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137 · Aug 2024
Alzheimer’s VS Dementia
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
How do you know
      What you don’t know
 If you don’t know it?

Do you know what I mean?

How do you know
What you forgot
   If you forgot it?

Do you know what I mean?

How do you know?
   
( it’s A pet peeve
when I hear that phrase )

If I knew what you meant,
there would be no  
need for Conversation
extrapolating, an explanation!

In the blink of an eye
He climbed the corporate ladder
Known for his business acumen
Now He stares off into space
speaking to no one there

Losing our memory happens
  to us all as we get older.
We walk into a room and
forget why we entered.

We forget what we
were going to say.
Constantly losing things
that are right there
in front of us

I can’t even imagine
looking at my love of
40 years and don’t know
who that person is

Alzheimer’s or Dementia
is not only ******* the patient,
but it’s devastating
for the people around them.

It happens so gradual
people don’t notice.
Until it’s unrecognizable.


Inspired songs ;
1)I will remember you,
By Sarah McLachlan 1995
2) memory by Barbra Streisand, 1981
3) Old photographs by Jim Capaldi 1981
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day
Acumen 8-9-24
Keenness in depth of perception, the ability to think clearly and make good decisions, especially in practical matters to discern

8-5-24 Joe Biden was speaking on his memory loss. He said He knows what He knows.
How do you know?
137 · Aug 2021
Simple truth
CJ Sutherland Aug 2021
I’d rather
sit
at the children’s
table
In honest sincerity
Then
listen to
The boastful
Lies
Of grown-ups
One of my favorite things at family gatherings just to check in with the kids. I sit Indian style on the floor and talk to them all they have so much to say
CJ Sutherland Sep 2024
Baja California along the coast,
a little fishing village Loretto

White Seashell, Sand
I walked along the beach

Everybody was out fishing
to get the catch of the day

I Decided to cool off in the sea
Water Waste high slow Delicate stokes

The taste of salt in the air
Schools of fish everywhere

Bumping, kissing all over my body
Passing by calmly without fear

First, I was afraid I couldn’t move
Until I realized they weren’t piranhas

I enjoyed the majestic
Ambience of the moment

I swim with the fishes
Staying among them

As soon as they came
They were gone


I want to thank Ben Noah Suresh
Who wrote a poem
“I swimming with the Fishes”
His poem made me think of this vacation
Memory. Some people will never know the sensation of having hundreds of fishes bump into you all over your body. and will allow you to swim along without scattering everywhere.



Inspired songs
1) put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee by Ocean 1971 lyric video

2) Mind on fishin’' by Trace Adkins
( this one will make you laugh)
For two dollars they we’ll clean skin and cook your catch of the day and serve it to you. Of course, it was several years ago.. The entire town went to siesta(Took a nap) from noon until three.
Walking down a desolate street they have a beer exchange.. Turn in two empty bottles and they give you one bottle of beer. The Federale ( police) was walking by, and he took the **** of his resolver and opened our beers. There was an American building a bar. He told us no permits were necessary just a lot of bribe money to get the necessary  permits fast. he offered us lunch. He had a goat leg draining in the back. He put it over a fire and served ladies first. I never had goat leg but after several beers in the hot sun and a hungry belly, anything‘s possible.
CJ Sutherland May 11
Kind caring loving
Darling mother, heart of mine
Safe within her arms
No truer love I will find
She kisses away my pain
forever her Child

Tanka Haiku
31 syllables
5 lines
Pattern
5-7-5-7-7


Footnotes
There’s something that happens
between mothers and adult children.
No matter how old the child is
when they visit their mother
they always reverting back
to their child state.
Unspoken respect
The adult child
Dutifully places themselves
In a childlike state
Weather, conscious
or unconscious
The bond
Is real
#Mother’sDay, #Love, #InnerChild #Mother’sDay
136 · Sep 2024
I’m Just Saying
CJ Sutherland Sep 2024
A
Watched  ***
never              boils
No            time
like.               the            present
Don’t put off
tomorrow
what.    you.     can
do                   today
Just.                            saying

Inspired song;

1) I’m Just Saying
(What Your Thinking)
By Austin Moody
FYI
I wrote this poem sometime ago,
NOW  looking for the perfect song
I came across this song
The Title was already set prior to
Ever hearing this song.
I strongly encourage
Everybody to listen to this song.
It’s EPIC
7-15-25 written
9-6-24 posted
136 · Jun 2024
The Pet Mayor
CJ Sutherland Jun 2024
I live in a quaint little town
In a wink or a blink,
you’ll drive right through
There’s not much to see but lots to do

Take a good look around
we have two parks in town
One; the senior center park
Summer Friday night music til dark

Margaret Polk Park Community build
Baseball, diamonds, and a soccer field
A quarter of a mile path around
is where the dogs’s path can be found

Wildflowers as far as the eye can see
The edge of the forest a fallen tree
A river runs through the northern side
Nooks and crannies for Deer to live hide

Motocross bicycle course for all ages
competition in qualifying stages
A wonderful event on Fourth of July
Fireworks, food stations, watching the sky

Watermelon slices Practice your song
Center stage performances all day long
Face painting Dancers singers, bands
Our great experiment by God’s hands

The annual Damboree highlight of the year
Celebrate the Dam completion beers cheer
Mining for Gold, Rush to Northern Cali
  three encampments called Central Valley.

A Tourist Store find trinkets galore to take
Boating, camping playing on Shasta Lake
This tiny town now has a Dollar Store
Five marijuana dispensaries not much more

One and only Shasta Damboree
Cool April nights car show to see
Asphalt, cowboy’s Pancake breakfast
Veteran’s Parade the celebration blast


Saturday night music in the park
Starts at afternoon until dark
Monthly craft displays
Handmade goods amaze

We have a pet Mayer YES, I say smugly
A seven year old pug named Pugly
The pet mayor contest a fundraiser creates
A Children’s Christmas party Fashion plate

300 gifts to families of our community
Our tiny town no change in 30 yrs of unity
A moratorium on growth we cherished
Sadly, that philosophy has parish

Plans demand. Homeless integration
Tare down homes for new segregation
Build skyscrapers box dwelling
New Drug communities are swelling
There will be a sequel to this poem. Change is all around. You can hardly recognize her a little town.
136 · Oct 2024
Unverifiable
CJ Sutherland Oct 2024
Our office
Certifiable
Careful

Here
what I say,
Can’t be
Proven
My way
I’ve lived
The results
So I know
It’s true

It’s what
happened
before
we knew

Women’s
monthly cycle
started slowly
alining
at the same
time
of every
month

The Syncretism of
Ten women
at work
Emotional
crabbiness
Times
Ten

Don’t be a ****
Do so at
your own risk!
Don’t pawn
off work

Listening
is a must

Somebody
actually
put up a sign

“Tread lightly
Office
Women
on their
Monthly cycle
Follow
on your
Moped”

It was the
strangest
Thing
I’ve ever
experienced
seen
Chocolate
Flowed,
Free

Women’s.
Bathroom,
Sanctuary
The Place
To Be

Inspired song

I Am Women
By Helen Reddy
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day
Syncretism 10-30-24
Refers to the combination of different forms of belief or practice coming together

Footnote
I was one of the 10 women. Emotions would be hot for seven days. We couldn’t figure out why until one by one the staff admitted they were on their monthly cycle. But how the dates seem to change within a year time everybody in the office had their monthly cycle that same week
Hormone correction? I don’t know
If I wasn’t there, I wouldn’t have believed it
136 · Feb 2024
Untitled Poems WHY
CJ Sutherland Feb 2024
If you took the time
To contemplate a Rhythm
Pondering the story to share
Then why such little care
Untitled

Many ask the preverbal question today
Dose one make the title first than the poem?
Or The poem, than the title
What does it matter anyway!

