the old year ends
and tomorrow we begin
the journey forward
©2009-Art Belliveau
31 December 2009
27 December 2009
26 December 2009
12/25/09
christmas stars
burning brightly overhead
as brightly as they did
two thousand years ago
when a poor child
born to an unwed mother
was refused room
at his future stepfather's
family guesthouse
born without a place to stay
the stars shone down on that child
born in destitution
shone down as brightly then
as they do on the poor
and homeless
the lonely
and the unwanted
in our world today
©2009-Art Belliveau
burning brightly overhead
as brightly as they did
two thousand years ago
when a poor child
born to an unwed mother
was refused room
at his future stepfather's
family guesthouse
born without a place to stay
the stars shone down on that child
born in destitution
shone down as brightly then
as they do on the poor
and homeless
the lonely
and the unwanted
in our world today
©2009-Art Belliveau
24 December 2009
Revision of word knives
razor's edge
words
when used carefully
thoughtfully
are the razor
that shaves away
obfuscation
leaving the plain truth
in sight
words
when used carelessly
thoughtlessly
can be as cruel
and as hurtful
as that razor
pulled across the throat
although with
words
the pain is not
so quickly over
©2009-Art Belliveau
words
when used carefully
thoughtfully
are the razor
that shaves away
obfuscation
leaving the plain truth
in sight
words
when used carelessly
thoughtlessly
can be as cruel
and as hurtful
as that razor
pulled across the throat
although with
words
the pain is not
so quickly over
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 12/23/09
silent snow falling
blanketing the trees and ground,
and the homeless, too
©2009-Art Belliveau
blanketing the trees and ground,
and the homeless, too
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 12/23/09
silent snow falling
blanketing the trees and ground,
and the homeless, too
©2009-Art Belliveau
blanketing the trees and ground,
and the homeless, too
©2009-Art Belliveau
23 December 2009
word knives
words
when used carelessly
thoughtlessly
can be as cruel
and as hurtful
as a knife
across the throat
although with
words
the pain is not
so quickly over
©2009-Art Belliveau
when used carelessly
thoughtlessly
can be as cruel
and as hurtful
as a knife
across the throat
although with
words
the pain is not
so quickly over
©2009-Art Belliveau
21 December 2009
car ride
the road moves below me
as i sit in my car
focused straight ahead
as the miles go by
the scenery is moot
as the traffic is
what must be watched
©2009-Art Belliveau
as i sit in my car
focused straight ahead
as the miles go by
the scenery is moot
as the traffic is
what must be watched
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 12/20/09
Molly’s Christmas play
she was the cutest angel
it was type-casting
©2009-Art Belliveau
she was the cutest angel
it was type-casting
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 12/18/09
first semester’s done
there’s time now to recover
before a new start
©2009-Art Belliveau
there’s time now to recover
before a new start
©2009-Art Belliveau
17 December 2009
haiku 12/16/09
under the night sky
slowly the frost starts to spread
over sleeping grass
©2009-Art Belliveau
slowly the frost starts to spread
over sleeping grass
©2009-Art Belliveau
15 December 2009
Missing You
I miss you a lot.
Even when it isn't raining.
Even when it isn't cold.
Even when it isn't foggy.
Sometimes I even miss you
When you are right here beside me
But
Simulataneously
Worlds away
©2009-Art Belliveau
Even when it isn't raining.
Even when it isn't cold.
Even when it isn't foggy.
Sometimes I even miss you
When you are right here beside me
But
Simulataneously
Worlds away
©2009-Art Belliveau
14 December 2009
I'm Me 12/14/09
I am who I am.
And I am not certain,
even when I am unhappy
or outright pissed off at
who I am
that I would want to be
anyone else.
Maybe that is cowardly of me
hugging onto this one exitence I have known
but
I am not able to do
anything else.
©2009-Art Belliveau
And I am not certain,
even when I am unhappy
or outright pissed off at
who I am
that I would want to be
anyone else.
Maybe that is cowardly of me
hugging onto this one exitence I have known
but
I am not able to do
anything else.
©2009-Art Belliveau
13 December 2009
i know how you see me
i know how you see me
i should
you have told me often enough
and
each time you do
i want more and more
to be the person you see
instead of just
the person i am
©2009-Art Belliveau
i should
you have told me often enough
and
each time you do
i want more and more
to be the person you see
instead of just
the person i am
©2009-Art Belliveau
11 December 2009
my puppy
she's old now
my puppy
even after 15 years
she is still
my puppy
whiter head
slower walk
hearing going
sight going
gall bladder going
but
when i look at the love
that still shines from her eyes
and see the excitement
when i come home
i know this sick, old dog
will always be
my puppy
©2009-Art Belliveau
my puppy
even after 15 years
she is still
my puppy
whiter head
slower walk
hearing going
sight going
gall bladder going
but
when i look at the love
that still shines from her eyes
and see the excitement
when i come home
i know this sick, old dog
will always be
my puppy
©2009-Art Belliveau
10 December 2009
self pity senryu
heavy as lead weights
sinking those nearest to me
i hate depressions
©2009-Art Belliveau
sinking those nearest to me
i hate depressions
©2009-Art Belliveau
09 December 2009
Villanelle--Chaste Behavior's Overrated
Chaste behavior’s overrated.
It just won’t work for everyone.
Being naughty’s much more fun.
Many of the girls I dated.
Agreed with me and we had fun.
Chaste behavior’s overrated.
When we parted, we were sated,
After all was said--and done.
Being naughty’s much more fun.
But through the years, I grew too jaded;
Tired of not having that special One.
Chaste behavior’s overrated?
No longer did I feel elated,
Always moving to the next one.
Being naughty’s much more fun?
Now I’m settled down and mated.
With that old advice I’m done:
Chaste behavior’s overrated;
Being naughty’s much more fun.
©2009-Art Belliveau
It just won’t work for everyone.
Being naughty’s much more fun.
Many of the girls I dated.
Agreed with me and we had fun.
Chaste behavior’s overrated.
When we parted, we were sated,
After all was said--and done.
Being naughty’s much more fun.
But through the years, I grew too jaded;
Tired of not having that special One.
Chaste behavior’s overrated?
No longer did I feel elated,
Always moving to the next one.
Being naughty’s much more fun?
Now I’m settled down and mated.
With that old advice I’m done:
Chaste behavior’s overrated;
Being naughty’s much more fun.
©2009-Art Belliveau
charlie brown's teacher 12/08/09
i've always envied
charlie brown's teacher
she sits (or stands
she is never seen, so who knows?)
her voice blares in her
"wha wha whaaaaa"
unintelligible to me
but always clearly understood
by those in her class
where can i get
communication skills
like that?
©2009-Art Belliveau
charlie brown's teacher
she sits (or stands
she is never seen, so who knows?)
her voice blares in her
"wha wha whaaaaa"
unintelligible to me
but always clearly understood
by those in her class
where can i get
communication skills
like that?
©2009-Art Belliveau
07 December 2009
Too Many Voices
I’m trying to write from
my heart today--
The only trouble with that is
my heart isn’t speaking to me
As I listen for it
I notice other voices chiming in
My appendix has its opinions
but, mostly, they are redundant
My spleen (of course) wants to vent
and spew its bile all over the place
My colon tried to unload, too
but I think it should not be (seen or) heard
My brain has too much going on
the different voices cancel out
So, since my heart (apparently) won’t talk today
I think I’ll have to wait and
Write that poem tomorrow
©2009-Art Belliveau
my heart today--
The only trouble with that is
my heart isn’t speaking to me
As I listen for it
I notice other voices chiming in
My appendix has its opinions
but, mostly, they are redundant
My spleen (of course) wants to vent
and spew its bile all over the place
My colon tried to unload, too
but I think it should not be (seen or) heard
My brain has too much going on
the different voices cancel out
So, since my heart (apparently) won’t talk today
I think I’ll have to wait and
Write that poem tomorrow
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 12/07/09
sitting in class, bored
i’ve seen it all already
teachers have it rough
©2009-Art Belliveau
i’ve seen it all already
teachers have it rough
©2009-Art Belliveau
a senryu for Pearl Harbor Day
day of infamy
a cowardly attack that
launched US into war
©2009-Art Belliveau
a cowardly attack that
launched US into war
©2009-Art Belliveau
near-sighted
looking into the future
myopically (of course)
never seeing as far ahead
as i think i should be able to
i’ve noticed though--
the past is just as blurry
when i look there
©2009-Art Belliveau
myopically (of course)
never seeing as far ahead
as i think i should be able to
i’ve noticed though--
the past is just as blurry
when i look there
©2009-Art Belliveau
06 December 2009
Homework Blues
I cannot lift my backpack,
My homework weighs a ton.
I have to finish all of it,
Before I get to have some fun.
It will take at least three hours,
Or maybe even more.
My homework makes me fall asleep,
It really is a bore.
I wish it took five minutes,
Then I’d really have it made.
Three hours of homework is way too much,
I’m just in second grade!
©2009-Art Belliveau
My homework weighs a ton.
I have to finish all of it,
Before I get to have some fun.
It will take at least three hours,
Or maybe even more.
My homework makes me fall asleep,
It really is a bore.
I wish it took five minutes,
Then I’d really have it made.
Three hours of homework is way too much,
I’m just in second grade!
©2009-Art Belliveau
Hoping for Snow
I wish that it would snow today,
At least three feet or more.
I want to see the back yard all white,
And feel the cold wind come through the open door.
I want to build a snowman,
And have a snowball fight.
I want to wear flannel pajamas,
And sleep under my blankets tonight.
I want to shiver with the cold,
And see the fog come out my mouth.
And I want a snowday out of school,
Too bad I live in the Deep South.
©2009-Art Belliveau
At least three feet or more.
I want to see the back yard all white,
And feel the cold wind come through the open door.
I want to build a snowman,
And have a snowball fight.
I want to wear flannel pajamas,
And sleep under my blankets tonight.
I want to shiver with the cold,
And see the fog come out my mouth.
And I want a snowday out of school,
Too bad I live in the Deep South.
