Moonlit Breeze


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Night Breeze” — by: rob kistner © 4/30/24

 
Briskly clean
silky cool
it spills into
spring’s night window

slips satin silver
sly and sensuous
sheer and silent
as the moon

wafts and tumbles
tantalizes
floats and swoops
in sweet refresh

dances gently
up your arms
across your breasts
to brush your cheek

wraps itself
soft upon you
upon my self too
in fond embrace

whispered rushes
fluttered breaths
like loving strokes
caress our skin

lilting tender
breath of comfort
zephyred fingers
toss our hair

this moonlit breeze
delivers true
soothing you
and too — my self

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

 



New Light


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “New Light” — by: rob kistner © 4/29/24

 
Poet
do not weave
your fabric of myth
or speak to us in grand riddle

telling of the mysteries
of the spheres
or glorious
times past

help us see
a new way of light

set ablaze our pure hearts
with true fire
of honesty


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Fire of Truth & Honesty”
by: rob kistner © 4/29/24

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

 

Aprilove

~ Celebrating Innocence ~


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Intoxicating April” — by: rob kistner © 4/25/24

 
Potent spring can make one
act quite the lovesick fool
heady with anticipation
desires sparkle like a jewel

april’s wine is intoxicating
as winter’s pale heart yearns
to feel spring’s grand unfolding
as nature’s palette slowly turns

this sweet inebriation
of april’s longing soul
can bring forth act’s impulsive
and draw one to the jester’s role

so be wary – for when one’s
caught in this season’s swoon
the better judgements of january
dissolve under april’s moon

the elixir of a world in bloom
is to the lusting lovelorn
a most dangerous of potions
risky randy thoughts are born

so remember and be warned
under passion’s frenzied rule
april can send one’s heart
awhirl like a lovestruck fool


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Beautiful Fool”
by: rob kistner © 4/25/24

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 25

 


Trippin’ Kittens

This poem and art inspired by this Louis Wain image —>>

 


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Trippin’ Kittens” by: rob kistner © 4/23/24

 
I’m a smitten kitten
all toked and trippin’
stayin’ stone cool
as reality’s slippin’

this cheshire kitten
is my good friend
and yes we’ve both
gone round the bend

my name is flower
this fella’s named ziggy
we’re locked down tight
and gettin’ jiggy

we just got back
from wonderland
a spontaneous trip
really quite unplanned

our strutten’s righteous
we purrrrr like silk
we’re high as midnight
and cravin’ milk

we’re lush and lazy
ain’t nobody’s fools
we’re bad-ass felines
precious as jewels

we’re tie-dye n’leather
n’high as a kite
if ya bum us out
it’ll be dude — goodnight!

so sit back — shut up
don’t be rude
don’t ‘cha be harshin’
our mellow mood

‘cause we’re chill’n smooth
as Federico Fellini…
…his name is ziggy
they call me queenie

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 23

 



Mother Gaia


On Earth Day 2024

These are some thoughts I posted to share on Earth Day 2010. They arose from my heart, and expressesed my great concern for this planet earth, and all of us who are traveling aboard her. What is sad is they are more relevant and concerning today, Earth Day 2024. If you are not in the mood for heavier fare, you can skip down to the haibun posted below this message.

For those reading here on, I see our global society becoming more and more desensitized to killing, suffering, the dignity of women, our failing stewardship of this planet, and the value of life in general.

Popular art reflects culture; it has in all of history. The ongoing proliferation of movies, video games, music, comic books, our dress and personal trappings, TV, even the TV commercials; this all cast a disturbing reflection of the direction a core section of the people of the earth are moving.

And the less than subtle movement to cast doubt, even ridicule, on those who believe that the care of this world needs our attention — NOW!

One might argue that any of these issues individually, is perhaps not necessarily dire. But taken as whole, it is a matter that begs to be examined — I feel.

Our children and adults alike, spend hours playing graphic video games in which the sole purpose is bloodletting, maiming, and murdering, in the most violent and gruesome ways. There are many wonderful video games, but the breadth and depth of the “snuff” games is cause to pay attention.

The gladiator-like fighting cultures that have arisen in recent years is something to look at. These are no longer pugilistic contests, or the “staged” violence of pro wrestling, in themselves, both a bit unsettling — these are blood bouts for the sake of blood. In Rome, the rise of gladiators was a sign of the accelerating decline of the Roman Empire. We’re not there yet, but what does this increasing thirst for blood have to tell us?