Your title pulls the reader in
The hock, the draw, the spin

To Captures the reader,
Achievement even sweeter

Reader Stops and gives their full attention
Followed by comments, honorable mention

With successful title achieved
Many reviews will be received

Correction question requests
Is the proper use THEN or THAN for the comparison to poem and title
I list it one way and verbal speaking list it the other way, which is correct?
your thoughts, please
I believed THEN was time and THAN was comparison I am second-guessing, because when I speak into the audio, it give me a different response for that spelling. I am in a cast, with one hand,
so everything is speak and spellcheck.
Honestly I pass on untitled poems. When scrolling down a list of poems to read
it’s what grabs my eye ,my heart, my imagination
CJ Sutherland May 2023
This poem
should be said
in the voice of
a five-year-old
child.
When my
grandchildren
got together
they make up
silly sayings
somebody
heard
from school,
and then they made
their own version.
I have a memory
like an elephant.
My grandchildren’s
children
will be saying
these silly sayings
This is a conversation
between two children
Child A
Child B

Child A)
What are you doing?
Child B)
eating chocolate
Child A)
Where did you get it ?
ChildB)
doggy dropped it.
Child A)
Where’s the doggie?
Child B) 
 behind the door
Child A)  
What’s he doing?
Child B)
making more!
This is followed by giggles laughter  told at boys sleep overs when they’re reading books, like diary of the wimpy kid and eating worms
135 · Mar 12
March Woman’s Month
CJ Sutherland Mar 12
I am a
Natural Born
God Given
Woman
I Do Not
Need
 A Month
To Tell ME
I Am Special
Does Everyone
Get a Designated
Day Week or Month
Equally?

Or
just
A Few
Privileged 
Groups

Will Everyday
Be Designated to
A Mostly Peaceful
Protest Group
When Will it
End

A Confident
Multifarious  
Woman
Will Convey
Behind Every
Powerful Man
Is a Woman
Of substance
Letting Her
Husband  
BELIEVE

He
Is In
Charge
A Quiet
Inner Smile
Glows
Knowledge
She Controls
The Apron Strings



BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
March 12, 2025
Multifarious
Some thing described as multifarious has great diversity or variety, or is made up of many various kinds of things. Multifarious is a formal word and a synonym of diversity

Inspired Song
1) I’m Every Woman
By Chaka Khan 1978

2) I Am Woman
By Helen Reddy 1971
The Bible teaches man thinks only for the care of his woman first and himself second. Woman thinks of her husband First than herself second. Applied correctly in this way both needs are always met a gracious way of loved ones first..
They are watching you

A dilapidated billboard sign
From a time, unable to rewind
Large blue eyes behind a pair of glasses
Overlooking the valley of ashes
( F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.)

They are watching you

The haunting waste of the past nothing lasts
Which linger through its irreversible varnish
The eyes, dimmed vacant, eternally blind tarnished
Forgotten , too many days under the scorching sun
A solemn dumping ground can be found for no one

They are watching you

What’s left of the world is unrecognizable
A waste land, It’s a small world after all
Wake up Rise up Here God’s call
Echoes of the past voiced by the small

They are watching you

A Draconian government grew
All communist too
People didn’t realize what’s in store
Reminiscent of the Book 1984
(George Orwell‘s dystopian novel 1948)

They are watching you

Limited words concept control
Government’s grip won’t let go
People stifled language remove
No praise stand above or to prove

They are watching you

No freedom to think or speak
A slave No better life to seek
Obey don’t ask don’t say
If you try, they’ll take you away

They are watching you

The Past rewritten History gone
A citizen’s job all day long
Dumb society down
Shopping malls in town
Closed burned to the ground

They are watching you

Issued items from the government store
Refused a new razor blade on the knees implore
Yet expected to be clean shaven evermore
The week seek Black market contraband
If caught you lose your hand

They are watching you

Reeducation they proclaim
They know your name
A cog in the wheel, food you sought to steal
The government knows what’s best they maintain
Stay docile. This is not a game.
Driven MAD your mind breaks plan insane

They are watching you

Food scarce people emaciated
Every race creed color Martyrs created
The rich people are getting fat
They retort nothing wrong that

They are watching you


Death of the poor that’s what’s in store
For the good the betterment of mankind?
The best of humanity can no longer find
Too many mouths to feed if they have worth
they are spared beyond that no one cared

They are always watching you



Inspired songs
1) what the world needs now is love
By Jackie DeShabnon

2) Song of the old communist(Russia)
by Karen Kerr

Footnotes
While attending university a minor in literature two books that stayed with me throughout my life are the great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald, and George Orwell‘s 1984. Gatsby, the billboard always watching and the symbolism throughout the book that permanently in my mind that billboard and its significance. George Orwell‘s 1984 was laughed at for so many years , there’s no way it could be a possibility. But today many things in that book are coming to pass. It’s as if “they” use that book for a roadmap to where we are today. Yet people live in a bubble they don’t think an out anything outside their bubble, they stay out of trouble while man’s freedoms are slipping away.
BLT Webster’s Word of the day challenge
3-3-25 draconian
Draconian describes something often a law, policy, restriction that is very severe or cruel.
134 · Feb 2024
To market
CJ Sutherland Feb 2024
To market to market to buy a fat pig
home again ,home again Jiggitty jig

Everything Skyrocketing
Taxation, government pocketing

Food cost on the rise
the price of steak and fries
$26 for steak, an outrage
Who sets the price? what is the gage?
That’s not even organic, free range
It’s mysterious , very strange

Gasoline $5.89 a gallon
Which doesn’t last
Longing for the prices of the past

Now Everything 3 Times more expensive.
What use to cost $100  now cost $300..

In the market, I heard families talking. “How much money do we have left “and oh my gosh the meat is $30.
“How much do we have in our budget?”. These  quotes from a family of five and the woman looked panicked,
plus. She was pregnant, one on the way
Her face frantic, she had nothing to say

A list in hand carefully selecting
only what’s on sale.
Frustration, realization, A life tale
Baby crying in the cart
Changing their budget
now they start
Watching broke my heart

These are real observations
at the market today.
It took my breath away

Many Products have gone away.
I asked the butcher
” I don’t see any petite sirloin roasts
had I made a mistake?”
“no” he reply “
nobody buys those anymore. “
I ask “well I’d like to buy one and
cut it up into individual steaks
It’s cheaper” The situation getting Bleeker
His reply” that’s what we do with them.
Ma’am , If you want a whole one,
I’ll be glad to see if we have any left”

Winco is employee stock ownership plan
The employees have a share, so they care
I bought three bags of food; milk, eggs just a few things, no meat, the cost was $96.

Even the cost of a bags
Increased, from $.10 to 12 cents
I know that doesn’t seem like a lot  
but everything adds up. With the limited income, most Americans have got

Now we’re learning there’s poison in everything ;  in bottled water, toilet paper,
in our fruit, in our grain,
pesticides, GMO, GM, Chemical poisons
All these factors can drive one insane

How  do we know what to buy
people just want to cry
Research, research, research.
The CDC tells you
it’s all in the open,
they no longer need to lie

We were told to move away from tap water,
Poisonous chemicals Chlorine and fluoride
The beginning of a long and arduous ride

My friend took a shower
and broke out into a rash
What do you do for itch medicine  
without any cash?

They no longer scream conspiracy theory
Check the Internet, do a query
You will find what I say is true
All the things we are learning,
We never knew
Now, what course changes can we do?

“What now deer”?
As more things are starting to disappear, empty shelves, are what Americans fear
but nobody wants to believe
it’s happening here!

Humanity on the decline
Staying quiet is no longer fine

To market to market to buy a fat pig
Home again home again Jiggitty jig
The phrase if it took a quarter to go around the world, I couldn’t leave the porch is prevalent now
134 · Nov 2023
Lower Case (i)
CJ Sutherland Nov 2023
A generation of
Lower case. (i)
Because
They don’t
think
They
matter

There is
Nothing
Sadder

Who
Taught them
To believe
This?