©2009-Art Belliveau
03 December 2009
Teacher Math
30 students
-1 in the ALC
-2 in ISS
-5 absent
-8 sleeping
-2 doing homework (for another class, of course)
-4 daydreaming
-7 who just won't understand
-----------------------------------------
1 wasted class period
or maybe not
if that one kid left
has really learned something today
©2009-Art Belliveau
-1 in the ALC
-2 in ISS
-5 absent
-8 sleeping
-2 doing homework (for another class, of course)
-4 daydreaming
-7 who just won't understand
-----------------------------------------
1 wasted class period
or maybe not
if that one kid left
has really learned something today
©2009-Art Belliveau
02 December 2009
consequences of truth 12/02/09
scraped raw
by jagged-tooth
implacable truth
i would rather
have these
self-inflicted
wounds
than wrap myself
in the false safety
of well-intentioned lies
©2009-Art Belliveau
by jagged-tooth
implacable truth
i would rather
have these
self-inflicted
wounds
than wrap myself
in the false safety
of well-intentioned lies
©2009-Art Belliveau
the dance 12/01/09 draft two
constantly we circle
as the music pounds
twisting and turning
falling and rising
sometimes closer
sometimes farther away
darting in and out
hips swaying
adagio to allegro
in constant motion
yearning to end the dance
and fall into each other
but the music
yes the music
drives us
relentlessly on
©2009-Art Belliveau
as the music pounds
twisting and turning
falling and rising
sometimes closer
sometimes farther away
darting in and out
hips swaying
adagio to allegro
in constant motion
yearning to end the dance
and fall into each other
but the music
yes the music
drives us
relentlessly on
©2009-Art Belliveau
the dance 12/01/09
constantly we circle
sometimes closer
sometimes farther away
darting in and out
in constant motion
longing to end the dance
but the music
yes the music
it constantly
drives us on
©2009-Art Belliveau
sometimes closer
sometimes farther away
darting in and out
in constant motion
longing to end the dance
but the music
yes the music
it constantly
drives us on
©2009-Art Belliveau
01 December 2009
yuletide 11/30/09
one by one they change
the darkness lifted
house by house
the yards transformed
to winter wonderlands
even in the South
where snow’s called rain
each house adding a light
against the gloominess
of the lengthening nights
shining together
as we shine
lit from within
by
anticipation
©2009-Art Belliveau
the darkness lifted
house by house
the yards transformed
to winter wonderlands
even in the South
where snow’s called rain
each house adding a light
against the gloominess
of the lengthening nights
shining together
as we shine
lit from within
by
anticipation
©2009-Art Belliveau
adrenaline rush
i know it’s bad
when the drone of
my own voice
threatens to put
even me asleep
and i watch the heads
slowly nod
jerk up
but eventually succumb
to gravity
then i use the words
that magically energize
everyone in the room
“take out a piece of paper
and something to write with--
we are going to take a pop quiz
on this”
©2009-Art Belliveau
when the drone of
my own voice
threatens to put
even me asleep
and i watch the heads
slowly nod
jerk up
but eventually succumb
to gravity
then i use the words
that magically energize
everyone in the room
“take out a piece of paper
and something to write with--
we are going to take a pop quiz
on this”
©2009-Art Belliveau
panic 11/27/09
there i was
drowning again
adrift in the turbulent seas
of my own unchecked
emotions
and i called to her
to throw me a line
and as she did
i had a flash of fear
as i prayed there was not
an anchor attached
©2009-Art Belliveau
drowning again
adrift in the turbulent seas
of my own unchecked
emotions
and i called to her
to throw me a line
and as she did
i had a flash of fear
as i prayed there was not
an anchor attached
©2009-Art Belliveau
27 November 2009
lacuna
the dinner is over
the dishes done
all the welcome chaos
of family and friends
has quieted
there is a pause
ever shorter
before the race
to the next holiday
begins
©2009-Art Belliveau
the dishes done
all the welcome chaos
of family and friends
has quieted
there is a pause
ever shorter
before the race
to the next holiday
begins
©2009-Art Belliveau
26 November 2009
dysphoria supreme
flowing like
wet cement
covering me
filling me
then hardening
leaving me
unable to move
or breathe
or call out for help
dysphoria supreme
©2009-Art Belliveau
wet cement
covering me
filling me
then hardening
leaving me
unable to move
or breathe
or call out for help
dysphoria supreme
©2009-Art Belliveau
Bernoulli’s Principle (or Love?)
Bernoulli’s Principle (or Love?)
i hardly understand you
yet you are there
my lack of understanding
has no impact upon your reality
a disbelief in you
would not make you disappear
although invisible
your effect is profound
you make flight possible
and even i
can see and understand
that much
©2009-Art Belliveau
i hardly understand you
yet you are there
my lack of understanding
has no impact upon your reality
a disbelief in you
would not make you disappear
although invisible
your effect is profound
you make flight possible
and even i
can see and understand
that much
©2009-Art Belliveau
you and i
you and i
we are so far apart
in space
in age
in experience
yet
i have never felt
(not even once)
the closeness i feel
with you
©2009-Art Belliveau
we are so far apart
in space
in age
in experience
yet
i have never felt
(not even once)
the closeness i feel
with you
©2009-Art Belliveau
22 November 2009
20 November 2009
What I Need
To teach writing
I need your trust
As I lead you away from
habits built up over years
Trust in the silly exercises
designed to break you free
Trust in the techniques of
revision and editing I teach
Most of all--
and this is key--
I need you to trust
my good intentions
And believe I will not lead you--
purposely--
astray.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I need your trust
As I lead you away from
habits built up over years
Trust in the silly exercises
designed to break you free
Trust in the techniques of
revision and editing I teach
Most of all--
and this is key--
I need you to trust
my good intentions
And believe I will not lead you--
purposely--
astray.
©2009-Art Belliveau
19 November 2009
wandering around in philadelphia
wandering
no set destination
in a city i don’t know
a city
steeped in history
a city
that birthed a nation
looking
seeing the modern
instead of the historic
seeing statues
impressive and looming
famous
and not
the pervasive energy of
manhattan
is lacking here
the energy is less manic
more staid
as befits a place
that birthed a nation
©2009-Art Belliveau
no set destination
in a city i don’t know
a city
steeped in history
a city
that birthed a nation
looking
seeing the modern
instead of the historic
seeing statues
impressive and looming
famous
and not
the pervasive energy of
manhattan
is lacking here
the energy is less manic
more staid
as befits a place
that birthed a nation
©2009-Art Belliveau
18 November 2009
ungilded wings
as a child
i took my first plane ride
it was not a happy time
we were going to a funeral
my mother and i
her grandmother’s
a woman i can barely
rmember now
it was so formal
we dressed our best
we got there shortly before takeoff
no security checks
no TSA
that was in the future
just an unavoidable expense
to get us there
on time
no more romance
in flying today
it has become
common
as most experiences do
over forty years
of repetition
and even though
the flight i take now
is not to such a sad occasion
the trip is made sadder
by all the people
reading papers
sleeping
never once trying to see
the now familiar sight
of the top side of clouds
©2009-Art Belliveau
i took my first plane ride
it was not a happy time
we were going to a funeral
my mother and i
her grandmother’s
a woman i can barely
rmember now
it was so formal
we dressed our best
we got there shortly before takeoff
no security checks
no TSA
that was in the future
just an unavoidable expense
to get us there
on time
no more romance
in flying today
it has become
common
as most experiences do
over forty years
of repetition
and even though
the flight i take now
is not to such a sad occasion
the trip is made sadder
by all the people
reading papers
sleeping
never once trying to see
the now familiar sight
of the top side of clouds
©2009-Art Belliveau
17 November 2009
senryu 11/16/09
i know you are there
even when i can't see you
knowing that warms me
©2009-Art Belliveau
even when i can't see you
knowing that warms me
©2009-Art Belliveau
15 November 2009
14 November 2009
Irony
here is an irony
that could not be made up
in the bookstore
next to the coffee shop
with its pastries and
high calorie additions to
a simple cup of coffee
I see all the books
I would never want to read
on various and miraculous ways
to lose weight
their bright eye-catching colors
calling out for attention
over the noise of grinding coffee
and clanking plates
©2009-Art Belliveau
that could not be made up
in the bookstore
next to the coffee shop
with its pastries and
high calorie additions to
a simple cup of coffee
I see all the books
I would never want to read
on various and miraculous ways
to lose weight
their bright eye-catching colors
calling out for attention
over the noise of grinding coffee
and clanking plates
©2009-Art Belliveau
Hey, You
Hey, you
I hope you're there
reading my words
hearing my voice
remembering our times together
more with fondness than regret
because
no matter how many
or how few
will read this poem
you're the one I'm writing this for
you're the one I want to touch
deep inside
and it would be terrible if you never read it
never knew
I wrote another poem
for you
©2009-Art Belliveau
I hope you're there
reading my words
hearing my voice
remembering our times together
more with fondness than regret
because
no matter how many
or how few
will read this poem
you're the one I'm writing this for
you're the one I want to touch
deep inside
and it would be terrible if you never read it
never knew
I wrote another poem
for you
©2009-Art Belliveau
13 November 2009
drowning 11/13/09
i have stayed afloat
on the rising tides
of life’s misfortunes
i have surfed
on the tsunamis
of unforseen calamities
so why is it i drown
when you shed
a single tear?
©2009-Art Belliveau
on the rising tides
of life’s misfortunes
i have surfed
on the tsunamis
of unforseen calamities
so why is it i drown
when you shed
a single tear?
©2009-Art Belliveau
ground fire 11/12/09
after
so many years
of knowing you
loving you
you might think
the fiery passions
of my love would
threaten
to flicker out
but you would be wrong
apparently
this passion is
a ground fire
smoldering
beneath the surface
all-consuming
awaiting its chance
to burn through
and reignite
the inferno
©2009-Art Belliveau
so many years
of knowing you
loving you
you might think
the fiery passions
of my love would
threaten
to flicker out
but you would be wrong
apparently
this passion is
a ground fire
smoldering
beneath the surface
all-consuming
awaiting its chance
to burn through
and reignite
the inferno
©2009-Art Belliveau
the crush 11/11/09
the crush
i never have the courage
to tell you my deepest feelings
instead
when we’re together
i cover them up
with smiles
and jokes
and small talk
of inconsequential matters
with difficulty
i keep smiling
as you tell me about
your newest boyfriend
i control my urge
to pull you close
as you lay your hand on my arm
and tell me how
i really should find myself a nice girl
i have found one
the problem is
she doesn’t see me
a girl
who stars in my dreams night and day
a girl
i’d build my whole life around
a girl
who misses the
obviousness of my love
i can’t tell you
any of this
of course
i can’t bear the thought
that you might laugh
or
even worse
that you might feel sorry for me
because you don’t
share my feelings
my fear overwhelms my pain
i’m afraid
to take the chance
of losing what we have
afraid
to take the risk
you’d back away from me
away from the closeness
we now share
so i’d never get
the chance to win
so i watch you
from a safe distance
and i talk to you
but not of my feelings
and i go home
aching with loneliness
and beating myself up
for being a coward
as you go out
with your newest guy
©2009-Art Belliveau
i never have the courage
to tell you my deepest feelings
instead
when we’re together
i cover them up
with smiles
and jokes
and small talk
of inconsequential matters
with difficulty
i keep smiling
as you tell me about
your newest boyfriend
i control my urge
to pull you close
as you lay your hand on my arm
and tell me how
i really should find myself a nice girl
i have found one
the problem is
she doesn’t see me
a girl
who stars in my dreams night and day
a girl
i’d build my whole life around
a girl
who misses the
obviousness of my love
i can’t tell you
any of this
of course
i can’t bear the thought
that you might laugh
or
even worse
that you might feel sorry for me
because you don’t
share my feelings
my fear overwhelms my pain
i’m afraid
to take the chance
of losing what we have
afraid
to take the risk
you’d back away from me
away from the closeness
we now share
so i’d never get
the chance to win
so i watch you
from a safe distance
and i talk to you
but not of my feelings
and i go home
aching with loneliness
and beating myself up
for being a coward
as you go out
with your newest guy
©2009-Art Belliveau
10 November 2009
11/10/09 senryu
a swirling maelstrom
randomly scatters my thoughts--
it’s the sight of you
©2009-Art Belliveau
randomly scatters my thoughts--
it’s the sight of you
©2009-Art Belliveau
11/08/09 broken promises
the sun shines down
on the cool world of morning
promising a day
fully fit for outdoor fun
never hinting in its greeting
that the dark clouds of storm
will be here soon
to make mockery of our plans
©2009-Art Belliveau
on the cool world of morning
promising a day
fully fit for outdoor fun
never hinting in its greeting
that the dark clouds of storm
will be here soon
to make mockery of our plans
©2009-Art Belliveau
11/07/09 Treading Water
Treading water
From before I learned to swim
Past diving in for my first time
Past going in over my head again and again
In the rough waters of life
Sometimes--often--the best I can do
Is use the buddy system and keep
Treading Water
©2009-Art Belliveau
From before I learned to swim
Past diving in for my first time
Past going in over my head again and again
In the rough waters of life
Sometimes--often--the best I can do
Is use the buddy system and keep
Treading Water
©2009-Art Belliveau
06 November 2009
senryu 11/06/09
a family walk
through the cool dark fall ev'ning--
bonding together
©2009-Art Belliveau
through the cool dark fall ev'ning--
bonding together
©2009-Art Belliveau
05 November 2009
senryu 11/05/09
always reaching out
seeking elusive connection
but you just aren't there
©2009-Art Belliveau
seeking elusive connection
but you just aren't there
©2009-Art Belliveau
Failures
First time I tried, I didn't succeed,
And so, I tried once more.
