A couple decided to stop
To look for some books in a shop.
Content with just four,
They walked out the door
With "*** After Sixty" on top.

The wife sat down and read through it.
"Honey," she said, "let's pursue it.
I like the suggestions,
But one of my questions
Is DO you think YOU can still do it?"

-by Bob B (5-12-22)

This is a tale of a ruler;
Vladimir Putin's his name.
Unlike a man with a conscience,
This one has no sense of shame.

His paranoia controls him.
His ego controls him as well.
Among our current world leaders,
We can find no parallel.

Running the world's largest country
Can be a challenge that's tough;
However, as large as it is,
To Putin it's not large enough.

So now he has sent Russian troops
Into the land of Ukraine.
Putin's great thirst for power
Is something that he can't contain.

Putin can't stand the idea
Of having a country next door
That's strong and democratic.
For him that's a reason for war.

He came up with false excuses
To justify his attack.
How does one deal with a lying
Megalomaniac?

How many people will suffer?
How many people will die?
How many now will be homeless?
How many children will cry?

How many more dissenters
Will end up going to jail?
Which world democracies
Will Putin try to derail?

Who is the next to be poisoned
For speaking his or her mind?
With how many more rubles
Will Putin's pockets be lined?

Most of the world agrees
That Putin is clearly a brute.
Praise that day when the Russians
Finally give him the boot!
Yes, praise that day when the Russians
Finally give him the boot!

-by Bob B (2-27-22)

(For some reason, I found this poem in my DRAFTS. I guess I hadn't "published" it for public eyes, and it sat, along with 25 or so of my other poems, in my DRAFTS folder until today. Sorry about the delay.)

Two men stopped by a Zen temple
To speak with the temple master, who
They hoped would eagerly share with them
His honest and expert point of view.

The first man said, "I think I want
To move to the local town, so please
Tell me what the town is like.
That will put my mind at ease."

The master responded, "Tell ME about
Your current town. How would you rate it?"
"Ugh!" the man replied. "The people
There are mean and hateful. I hate it!"

The master listened calmly, and then
Shaking his head, he said, "It's clear
From what you have been telling me
That you would also hate it here."

The man bowed and left the room.
The second man entered the room and sat.
He also inquired about the town
And the surrounding habitat.

"Tell me about your current town,"
The master said with a smile on his face.
"The people are nice," the man replied.
"It's a truly wonderful place."

"Ah!" the master exclaimed. "Then from
What you're telling me, I can tell
That you without a doubt are going
To love the local town as well."

-by Bob B (3-3-21)

°An old Zen anecdote retold here in verse

It's such a disruption to my peace of mind
To witness the plunge of our great humankind.
Amazing potential is what we possess,
But **** it if we are not making a mess!

The human attention span's clearly decreasing,
And humankind's selfish demands are unceasing.
Conspiracy theories are way out of whack,
And good education is under attack.

Our probing, inquiring, sharp journalism
Is no longer trusted and faces a schism.
Reason is too often stopped in its tracks,
For too many people are falling for quacks.

And what about people who don't have a clue
Of being accountable for what they do?
They WILL not admit that they're wrong, and they claim
That other folks ought to be taking the blame.

So many people don't listen to reason--
That their form of patriotism is treason,
That storming the Capitol is a real crime
And that those who do it might have to serve time.

It also amazes me how an adult
Can fall for a weird personality cult.
Are people so desperate that they'll believe
The lies that their precious cult leader will weave?

A lot of folks don't trust the experts who say,
"Tomorrow depends on our actions today."
Such folks don't mind if we keep burning coal;
Renewable energy isn't their goal.

And then there are those who will NOT bid good-bye
To Trump's undeniably wacky Big Lie.
It really astounds me how some folks can't see
How dangerous their careless actions can be.

They'll trust information that's propagandistic,
And many of them have become nativistic.
Critical thinking has gone down the drain.
Is half of the country now going insane?

What--I'll keep asking--will be the solution
For stopping what seems like reverse evolution?
The thought has me feeling a bit ill at ease
That once again we might be swinging from trees.

-by Bob B (4-12-24)

Facing the inevitable
Is not always easy to do.
Call it facing reality;
That is what it's tantamount to.

For almost twenty years American
Troops have been in Afghanistan.
Propping up an unstable system
And fighting against the Taliban.

Now we are going to pull out our troops
And stop maintaining the status quo.
Many people feel we should
Have done it many years ago.

Cracking down on Al-Qaeda was
Our original reason for being there.
But after all this time it's hard
To handle what we now are seeing there.

Talks between the Taliban forces
And our previous administration,
Without including Afghan officials,
Have led to a tenuous situation.

Resulting from all the "cease fire" deals,
The Taliban were able to seize
All the regional capitals,
And then take over Kabul with ease.

Yes, the Taliban takeover has
Happened with a speed that is numbing.
Didn't our experts anticipate it?
Afghan forces saw it coming.

Some people say that we should stay there
To fight for the Afghans. The reason's clear cut.
Others say that that is complete
Nonsense--stay there and fight for what?

Giving the Afghans a certain amount of
Stability has been a huge endeavor.
But most Americans do not want
To stay there and fight insurgents forever.

While the country has made advances,
It is depressing to watch it careen
Into utter chaos. And now,
What happens next remains to be seen.

What's crucial at this moment, however,
Is that it's incumbent on us to conceive
Of any possible way to help
Afghans who fear for their lives to leave.

What a jam we find ourselves in
When leaders make unwise decisions!
Then others have to clean up the mess,
Which leads to even greater divisions.

-by Bob B (8-17-21)

Many people don’t know this, but it’s
As clear as clear can be:
The whale was once a land mammal
That made its way back to the sea.

We all came from the sea, of course,
And crawled onto the sand.
Later some mammals perhaps became
Tired of living on land.

Fifty million years ago
Is when those mammals decided
To spend a lot more time in the water
For something that it provided.

Their descendants became aquatic--
Fully so. We know
All of this because of what
The fossil records show.

The features they needed for sea adaptation
Were not new and bold ones.
All that they required were
Modifications of old ones.

Their bodies adapted; they grew in size.
Seas and oceans, make way!
After millions and millions of years,
We have the whale of today.

(Whales and hippos are very close cousins.
Although it’s not as big,
The hippo's more closely related to
The whale than it is to a pig.)

The whale has tiny hindlimb and pelvic
Bones embedded in tissue.
It is as though its body is saying,
“I don’t need or miss you.”

