Poetry

When I write poetry, I hear music. This is why most of my poetry is lyrical in nature with repeating verses for emphasis and haunting rhythms designed to inspire you to think, feel, and reflect. At least that is my hope and my goal.

Every word I write is intentional which is why I use a more vertical approach to get people to absorb my poetry word by word, and to pause and reflect.

☆°▪︎ CAN YOU GIVE IT LOVE ? ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

.

n

o

.

longer

trust . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

l

i

k

e

.

giving

up . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

times

.

a

r

e

.

tough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

roads

.

a

r

e

.

rough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

winds

gust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you’re

covered

.

i

n

.

darkness

.

a

n

d

.

dust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

you’re

covered

.

i

n

.

darkness

.

a

n

d

.

dust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ? 

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

feel

.

s

o

.

dumb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

believing

.

w

h

e

n

.

the

journey

.

i

s

.

done . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

sums

.

a

r

e

.

far

.

t

o

o

.

much . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

k

n

o

w

.

you’ve

.

h

a

d

.

enough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

others

.

a

t

.

first

.

like

.

a

n

d

.

lust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

later

.

stun

.

a

n

d

.

shun . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

others

.

a

t

.

first

.

like

.

a

n

d

.

lust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

later

.

stun

.

a

n

d

.

shun . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leaving

crumbs

.

o

f

.

fun

.

i

n

.

memory

fades . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ leaving

crumbs

.

o

f

.

fun

.

i

n

.

memory

fades . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

memories

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

memories

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

memories

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

y

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

decay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

overcome . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

everything

feels

.

s

o

.

numb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

rise

above . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

the

dance

.

o

f

.

the

dove . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

lose

.

i

t

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

lose

.

i

t

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

t

h

e

.

sun . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

.

n

o

.

longer

trust . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

.

n

o

.

longer

trust . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

l

i

k

e

.

giving

up . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

matter

what ?

Reflection: 

This is an inspiration/hope-themed poem. I was sitting outside recently thinking about the things that tend to bother people – both internally and externally – and the question came to mind: “Can you give it love?” So, I decided to start with that as the theme for this poem. My hope is that those who read this will become inspired to ask themselves something like: “What can I do to give this love?” when bothered by something internally or externally. At times, they might find they can’t, but much of the time they will probably find they can. And I think that might be a wonderful way to live – so, maybe give it a try. I played two wonderful, haunting gems of indie songs on back-to-back repeat at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem: Goddess by Field Guide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_lqj38T3Jw&list=RDa_lqj38T3Jw&start_radio=1) and Big Star by Current Joys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TkgCNbl_MM). If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ THE WAYWARD WAVES (OF SANDCASTLE FADES) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Youth

always

.

h

a

s

.

a

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

always

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

a

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ youth

always

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

a

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

young

.

c

a

n

.

effortlessly

create

.

a

n

d

.

convey,

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

words

.

o

f

.

hope

.

a

n

d

.

faith . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

young

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

knows

how

.

t

o

.

laugh,

.

.

engage,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

c

a

n

–

–

–

wait

out

.

t

h

e

.

winds,

.

.

rains,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands

.

o

f

.

endless

summer

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

endless

summer

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

sweep

.

a

w

a

y

.

the

heartaches 

.

o

f

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ they

sweep

.

a

w

a

y

.

the

heartaches 

.

o

f

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

l

i

k

e

–

–

–

sandcastle

.

f

a

d

e

s

.

beneath

wayward

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ like

sandcastle

.

f

a

d

e

s

.

beneath

wayward

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leaving

.

n

o

.

trace

.

o

f

.

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

trace

.

o

f

.

pain

.

.

e

v

e

r

.

.

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

sandcastle

fades

.

o

f

.

wayward

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

merge

.

a

n

d

.

migrate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

migrate

.

a

n

d

.

merge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

merge

.

a

n

d

.

migrate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

migrate

.

a

n

d

.

merge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

always

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

always

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

always

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

creating

ones

.

f

r

o

m

.

twos . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

creating

ones

.

f

r

o

m

.

twos . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

better

.

d

o

.

it

while

.

t

h

e

.

lover’s

tune

.

i

s

.

still

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

romantic

feelings

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

seem

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

whispers

.

a

n

d

.

words

.

a

r

e

.

still

enough

.

f

o

r

.

proof . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

roots

.

a

r

e

.

fresh

.

a

n

d

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

journey

. 

i

s

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

scars

.

a

r

e

.

shallow

.

a

n

d

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ while

.

t

h

e

.

scars

.

a

r

e

.

shallow

.

a

n

d

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

the

payments

.

b

e

c

o

m

e

.

due . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

you

still

.

h

a

v

e

.

little

.

t

o

.

