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By Rob Kistner | June 27, 2008

“Along the Coast” by: Eyvind Earle

Topics: Image | Comments Off

Vision

By Rob Kistner | June 27, 2008

Vision

•

the timid person looks
and sees nothing

the visionary looks
and sees what is not there
but should be

and will be someday

• • •

Topics: Poetry | 9 Comments »

Melody

By Rob Kistner | June 22, 2008

…here are two reflections on the concept of melody…

Off Key

•

nature is a song
a melody transcendent
sung in harmony

but this chorus is threatened
humankind grows discordant

• • •

__________________

Love’s Lilt

•

sometimes

in the clatter
of a thoughtless moment

I forget to listen

fail to hear
the tender lilt
of our heartsong

but

when I am quiet
and we are close

our melody of love
is all I hear

please forgive
my selfish noise

rejoin me
in our sweet duet

I miss
your gentle voice

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Haiku, Poetry, Tanka | 13 Comments »

Shattered

By Rob Kistner | June 17, 2008

Shattered

•

I come upon a man
standing by the road
looking sad

heavy box
in his arms
held close

he stares
expressionless
into my eyes

his gaze stops me
fixes me in place

his face is tired
and drawn
etched in worry

when at last I move
I draw near

close enough to see
this sullen man
is me

he extends his arms
that clutch the heavy box

he beckons me retrieve
this container he protects

filled with apprehension
I reach
and grasp the case

lift it cautiously

lay it at my feet

it slowly opens
to reveal
its strange contents

seven shattered dreams

struck mute
I gaze in wonder

confused
yet captivated
I inquire
of the nature
of the ruin
I behold

these are yours
the stranger says

broken by your hand

once
they each were shared
with one
who trusted you

each bond
you did betray
without a passing thought

abandoned carelessly

now the burden of this box
is mine beyond the grave

the stranger’s eyes
intensely sad
begin to pool
as he continues

it was on a road like this
that it was passed to me

I have carried it too long

I am weary from the load

now you must bend and lift
and clutch it to your breast
to struggle with its weight

until you pass it on

a tear
now softly glistens
on the stranger’s cheek

someday
a man will come
over that horizon

he will stop
and stare
transfixed by your presence

you will charge him with this chest

then he will lift
and carry
as I do

in a cycle of forever

for he too
will be you

• • •

_____________________

composite above entitled: “Box Of Dreams” - by: rob kistner © 2008
_____________________

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Image, Poetry | 5 Comments »

Dark Self

By Rob Kistner | June 14, 2008

Dark Self

•

hidden from the light of day
another me resides
though keeping to the shadows
a saving grace abides

a darkling essence
scarred and damaged
begotten in another life
another place and time

it is an anger manifest
righteous and so long suppressed
that could not find effective voice
to save my ruined innocence

silent when I had no name
for what I did not comprehend
the woeful time when youthful trust
was betrayed in ways insidious

sadly was this torment done
by the hand of the entrusted one
concealed from blind society
to perpetrate such vile deeds

in this fire of perversity
my molten other self was forged
hammered on my hardened soul
tempered by survival’s hand

to rise and fight the abject fear
cradled within my broken heart
to lift from me my veil of sorrow
and so restore my peace of mind

to stir and wake my sacred rage
and instill my will to live
thus reclaim my rightful pride
to finally stand and say – no more

my shadow self did save my life
in doing so turned me to stone
I did not like what I’d become
I’d sacrificed integrity

I turned away from my dark self
refused its further influence
set about the trying task
of recapturing my dignity

not so easily subdued
this shadow calls when I am weak
so now I live with watchful eye

vigilant – yet thankful

• • •

_____________________

collage above entitled: “Dark Self” - by: rob kistner © 2008
_____________________

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Image, Poetry, collage | 1 Comment »

Morning Gold

By Rob Kistner | June 10, 2008

Morning Gold

•

across the meadow

last night’s dew clings
fondly to the old-growth

wrapped in crystalline embrace
it adorns the stately cedars
as if diamonds
that sparkle in the morning sun

a splendor befitting their beauty

this day begins bright and crisp

bird songs lilt
carried on a breeze

I see you afar
approaching on the path
backlit by sunrise
your hair golden in dawn’s glow

lover beholding beloved
I sit
warmed in daybreak’s window
with tea and fascination

I watch you
as you stop to rest

in this moment
my love spills over
floods ‘round me
until I am consumed

your lips sculpt a smile

I’m swept away on passion’s tide

• • •

click below to hear Morning Gold

Topics: Free Verse, Image, Poetry, Spoken Word | 7 Comments »

