Flatiron

No poem today …. Just a photo.  As many of my readers know I’m recovering from extensive heart surgery. I was released from the hospital two weeks ago yesterday and I’m progressing very well. However, the creative juices needed to write a poem just haven’t surfaced yet. In the interim, I did want to post a photo that I took a few years ago.

Man's Best Friend

Today’s image was from “The Saturday Evening Post”, October, 1988 edition. The illustration was done and is signed by J. F. Kernan. It reflects a style of an era past and maybe that’s why it seems nostalgic and “déjà vu” to us with today’s reality perspective.

Friendship

Today’s poem has been around for awhile. I could not find any clues as to the author, but it was an Irish poem according to an internet search.

Walk With Me

As a mature person who recently turned 82 years old, I felt it would be nice to write a poem about aging. You know the type: the sliding down the banister of life or traveled many roads, some of which weren’t even paved, kind of heart-wrenching poetic story.

Mother's Cookbook

One of the items found among my mother’s personal items after she passed away was an old cookbook. The book was in near terminal condition. You might say, “It had shared its last batch of cookies!”

Gold Rush Lady

In the mid 1800’s the “Gold Rush” started in the United States, but it wasn’t until 1915 that a $10 million gold strike was discovered in the Black Mountains of Arizona. A tent city named Vivian quickly arose and the population grew to over 3500 in one year.

Respect

We are fortunate for our poem this week to have a contribution by a guest poet. The “nom de plume” (Pen Name) of our contributing poet is Norm and we thank him for sharing his talent.

Good Ole Boys

The first people to move into the hostile territories of the American western frontier were brave souls. They included hunters, trappers, explorers and homesteaders. They all shared a common dilemma; they virtually lost contact with the world and loved ones they left behind.

Freedom Isn't Free

With the Independence Day celebration on the 4^th of July here in America, a patriotic post is certainly in order. I would like to share a poem that I received this past week from my friend, Barbara.

Pistol Packin' Preacher

In the rough frontier days of the United States, it was common for a preacher to service several rural villages and/or unorganized settlements. The names, “Saddlebag Preacher” and “Circuit Rider”, were common titles by which they were known.

The Flag

In the United States, June 14^th is celebrated as Flag Day. It commemorates the adoption of the flag for the United States. The date was officially proclaimed in 1916. With our Independence Day celebration, July 4th, a couple of week away, a special poem seemed appropriate.

Fat Rat Cat

It isn’t every day that you will get to read a poem about a rat. Yes, you read that correctly, the rodent . . . . . a rat!

Memorial Poppy

Memorial Day was set aside originally to honor the fallen warriors of WW1. As time went on, all veterans were included in the ceremonies. The red poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars.

Pétanque

The game of Pétanque, which is a form of Boules, was originated in Southern France. It is widely played in France and neighboring Spain.

Writer's Block

Sometimes a writer will sit at his, or her, desk with the intent of writing an article and, viola, the mind draws a blank. There is nothing coming to mind that is worthy of publishing or sending to a loyal audience .

Old Timers

In today’s world, at least here in America, we have become a bunch of pill-poppers. It seems that for any ache or illness you have, there is a pill. They come in all colors and shapes.

Pioneer Spirit

The subject of ghosts and ghost towns is always of interest and one that allows the imagination to run wild. Here in Arizona we have our share of mining towns that were abandoned when their mines closed because the minerals that were being mined ran out.

Blank Jim

The circumstances surrounding today’s poem are quite unusual to say the least. Awhile back I was awakened from a deep sleep by a strange dream. As usual, upon returning to the real world, the details of the dream were fuzzy. One thing was very clear, however…..the main character in the dream.

Lighthouses

Lighthouses have played an important part in the early days of commerce by sea. Starting out with a bonfire on shore then, a fire on an elevated structure and, eventually, a light on a tower.