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ while

you

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

have

little

.

t

o

.

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

perfection

.

i

s

.

obtuse,

.

.

obscure,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

insecure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

smallest

.

o

f

.

whispers,

.

.

glances,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

gestures . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

.

.

.

even

.

a

.

moment’s

pleasure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

c

a

n

–

–

–

be

all

.

t

h

e

.

treasure

.

o

n

e

.

needs,

.

.

t

o

.

.

fill

.

t

h

e

.

other’s

self-worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ can

be

.

a

l

l

.

the

treasure

.

o

n

e

.

needs,

.

.

t

o

.

.

fill

.

t

h

e

.

other’s

self-worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

steadily

surf

.

t

h

e

.

turns,

.

.

twists,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

carry

.

t

h

e

.

urge

.

t

o

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

t

h

e

r

–

–

–

better

.

o

r

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

t

h

e

r

–

–

–

mirth

.

o

r

.

curse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

t

h

e

r

–

–

–

diamonds

.

o

r

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ whether

diamonds

.

o

r

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

come

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

–

–

–

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

come

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

come

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

bedroom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

i

t

.

broods

.

i

n

.

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ before

.

i

t

.

broods

.

i

n

.

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feels

.

l

e

s

s

.

like

.

f

u

n

.

than

.

i

t

.

used

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

–

–

–

it

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

–

–

–

it

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

–

–

–

it

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feels

.

l

e

s

s

.

like

.

f

u

n

.

than

.

i

t

.

used

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

.

t

h

e

.

lover’s

tune

.

i

s

.

still

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

youth

always

.

h

a

s

.

a

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

youth

always

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

a

way.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem I started writing when reflecting on some of the young people I know and when looking back on my younger days. I always tell young people experiencing heartbreaks in life to always try to stay open to romance and love – because I wouldn’t want them to miss out on what might be some of the most wonderful experiences of their lives. Frequently some of the best (and sometimes lifelong) romantic experiences people have are in their younger days when they are not as rigid and tend to be more forgiving, easygoing, spontaneous, and less demanding in nature. I played the wonderful, gem of a song – “For All We Know” by The Carpenters in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem which seemed to fit perfectly. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ WHY WE DRIVE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

find,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

.

might

buy,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

.

.

.

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

.

might

shine,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

what

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

like,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

rhyme,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

surprise,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

surprise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

prize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

upside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

excite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

entice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

energize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

try,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

try,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

to

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

to

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

to

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

to

.

f

e

e

l

.

alive.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem I started writing one night when I was out downtown. The opening lines came to me, and the poem pretty much came into being from that. Initially, the opening lines contained the repeating phrase: “we ride” but after reflecting on the poem I concluded this was too passive for the message I was trying to capture and convey. I initially replaced the phrase with “we try” but that seemed too weak, so I then replaced that with “we drive” which seemed much better in the context of actively driving towards something – something much more forceful, deliberate, intentional, and reflective of what the poem is truly about. I played a wonderful, haunting gem of a song – “Fingertips” by Brian Jonestown Massacre in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ YOUR EMPTY WORDS (MAKE IT WORSE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Your

empty

words

.

w

e

r

e

.

all

I

heard . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ your

empty

words

.

m

a

k

e

.

it

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts

.

t

o

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

once

were . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts

.

t

o

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

the

memories

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

n

–

–

–

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

toss . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

toss . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return

.

t

o

.

the

urge

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

.

the

first . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return

.

t

o

.

the

thirst

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

.

the

yearn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

past

pages

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

the

birth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

once

were . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return

.

t

o

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

t

i

l

l

–

–

–

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

your

empty

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

make

.

i

t

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

 ~ your

empty

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

make

.

i

t

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

memories

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

memories

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr.

Reflection: This is a melancholy-themed poem where the affected party mourns a past that meant more to him/her than the other significant party – whether a friend, family member, or romantic partner. The opening lines came to me and I pretty much wrote the remainder of the poem from that.

☆°▪︎ THE SINGING SKIES (OF DAYS GONE BY) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

There

.

a

r

e

.

places

.

t

h

a

t

.

reside

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

distant

tides

.

t

o

s

s

.

and

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

candlelight

smiles

.

.

o

f

.

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

toss

.

a

n

d

.

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

toss

.

a

n

d

.

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

toss

.

a

n

d

.

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

singing,

.

sentimental

skies

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

still

bright,

.

.

high,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

singing,

.

sentimental

skies

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

still

bright,

.