But what is the largest mammal on Earth?
The blue whale is by far.
How would you like to give birth to a baby
That’s as big as a car?

O mighty king and queen of the ocean--
So worthy of being acclaimed!
So much pain we humans have caused you!
We should be ashamed!

Mighty ones, you have seen
The damage we humans can do,
While all along we should have known
How much we could learn from you.

-by Bob B (3-11-25)

Beware of populist demagogues.
Don't let them be misunderstood:
They build their popularity
Without promoting the public good.

They pander to passions and prejudice
And also hold reason and truth in contempt.
From all accountability
Demagogues want to remain exempt.

They are masters of the masses
And try to tear down norm after norm.
Using tricks to betray the people,
They are experts at how to perform.

Using their popular support,
They undermine our institutions.
Swindling us through sophistry,
They stand firm in their resolutions.

Wearing contempt that they invite
As a badge of honor, they hope
That no one scrutinizes them
Or puts them under a microscope.

Notice their quest for unrestrained power,
Their hunger for vengeance, their thirst for control.
Support for ideas that violate
The rights of others is often their goal.

Controlling the hearts and minds of the people,
They want you to think that they are friends.
Then they leverage your support
For their own political ends.

It's scary to think that Americans
Could eagerly cast their vote in a fog,
Electing a dangerous person who is
Clearly a populist demagogue.

-by Bob B (11-9-24)

°Inspired by the writings of Dani Rudrik, Eli Merritt, and Emily Pears

Life has its beautiful moments
When everything appears to jell.
Then, of course, life is filled
With moments of suffering as well.

Good days, bad days. The pendulum swings.
We’re happy today, we’re sad tomorrow.
Our attitude makes a huge difference
In how we respond to joy and sorrow.

Whatever inhabits my earthly form
Is a temporary guest
Until that time comes for me
To enter into eternal rest.

Eternal rest. I like how that sounds.
And also the thought of resting in peace.
Happiness becomes transformed
And illness, pain, and suffering cease.

It’s human nature for us to want
Some things to last forever and hence
As much as we cling to people and things,
Know that there is a consequence.

I hate the thought of leaving my loved ones--
My family, my friends--and earthly pleasures,
But when my time is up, I know
That Death defies our countermeasures.

That being said, I do not wish
To die tomorrow or hasten the end.
I just prefer to look at Death
Not as a foe but more as a friend.

-by Bob B (10-26-21)

After high school graduation
In May 2023,
Eighteen-year-old Nevaeh Crain
Discovered she was a mother-to-be.

A mother-to-be in Texas, however,
Is no longer a top priority,
For her body turns into something
Over which she has no authority.

Excited about the pregnancy,
Nevaeh--vibrant, young, and strong--
Was doing well until the day
Of her baby shower, when something went wrong.

She grew ill and had to go
To the hospital. Time number one.
They gave her antibiotics and sent
Her home; her troubles had barely begun.

Back to the hospital she went
Writhing in pain. That is when
They said she had a UTI
And sent her home with some meds again.

Nevaeh returned to the hospital.
A miscarriage was suspected.
However, they couldn't act until
No fetal heartbeat was detected.

Nevaeh's mother panicked when seeing
Her daughter's ****** hospital gown.
Things grew worse as sepsis started
To shut Nevaeh's organs down.

Delayed miscarriage treatment
Meant the untimely and sad demise
Of young Nevaeh Crain who suffered
And died before her mother's eyes.

Again, doctors in Texas are fearing
Prosecution for doing what's right--
For giving needed care to women,
On whom strict laws have cast a blight.

Do not listen to lawmakers
Who push their agenda with lies and distortion.
Abortion bans EVEN **** women
Who normally wouldn't have an abortion.

-by Bob B (11-2-24)

Trump is looking for a showdown,
Repeating his tired and weary refrain:
How to inflame a situation
So he can obtain political gain.

Amping up the ICE raids here
In California: his newest plan.
He wants to show the people that
He's in charge--that he's the MAN.

Equating migrants with evil doers--
A racist and dangerous equation--
He says he's going to "liberate"
L.A. from a "migrant invasion."

He knew that scary raids by ICE--
His cruel, scummy, and constant fixation--
Would anger people, and thugs would take
Advantage of the situation.

He'll say the state can't solve its problems
Of violence. "However, they'll see
That I can fix it by sending in troops.
Everyone, bow down to me."

Protests had been peaceful for months,
But Trump right now is overjoyed.
To see how sick the man has become,
You don't have to be a Sigmund Freud.

Pursuing his political goals--
Let's call this "The Dictator Hour"--
He's shattering norms, one by one,
And bypassing any limits on power.

He's setting California up,
Knowing what would come about.
He loves to start a fire and then
Employ theatrics to put it out.

-by Bob B (6-9-25)

Today I got
My booster shot.
It didn't get
A second thought.
Two shots first,
Then THIS makes three.
No, COVID's not for me.

Hi ** the derry o!
Vaccinations work and so
I've known since long ago:
Getting sick is not for me.

My booster shot
Protects me now.
The scientists
Should take a bow.
Viruses
Aren't fun, you see.
So, COVID's not for me.

You MIGHT not want
To get your shot.
It’s hard to un-
Derstand why not.
Experts say
That when we do,
It's best for me and you.

If only all
Would persevere
To help make CO-
VID disappear!
We’re in luck
For we have got
A safe, effective shot.

Yes, herd immunity:
We know what that's all about.
Let’s stand in unity.
Get your booster shot and shout,
"Hey!
I got my shot today!"

-by Bob B (10-25-21)

°This poem could be sung to the melody of the 1940 song "I’ve Got No Strings" by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for the Disney film PINOCCHIO. If you don’t know the song, check it out on YouTube. Knowing the melody helps with the rhythm of the poem.

COVID-19 hasn't left us.
In fact, it's becoming major league
As people grow weary of taking precautions
And slowly give in to pandemic fatigue.

It doesn't help when misinformation
Spreads as rapidly as the disease.
The virus doesn't sing just one song;
Over and over it sings a reprise.

It also doesn't help when people--
Especially when presidents--
Fail to heed the warnings and keep
Having super-spreader events.

Granted, humans are social beings.
But sadly we will pay the price
If our myopia keeps us from making
A necessary sacrifice.

You could get the virus and be
One of the lucky ones. It's true.
Mild symptoms could possibly be
The worst thing that happens to you.

