alas this is the physicists plight: the concept sieve
Confounds seekers of Promethean fire. Adam's crime
Oft is blamed for lack of resources but truly
No end of what we need is in great supply.
Concept, a true and pure concept of things unsensed duly
Enumerated would light upon dark matter apply.
Perhaps to view ten dimensions one needs ten eyes.
Thought Thomas O. when a horseshoe crab appeared as his prize.

10-24-2014

Pop goes the Poem

The musty smell of old books and wood shelves
Remained in Daniel's nostrils as he left the book store. 
Until he had the first edition of the Tony Cycle
The only thing he could do was pace the proverbial floor.
How was it that there was no pop song being made
Of "The Horseshoe Crab?" Had he dreamed it all?
Reciting the poem over and over, Daniel played
Diverse scenarios of what might have happened. A fall
At a concert in Asia to the group's piano player?
Right thumb of the bass player injured in Rome.
Laughable ideas to say the least. No. It had to be grayer.
If the band had somehow gotten an edition sans the poem.
Now that had promise. And soon he would know.
Get the right edition to the band at their next show.

10-23-2014

Metaphors be with you

"Take it if it will help," Michael said reaching up to get
His only copy of the The Tony Cycle.
"Ever read it yourself?" Jack asked. "Nah. I let
Inquiries drive my inventory. Any book I like'll
Never sell. So I don't try to guess trends.
Forgive the dust." Michael said handing the book over.
Opening to the dedication page Jack read. "Nothing transcends
Ralph Waldo Emerson in my book." Jack looked at the cover
Momentarily before flipping to the table of contents.
All the titles seemed odd to Jack. "Twiz." "Jim knows how."
"The Horseshoe Crab" "Odysseus visits customer service." "Where the whale went."
"Inscrutable. That's poetry in a nutshell if you ask me," stated McPherson with wrinkled brow.  
"Only if you don't speak the poet's metaphors," returned Jack.
"Now to see how the editions differ. Get me the one Daniel ordered too. I'll be back."

10-22-2014

Revision History

"Why do you say that?" Jack asked. "Dunno. Something in
His eyes. Like a drain emptying. Confusion.
I can't put my finger on it, but he looked lost. Firing pin
Refusing to work in the noggin and that. No contusions.
Looked physically fit, but something really sad in those eyes.
Well, must get back to work. Take some more cashews
If you like!" the shop owner offered." Jack could sympathize  
Now and again with his alleged perpetrators by walking in their shoes.
Daniel was clearly dealing with some issues. Talking to himself.
Confiding in this invisible Harold about the most bloody obtuse
Hypotheses of the make up of the universe. Jack scanned the shelf
Above Michael's head. One book cover: bright chartreuse
Stood out. "Let me see that book by T. O. Maxwell called the The Tony Cycle"
"Eh? Oh that is like the book that Daniel wanted, but its the wrong edition," replied Michael.

10-21-2014

The Fugitive

"Well, not today, Michael. Looking for a chap named Daniel.
Has he been in the store today?" Oneal asked.
"I believe he was just here." Looking for a book by Manuel
Crikey. No that wasn't it. Maxwell! Book of Poetry. Faxed
His order in just this minute, see!" and handed the order
With gusto, as he liked thinking he was part of
An important police investigation. Pointing to the back corridor,
"You just missed him he headed that way! Darted off
Down the back stairs." "So he did not have the book then?
Inquired Oneal. "No we didn't have it on hand. Have to
Deliver it to his office when it comes in," returned Michael. "When?"
"Have it next week likely." "Did you talk with him about it?" "Cashew?
Eat 'em constantly. Love 'em," Michael blurted and held out a bowl.
"Go through them like mad. No can't say he talked about book the bless his soul."

10-20-2014

Never end with a question

Just as Jack and his sidekick were about to give up,
A new opportunity arose. "Let's check that book shop on the
Corner," offered Jack and the two men  walked toward the Trivia Cup
Kitchen and paused to admire the baked goods' aroma
"Nothing like a scone from the Trivia Cup," observed 
Oneal. "I prefer the Bear's Claws," added McPherson.
Light was fading from the western sky. A familiar curved 
Arc was slightly above the distant horizon.
"Not now. I don't want to lose the scent 
The hour is getting late," Oneal stated firmly. 
"Ende's Neverending Emporium," the officer read aloud. "Spent
Right many an hour in here. Evening, Michael! How's Hermione?"
Nodding to the owner sweeping outside the book store.
"So-so. She having an allergy spell. Come to look for more family lore?"