.

high,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

showering

shimmering

.

candlelight

smiles

.

.

o

f

.

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So

.

m

a

n

y

.

times

.

i

n

.

the

distance

.

.

o

f

.

.

days

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

h

a

v

e

.

.

.

I

tried

.

t

o

.

find

.

t

h

a

t

.

pristine

place

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ so

.

m

a

n

y

.

times

.

h

a

v

e

.

I

tried . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

recreate

.

i

t

s

.

magic,

.

.

marvel,

.

.

shimmer,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

glimmer

.

i

s

.

never

.

a

s

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

glimmer

.

n

e

v

e

r 

.

as

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

the

pristine

paradise 

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

matter

.

h

o

w

.

hard

.

I

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

matter

.

h

o

w

.

hard

.

I

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

created

.

t

h

e

.

candlelight

smiles

.

.

o

f

.

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

created

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

singing,

.

sentimental

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

bright,

.

.

high,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

created

.

t

h

e

.

the

glimmer

.

s

o

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

s

o

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

this

.

i

s

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes

this

.

i

s

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

perfect,

.

pristine

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

c

a

n

–

–

–

now

.

o

n

l

y

.

reside

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

reside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

reside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

n

o

w

.

only

reside

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

back

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

y

o

u

–

–

–

were

.

w

i

t

h

.

me

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

were

.

w

i

t

h

.

me

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

days

.

o

f

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

.

o

f

.

.

singing,

.

sentimental

skies.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem where the romancer reflects back on a lost love from the distant past – knowing he/she may never experience the same marvel, magic, shimmer, or shine again. Of course, the nature of romances and relationships is that every one is different – so, any form of near replication is out of reach which means we must learn to cherish and appreciate the wonderful, beautiful times we have with others as they happen.

This poem came to mind while watching an old James Bond movie and hearing the theme song: “You Only Live Twice.” I found an instrumental Royal Philharmonic Orchestra version of the song which I played in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it. I sometimes listen to old instrumental music like this every once in a while. It reminds me of my mother who used to love that kind of music and it causes me to reflect on simpler and perhaps more romantic times.

☆°▪︎ LOVE IN LOW LIGHT ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

i

s

.

.

the

wine

.

o

f

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

drives

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

.

i

s

.

why

.

w

e

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

.

i

s

.

why

.

w

e

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

low

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

deep

.

a

n

d

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

day

.

a

n

d

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

all

.

o

u

r

.

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

all

.

o

u

r

.

might

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

candlelight

dances

.

a

n

d

.

dines

.

w

i

t

h

.

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

prize

.

o

f

.

possibilities

align . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

it

tugs

.

a

t

.

the

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

tugs

.

a

t

.

the

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

buys

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

buys

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

line,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

line,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

high,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

high,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

consumes

.

a

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

consumes

.

a

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

.

w

e

.

like

.

t

o

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ still

.

w

e

.

like

.

t

o

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

i

s

.

.

the

wine

.

o

f

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

drives

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

ride.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party is ever taunted and teased by “love in low light” – never seeming to get enough but always ending up getting too much. It seems he/she will never be happy, fulfilled, or satisfied in life, will always feel out of balance, and will eventually become consumed completely by the never-ending, “narcotic” pursuit. I’ve had several of these kinds of rapturous, rhapsodic, haunting, high-intensity experiences back in the days of my youth.

The words “love in low light” first came to mind and the poem pretty much took off from there. I played a wonderful gem of a song – the DJ David Padilla version of “Northern Spirit” by Kamaya Painters – in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ A GAZE ACROSS THE LANES (THE TREMBLE AND SHAKE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You

.

w

e

r

e

.

cool

.

a

n

d

.

hard

.

i

n

.

your

ways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

p

a

l

e

.

shade

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

o

n

l

y

.

warmth

that

.

y

o

u

.

gave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

those

.

d

a

y

s

.

you

.

h

a

d

.

a

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

.

.

I

wanted

.

y

o

u

.

just

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wanted

.

y

o

u

.

just

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

.

d

a

y

s

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

had

.

a

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

.

the

day

.

I

.

felt

.

a

.

gaze

cross

.

t

h

e

.

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

warming

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

breath

upon

.

m

y

.

face . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

tremble

.

a

n

d

.

shake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!earthquake!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!Thunder!!

.

a

n

d

.

!!Rain!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!HURRICANE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!!TIDAL!!!!

!!!!WAVE!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!THEN!!!!!

!!!!!CAME!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!

!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

.

.

