Dennis S. Martin's Blog, page 267
August 15, 2018
Go to the Back of the Line
No breaks – No cuts – No letsies here.
No privileged characters shunning the rules.
We all have to wait, as sad as it seems
To hear, “May I help the next person in line?”
Heaped-upon boredom, shuffling feet,
Side-to-side sashaying plucking at nerves
As the unending tedium wastes precious minutes
That could have been better spent sipping fine aged wine.
It’s one of the prices we pay to be social,
A meager concession learned in youth.
Practical practice, a way to keep order,
Fractional fairness, sensible truth.
Small wonder it evokes such am uproar
Any time anyone breaks the design.
All yell in unison steeped with displeasure,
“Go to the back of the line!”
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
No privileged characters shunning the rules.
We all have to wait, as sad as it seems
To hear, “May I help the next person in line?”
Heaped-upon boredom, shuffling feet,
Side-to-side sashaying plucking at nerves
As the unending tedium wastes precious minutes
That could have been better spent sipping fine aged wine.
It’s one of the prices we pay to be social,
A meager concession learned in youth.
Practical practice, a way to keep order,
Fractional fairness, sensible truth.
Small wonder it evokes such am uproar
Any time anyone breaks the design.
All yell in unison steeped with displeasure,
“Go to the back of the line!”
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 14, 2018
Stopped Just Short
Almost made it this time around.
Came so close I could smell the danger,
Feel the hunger, taste the heat,
See the adrenaline coursing through veins.
Every step a bold new adventure,
Every turn a new part of the maze,
Every sip a new taste sensation
Taking me farther away from the pain.
Golden euphoria rests on the precipice
Guarding her treasures for any so bold,
Waiting for anyone to take her measure,
Willing to give, ready to share.
All I need do is to go past impossible,
Reach beyond Heaven to capture a star.
Carry the day from here to forever,
Stalwart and onward, living the dare.
And I almost made it,
Crashed the boards.
Stopped just short
Of Heaven’s reward.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Came so close I could smell the danger,
Feel the hunger, taste the heat,
See the adrenaline coursing through veins.
Every step a bold new adventure,
Every turn a new part of the maze,
Every sip a new taste sensation
Taking me farther away from the pain.
Golden euphoria rests on the precipice
Guarding her treasures for any so bold,
Waiting for anyone to take her measure,
Willing to give, ready to share.
All I need do is to go past impossible,
Reach beyond Heaven to capture a star.
Carry the day from here to forever,
Stalwart and onward, living the dare.
And I almost made it,
Crashed the boards.
Stopped just short
Of Heaven’s reward.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 13, 2018
All in All, Not a Bad Day
The sun made its usual cycle today,
Up in the east painting early sky
To middayflush where shadows grow short,
To a lingering peace as it said goodbye.
The robins were busily working all day
Taking short respites to give up their song.
Feeding their young ones with earth’s boundless treasure,
Boldly inviting me to come along.
I don my armor, prepared for the workday,
Sallie forth leaving my castle and keep.
Set to defend against dragon and beast, with
Damsels to rescue, treasures to reap.
Perched upon parapets, archers and arrows
Flail at my armor to no avail.
Drawing my saber, I vanquish my enemy
One by one until I prevail.
Alone in my chariot, the day all but done,
My castle is only a moment away.
Knowing that you await within chambers.
All in all – not a bad day.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Up in the east painting early sky
To middayflush where shadows grow short,
To a lingering peace as it said goodbye.
The robins were busily working all day
Taking short respites to give up their song.
Feeding their young ones with earth’s boundless treasure,
Boldly inviting me to come along.
I don my armor, prepared for the workday,
Sallie forth leaving my castle and keep.
Set to defend against dragon and beast, with
Damsels to rescue, treasures to reap.
Perched upon parapets, archers and arrows
Flail at my armor to no avail.
Drawing my saber, I vanquish my enemy
One by one until I prevail.
Alone in my chariot, the day all but done,
My castle is only a moment away.
Knowing that you await within chambers.
All in all – not a bad day.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 12, 2018
We Are Not Amused
You’re such a jokester, jester, jerkster,
Trying your best to mimic the fool.
So caught up in your carrying on
You can’t see how my annoyance grows.