I gave my all--ahead full speed!
Lost out, just like before.
Unwilling to admit defeat,
Redoubling my effort I came to the fore.
Enabled by determination, my goal I did complete,
Showing failure is often success's front door.
©2009-Art Belliveau
And so, I tried once more.
I gave my all--ahead full speed!
Lost out, just like before.
Unwilling to admit defeat,
Redoubling my effort I came to the fore.
Enabled by determination, my goal I did complete,
Showing failure is often success's front door.
©2009-Art Belliveau
03 November 2009
senryu 11/02/09
wake in a panic
rush to get ready for church
to find time fell back
©2009-Art Belliveau
rush to get ready for church
to find time fell back
©2009-Art Belliveau
Snack Time
My tummy's feeling empty,
I am ready for a snack.
I look into the pantry,
Where I hide my stuff in back.
I pull out a bag of pretzels,
Some cookies and some chips.
My mouth begins to water;
There's a grin upon my lips.
I grab an apple and banana,
An orange and a pear,
Some grapes and peanut butter,
That I see sitting there.
I grab some milk to wash it down,
And then the food devour.
I have to eat quickly though,
Cause dinner's in an hour.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I am ready for a snack.
I look into the pantry,
Where I hide my stuff in back.
I pull out a bag of pretzels,
Some cookies and some chips.
My mouth begins to water;
There's a grin upon my lips.
I grab an apple and banana,
An orange and a pear,
Some grapes and peanut butter,
That I see sitting there.
I grab some milk to wash it down,
And then the food devour.
I have to eat quickly though,
Cause dinner's in an hour.
©2009-Art Belliveau
31 October 2009
four molecules
adenine
thymine
guanine
cytosine
four molecules
that's all
just four
repeated in
infinite combinations
four molecules
joined together
forming two helixes
that interlock
and form the basis
for life
how can this be?
how can everything depend
on just
four molecules?
©2009-Art Belliveau
29 October 2009
black holes
In the heart of
the Milky Way Galaxy
lies a gigantic
black hole
created by
a collapsing star
heavy
and sucking
all the light away
forever
In the heart of
my body
lies a gigantic
black hole
created by
a collapsing love
heavy
and sucking
all the light away
forever
©2009-Art Belliveau
the Milky Way Galaxy
lies a gigantic
black hole
created by
a collapsing star
heavy
and sucking
all the light away
forever
In the heart of
my body
lies a gigantic
black hole
created by
a collapsing love
heavy
and sucking
all the light away
forever
©2009-Art Belliveau
28 October 2009
Be Your Self
It's more than okay to be your self,
Sometimes it's even thrilly.
So be original, be creative,
And never fear looking silly.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Sometimes it's even thrilly.
So be original, be creative,
And never fear looking silly.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Chase
I'll run,
And hide,
And run some more--
And then pick up the pace.
I bet that Momma's sorry now
She went and named me Chase!
©2009-Art Belliveau
And hide,
And run some more--
And then pick up the pace.
I bet that Momma's sorry now
She went and named me Chase!
©2009-Art Belliveau
haiku 10/28/09
the warmth of the sun
combines with gentle breezes
the perfect combo
©2009-Art Belliveau
combines with gentle breezes
the perfect combo
©2009-Art Belliveau
haiku 10/27/09
drenching rain persists
if this keeps up I'll have to
look for gopher wood
©2009-Art Belliveau
if this keeps up I'll have to
look for gopher wood
©2009-Art Belliveau
26 October 2009
ebb tide
ebb tide
slowly the passions recede
exposing reason and clarity
the tide inexorably moving out
for now
but soon
the tide will rise again
perhaps in tsunami strength
and what will we do then?
©2009-Art Belliveau
slowly the passions recede
exposing reason and clarity
the tide inexorably moving out
for now
but soon
the tide will rise again
perhaps in tsunami strength
and what will we do then?
©2009-Art Belliveau
25 October 2009
harsh
harsh
more devastating
than
your harshest word
is
your silence
more painful
than
your hardest blow
is
your absence
©2009-Art Belliveau
more devastating
than
your harshest word
is
your silence
more painful
than
your hardest blow
is
your absence
©2009-Art Belliveau
24 October 2009
senryu 10/24/09
the temperature drops
the night is longer than day
yet i'm still sleepless
©2009-Art Belliveau
the night is longer than day
yet i'm still sleepless
©2009-Art Belliveau
23 October 2009
night music
attempting to sleep
sick
and exhausted
loud music
keeps me awake
as the neighbors insist
on sharing their tunes
with
the whole wide world
the beat is strong
rock and roll
lives on
but
could it maybe wait
until tomorrow?
©2009-Art Belliveau
sick
and exhausted
loud music
keeps me awake
as the neighbors insist
on sharing their tunes
with
the whole wide world
the beat is strong
rock and roll
lives on
but
could it maybe wait
until tomorrow?
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 10/22/09
trav'ling through a fog
even though the day is clear--
damn these allergies!
©2009-Art Belliveau
even though the day is clear--
damn these allergies!
©2009-Art Belliveau
21 October 2009
resurrection
i lay buried
in the daily grind
of day to day existence
zombie-ing back and forth
completing my assigned tasks
doing what needs to be done
as if from miles away
and then your touch
brings me back
to life
©2009-Art Belliveau
in the daily grind
of day to day existence
zombie-ing back and forth
completing my assigned tasks
doing what needs to be done
as if from miles away
and then your touch
brings me back
to life
©2009-Art Belliveau
20 October 2009
before you
before you
i thought i knew
what love was all about
i had experienced it
i had lived it
i had it down pat
but then you arrived
and from the first glimpse of you
when you looked into my eyes
when i held you tightly to me
i knew i was wrong
i felt the other half
of my heart
blossom open in the light
of your love
six years so far
and it has only gotten better
as i watch you grow
see you develop into
your own person
from the tiny baby
who taught this old man
what love really is
©2009-Art Belliveau
i thought i knew
what love was all about
i had experienced it
i had lived it
i had it down pat
but then you arrived
and from the first glimpse of you
when you looked into my eyes
when i held you tightly to me
i knew i was wrong
i felt the other half
of my heart
blossom open in the light
of your love
six years so far
and it has only gotten better
as i watch you grow
see you develop into
your own person
from the tiny baby
who taught this old man
what love really is
©2009-Art Belliveau
19 October 2009
extraordinary
sitting together in a car
driving nowhere in particular
hanging out in the house
doing the cleaning together
you dealing mockingly
with my grumpiness
at the necessity of it
going out to a nice dinner
after seeing a movie
holding hands
while taking a walk
watching tv
reading books together
the mundane
the ordinary
there is a magic there
a growing together
that i want to experience with you
forever
©2009-Art Belliveau
driving nowhere in particular
hanging out in the house
doing the cleaning together
you dealing mockingly
with my grumpiness
at the necessity of it
going out to a nice dinner
after seeing a movie
holding hands
while taking a walk
watching tv
reading books together
the mundane
the ordinary
there is a magic there
a growing together
that i want to experience with you
forever
©2009-Art Belliveau
18 October 2009
17 October 2009
what a difference
what a difference
the old cliche goes
a day makes
and
worst of all
it is correct
i hate it when cliches do that
to go from one emotional extreme
to the other
to go from the wightless joy of free fall
to the crushing depths of the deep dark
in less than 24 hours
so hard to breathe
hard to move
hard to be heard through
the darkness around me
please God--let tomorrow
be different
again
©2009-Art Belliveau
the old cliche goes
a day makes
and
worst of all
it is correct
i hate it when cliches do that
to go from one emotional extreme
to the other
to go from the wightless joy of free fall
to the crushing depths of the deep dark
in less than 24 hours
so hard to breathe
hard to move
hard to be heard through
the darkness around me
please God--let tomorrow
be different
again
©2009-Art Belliveau
he came back again 10/15/09
he came back again
just like he promised
but when he spoke
he didn;t say the things
they expected him to say
even though he and letterman
had a lot of laughs
(and wasn’t Leno jealous?)
he didn’t validate their prejudices
he didn’t say that
not only was what they felt right
it was righteous
so they tuned him out
he couldn’t get get booked
on anymore talk shows
so he wandered the streets
homeless
penniless
his heart full as he talked
to others like him
and told them his ideas
and helped them
however he could
finally back at home again
with the people he knew best
©2009-Art Belliveau
just like he promised
but when he spoke
he didn;t say the things
they expected him to say
even though he and letterman
had a lot of laughs
(and wasn’t Leno jealous?)
he didn’t validate their prejudices
he didn’t say that
not only was what they felt right
it was righteous
so they tuned him out
he couldn’t get get booked
on anymore talk shows
so he wandered the streets
homeless
penniless
his heart full as he talked
to others like him
and told them his ideas
and helped them
however he could
finally back at home again
with the people he knew best
©2009-Art Belliveau
14 October 2009
Telling the Truth
Tellling the truth
Takes no skill
Open your mouth
And let out what you will
The chips may fall
(And fall on you)
But being honest
Is the best thing to do.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Takes no skill
Open your mouth
And let out what you will
The chips may fall
(And fall on you)
But being honest
Is the best thing to do.
©2009-Art Belliveau
13 October 2009
Nebulous Connections
Nebulous Connections
nebulae
giant clouds of
floating cosmic dust
in time
the individual particles of dust
will be pulled together
through the magic of gravity's
mutual attraction
they will come closer
and closer
and coalesce into
a new star
burning hot and bright
for all to see
two individuals
floating through life
amid giant crowds
of the earth's population
in time
these two
will be pulled together
through the magic of their personalities'
mutual attraction
they will come closer
and closer
and join together
to become one
a new life
burning hot and bright
for all to see
©2009-Art Belliveau
nebulae
giant clouds of
floating cosmic dust
in time
the individual particles of dust
will be pulled together
through the magic of gravity's
mutual attraction
they will come closer
and closer
and coalesce into
a new star
burning hot and bright
for all to see
two individuals
floating through life
amid giant crowds
of the earth's population
in time
these two
will be pulled together
through the magic of their personalities'
mutual attraction
they will come closer
and closer
and join together
to become one
a new life
burning hot and bright
for all to see
©2009-Art Belliveau
12 October 2009
the years go by
the years go by
and the calendar says
each one is the same length
but
from my point of view
each one shorter than the last
could both measures be right?
©2009-Art Belliveau
and the calendar says
each one is the same length
but
from my point of view
each one shorter than the last
could both measures be right?
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 10/11/09
even on Sunday
run from one thing to the next
where's the time to rest?
©2009-Art Belliveau
run from one thing to the next
where's the time to rest?
