http://brockmancl.gather.com Recent Articles on Gather by Chris Brockman en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:26:39 GMT 2013-06-20T04:26:39Z en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 http://www.gather.com/images/header/logo_gather.gif http://www.gather.com/ http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981872480 Sing of Earth If you have known Earth, If you have spilled your seed upon her ground And have grown appreciation For her creativity, For her steadfastness, For . . . Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:47:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981872480 Chris Brockman 2013-04-22T17:47:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981872032 Life’s Two Steps The past and future pulling in opposite directions Challenge balancing the present as we shift Weight from one foot to the other Twirling . . . Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:44:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981872032 Chris Brockman 2013-04-21T13:44:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867220 A Child Is Born   Serenely, we float in la mer, A pristine lagoon in the Garden, With no light and no air, The weather is always fair. Nirvana, for every . . . Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:46:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981867220 Chris Brockman 2013-04-07T09:46:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866183     Loves of My Life Some were only in a catalog, Lovely, with no thorns pictured. Others but buds of potential beauty, To look, but otherwise strictured. . . . Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:17:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866183 Chris Brockman 2013-04-03T21:17:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863678 I invite anyone who likes a good memoir ("good memoir "= one that mostly celebrates good times) to like Growing Up in Boom Times at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Growing-Up-in-Boom-Times/209417579089037 . . . Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:31:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981863678 Chris Brockman 2013-03-27T11:31:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862427   Home Place   With my bedroom window propped open, The far off passing train Soloed con spirito A concerto for mournful whistle And cricket orchestra. . . . Sat, 23 Mar 2013 09:27:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862427 Chris Brockman 2013-03-23T09:27:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859992 Bluets   The bluets are out, Diminutive, dusted Lavender blue Lovely, lonely Shrunken violets Impenders of spring Pretenders of nothing . . . Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:27:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859992 Chris Brockman 2013-03-15T17:27:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981858508     In the Air Spring is in the air Flash of pink and white Slash of yellow Caress of air just right Pinch of purple Scents of sweetness alight . . . Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:40:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981858508 Chris Brockman 2013-03-11T13:40:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981855811     Walking with Poetry   I walk, quickly and steadily— Step, step, step, step— And I breathe out— One, two, three four, Breathe . . . Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:02:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981855811 Chris Brockman 2013-03-03T11:02:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981854244 The following poem was inspired by a beautiful watercolor painting CATTAILS IN THE SNOW by good friend Lin Frye, as well as her comprehensive and very interesting article on cattails, published in . . . Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:53:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981854244 Chris Brockman 2013-02-26T16:53:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852835 Deep in Winter   Deep in the winter, Leaves are hanging on Brown, crinkled, brittle Keeping off the ground Aging circus flyers Clinging to the bar . . . Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:56:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981852835 Chris Brockman 2013-02-22T13:56:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981850907     Balance   Life is the mean The potential of youth The fullness of old age The peaks of ecstasy The pits of despair For better or for worse . . . Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:19:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981850907 Chris Brockman 2013-02-17T10:19:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981848129     Life Trek Youth is the sun Shining on our hundred-year mission To explore the universe of life. Though it lights our way Through both muscle . . . Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:22:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981848129 Chris Brockman 2013-02-09T14:22:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981846638 Watershed   In my Catholic school, I didn’t learn the Golden Rule, But I knew it well all the same. I committed instead to memory My catechism and said . . . Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:36:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981846638 Chris Brockman 2013-02-05T16:36:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981845415 The Straight Poop As I motor through the neighborhood On my afternoon walk Two brash young boys want to know If I’ve ever “pooped” in my pants. . . . Sat, 02 Feb 2013 08:57:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981845415 Chris Brockman 2013-02-02T08:57:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981844038 The Invention of Music   Growing up, I listened to my parents’ music Only insofar as it was Reincarnated as my own, Never knowing that we shared And what . . . Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:11:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981844038 Chris Brockman 2013-01-29T18:11:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981843042     Half Full There’s no need to look at life Through anything but clear glasses, It is what it is, and it was what it was. A clear view will reveal . . . Sun, 27 Jan 2013 10:34:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981843042 Chris Brockman 2013-01-27T10:34:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981840842 Circle the Square For Elizabeth Warren I’ve tried to circle the square Looking for solutions, Reasonable and renewable, Democratic and doable, . . . Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:00:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981840842 Chris Brockman 2013-01-21T17:00:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834207     This is a response to John Beck's prompt to write as if one were a 6-12 year-old boy and prepared for ...?  I've transposed the ages to 16-18 and borrowed a bit from John with . . . Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:48:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981834207 Chris Brockman 2013-01-05T11:48:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981832053 Borrowed Light Your eyes are a borrowed light. Standing on your smile I can see into your soul. I tap with my words And you open the door And . . . Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:42:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981832053 Chris Brockman 2013-01-01T12:42:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981829201     Vexed by Creation The beautiful pain of creation. Starts with birth of an urge Grows through callow contractions And ends with a makeshift sigh. . . . Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:40:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981829201 Chris Brockman 2012-12-26T12:40:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981817211 Two Trees Are Better Than One By Chris Brockman     The new accumulation from an overnight snowfall crunched under Shelley’s boots. Bright sunshine, . . . Sat, 15 Dec 2012 14:41:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981817211 Chris Brockman 2012-12-15T14:41:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981811888 A Dreamer and a Doer   Her heart is tender, But her hands are rough To merely dream, for her Is not nearly enough. Let hands do what lips do, And . . . Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:31:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981811888 Chris Brockman 2012-12-12T17:31:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981810120 By All Means “Shall we dance?” said the politician to the lie. “By all means, “ came the knowing reply. “My point exactly,” . . . Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:14:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981810120 Chris Brockman 2012-12-11T20:14:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981803171 The following poem is titled by the inscription I carved into a smooth skinned young maple tree as a tribute to my first achingly beautiful young love. I was fourteen at the time.  I re-carved . . . Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:32:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981803171 Chris Brockman 2012-12-07T21:32:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981796937   I just had to share this excerpt from Growing Up in Boom Times after I read Susan Budig's new poem "Sitting on Top of the Wold." http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=2814 74981754784 . . . Tue, 04 Dec 2012 20:06:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981796937 Chris Brockman 2012-12-04T20:06:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981789547 Hand Woven   Young love Hand touching hand Holding hands Palm kissing palm Hand-lettered Invitation Hand in hand Ring hand Hand . . . Sat, 01 Dec 2012 08:43:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981789547 Chris Brockman 2012-12-01T08:43:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981761002   If Everyone Were Just Like Me   Eeek! Oh? Ahhh. Zzzzzz……   Chris Brockman   Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:06:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981761002 Chris Brockman 2012-11-16T20:06:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981727738 The Smelling of Roses   For far too many, life is so abysmal There is no time or attention left for roses. To survive at all or to survive as the fittest . . . Sun, 28 Oct 2012 10:58:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981727738 Chris Brockman 2012-10-28T10:58:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981712246   Ad Vita   Carpe diem ; every day is a new day. To tie them together is my role in life. Multim in purvo ; life’s funny that way, Each life a cake, . . . Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:30:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981712246 Chris Brockman 2012-10-19T16:30:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701115 PERSONAL Ugly duckling Can turn into swan Only when viewed By someone with great insight. Looking for same— Object blind affection. Chris . . . Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:57:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701115 Chris Brockman 2012-10-14T11:57:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981699057 Once a Senior   High school senior glory days Were oh so much fun in so many ways. High on the hill, top of the tree, Cruise control, then out and free. . . . Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:09:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981699057 Chris Brockman 2012-10-12T21:09:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981689257 Trickle Down Autonomy   Time rains on my head And I have too much to do, While my life runs down my cheek, And out a hole in my shoe. Chris Brockman . . . Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:28:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981689257 Chris Brockman 2012-10-09T17:28:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981681514 After the Fall Trees are a nudist camp, A glass house, a stark relief. Unadorned and stripped of flourish, Exposed as naturally endowed, Trees tell it like . . . Sat, 06 Oct 2012 09:33:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981681514 Chris Brockman 2012-10-06T09:33:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981671363 Who Will Speak for Eddie Willers?   Eddie Willers. What to do about Eddie Willers? Abandoned by the bosses, Shrugged off by his creator-- I just can’t . . . Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:06:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981671363 Chris Brockman 2012-10-01T17:06:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981668841     Turn of Events The sweetgums are turning A sickly yellow, Queasy from That time of the year. The maples have put A blush on from The . . . Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:46:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981668841 Chris Brockman 2012-09-29T17:46:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981663398 Moonless Night   Looking for a leader With casino charisma To bet the works on Leading us to the land Promised by our potential.   Looking for . . . Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:31:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981663398 Chris Brockman 2012-09-26T20:31:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981661432     Love Song   She was indignant When my song Went into and around Her discrete soul. She tried to Leave it behind, But she didn’t . . . Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:57:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981661432 Chris Brockman 2012-09-25T17:57:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981583774   Fair to Middling   Middle class, middle aged, middle earth, Middle of the road, middle of the stream, middle mirth, We've sampled, celebrated, and judged Our . . . Sun, 26 Aug 2012 09:37:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981583774 Chris Brockman 2012-08-26T09:37:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981562387   Rainy Sunday Afternoon   Take it easy Put it in neutral Chill But Monday morning Stalks My Soul . . . Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:11:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981562387 Chris Brockman 2012-08-19T16:11:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981559590 Virtue Virtue as its own reward Wants not civil nor cosmic lord; Not born of bribe Nor killed by sword, It pays in self-esteem Chris Brockman Sat, 18 Aug 2012 13:07:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981559590 Chris Brockman 2012-08-18T13:07:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981552426 At Last At Least   The last line sums it up, Is my life's light, Recites my story, Punctuates my philosophy, Dots my I, Might be my Famous last words. . . . Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:01:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981552426 Chris Brockman 2012-08-16T21:01:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981547366   Seems Like Only Lasterday   Many grains of time ago, When my innocent daughter In her terribly literal twos Used to say lasterday For the day before . . . Wed, 15 Aug 2012 09:20:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981547366 Chris Brockman 2012-08-15T09:20:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981545325 Behind Open Doors The world is full of wonderful, delicate mysteries, Like the cachet of wild grape blossoms in spring. The world is full of marvelous, . . . Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:54:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981545325 Chris Brockman 2012-08-14T11:54:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981516649   When I'm Sixty-Four   Many things not done to rue When I'm sixty-four. Many smiles for credit due When I'm sixty-four. Many things I'll never . . . Sat, 04 Aug 2012 18:27:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981516649 Chris Brockman 2012-08-04T18:27:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981475293               Swim At Your Own Risk   I teach my grandson to play cards. Eight years old, but no fish, here. . . . Sun, 15 Jul 2012 17:56:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981475293 Chris Brockman 2012-07-15T17:56:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981463827   Snake in the Grass   Picking berries, I almost Step on a black snake My heart stops, I jump back, almost fall, Perception of evil the occasion of Far greater . . . Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:00:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981463827 Chris Brockman 2012-07-09T20:00:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981461372 Whethering the Storm   Thunderous questions roll To my wary ears Brilliant flashes illuminate Debris of destruction Truth trees are pruned By winds of . . . Sun, 08 Jul 2012 09:49:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981461372 Chris Brockman 2012-07-08T09:49:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981380603   Congress   Replace Aristotle's shining Golden Mean with just plain mean. Chris Brockman Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:16:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981380603 Chris Brockman 2012-06-06T17:16:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343401   On Any Road   After a storm, I come across them, Worms on the hardtop Trying to get across. The sun is out now, And the road to the other side Is . . . Sat, 19 May 2012 18:20:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343401 Chris Brockman 2012-05-19T18:20:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981338201 Ha-ku The meek shall inherit the Earth. He who laughs last laughs best. Chris