Bad Weather

By Rob Kistner | June 3, 2008

Bad Weather

•

you blew in like a typhoon
a hurricane of love
your kisses hot as lightning
striking from above

your passion was a tempest
I was swept up in its force
but now the winds have died
this storm has run its course

my thoughts are grey and cloudy
my eyes are steady rain
my heart’s caught in a cold front
bad weather’s bringing pain

yes, the warm winds will return
as will the clear blue skies
but my frozen heart will ever yearn
for the sun-fire of your eyes

• • •

_____________________

collage above entitled: “Bad Weather” - by: rob kistner © 2008
_____________________

• • •

Topics: Image, Poetry, collage | 13 Comments »

jack’s trek

By Rob Kistner | June 3, 2008

seven years of libertine wandering captured on a hand-made scroll

Topics: Poetry | No Comments »

Wicked!

By Rob Kistner | May 30, 2008

WARNING! This a sensuous poem recommended for mature readers. If you wish to continue, click here. You can return here to comment.

Topics: Image, Poetry | 4 Comments »

Remembered

By Rob Kistner | May 29, 2008

Remembered

•

leaning comfortably
into the curves

wind whipping
through our long hair

we wind our way
into the mountains

into the evening

alive
with 2-wheeled freedom

on the open road

not counting days
not keeping track
just being - free

we glide

feet up
knees tucked

captivated
by the thrill
of the throttle

we rocket

dive from light to shadow
to resurface once more
in the light

again and again

as the sun reveals itself
from time to time

warming us
from between peaks

as it begins to settle
behind the western slope
of the Rockies

four friends

four adventurers

fresh on the heels
of the summer of love

dedicated
to a critical mission

spread the peace
share the love
save our sanity

and above all else
keep the party rolling

we’ve thrown off
the structured mantle of life

to venture
into the random

the unknown

to embrace
the magnificent perfection
of living in
and for
the moment

•

it’s nearly four decades
since those days of freedom

memories have cooled
grown hazy

I take license in their recall
grateful they remain at all

I’m blessed by their refrain
no matter how faint

my days are not so light now

I’m rooted in responsibility

balancing the blessings
and the burdens
of life

sometimes bent
by the yoke of worry

made heavy
by the weight of loss

yet
occasionally

I still feel
the gentle breeze of freedom
stir

as I stand
feet firmly planted

braced against
the changing winds of time
and fate

tonight

adrift in the eternal now
awash in recollection

I smile within
warmed by remembered times
with beloved friends

those days of wonder

falling deeper in reverie’s embrace
I can almost feel that wind
on my face

tossing once more
my youthful mane

almost hear the laughter

see the glow
on the faces of three friends

now far away

I whisper a promise
to my awakened spirit

someday

before it is too late

I will again
pick my feet up

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Image, Poetry | 17 Comments »

The Fool

By Rob Kistner | May 22, 2008

“Sad Harlequin” by: Lladró

The Fool

•

I will not smile today, you see
my broken heart is hurting. So
tears reside where joy once lived –
I will not smile today. You see,
she loved my wealth, but not so me;
I was a fool, I know.
I will not smile today, you see,
my broken heart is hurting so!

• • •

Topics: Image, Poetry, triolet | 21 Comments »

The Legend

By Rob Kistner | May 22, 2008

he never quit on his dream, or his humanity

The Legend

•

permit me to share the legend
of the man who rocked the world
luminous — larger than life
his banner of fame unfurled

with confidence he took each stage
flashed his skills with pride and power
his celebrity rocketed skyward
enormous talent, in his finest hour

a humble tempering childhood
helped him hone his mythic dream
a bright young man with wicked ‘chops’
his soaring star did brightly gleam

his glory spread round the globe
renown and fortune grew unbound
like a rampant roaring wildfire
nothing it seemed would take him down

but while touring England, terror struck
unleashing panic, fear & strife
bombs tore through the concert hall
to save his fans — he risk his life

the first blast ripped the back wall
mike in hand, he stood firm and fast
directing the people to safety
they all escaped — now he was last

it was horror in high definition
as TV broadcast the heartbreaking sight
the question that rose midst the chaos
did their hero meet death tonight

the sad truth was the top news story
the brave mega-star had died
all the world was seen to mourn
at candle vigils the people cried

so permit me to share this legend
of this remarkably brave young man
who, possessed of wealth and fame
truly never forgot the fan

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Image, Poetry, collage | 7 Comments »

Impulse (a haiku)

By Rob Kistner | May 16, 2008

Impulse

•

captive to urges
woodpecker drums summer stumps
boys kiss moist red lips

• • •

Topics: Haiku, Image, Poetry | 12 Comments »