Ignorance
Is  NOT bliss

I have asked
Privately
Why
Lower case
(i)

The response
Collectively
As stated

It grieves me
To see
Degeneration
Of our youth

We as fellow poets
People with a voice
Show this generation
CARING, KINDNESS, CHOICE
THEY MATTER
At first I thought it was an error but surprisingly it’s lack of self worth.
133 · May 27
Graduate’s Commemorate
CJ Sutherland May 27
Time to have some fun
12 years of school now done
Snooze you lose, time choose
Workforce calls each must decide
Slave to job paycheck career



Tanka
A form of Haiku
Differs in structure
31 syllables
Five lines
Syllable count
5-7-5-7-7



BLT Websters word of the day challenge
May 26 2025
Commemorate
Something such as a plaque, statue, or parade is said to commemorate an event, person, etc.
When it serves as a memorial; it exist or is done in order to recall the event or person. A person or group commemorate an event, person by doing something special in order to remember and honor the event or person.


Footnotes
Graduation ceremonies commemorate the moment when child becomes an adult. Two show they had graduated by the school standards. It should represent a competency to college and job placement and training. If college is an ecological step, your diploma is your ticket. To get into college. Representing 12 years of knowledge.

(Ok perhaps I’m jaded)
Welcome to the rat race
I would not want to be young today
Nobody wants to work
They want everything for free
Moral values are gone
After 12 years of school,
what skills do they have
United States have children
who graduate
without knowing how to read
As a nation
Our test scores are shameful
133 · Aug 2024
Survivalist
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
What would you do?
When you did not prepare
You lived in a bubble, unaware
Would you watch your family die?
Hunger, pain in your family’s eye

What would you do?
Would you pillage rob steal
Knowing another life you’ll ****
Food needed for the other to survive

They prepared they knew how to stay alive
A life for a life you’re willing to trade
A deal with the Devil nonchalantly made

What would you do?
Kick in your neighbors door
grandmother, the children dead on the floor
So your family need not cry today
Godly, kind people are, easy prey
When you cross that moral line
Breaking God’s Law the ultimate crime

What would you do?
Would you sacrifice one of your own?
For the sake of your existence

Inspired Songs;
1) I am in a hurry by Alabama

2)Too much time on my hands by Styx

3) Fortunate son, by
Creedence Clearwater revival
CJ Sutherland Mar 11
Today is my fake birthday
On my 16th birthday,
I filled out the paperwork  
at the DMV for my drivers license

The Paperwork came back
Invalid date of birth
How can that be
I knew when I was born !

I requested a copy
of my birth certificate,
Three  months later
I was stunned to find out

The date I celebrated
For 16 years was wrong  
My fake cake birthday song
Off By a couple of weeks.

That’s bogus it stinks.
One of eight children
We line up roll call
We all had a number

I was number six
I was lost in the shuffle.
We had many nannies
Babysitters too

perhaps one of them knew
My brothers and sisters
Don’t remember curious
But nothing really serious

they all thought the 10th
was my true birthday
Both parents are no longer alive.
There’s no one to ask

How this happened or why
To be fair, this happened
to my younger brother as well
But his was only one day off

They say we spend our adult life
Getting over our childhood
I thought mine was fine
until I was lost in the shuffle.
I have a brother who will send me a text or call me on my fake birthday and he’ll laugh and sing happy birthday and then say not. I didn’t remember it on my right day, but he remembers it on my fake day which is today March 10 the way I look at it is none of the other brothers or sisters remembered my birthday at all so at least even though he’s mocking me jokingly not at least he’s talking to me that’s a good thing right
133 · Mar 17
Luck of the Irish
CJ Sutherland Mar 17
St. Patrick’s Day
In the local pub
I met my love
Drinking a pint of brew
He swept me off my feet
We fell in love before we knew
Romance so sweet

However I had a major problem an issue
I cried through a box of tissue
He had a tattoo of his ex-wife name
It night have been the end game

Big bold letters on his upper arm
His handsome facade lost its charm
Trish, my wish I wanted it removed
But what would that prove

Outwitting an unwilling participant
While His new lady love enchants
Tattoo a final decision to make
It could be the end of a beautiful romance

Winning will not be a piece of cake
We are both opinionated headstrong
An argument lasting all life long
A miracle it will take don’t forsake

The humiliation was my curse and cause
Except the past else relationship pause
We needed to find an amicable solution
To cease irreconcilable harm
He was impervious to my suggestions
We were at odds, on opposite sides
A revolution An amicable resolution

My darling man of reason
Wanted to clear the air
Avoided committing  treason
He wanted to be fair

In hindsight it might be a different ride
Some tattoos are hard to hide
he wondered how he would feel
If his wife had another man’s name for real

On her *** now that’s a show of style and class
The ex-wife carries His name without shame
still on her **** cheeks large letters, nice and neat
He smirked at the visual and size

He wonders as he slumbers What her
new boyfriend Would think deduce
White flag he issues calls for a truce

I hold my temper,
but stood my ground
I smiled spoke in a soft sweet voice
Miraculous patience I found
Leaving him little to no choice

Well, dear my name is not Trish
Resolution is, my only wish

The day was done
a clever girl Won
Sublime heart and mind
Contentment for all of time
I would find

Was it such a large price to pay?
What would you do or say?
to resolve the situation
in amicable way?

If He added a line under the letter T in Trish
He can represent Irish
40 years of marital bliss
Came down to this
a simple line
in the proverbial sand
ain’t love grand

my darling lad drinks a pint of brew
to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
to pass the time away of the change of his tattoo
The luck of the Irish now he knew

Happy wife happy life
A tattoo is forever think twice
Your decision might cause strife
Any name is simply a roll of the dice

Now, my Irish pappy
isn’t really Irish but remains happy
Resolution on his arm sleeve
a lesson learned a tale to believe



Inspired song
Danny boy (YouTube)
By the Celtic Women
CJ Sutherland Feb 25
Despite the mediators
best effort,
the opposing side
in the dispute
remains intransigent.

They trade quips
Talking over
Each other
While the world
Watches astonished

Beatrix both parties
I vote for
the least of
two evils
Ultimately
what’s best
for the country?

What happened to
Moral fortitude
Virtuous
probity
integrity
rectitude

When
slander of
character
is Laissez-faire

What these
Neanderthals
Do not
understand

Astute people
Will notice
Their foleys
In an instant

2-4-25 draft written
BLT Websters  word of the day Challenge
Quip 2-24-25
A quip can refer to a clever, usually taunting remark, or to a witty or funny, observation, or response, usually made on the spur of the moment
132 · Jan 25
Opine Success
CJ Sutherland Jan 25
Not as easy as you think
To speak honesty to the brink

Divers amusement for young and old
Unpacking what media told

Poking the bear on radio air
Without consequence or care

A Personality talented in fast tracking
A growing fan base not lacking

Calling media out to their face
Putting the lies in their place

Opine wit accuracy of fact
Rarely do they need to walk it back

What they represent today
Valid points of view THEIR way

A measure of character achieved
When captivated people believed

When they admit they’re wrong
Correction sings truth serum’s song

Wanderlust their show can travel the world
Allowing their freedom flag to fly unfurled

Several personalities take time to familiarize
With the nomenclature of every nature

Based solely on their character

Bringing issue to the light of day
Many of which the media hides away

FYI
I’ve been lackadaisical not doing my word in a day daily as I should. I thought it was more of a challenge to do several days together, but I like just bringing one word to light not to convolute the various words. However, I do appreciate a good challenge. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.!

Footnote
I was never one of those who listen to radio news. My parents did( as I a child). I thought it was a waste of time. Now I hardly ever watch the regular news. It’s so slanted one way or the other.
With these broadcasters, I mentioned they tell you they’re a personality not a news broadcaster I think that’s interesting. People are fed up with the way it was. I know I am.

The Great Rush Limbaugh
Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson, Glen Beck
Sean Hannity,
To name a select Few….

