Search

Joseph E Bird

Let's talk about reading, writing and the arts.

Open Search
Tag

beauty

today there is peace

christmas-on-the-deck

today there is peace

well, not really
but today, more than any other day,
we want peace

we want the guns to go silent
the bombs to be dismantled
the swords to be sheathed
the fists to be loosened
the anger to be soothed
the hate to find understanding
the trespass to be forgiven
the pained to find comfort
the sick to be healed
the hungry to be fed
the thirsty to have drink
the forgotten to be remembered
the cast out to be gathered in
the lost to be found
the unloved to feel love
the tumult to find peace

today, more than any other day
we want peace

because
years ago a child was born
though not all believe
that he was the son of God
that he was born for redemption
that he was the Christ

though not all believe

today,
more than any other day
we pray for peace

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

3

whisper hello (a love song)

a glance of the eye, the innocent look
the curl of your lips, was all that it took
we talked without words, there was so much to say
my world went to sleep, when you went away

the hollow of lonely
it shakes me with fear
i whisper hello
but nobody’s here

the care in your heart, always ready to share
you left me so humbled, my sins so aware
to witness your goodness, i now realize
it’s what i should live for, to be good in your eyes

i long for your warmth
and to kiss your sweet tears
i whisper hello
but nobody’s here

the devil he tempts, the weak ones to test
he knows how to charm, my lust is impressed
my life is now stained, there’s nothing to do
but beg your forgiveness, your judgment is true

to touch your soft skin
and hold you so dear
i whisper hello
but nobody’s here

the sound of your voice, echoes soft in my mind
i wish i could see you, for all others i’m blind
our love was so fleeting, and me, i’m to blame
i dream of the light, and live with my shame

please laugh for me honey
and bring joy to my ear
i whisper hello
but nobody’s here

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

author’s note: this is not autobiographical and i’m not depressed or missing anyone. i’ve been listening to a lot of “love gone wrong” songs lately and this is my contribution to the genre.

11

ephemeral

sunset darkened 11-2-15 for web

i could write

or watch a ballgame

or work on a project

but it’s October

and every evening

my backyard is lit

in brilliant yellows

and reds

and colors that defy description

another sunset

and another tomorrow

except that’s not true

stop

take it in

because it’s a gift

and it’s ephemeral

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

3

the great white north

cranberry-glades-for-web

Actually, no, it’s not Canada. This is the Cranberry Glades in West Virginia. They say that eons ago a glacier created a geographic and climactic anomaly in the high mountains of Pocahontas County. As a result, plant and animal species are found farther south than conventional wisdom would suggest. There are, in fact, cranberries growing in the bog, but if you’re expecting those two guys in hip waders surrounded by thousands of red berries, you’re going to be disappointed. Still, the scenery in this area is spectacular.

And watch out for bears.

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

1

rest

rain-for-web

the road glistens from last night’s rain
trees still dripping
the deck boards soft and brown

she looks out across the fields
let’s go to town
might as well, he says
it’s too wet to plow
.
steady patters in the gutter
birds talk across the yards
leaves lie resting, brown and shiny

he slides the eggs on the plate
today we should rest
she sips her tea and nods
the work can wait
.
the rain light and steady
as the pan in the corner catches
the occasional drop through the roof

he nibbles on flatbread and drinks warm water
a crow stands at the open door
he tosses a crumb
the bird plucks it from the ground
and flies away

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

3

why – a poem for the artists

Hiker for web

Why
do you do
what you do?

.

You see the fall leaves
a season has passed
you pen the good words
and hope it will last.

A memory is shared
it once was so clear
your poetry speaks
to those who will hear.

.

You comprehend shadows
you understand light
you capture the feelings
of what’s lost in our sight.

Your pictures are poignant
of people unknown
they look faraway
they look so alone.

.

You see a petal
with colors of fire
you paint what you feel
it sings like a choir.

Your brush touches paper
like a gentle caress
the colors transform
become a child’s dress.

.

You hear the heart cry
of love gone away
you make it a song
to ease your dismay.

Or light fills your life
and burns off the haze
you sing of the beauty
your song is a praise.

.

Why
do you do
what you do?

It’s not for the fame,
or to hear accolades
such things are so fleeting
they’re just a charade.

You do it for you
and maybe to share
to give what we need
and to show that you care.

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

0

Brian Wilson

If I could write like this, I would.

Please Let Me Wonder, by Larry Ellis.

 

 

1

Gorecki

I jumped in my car the other day to head to a meeting and the radio was tuned to NPR, where local classical composer, Matt Jackfert, was hosting his classical music show. I caught the last few minutes of the third movement of Henryk Gorecki’s Symphony No. 3, also known as the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. The music, while aptly named, is captivating. And when you know the story behind it, it’s even more moving.

Here’s Gorecki’s story:  Henryk Gorecki’s life.

Here’s the third movement:

Nothing else to say.

0

My Conversation

Recreation.
Relaxation.
That’s all I need
for motivation.

Observation.
Contemplation.
It’s my way
of restoration.

Calculation.
Conjugation.
Created for
communication.

Perspiration.
Inspiration.
What once was play
is avocation.

Acclamation.
Adoration.
Distorts the mind
and expectation.

Preparation.
Presentation.
Hoping for
more confirmation.

Indignation.
Resignation.
Subject the dream
to termination.

Devastation.
Isolation.
Kills the soul
with suffocation.

Then.
None of it matters.

Exhumation.
Restoration.
Education.
Innovation.
Fascination.
Elevation.
Vindication.
Liberation.

Conversation.
Tribulation.
It’s just for me,
my celebration.

copyright 2016, joseph e bird

4

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