The Majestic Saguaro

The majestic saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert which makes up part of my home state of Arizona, U.S.A. This towering giant can reach heights of over 70 feet and some specimens have been known to live more than 150 years. At about mid-life, they will develop their first arm which helps their balance and also increases the plant’s reproductive capacity with more flowers and fruit.

Saguaros are truly unique in the world of desert plants and they also add a uniqueness to the Sonoran Desert.

The photo was found on the internet. It is an excellent photo and far better than I can take with my limited camera ability. Many thanks to the anonymous photographer. 

In my world of writing, I’m constantly looking for subjects to write poems about. The saguaro is a class act so . . . . . . Voila! . . . . . My poem!

Enjoy . . . . . .

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A majestic saguaro stands tall and proud
Arms reaching upward as if to touch a cloud

To a hungry hawk, it’s a high and lofty perch
From which, for his next meal, he can search
Woodpeckers carve their home in its prickly side
Later, in these cozy caves, dwarf owls can hide

Undaunted by the desert’s blazing summer sun
Or the winter’s icy chill; this icon won’t succumb
Survival’s a challenge in the arid hostel terrain
Its spongy interior soaks up the occasional rain

Beautiful flowers grace its top and each arm
For the bats and bees, it is nectar food with charm
The beautiful flowers, an honor they did rate

We Arizonans proudly calls them . . . . . .

 . . . . the “Official Wildflower” of our state

Stuff:

Getting very close to Christmas and the end of 2015! This little jingle says it very well . . . . . .

Thinking of you at Christmas time, 
 Sending this cordial Christmas rhyme, 
With my very best wishes and heartfelt good cheer; 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 I want to thank you, the many followers in countries around the world, for your support. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my poems.

WHISTLE BERRIES

Having lived in Arizona for over fifty years, I qualify as a “Desert Rat”! Technically I am not a native Arizonan, but I sure feel like one. A favorite among the natives and long-time residents like myself are pinto beans.  Pintos are the main ingredient in recipes for cowboy beans and also used as a side dish with many Mexican entrees  . . . . “los frijoles refritos” (refried beans)

The idea to write a beans poem came to me after making a large pot of cowboy beans with ham  . . . spiced up with jalapeno chilies. . . . .Yummmmm.

The photo was found on the internet with a Google photo search……Thank you, Google!

Enjoy the poem . . . . .

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Pintos, black beans and a ham hock

Simmered slowly around the clock
A big cast-iron pot of cowboy stew
Enough to feed a hungry trail crew

The crew chows down as cowboys will
They eat until they reach their fill
Oh, how cowboys love eating their beans

Putting a strain on their tight-fitting jeans
 

Tired and belly full, they all bed-down

A peaceful scene with nary a sound 

Calm interrupted by an occasional snore
Then beans kicked in and it’s quiet no more

Beans, beans . . . . The wonderful fruit

The more you eat the more you “toot”

The more you toot, the better you feel

So eat those beans with every meal!!!

                                              Poem by Herm Meyer

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STUFF:

Pinto beans have a few slang names.......Whistle berries, Pecos strawberries and Fart-n-Darts to name a few. The following comical drawing points out the side effect of the beans . . . . .

I have to admit . . . . The last verse of the poem is an old western jingle that's been around for many years. I borrowed it for the ending as it was too good not to share........Herm

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Ode to the Welfare State

Today's poem was found on the internet. It was published by the Associated Press in 1949. According to the article header, this poem was included in the U.S. Congressional Record in a last minute "sneaky" move.

This blog does not make political statements and this poem is added to my blog for it's historic value and humor. . . . . . no opinion or endorsement is intended.

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STUFF:

In the United States, we are over a year away from national elections and already we are being swamp by political posturing and television messages; To which my reaction is. . . . . . .

The RV

We are fortunate today to have another poem by guest poet, Norm Neville. Today’s “tongue ‘n cheek” rendition of life on the road in a RV (recreation vehicle) describes in a humorous way some of the things that can, and do, happen when RVing. Norm and his wife, Sue, have spent many days on the road so many of these poetic observations are probably backed by experience!

The photo of the “not too roadworthy or comfortable looking” recreation vehicle was found on the internet.  Norm and Sue deny every having owned or even used it. Ha!

Enjoy……..

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 If you ever get the urge to see our great land

You can travel in a manner that appears very grand.

You just need to be aware of a toy called an RV

Which was invented for travel for you and me.

Now a recreational vehicle is a sight to behold

Containing every convenience for both young and old.

Why, it has water and electric both toilet and sink

And can be ready to go as quickly as a wink.

All you must do is load your family and gear

And stuff as many tools as you can in the rear.

Be sure to bring clothing and even good shoes

Because you never know what places you’ll choose.

Bring food, drink and snacks as well as your wine

And don’t forget the kids and your dog on a line.

Fill your tank with propane and check air in your tire

And be sure to carry duct tape and bailing wire.

Because each trip is an adventure for sure

With nary any warning of what you’ll endure.

Suddenly when disaster looms just straight ahead

You’ll want to be ready and always well fed.

You may need to fix things as you roll toward your goal

So that you can relax upon arriving, at least I am told.

Somehow it never seems to quite work out that way

And you may find yourself fixing while others play.

You see the RV is a mechanical wonder

Which you all too often need to crawl under.

And instead of unwinding at the end of the trail

You might often be repairing the damage from that nail.

Some even curse the concept of traveling along

The nations back roads while singing a song

But the vacation in truth is not what it should be

But rather, it can be work to use that darn RV.

                                               Poem by Norm Neville

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STUFF:

Norm’s other poems are posted at  RESPECT  and  WHAT IS A FRIEND  Click on the links to enjoy these two super poems.

PHRASEOLOGY

Recently I came across a phrase in common usage and wondered about its origin. Looking the phrase up on "Google", I found the results interesting. That led me to researching the origin of more sayings, many of which were both interesting and surprising. 

Looking up the origin of many phrases led to the idea of writing a poem about the subject. Hey, there are not too many poems about phraseology! After writing the poem, I was faced with the task of finding a picture to go with the poem . . . . Not easy!

The picture, found on the internet, has no connection to phrases or sayings. Well, maybe the picture is open to a hidden interpretation like some of the phrases.

Enjoy!

 

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We hear many catchy phrases everyday

Adding color to what we chose to say

“Can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear”

Is a well-known saying one might hear

“Don’t take wooden nickels” or “Buy a pig in a poke”

“Play it close to the vest” to avoid going broke

Remember. ..“Don’t change horses in midstream”

And “Steady as she goes” to achieve your dream

Like a lonely drifter traveling all alone

“No moss is gathered by a rolling stone”

Riding a zealous bronco without a saddle

One could be “Up the creek without a paddle”

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow”

So “Out on a limb” the daring souls can go

Without caution, “Woe might be their lot”

“Stuck between a rock and a hard spot”

“Don't count your chickens before they hatch”

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the thatch”

“To all good things, the end must come”

So it is with this poem . . . time to succumb!

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STUFF:

My favorite saying: "Behold the turtle, he moves ahead only when his neck is stuck out!" 

Trivia: 

In the United States, the deceased are said to be: "Pushing up daisies".  In France they are: "Eating dandelions by the root"

Do you have a favorite saying. . . . .  Please share in the comments