Inspired songs;

1) Here Is the News
Electric Light Orchestra 1982

2)Bad News 1970
Johnny Jenkins

3) New York, New York (spreading the news)
Frank Sinatra 1978
BLT Webster's word of the day challenge
1-24-25 Divers
Is an adjective meaning “numbering more the one”
1-22-25 Opine
To express an opinion about something
1-23-25 Wanderlust
Refers to a strong desire to travel
1-25-25 Nomenclature
A formal word that refers to a system of names that is specialized fields more broadly as synonyms with name and designation
131 · Jun 2023
Creepy Crawler in the Night
CJ Sutherland Jun 2023
“I  see a spider”
jump scream , shout
“I see a Spider “
. What’s it all about?

What makes us
crawl out of our skin?.
The Spider is not
going to win.!

Creepy Crawler
in the night.
turn on the
bathroom light.

It runs across
the wall
quickly I find
something
to smash it  
and watch it fall.
But,  it doesn’t die
I don’t know why!

The rest of the night
I wonder what IF
and WHY
the spider
didn’t DIE
.
Sitting on the Throne
Knowing I’m not alone
Afraid the spider
is returning!!!!
That’s concerning

Creepy Crawler
in the night
turn on the
bathroom light!
This is an example of a limerick
131 · 4d
Grasping at straws
A poet writes
of the yellow brick Road to the Wizard of Oz
I’m grasping at straws

Poetry of substance Worthy of a cause

I’m Grasping at straws
I read poetry without flaws

I’m grasping at straws
Poetry so deep in content, I am in awe

I’m grasping at straws
Poetry so reflective I have to take a pause

Yet still I’m grasping at straws

This is more than writer’s block
My Acadian clock stopped

My brother passed away
I can’t find anything to say
Can’t breathe I cry and pray

Words betray my heart
Numb my brother and I apart

My Tears will stop life will be OK
I hope today would be a better day

I read poetry to fill the hole
Until grief, depression loss lets me go
Living moment, by moment is all I know

A rebel without a cause
I’m grasping at straws

Inspired song

Take this pain
By Jake Banfield 2022
I can’t seem to write anything of substance. My heart just isn’t in it. I read such inspiration epic poem. Trying to find my voice again. I’m not one who wants to write like somebody else. I may and I’m good at it. My brother was three years older than me Just saying that sentence has me in tears.
131 · Nov 2023
Focus
CJ Sutherland Nov 2023
All People have an evil streak

When they hear good things about you
Silence is deafening, no desire to speak!

You might be tempted to
toot your own horn bragging boastfully
If it’s their approval you seek

But when people hear disparaging
negative remarks about you;

They spread The gossip,
regardless of truth
Juicy Salacious lies,
With a gleam in their eyes

Hellacious slander, you might say
“what’s good for the goose
is good for the gander”

You might want to return
The negative evil gossip
“If they dish it out
They better be able to take it”

When they don’t hear anything about you
They’ll make it up to perpetuate
the rumor mill!

And they will
label and judge you
for your entire life,
Well, 40 years ago
or 50 years ago
you did this or said that!
What’s the use
Don’t play their game
Don’t stoop to their shame

Instead of turnaround is Fairplay
Turn away from the negativities at bay
It doesn’t matter what they say
God knows the truth anyway

Focus
On being your  best version
You have nothing to prove
to others

Forgive them
As you want
To be forgiven

Love your
Neighbor as
Yourself

You have nothing to gain
And everything to lose

This is easy to say
But will take a lifetime to do

Once Blessed
God will do the Rest!
There are people that will hate you till the day you die no matter what you do or say you’re always been that way. 50 years ago you didn’t let me play with your dolly. There doesn’t really have to be a reason for these people. It’s just the way they are, so how do you handle it?
130 · Aug 2024
Inner Child
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
Within each of us
Resides wide, eyed adventure
Waiting to break free
Joyful glee play all day long
A child’s heart beats strong


Inspired song
Daddy's little girl  
by Tim McGraw
7-24-24
A tanka is A type of haiku that lens itself to five lines 31 syllables broken down as follows
5-7-5-7-7 Syllables
130 · Oct 2024
Hurricane Milton
CJ Sutherland Oct 2024
My grandson A young adult 21 years old
Impetuous commanding, he can’t be told

He met a young lady they fell in love
He moved from California to Florida

A month tomorrow newlyweds
His third Hurricane he said

He was not prepared for the storm
They made a mistake stayed too long

No Gas they were not able to evacuate
Imminent, evacuate notice Monday 5 PM.

The first alert notifying residence of Charlotte, Florida of the hurricane warning

and storm surge warning went out via
email text message ,calls starting at 5 PM

The hurricane warning said the impact
of Milton devastating to catastrophic.

Milton just made landfall 8:31 PM 17mph
The eye hit land near Siesta key.
(20 miles off what was projected)

Right now it is a category 3.In some places in Tampa Clearwater, 12 to 18” rain faces

Flash flooding. After the storm passes. Surge will come. Debris in the water

The most dangerous part of a hurricane
Nearly white out conditions wind and rain

No emergency services can be dispatched with the wind that’s over 45 mph

For the next few hours, winds will pick up
Eerie quiet in the eye of the storm

With The tail end will come the water surge
My grandson and his wife in port Charlotte

Family watches the news as time passes
Praying that they will Live through this

The highest and alert/flooding
When flooding is life-threatening

Unable to reach him worry set in
Heart pounding unable to help panic begin

I cried and prayed all night long
I needed to hear from them

I finally received a text from him
I could hear the smile in his voice

a perfect choice he said We are fine
It’s as if the Hurricane Pasted us by

Damaged houses on each side
He spent the night praying, God heard him

Who is the longest night of our lives
A test I believe we passed faith in God lasts

Just knowing he is alive is reason to rejoice
Glory be to God ,hear my voice

Foot note
This poem was written in the moment, as it was unfolding it’s not my normal polished poem. It’s hard to know a loved one is in harms way so far away and there’s nothing you can do about it accept pray
I was always taught a category. Five is the finger of God.
What happened?
The storm expanded, and in that expansion it lowered the category, but it caused more destruction further out 100 miles either way. A lot of areas were hit that were considered safe. This was the one in aThe storm expanded, and in that expansion it lowered the category, but it caused more destruction further out 100 miles either way. A lot of areas were hit that we’re considered safe. This was a one in a lifetime storm and it was a blessing in disguise. there is a lot of damage that’s for sure. But he was in the house that was up to code with hurricane windows and doors a generator. Him and his wife could use your prayers.
130 · Sep 2024
Liminal Zone
CJ Sutherland Sep 2024
Presumed innocent

until facts prove you guilty

Today guilty first

Media smears character

Struggle to prove innocence



Tanka Haiku
Five lines 31 syllables
Pattern 5–7 – 5 – 7–7
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day
Liminal 9-15-24
We are one culture blends into another
129 · Jul 2024
Bullet Points
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
Trump shot in the head
Attempted assassination
Bullet grazed right ear

Trump alive and well
Fist in the air yelling FIGHTl
Secured in minutes

The ear all he got
The shooter missed the **** shot
Blood ran down Trump’s face
They use their bodies as shield
Adrenaline pumping through veins

Who’s responsible?
Conspiracy Theorists
Cast aspersions

Foreign evolvement
Maintain composure
The world is watching
A bullet ripped through his ear

Serendipity
Randomness is at play
No matter what you say
God saved the Day

Inspired song
1) for what it’s worth
by buffalo Springfield
2) The eve of destruction
By Barry  McGuire
3) Ohio by Neil Young
Webster’s Word of the Day
7-29-24 aspersions
Someone who is criticize, harshly or unfairly..