10-19-2014

When we would meet 

Daniel looked up again his mind like a bee-hive
"I send my thoughts like satellites
into the orbit of your lives
broad arcs throughout your daily rites
perhaps you'll remember the days
our paths were not distant but near
so near we touched like finger plays
on a wine glass rim, so that its orbit rings in ear.
Or when our laughter bounced like children
on a trampoline with only breath to keep us
from laughing into the vast reaches of heaven 
on our moon walk under the deep blue cover plus
speckled night lights. Waiting for the sight
of each return from the journey of night.
Of orbs so wondrous in my view, across Vermont's October sky with you."

10-18-2014

BFG

Now Daniel put his hands behind his head.
"Oblio changed his world by changing his perspective.
That is what he did, although he never said
Anything really that defiant. He accepted the invective
Lots of others thrust on him and wandered
Lonely at their bidding and just discovered
Points of view and brought them back unlaundered.
Only those who had lost heart glowered.
I guess we all take turns in each set of shoes."
Now Daniels shift to this new world felt more grounded
Though he still had a sense of wander blues
Looking back at the wall unit it seemed like Mount
Everest to him. Lots of adventure. No time for squandering.
So maybe the best journey for now is my mind wandering.
Simple thoughts with the will of the chant, stand on shoulders of friendly giants.

10-17-2014

Oblio

On the next shelf down was an old typesetter's case
For storing movable type used in old printing presses.
Figurines, Photos, Icons and more replace
The type the case was designed for. Daniel guesses
His mom had found it in a yard sale decades ago.
Engines for trains and old steam tractor toys
Shared the case. Also a picture of Oblio,  
Harry Nilsson's anti-hero from the cartoon: "The Point"
Every time Daniel looked at the little dough-
Like boy with the knitted point cap,
Fond memories of listening to the story
On his old record player came even with the tap-tap-tap
Repeating at the end of a side. His history 
Olio is what his mom had called the case of wood
Now it comforted him in this new spacetime for good.

10-16-2014

Howdunnit

Then Daniel looked to the next shelf on the wall unit.
He noticed a murder mystery he'd read once.
"Eventually," Harold had told him, "you will become bored with it."
Usually, Harold was right, but he felt like a dunce
Soon as he discovered why: The real murderer is always the author.
Unlikely, perhaps, that such news would act as a spoiler.
At least there was always the how and why of it. But Moth or
Lit lamp,  one rarely cared to place blame on the writer of a pot boiler. 
Silly really. Like a kind of literary biting the hand that feeds.
Universe creation is universe creation even if a death
Slalom is the basis. And Harold was right about the seed
Planted by the creator. One becomes bored with linking downfall and breath.
Effect and cause get you only so far.
Concentrate, rather, on the voice and roll down the windows in the car.
There is enough wonder in a moment, without seeking a reason to foment.

10-15-2014

Wander lonely as a cloud among clouds

Well the problem with seeing with the mind
Harold had pointed out to Daniel, is you may
Altogether miss what you should see. Be kind
To your world and let it reveal itself the way
It is and not the way you have labeled it to be.
Romantic poets made their names on exactly this:
Expectation leads to a type of untruth. Emotionally
Altering the object is like aesthetic surgery on bliss.
Daniel thought of Heisenberg and string theory.
Is it just that we want so badly to see ourselves
Anthropomorphized in a veneer's mirrory
Transformation, that we would as soon acknowledge elves,
Echo, and other myths such as the the freewill of particles
Undulating, as admit that only five senses requires faith articles:
Perception is a two way street. God's painting will never be complete.  