Or you could have a full-fledged case
That could come with a large price tag
As you succumb to the illness and leave
The hospital in a body bag.

Even when there are mild cases,
There have been revelations
That in the future people could have
Unexpected complications.

Listen to the experts out there
And not to distracting words of the quacks.
By following simple measures we
Can stop the virus in its tracks.

Let's not fall into the trap
And think that the dangers are overblown.
The life you save by being careful
Might not merely be your own.

-by Bob B (10-18-20)

What should Americans do when they see
The president tearing the country apart?
What should we all rely on to guide us?
What are solutions? Where do we start?

We can't rely on our institutions,
For Trump's destroying them one by one.
That makes it harder to stop the man
And his partners in grime. Pardon the pun.

We can't rely on the DOJ,
For Trump's henchman is running the show.
Barr is there to do Trump's bidding,
To cover-up truths as the scandals grow.

Can congressional oversight
Stop the megalomaniac?
No, not when the Senate is full
Of Trumplican toadies who have his back.

It's up to the people to take to the streets,
To march, make phone calls, show our persistence
In striving to stop this brutal assault
On democracy through passive resistance.

Voting, too, will be crucial
If there are freedoms you want to save.
Through apathy and blind allegiance,
What you'll do is dig your own grave.

-by Bob B (2-15-20)

"Dear Donald Trump, my friend,
I bet your patience is wearing thin.
Because of your democracy,
Investigations are closing in.

"Since I can use my magic
To make people disappear,
Such investigative threats
Are never going to happen here.

"From watching your revolving-door
Administration, I can see
That you, like me, expect one thing
Above all others: loyalty.

"What is all this talk about
Ties with Russian oligarchs?
Don't your people realize that
Our bites are much, much worse than our barks?

"Although I appreciate
What you did during your campaign--
The helpful steps you took to soften
Your stance on giving aid to Ukraine--

"We still have a ways to go.
But one thing that I have to say
Is you have been good about
Respecting our little NDA.°

Lifting sanctions would be a big help.
I thought that maybe a good incentive
Would be our many ICBMs,
For you know we're very inventive.

But, no, let's not talk about threats.
If your cards are rightly played,
You will be as strong as I.
In other words, you'll have it made.

Ah, silence is golden, no?
One thing is sure as shootin':
I'd hate to have to spill the beans
'Bout you know what. Your friend, Putin.

-by Bob B (4-2-18)

°non-disclosure agreement

(For some reason, I found this poem in my DRAFTS. I guess I hadn't "published" it for public eyes, and it sat, along with 25 or so of my other poems, in my DRAFTS folder until today. Sorry about the delay.)

(This poem can be sung to the song "America the Beautiful.")

America, what's happened here?
You're covered by a cloud.
We're now constrained to shed a tear,
For how can we be proud?
America, you've offered us
Such wonders since your birth.
But now you see how sadly we
Have failed to prove our worth.

America, from east to west
Your history reveals
That in the past we once were blessed
With passionate ideals.
But now we can observe that we
Are burdened by extremes.
Must we regress from hopefulness?
What's happened to our dreams?

America, since early days,
We've grown from cause to cause.
But now we watch as lawmakers
Find ways to bend the laws.
Integrity was once admired,
Equality a goal.
But greed and hate won't make us great.
What's happened to our soul?

America, we'd hoped that you
Would loudly sing your song--
That colors true--red, white, and blue--
Would carry us along.
A crisis looms, the likes of which
We haven't had before.
The case is grave; we've got to save
This land from shore to shore.

-by Bob B (1-21-20)

Despite what people want to believe,
COVID hasn’t disappeared,
And yet there's less attention being given
To masks and precautions, which is weird.

The virus continues to mutate, and though
It's maybe less potent than earlier forms,
The clouds haven't dissipated,
So we can expect future storms.

Even though the virus seems weaker,
People still grow ill and die.
The vaccinated are more protected;
There's no need to wonder why.

It's sad to see restrictions being
Lifted too early in certain cases.
Variants of the virus are spreading
Rapidly in certain places.

Conspiracy theories abound regarding
The COVID vaccine, sad to say.
But I'll take my chances with the vaccine
Over COVID any day.

And if you think that COVID was bad,
Experts warn us not to be smug.
Chances are good that in the future
We will see a deadlier bug.

In the meantime, I'll keep getting
My booster shot, and I know I'm
Going to be wearing my mask in buildings
And also on planes for a long, long time.

-by Bob B (4-21-22)

Welcome back to Trumplandia, folks.
The people have decided
To put a man in the White House who wants
To keep the country divided.

Trump's more pompous, more brazen than ever--
Expecting all to kowtow.
If you thought he was bad before,
He's Trump on steroids now.

He is trying to micromanage
The country. That's his goal:
To stifle dissent and pressure supporters
To give him total control.

Filling federal agencies
With sycophants, he knows
He'll obtain undying support
From his Trumplican schmoes.

History is currently being
Rewritten. Say good-bye
To safeguards of democracy.
They're in short supply.

You say the country isn't racist?
Stop and look around.
Project 2025
Is getting off the ground.

Diversity has now become
A practice to assail.
You will get more privileges
If you're white and male.

Agencies must have the approval
Of Trump's administration
Before they are allowed to release
Pertinent information.

The concept of being fit for positions?
That's not Trump's concern.
It's ALL about WHAT you can do for him
Or how much money you earn.

Many folks now live in fear
From one day to the next
Of being deported when Trump's anti-
Immigrant muscle is flexed.

Trump knows how to manipulate people--
How to control and deceive them.
He knows that if he repeats his lies,
His people will believe them.

So welcome back to Trumplandia, folks.
If you're a tried and true
Bigot, racist, or xenophobe,
This is the place for you.

-by Bob B (1-26-25)

All of us vets once took an oath--
One that clearly demonstrates
That we will protect and defend the Con-
Stitution of the United States.

Members of Congress take the same oath
When sworn into office. This adjuration
Shows that they will do their duty
To honor, protect, and defend this nation.

This vow, this pledge, when we're sworn in
Is serious business--NOT a game.
Just as we made good on the oath,
The president should do the same!

-by Bob B (11-12-19)

If other people said all the things
That Trump says, they would find
Themselves being carted away, for we
Would think that they had lost their mind.

But no, for some unhealthy reason,
Trump will say whatever he wants--
Whatever comes to his evil mind:
Jeers, untruths, attacks, and taunts.

