Humor at the Expense of a New Kitten

I always find a way to tease the cat;

Her brain, you see, is sadly very small.

I'd stop it if I could, but that is that.

I put her treats inside a tilted hat

Then stand it up; she can't escape: too tall.

I always find a way to tease the cat.

Above her head a string she tries to bat.

An awkward spring; it only ends in fall.

I'd stop it if I could, but that is that.

I exercise her so she won't get fat;

I tempt her with a laser on the wall.

I always find a way to tease the cat.

Comfy, scheming in my chair I sat,

She scrambling after an elusive ball.

I'd stop it if I could, but that is that.

Some people ask, "Why do you do that?"

I shrug my shoulders; I don't know at all.

I always find a way to tease the cat;

I'd stop it if I could, but that is that.

Maggie: A Villanelle

Though just a bud, your bright'ning petals bloom

And, racing time, they open toward the sun.

Your freshful sweetness drives away the gloom.

A million words like buzzing honeys zoom

To gather knowledge before your lips are done.

Though just a bud, your bright'ning petals bloom.

When hushed and planted in your bed you fume;

With yawns, demand more time until you've won;

Your sweetful freshness drives away the gloom.

You bravely stand when thundering shadows loom,

Defy the gray, and somber clouds you shun,

Though just a bud; your bright'ning petals bloom.

You play, your smile light as petals' plume,

And innocently boss your friends in fun.

Your sweet-fresh fullness drives away the gloom.

I see some seeds were in our mother's womb,

That you and young Me share so much in common.

Though just a bud, your bright'ning petals bloom;

Your freshful sweetness drives away my gloom.

Prayer

An open air 'neath leaves of green

Is where I love You best,

Where just effects of grace are seen,

Like wind, and give me rest.

With blue and red the stage is lit;

A concert for the King

Is fine until I need to sit,

And hear the Shepherd sing.

Guitar and drums awake my soul

With passion when I'm strong,

But when my heart feels weak and old,

I need a gentler song.

My heart is still now; speak to me

With murmurs in the streams

And whisper softly in the sea

And quiet in my dreams.

To the Greats: A Sonnet

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

When I have fears that I may cease to be

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways

William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe,

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, John Donne,

Robert Burns, and Andrew Marvell, have won

The majority of the poems I know

And love.  I listen to their words at night,

And their sonnets are the thoughts of my days.

Quotes and lyrics come from my lips as praise;

The genius of my teachers is my sight.

Oh, would that I were a small, humble leaf

To grow on their tree, and there find relief.

Sisterly Advice

In high school lots of people date--

I know some make it; some just don't.

It's fun to cast yourself as bait

And see what you can catch out there.

It's fun to have those silly fights;

It's fun to feel that someone's stare.

There's always a little drama involved;

We're human and it can't be helped

(And no one wants that problem solved). 

My friends and I were all so sweet,

But wanted to grow up too fast

And thought we knew how to handle the heat.

The skirts got short, the smiles got wide,

Then we saw the destruction ahead

And rushed back to the safer side.

Now you're coming to that time, too;

Your friends are looking just like mine

Before we danced the whole night through.

Be careful when you go that way;

I didn't have a sister then

With lots of good advice to say.

I'll help you do your hair and dress,

But tell me you'll stay with your friends,

'Cause, trust me, boys are just a mess. 

When you date, Sister, I will cry.

Please wait at least until I marry,

But better yet after I die.

Reading at the Stadium

Nine o'clock on Wednesday night

Lights are out on the football field

Lovers whisper in the stands

Watching stars and holding hands

Solo runners listen to iPods

Each running at his own pace

Shuffling or sprinting to my right

Nine o'clock on Wednesday night.