10-14-2014

Circus Animals Dessert Shun


Daniel woke from his rest and the morning sun's
Early rays shone on the wall unit in his apartment. 
Merry animals on the box of Nabisco cookies attributed to Barnum's
Opry were in the spotlight. Daniel remembered how he'd spent
Nearly an entire evening in his parent's basement arguing
Cookie theology with his friend Chad. His friend
Opined that a cookie he had extracted from the 3-rings
Of "Crackers" Nabisco had so slyly penned,
("King Kong-like" is what Daniel called its shape)
In actuality was the image of a demon demur.
Even though Daniel saw nothing more than an ape
Sitting, Chad was sure it was no lemur, 
Bear, nor any critter of God's hand.
Orc or gargolyle, perhaps, but evil sure from some baker's no man's land.
Xray eye for evil, Chad claimed was his gift, Daniel had to cede this much, no but, and, or if.

10-13-2014

What God's kindness looks like

"Go look down the side streets, McPherson!
Right from under our noses the man is gone!
Action and Condition in an inequal equation.
Ceased so gradually we could see right through bone."
Each moment of this remarkable occurrence played
Again and again in Jack's mind. And where were his
Notes. He was writing them and then they were mislaid!
Daniel was a tall and sturdy man in his late twenties.
Really, there was no just up and becoming air!
Exceptional truly! Like getting an accountant's
Position on repenting in a state of grace. Not fair
Eyeing the bottom line on that one! Fountains
Never run backward. Doesn't happen except in the mind!
True the mind can do it. Jack toyed with this. God is kind.

10-12-2014

A Circle Stretched

Now Daniel was aware of his surroundings again.   
On the wall in his living room was the painting
That his mom had given him of Kepler when
They moved out of his childhood home. Tainting
His memory of that day was the fact that all
Endearing aspects of his youth were being sold.
Childhood memories of playing astronaut in freefall,
Listening to music in his room, and, all told,
Every bad memory as well would become
Alcoves of someone else's daily routine.
Never before had he thought of this painting as some
Evocative jump point to days gone by. Two teen
Summers he had spent staring at the somber
Teutonic visage in his mom's study. "Slumber
Break for me now," he yawned, while on the street below Jack looked for the life he'd pawned. 

10-11-2014

Parallel Multiverse

"Wait for me!" McPherson yelled as Jack went  
Hurriedly after Daniel as he left the pub. With 
Every step outside the drinking establishment 
Nothing could have prepared them for what they could not miss.
Translucence is expected in windows but not humans.
And translucent was exactly what Daniel was becoming
Now as he strolled down the street. "I'll be.  Do men
Go all glass-like as a rule here? It's just mind-numbing
Let me write this down." And as Jack wrote the word 'vanished'
Every last trace of Daniel left the street ... along with the note
"MacPherson! Did you see that? And how did I manage
Ending my note without paper?" "Listen Jack. Not an oat.
Not one oat of what came out of your mouth
Truly makes sense. He probably turned a corner or went south."

10-10-2014

Entanglement

Frowning at his comrade in arms, Jack paused.
"Okay, look Jack," McPherson went on,
"Rest is what you need. I don't know what caused
Everything and you don't either. You wrote what you are bent on 
'Stead of what happened. Let it go. I have a report to make."  
If Jack believed otherwise, he did not show it.
"Good. Right you are," he ceded, "My mistake."
He folded the note and stood silent a moment.
"Tea at the Cafe later?" he added brightly  
"Three-forty five, ok?" "Yeah, fine," came the reply. 
Edging away from his partner's desk, he trod lightly
Now, not sure of himself nor of his next move. Deeply
Terrified of his own instability in the moment. This
Enigma was not of his making. He had arrived to take the quiz.
Nothing he studied was on the test. And scoring is curved on a jest.

10-9-2014

Memo RE: Vised

Then Jack took out his notes.  Considered item seven as if it were a lie.
"How did it get there? I don't remember writing it," he managed
Exasperated at last to voice, then read it aloud: "McP and I
Leave pub to follow Bloom, but he appears to have vanished.
I must see McPherson right away." The disgruntled officer 
Settled his tab and rushed back to HQ.
"Tell me what we did after Bloom left the bar,"
He exploded as he returned to the office to
Elicit a justifiably startled: "Which time? 
Been dogging the bloke for weeks now?" 
"Use your head McPherson, Today! Blimey!"
"I dunno, came back here after you paid for the chow."
"Look at this! Did we follow Bloom directly to find him gone?"
"Trying to have some fun with me are you? No." replied McPherson.  