He makes huge issues out of nothing--
Thinking he is Cool Don--
Instead of solving important matters
That we need to focus on.

He's still obsessed with trans issues,
Although trans people represent
A tiny percentage of folks in this country.
But Trump prates on and won't relent.

How can his fans sit there and listen
To all the lies of the Great Pretender?
He tells them their kids can go to school
And come home later a different gender!

When I hear him spout such nonsense,
I cannot help but utter an oath.
Anyone who believes such crap
Has to be crazy or stupid, or both!

-by Bob B (1-24-25)

D.T.:
"All of this impeachment talk
Is really getting on my nerves.
My strategy to thwart it doesn't
Get the attention it deserves.

"Let's see….What can I do?
Ah, yes! Create a distraction.
If I can start a war somewhere,
That would surely get a reaction!

"A war with China, North Korea,
Russia? No! Out of the question.
A messy war with Iran might do it.
Now THAT would be my best suggestion!

"I'll take out the number two
Person in the Iranian scene.
Then I'll get my staff to help me
Oil my propaganda machine.

"Bush succeeded in making up
Stories of weapons of mass destruction.
I'll convince my base at least,
For I'm an expert at seduction.

"We will say that Soleimani
Was a dangerous, imminent threat.
If Iran retaliates,
That is something they'll regret.

"So if hundreds of thousands die,
To me my plan has great appeal.
In any war there's bound to be
Collateral damage. No big deal.

"It's time for me to make a decision,
For we're approaching zero hour.
It's amazing what you can do
When you have tons of power.

"Impeachment talk will fade away
After I start my war with Iran.
But first I have to make a call
To see what Putin thinks of my plan."

-by Bob B (1-7-20)

Sidestep’s a political cat--
Seldom around when you need him.
But it never fails: he is there
When it's time to feed him.

Early on, his mother knew
He'd be a politician.
As a kitten, he proved to be
A glib rhetorician.

He could talk his siblings out of
Any treat or favor.
He quickly learned what went down fast
And what he needed to savor.

In kitten school, he highly excelled.
Though not an expert reader,
He was good at giving orders,
For he was a natural leader.

When it came to loyalties,
You barely knew where he stood.
He was known as the "cagey one"
Throughout the neighborhood.

Now he thinks that caterwauling
Expresses his constitution,
And he has devoted time to perfecting
The art of circumlocution.

When you think you've pinned him down,
Much to your dismay,
He evades your prying questions
And suddenly slips away.

His donors, extolling his policies,
Are proud to be in his tribe.
What they might call a major donation,
Others call a bribe.

"Donations" consist of a dying lizard,
A tasty, half-eaten mouse,
Or a scrumptious piece of grasshopper
Next to the door of the house.

When the spotlight shines on him,
Oh, how his eyes glisten!
But sometimes he talks way too much
And doesn't like to listen.

He maintains his strategies
Are crucial for survival.
Thus, he looks for ways to smear
Any political rival.

He thinks he is quite the card.
However, opinions are split.
Though liked by some, many think
He's really full of spit.

"You will always win with me!"
Is one of his favorite quotes.
He hopes his fake sincerity
Will win him a lot of votes.

Sidestep runs a messy campaign
As he stands in front of the flag.
He just hopes that no one lets
The cat out of the bag.

-by Bob B (1-31-20)

The human attention span, they say,
Is getting shorter every day.
With so many distractions now,
People need a constant "Wow!"

Many get no satisfaction
Unless they are bombarded with action.
Instant gratification's a must;
A lengthy article's a bust.

Who spends hours with MOBY ****?
People prefer an action flick.
A long book now is hard to sell
And is a modern reader's hell.

Work makes students feel constrained
Unless they can be entertained.
Reading selections make us happy
Only if they're short and snappy.

Letter writing? A dying art.
We want our info à la carte.
Concentration only succeeds
If it fulfills immediate needs.

And some will ask for no repentance
If they can't get through this sentence.
Exaggeration? Perhaps, and yet,
There's some truth in it, I bet.

If none of this applies to you,
Then you deserve a loud "Woo-hoo!"
Enjoy some quiet time alone,
And most importantly, turn off your phone!

-by Bob B (1-9-21)

There is a little, tiny tapeworm;
Anomotaenia brevis it's called.
Many people have studied this creature--
Some are amazed; some are appalled.

Needing to find a way to survive,
This tiny tapeworm seeks a host.
As it turns out, the woodpecker
Is the host it likes the most.

Certain ants like to collect
Woodpecker droppings. Is that surprising?
They feed the droppings to their larvae.
Yuck! Not so appetizing!

The droppings containing tapeworm eggs
Give some ants the parasite.
When they grow up to be adults,
Their behavior is not quite right.

The non-infected ants still feed them,
But they laze around, refusing to work.
Maybe their new behavior doesn't
Let them know where dangers might lurk.

The way they act increases the chances
That woodpeckers will eat them for dinner.
The question that people might have is this:
Who is the loser and who is the winner?

The birds eat the ants, become infected,
And leave their droppings, whereupon
The ants will feed their larvae the droppings.
The tapeworm cycle goes on and on.

How living forms have thus evolved
To use and be used in such odd ways
Shows the wonders of evolution--
Wonders that never cease to amaze.

-by Bob B (2-11-25)

(This poem can be sung to the tune of the Shangri-La's 1964 pop hit "Leader of the Pack.")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8UKf65NOzM

Are they really voting for him?
Well, yes, they are. Just ask them.
Voters, are those MAGA hats that you're wearing?
Hm-hmmm…
Gee, it must be strange voting for him.
Did you think he'd make the country great again?
Uh-huh.
Tell us why you support him.

We watch him on the TV screen.
It seems his simple words ring true--
That's what we think. (Yes, you do.)
That's why we follow (the LEADER OF THE CULT).

He says that he is the chosen one (one, one).
And knows how the country ought to be run.
(Whaddya mean when he says he knows how the country should be run?)
He says he can't do wrong--
That with him we'll be strong.
That's why we follow (the LEADER OF THE CULT).

He says the president's like a king.
Silencing his critics is his thing.
(Whaddya trying to say when you say he's like a king?)
He will defy Congress, he said.
And that's how we will get ahead.
That's why we follow (the LEADER OF THE CULT).

He doesn't care if Russia's involved
In our elections--that's all right.
In his opinion, Russia is absolved.
If he acts out of spite,
As long as he wins, that'll be delight!

