Poetry
Vision
Friday, June 27th, 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
• • •
rob kistner © 2008
Melody
Sunday, June 22nd, 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
• • •
rob kistner © 2008
__________________
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 […]
Shattered
Tuesday, June 17th, 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 […]
Dark Self
Saturday, June 14th, 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 […]
Morning Gold
Tuesday, June 10th, 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 […]
Bad Weather
Tuesday, June 3rd, 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 […]
jack’s trek
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008seven years of libertine wandering captured on a hand-made scroll
Wicked!
Friday, May 30th, 2008
WARNING! This a sensuous poem recommended for mature readers. If you wish to continue, click here. You can return here to comment.
Remembered
Thursday, May 29th, 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 […]
The Fool
Thursday, May 22nd, 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!
• • •
rob kistner […]
The Legend
Thursday, May 22nd, 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 […]
Impulse (a haiku)
Friday, May 16th, 2008
Impulse
•
captive to urges
woodpecker drums summer stumps
boys kiss moist red lips
• • •
rob kistner © 2008
The Vow
Friday, May 9th, 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 […]
Identity
Saturday, May 3rd, 2008Identity
•
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 […]
Truth
Friday, May 2nd, 2008Truth
•
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 […]
Outrageous
Saturday, April 26th, 2008Outrageous
•
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 […]
Seasons
Thursday, April 24th, 2008Author’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 […]
Gaia Weeps (earth day ‘o8)
Monday, April 21st, 2008Gaia Weeps
(haiku)
•
Man seeks dominion
Frail balance has been disturbed
Gaia is weeping
• • •
rob kistner © 2007
To Remain
Friday, April 18th, 2008To 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
• • •
rob kistner © 2008
Swept Away
Thursday, April 17th, 2008A 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 […]
The Weaver
Thursday, April 17th, 2008Author’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 […]
Nocturne
Saturday, April 12th, 2008A 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 […]
Temper, Temper
Tuesday, April 8th, 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
rob kistner © 2008
Seeds
Monday, November 12th, 2007To hear the poem “Seeds” read by the author, Rob Kistner — click here
Nocturne
Monday, October 29th, 2007To hear poem read by author, click here
The Door
Thursday, September 6th, 2007Open window (reprise)
Thursday, August 30th, 2007Two perspectives on an open window
Thursday, August 30th, 2007Adieu
Thursday, August 16th, 2007Indecision
Sunday, August 5th, 2007Here’s a light take on procrastination…
Night Breeze
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007If summer heat is getting to you, here’s a respite.
August
Wednesday, August 1st, 2007Reflections on a midday in the peak of sizzling summer.
Wicked!
Friday, July 20th, 2007A 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 […]
How I evoke my writing muse
Friday, July 20th, 2007I 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 […]
Dangerous hair
Friday, July 13th, 2007Attacked and beaten because of our hair. 1966 revisited.
Sensations
Saturday, July 7th, 2007A touching bit of poetry…
The Dawning
Friday, June 29th, 2007Tongue-in-cheek look at astrology
Sacred
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007A hike into the Cascade Mountains, in image and verse.
Elders
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007A poetic reflection on wisdom.
I am pleased to be featured on “Poets Who Blog”
Tuesday, June 19th, 2007The Poets
Thursday, June 14th, 2007An ode to those who flirt with the muses Calliope, Erato, Euterpe, and Thalia.
Two Poems
Wednesday, June 13th, 2007A little fun with alliteration and form…
Shameless Lions Writing Circle
Wednesday, June 13th, 2007I am a member of the Shameless Lions Writing Circle.
Artheo
•
lion of myth and legend
dream bringer
cloud rider
traveler in time
protector of visions
muse to the uninspired
known as Artheo
to those you’ve touched
nameless to the rest
come now
restore the world’s wonder
open minds
unlock hearts
so all will know you
and be enlightened
…
rob kistner © 2007
Passion Fire
Saturday, June 9th, 2007A hot little poem about one of my “first times” — photo included.
Swoon!
Saturday, June 9th, 2007WARNING! Sensuous poetry and image. Recommended for mature readers. If you are not comfortable with adult sensuality, please do not continue further.
Uninspired
Thursday, June 7th, 2007A poem about writer’s block, and a steamy night!
Awe!
Saturday, June 2nd, 2007This is my poem for the June 3rd, Sunday Scribblings prompt: “Town & Country”. NOTE: There is a recorded “spoken word” version also available here, located at the bottom of the post.
Sunset
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007This is my post for the Poetry Thursday, May 24th prompt: write a poem using dialog.