The Vow

By Rob Kistner | May 9, 2008

The Vow

•

I pledged I’d never leave your side
and whole my vow remains

as the passion of our love spilled forth
we drank deeply in our youth

the fire of our joined bliss
flowed molten from our core

as we made our fervent bond
its blaze grew ever brighter

it kindled dreams that carried us
to family and good fortune

its heat has warmed us in the times
when winds of fate turned cold

through the autumn of our life
its glow held back the chill

and as winter felled its quiet deep
we were drawn close in comfort

nurtured by the ever present
steady flame of love

now it is our time of rest
when worldly worries lift

we are one next to the other
in the embrace of mother earth

I pledged I’d never leave your side
and whole my vow remains

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Poetry | 9 Comments »

Identity

By Rob Kistner | May 3, 2008

Identity

•

I came upon a stranger

she asked me
“who are you?”

I pondered
then replied

I am son

born
to a mother unknown
a father
unseen

I am father

three times blessed
with life’s miracle

I am joy

having beheld
each child’s coming

I am betrothed

touched by
a lover’s heart

I am sorrow

having lost
my eldest son

I am wonder

marveling
at the gift of life
the beauty
of this natural realm

I am song

fortuned with
a lyric voice

I am art

bestowed with
a balanced eye

I am athlete

fleet of foot
strong of frame

I am word

burdened with
a poet’s plight

I am gratitude

to have known
this life at all

I am a simple man

who stands this day
before you

in the end

I am you
and
you are me

we are one another

most uncertain
quite who we are

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Poetry | 14 Comments »

Truth

By Rob Kistner | May 2, 2008

Truth

•

prowling
the nocturnal neon zoo
groin deep in humankind

suckling life’s sweet underbelly

swilling full
the luscious flesh festival

seduced
by the siren song
of sacred craving

I am a night being

stalking
dangerous

I am a sentient being

disillusioned
seeking

my fingers burn
from dancing
with the fire-whores of
angst
and indignation

I come
in a rolling demon’s fire

fast and hard
tough as hell

cresting
and crashing in
howling mad
scorching the night

dancing
with every devil I can find

ranting
raving
blazing

a combusting carnal fireball

fierce appetite

roaring hungry
for all of life’s deliciousness

longing to consume
every forbidden morsel and crumb
of passion
desire
knowledge

of truth

ferociously

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Poetry | 7 Comments »

Outrageous

By Rob Kistner | April 26, 2008

Outrageous

•

watch them

see them
in their cavernous dwellings

shrines to excess
to waste

testaments to foolish disregard
for our precious planet

observe them hoist themselves
to command positions
in gluttonous drive-time dinosaurs

dreaded treaded behemoths

that bully across the face
of our crippled planet

devouring resources
like a herd
of metallic mastodons

a relentless forage
of fragile fossil fuel

to suck dry
the paleozoic nectar

300 million years
in the making

a fraction of that
in the plunder
and depletion

by frivolous toys
of self-extinction

that spew forth
poisonous discharge

fouling the atmosphere

pummeling our frail ecosystem

shoving earth closer
ever closer
to the brink of no return

to satisfy a toxic desire
for bigger
gaudier
faster

hungrier

to feed
a caustic ego

to assert
perceived dominion

they are the elite
the special

the outrageously dangerous

they
are you and I

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Poetry | 23 Comments »

Seasons

By Rob Kistner | April 24, 2008

Author’s note: This is a suite of four haiku that reflect the seasons of the year.

Seasons

•

Spring

(haiku)

•

wings flutter gently

spring breeze bends full flowered stems

meadow dance begins

• • •

Summer

(haiku)

•

green leaf on blue pond

turns in golden summer sun

red bird softly sings

• • •

Fall

(haiku)

•

stalks lie down in fields

arbors burst with ripened grape

fall is on the land

• • •

Winter

(haiku)

•

coarse lands cloaked in white

lakes bejeweled in crystal

winter’s dressing hand

• • •

_____________________

collage above entitled: “Four Seasons”
created by: rob kistner © 2007
_____________________

• • •

To hear poem read by author, click here

Topics: Haiku, Image, Poetry, Spoken Word, collage | 8 Comments »

Gaia Weeps (earth day ‘o8)

By Rob Kistner | April 21, 2008

Gaia Weeps

(haiku)

•

Man seeks dominion

Frail balance has been disturbed

Gaia is weeping

• • •

Topics: Haiku, Poetry | 6 Comments »