I wrote this poem on the day Donald Trump was shot 7-13-24 I’d like millions of other people were watching on TV the moment it happened. The thing that said, in three days later. Somebody was willing to not only **** Donald Trump and wanting him dead, but to do it on national television. His head splattered for all to see. How sick is that too much that doesn’t add up it keeps nagging me we still don’t know the truth about JFK assassination.
127 · Sep 2024
The Jetson’s Cartoon
CJ Sutherland Sep 2024
60 years ago September 23, 1962
set in 2022 How is it they knew?
The Jetsons futuristic projections
Every detail pure perfection

George Jetson, father, Jane Jetson’s mother
Judy Jetson teenager, Elroy Jetson, bother
Astro Robo dog and the robot maid
Portrayed a futuristic family cartoon played

A push of a button Instant technology
George’s car folds into a portable briefcase
flying cars orbit city. chatterbox (phone)
Video calls, Smart watch, microwaves

If you look it up today critics would
Insist cultural bias gender stereotype.
Children watching the Jetsons cartoons
Call them a Loving Modern Family

In theory productivity gained from
Technology would mean less work.
A leisure Society by the year 2000.
Approbation to the creative creations

The motivations for this cartoon; our fears
the Soviet union would win the space race
Futuristic, optimistic cartoon influence, hopes popular culture. Shaping the future

How much would Society be shaped by technology, perceptions and expectations
What can be achieved are as important.
as what actually transpires, methodically

All that in Saturday morning cartoons
Glued to the TV kids over the moon
Dreams of possibilities of what if?
Children were taught to invent gadgets  

Inspired song;

Jetsons theme song, YouTube
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day Challenge
Approbation 9-19-24
A formal word refers to praise or approval
127 · Apr 2
How’s The Weather?
My brother married
A vivacious woman
She positively glowed
as effusive compliments
echo by my brother

She beguiled him
With her charms.
She was a cynosure
Of all eyes
As she walked
Into the room

As time passed
Their love
Became volatile

My brother and I
Devised
Our own language
Though the use of
Weather Terms;  

It’s a sunny day
meant
A good time to visit

Cloudy weather
Changing Rapidly
meant
She’s about to blow.
Not advisable to stop by

The weather terms I worried about most;

Thunderstorms, Eminent Danger

Lighting Strikes likely Twice

I only heard this report once;

A Cyclone Twister
Appeared out of nowhere
Run for the hills
Nowhere to hide
No one is safe
Probable Casualties

My reply;
Yep I’ll skip the visit
To my Brother’s today

Brother’s reply;
Yes a good judgment call
Little Sister

My reply ;
Thanks for the heads up, Bro

I’m a Smooth Sailing Breeze
Perhaps I’ll Catch you
On the way back.
Depending on where
The Weather Blows

Brother’s s reply

“Bury me at Sea

I fear RIP”
🪦


Inspired Songs;
1) You Are The Sunshine of My life 1972
By Stevie Wonder

2) Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head 1942
By B J Thomas

3) Have You Ever seen The Rain?
By Creedence Clearwater Revival

4) Fire And Rain 1970
By James Taylor

5) Rider On The Storm 1971
By The Doors


Footnotes
Regardless of this turbulence
This couple has been together for 45 years
a lot of weather under the bridge. I think that’s what they mean by weathering the storm. If marriage was easy, everybody would be married. I think we’re just the kind of people who don’t quit. you take the good with the bad regardless of the situation you keep going and there’s always tomorrow. There’s no such thing divorce. If you think about it, if you know you’re gonna be together tomorrow, it kind of takes the sting out of those hurtful comments. more than 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
BLT Websters word of the day challenge
4-1-25 Cynosure
A person or a thing that attracts a lot of attention or interest
Effusive 4-2-25
Someone or something described as effusive is expressing or showing a lot of emotion or enthusiasm
If you choose to live in the world
Letting your freak flag fly unfurled
Beware care to know what is in store
The devil is close by keeping score

There is a choice to make
For a soul without salvation
Satan will steal, take propagate

Look at popular music and pop stars today
What Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé
A myriad of others have to say

Their humble beginnings innocence lost
To the evil side, they eventually reside at all cost
Their parents only saw Stardom Money Fame
They didn’t see predators playing a devious game

Look at what happened to a young Justin Bieber
He didn’t realize the price of famous fever

14 still a child wild with stars in his eyes
Bound zip tied No one spoke as he cried
Bystanders Voyeurism watched yet later denied

Drugged willing at first soon it became dark worse
Violated, broken, tattooed body to hide his shame,
Silent victim petrified, feared who was to blame

Then Jesus came into his heart saved every part
A cautionary tale of what could go wrong
To be famous for love of music a perfect song

Yes they appear to have riches a great name
But to Satan their soul is the game to claim

Selling their souls is not something a star can do
Jesus paid their  price of sin Satan can’t win
Humans deceived, IF they only knew

Devil worshipped
Witches believe demons whispers a convincing lie
Loyal to Lucifer while Jesus, they denounced deny

A stone cold sarcophagus a corpse’ byproduct
of those fated concerts, a cautionary tale
in public view, concert guests don’t die well

The war between good and evil is all around us
Most people don’t realize or care to put up a fuss

Society has become conditioned to stay home
Sedentary No longer we freely roam
Perceived safe was in our proverbial bubble
We don’t won’t can’t perceive the pending trouble




Inspired song,
Thriller
By Michael Jackson

FYI
I normally do not write poems like this; corpses, but the Webster's word of the day
sarcophagus is not a happy word
The information about Justin Bieber
P Diddy’s trial. On line

Footnote
Looking back in music history, you can see interviews where stars who sold their soul to Satan To become; famous rock gods, praising Satan Lucifer when they win a prize award
while people in the audience sit there and clap.
Lately presentations have turned to séances,
witchcraft a covenant ritual rites .
Jezebel riding Baal A golden bull in full display

A documentary on people dying at a
Travis concert crushed  by the crowd
and travis continued sinning For 45 minutes ambulance in the audience. Travis sang

Taylor Swift fans have gone to concerts and don’t remember a thing.They claim
they were in some kind of a trance.
Something wicked this way comes
pay special attention to the words in their songs it’ll blow your mind.
BLT Webster’s Word of the day challenge
February 3, 2025 sarcophagus
Sarcophagus refers to a coffin and especially a stone coffin

if you ever are bored look up interviews stars have had with their dealings with Satan and look at their music. I’m on the highway to hell. Only the good die young, witchy woman, a catchy song people don’t hear the words why is that? Entranced there was an eight hour interview compiled from all of these stars from the 70s a few from the 60s turning to the dark side listen to their music and you’ll understand why our generation has developed the way of has. Lucifer, the Pied Piper of music.
125 · Aug 2024
Wedding Ring
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
For a young couple,
Wedding rings a simple gold band plain
The more money the couples makes
The ring the price becomes insane

The three C’s; Cut, clarity, Carat weight
Global standards diamond quality great

These Diamond standards Dictate price,
pretentious perceived prestige nice ice

A pompous show a Garish display
Family, friends envy gush nothing to say

Succumb to the Trappings of wealth
Too Pretentious for their health

With all the crime that I have seen
I stopped Wearing my wedding ring

A Symbol of Fidelity and love
The ring means nothing to God above  

Love yes, and so much more
Marriage is not a revolving door

Marriage is a covenant between
God woman and man convene

It’s Not taken lightly a Vegas drunken binge
It’s not for insurance or prenup fringe

It’s the most sacred Vow a couple takes
A lifelong commitment they will made.


Inspired songs
1) The Ring, a perfect wedding song
By T Carter music2019

2) We’ve  only just begun
by Carole King sept 12 1970

3) Two old wedding rings
(official lyric video) by Kolt Barker
(FYI this one MIGHT make you cry)
I have my original wedding rings
10 year anniversary
his mothers wedding rings
renewing the vowels 30 years
a substantial Ring.
It’s A ring someone would want to steal.
124 · Oct 2024
Lucky Day
CJ Sutherland Oct 2024
A guy down on his luck
Find a 20 dollar bill
On the ground
Buys lunch
Play the
lottery
And
WINS

One million dollars
Disbursement
His Options
Monthly
Yearly
OR
One
Pay
Out

Advisable
TO READ
the fine print
Penalty, Taxes apply


What would you choose?

WIN ORE LOSE

What is the most money
you’ve ever WON?

What is the most money
you’ve ever LOST?


Inspired song
Money(official video) 1973
By Pink Floyd
Read the lyrics they’re fantastic
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Dispersement 10-28-24
A pay out of money from a Fun that has been created for a special purpose. Money that is paid out.