Author’s note: In “Sunset”, a couple sits on the Oregon coast, watching the sunset. The man has just learned of the passing of his friend since childhood. The woman tries to lift the emotions of the moment […]
Unmask
Saturday, May 19th, 2007This is my post for Sunday Scribblings, May 20th, 2007.
Stretched
Thursday, May 17th, 2007This is my second post for Poetry Thursday, May 17, 2007. This post contains a written version of the poem and an alternate “spoken word” version.
The Cast
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007Author’s note: I love fly-fishing the breathtaking Cascade mountain streams near my home. Native trout are plentiful, and very active. The sound of the rushing water, the crisp breeze in the conifers, backlit by sunrise, is absolutely intoxicating.
The body rhythms of fly-casting are so engaging, and when surrounded by such natural beauty — it’s mesmerizing! […]
Blueberry Elf
Sunday, May 13th, 2007This is a whimsical post in response to the Poetry Thursday May 17th prompt.
Sentenced
Friday, May 11th, 2007This is my post for the Sunday Scribblings’ May 13th prompt: “second chance”.
Lost in Azure
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007This is the post for my Poetry Thursday’s May 10th prompts: azure and erode.
The Patient Sea
Saturday, May 5th, 2007The poem “The Patient Sea”, and the two exclusive photo renderings that accompany it, are posted here for Sunday Scribblings offering for May 6, 2007.
The Bear
Friday, May 4th, 2007Author’s note: This following piece, “The Bear”, is a terrifying tale. My wife and I love hiking the Oregon wilderness on the edge of which we live. Wildlife is still plentiful in the Cascade Mountains. One must always be cautious. This Pacific Northwest is wild and beautiful, but it is still dangerous.
A Moment
Friday, May 4th, 2007Expectation
Thursday, May 3rd, 2007From Two Worlds
Monday, April 30th, 2007Poems For My Family
Friday, April 27th, 2007Here is a suite of four love poems I’ve written to my family. “A Clearing” is written to my wife, Kathy. “Remembered” is written to my daughter, Jennifer. “Tough Love” is written to my son, Justin. And “The Picture” is written to my departed son, Aaron. Click below if you […]
Poetry Thursday post
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007This is my offering to the Poetry Thursday call for a villanelle.
Gaia Yields
Tuesday, April 24th, 2007Freefalling
Thursday, April 19th, 2007Author’s note: I was an orphan. This piece speaks to a feeling I have never been able to outdistance, even after later being adopted.
Mute
Wednesday, April 18th, 2007The Big Beat
Wednesday, April 18th, 2007Watching Leaves
Tuesday, April 17th, 2007Surrender
Tuesday, April 17th, 2007Anger
Monday, April 16th, 2007The Trail
Sunday, April 15th, 2007Lost
Saturday, April 14th, 2007Innovation
Saturday, April 14th, 2007King of the Hill
Thursday, April 12th, 2007Life Goes On
Thursday, April 12th, 2007Enjoying Fruit
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007Song of Love
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007This is my second post for the Sunday Scribblings May 13th prompt: “Second Chance”. This is me asking for a second chance after my thoughtlessness.
Letters of Love
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007I wrote this simple poem of love for my daughter Jennifer a number of years ago. It was prompted by a letter I was writing to her at the time. I seldom see her now that she is grown, and a busy professional, living far away. Thought I’d share it…
Autumn Descends
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007Fickle Muse
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007Author’s note: This is a gently rhyming writer’s lament. Dedicated to anyone who has ever suffered writer’s block, or any type of indecision that stops you from completing a task or enjoying closure.
So Stop Asking!
Monday, April 9th, 2007Here’s a light take on indecision…
Observing a Gull
Saturday, April 7th, 2007The Nightmare
Friday, April 6th, 2007I saw the latest Harry Potter movie today. That viewing, for some reason, inspired me to offer this image and verse as my post.
Fallen
Friday, April 6th, 2007Transformed
Thursday, April 5th, 2007This is my post for the May 31st, Poetry Thursday prompt: “River”.
Enjoying a Flower
Sunday, April 1st, 2007Author’s note: Written to celebrate the sensuous beauty of nature, resplendent in her Spring trousseau.
Swoon!
Sunday, April 1st, 2007Remembering Allen
Sunday, April 1st, 2007Author’s note: “Remembering Allen” is free verse poetry that reflects the lives of the individuals featured therein, and their impact on mine. The characters are, in order of appearance, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, Timothy Leary, and Ken Kesey. This work neither condones nor condemns anything, and intends no value judgments.
“Lost” (evolution in four drafts)
Friday, June 23rd, 2006Please leave your comments here. Thank you!
Not Since Then (recorded reading by author)
Wednesday, May 24th, 2006click below to hear Not Since Then
Rob’s Artwork
Sunday, January 1st, 2006