Right now! Right now! Right now! Right now!

He says that his intentions are real.
We don't care what things he tries to conceal.
We'll let him get his way;
We're going to do whatever he'll say.
We will always follow (the LEADER OF THE CULT).

-by Bob B (2-2-20)

(This poem could be sung to the tune of the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine.")

In the land where we now live
Lives a man who wants to be
Free to do whate'er he wants
With complete impunity.
He was once a president
Who thought he was king, you see.
His M.O. was to scrape by
With complete impunity.

No one here can be above the law,
Be above the law, be above the law.
No one here can be above the law,
Be above the law, be above the law.

And the people of the land--
At least most of them--said, "Aha!
Let us all reiterate…

"No one here can be above the law,
Be above the law, be above the law.
No one here can be above the law,
Be above the law, be above the law."

People all should ask themselves,
Should a criminal like this go free?
He should not keep getting by
With complete impunity.

No one here can be above the law,
Be above the law, be above the law.
No one here can be above the law,
Be above the law, be above the law.

-by Bob B (8-11-22)

Careless protesters gather together
In cities across the United States,
Criticizing stay-at-home orders
And thumbing their noses at the Fates.

Unmasked demonstrators stand
Only two or three feet apart,
Indicating a lack of caution
And showing us they are NOT being smart.

It doesn't help when the president
Encourages foolish behavior. What's more,
Far-right militia thugs show up
And look as though they're waging war.

Nobody cherishes not being able
To socialize with family and friends.
All of us look forward to
The day that social distancing ends.

Everybody wants to get
Back to normal as soon as we can.
But to do it we need to have
A thoughtful, safe, reliable plan--

A plan assembled by experts for whom
Saving lives is the main goal
In order to help us back on our feet
While getting the virus under control.

Ignorance is a poor companion.
When life throws us a wild curve ball,
Remember: people's stupid behavior
Endangers not only them but us all.

-by Bob B (5-3-20)

Trump's picks for his Cabinet
Are in-your-face kinds of picks.
It's obvious from what he's doing
That he is up to his old tricks.

He doesn't want the FBI
To be involved in the nominees' vetting,
Which Democrats and conscientious
Republicans find very upsetting.

For Secretary of Defense,
Pete Hegseth, a veteran who
Displays as part of his body art
A white supremacist tattoo?

Tulsi Gabbard as DNI°
Who couldn't pass a background check
Because she's compromised by Russia?
Trump's feelings: What the heck?

Matt Gaetz as Attorney General--
A grifter and a trouble-maker
Accused of ***-trafficking?
For Trump that's NOT a deal breaker.

Hegseth, Gabbard, and Gaetz are all
Deeply unfit for such positions.
A competent president wouldn't
Select them under any conditions.

It’s almost as if in making his choices
Trump is trying to deride
All of us by asking himself,
"Who is the most unqualified?"

Will Republicans cave in
To pressure from Trump or show some spine
And tell him no when he attempts
To sidestep rules and cross the line?

-by Bob B (11-16-24)

°Director of National Intelligence

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas
Has a gripe with Big Bird now.
Big Bird mentioned his vaccination,
And Ted Cruz had a cow.

That is government propaganda,
Cruz declared, as if on cue.
But vaccinations have been a theme
With Big Bird since 1972.

Big Bird feels that public health
And safety are an important aim.
It's sad but also not a surprise
That Cruz doesn't feel the same.

Perhaps Big Bird should talk about
The issue of massive voter fraud
Or giving tax breaks to the rich--
A couple of topics that Cruz would laud.

Or maybe Cruz would much prefer
That Big Bird go in a different direction
And tout the January 6
U.S. Capitol insurrection.

Ted Cruz is totally
Obsessed with things that he abhors.
Instead of working to help the people,
He's too caught up in his culture wars.

-by Bob B (11-9-21)

°Big Bird is a larger-than-human puppet on the children's TV program "Sesame Street."

LET'S all give three cheers for evolution.
Everybody, shout “Hip, hip, hooray!”
Because if it were not for evolution,
You and I would not be here today.

History-deniers keep on harping
About an argument called missing links.
Our fossil records clear that up, I tell them.
They're afraid to hear the truth methinks.

They don't like to hear that we are cousins
To other mammals in the world. The wimps
Cannot handle knowing that among
Our dearest, closest relatives are chimps.

"It's merely JUST a theory," they will say,
And make a face and grossly overreact.
"Because of all the evidence," I tell them,
"It's NOT a theory; it's, instead, a fact."

Around four hundred million years ago
Is when our ancestors so boldly crept
Out of the sea and made the land their home.
Is that so hard for people to accept?

We give ourselves a lot of self-importance
As **** sapiens, and that's absurd.
Just because our brains have gotten bigger,
We're not evolution's final word.

Molecular genetics is a wonder--
Something that we all should take to heart.
It can give us helpful information,
Such as when two species broke apart.

IF all living creatures are descended
From a single ancestor, then we
Share a close relationship with all.
The striking DNA code will agree.

We know the code itself is not what varies.
What varies is what's written in the code.
That's the actual genetic sequence.
I hope this doesn't make your head explode.

IF you think a god was the designer,
That's your business if that floats your boat.
"Intelligent" design is what they call it.
But that is not a view that I promote.

Preachers from their pulpits often challenge
Scientific facts and explanations.
They do not like natural selection
Because it doesn’t meet their expectations.

Although we're learning more and more each day,
Certain mysteries remain unsolved.
But look at all the beautiful and wondrous
Forms including us that have evolved.

So ONE more time: three cheers for evolution!
ONE more time let's shout "Hip, hip, hooray!"
If natural selection had not happened,
You and I would not be here today.

-by Bob B (3-8-25)

Attending school board and city council
Meetings to voice your opinion is fine.
But when people intimidate
And threaten officials, they've crossed the line.

What we are seeing happening here
Shows a blatant disregard
Of civil behavior by people attending
Meetings from which they should be barred.

Objecting to mandates that save people's lives,
The bullies even ridicule,
Attack, abuse, and scream at parents
Who are walking their kids to school.

Let's make one thing perfectly clear:
They're not merely expressing opinions.
The bullying and attacks are being
Carried out by the far right's minions.

And then at hearings on Capitol Hill,
A young upstart who's from Missouri
And sides with insurrectionists,
Josh Hawley, vents his fury:

"You mean that parents cannot express
Opinions at meetings?" he asks with shock,
Pandering to the far right mobs
As he struts around like the **** of the walk.