Another litmus that has always reflected the culture, is the impact of human religious constructs. Too often, the role they play is the manipulation and repression of our freedoms. I have nothing against the numerous religious constructs man has created. For those so drawn, they are a place for the safety and certainty they require.

However, when radical religious minorities begin to attempt to dictate and rule the masses, imposing their constructed values and fundamentalism, especially when they claim it is the “will of god“ — we’ve got to take serious notice.

These are the signs that point to the stripping of freedom, the neglect of responsibility, the repression of individual thought and personal rights — and essentially, the eradication if the essence of personal accountability. Today, with the rise of the repressive extreme fundamentalism that we see around the globe, it is akin to the eve of the dark ages. I don’t think we will descend to those extreme depths, but what does it mean when we have so many who would lead us there — even if unwittingly?

I so want to champion optimism — but I cannot and will not turn a blind eye to the signs I see. None of us had better do so. We all need to become proactive for balance. That is the key — balance. Balance the extremes of this world; ecological, social, moral, financial, and the like.

To be proactive I have started this creative blog, Image & Verse, to begin, in my small way, to penetrate the root sensitivity of our society. I firmly believe the embrace and expression of creativity is the key to elevating our human species.

I write poetry, speaking in sparse focused voice at times, entertaining lofty and beautiful thoughts at others, also embracing our human sensitivity and sensuality, and holding a mirror to reflect what is beautiful, or to reflect what I see as troubling — because I believe poetry has the power to penetrate the human psyche to greater depths than any written form.

Poetry actually has the ability to alter people on a level that strict written word often cannot. If I write an essay, I make you think; maybe even alter your opinion. I write a poem, I have the chance to make you feel something, in your core — that can alter your hardwired being. I believe this.

I think we urgently need to probe to these depths of the human psyche now, to send out these altering sparks, because I think there is trouble brewing, on some fronts, that could have dire consequence for the long-range future of the planet and for humankind.

I also write poetry to celebrate, to lift up my own spirit, to have hope, to embrace possibility, and to protect my precious personal sanity.

So let us dance, sing, embrace the beauty and the miracle of life and this magnificent world in which we live, and seek joy and truth, but let us not be a Nero. Our Rome is beginning to smolder.

“and so it goes“

Rob

 


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Mother Gaia” by: rob kistner © 4/22/24

 
Mother Gaia, you embrace us, you protect us, you carry us safely as we hurtle thousands of miles every hour, of every day through infinite space. You provide for us our every need, sustain our bodies with your abundance, nurture our spirits with your beauty — with your endless wonders.

seeds push seeking sun
sky is pulling with spring rain
gaia yields new life

Your need is simple, that we live in balance with your rhythms, with our fellow travelers on this amazing journey. That we know gratitude, as humble stewards of your countless gifts. We’ve lost our way.

we seek dominion
frail balance has been disturbed
gaia is weeping

Precious mother Gaia, forgive us. Grant us time to again find our way, to find our humility, our center — the balance.

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 22

 



Dusk Descends

Over 55 million people worldwide suffer from dimentia…
~ www.dementiasociety.org ~


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Sunset Path” by: rob kistner © 3/28/24

 

This morning’s sun came crisp and bright
enfolded my waking in wonderful warmth
and vivid presence

the world was fresh and fascinating

I embarked toward noonday
the joy of discovery palpable
senses saturated and alive
blissfully consumed

a deep satisfaction
permeated this afternoon
my mind was clear
my soul was full
my heart — overflowed

as dusk descended
I was approaching the forest
heady with expectation
my stride was smooth and steady
the downing sun — a gentle gold embrace

walking near the tree line
early shadows fell soft across my face
as vesper’s velvet blanket
draped its comfort ’round my shoulders

splendid calm enveloped me

yet there began other shadows
settling in my mind
strange distractions
haunting me
hunting me
that disrupted my moments

they now still come
unannounced
almost imperceptible

but there is still far to go
I am eager to journey
drawn by the beauty
that is the rich sunset

facing into the evening breeze
I venture onward
rolling amber and coral
spreads across the horizon

as I enter the old growth
shadows again shift

dull confusion finds me
I lose my pace and focus
to draw up in momentary halt

nagging concern
disquiets me
a stab of panic
pierces my solace

unwelcome bewilderment
grips me
holds me
uncomfortable in my skin

a cloud of frustration
sweeps over me
obscuring briefly
my purpose and destination

then the fog wafts
and again I remember

ahead lies the veiled valley
my hearth and home

but I wander
and once more lose the path

the evening mist is settling
wafting down
through the forest canopy
like a shroud

twilight is coming
much too quickly
and my concern
at first a nuisance — mounts

a growing fear
gnaws inside

fear I will not make it
not make it home

home before sundown
ushers in the darkness

I fear these gathering shadows


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Shadows” by: rob kistner © 3/28/24