©2009-Art Belliveau
A Day in the Life 10/10/09
A Day in the Life
Wake up late and rush about
Head to work today without
Taking time to think or pray
It's another busy day
First block starts and I'm not there
I'm dropping off Molly, but I'm aware
The school day started without me
So many places I need to be
I get to school, to class, to start
Grading papers, trying not to lose heart
Checking my email, preparing to teach
Being caught up always just out of reach
The bell goes off as first block ends
All the work left ungraded nearly sends
Me into a panic, but I've no time for that
It's time to wear my instructor's hat
I push, I pull, I motivate
Put out fires that just can't wait
Running around like a cat on fire
Blood sugar lower, blood pressure higher
It often seems they just don't care
And that we're not getting anywhere
I deeply hope that I'm not right
And I keep on struggling-keep up the fight
In what seems like minutes and nothing more
The bell again rings and they're out the door
Third block enters--it's their turn now
I'll do better this block, I vow
It seems we've barely gotten a start
When the lunch bell rings and they depart
My time sense must be greatly wrong--
A class can't be less than five minutes long
I open my lunchbox, start to eat
The bell goes off--time for fourth block to meet
They all come in, sit down, and then
The last bell rings--the day's at an end
Somehow in classes that went by in a blink
I've new piles to grade but still I think
I'll take a minute to unwind and to rest
Today has surely been a test
I check the time and get a shock
I start to hate that stupid clock
I've barely had time to stretch and yawn
Yet somehow two hours have come and gone
I run and get Molly, we go eat at BK
We still aren't done with this busy day
We head for karate--she has a class--
While she blocks and kicks, I grade one more set real fast
Then home and homework and bath and snack
I read to her, she reads to me back
She falls asleep and I chat with my wife
For just a few minutes relief from the strife
She heads for bed (she's smarter than me)
I sit on the couch and watch news on TV
I open the computer and go online
Play games and chat and try to unwind
I blink my eyes twice and it's past midnight
The freaking clock just can't be right
I head for bed and just plain pass out
Then wake up late and rush about...
©2009-Art Belliveau
Wake up late and rush about
Head to work today without
Taking time to think or pray
It's another busy day
First block starts and I'm not there
I'm dropping off Molly, but I'm aware
The school day started without me
So many places I need to be
I get to school, to class, to start
Grading papers, trying not to lose heart
Checking my email, preparing to teach
Being caught up always just out of reach
The bell goes off as first block ends
All the work left ungraded nearly sends
Me into a panic, but I've no time for that
It's time to wear my instructor's hat
I push, I pull, I motivate
Put out fires that just can't wait
Running around like a cat on fire
Blood sugar lower, blood pressure higher
It often seems they just don't care
And that we're not getting anywhere
I deeply hope that I'm not right
And I keep on struggling-keep up the fight
In what seems like minutes and nothing more
The bell again rings and they're out the door
Third block enters--it's their turn now
I'll do better this block, I vow
It seems we've barely gotten a start
When the lunch bell rings and they depart
My time sense must be greatly wrong--
A class can't be less than five minutes long
I open my lunchbox, start to eat
The bell goes off--time for fourth block to meet
They all come in, sit down, and then
The last bell rings--the day's at an end
Somehow in classes that went by in a blink
I've new piles to grade but still I think
I'll take a minute to unwind and to rest
Today has surely been a test
I check the time and get a shock
I start to hate that stupid clock
I've barely had time to stretch and yawn
Yet somehow two hours have come and gone
I run and get Molly, we go eat at BK
We still aren't done with this busy day
We head for karate--she has a class--
While she blocks and kicks, I grade one more set real fast
Then home and homework and bath and snack
I read to her, she reads to me back
She falls asleep and I chat with my wife
For just a few minutes relief from the strife
She heads for bed (she's smarter than me)
I sit on the couch and watch news on TV
I open the computer and go online
Play games and chat and try to unwind
I blink my eyes twice and it's past midnight
The freaking clock just can't be right
I head for bed and just plain pass out
Then wake up late and rush about...
©2009-Art Belliveau
09 October 2009
senryu 10/07/09
waiting all my life
hoping it will someday start
so much time wasted
©2009-Art Belliveau
hoping it will someday start
so much time wasted
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 10/04/09
you’re like a puzzle
i find myself intrigued with
the final picture
©2009-Art Belliveau
i find myself intrigued with
the final picture
©2009-Art Belliveau
Surprise? 10/03/09
“You mean we have a test today?”
Several kids, in wonder, say.
“You didn’t tell us! We didn’t know!”
Oh my, how they put on a show.
It’s been up there on the board all week,
For anyone who cared to take a peek.
But they try to convince me that to them this is news.
And now on to the test, while they feel the blues.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Several kids, in wonder, say.
“You didn’t tell us! We didn’t know!”
Oh my, how they put on a show.
It’s been up there on the board all week,
For anyone who cared to take a peek.
But they try to convince me that to them this is news.
And now on to the test, while they feel the blues.
©2009-Art Belliveau
01 October 2009
senryu 10/01/09
a moment of ire
let loose rather than controlled--
how much harm was done?
©2009-Art Belliveau
let loose rather than controlled--
how much harm was done?
©2009-Art Belliveau
30 September 2009
i see you
i see you
not merely the physicality
anyone can do that
not just the spirituality
for that shines forth also
not only the public face
you show smiling to the world
i see you
the real you
and
i like what i see
©2009-Art Belliveau
not merely the physicality
anyone can do that
not just the spirituality
for that shines forth also
not only the public face
you show smiling to the world
i see you
the real you
and
i like what i see
©2009-Art Belliveau
29 September 2009
cycles
as the tides
rise and fall
then rise again
as the planets
circle the sun
in eternal rotation
the cycles
reassure me
when life goes wrong
that it will
one day
be right again
©2009-Art Belliveau
rise and fall
then rise again
as the planets
circle the sun
in eternal rotation
the cycles
reassure me
when life goes wrong
that it will
one day
be right again
©2009-Art Belliveau
28 September 2009
haiku 9/28/09
cooler winds blow now--
storms that ended the summer have
ushered in the fall
©2009-Art Belliveau
storms that ended the summer have
ushered in the fall
©2009-Art Belliveau
27 September 2009
senryu 9/27/09
late night thunderstorms
lightning, thunder, wind, and you--
who could ask for more?
©2009-Art Belliveau
lightning, thunder, wind, and you--
who could ask for more?
©2009-Art Belliveau
you are that someone
you are that someone
the someone i have waited for
the someone i never believed
in my deepest hopes
i really deserved to have.
when i long for someone
when i yearn for someone's touch
someone's presence
someone to be with
you are that someone
©2009-Art Belliveau
the someone i have waited for
the someone i never believed
in my deepest hopes
i really deserved to have.
when i long for someone
when i yearn for someone's touch
someone's presence
someone to be with
you are that someone
©2009-Art Belliveau
26 September 2009
Playtime
When the school day is over,
And the homework is done,
Before the bath and bedtime,
We make time for some fun.
We watch TV and we color,
We talk and we laugh;
We have fun together,
'Cause fun's the best thing to have.
©2009-Art Belliveau
And the homework is done,
Before the bath and bedtime,
We make time for some fun.
We watch TV and we color,
We talk and we laugh;
We have fun together,
'Cause fun's the best thing to have.
©2009-Art Belliveau
24 September 2009
tantalizing
Tantalus had it easy
all he had to contend with
was eternal thirst and hunger
i have to contend
with the untouchable nearness
of you
©2009-Art Belliveau
all he had to contend with
was eternal thirst and hunger
i have to contend
with the untouchable nearness
of you
©2009-Art Belliveau
23 September 2009
hunger
when i am with you
touching you
holding you
when we are closest together
i still find myself
hungry for your company
never getting full enough
©2009-Art Belliveau
touching you
holding you
when we are closest together
i still find myself
hungry for your company
never getting full enough
©2009-Art Belliveau
21 September 2009
eternal recurrence
like a mobius strip
always and eternally
moving forward
never retracing a single step
yet always recovering the same ground
©2009-Art Belliveau
always and eternally
moving forward
never retracing a single step
yet always recovering the same ground
©2009-Art Belliveau
20 September 2009
imagine
the thought of your touch
warms me
soothes my hurt
comforts me
eases my anxieties
imagine what
the real thing does
©2009-Art Belliveau
warms me
soothes my hurt
comforts me
eases my anxieties
imagine what
the real thing does
©2009-Art Belliveau
100 letters
with 100
letters
i can create
all the words
i want to tell you
but
only if
i can pull
the right ones
from the sack
©2009-Art Belliveau
letters
i can create
all the words
i want to tell you
but
only if
i can pull
the right ones
from the sack
©2009-Art Belliveau
19 September 2009
The Secret
forlorn they cling together
for the moment
standing near a pool of light
in a sea of darkness
reality is what it is
not what they
would have it be
learning to live
within those rules
that is the secret
©2009-Art Belliveau
for the moment
standing near a pool of light
in a sea of darkness
reality is what it is
not what they
would have it be
learning to live
within those rules
that is the secret
©2009-Art Belliveau
17 September 2009
Early Halloween Poem
There's an old house, at the end of the street,
Where on Halloween night, all the spooks like to meet.
You cannot get in, cause the living are barred,
But you can see the skeletons bone dance in the yard.
Phantoms float around; they stop and have chats.
Vampires come too, they fly in as giant bats.
The werewolves run everywhere, howling like mad,
The Pumpkin Heads' faces are all angry or sad.
By the time it is sun-up the party's all through,
The finger food's gone, there's no more witch's brew.
And until next year the monsters are gone,
From this haunted old house, they all have withdrawn.
They'll meet here again next year--and every year after,
To have fun and to party with maniacal laughter.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Where on Halloween night, all the spooks like to meet.
You cannot get in, cause the living are barred,
But you can see the skeletons bone dance in the yard.
Phantoms float around; they stop and have chats.
Vampires come too, they fly in as giant bats.
The werewolves run everywhere, howling like mad,
The Pumpkin Heads' faces are all angry or sad.
By the time it is sun-up the party's all through,
The finger food's gone, there's no more witch's brew.
And until next year the monsters are gone,
From this haunted old house, they all have withdrawn.
They'll meet here again next year--and every year after,
To have fun and to party with maniacal laughter.
©2009-Art Belliveau
16 September 2009
15 September 2009
limerick 9/15/09
There was an old teacher named Art
Who when grading never could start
He'd put off till tomorrow
The trouble he'd borrow
Even though he knew twas not smart
©2009-Art Belliveau
Who when grading never could start
He'd put off till tomorrow
The trouble he'd borrow
Even though he knew twas not smart
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 9/15/09
i know you are there
i reach out for your comfort
please don't pull away
©2009-Art Belliveau
i reach out for your comfort
please don't pull away
©2009-Art Belliveau
haiku 9/14/09
an aging beagle
is sleeping in her soft bed--
what does she dream of?
©2009-Art Belliveau
is sleeping in her soft bed--
what does she dream of?