To Remain

By Rob Kistner | April 18, 2008

To Remain

•

moonlight
keeps dark at bay
pressing in
as night wind stirs

like mocking breath
of life now lost
to light-less realm
beyond the chill
encircling me

empty
to remain

no emotion
save grief

apples spilled
on broken stair
where rail eluded
grasping hand

no voice came
to futile cry

those lips
will not know again
sweet fruit

nor love

• • •

Topics: Free Verse, Poetry | 10 Comments »

Swept Away

By Rob Kistner | April 17, 2008

A bluesman’s life and soul. Music gives me goose-bumps, especially when created by genuine human spirit

NOTE: I invite you to listen to the recorded “spoken word” version of this poem you’ll find at the bottom of this post. I’ve mixed in a little ‘atmosphere’ to heighten the immersion.

Swept Away

•

memphis red
no longer is

gray now shines
from a balding head
filled with scarlet embers

memories
still burn

a fired spirit

too deep
for coddled mortals
to fully fathom

red is real

red is legend

his tales
of pain
of injustice
the lore of the big muddy

his eyes
earthy brown
turbulent as that river

his stare
a deep current
impossible to escape

swept away

his voice
a tempered edge

honed by blues
broadleaf husky
thick as sorghum
smooth
as beale street bourbon

the cf martin
swings
from a leathered neck

on a tattered strap
stretched and shaped
by the heft of sorrow
poured into the soundhole

marked and scarred
by years of burden

of witness

its character and patina
bear testament
to a genuine soul

cracked and seasoned hands
reach
with suffered care
to wrap the fingerboard
in love

callused digits
yellowed by habit
depress taut strands
no longer catgut

sculpting emotions

blood and bone
grip
connect

true life
ensnared
in sitka spruce
and spiraled steel

knowing strains rise
chords of loss
rhythmic stomp
stinging verse

of broken promise
failed love

of dirt field
cruel street
back alley

of harsh wisdom

resonate
to fill this space

to break my heart
to steal my soul

swept away

• • •

_____________________

photo rendering above entitled: “Knowing”
rendered by: rob kistner © 2007
_____________________

• • •

To hear poem read by author, click below

Topics: Free Verse, Image, Poetry, Spoken Word | 67 Comments »

The Weaver

By Rob Kistner | April 17, 2008

Author’s note: My wife Kathy is a nationally recognized contemporary fiber artist. You can see some of her creations below by scrolling down. Included among the skills and crafts she employs in this pursuit, she is a weaver — and a great inspiration for me. I wrote this for her.

The Weaver

•

today I watched a weaver
marveling at her grace
intrigued by her care
fascinated by this dance

first the treadle
then the shuttle
then the beater
then again

in colors of all nature
in textures of the earth
she coaxed and wove each fiber
with an artist’s loving hand

now the treadle
now the shuttle
now the beater
now again

fiber over fiber
her envisioned pattern
expanding ever onward
painting with her loom

and the treadle
and the shuttle
and the beater
and again

the syncopated rhythm
of this weaver’s inner vision
her soul’s pulse
heart’s beat
her metronome of life

go the treadle,
go the shuttle
go the beater
go again

like history unfolding
event upon event
creation slow and steady
progress near unseen

this weaver captures memories
in her tapestry of time

unfurls dreamscapes
in her cloth of wonder

unveils mysteries

in her fabric - there is truth

• • •

Immediately above is “Fallingwater” another piece from the portfolio of contemporary craft that my wife Kathy and I have created together — she being, by far, the major contributor. At the top, above the poem, is a commissioned piece entitled “Yin Yang”.

We work jointly, she creating the fiber art, and I design and build the mounting elements. Kathy does the “magic”: spinning, dying, weaving, sculpting, braiding, cording, dowel wrapping, etc.

Her studio is a plethora of spinning wheels, dye pots, warpping boards, floor/upright/lap looms, hoards of hanging skeins, drawers of “found objects”, and multiple semi-cluttered assembly tables with pieces in varying stages of complete. Kathy is the fiber wizard. I do the mechanical.

To give you an understanding of what it takes to create a piece from carded fibers through to display ready; Kathy put several hundred hours, first spinning raw material, then on her Navajo upright loom, weaving and hand-stranding the different fiber elements of “Fallingwater”. For mounting of this piece I used maple, red cedar, concrete, aluminum, silk cord, with a nickel chromium art deco medallion. The medallion was a “found object”.

“Fallingwater” is a tribute to the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece of the same name. Its dimensions are 84″H x 22″W x 10″D.

There are a few more pieces below. Each with an interesting story, each with a great deal of time and careful attention invested in its creation. The names and basic dimensions are included with the photo of each. Kathy’s calls her studio Fibrations™.