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 19

 

Ocean’s Beauty


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Ocean’s Beauty” by: rob kistner © 4/18/24

 
Beauty walks to the sea by her home
on this bright and sunny spring day
wants to explore this sea alone
so joyfully she swims away

on this bright and sunny spring day
with her heart awash in wishes
she so joyfully swims away
down to the colorful fishes

with her heart awash in wishes
a’swim in the ocean’s sway
down with the colorful fishes
she is filled with love today

a’swim in the ocean’s sway
she’s exploring this sea alone
she’s so filled with love today
for this wonderful sea by her home

as she embraces its vast unknown

<~~|§|~~>


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Ocean’s Spirit” by: rob kistner © 4/18/24

 
B eauty walks to the sea by her home
on this broken cloudy day
slips into the sea alone
silently she swims away

on this broken cloudy day
alone with her fractured wishes
silently she swims away
deep down with the fishes

alone with her fractured wishes
a’swim in the seabed’s sway
deep down with the fishes
she is leaving it all today

a’swim in the seabed’s sway
with nothing more left to say
she is leaving it all today
the sea carries her spirit away

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 19

 

Conversing The Muse


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Seeking The Muse” by: rob kistner © 4/16/24

 

Peering over the cliff’s edge
high above the churning fall
of the steel-blue stream
I point

look down my friend
watch that trout

with the svelte grace of a dancer
it slides in then out again
gently flexing in the soft break
of a stream-bed boulder’s shade

look there

I call attention
across the stone canyon
cut by this persistence of current

an Osprey lights a branch
a focused sentinel
measuring the timing and tactic
of his imagined next meal

let us go to the water

down the steep granite face
through the white aspen and Douglas fir
giant chinquapin and Oregon madrone
I descend at steady pace
bent-knee’d and cautious

I throttle and steer
with boot tread and trek staff
followed by a fine-dust slide
of chattering limestone pebble
and dry needle
clattering the rip rap

down to the stream-side grass patch
then alertly hop
rock to rock

‘cross the tumble
of crystal chill current
to where I’ll make camp
in this wilderness canyon

midst the quiet rush
of the Clackamas waters
and the hushed murmur
of tall Ponderosa bough
I settle

OK Gary
you’ve tagged along
all afternoon my friend
pestering my thoughts
with the urge of verse

so here is the perfect spot
to stop
to rest and meditate
mesmerized by this eden

taking seat on a downed Douglas
I inhale deeply
nature’s wonderful wild bouquet
exhaling the stress of the day

my soul feels a presence
still with me
the presence of a kindred spirit

quieting my core
I build a small fire

task done
I close my eyes
and peacefully wait
enjoying the crackle of logs
and the voice of the stream

a breeze stirs
nudging the flames
opening my eyes

so — Mr Snyder
what’s on our mind


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Conversing The Muse”
by: rob kistner © 4/16/24

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 16

 

Always Gets Her Man


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Always Gets Her Man” by: rob kistner © 4/15/24

 

Friday
late night
she’s in the bar
to stop a fight

here she comes
badge flashing gold
eyes flashing blue
gun steel cold

long arm of the law…

…long legs
long hair
vicious gorgeous
everywhere

intoxicated
I stop
I stare

captured
invested
utterly arrested

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 15

 

Fiery Emerald

Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Tall Ships” by: rob kistner © 4/11/24

 