THIS WAS ACTUALLY A TRUE STORY FROM YESTERDAY IN THE LOCAL NEWS

I was on a cruise. My husband had been in the casino all night  Long playing, I came in to see what was going on. I sat down add a corner machine the maximum quarters. And I won $680. I did not even Play one time after I won the money. Then I left the casino. His friend came along put in 2/4 and one nothing. The rest of the trip I was the biggest winner because I left.
The most money I ever lost was $40. I am not a gambler but I have a strategy. I start with $40. If I win some thing I put half of my winnings in my pocket plus the money I started it then I play the winnings so the biggest amount of money I would lose this $40, but most the time I left a winner because I don’t like to gamble. It’s a waste of time and I can’t afford to gamble.
I won $350 playing craps, took the money and went and bought a leather jacket at the hard rock café so I wouldn’t be tempted to put the money back in the casino. There’s a lot of other things to do in Las Vegas and gamble.!
123 · Nov 2023
Invincible
CJ Sutherland Nov 2023
Foolish
In my Youth
I would Say
“I’ll try
ANYTHING
ONCE”

If the
Queen
Had *****

She’ll be
The King

No Matter
Because

What
I POSSES

I can HAVE

All of
Those
I
WANT

Batter
Up

In
My Youth
I thought
I was “IT”
All
That
And
A Bag
Of Chips

YOUNG
DUMB
AND
FULL
OF
I
LOVE,
celebrate
being a
WOMAN
Invincible
God’s Gift
Thank God
I lived through it
123 · Mar 2023
Whose Right’s
CJ Sutherland Mar 2023
Abortion pill,
if put in pharmacies
Allowing anyone,
regardless of age
Availability
no parent supervision
REQUIRED!

Home bathrooms
in America
Are turned into an
ABORTION CENTER
without trained help

They are advertising “it’s SAFE “
“ the same as taking a Tylenol”.

A girl holding a
20 to 24 week
FETUS
in her hands
Wrapped in a ****** towel  
A Motionless, baby
(4 to 6 months old)

This young girl
told no one.
Her ***** secret
hidden
from the world
Now exposed  

Confusion, bewilderment
Her body shaking, in shock
she’s crying uncontrollably.

Ironically
She walks into a birthing center
where pregnant mothers
Are Practicing lamaze.
Preparing for the birth
of their babies
  
Scared, she looks around
For a kind face
Help and understanding
Unfortunately
They’re pregnant bellies
only adds to her pain

Clearing her throat,
her voice cracks,
choking on her tears
she yells
“what do I do with THIS?
“I was not told”
“ it was gonna be like this”!
“not what I went through”

She Tries not to remember
Vivid imagery
floods her mind
over and over in her head
She looks into the toilet to see
A head, arms, legs,
and lots of BLOOD.

Does she flush IT down?
Or scoop IT out?
try to rescue IT Or
Will IT need to be buried?
Is IT a person Or is IT trash?

Every time
she visits her home bathroom
she will relive
the horror of everything.
the totality of what happened,
sinks in. PTSD begins.

Complications,
compound the situation;,
A body part left inside,
infection, hemorrhaging,
possible loss of her own life.

A woman’s right
to CHOOSE .
One side see a BABY,
The other side, see IT
WHOSE RIGHT’S
I was shocked and reading California’s new laws, indicating a woman can **** her born child up to 30 days after she gives birth. Postpartum depression perfect example of why you should not allow that to happen and if a doctor refuses is the doctor, the one who gets arrested? We are in scary time. In the day of ***** and Gomorrah, 3000 babies were offered to the gods so far 6 million abortions have been done in the United States. We are in the time of ***** and Gomorrah!
122 · Aug 2024
Wildflowers Haiku
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
Opulent, beauty
Wild Flowers **** bushes trees
Seeds float in the air

Inspired song
Sunshine on my shoulders,
By John Denver
Wildflower show up everywhere choking other plants they’re not something we had planted . In fact we have to **** them or they will take over the yard
121 · Jul 2024
The Inner Sanctum
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
Of a woman’s heart
Discover surreal pictures
Mysterious thoughts
Freedom hidden from the world
Always a lady within

Inspired songs
1) Always a woman to me by Billy Joel
2) Lady by Kenny Rogers
3) Afternoon delight
by Starland vocal band
4) ******* by soft cell
5) Let’s hear it for the boys
By Deniece Williams
7-24-24
I was overtaken by the songs, normally, I can’t come up with this many that fit perfectly,.
these are just a few facets within the mysteries of a woman’s inner sanctum
120 · Jul 2024
The price of Freedom
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
I wanted to Serve
I Volunteered to Serve.
I Knew what I was Doing.
I Would do it Again.
Marine Corp.

Thank God
For people like these
An American Patriot
Though and Though

A call to arms
Field loyalty
The Conditions for
coming to America

Millions of soldiers died
For  the price of freedom
Those who want
to come to America

Must serve in the military
There are many positions ,
Women want equal rights
a mandatory two years  

before they can become a
United States citizen.
They must go through
the nationalization process ;

Learn English
Choose to assimilate
Into the great melting ***
Called America

Criminals, breaking a law
have no place here
They will be returned to their country
Not allowed to return

after learning our laws
The bill of rights, constitution,
the ceremony swearing allegiance
to our country Welcome to America.

There are many ways to serve
I’m tired of people acting
like they deserve to be here
In Battle, war, or  reserve

We all have a price to pay
If they don’t want to comply
No need to ask why,
No Documents no enter

If they ditch their ID,
So they can’t be identified
And we find it on the ground,
Now we have their face in a database
.
Send them packing.
I’m sure they’ll
come up with an ID.
nothing is FREE
.
If they’re caught hiding
A Got Away found
They refused our terms
If they came within nefarious intent
An Attempted coup take over
GO HOME

That’s what’s happening now
Illegals are taking over our cities and towns
When you see 100,000 Palestinians protest
We need to learn  who is illegitimately here.
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Patriot7-4-24
A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies, detractors, foreign and domestic. A true patriot.

A family member made a statement today
Many of his friends died for the cause .
This is my response draft written4-11-24
I know this is a horrible mess now, but children and women and boys are sold into Slavery. Our soldiers bite and died for our country. Not for this to happen. We need to start to think about how to restore control before it’s too late and we’re on the brink now. Happy Fourth of July. Read the constitution today and remember what we fought for to be free. Remember, all of those soldiers who died for our great nation. Sure we have problems. Nothing is perfect but we strive to be better.
120 · May 2024
Mothers Day
CJ Sutherland May 2024
My husband forgot
Said no, it wasn’t a thought
Best I don’t reply

40 years married
Claims I am not his mother
Feeling hurt today

Objective thoughts please
Say a Word and I’ll explode
Silence is golden

Crock *** simmering
My emotion bubbling
Which spills over first?

Sitting here alone
All I can do is Haiku’s
Strange my anger rhymes

A series of related Haiku

I wonder if this form is a
type of poem On its own
I’ll have to look it up
But he mentioned his birthday is coming up soon🤔
120 · Dec 2023
New Year’s Resolutions
CJ Sutherland Dec 2023
For some It’s the traditions
They have the same list, then editions
The thought of bettering your life
Being kinder to your children and wife
It’s not such a bad desire
What will you complete
Before you expire?