_________________________________________________

Topics: Contemporary Craft, Image, Poetry | 43 Comments »

Nocturne

By Rob Kistner | April 12, 2008

A brooding full moon, in image, verse, and spoken word

Author’s note: this piece does not expose a secret, but instead, it deals with the weight and burden of keeping dark disturbing secrets buried away.

Nocturne

•

hawk moon hangs heavy
in the damp night sky

bulbous moist pearl
rolling
in a cold chromium fog

wet slivers of cloud
smear themselves
across its face

irregular

like translucent sacks
of moonbeams

breathing

glassine billowing pillows
oozing

soaked with midnight

stars float and spark
glinting
dripping
shivering

frozen splintered crystal-tips
diamond chips
pinprick rips
in blackened space

they wink and wane
and flutter
shattered bits of silvered light

snapping here then not

behind the ghostly white
vapor that slithers
through the firmament

the world devoid of color
aglow in sterling grey
a negative of day

thick and chilled

filled with the sound
of stalking after-dark things

nocturne

the sorrowing hour
to lay bare your soul
in pale introspection

in grief of secrets

…

To hear poem read by author, click here

Topics: Image, Poetry, Spoken Word | 45 Comments »

Temper, Temper

By Rob Kistner | April 8, 2008

You’re still locked in the frikkin’ commode
When we really should be hitting the road
How much time can you take up
While putting on makeup
My damned head is about to explode

Foul words spewing forth
Most certainly he is pissed
Best to avoid him

Topics: Haiku, Image, Limerick, Poetry | 1 Comment »

Reaper Groom (murder mystery)

By Rob Kistner | February 9, 2008

To hear “Reaper Groom” read by author click below

Topics: Spoken Word | Comments Off

Seeds

By Rob Kistner | November 12, 2007

To hear the poem “Seeds” read by the author, Rob Kistner — click here

Topics: Poetry, Spoken Word | Comments Off

Nocturne

By Rob Kistner | October 29, 2007

To hear poem read by author, click here

Topics: Free Verse, Poetry, Spoken Word | 5 Comments »

The Door

By Rob Kistner | September 6, 2007

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Topics: Poetry | 14 Comments »

Open window (reprise)

By Rob Kistner | August 30, 2007

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Topics: Poetry | 7 Comments »

Two perspectives on an open window

By Rob Kistner | August 30, 2007

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Topics: Poetry | 7 Comments »

Adieu

By Rob Kistner | August 16, 2007

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Topics: Poetry | 26 Comments »

Indecision

By Rob Kistner | August 5, 2007

Here’s a light take on procrastination…

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Topics: Poetry | 32 Comments »

Night Breeze

By Rob Kistner | August 2, 2007

If summer heat is getting to you, here’s a respite.

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Topics: Poetry | 18 Comments »

August

By Rob Kistner | August 1, 2007

Reflections on a midday in the peak of sizzling summer.

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Topics: Poetry | 28 Comments »

Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

By Rob Kistner | July 31, 2007

Happy Anniversary!

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Topics: Post | 12 Comments »

Phenomenon

By Rob Kistner | July 29, 2007

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Topics: Post | 24 Comments »

Wicked!

By Rob Kistner | July 20, 2007

A curvaceous wanton devil-woman…

Wicked

•

auburn mane with sable streaks
frosted ermine — lush with pride
a bounce and whip, and tiply snap
with each stiletto’d wanton stride

taught hips roll on slender stems
that part in ripples then enmesh
a brushing sigh of stirring heat
toned thighs gliding flesh on flesh

a stare of comely crystal blue
floats above a ruby pout
that takes you in devouring
has its way, then casts you out

tongue tip teases top lip’s edge
like supple paintbrush flowing
a smile to burn and hypnotize
that wraps around you knowing

a luscious wench — worldly wise
sleek as steel — tall and strong
swift and cunning, motor running
she might acquiesce, but not for long

poor fool who tastes this lusciousness
is hopelessly addicted
there’s only one word for this life-force
that word, my friend, is — wicked!

…

Topics: Poetry | 62 Comments »

How I evoke my writing muse

By Rob Kistner | July 20, 2007

I have dedicated myself to being a creative writer — endeavoring to perform consistently, and at the best of my evolving ability. I currently write poems, essays, and short stories — in that order of quantity output, enjoying each equally.

A recent comment on this blog got me to thinking about how I find my inspiration — how I evoke my ‘muse’. I’d like to share my ‘process’ with you here.

Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: Essay, Poetry | 22 Comments »