Like drizzled honey
the sun through the treetops
paints my face in golden warmth

my thoughts drift to you
and the tall ships in Beaufort Harbor
their sails aglow
etched in shadows
cast by their riggings
and the masts of adjacent ships

you commented how the patterns
reminded you
of abstract charcoal sketches

the artist in you
always interpreting your world

sunshine made radiant your gentle face
your emerald eyes fired to a sparkle
squinting in the rays

your smile
brighter than the sun that day

I stared captivated
watching your eyes dance
among the docks and ships
that unfolded like a still life before us

watching your coral lips
sculpt your words
wishing the moment
would last forever

not knowing
how soon it would not
could not
did not

this morning
my memories
amble sweetly
back through time

I find solace
in this cuddled sunlight
knowing it warms you
as you rest

peacefully

in the sun-drenched meadow
where last I closed
your beautiful emerald eyes


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Hypnotic”
by: rob kistner © 4/11/24

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: Poets & Storytellers

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 11

 

Soul Box

If the human species is to sustain, we must find love — love for life, and for each other.


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Box of Love” by: rob kistner © 4/10/24

 

The bones of my wonder
of my stumbled tumbled dreams
are spilled from my soul box
in which I’ve collected
the scarred and damaged pieces
of my broken hopes

wonders trapped within
a box within more boxes
hope so deeply buried
helplessly interred
but — must not abandon wonder
must not abandon love

love is sealed within
the boxes of my wonder
locked inside my heart
lost in the rubble
of years of broken promise
yet — I will find it again


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Emotional Rubble of Lies”
by: rob kistner © 4/10/24

humankind must find love again
to find understanding & peace

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 11
 

~ Lesley Duncan is the woman who wrote this beautiful song above. I personally hear it, not about romantic love, but humankind’s higher love for each other — the love that will foster and insure peace and understanding on the planet… wouldn’t that be truly amazing. It has never happened before globally. What a worthwhile miracle to pursue. Here below, Nick Lowe asks a simple but profound question, one that needs be asked. ~

Beseeching the Stars


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Beseeching the Stars” by: rob kistner © 4/8/24

 

W hat do you mean”, Gwen implores, the strain obvious in her weary voice, “who has taken Derek — and why?” The thought overwhelms her. She feels the grip of exhausting panic.

Turning from Zack, she walks to the moonlit window, listening to the waves crash far below. Deflated, she stares resigned. Pinprick flickers sparkle the night sky. “What does it matter? That the stars we see are already dead is a given. I pray not so for Derek.”

Trying to understand the events that brought her to this place in time, her head is spinning. She feels fatigue deep in her bones.

“Too many mysteries to unravel right now,” mumbling to herself, “better in the morning.” Her left arm drops, right hand squeezes the mysterious note that has triggered her distress. She stumbles across the room, collapses on her bed, and begins to quietly cry.


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Tears In Moonlight”
by: rob kistner © 4/8/24

*
rob kistner © 2024

More poetry at: dVerse

 



Look! the Stars…


~ my image & poem were inspired by John McKaveney’s wonderful photo above here of the Kulmhotel Gornergrat Observatory ~

Below here are 3 images John photographed through his telescope:
ORION ——————— MOON —————– ORION NEBULA

——–<§>——–

MY IMAGE & POEM


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Have You Seen the Stars” by: rob kistner © 4/2/24

 
Often I dreamt as a young boy
searching the stars again and again
with my red buck rogers telescope
that I would travel there as a man

travel the stars and the planets
that someday I’b be a real spaceman
exploring these amazing new worlds
following my otherworldly life plan

other success took me as a young man
running in circles became my race
consumed by overwhelming stress
caught in a chaotic crazy pace

the years spun by wild as a top
outer space not in the chase
life layered its sad patina
etched deeply in my face

suddenly no longer young
frenetic was my middle name
the triumphs and the tragedies
my space dreams a guttering flame

I’ve borrowed bought and sold
played life wild — never tame
but I leveraged my rocketship
just to play this fleeting game


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Even in the Smallest Petal”
by: rob kistner © 4/2/24

an old man with a flower — sits on a bench
marveling at the petals — feeling drained
the dream faded of a would-be spaceman
mysteries of the universe — unexplained

his body bent by the weight of worry
he reflects in the stars — feels pained
wondering if everything he let get lost
was really worth what it was he gained

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 2

 


Critical Decision


Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Critical Decision” by: rob kistner © 4/1/24

 

Leaning on my folded fist
propped against my jaw

my elbow’s solid on my desk

eyes stern
staring
aflame with inconclusion

face is taut
head cocked
tilted to the left

contour of confusion

skull upon the finger bones
in weighted indecision…

chocolate or vanilla

*
rob kistner © 2024

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 1