To try to explain how people like that
Are voted in, I will pass.
It's just amazing how a U.S.
Senator could be such an ***.

-by Bob B (10-11-21)

I HAVE to admit that I'm baffled when I
Hear English usage that's gone quite awry.
I CANNOT stop thinking that things are amiss
When I hear English that's spoken like this:

"Tina and I's corporation is strong."
How can the speaker not see that that's wrong?
"Me and Tina's" before "corporation"
Likewise should bring about mortification.

"My" is possessive for "I," we should note.
In grade school we all should have learned that by rote.
And since the word "my" cannot stand alone,
It must precede something that we have or own.

"Tina's and MY corporation…" Now THAT
Is hitting a homer when you are at bat!
"Tina's and my…" placed in front of whatever
Does NOT make you sound high-and-mighty or clever,

It's merely the way to express what you mean
With no trepidation of sounding thirteen.
Of course, if you want, you can always say "I's,"
But frankly that's something I wouldn't advise.

-by Bob B (6-21-24)

OFF TO CANCÚN

So if you're a U.S. Senator
And your state is besieged by cold,
Extreme weather, putting the state
In a catastrophic stranglehold,

With power outages, houses flooding
From bursting pipes, people dying,
Shortages of food and supplies--
The situation terrifying--

How do you help your constituents?
How do you show them that you are in tune
With all their pain and misery?
I know: why not fly to Cancún?

Ask Ted Cruz. That's what he did.
He did it for his kids, he said.
Why suffer here when he could
Play on a Mexican beach instead?

Actually, he cut his trip short,
And flew back home earlier than planned,
Only because he'd gotten caught
And had to leave the sun and sand.

Cruz reveals how little he cares
About the people and dodges attacks.
In a crisis, leadership matters.
And that is something the Senator lacks.

-by Bob B (2-19-21)

FLY ME TO CANCÚN

(This poem can be sung to the melody of the song "Fly Me to the Moon" by Bart Howard.)

Fly me to Cancún
So I can play upon the sand.
Let me get away from Texas.
Cold I can't withstand.
I want to play…in the sun.
I want to play….Who will miss me?

People in my state
Should understand what it's about.
I don't think the government
Should have to bail you out.
Just blame the Dems; they're the cause.
Yeah, blame the Dems, and their laws.

Anyone who wants
To leave can do it if they choose.
I am being attacked
Just because my name's Ted Cruz.
Some people say I'm not fair.
In simple words…
In simple words
I don't care.

-by Bob B (2-19-21)

(For some reason, I found this poem in my DRAFTS. I guess I hadn't "published" it for public eyes, and it sat, along with 25 or so of my other poems, in my DRAFTS folder until today. Sorry about the delay.)

How often throughout our history
When it was growing clear
That danger approached did people say
"It couldn't happen here"?

Could Russians imagine atrocities
That Stalin would engineer?
How many of them might have thought
"It couldn't happen here"?

When ******'s concentration camps
Started to appear,
How many Germans also insisted
"It couldn't happen here"?

Chairman Mao had policies
So vile, cruel and severe
That millions died. How many had said
"It couldn't happen here"?

Pol *** with his Killing Fields
Caused millions to shed a tear.
Had Cambodians also thought
"It couldn't happen here"?

Complacency is dangerous
When there are reasons to fear
That tyranny is possible,
For it could happen here!

-by Bob B (10-29-24)

JD Vance, what a performance!°
Yes, you are a slick debater.
However, much of what you said
Shows that you're a fabricator.

Blaming all the problems that
America faces on Harris is wrong.
You're VERY good at one thing, though:
Stringing a lot of people along.

You criticize Harris for
Not effecting policy.
Did you forget that she is NOT
The president, but his VP?

When asked to give a solution for curbing
Gun violence, this is yours:
Making windows with thicker glass
And putting stronger locks on doors!

You STILL will not admit that Biden
Won the 2020 election!°°
You and the truth apparently
Suffer from a disconnection.

And you won't disavow the hoax
Of Springfield migrants eating pets.
Your lack of compassion for immigrants
Is about as bad as it gets.

You lied about your previous stance
On a nationwide abortion ban.
If people want a mini-Trump,
Well, Mr. Vance, you’re their man.

Hopefully, people saw through
Your slick and smarmy presentation.
I also hope that when they vote,
They know who'll truly help this nation.

-by Bob B (10-3-24)

°Referring to the Tim Walz/JD Vance vice presidential candidate debate
°°After the debate Vance made the ludicrous statement that Trump had indeed won the 2020 election!

I heard that seventy-percent
Of people here in a recent poll
Believe in angels, which I find
Very interesting on the whole.

It's quite all right if people want
To believe in their hearts that angels exist.
But I admit that I'm a skeptic
And do not want to be on that list.

I bet that most believers, however,
Do not think that angels have wings
And sit around in flowing gowns,
Holding their harps and plucking the strings.

Angels, spirits, ghosts, and demons
Are interesting and make great stories.
I find them entertaining, and I
Place them in similar categories.

Mythological characters
Are fascinating, and I suppose
That from our human collective unconscious
Such fantastical figures arose.

Do you believe in guardian angels?
Again, it's perfectly fine if you do.
Mine are doctors, nurses, teachers,
Friends, and paramedics, too.

So if I tell you that you're an angel,
You know I mean it figuratively.
It means you're special, and that is something
About which we would both agree.

-by Bob B (7-30-23)

You think you're healthy and in good shape.
Cholesterol is low.
Blood pressure is not a problem.
You've got some get-up-and-go.

You go on a daily four-mile walk.
You eat as well as you can.
Fruits and vegetables are both
Part of your daily plan.

Yes, you like your sweets; you feel
Life must have some perks.
You try to balance the good with the bad
And always hope that it works.

Avoiding stressful debt, you live
Comfortably in the black.
And then without any warning, what happens?
You have a heart attack!

Life we know is full of surprises.
Expect the unexpected.
It's strange how a problem with one's heart
Could long go undetected.

The help from paramedics and doctors
And nurses--I can say--
Has given me a new lease on life,
For I am alive today.

A stent in a major artery lets
The blood flow near the heart.
I hope that no more blockages
Will show up in my chart.

Although our bodies are strong and resilient,
It is also said
That despite our resiliency,
We hang by the thinnest thread.