The same three goals on my list
I completed two with a little twist
I’ve added two more
To even the score
And I’m ready for the New Year
My goals in check, I’ll Cheer

Food for thought perhaps
Others live in a bubble and take naps

Not concerned with something so absurd
They do what they need to get heard
IF It happens, It happens  who’s to say
Let things come as they go, to their dismay
After all Needs change every day
It’s an extraneous process at play

It’s rather interesting
This all or nothing concept
Either you make a list Or you don’t
Either you want to set goals or you won’t
So you’ll think about It,Or we’ll see

procrastination is
Barking up the wrong tree
Now that this little ditty is done
It’s not a winner loser ,Who won
It’s food for thought, This is true
From my poetry desk, To You
I asked around Christmas day and two strong opinions occurred.Either way some will make New Year’s resolutions and do so every year and others of course they’ve been drinking too much Christmas Cheer said absolutely not it’s a waste of time and that’s the end of this Rhyme
119 · Aug 2024
Achoo Haiku
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
A person sneezed
we used to say “God bless you “
people offended



Song Inspired
1) Jesus loves Me
By listener kids
2) Glory be to the Father Hymn
It’s subconscious whenever I hear a person sneeze I say God bless you. But lately the luxe I get from that unconscious act surprise me. I certainly didn’t mean any harm.
119 · Aug 2024
Moral Compass
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
The proverbial line was crossed
Her moral compass found her lost
How far down that road will she go?
Traveling the den of iniquity **** show

The Situations she finds along the way
Lessons to learn, things she doesn’t say
Can she see the humanity in the sign?
Or has corruption diluted the test of time?

15-year-old girl’s dilemma at youth group
Struggling right vs wrong ethics to recoup
Meetings at the minister’s home
Her wild wayward youth to atone

The kids were given a 15 minute break.
She don’t know why for goodness sake
In the playhouse on church ground
They smoked *** with no one around?

That’s where she drew the line
For her it was A sacrilegious crime
Not On Church Grounds
Moral High horse she knew how it sounds

She said she would tell,
Her personal persona fell
They said they would say she did it too
That’s when she knew what she had to do

They laughed and lit the joint
Well she realized their position and point
She stood against all her church friends
In front of the minister parents to her end

Spoken truth yelling parents came undone
her world crashed and burned not fun
In ithe end, one friend stood by her side
Morals judgments, it was a wild ride

Many lives were destroyed that day
Repercussions of her moral decay
10+ years to correct what she had done
Before she was happy, smiling , in the sun

Finally she found her stride never alone
She was a gadabout Who was rarely home
souvenirs conquests from who she became
Playing her moral relativism game

Inspired songs;
1) Nowhere to run
by Marth Reeves and the verandas, 1965

2) Do What’s right by passenger 4-7-2022

3) I am a rock by Simon and Garfunkel 1964

4) Bridge over troubled water by Simon and Garfunkel 1970
BLT Webster’s word of the day Challenge
gadabout8-13-24
A person who flits about in society, actively as by going to many places and social events for pleasure.

Careful when you dig up
the past
Sometimes will get you *****
(I had never taught before )
I admit I was excited and nervous

My first night teaching
Was basically housekeeping
Passing out packets explaining
The rules, I was basically preaching

I looked at the sea of eager faces and said “I’m going to give you all an “A”
right now. Everybody in this classroom has an “A”in the class.!”
All the students cheered loudly
A Student asked “ what’s the catch?
I smiled and said
“It’s up to you to keep it”
The class exploded with nervous laughter

The same Student raised her hand
(an eager ******, I thought Good)
Great, my first real question
“ isn’t it time for our break?”
I was not told anything about a break
I didn’t wanna make a mistake

So I began to ad lib. the conversation
Does everybody believe
we should take a break?
Every hand went up
Yes, said a student. All the other students nodded their head in agreement.

And when are we
supposed to have our break?
Again, all the hands went up
Student said
“ about now for 15 minutes”

OK we’re all on the same page
so nobody should be late returning
Let’s take our break now.

As an adult instructor
One must exude confidence
Be Sure of all explanations and answers
And At times to finesse
The situation from escalating

While working on an
Emergency medical hotline,
If we didn’t know the answers

we had a pack phrase “
“I’m going to do a little research to make sure  I’m giving you the most up to date accurate information”.
OR
Let me check into that and I’ll get back to you.(give a call back time)
Make sure you call back
You’re only as good as your word.

To reiterate
It’s OK to not know the answer,
Never say “I don’t know the answer”
Never let them see you sweat
Fake it, until you make it
If at all plausible ad lib.
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
2-6-25 ad lib.
To ad Lib some things, such as a performance or part of performance is to make up words that had not been planned. Example the actor forgot his line so he ad-lib
2-8-25 finesse
To finesse something is to bring it about, direct it, or manage it by skillful maneuvering
117 · Jul 2024
Wrong Street Neon Sign
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
Blinking sign got us thinking
Closest bar, a nightcap drinking
We came from the Opera culture refined
Dressed to the nine, a cocktail to unwind

Blur the lines work versus play propriety
Different views, cautious words Society
Two Upper echelon bosses and wives
Innuendos, cautious, eyes Pretenses lies

The bar “Faces” pink glow On a dark street
twilight zone, Shuffle sounds of our feet
Youngest of the bunch they asked for ID
My grandchild was twenty three

Many rooms each contrary would appear
Ladies restroom are progressive here
A man in drag standing to ***
No stall door open for everyone to see

Excuse me, are you in the wrong restroom?
******* at his knees No need to assume
It’s OK ladies I’m out of here lickety-splits
As he reached in and adjusted his *******

Our head dazed each room a new theme
All proclivities observed was this a dream
Ignorant, Lisa karaoke, in women’s Area
Found the guys I tried to calm my hysteria

Men had drinks and they’re going to stay
Looking around. What’s the  deal anyway?
Bartender what type of bar is this?
Alternative lifestyle He blew me a kiss

A Woman bought me a drink, flirting,
Men’s fantasy tickled curiosity, asserting
Lisa sang her love song to the gays
Her husband listened observed and Praised

Silent when men asked our guys to dance
The luster A nuance no longer a romance
The hour grew late it was time to leave
The strange events no one would believe

Driving home reflective thoughts Traces
Why did they name that bar Faces?
An alternative lifestyle accepted us
Exactly who we were without a fuss

We Grappled with the idea, it hit me
People hide many different faces see
A secret freaky face comes out to play
Tomfoolery set free imagine a new way

A new identity exposed to the world
My freak flag revealed unfurled
The stranger within us, who we portray
What do they see? What does my face say?

Inspired song
The Stranger, by Billy Joel, 1977 live
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Tomfoolery7-18-24
Silly behavior playful
This was 1985 when there were certain bars or each particular type, but I have never been to a place that all types were welcome.
There was a room for men on men, women on women, cross dressers, Trans, and everything in between. But we were treated so nice the bartender had our back. There were some rather aggressive girls who wanted to date. Lisa and I answered, rather aggressive men who called her husband I candy. After the shock of the bathroom, everything else was laissez-faire.
116 · Jul 2024
A Walk In The Park
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
Poetry in motion,
                Single basketball  player
                        shooting hoops
                               Motor cross
                                    dirt bike
                                        competition
            ­                              doing loop de loops

Bounce bounce
           lay up the ball
                we hope the bike
                      riders do not fall
                              children birthday party
                                         bouncy house
                                                     kids at play
yes it is
      a beautiful day
            The butterflies
                   are teaming
                        Floating on bye
                                 surprised child
                                       screech is a loud cry
Birds are singing
            everywhere
                   Not a worry
                        not to care
                               This story
                                     it’s just a slice
                                           of God’s glory
 Commemorate
            this day with
                   photos that say
                           I hope time
                                it’ll always be
                                     a cherished
                                           memory of mine
Walking the park
                A jaybird a lark
                        Wildflowers
                              In the glade
                                  Thick trees shade,
                                            friendly dogs
                                                        walk on by
With pride they
           sniff each backside
                and say hi.
                   His favorite of those
                        lady Daisy
                            rolls over and
                                  kisses his nose.  
                                          they’re in love
                                                as the story goes
BLT Websters word of the day Challenge
7-2-24 glade
A clearing surrounded by trees woods
Written 5-4-24
116 · Feb 6
Build Back Better
You reap what you sow
It’s all about what you know
Hassles help you grow




Modern Haiku
Three lines 17 syllables
Subjects, human nature, humanity



Inspired songs
1)  America ( My Country ‘tis of thee)1831
By Anthem Lights Cover YouTube