©2009-Art Belliveau
12 September 2009
your reality
there are many times
when the imagined event
is so much better than
the reality
but
the reality of
time spent with you
always
exceeds imagination
©2009-Art Belliveau
when the imagined event
is so much better than
the reality
but
the reality of
time spent with you
always
exceeds imagination
©2009-Art Belliveau
9/11/09
a hand
reaches out
slow
halting
snatched back
as if from fire
as if from ice
reaches out
again
and again
each time
fingers singed
by frosty flames
each time
fingers numbed
by blazing bergs
frozen and burned
simultaneously
but still
reaches out
daunted
yet determined
to touch
to feel
the frigid forbidden fire
of its
denied
desire
©2009-Art Belliveau
reaches out
slow
halting
snatched back
as if from fire
as if from ice
reaches out
again
and again
each time
fingers singed
by frosty flames
each time
fingers numbed
by blazing bergs
frozen and burned
simultaneously
but still
reaches out
daunted
yet determined
to touch
to feel
the frigid forbidden fire
of its
denied
desire
©2009-Art Belliveau
11 September 2009
Being Bad
There are times when being bad
Just feels so damn good
You know you really shouldn't
But you also know you could
Pushing and stretching the limits
Ever closer to that line
And sometimes you go across it
And it feels just so damn fine
Later, when there's time to reflect
You prepare for guilt's coming attack
But the ambush never happens
And it's so good you have to go back
©2009-Art Belliveau
Just feels so damn good
You know you really shouldn't
But you also know you could
Pushing and stretching the limits
Ever closer to that line
And sometimes you go across it
And it feels just so damn fine
Later, when there's time to reflect
You prepare for guilt's coming attack
But the ambush never happens
And it's so good you have to go back
©2009-Art Belliveau
10 September 2009
politics as usual
speaking past each other
their words unheard
by their opposition
plowshares pounded into swords
the simple mandate
Love One Another
ignored and trampled
politics as usual
©2009-Art Belliveau
their words unheard
by their opposition
plowshares pounded into swords
the simple mandate
Love One Another
ignored and trampled
politics as usual
©2009-Art Belliveau
08 September 2009
07 September 2009
04 September 2009
09/04/09
it is not
an abyss
but
often
when i stare
at a blank sheet of paper
or blank computer screen
i know
i know
that it
is staring back
©2009-Art Belliveau
an abyss
but
often
when i stare
at a blank sheet of paper
or blank computer screen
i know
i know
that it
is staring back
©2009-Art Belliveau
03 September 2009
danger of killing time
deadlines loom
time has become
unfriendly
unhelpful
spiteful even
seeking revenge
for all the
minutes
hours
days
i killed in idleness
if only i could
resurrect them
i might have
time enough
©2009-Art Belliveau
time has become
unfriendly
unhelpful
spiteful even
seeking revenge
for all the
minutes
hours
days
i killed in idleness
if only i could
resurrect them
i might have
time enough
©2009-Art Belliveau
02 September 2009
9/02/09
I am not afraid
of being alone
it is just that
i hate hate hate it
when
i am lonely
and that can happen
even
in a crowd
but
oddly enough
never
with you
©2009-Art Belliveau
of being alone
it is just that
i hate hate hate it
when
i am lonely
and that can happen
even
in a crowd
but
oddly enough
never
with you
©2009-Art Belliveau
01 September 2009
dichotomies
dichotomies
all or nothing
win or lose
yes or no
right or left
right or wrong
in a black and white world
of sharp dichotomies
I spend my time
fruitlessly (or not)
searching
seeking
a middle ground
a bit of grey
if only
to comfort myself
in my own lack
of certainties
©2009-Art Belliveau
all or nothing
win or lose
yes or no
right or left
right or wrong
in a black and white world
of sharp dichotomies
I spend my time
fruitlessly (or not)
searching
seeking
a middle ground
a bit of grey
if only
to comfort myself
in my own lack
of certainties
©2009-Art Belliveau
31 August 2009
29 August 2009
looking for...?
constantly
shuffling through songs on the iPod
obsessively
switching radio and tv stations
repeatedly
scanning the contents of fridge and pantry
never satisfied
with what i have
when
i have it
looking for that perfect...
what?
©2009-Art Belliveau
shuffling through songs on the iPod
obsessively
switching radio and tv stations
repeatedly
scanning the contents of fridge and pantry
never satisfied
with what i have
when
i have it
looking for that perfect...
what?
©2009-Art Belliveau
paradox
there is something to be said
for the silence
of a late night alone
but
if it is said
that silence is broken
and then what?
©2009-Art Belliveau
for the silence
of a late night alone
but
if it is said
that silence is broken
and then what?
©2009-Art Belliveau
27 August 2009
26 August 2009
haiku 8/26/09
soft rains fall outside
the parched earth drinks in deeply
Southern summer night
©2009-Art Belliveau
the parched earth drinks in deeply
Southern summer night
©2009-Art Belliveau
25 August 2009
innocence
innocence
i can’t remember when i lost you
for so many years we were one
weirdly enough
at first i didn’t notice you were gone
you had been slipping away from me
piece by piece
each piece forever gone
how could i have missed that?
after i lost you
the world lost some of its gleam
a darker and more cynical view
became my norm
now i see you again
however briefly
in my daughter
i can get the vicarious thrill
of your presence once more
until she loses you
too
©2009-Art Belliveau
i can’t remember when i lost you
for so many years we were one
weirdly enough
at first i didn’t notice you were gone
you had been slipping away from me
piece by piece
each piece forever gone
how could i have missed that?
after i lost you
the world lost some of its gleam
a darker and more cynical view
became my norm
now i see you again
however briefly
in my daughter
i can get the vicarious thrill
of your presence once more
until she loses you
too
©2009-Art Belliveau
24 August 2009
i know you're out there
i know you're out there
living your life
loving your kids
doing your job
buying groceries
reading books
watching tv
all without me
©2009-Art Belliveau
living your life
loving your kids
doing your job
buying groceries
reading books
watching tv
all without me
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 8/24/09
up too late again
stomach churns with butterflies--
excitement or fear?
©2009-Art Belliveau
stomach churns with butterflies--
excitement or fear?
©2009-Art Belliveau
23 August 2009
taking time
so much time
demanded by
“necessary” things
like work
like cleaning the house
like taking care of the yard
never time for
family
daughter
wife
unless
time is taken
deliberately
consciously
taken from the “necessities”
taken for the important
people
an afternoon at the park
the gabble, gabble, honk of
geese
blending and mixing with
the laughter and shouts of
playing children
wife and husband
sitting in the shade
reading, watching, listening
mother and father
playing with child
holding hands
buying ice cream from a truck
and making a memory
the important takes precedence
over
the necessary
©2009-Art Belliveau
demanded by
“necessary” things
like work
like cleaning the house
like taking care of the yard
never time for
family
daughter
wife
unless
time is taken
deliberately
consciously
taken from the “necessities”
taken for the important
people
an afternoon at the park
the gabble, gabble, honk of
geese
blending and mixing with
the laughter and shouts of
playing children
wife and husband
sitting in the shade
reading, watching, listening
mother and father
playing with child
holding hands
buying ice cream from a truck
and making a memory
the important takes precedence
over
the necessary
©2009-Art Belliveau
22 August 2009
lost
i felt lost
lost in a place
as familiar as
my own bathroom
lost in space
and time
looking for some trail
some sign
some something to tell me
where I was
where I was going
and then
I found
you
©2009-Art Belliveau
lost in a place
as familiar as
my own bathroom
lost in space
and time
looking for some trail
some sign
some something to tell me
where I was
where I was going
and then
I found
you
©2009-Art Belliveau
21 August 2009
i wish that you could see
i wish that you could see
the man i grew into
the man you helped me to become
through your years of example
through your love
even though you were not perfect
you always did your best
inspiring me
to try to do the same
©2009-Art Belliveau
the man i grew into
the man you helped me to become
through your years of example
through your love
even though you were not perfect
you always did your best
inspiring me
to try to do the same
©2009-Art Belliveau
20 August 2009
little did i know
i had thought
for so many long years
that the drummer i marched to
could be heard only by me
little did i know
somewhere out there
you were marching also
in lockstep with
my drummer
and me
©2009-Art Belliveau
for so many long years
that the drummer i marched to
could be heard only by me
little did i know
somewhere out there
you were marching also
in lockstep with
my drummer
and me
©2009-Art Belliveau
19 August 2009
the battle begins
the battle begins
each side takes its position
it may be over quickly
or may drag on and on
seemingly endless
wails of agony
shouted threats
tears and submission
and when this battle ends
the next is still in sight
even for a first grader
homework happens
©2009-Art Belliveau
each side takes its position
it may be over quickly
or may drag on and on
seemingly endless
wails of agony
shouted threats
tears and submission
and when this battle ends
the next is still in sight
even for a first grader
homework happens
©2009-Art Belliveau
18 August 2009
unintentional muse
unintentional muse
simply talking to you
sometimes
simply thinking about you
replenishes the well
and makes me more able
to allow the words
to flow freely
from my fingers
to the page
©2009-Art Belliveau
simply talking to you
sometimes
simply thinking about you
replenishes the well
and makes me more able
to allow the words
to flow freely
from my fingers
to the page
©2009-Art Belliveau
breadcrumbs
i write a trail of breadcrumbs
hoping against hope
that you will be able to follow
this ephemeral trace of my intentions
before it fades away
©2009-Art Belliveau
hoping against hope
that you will be able to follow
this ephemeral trace of my intentions
before it fades away
©2009-Art Belliveau
17 August 2009
reading between the lines
reading between the lines
looking for words that
were meant but never written
seeking messages
that only you can find
hoping that the meaning you receive
is the meaning that was meant
and not just
wishful thinkiing
©2009-Art Belliveau
looking for words that
were meant but never written
seeking messages
that only you can find
hoping that the meaning you receive
is the meaning that was meant
and not just
wishful thinkiing
©2009-Art Belliveau
16 August 2009
8/15/09
like a phantom limb
that still feels attached
that still feels pain
even absent
you are always with me
©2009-Art Belliveau
that still feels attached
that still feels pain
even absent
you are always with me
©2009-Art Belliveau
15 August 2009
senryu 8/14/09
yawning my head off
school's first week is history
time to go to bed
©2009-Art Belliveau
school's first week is history
time to go to bed
©2009-Art Belliveau
13 August 2009
The P.B. Solution
The P.B. Solution
Keeping a beagle busy
Isn’t very hard;
All you need is an open door,
And a great big, fenced-in yard.
But what if it is raining out,
Or it’s getting really late?
Then you just need some peanut butter--
Trust me, it works great!
Take a heaping fingerful
And stick it on top of her nose;
She will lick and lick and lick,
While jumping to and fro.
After all the p.b.’s eaten,
And she looks ready to calm down,
She’ll come back and beg for more--
To go another round.
So you just need good ole peanut butter,
When your beagle’s getting bored.
Just a simple fingerful,
Andyour her boredom will be cured.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Keeping a beagle busy
Isn’t very hard;
All you need is an open door,
And a great big, fenced-in yard.
But what if it is raining out,
Or it’s getting really late?
Then you just need some peanut butter--
Trust me, it works great!
Take a heaping fingerful
And stick it on top of her nose;
She will lick and lick and lick,
While jumping to and fro.
After all the p.b.’s eaten,
And she looks ready to calm down,
She’ll come back and beg for more--
To go another round.
So you just need good ole peanut butter,
When your beagle’s getting bored.
Just a simple fingerful,
And
©2009-Art Belliveau
12 August 2009
Ladonia Night
under a moonless august sky
cranky crickets and desultory dogs
exchange repeated greetings
traffic from the unseen highway
adds an urgent undertone
of miles to go before sleep
fitfully a breeze eases past
cool currents of air
promising the summer’s heat
will one day end
©2009-Art Belliveau
cranky crickets and desultory dogs
exchange repeated greetings
traffic from the unseen highway
adds an urgent undertone
of miles to go before sleep
fitfully a breeze eases past
cool currents of air
promising the summer’s heat
will one day end
©2009-Art Belliveau
11 August 2009
haiku 8/11/09
sticking in my lungs
sludgy and thick--hard to breathe
peanut butter air
©2009-Art Belliveau
sludgy and thick--hard to breathe
peanut butter air
©2009-Art Belliveau
10 August 2009
Triolet--The School Year Starts Up Once Again
The school year starts up once again.