10-6-2014

The cafe of requirement 

The usual path for opening an investigation lead
Him to the records room in the basement.
Except this case was not usual so Jack left the building instead
Walking east a block to his favorite cafe. The place meant 
Oh, hard to put this in words, it was where Jack
Never was at a loss for new ideas. Odd little joint.
Despite having frequented it for years, it lacks
Every sign of the familiar. That was exactly the point.
Right now Jack needed to enjoy a cup
Mull over what he had experienced
Isolate the events that did not add up.
Next he would list the outliers. He glanced
Toward the folder on the table top.
Sure he wanted to open it. But no, not this time cop.  

10-5-2014

Oh, for a breath mint

Getting into the lift Jack Oneal felt dazed
Only moments ago expecting to be yelled at in Sgt. Cooper's
Office, he had instead received a commendation and now raced
Down the bowels of police department headquarters. A trooper
Coughed and covered his mouth. Jack clutched the file folder.
Onion breath from a recent sandwich lunch
Produced an unpleasant olfactory moment. Bolder
Breath than a smoggy inner city, thought Oneal. On a hunch  
All his days of waiting for a lead had paid off.
Doors of the lift relieved the occupants 
Contained in it from the stale cough,
Opening with mercy to the ground floor. Plants
Placed symmetrically about the lobby
Seemed to wilt slightly at the introduction of foul-mouthed bobby.

10-04-2015

Quantum Poetry

"Harold. You are right. The problems I face daily
Are wonderful compared to a known outcome.
Please forgive me. I could be Stephen Hawking, gaily
Plotting the unknown universe but nearly dumb.
Yes. Almost silent if not for an eye muscle's
Belligerence. Think of it, the organ most of us need
In taking information, he uses as a mind projector. Bustles
Relieve us with distractions. He would likely cede
Theories galore for the ability to swat a mosquito by
Hand. Such is the cost of genius. Humility
Deals the royal flush to the ones who happily
Avoid playing cards. What if we were already in Yosemite.
You know, God's wildlife preserve for 
2. Eden. And everything here is sure. 
Until like a long-legged fly, his mind moves upon why."

10-3-2014

"You better free your mind instead."

Occupy Thoughts

"Striving is a worthwhile exercise, Daniel. But it is only
Exercise. Don't muddy it up with belief and certainly don't
Err by thinking there is any direct link from it to faith. Lonely
Kings have sought to channel the powerless and owned
Freedom as a veneer not as a result. You can't
Individualize and repeat. Living is not as simple as shampoo
Rinse instructions. I know we think we would like scant
Servitude to rules over freewill at times. But that is a moo
Too far and it leads straight to a living slaughterhouse of the soul.
Go out into the world and watch and listen, listen closely.
Open your ears and eyes so you can feel the goal
Do not reach for it, but know it is beside you. Cozily 
Sense it is yours and let it go. The key to the 
Kingdom is not a possession, it is a gift. Give a
Sigh for what you yearn for. Follow the breath it takes out the door" 

10-2-2014

Enjoy the tide, don't measure it

But the whole feeling of his circumstance echoed like a
Yodel within a valley. Or maybe more like one's sense of self after a
Car accident as coworker had once told him and it reminded him of Laika:
Heroic, youthful astronaut dog in that movie. The coworker had seen a rafter-eye
Accord of his being days beyond the accident as if his soul flew
Near his body. Daniel had often wondered what that experience was: 
Channeling? Near Death? Perspective shift? None of these quite drew
Equal parallels to what this experience of his was. George Bailey's inlaws
Perhaps could relate, but still, this was no Potterville.  
Usual and calm in most ways this spacetime 
Rang true in some very pleasant ways. The daily treadmill
Pushed on but not in any irritating clime.
Oh, maybe the modern scientists were now empathizing with ancient theologians.
Sure they conquered the world with Newton, but in quantum ways they hold back oceans.
Every day new leaks in reality's dike.  Harold broke in: "Don't try to fix faith with a wake."