Perhaps your intent was initially thoughtful,
Wanting to lighten a burdensome load,
Meant to brighten a smile to my lips.
Doubtful, but possible I suppose.
But you are relentless, masochist central.
Back up the dump truck and unleash your load,
Leaving me neck deep in gravel and sand
Pitifully waiting for you to reload.
Now is a good time to give it a rest.
I’m just so tired of being abused.
You’ve done your worst and called it your best.
As for the rest –
We are not amused.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Trying your best to mimic the fool.
So caught up in your carrying on
You can’t see how my annoyance grows.
Perhaps your intent was initially thoughtful,
Wanting to lighten a burdensome load,
Meant to brighten a smile to my lips.
Doubtful, but possible I suppose.
But you are relentless, masochist central.
Back up the dump truck and unleash your load,
Leaving me neck deep in gravel and sand
Pitifully waiting for you to reload.
Now is a good time to give it a rest.
I’m just so tired of being abused.
You’ve done your worst and called it your best.
As for the rest –
We are not amused.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 11, 2018
Pressure
Can you take the pressure?
Will you stand the test?
Will you fall to panic when
The button has been pressed?
Are you wise to recognize
The great chameleon dance?
Will you fail to face
The enemy as they advance?
Weakness folds. It cannot hold
In light of Evil’s charge.
The more he gets, the more he wants,
Intent on living large.
Emboldened by success he will
Continue to excess,
Feeding furious in frenzy
Without pause or second guess.
The question within questions
Is the way we will react
To the pressure of the moment
At the point we are attacked.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Will you stand the test?
Will you fall to panic when
The button has been pressed?
Are you wise to recognize
The great chameleon dance?
Will you fail to face
The enemy as they advance?
Weakness folds. It cannot hold
In light of Evil’s charge.
The more he gets, the more he wants,
Intent on living large.
Emboldened by success he will
Continue to excess,
Feeding furious in frenzy
Without pause or second guess.
The question within questions
Is the way we will react
To the pressure of the moment
At the point we are attacked.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 10, 2018
West of the Echo
Here I stand at the edge of Atlantis
Looking east to the ancient shrines.
Bold winds buffet my face as the sun
Sinks over my shoulder to rest on the trees.
I call your name; lift it high over waters so deep
That the measure is more than the open sky.
But there is no answer, not even an echo.
The wind and surf only muffle my pleas.
What craze of wanderlust drew you away from
Peaceful surroundings, so safe, so secure?
How did I fail to tell you my heart?
Would it have done any good to try?
I should have seen from the very beginning
Just how the story was set to play.
You were determined, mindset on destiny,
Dreams at the ready, wings set to fly.
So here I rest, my feet in the sand
Wondering if I should be so bold.
Wondering if you would have me beside you,
Wondering where I might fit into your plan.
Wondering if you think of me
The way you are constant in my mind.
Wishing to press my cheek to your cheek.
Silently longing the touch of your hand.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Looking east to the ancient shrines.
Bold winds buffet my face as the sun
Sinks over my shoulder to rest on the trees.
I call your name; lift it high over waters so deep
That the measure is more than the open sky.
But there is no answer, not even an echo.
The wind and surf only muffle my pleas.
What craze of wanderlust drew you away from
Peaceful surroundings, so safe, so secure?
How did I fail to tell you my heart?
Would it have done any good to try?
I should have seen from the very beginning
Just how the story was set to play.
You were determined, mindset on destiny,
Dreams at the ready, wings set to fly.
So here I rest, my feet in the sand
Wondering if I should be so bold.
Wondering if you would have me beside you,
Wondering where I might fit into your plan.
Wondering if you think of me
The way you are constant in my mind.
Wishing to press my cheek to your cheek.
Silently longing the touch of your hand.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 9, 2018
Annoy Me Not
In the great and grand scheme of things
There are times when you
Just want to be left alone.
No sad reminders, no heartaches on raven wings,
No heavy responses that soak to the bone.
No tap tap tap tapping,
And oh please! No rapping.
No stupid commercials or
Soap opera crying.
No teasing or taunting,
Nothing so daunting
That skills must be tested.
It all seems so trying.
Please, let me sit.