Eager faces enter that first morn,
Ready once more to work with books and pen.
The school year starts up once again.
They make it through another year and then,
The cycle is reborn.
The school year starts up once again.
Eager faces enter that first morn.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Eager faces enter that first morn,
Ready once more to work with books and pen.
The school year starts up once again.
They make it through another year and then,
The cycle is reborn.
The school year starts up once again.
Eager faces enter that first morn.
©2009-Art Belliveau
09 August 2009
8/09/09
I am
drowning in masks
I wonder
which one will I wear now
because
(of course)
it is too daunting to go out
exposed
©2009-Art Belliveau
drowning in masks
I wonder
which one will I wear now
because
(of course)
it is too daunting to go out
exposed
©2009-Art Belliveau
07 August 2009
06 August 2009
Limerick 8/06/09
Waiting for school to start
The time just seems to dart
The minutes whiz by
In the blink of an eye
At a speed that frighten's my heart
©2009-Art Belliveau
The time just seems to dart
The minutes whiz by
In the blink of an eye
At a speed that frighten's my heart
©2009-Art Belliveau
04 August 2009
03 August 2009
An American Example
Booker T. Washington
Frederick Douglass
Martin Luther King, Jr.
iconic names
fighters for freedom
advocates of equality
now
mockingly
sardonically
ironic names
of housing projects
and schools
devoid of diversity
hollowed of hope
an American example
of style over substance
©2009-Art Belliveau
Frederick Douglass
Martin Luther King, Jr.
iconic names
fighters for freedom
advocates of equality
now
mockingly
sardonically
ironic names
of housing projects
and schools
devoid of diversity
hollowed of hope
an American example
of style over substance
©2009-Art Belliveau
02 August 2009
haiku 2 August
the dragon and swan
swim through August’s sea of stars
toward summer’s end
©2009-Art Belliveau
swim through August’s sea of stars
toward summer’s end
©2009-Art Belliveau
Florida Night
night winds rise
from the blackened sea
palm leaves rustle
overhead
echoing
the susurration
of the waves
bougainvillea’s sweet scent
floating free
in the subtropical night
your hand
warm in mine
your heart
entwined in mine
©2009-Art Belliveau
from the blackened sea
palm leaves rustle
overhead
echoing
the susurration
of the waves
bougainvillea’s sweet scent
floating free
in the subtropical night
your hand
warm in mine
your heart
entwined in mine
©2009-Art Belliveau
01 August 2009
the perfect student
once upon a time
I was the teacher and you
the student
my pedantic lessons were not
what I wanted to teach
my boring lectures not the words
I wanted to say
and you
the perfect student
disregarded the pretense
of my pedagogy
heard past the scripted
words and attitudes
and learned the lesson
I could not teach aloud
©2009-Art Belliveau
I was the teacher and you
the student
my pedantic lessons were not
what I wanted to teach
my boring lectures not the words
I wanted to say
and you
the perfect student
disregarded the pretense
of my pedagogy
heard past the scripted
words and attitudes
and learned the lesson
I could not teach aloud
©2009-Art Belliveau
even when...
even when...
even when I cannot hear you
the sweetness of your voice fills my ears
even when I cannot see you
the loveliness of your face fills my eyes
even when I cannot hold you
the warmth of your soft body fills my arms
even when you are gone so long
the nearness of your love fills my soul
©2009-Art Belliveau
even when I cannot hear you
the sweetness of your voice fills my ears
even when I cannot see you
the loveliness of your face fills my eyes
even when I cannot hold you
the warmth of your soft body fills my arms
even when you are gone so long
the nearness of your love fills my soul
©2009-Art Belliveau
30 July 2009
Rush
chaos
blinking lights
electricity
running wild
darkness
and light
strobing
with
seizure-inducing speed
hot
sweaty
dizzying
closeness
thought-reducing
fever-building
nearness
propinquity
proximity
to
you
©2009-Art Belliveau
blinking lights
electricity
running wild
darkness
and light
strobing
with
seizure-inducing speed
hot
sweaty
dizzying
closeness
thought-reducing
fever-building
nearness
propinquity
proximity
to
you
©2009-Art Belliveau
29 July 2009
Birthday Limerick
There was a girl from Smith Station
Who was a stunning sensation
She stole my heart
Because she is smart
And walks with an awesome gyration
©2009-Art Belliveau
Who was a stunning sensation
She stole my heart
Because she is smart
And walks with an awesome gyration
©2009-Art Belliveau
I Want to Be a Pirate
I want to be a pirate
And sail the seven seas
I want to sail a pirate ship
And feel a salty breeze
I want to hoist the mainsail
And make someone walk the plank
I want to fly the pirate flag
After the enemy sank
If I could only be a pirate
I would act real mean and grim
But I’ll never be a pirate
Unless I learn to swim
©2009-Art Belliveau
And sail the seven seas
I want to sail a pirate ship
And feel a salty breeze
I want to hoist the mainsail
And make someone walk the plank
I want to fly the pirate flag
After the enemy sank
If I could only be a pirate
I would act real mean and grim
But I’ll never be a pirate
Unless I learn to swim
©2009-Art Belliveau
27 July 2009
07/26/09
last week of summer
school starts soon
everything begins again
another spin of the year
another chance
another opportunity
I hope that summer never ends
©2009-Art Belliveau
school starts soon
everything begins again
another spin of the year
another chance
another opportunity
I hope that summer never ends
©2009-Art Belliveau
07/25/09
driving
traveling down deserted
stretches of road
nothing in sight
I think of you
©2009-Art Belliveau
traveling down deserted
stretches of road
nothing in sight
I think of you
©2009-Art Belliveau
07/24/09
sometimes
late at night
I look up
to see the stars
but
nothing is there
except
the obscuring clouds
©2009-Art Belliveau
late at night
I look up
to see the stars
but
nothing is there
except
the obscuring clouds
©2009-Art Belliveau
23 July 2009
Time for Bed
I go into your darkened room
lights out, but for
the angel in the wall
Final kisses
Final hugs
“You’re my good girl”
I whisper with my kisses
“And you’re my good Daddy”
you reply with conviction
as you hug me tight
And
with everything in me
that’s just
exactly
what I want to be
©2009-Art Belliveau
lights out, but for
the angel in the wall
Final kisses
Final hugs
“You’re my good girl”
I whisper with my kisses
“And you’re my good Daddy”
you reply with conviction
as you hug me tight
And
with everything in me
that’s just
exactly
what I want to be
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 07/22/09
Internet again?
I just love my computer--
All my friends live there
©2009-Art Belliveau
I just love my computer--
All my friends live there
©2009-Art Belliveau
21 July 2009
even in the midst of
even in the midst of
chaotic clamor
my soul embraces
a calmness
listening to
internal silence
echoing from
memories of solitude
©2009-Art Belliveau
chaotic clamor
my soul embraces
a calmness
listening to
internal silence
echoing from
memories of solitude
©2009-Art Belliveau
20 July 2009
because I have you
hundreds of miles
separate us
the sky is cloud covered
and black
no one is near for miles
but I cannot be alone
in the dark
because I have you
©2009-Art Belliveau
separate us
the sky is cloud covered
and black
no one is near for miles
but I cannot be alone
in the dark
because I have you
©2009-Art Belliveau
19 July 2009
in the deep stillness
in the deep stillness
of the unpeopled wilderness
in the silence from conversation
the loudest voice i do not hear
is yours
©2009-Art Belliveau
of the unpeopled wilderness
in the silence from conversation
the loudest voice i do not hear
is yours
©2009-Art Belliveau
18 July 2009
A Summer's Day Parade
A Summer's Day Parade
Who can be bored on a summer’s day?
There’s so much to see.
As I was laying out on my front lawn,
All these things went right past me:
A bunny eating a carrot
A narwhale skarfing down krill
A cowpoke riding a bucking bull
(That one gave me a thrill)
A dragon spitting a fount of fire
An angel dog guarding us all
A tiger stalking a two headed pig
A clown balancing on a ball
A flock of penguins
A bighorned ram
A chimpanzee
A little lost lamb
All of this I laid there and watched,
As the day just breezed on by.
Laying there comfy on my front lawn,
Watching the clouds go by.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Who can be bored on a summer’s day?
There’s so much to see.
As I was laying out on my front lawn,
All these things went right past me:
A bunny eating a carrot
A narwhale skarfing down krill
A cowpoke riding a bucking bull
(That one gave me a thrill)
A dragon spitting a fount of fire
An angel dog guarding us all
A tiger stalking a two headed pig
A clown balancing on a ball
A flock of penguins
A bighorned ram
A chimpanzee
A little lost lamb
All of this I laid there and watched,
As the day just breezed on by.
Laying there comfy on my front lawn,
Watching the clouds go by.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Everyone Said...
Everyone Said...
Everyone said that the Earth was flat,
Go to far and over the edge you’d bound.
Everyone said that the Earth stood still,
And it was the sun that traveled around.
Everyone said if people should fly,
God would have given us wings.
So why should we listen to what Everyone says?
Everyone's wrong 'bout so many things.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Everyone said that the Earth was flat,
Go to far and over the edge you’d bound.
Everyone said that the Earth stood still,
And it was the sun that traveled around.
Everyone said if people should fly,
God would have given us wings.
So why should we listen to what Everyone says?
Everyone's wrong 'bout so many things.
©2009-Art Belliveau
17 July 2009
The Grup-a-lup
The Grup-a-lup
The grup-a-lup just plods along,
Without a word, without a song.
Without rest, it plods ahead
From when it's born, until it's dead.
It never stops; it rarely slows.
Why it keeps going, no one knows.
It never eats or takes a drink,
Or changes course or stops to think.
Having no fun, it's journey never ends.
I'm glad I'm not a grup-a-lup, aren't you, my friends?
©2009-Art Belliveau
The grup-a-lup just plods along,
Without a word, without a song.
Without rest, it plods ahead
From when it's born, until it's dead.
It never stops; it rarely slows.
Why it keeps going, no one knows.
It never eats or takes a drink,
Or changes course or stops to think.
Having no fun, it's journey never ends.
I'm glad I'm not a grup-a-lup, aren't you, my friends?
©2009-Art Belliveau
Molly Had a Sleepover
Molly Had a Sleepover
Molly had a sleepover,
All her best friends were there.
With sleeping bags and giggles,
All of them walked on air.
Kat, and Kylie, and Kaiden,
Came for a night of fun.
They were ready for the party.
It would be the bestest one.
First they got into their p.j.s,
And then they watched TV.
They ate some ice cream and some chips,
And drank a gallon of sweet tea.
They played with their stuffed animals.
Had a midnight tea party.
They did each other’s hair and nails,
They were beautiful to see.
They dug out Molly’s jewelry,
And put on a fashion show.
They were going full speed now,
Not one of them did slow.
They went into the bedroom
And shut off all the lights.
They took turns telling sacry stories.
They gave themselves the frights.
They squealed and and jabbered all night long,
Until into the sky the sun crept.
And finally after a night of fun,
As the morning came, they slept.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Molly had a sleepover,
All her best friends were there.
With sleeping bags and giggles,
All of them walked on air.
Kat, and Kylie, and Kaiden,
Came for a night of fun.