–

–

–

All

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

storm

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

!AGAIN!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!AGAIN!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!AGAIN!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

!AGAIN!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!AGAIN!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!AGAIN!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!AGAIN!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!AGAIN!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!AGAIN!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

First

came

.

a

.

gaze

across

.

t

h

e

.

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

warming

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

breath

upon

.

m

y

.

face . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

tremble

.

a

n

d

.

shake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!earthquake!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!Thunder!!

.

a

n

d

.

!!Rain!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!HURRICANE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!!TIDAL!!!!

!!!!WAVE!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!THEN!!!!!

!!!!!CAME!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!

!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

.

.

–

–

–

All

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

storm

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

storm

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

in

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

In

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

In

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage,

.

.

escape,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

entertain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

remain.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem that came into being while reflecting back on some of the more intense, all-consuming, whirlwind romances and infatuations I experienced in my late teens, 20s, and early 30s during my marine corps days, my college days, and my early career days. Many of these were rapturous, rhapsodic, haunting, high-intensity experiences back when I was so easily moved and inspired – I fell under the “spell” of some very intriguing, magnetic, and captivating people back then. I played the wonderful gem of a song: “The Strangest Thing” by George Michael in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ GREAT UPON THE PAGE (OF HISTORICAL DAYS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

you

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

friends

.

o

f

.

yesterday

.

a

r

e

.

betrayed

.

a

n

d

.

fade

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

past

enemies

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you

!take!

–

–

!!take!!

–

–

!!!take!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

separate

.

a

n

d

.

segregate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

embrace

.

t

h

e

.

grim

.

a

n

d

.

greedy

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

embrace

.

t

h

e

.

grim

.

a

n

d

.

greedy

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

yesterday’s

grit

.

a

n

d

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

grit

.

a

n

d

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

accumulate

.

t

h

e

.

memory

replays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

memory

replays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

what

made

.

y

o

u

.

great

.

u

p

o

n

.

the

page,

.

.

i

n

.

.

historical

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

historical

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

brighter

age . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

warmer

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

shared

space . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

more

.

e

q

u

a

l

.

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

you

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

friends

.

o

f

.

yesterday

.

a

r

e

.

betrayed

.

a

n

d

.

fade

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

past

enemies

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

only

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

.

o

n

l

y

.

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

they

.

p

l

a

y

.

tomorrow’s

game . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

they

.

p

l

a

y

.

tomorrow’s

game . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

they

trade

.

y

o

u

r

.

fake

.

a

n

d

.

fickle

.

blame

.

a

n

d

.

fame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

t

h

e

y

.

trade

.

y

o

u

r

.

fake

.

a

n

d

.

fickle

.

blame

.

a

n

d

.

fame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

the

permanent

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

permanent

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

permanent

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

shape . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

dismal,

.

.

durable, 

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

demeaning

disgrace.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem for a country that seems to have lost its way. I used a favorite old Billy Joel song to help create this poem: “Surprises” from one of my favorite albums by him: “The Nylon Curtain.” I loved this album because it was not nearly as popular and overplayed as many of his other albums and songs. The song “Surprises” always evoked artistic imagery for me. I played this song on repeat in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of this poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ THE SKIES WERE HIGH (WHEN I LIVED THAT LIE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

lived

.

t

h

a

t

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied

.

I

.

could

find

.

a

.

light

.

t

h

a

t

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

unkind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied

.

I

.

could

smile

.

a

.

shine

.

t

h

a

t

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied

.

I

.

could

romance

.

a

.

rhyme

.

t

h

a

t

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

denied

.

I

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

lived

.

t

h

a

t

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem I wrote where the affected party looks back in reflection of a past romance: a romance intoxicating in the distance of remote possibility but toxic once it became reality. So many things in life can be that way. Sometimes things initially seeming to be out of reach are better remaining that way.

☆°▪︎ THE WICKED WARS (BEGIN TO BLUR-R-R-R) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

A

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

.

h

a

s

.

its

charm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

star

.

t

h

a

t

.

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

hurt

.

a

n

d

.

harm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

harm

.

a

n

d

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

hurt

.

a

n

d

.

harm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

harm

.

a

n

d

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

begin

.

t

o

.

blur-r-r-r . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

y

.

begin

.

t

o

.

blur-r-r-r . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

a

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

.

h

a

s

.

its

charm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

harm

.

a

n

d

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hurt

.

a

n

d

.

harm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

begin

.

t

o

.

blur-r-r-r.

Reflection: This is a short and simple personal struggle-themed poem which came into being in reflection of a somewhat dark Beatles song (a rarity for them) that I listened to recently: “Happiness is a Warm Gun,” and some recent happenings.