A Counter in Van Nuys on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve alone in the Valley. I spent it at a Norms cafe, writing poerty, my escape from the solitude of the holidays.....

A Counter in Van Nuys on Christmas Eve

 

 

I am a galactic warrior

Screaming Coptic Christian tunes

From the alleys of Istanbul

 

I am the immortal traveler

Chanting short prose on top

Of oak table in Scotland

 

I am the hesitant peacemaker

Yelling rally cries

From the skies above

Addis Abba, hoping the hopeless

Get the message

 

I am the shotgun kid

Giving warning shots

At the border of Arizona

Saying Ellis Island is closed

 

I ride in a modern wagon train

I hang glide with the skins of the opulent

I no longer see the world as round

It’s flat like the ancients said

Man can only see his own side

 

Even in moments of happiness

And those moments are fleeting

You whisper softly

In my naked ears

Self-loathing and hate

I want to laugh on the outside

I am terrorized on the inside

I want to scream

Yet I laugh

I giggle like a fool.

 

The world moved in slow motion

My eyes barely open

I can’t feel my face

Again I hear whispers of shortcomings

I laugh

Yet I kiss you again.

 

I am a gypsy

Aimless traveler chasing a vision

That stays planted in my head

Since the days of my youth

On the swing set

In that yard

At that house

In that state

That state of mind

Where fantasy wrestles reality to a stand still

And throws us on our fragile spines

 

I fight for my freedom

Seems like destiny has another idea

 

I stroll in parks

Recline in coffee shops

And avoid dive bars

As I continue on my-California dream

 

 

Author's Note

Comment welcome...

Reviews

[Cari Lynn Vaughn]

This was a very moving piece. The images were unique and bold. Great job!

[Daniel88Batson]

I really enjoyed this poem!
Truly great job which holds truly unique themes.
Congratulations.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

A journey of awesome imagery!

[Penlady]

I am the sadness in the eye of man, the lament that pours from the aching heart, the prodigal son that would shine if only the world was not so blind.....I am need in need of....(you've said it all) I love the vision of man seeing only his side of the world in all its flatness, no feeling in the toes OR heart, just numb, monotonous hummmmmm!

[Brytt]

Love...

:' -l

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for the field trip in your words. Life give us many opportunities and chances to travel and play many parts. I like the many places you took me with you in the poem. A good ending to a excellent poem.
Coyote

[joshua deathdealer]

ha Brilliant work. Istanbul ha I love it!!

[nathan]

This is awesome, the rythm, the tone, all superb. And a tad different too

[Dayran]

Through the creative mists, when we see a form of life take shape, we wonder at the power of that which made that possible. Yes, we also realize sometimes that she's the one that's whispering into our ears. A sensitive and ecstatic poem about breathing new life again.

[Kenneth The Poet]

This is a superb write about the ideal man we all want to be.