Just let me sit and clear
The gray matter of cumbersome clues.
It won’t take long to rejuvenate,
Then I’ll be ready for your gruesome news.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
There are times when you
Just want to be left alone.
No sad reminders, no heartaches on raven wings,
No heavy responses that soak to the bone.
No tap tap tap tapping,
And oh please! No rapping.
No stupid commercials or
Soap opera crying.
No teasing or taunting,
Nothing so daunting
That skills must be tested.
It all seems so trying.
Please, let me sit.
Just let me sit and clear
The gray matter of cumbersome clues.
It won’t take long to rejuvenate,
Then I’ll be ready for your gruesome news.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 8, 2018
Wet Noses
How can you measure the trust and devotion?
What is the yardstick for loyalty?
Unconditional, follow-you-anywhere,
Quick to defend against friend or foe.
Asking little, save little attention,
A pat or a rub, a quick game of fetch.
A nuzzle of muzzle to garner affection.
Total endearment lost in sad eyes.
How can you measure
When they cannot speak?
The touch of a wet nose
Against your cheek.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
What is the yardstick for loyalty?
Unconditional, follow-you-anywhere,
Quick to defend against friend or foe.
Asking little, save little attention,
A pat or a rub, a quick game of fetch.
A nuzzle of muzzle to garner affection.
Total endearment lost in sad eyes.
How can you measure
When they cannot speak?
The touch of a wet nose
Against your cheek.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 7, 2018
Bring It Home
I’ve traveled half-way round the world,
Yet never really left my home.
Instead, I took it with me on that
Journey to the other side.
Wayward traveler carrying a nation
Slung across my back.
Knapsack filled with old familiar
Memories both deep and wide.
Knowing all from gentle pain of losing
In the game of love.
Seeking more than everything
To fill my eyes to overflow.
Desperate searching – who knows what –
Snatching tidbits from above
The scrambled madness. Who knows
Which direction my direction goes?
In this world of fantasy
You oft-times can’t tell sprite from gnome.
But if your eyes are on the prize
You never fail to bring it home.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Yet never really left my home.
Instead, I took it with me on that
Journey to the other side.
Wayward traveler carrying a nation
Slung across my back.
Knapsack filled with old familiar
Memories both deep and wide.
Knowing all from gentle pain of losing
In the game of love.
Seeking more than everything
To fill my eyes to overflow.
Desperate searching – who knows what –
Snatching tidbits from above
The scrambled madness. Who knows
Which direction my direction goes?
In this world of fantasy
You oft-times can’t tell sprite from gnome.
But if your eyes are on the prize
You never fail to bring it home.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
August 6, 2018
Hustle Up
Mad Hatter is waiting, Dormouse in tow,
Anticipating the festivities.
The party’s purpose uncertain and vague,
A posh celebration of tangle and tease.
You are invited. White Rabbit saw to it,
So don’t act surprised as if you never knew it.
Apologize if it helps you get through it
With magic words ‘thank you’ and ‘please’.
You need to hurry! Don’t want to be late!
Don’t want to miss even one moments joy.
You could be left with an empty plate,
Or worse, subject to the Queen’s wicked ploy.
Sip! Quickly sip your invisible tea.
Gobble a crumpet that you cannot see.
Don’t try to understand what cannot be.
It just doesn’t pay to be coy.
Wandering through Wonderland,
Desperately trying to find my bed.
Hustle! Hustle! Don’t be slow,
Or the Queen may have your head.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
Anticipating the festivities.
The party’s purpose uncertain and vague,
A posh celebration of tangle and tease.
You are invited. White Rabbit saw to it,
So don’t act surprised as if you never knew it.
Apologize if it helps you get through it
With magic words ‘thank you’ and ‘please’.
You need to hurry! Don’t want to be late!
Don’t want to miss even one moments joy.
You could be left with an empty plate,
Or worse, subject to the Queen’s wicked ploy.
Sip! Quickly sip your invisible tea.
Gobble a crumpet that you cannot see.
Don’t try to understand what cannot be.
It just doesn’t pay to be coy.
Wandering through Wonderland,
Desperately trying to find my bed.
Hustle! Hustle! Don’t be slow,
Or the Queen may have your head.
Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dennis-S-Martin...