They were ready for the party.
It would be the bestest one.
First they got into their p.j.s,
And then they watched TV.
They ate some ice cream and some chips,
And drank a gallon of sweet tea.
They played with their stuffed animals.
Had a midnight tea party.
They did each other’s hair and nails,
They were beautiful to see.
They dug out Molly’s jewelry,
And put on a fashion show.
They were going full speed now,
Not one of them did slow.
They went into the bedroom
And shut off all the lights.
They took turns telling sacry stories.
They gave themselves the frights.
They squealed and and jabbered all night long,
Until into the sky the sun crept.
And finally after a night of fun,
As the morning came, they slept.
©2009-Art Belliveau
15 July 2009
Just Do It
Just Do It
When you’re told that something
Simply can't be done,
You just smile and nod your head.
And then, instead of believing that,
Go out and do it instead.
©2009-Art Belliveau
When you’re told that something
Simply can't be done,
You just smile and nod your head.
And then, instead of believing that,
Go out and do it instead.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Think Pink
Think Pink
I love to wear pink,
From my toes to my hair.
My good Sunday clothing,
And all my beachwear.
It drives my dad crazy;
He don’t know what to do.
He just keeps on saying
That boys should wear blue.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I love to wear pink,
From my toes to my hair.
My good Sunday clothing,
And all my beachwear.
It drives my dad crazy;
He don’t know what to do.
He just keeps on saying
That boys should wear blue.
©2009-Art Belliveau
13 July 2009
Dreams
Dreams
future visions
aspirations
churning yearning in the soul
deep desires
longed for wishes
help to keep us sane and whole
fuel ambitions
fire passions
help us reach
our heart-held goals
©2009-Art Belliveau
future visions
aspirations
churning yearning in the soul
deep desires
longed for wishes
help to keep us sane and whole
fuel ambitions
fire passions
help us reach
our heart-held goals
©2009-Art Belliveau
12 July 2009
Recipe
Recipe
layer a sprinkling of stars
twinkling in a velvet black sky
over a mixture of sea & sand
stir the stygian sea to create
waves, flecked with luminescent foam
lapping gently onto the warm beach sand
add one pregnant sea turtle laying eggs
& a half dozen or so
awestruck & silent boy scouts
(hidden behind a garnish of sea oats)
marinate in silvery moonlight & stillness
for several minutes
Yields wonder, awe, and a new respect
for nature
©2009-Art Belliveau
layer a sprinkling of stars
twinkling in a velvet black sky
over a mixture of sea & sand
stir the stygian sea to create
waves, flecked with luminescent foam
lapping gently onto the warm beach sand
add one pregnant sea turtle laying eggs
& a half dozen or so
awestruck & silent boy scouts
(hidden behind a garnish of sea oats)
marinate in silvery moonlight & stillness
for several minutes
Yields wonder, awe, and a new respect
for nature
©2009-Art Belliveau
Elegy for Bonnie
Elegy for Bonnie
soft, sad beagle eyes
staring at me
just watching
tail wagging as I near
head popping up, alert
wanting me to pay attention
coming to me as I sit
putting her head beneath my hand
willing me to get the idea
and start scratching
eating furtively, timidly
stopping if I get too close
wanting reassurance it’s okay to eat more
each encouragement lasting for just one bite
then looking up again
as if for permission
onece again
wanting out
needing out
dancing with impatience
in front of me
as much as saying, “Pay attention!”
relief streaming from her
as I let her into the backyard
wanting in
so grateful when I open the door
tail wagging, whole back end wagging
head down, grinning, sneezing and snuffling
taking care when crossing the door
afraid her former human will hurt her again
relived that I am here instead
rolling on her back
exposing her stomach
waiting to be scratched
trusting and loving
still living in memory
still alive in my heart
©2009-Art Belliveau
soft, sad beagle eyes
staring at me
just watching
tail wagging as I near
head popping up, alert
wanting me to pay attention
coming to me as I sit
putting her head beneath my hand
willing me to get the idea
and start scratching
eating furtively, timidly
stopping if I get too close
wanting reassurance it’s okay to eat more
each encouragement lasting for just one bite
then looking up again
as if for permission
onece again
wanting out
needing out
dancing with impatience
in front of me
as much as saying, “Pay attention!”
relief streaming from her
as I let her into the backyard
wanting in
so grateful when I open the door
tail wagging, whole back end wagging
head down, grinning, sneezing and snuffling
taking care when crossing the door
afraid her former human will hurt her again
relived that I am here instead
rolling on her back
exposing her stomach
waiting to be scratched
trusting and loving
still living in memory
still alive in my heart
©2009-Art Belliveau
10 July 2009
The Door
The Door
I see a door half open,
Or maybe it's half shut.
Perhaps I should go through it,
But if I do--then what?
I don't know what's on the other side,
And I'm half-afraid to see.
Through that door there could be danger,
Or perhaps my opportunity.
There's just one way for me to know;
I must go out and take a look.
I must this time show courage.
Or mourn the chance I never took.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I see a door half open,
Or maybe it's half shut.
Perhaps I should go through it,
But if I do--then what?
I don't know what's on the other side,
And I'm half-afraid to see.
Through that door there could be danger,
Or perhaps my opportunity.
There's just one way for me to know;
I must go out and take a look.
I must this time show courage.
Or mourn the chance I never took.
©2009-Art Belliveau
09 July 2009
Day Dream
I have a mind that wanders;
It goes most anywhere.
And as it travels far and wide,
Into the sky I stare.
In my flights of fancy,
I don't need anything.
I can take off from the Earth,
And to the sky take wing.
I soar above the topmost clouds,
And venture into space.
I drink in the Milky Way,
As past the moon I race.
I leave our Solar System,
Our galaxy, our--sheesh!
My mind can get so far away,
When I let it slip the leash.
©2009-Art Belliveau
It goes most anywhere.
And as it travels far and wide,
Into the sky I stare.
In my flights of fancy,
I don't need anything.
I can take off from the Earth,
And to the sky take wing.
I soar above the topmost clouds,
And venture into space.
I drink in the Milky Way,
As past the moon I race.
I leave our Solar System,
Our galaxy, our--sheesh!
My mind can get so far away,
When I let it slip the leash.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Rubaiyat of the Carousel
Rubaiyat of the Carousel
Riding my horse as it moves up and down.
See the lights, hear the noise as I go round and round.
Chasing a dragon; pursued by a pig.
Calliope playing--no happier sound.
Ahead moves a tiger bigger than big.
As I travel in circles on this fancy rig.
Not so fast I am dizzy, not so slow I am not.
Liquid laughter surrounds me, and I take a swig.
I want to keep riding and never get caught.
Free from all cares, I am one happy tot.
I want to keep riding and never slow down.
The lure of the carousel cannot be fought.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Riding my horse as it moves up and down.
See the lights, hear the noise as I go round and round.
Chasing a dragon; pursued by a pig.
Calliope playing--no happier sound.
Ahead moves a tiger bigger than big.
As I travel in circles on this fancy rig.
Not so fast I am dizzy, not so slow I am not.
Liquid laughter surrounds me, and I take a swig.
I want to keep riding and never get caught.
Free from all cares, I am one happy tot.
I want to keep riding and never slow down.
The lure of the carousel cannot be fought.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Rock-a-Bye Baby
Rock-a-bye baby,
In the tree top.
Someone should arrest
Your mom and your pop.
Putting a baby
Up in a tree
Doesn’t sound right
Or real safe to me.
©2009-Art Belliveau
In the tree top.
Someone should arrest
Your mom and your pop.
Putting a baby
Up in a tree
Doesn’t sound right
Or real safe to me.
©2009-Art Belliveau
07 July 2009
06 July 2009
the only way
the only way
to communicate
to let you know
that I am here
and you are not--
not forgotten--
is through
the words
of a poem
and even if
i never hear from you
again
i am here
and you
you will never be--
never be forgotten
©2009-Art Belliveau
to communicate
to let you know
that I am here
and you are not--
not forgotten--
is through
the words
of a poem
and even if
i never hear from you
again
i am here
and you
you will never be--
never be forgotten
©2009-Art Belliveau
05 July 2009
and he held it in the palm of his hand
and he held it in the palm of his hand
scared
excited
thrilled
nervous
knowing it wasn’t really his
knowing it could so easily disappear
again
and it started to
it began to float away
panicking
he squeezed his bearlike hand shut
trapping in it
the broken pieces
that could never
be remade
©2009-Art Belliveau
scared
excited
thrilled
nervous
knowing it wasn’t really his
knowing it could so easily disappear
again
and it started to
it began to float away
panicking
he squeezed his bearlike hand shut
trapping in it
the broken pieces
that could never
be remade
©2009-Art Belliveau
4th of July
Flowers of fire in the sky.
Brilliant explosions way up high.
Blue and green and red and gold...
Watching fireworks never gets old.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Brilliant explosions way up high.
Blue and green and red and gold...
Watching fireworks never gets old.
©2009-Art Belliveau
4th of July
parking deck--top floor
setting sun, cool breeze, clear sky
waiting for fireworks
©2009-Art Belliveau
setting sun, cool breeze, clear sky
waiting for fireworks
©2009-Art Belliveau
03 July 2009
Mixed Emotions
I woke up feeling sick today and got to stay in bed.
You may think that made me happy, missing school.
But I am not overjoyed, I’m miserable instead.
Cause getting sick in the summer isn’t cool.
©2009-Art Belliveau
You may think that made me happy, missing school.
But I am not overjoyed, I’m miserable instead.
Cause getting sick in the summer isn’t cool.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Ed
There is a monster under my bed.
He is my friend. His name is Ed.
He is invisible. I never see him.
I think he’s stuck here. I want to free him.
How to get Ed out and keep him unharmed,
And without Momma seeing (she’d be alarmed),
That is the puzzle I must figure out.
And it is a toughie, of that there’s no doubt.
I have tried and tried to find Ed a new place.
And a new friend, who he can embrace.
I put an ad in the paper and stay by the phone.
And invite them over when I am alone.
So far Ed’s met forty-nine new little friends.
But it’s kinda weird how it always ends.
I step outside and while I am gone,
The new friend disappears and Ed has withdrawn.
So, if you need a monster for under your bed,
Just give me a call and I’ll let you meet Ed.
And if he doesn’t eat you, you may take him home,
To put under your bed, from which he’ll never roam.
©2009-Art Belliveau
01 July 2009
senryu 07/01/09
precision cooking
"order up! your order's up!"
short order cook's life
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 06/30/09
tunes for a nickel
oldies start blasting away
old-fashioned jukebox
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 06/29/09
smell of grilling meat
the bustle of the diner
chilhood mem'ries live
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu 06/28/09
southern lunch counter
all races eat together
my, how times have changed
©2009-Art Belliveau
27 June 2009
senryu 06/27/09
in the night’s quiet
forestalling loneliness there’s
always, only, you
©2009-Art Belliveau
forestalling loneliness there’s
always, only, you
©2009-Art Belliveau
Star Light, Star--Oops!
Star light,
Star bright,
First star I see tonight,
Wait a minute--that’s not right!
You are moving left to right.
You must be a satellite!
©2009-Art Belliveau
Star bright,
First star I see tonight,
Wait a minute--that’s not right!
You are moving left to right.
You must be a satellite!