Brockman Thu, 17 May 2012 09:45:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981338201 Chris Brockman 2012-05-17T09:45:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981315540 Nature's Bakery Mother is baking on the first really hot Day in the middle of spring, And the smells drift across my path As I walk the freshly toasted road. . . . Mon, 07 May 2012 17:03:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981315540 Chris Brockman 2012-05-07T17:03:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981311612   Nature's Bakery Mother is baking on the first really hot Day in the middle of spring, And the smells drift across my path As I walk the freshly toasted road. . . . Sat, 05 May 2012 18:04:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981311612 Chris Brockman 2012-05-05T18:04:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981279138 Challenge: Using prose or poetry, write a story, true or fictional, about something that happened in your childhood that might have had some influence on what you do or how you think today. . . . Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:09:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981279138 Chris Brockman 2012-04-21T18:09:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981258623 The Walk Less Traveled   Community college commuter campus-- Two paths from the cars diverge up the hill. A sidewalk to a tee halfway between Two buildings a mere few . . . Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:50:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981258623 Chris Brockman 2012-04-12T17:50:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981254057 Feverish Vision   The classroom window frames promise. The spring trees are freshly painted, The spice of their blossoms lingers From the walk to class, The . . . Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:23:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981254057 Chris Brockman 2012-04-10T17:23:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981244562 I Am a Writer   When the census comes again I’ll reflect before I pen The slot for occupation. What occupies my mind And helps me to unwind Is . . . Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:38:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981244562 Chris Brockman 2012-04-05T21:38:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981231857 Half Asset   Freedom without responsibility is Heads I win, tails you lose. Anarchy without accountability is Anarchy with a bruise. The freedom of your . . . Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:46:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981231857 Chris Brockman 2012-04-01T15:46:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981228482 A Cut Above Vanity or sanity Pretty boy or elephant man Necessity or inanity L ife reclaimed or Peter Pan Chris Brockman Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:38:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981228482 Chris Brockman 2012-03-31T08:38:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981216306 Thanks to Frank Marcopolis for the inspiration.   Shooting Stars In the country arises the new school To consolidate and educate young Human beings in the material. . . . Sun, 25 Mar 2012 11:17:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981216306 Chris Brockman 2012-03-25T11:17:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981177876 In celebration of Women's History Month & Week:   APPLE OF MY I “Today’s forbidden fruit Is tomorrow’s health food,” She said, taking . . . Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:59:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981177876 Chris Brockman 2012-03-10T10:59:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981163417 By All Means “Shall we dance?” said the politician to the lie. “By all means, “ came the knowing reply. “My point exactly,” . . . Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:20:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981163417 Chris Brockman 2012-03-04T13:20:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981161286 March Madness   As the march of circumstance lends madness To the attempt to attribute teleology to The game, the plays, the winners and losers, Life is adept at throwing . . . Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:27:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981161286 Chris Brockman 2012-03-03T14:27:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981142740   Your Changes Have Been Saved   First there's the stimulus. It could be experience: Something happens to you Or someone you know. Maybe you see it, hear . . . Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:17:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981142740 Chris Brockman 2012-02-25T10:17:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981126199 Anniversary Paean   A candle burns in your heart, A lighthouse of love. A star sparkles in your eye, Articulating light from above. A spark glows in your mind, . . . Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:05:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981126199 Chris Brockman 2012-02-19T17:05:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981102892 The Sweeter the Berry   Wild berry young love Is harvested in chaste kisses. Chemistry and time lead to The wine of near misses Till a full cup runs over to . . . Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:45:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981102892 Chris Brockman 2012-02-10T20:45:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981086676   Tears Souls are reservoirs Fed by underground Springs of emotion Dammed by reality Tears carry off The overflow. Chris Brockman Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:48:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981086676 Chris Brockman 2012-02-04T16:48:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981071521   Unhitched   Oh, you bright spirit, you Slipped the surly bond Of Earth's gravitas To follow Apollo. Solar flares and northern lights Disrupted communication . . . Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:28:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981071521 Chris Brockman 2012-01-29T15:28:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981023204 This poem was inspired by one by Mustafa Demiri http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979276418 Winds of War Who has seen the winds of war? Their . . . Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:42:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981023204 Chris Brockman 2012-01-14T11:42:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980975466 Learning 2: Appreciate Poetry Up-mixed metaphors Expect tunnel-ending Green light to lead To fertile growth-industrial Imaginative employment for . . . Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:46:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980975466 Chris Brockman 2012-01-02T11:46:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980940186 Night Train   Running errands on an off-day, I stop for a fast-food lunch. Gazing out the glass, I see Three power motel signs, Their arms outstretched To . . . Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:39:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980940186 Chris Brockman 2011-12-21T12:39:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980926070 The Value of Writing Websites   "Writing websites," to me, are a juxtapositon between a stimulus to write and a waste of time I could be writing. To fine tune the positive . . . Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:48:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980926070 Chris Brockman 2011-12-18T10:48:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980923141                 Heartstrings for Christmas By Chris Brockman                     . . . Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:34:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980923141 Chris Brockman 2011-12-17T15:34:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980921861 Software   Perhaps my computer Can double space you; Add some commas, periods, And a few question marks; Make more sense of what you say. Maybe there's a program . . . Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:39:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980921861 Chris Brockman 2011-12-17T08:39:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980886558 A Drive Through Life   Taniqua drove the highway of life, Dog on her lap and phone to her ear. Frequently, she pushed the dog to the Other side so she could text a friend . . . Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:50:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980886558 Chris Brockman 2011-12-10T16:50:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980885543             Aldous  Huxley referred to personal essays as "fragments of reflective autobiography" used to "look at the world through the keyhole . . . Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:08:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980885543 Chris Brockman 2011-12-10T11:08:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980851554   A Christmas Kiss:  Except from Growing Up in Boom Times By Chris Brockman Perfection is so difficult to sustain.  Any change renders true perfection less than . . . Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:10:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980851554 Chris Brockman 2011-12-03T14:10:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980803727 The more times change the more they're the same.   http://youtu.be/hUsWiIbZogM Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:50:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980803727 Chris Brockman 2011-11-22T16:50:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980798061 Christmastime in the Classroom   Last school day before the holidays. Teacher has given out the last of the gifts He’s been showering on his students all semester. . . . Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:23:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980798061 Chris Brockman 2011-11-21T16:23:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980760156 http://youtu.be/uSzmuWImK7Q Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:18:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980760156 Chris Brockman 2011-11-12T22:18:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980745117 My made in America essay shared the op-ed page today with David Books and Froma Harrop. http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/11/09/1629425/a-homemade-recovery.html Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:02:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980745117 Chris Brockman 2011-11-09T17:02:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980740232     Selene SkyeDeme If you want a book to read that will just about give you a hug and open the emotionally rich world of a man's memory's about growing up in boom times . . . Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:53:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980740232 Chris Brockman 2011-11-08T17:53:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980712249 Jobs Made in America By Chris Brockman             Three days ago, I ordered a pair of rag wool, deerhide palm gloves from Newberry Knitting . . . Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:41:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980712249 Chris Brockman 2011-11-03T17:41:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980688280 The Mark of Canine   In the little boys room, The dogs have been at it again, Marking their territory With lemon yellow gall. Flush with jaundiced juice, . . . Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:05:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980688280 Chris Brockman 2011-10-30T18:05:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980566169 At My Age   At my age, I'm supposed to be otiose, But to that notion I say adios.   