2) America the Beautiful
By Whitney Houston 1991
It’s a different version with
“what goes around comes around” 11-6-24
perhaps it’s an accumulation of all the rhetoric leading up to the elections. I’m just glad it’s over hopefully we can turn the page with a praying president. Nobody’s perfect we are all sinners , but it’s time to rebuild. Put aside our bias, prejudices, and unite, uncommon ground.
CJ Sutherland Sep 2024
My
     Grandson
                    Moved
                                 To
                                   Another
                                         State
                                             Caught
                                                         H­is  
                                                             First
                                                                 Fish
                                                           He
                                               Marveled
                                                 At
                                        It’s
                        Magnificent
                   Size
            Though
        The
          Lucid
                   Water
                        While
                           Reeling
                                   It
                                       In
                                           An
                                          Alligator  
                                        Ate
                                  IT
                          H­ook
                     Line
               And
        Sinker
                Welcome
                      ­   to
                          Florida


Inspired song
More Time Fishin’
Bye Thomas Rhett
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Lucid 9-27-24
Something written spoken or otherwise communicated is described as lucid. It is very clear and easy to understand also describes things that are luminescent, or that are visibly transparent.
115 · Nov 2023
Reality Bites Sci-Fi
CJ Sutherland Nov 2023
Most people are content to live  in a bubble
Minding their own business , out of trouble
to live in a world that self medicates
Like a GMO plant they germinates

Hide in plain sight
They gave up on the fight
Playing video games all day long
Blaring music without hearing a song

Falling down the rabbit hole
Vegetation the goal
Television for the masses
Blank out with 3-D glasses

The perfect movie
in comfort, It’s all groovy
Popcorn, salty sugary candy
Mindless eating is handy dandy

Carefully Choose which genre,
Comity,Fear, Pleasures , or Pain
roller coaster, faster, plain insane
Emotions are now mundane

The goal ,entertained and numb
No need for education. Stay dumb.
Escapism needed, and necessary today
Thoughts wiped away, keep reality at bay

Tired of existing in wonderland
Wake up, realize, understand
Who controls the world? today
They Record what you do and say

Society, changing, rearranging, a Recluse
hostage in home, hangman’s noose
The groundhog cautiously looks around
Decides ,Without implication or sound

Nothing in reality exist, or can be found
Groundhog rather be back underground
Too much time to contemplate
spend it in an alternate state

It’s more than just a principality
It’s a comfortable home, full hospitality
The Make believe world is
Enticingly more appealing
Rather consider all it’s concealing

New world order, One world religion
Bigger, better ,brighter, lead the way
The tomorrow of your dreams today
No need to go back to yesterday

Artificial intelligence offers
Your heart ‘s content,
The perfect mate,
money well spent,

All an allusion; Date fall in lust ,
Artificial intelligence to admire
Everything on your checklist a must
Emotions that never expire

Once dead, every thought in your head
Every story, phrases quotes you said
The Proof you lived and ever existed
your brain can be implanted twisted

forever in a Machine, to learn humanity
And Society is pushing for that insanity
Baby boomers look back at the movies and cartoons like the Jetsons, outer limits outer space they were filling her head. Wayback win.
113 · Apr 2024
A Cruel Theif
CJ Sutherland Apr 2024
Life happens

While we make our plans

Nobody really understands

Kismet, destiny or God’s plan

We all carry our own belief

Really is a cruel thief
113 · Mar 2024
It’s My Real Birthday
CJ Sutherland Mar 2024
I celebrated my same birthday
until I was a teen
Everybody knows their birth date
Right?, you know what I mean

But I learned that isn’t so
Validation paperwork I must undergo
I applied for a driver’s permit
I was confused I have to admit

Application required request denied
I know my birthdate I screamed with pride
Fact remained,The wrong date of birth
I began to second guess my self worth

Send away for a certified birth certificate
Anticipate Many questions I accommodate
Answers I thought I knew, I must validate

Questions were rather suggestions
The answers left more questions
My birth date was off by 13 days
Emotionally I was in a haze

My brother calls on my pretend Birthday
With a PEDANTIC choice of words to say
It was a game he would play
At first he hurt my feeling
Sending me in a tizzy dealing
Then I realized he remembers to call  

Thinking back for a word,thought, phrase
A Flooding of memories My heart cried
We had many nannies after mommy died
To young to know, or ask, but I still tried

They said it was a tragedy
Where I stood it was a calamity
My father, a gentle man took a stand
He gave love with open arms and hands

Was my true birthday lost in confusion
Was this mix up a retribution
There was never a final conclusion
Only the correction resolution

I’ve learned not to live in hate and despair
I’ve learned to forgive ,love is in the air
We all have a reason for Being
Knowing without seeing

These life challenges are my test
I learned to take the good with the bad
Most importantly, to do my best
I never found out how or why my birthday was mixed up, ironically I was my fathers favorite
BLT Word of the day challenge
Pedantic
annoying person who makes small correction
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
Media mogul critics
Die hard, cynics

Are all capricious by designs
Don’t step on their land minds

Factitious information
Bait and switch tactics creation

If they say it’s not
It’s what you’re got

Rhetoric and hyperbole
Don’t believe what lying eyes see

Regurgitate Same talking stance
News determine in advance

They want useful idiots. It’s a shame.
While choosing someone else to blame

All the while with a smile
The song remains the same



Song inspired
1) Signs by The five electrical band
2) these times are a Changan’ by Bob Dylan
3) The song remains the same Led Zeppelin
( Robert Plant believe Music is universal 1973, every time I sing this song, I just picture, I’ve been around the world, and at the root of it all, there’s one common denominator.)

FYI song remains the same has a very long intro but there are lyrics it’s worth the wait
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Capricious8-5-24
Lacking firmness, or steadiness, as in purpose or devotion. Suggest motivation by sudden whim, fancy and unpredictability. Fickle, and constant, volatile.
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
The Joker who is Batman‘s
Arch enemy and life nemesis
learned of Batman‘s true identity
And started asking real questions


How could a shooter
A seemingly untrained
Young adult without
Obvious motives A boy\man in
a Black Rock commercial

get past seasoned secret service
A calamity of errors Poor planning
A ladder on the side of a building
Bystanders spotting the shooter prior to Trump going on stage Alert, police

A policeman has a confrontation
with the shooter and runs away?
WHY was Trump allowed to go on stage?
The father alerts the police. He’s worried about his son.? Father’s missing gun

The timelines don’t add up
Secret service story changes
I’m sure they’re going to say
extenuating circumstances!
legitimately Will be presented

All Questions will be answered
they claim to have transparency
Pun intended
IT ******* AWAY
The Picture I have in my head;

The intention behind the shooter(s)?
Was for the American people
To watch Donald Trump’s
Head blown off On national television
witnessed by Millions around the world.

Why? what is the reason, the lesson;
Americans know your place!, get in line
The bigger picture It’s not all about Trump
He’s just in the way, We are next
It’s the American people they’re after

“Profane wicked people
Whose day has come
when iniquity shall have an end”
Ezekiel 21:26

That is the extent of their hatred
How do you reconcile
Hate derangement ?
Take a moment to fathom
The Gravity of the situation

News media moguls
Love to parody Trump hatred
The grotesque mockery on cue
Insinuating Character sabotage
“it’s a stunt Trump merely fell,
And had to be carried off stage”

“Trump is using his bandage as a prop”
“He staged The whole thing”
The cesspool of lying through their eyes
Biden’s campaign
Unconscionable rhetoric

ramping up hate
Trump is called a ****
Trump will be a dictator
There will be no more democracy
Trump hates black people

Public figures saying
“someone should take him out”
“The shooter had one job and he missed?”
It doesn’t matter what side you’re on
doesn’t matter what you think of the man

If they could do this to  
a president elect
What do you think
they have planned
for you and me?  

  Biden has stepped down
For  the next round
A change of tactics
Enter
The Cat Woman


Inspired by Songs;
1) Orchestra and chorus Batman theme song Neal Hefti
2) Buffalo Springfield song stop children what’s that sound? 1967
3) Crosby stills, Nash and Young “Ohio”
( Kent state shooting) 1970
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Extenuate 7-22-24 to lessen the strength or effect of some thing
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