©2009-Art Belliveau
25 June 2009
6/25/09
Alice
in Looking Glass Land
ran in place
to stay still
I am often amazed
by Carroll’s perspicacity
and at
how like
Alice
I am
©2009-Art Belliveau
in Looking Glass Land
ran in place
to stay still
I am often amazed
by Carroll’s perspicacity
and at
how like
Alice
I am
©2009-Art Belliveau
24 June 2009
Procrastination
I brushed my teeth
And washed my face.
I took my bath
At my slowest pace.
I cleaned the house,
And washed the car.
I finished my homework
And practiced guitar.
I washed the dishes,
And ironed the clothes.
I put all of my shoes
Into neat little rows.
I finished my chores,
Got the dogs fed.
I’ll do almost anything
When it's time for bed.
©2009-Art Belliveau
And washed my face.
I took my bath
At my slowest pace.
I cleaned the house,
And washed the car.
I finished my homework
And practiced guitar.
I washed the dishes,
And ironed the clothes.
I put all of my shoes
Into neat little rows.
I finished my chores,
Got the dogs fed.
I’ll do almost anything
When it's time for bed.
©2009-Art Belliveau
23 June 2009
senryu 6/23/09
She drones on and on.
Boring monotone. Why me?
Help! My brain is full!
©2009-Art Belliveau
22 June 2009
21 June 2009
senryu 6/21/09
she's been gone a week
tonight she finally returns
my heart is singing
©2009-Art Belliveau
20 June 2009
love poem
I want to write
a love poem
but how?
i do not want
a saccharine sweetness
cloying treacle
and sophmoric rhymes
i do not want
to be vulgar
with brazenly lustful images
evoking empty passion
so I will simply say
as plain and honest truth
that I love you
and pray that is enough
©2009-Art Belliveau
a love poem
but how?
i do not want
a saccharine sweetness
cloying treacle
and sophmoric rhymes
i do not want
to be vulgar
with brazenly lustful images
evoking empty passion
so I will simply say
as plain and honest truth
that I love you
and pray that is enough
©2009-Art Belliveau
6/19/09
the curtain falls
draping me
adding unconscionable weight
bearing me down
cutting off light
cutting off hope
creating tunnel vision
illusions of emptiness
that feel all too true
I continue on
refuse to stop
though
that’s all I want to do
©2009-Art Belliveau
draping me
adding unconscionable weight
bearing me down
cutting off light
cutting off hope
creating tunnel vision
illusions of emptiness
that feel all too true
I continue on
refuse to stop
though
that’s all I want to do
©2009-Art Belliveau
18 June 2009
conversation
we speak
and I try
--again--
to respond
to you
only to be
cut off
--again--
as your more important thought
comes pouring out
©2009-Art Belliveau
and I try
--again--
to respond
to you
only to be
cut off
--again--
as your more important thought
comes pouring out
©2009-Art Belliveau
17 June 2009
Hemingway Stole a Urinal
Hemingway Stole a Urinal
Hemingway stole a urinal,
That’s how the story goes.
Hemingway stole a urinal,
While helping move Sloppy Joe’s.
Joe decided to move his bar,
To save a buck a month in rent.
He figured a way to make the move,
Without costing him one red cent.
He closed the bar at two o’clock
(That’s early for Key West)
And offered free booze to everyone
Who honored one request:
Help him move all his stuff,
Half a block to the new location,
And he would make sure that all who helped
Would be rewarded with inebriation.
And so the patrons of the bar,
Picked up every table and chair,
And balanced their drinks as they moved the stuff,
Through the humid Florida air.
In order to get another free drink
They had to back for another load,
And carry it down half a block
To the new site across the road.
Joe opened the bar at nine the next morn
And kept his business in the groove.
But there was at least one accoutrement
That didn’t make the move.
Young Ernest went into the john
To recycle some of Joe’s beer.
And as he stood there he was struck by an urge
To make the urinal disappear.
After all it was only fair,
Reasoned his semi-pickled brain,
After all he’d paid for that urinal
With all the profits he’d sent down the drain.
And he reached out a drunken hand
And tore it from the wall.
Then he left the party
And headed home with his haul.
He put in the from yard
Not caring if he appeared the fool.
And also would get back at his wife,
For secretly putting in a pool.
She tried to to make him take it out,
But she never won that fight.
And so she tried to dress it up,
With a fountain and tiles bright.
And that stolen urinal
Still sits there to this day.
And that’s the tale of the urinal
Stolen by Ernest Hemingway.
©2009-Art Belliveau
16 June 2009
senryu 6/16/09
working on a poem
head full of cotton, eyes droop,
will try tomorrow
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 14 June 2009
we’re finally home
settled back to our routines
now she’s gone again
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 13 June 2009
mile after dull mile
the Florida Turnpike goes
with nothing to see
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 12 June 2009
kaleidoscopelike
groping, touching, and kissing
spasmodic chaos
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 11 June 2009
the saddest partings
come when there is no goodbye
just empty silence
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 10 June 2009
even with eyes closed
I know when the sun has hit
my sun-reddened arms
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 9 June 2009
aggressive vendors
try to force their wares on me
soft sell works better
©2009-Art Belliveau
haiku from 8 June 2009
swimming with dolphins
laughing, jumping together
our playful cousins
©2009-Art Belliveau
haiku from 7 June 2009
blue sky, blue ocean
a million shades between them
whitecaps and white clouds
©2009-Art Belliveau
haiku from 6 June 2009
whitecaps oceanside
calm water in sheltered bay
rock barrier ‘tween
©2009-Art Belliveau
15 June 2009
senryu from 5 June 2009
waterfront restaurant
a lazy Jamaican day
kick back and relax
©2009-Art Belliveau
a lazy Jamaican day
kick back and relax
©2009-Art Belliveau
senryu from 3 June 2009
Ah, Seven Mile Beach
floating free in the water
troubles left on shore
©2009-Art Belliveau
floating free in the water
troubles left on shore
©2009-Art Belliveau
from 1 June 2009
Glass-Bottom Poem
I’ve been on a glass-bottom boat.
I’ve been on a glass-bottom plane.
I’ve been on a glass-bottom car.
I’ve been on a glass-bottom train.
I once rode a glass-bottom bike,
But it got cracked and broke,
When a big, old glass-bottom rock
Shattered a glass-bottom spoke.
But the weirdest thing I’ve seen,
Must be my glass-bottom dog.
Everyone stops and stares;
Everyone’s simply agog.
Now I’ll bring this glass-bottom poem,
To a happy, glass-bottom end.
And I hope from my glass-bottom heart,
You’ll enjoy it, my glass-bottom friend.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I’ve been on a glass-bottom boat.
I’ve been on a glass-bottom plane.
I’ve been on a glass-bottom car.
I’ve been on a glass-bottom train.
I once rode a glass-bottom bike,
But it got cracked and broke,
When a big, old glass-bottom rock
Shattered a glass-bottom spoke.
But the weirdest thing I’ve seen,
Must be my glass-bottom dog.
Everyone stops and stares;
Everyone’s simply agog.
Now I’ll bring this glass-bottom poem,
To a happy, glass-bottom end.
And I hope from my glass-bottom heart,
You’ll enjoy it, my glass-bottom friend.
©2009-Art Belliveau
from 31 May 2009
The Snerklederkles
Underneath the ocean’s waves,
Way down deep below,
Live the Snerklederkles––
Ocean people whose skin does glow.
It is red when they are happy,
Violet if they’re mad,
Olive green when they get sleepy,
Neon orange when they’re sad.
The colors they blink on and off,
And change ‘most all the time.
It makes their kingdom wondrous to see,
Though silent as a mime.
For the Snerklederkle people,
They never say a word.
Their colors all speak for them,
And not a sound is heard.
Underneath the ocean’s waves,
Way down deep below,
The silent Snerklederkles live––
Ocean people whose skin does glow.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Underneath the ocean’s waves,
Way down deep below,
Live the Snerklederkles––
Ocean people whose skin does glow.
It is red when they are happy,
Violet if they’re mad,
Olive green when they get sleepy,
Neon orange when they’re sad.
The colors they blink on and off,
And change ‘most all the time.
It makes their kingdom wondrous to see,
Though silent as a mime.
For the Snerklederkle people,
They never say a word.
Their colors all speak for them,
And not a sound is heard.
Underneath the ocean’s waves,
Way down deep below,
The silent Snerklederkles live––
Ocean people whose skin does glow.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I'm Back
I’m Back
I’m back, I’m back,
I’ve missed you so.
Here I am again,
Though I had to go.
The trip was great.
The trip was fun.
I swam in the ocean,
I laid in the sun.
I got sunburned and seasick,
But I sure didn’t care.
I had the most fun,
That I’ve had anywhere.
I sailed out with pirates.
Went searching for some gold.
I explored the Arctic,
And man it sure was cold!
I journeyed on down,
To the Earth’s molten core.
I circled the moon.
Who could ask for much more?
I went everywhere,
And did everything.
I rode on a tiger.
I conquered a king.
I bet you really missed me,
Did not expect me back so soon.
Hey, Mom, what’s for dinner?
I’ve been traveling since noon.
©2009-Art Belliveau
I’m back, I’m back,
I’ve missed you so.
Here I am again,
Though I had to go.
The trip was great.
The trip was fun.
I swam in the ocean,
I laid in the sun.
I got sunburned and seasick,
But I sure didn’t care.
I had the most fun,
That I’ve had anywhere.
I sailed out with pirates.
Went searching for some gold.
I explored the Arctic,
And man it sure was cold!
I journeyed on down,
To the Earth’s molten core.
I circled the moon.
Who could ask for much more?
I went everywhere,
And did everything.
I rode on a tiger.
I conquered a king.
I bet you really missed me,
Did not expect me back so soon.
Hey, Mom, what’s for dinner?
I’ve been traveling since noon.
©2009-Art Belliveau
30 May 2009
Sometimes...
Sometimes...
Sometimes I feel silly,
And I need to dance and sing.
Sometimes I feel thoughtful,
And just focus on one thing.
Sometimes I am joyful,
All the world’s a happy place.
Sometimes I’m unhappy,
And wear my frowny face.
Sometimes I’m confused,
Can’t seem to get from a to b.
But no matter how I feel,
I know I’m always me.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Sometimes I feel silly,
And I need to dance and sing.
Sometimes I feel thoughtful,
And just focus on one thing.
Sometimes I am joyful,
All the world’s a happy place.
Sometimes I’m unhappy,
And wear my frowny face.
Sometimes I’m confused,
Can’t seem to get from a to b.
But no matter how I feel,
I know I’m always me.
©2009-Art Belliveau
29 May 2009
Back Seat Boredom
Back Seat Boredom
As bored as I could be,
Wishing the car ride wasn't so long,
Wishing for something to see.
Outside the car was boring,
Nothing to see for miles.
Except, of course, for the unicorns,
And the purple crocodiles.
The lollipop trees were in full bloom;
Every color was shining bright.
The chocolate rivers flowed next to the road,
On both the left and the right.
The flying pigs and wombats,
Were dancing an aerial ballet.
And I just sat there bored to tears,
Another ho-hum day.
©2009-Art Belliveau
28 May 2009
Light Traveler
Light Traveler
I packed up all my shoes.
I packed up all my clothes.
I packed up all of my toiletries.
I packed up the garden hose.
I packed my computer and printer.
I packed up some paper and ink.
I packed up my umbrella stand.
I packed up the kitchen sink.
I packed up the rose bush.
I packed up the tire swing.
I packed up the TV set.
I packed up my favorite ring.
I would have packed up lots more stuff,
But I thought it wouldn’t be right.
How much more stuff could I need?
I would just be gone one night.
©2009-Art Belliveau
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
