Sunday, December 2, 2018

Reflections: This



When I realize it was love that turned into this, I'm quite certain that "this" is hell.


Rodak's Writings: Another Poem I Don't Want to Post on Facebook



Prevention Lines

If I say
I have lost everything,
I will soon begin receiving
lists of things
I still have.

If I say
these remains
are insufficient,
I will soon be told
to get help.

If I get help,
I will soon be asked
how long I have felt
this way.

Since I lost
almost everything,
I will answer.


Friday, August 10, 2018

Rodak's Writings: a Painful Poem





If, Not When


If only I can
get you wondering
what it would be like,
despite all the speed bumps
and Do Not Enter signs
on this one-way toll road,
I will have won
some kind of dubious
and Pyrrhic victory.



Saturday, August 4, 2018

Rodak's Writings: An End-Stage Poem



And Suddenly You’re Old

The records of your fuck-hungry youth
don’t spin anymore.

The eyes of young women you encounter
are the eyes of an alien race:
They make a brief taxonomic evaluation
then quickly move on.

The eyes of old women demand payment
of some long-standing debt,
for which you no longer have the currency
to satisfy.

You have watched your father --
who taught you how to swing a bat,
who taught you the words you now employ
to curse your failing body -- die without warning,
on a day that began as routine.

Then time becomes a crushed and soggy tissue,
disgusting, no longer of use.

And suddenly you’re old.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Rodak's Writings: An Orphaned Poem


I'm pissed. The first thing I posted on Facebook yesterday was the poem below. I was very happy with it. I waited all day for it to get any response at all from my FB friends. Twenty-four hours later it has still gotten none. So be it. I can play that game too. 

So, nobody--here it is again. At least on Rodak Riffs I don't expect any response:



After Duran

Finally the body says, “No mas.”
“Long enough have I endured
these constant, nagging, pains,
only to allow your ridiculous mind
a rosy cave in which to cower.

“Return you now to Platonic realms.
Or simply dissipate like the angry clouds
of a summer storm.
“I will lie me down
and let the birds, or the worms,
or the oven’s flame,
clean up after all that was substantial
during this mundane interval.
“To rot is to rest:
Disintegration is the only promise
Existenz can keep.”


Saturday, April 14, 2018

Rodak's Writings: Some More Bitter Verse



Advice

So, you think you can break my heart?

Well, maybe you can,
if first you are able to pick up
all the scattered pieces of it
and then work some kind
of jerry-rigged Jesus act,
to make it whole again.

But, honestly, I’m too old to feel much.

Best you go break a heart
that’s not already been broken.

I’d hate to see you
do your voodoo
for doo-doo.


Friday, April 6, 2018

Rodak's Writings: a Pome




Star Light, Star Bright


When things get very dark,

the fucking suckers say,

you can then look up

and see the stars.

Right.

There they are:

seductively twinkling

unreachable gems,

light dead on arrival,

celestial cockteasers.

But thanks for the thought.