I hope my ticker keeps on ticking,
Displacing some of my fears;
And may the beats continue to sound
For many, many years.

-by Bob B (4-2-23)

(For some reason, I found this poem in my DRAFTS. I guess I hadn't "published" it for public eyes, and it sat, along with 25 or so of my other poems, in my DRAFTS folder until today. Sorry about the delay.)

Little Liam, you sit on my lap
And look at the world with questioning eyes.
What's going on in your little brain?
We adults can only surmise.

Too young to be afraid,
You are now so utterly obsessed
With putting everything into
Your mouth. Is that your litmus test?

At six months old, you probably
Expect to only be pampered and fed.
I doubt you have an inkling about
What adventures lie ahead.

I fear that we are leaving you
A world that's terribly disjointed.
We would love to make you proud
But fear you might be disappointed.

How could anyone hold you and not
Want to protect you to the hilt?
Your curious, trusting eyes, however,
Fill my aching heart with guilt.

All your uncle has to do
Is look into your innocent face
To know that he must fight much harder
To make this world a better place.

-by Bob B (12-22-19)

Do not live for tomorrow.
Try to discover how
To cherish every moment--
To live in the here and now.

Appreciate your loved ones.
Let their lives express
A deep connection to
Your inner consciousness.

Be sensible, though.
Don’t squander away
That which gives you a sense of
Security today.

Make the best of every
Moment, whether it be
One that’s filled with sadness,
Or one that’s filled with glee.

When your time is up--
Something you can’t forestall--
It would be sad to find out
That you never lived at all.

-by Bob B (2-8-21)

Walking along a dusty road
In the heat of a summer's day,
Two weary travelers looked for a place
To rest along the way.

They wanted to find shelter from
The fiery rays of the sun.
One said, "Look! I see a place."
The other said, "Well done!"

They sauntered to spot nearby
Where a plane tree stood,
And plopped down on the ground below.
Ah, the shade felt good!

While lying there, one of the travelers
Looked up at the tree,
And said to the other, "This tree is quite
Useless. Don't you agree?

"It drops its leaves and produces no fruit.
Although it stands so tall,
It basically doesn't perform any
Service to mankind at all."

"You ungrateful person!," cried
The plane tree full of rage.
"How dare you be so insolent
With somebody my age!

"Here I stand protecting you
From the scorching rays
Emitted by the sun and yet
I get no word of praise.

"You enjoy my cool shade
And find relief therefrom
And then go on to say that I'm
A good-for-nothing ***."

Ah, the poor tree learned that human
Beings can be rude,
When they upon receiving kindness
Display ingratitude.

-by Bob B (8-24-21)

°An Aesop fable, "The Travelers and the Plane Tree," retold here in verse

This is poem 1500
Of all the poems I catalogue
By date--including year--when I
Add them to my poetry blog.

After adding 1500
Poems to my résumé,
I am sure that readers wonder
If I have anything left to say.

There's ALWAYS something to write about.
Although as crazy as it may seem,
Many of my poems, I'd say,
Are variations on a theme.

Very straightforward is how I like them--
Not ambiguous, highbrow, or deep.
At times mine cause a controversy
When I choose to take a leap.

Different things will stimulate us.
For some of us it's reading and writing.
When we look at the universe
With wonder, every day's exciting.

As long as there are hypocrites,
Religious fanatics, thoughts to explore,
Natural wonders, current events,
And tyrants, I’ll have topics galore.

And so I'll keep on plugging along
Until my mind and body give out,
At which point I'll “lay down my pen,”
Without a whimper, without a shout.

-by Bob B (3-18-25)

Poor Donald. What took place?
You received the ruling of another case.
Consequences sometimes can be hard to face.
Poor Donald.

Poor Donald. What'll you do
Now that all your lies are catching up with you?
Accountability can be a dream come true.
But poor Donald.

Poor Donald. Don't say, "Pshaw!"
Conspiracy and fraud are both against the law.
The judge got fed up hearing all your blah, blah, blah.
So, poor Donald.

Poor Donald. Though you fight,
I guess that facts and truth can be your kryptonite.
The judge was baffled that you weren't at all contrite.
Yes, poor Donald.

Poor Donald. Do not pout.
Based on past experience there is no doubt
That donors and the RNC will bail you out.
Still, poor Donald.

Poor Donald. Hey, what now?
You'll be back in court, but it's amazing how
Folks can still consider you their sacred cow.
Yet, poor Donald.

-by Bob B (2-17-24)

(The format of this poem was inspired by a verse in Stephen Sondheim's song "Poor Baby.")

The Right bombards Facebook with ads—
Something that’s not rare.
However, lies fill the ads,
And Facebook doesn’t care.

Zuckerberg says that anyone has
The right to advertise.
People, he says, should know how
To tell the truth from lies.

Yes, if they're informed they should,
But if they form their views
From reading only the president's tweets
And watching only Fox News,

Then we have a BIG problem--
A real contradiction--
For how are they EVER going to be able
To separate fact from fiction?

-by Bob B (12-14-19)

I woke up and straightaway
I felt the spirit of Christmas Day,
Although the day was cold and gray
On Christmas Day in the morning.

The memories of Christmas past--
Many of which are unsurpassed--
Are memories I hope will last
On Christmas Day in the morning.

No matter what all people believe,
The spirit of giving to which we cleave
Is possible for us all to achieve
On Christmas Day in the morning.

In order to save the human race,
Here's a goal we can all embrace:
Let's make the world a better place
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Spread goodwill and hopes for peace.
May our love and wisdom increase,
And may injustice and anger cease
On Christmas Day in the morning.

On Christmas Day we spread our cheer.
Let's spread it every day of the year.
We can do it if we're sincere
On Christmas Day in the morning.

-by Bob B (12-25-21)

(This poem could be sung to the melody of "Michelle" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.)

D.T., you'll see:
Though you fool your minions with your lies,
You don't fool me.
D.T., je sais…
Je sais qui vous êtes vraiment…je sais…
Je sais vraiment.
Say, what the hell were you thinking
When you took all those docs?
You think that simple locks
Will protect top secret docs from getting out of your hands?

D.T., I'll say
You aren't fit to run this country; no,
I say no way.
There are folks out there who want you
To be their shining star.
They don't see who you are.
Or if they do, they might see through your guise, and they dare
Not to care.

You HAVE to know that you aren't guilt free.
But does that faze you? No.
You just put on your show.
To get your way you have to play the martyr each day.