A Dog for Jesus

This week as Christians around the world are celebrating Easter, it seemed fitting to do a poem about Easter. After several writing attempts involving the Easter bunny, colored eggs and the obvious religious theme, I was left with nothing worth publishing!

Tethered

Today’s photo, which was found on the internet, can be viewed with mixed emotions. My first thought was that of a loyal and loving companion anxiously waiting for her master to return.

The Key

Recently I met, through the internet, a charming couple, Paulette and Gus. They were the “stars” in a series of photos showing their joy upon winning a contest for a secret prize.

Ireland's Magic Harp

In many parts of the world, St Patrick’s Day was celebrated this past weekend. St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fourth century. According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

Porch Dog

It’s always fun writing about dogs and today’s poem was no exception.  Today’s photo came to me in one of the newsletters I receive.

Sorrow

Sorrow is one of life’s sad realities. We’ve all had to deal with sorrow to some extent in our lives. It’s not pleasant and it’s not easy!

Judge Roy Bean

Writing today’s poem was different. The lines rhyme like they should, but its how the poem evolved that’s different.

Lost Lady

If you’ve ever owned a pet, you’ve probably experienced the agony that comes with losing a pet.

Battered Barrel

The Shaw Butts Trail located, in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, is one of the best hikes in the Phoenix area. Starting at the Central Avenue trailhead, it winds its way up the north slope to great panoramic views at the mountain top. About halfway up the mountain, on the west side of the trail, I found this battered barrel cactus.

Cowboy

Having lived in the American Southwest since 1963, I have been exposed, first-hand, to the land of the cowboy and his ways. Although Phoenix, where I live has been ”easternized”  to a great extent,

Pays Du Vin

As some of you know, I am what is called a “Francophile” . . . i.e., a person who likes all things French. So when I found today’s photo on the internet it immediately took me to Southern France and the wine country.

The small vineyards scattered in the wine country are usually operated by dedicated individuals with the skills and a passion to carry-on the family tradition for making distinctive wines.

In other wine producing areas like Germany, Italy or Australia, the scenery may be different, but I’m sure dedicated individuals also carry-on a tradition left by their forefathers.  We all enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Enjoy the picture and my poem!

In the beautiful rolling hills of southern France

In the lovely area that’s known as Provence

Where purple lavender flowers, in a mistral breeze, sway

There’s a vineyard making wine the time-proven way

Luscious green vines aligned as in formation

Fruit clusters ready for a taste bud sensation

 Picking the prime purple gems will soon get started         

And, to the “Cave”, the precious fruit will be carted

There’s lots of mystery hidden within those cave walls

Secret dos and don’ts! Only “le patron” knows them all

Grapes go in and wine comes out. That much we do know

Good Lord willing, the “vin nouveau” will be “Best of Show”

          Poem by Herm Meyer

Pays du Vin = Wine Country

le patron - the  boss

vin nouveau - new wine

***************



STUFF:

Those interested in the tradition of wine making will find the website Domaine Rouge-Bleu interesting and informative:

                         http://rouge-bleu.com/

It can be viewed in either French or English

P. S.: Say hello to Jean-Marc in his comment column for me.

Rat Race

Today’s picture, which I found on the internet, gives the appearance of motion in a still photo. It is an excellent example. Is it a real time photo done with a slow shutter speed or is it a “photo-opted” creation? Either way it brought out a poem in yours truly.

Twins

Living in Arizona certainly has its advantages when it comes to being able to enjoy the outdoors. The saguaro cactus, symbolic of the Arizona desert, grows as high as 50 feet, gets its first arm in 75 plus years and can live for 200-300 years.

Fishin'

In today’s competitive world with its many pockets of civil unrest and the clouds of economic uncertainty, life can get hectic! Here in the United States we are also being bombarded with political rhetoric from both parties as we gear up for the nationsl elections this fall.

Serenity

Today’s photo was taken by Kristin Espinasse and featured awhile back on her blog . . . French Word-A-Day.  I am impressed by the depth perspective of the photo.