D.T., you'll see.
Fess up to your wrongs and be a man.
Yes, be a man.
I say accountability's a word that you have to learn,
Dear D.T.

D.T., you'll see:
Though you fool your minions with your lies,
You don't fool me.

-by Bob B (8-14-22)

The story below is just for fun--
Fiddle-de-dee and folderol.
But it has FIFTEEN spelling mistakes;
See if you can find them all.

           * * * * *

The steakholders got together
And poured over the company's books.
A certain member of the group
Was giving the others ***** looks.

You see, he'd been steeling from them
And had not been at all discrete.
After a few distractions, he said,
"My deer sirs, let's go eat.

"I don't mean to be callus, you see,
And there are concerns to bring to bare,
And though we must all tow the line,
With a bit of savoir faire,

"I have to say that this hole matter,
Is becoming quite a boar.
It greats on my nerves, to put it bluntly.
My head is throbbing; my heart is soar.

"All of us are wasting our time
Going over the books this way.
My soul desire would be that we
Could do this on some other day.

"You are all so smart, so clever,
So wise and astute, and SO judicious!"
The others, however, were on to him;
His words made them more suspicious.

One of the things that gave him away--
Something that ended up being so telling--
Was, along with his indiscretion,
The careless criminal's horrible spelling!

They remained there stationery.
One had already called the police,
Who soon arrived and took the embezzler
To jail, so now the cheating will cease.

The moral of the story is
One that's obvious, short, and sweet:
Don't give empty complements,
Watch your spelling, and DO NOT CHEAT!

-by Bob B (10-2-24)

Dear President Zelenskyy,
Why the hell did the fates
Make Trump the president
Of these United States?

I guess that last November millions
Of people didn't vote,
So NOW for four more years we are
Stuck with that old goat.

Your Oval Office meeting didn't
Turn out well last week.
It's hard to get your point across
When Trump won't let you speak.

Certainly, you know that he's
Vindictive, rude, and crass.
He expected you, of course,
To kiss his giant ***.

His rudeness, incoherence, scorn,
And total disrespect,
Show that he's a man-child whose
Behavior goes unchecked.

He has NO compassion for
The people of Ukraine
And chooses--along with Putin--to treat
Your country with disdain.

We know that Russia attacked you, but
Trump is world-renowned
For telling lies and says it was
The other way around.

His idea of helping other
Nations--they will learn--
Is giving support if he receives
Something in return.

Protecting world democracies
Is not his thing, and that’s
Because he is enamored of
The world's autocrats.

Trump turns many folks against you;
Be that as it may,
Those who love democracy
Are with you all the way.

You're a hero to many of us
For how you've led your nation
Through Putin's war. Viva Ukraine!
You have our admiration.

Putin's forces must leave your country.
That should be the plan.
Free-world nations will do their best
To help you if they can.

People say that when we're creeps,
Karma's not our friend.
Hopefully, Trump and Vance
Will learn that in the end.

Sincerely,
Americans in favor of saving democracy

-by Bob B (3-3-25)

Republicans, please stay out
Of women's uteruses, okay?
What EACH one does with her ******
Is something in which you have no say.

Another thing: While you're at it,
Please leave women's eggs alone.
Why turn people's bodies into
A stupid political combat zone?

Stay OUT of our bedrooms, and stop making
Our intimacy an issue for you.
It's as though you are unable
To find something better to do.

There are many important matters
That should be addressed. Oh, but no!
Instead, you are hung up on
What to do with an embryo.

Instead of obsessing about such things
As women's embryos and eggs,
Worry about yourselves and what
Happens between YOUR OWN legs!

-by Bob B (2-24-24)

It doesn't matter whether we
Are Christians--no, not one bit--
To celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Believers need not have a fit.

The joy of love and giving and spending
Time with family and friends,
Of wishing happiness and peace,
Of letting go and making amends

All can permeate the day--
Not just the day, the season in toto.
Let the happiness be seen
In every charming holiday photo.

Show the spirit of love and compassion
To everyone of every creed.
Let us all find ways to give
Comfort and aid to those in need.

Let's not close our eyes to all
The suffering that's all around us
And not let people with hateful agendas
Harden our hearts or distract or confound us.

The holiday is a time to reflect
On love, acceptance, and understanding.
And may our efforts to stop all wars
Around the world be ever expanding.

That's the Christmas spirit that we
Can spread to all with heartfelt cheer,
And NOT just during the holidays,
But every day throughout the year.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, or happy whatever to all!

-by Bob B (12-25-23)

Our economy is a mess.
What else would anyone expect?
Experts say that Trump's huge tariffs
Will have a devastating effect.

Millions of people are hitting the streets.
Wall Street folks are feeling grim
As they acknowledge that Donald Trump
Is someone who runs the country by whim.

When Trump was reelected to office,
The nation was in excellent shape
Economically, but now
Economists watch with mouths agape.

Will Trump listen to experts? No!
He, instead, has made it clear
That if you are a conspiracy theorist,
You will surely have his ear.

The wackier you are the better;
Your crazy theories are your tools.
Therefore, we have quickly become
A country run by dangerous fools.

Republicans in Congress could stop him.
But, no, they'd rather toe the line
And do what their puppeteer makes them do.
How can one live without a spine?

As workers are being fired from their jobs
And prices rise, there's no remorse
From Trump who's merrily playing golf
On his Florida golfing course.

He keeps doubling down on his tariffs
And says they are a beautiful thing--
A stupid comment to make; however,
He doesn't care, for he's the king.

-by Bob B (4-7-25)

How lucky we have been in life!
We found each other, and then voila!
We became a partnership,
Clearly defying Murphy's Law.

One thing, however, that's certain is death.
No, we don't know when or how
We'll have to bid adieu to each other
And sadly take our final bow.

If I'M to go FIRST, it breaks my heart
To think of leaving you alone,
Even though I know that you'll
Be able to manage on your own.

If, however, your death must
Precede mine, without a doubt,
It will be unbearable,
For you'll be hard to live without.

A sad inevitability--
An aspect of life we must accept--
Is that one day we'll have to part.
Death is not a promise unkept.

Courage and love are what we need.
Our love, for certain, is overflowing.
To help me deal with uncertainties,
My courage still needs room for growing.

We've had many years together.
I hope life gives us many more
Before it's time for us to cross
Over to the other shore.

-by Bob B (4-3-24)