Retiring I am not, in any way. I'm more of an activist every day. . . . Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:00:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980566169 Chris Brockman 2011-10-13T13:00:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980547154 Life in Brief   Wind and sun and rain and earth Ideas, ideals, work and mirth The garden grows and life sustains Love and laughter trump sorrow and pain We're born, . . . Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:15:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980547154 Chris Brockman 2011-10-11T16:15:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980490817 Introducing Chris... An Interview with a college Teacher First, tell us a bit about yourself. I am a writer and college instructor. I have been married to the same wonderful woman for 43 . . . Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:22:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980490817 Chris Brockman 2011-10-05T20:22:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980329144 Kitchen Kitchen light with With anti-gravitas Pulls people together To chew on Life. A community of Nourishment for Body and mind.           . . . Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:27:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980329144 Chris Brockman 2011-09-18T15:27:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980270003 Red Truck   He longed for a red truck, primordial and bright To make his life complete, but his life was always blue. He wanted a red shirt, Audacious and . . . Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:03:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980270003 Chris Brockman 2011-09-13T19:03:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980231756 The Walk Less Traveled   Community college commuter campus-- Two paths from the cars diverge up the hill. A sidewalk to a tee halfway between Two buildings a mere few . . . Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:07:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980231756 Chris Brockman 2011-09-10T16:07:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980073937 How To Write a Memoir By Chris Brockman               Several years ago, when I decided I wanted to write a book, I took the proverbial . . . Sat, 27 Aug 2011 09:34:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980073937 Chris Brockman 2011-08-27T09:34:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980056948        There will be an author live chat with me at 9:00 EST tonight 08-25 on Gather.  Stop in for anything you've ever wanted to know about me, my poetry, . . . Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:27:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980056948 Chris Brockman 2011-08-25T19:27:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979791266 Ivo             There was a young man in my neighborhood, named Ivo, who was “deaf and dumb.”  I would only see Ivo maybe . . . Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:04:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979791266 Chris Brockman 2011-08-01T20:04:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979781542 Life Is A Metaphor   Life is a metaphor. The meaning of life? Hah, try to name it Without calling it Something that, In reality, it's not.   . . . Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:57:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979781542 Chris Brockman 2011-07-31T15:57:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979605645 The Old Days   What happens when the old days Are not such good days anymore? When good is a measure of survival, Having nothing to do with quality. When quality . . . Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:32:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979605645 Chris Brockman 2011-07-10T16:32:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979582091     Growing Up in Boom Times, by Chris Brockman is now available for purchase directly from the publisher at: http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookHome.aspx                       . . . Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:10:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979582091 Chris Brockman 2011-07-07T14:10:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979573777 Fade Away A writer stands by the roadside Of life Holding out a sign in careful, Hopeful script Will Share Soul for Acknowledgement. It's on pale, thin skin Stretched tight And written . . . Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:27:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979573777 Chris Brockman 2011-07-06T12:27:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979522215 Flockulation   A flock of small children, Arms flapping furiously, Sail across the playground In a "V" for vitality. They'll never get off the ground, . . . Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:35:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979522215 Chris Brockman 2011-06-28T17:35:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979510274          One of the ways of belonging that was prevalent in first and second grade, which surely goes back to the tribal history of all our ancestors, was . . . Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:45:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979510274 Chris Brockman 2011-06-26T14:45:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979480269            Whatever else I lacked in ability as a child, I was the champion tree climber.  This seems to have come from an inherent love of high places, . . . Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:56:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979480269 Chris Brockman 2011-06-20T20:56:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979459302 Growing Up in Boom Times is   is now available directly from the publisher at: http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookHome.aspx       I do know . . . Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:47:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979459302 Chris Brockman 2011-06-16T19:47:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979425780 In first grade I learned that Sister Rosiland was The Boss and that she derived her absolute authority in a line from the principal, the parish priest, the archbishop, the Pope, and ultimately from . . . Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:10:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979425780 Chris Brockman 2011-06-09T15:10:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979416118 Shouldn't Growing Up in Boom Times         be on your summer reading list?            . . . Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979416118 Chris Brockman 2011-06-07T15:00:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979380833 Shouldn't Growing Up in Boom Times         be on your summer reading list?            . . . Sat, 28 May 2011 16:59:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979380833 Chris Brockman 2011-05-28T16:59:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979353837 Shouldn't Growing Up in Boom Times         be on your summer reading list?            . . . Sun, 22 May 2011 12:17:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979353837 Chris Brockman 2011-05-22T12:17:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979339187 Surplus God   Some people think of God as ante-matter Others figure God is anti-matter. The truth, however, is that God simply doesn't matter. No one can prove . . . Wed, 18 May 2011 11:03:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979339187 Chris Brockman 2011-05-18T11:03:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979333377   The Sol of Poetry   The Moon reflects the Sun. The Sun is life. The moon is light  Poetry reflects life, Brings life to light And light to life. . . . Mon, 16 May 2011 20:06:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979333377 Chris Brockman 2011-05-16T20:06:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979328646 http://youtu.be/i_lzeHYNngE Sun, 15 May 2011 12:35:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979328646 Chris Brockman 2011-05-15T12:35:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979328459 Never Be Alone Again   The fear of being alone causes Various telephonic devices to grow From ears and from finger tips, Creating a dangerous risk of Connection . . . Sun, 15 May 2011 11:12:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979328459 Chris Brockman 2011-05-15T11:12:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979304006 News Mom from Growing Up in Boom Times   Now Available from http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookHome.aspx Delivering papers in summer was often inconvenient and uncomfortable, . . . Sun, 08 May 2011 11:13:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979304006 Chris Brockman 2011-05-08T11:13:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979301718 This accompanies my comments to Kushal Poddar's "The grey tail blaze." http://youtu.be/f9tqC7hfeKk Sat, 07 May 2011 13:04:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979301718 Chris Brockman 2011-05-07T13:04:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979295787 Teacher, Tea cher   “Teacher, teacher,” her students beseech her, Teach us everything we need to know. Help us learn and help us grow Into the . . . Thu, 05 May 2011 17:02:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979295787 Chris Brockman 2011-05-05T17:02:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979295758 This is dedicated to Karen E. and Nurse Nancy and all the other angels of mercy on gather.   Inside Nurses   Nurses are silk purses, Whose soft and smooth surface . . . Thu, 05 May 2011 16:53:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979295758 Chris Brockman 2011-05-05T16:53:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979281782 I got the galleys and a look at the front and back cover this week for my forthcoming memoir Growing up in Boom Times .  What follows is an excerpt inspired for this posting by JustMe's "Floating." . . . Sun, 01 May 2011 18:33:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979281782 Chris Brockman 2011-05-01T18:33:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979252624 Sing of Earth   If you have known Earth, If you have spilled your seed upon her ground And have grown appreciation For her creativity, For her steadfastness, . . . Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:19:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979252624 Chris Brockman 2011-04-22T13:19:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979252009 Wrong Mix   Purple mountains majesty Afghanistan Too much red, much too blue                      C . . . Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:41:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979252009 Chris Brockman 2011-04-22T09:41:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979221592 Another one inspired by Kushal Poddar, though he might not like to take credit for this one.   Living Will   Life, at least, is perseverence Brain past its expiration . . . Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:56:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979221592 Chris Brockman 2011-04-13T16:56:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979184809 Dressed for Life   My life is a custom made suit of clothes. It bears no designer label; Many hands have helped to make it, But it is ultimately my own creation. . . . Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:48:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979184809 Chris Brockman 2011-04-03T12:48:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979177866 Cats and Dogs   It reigned cats and dogs Watched soft eyes tongues out Subjects in waiting                        . . . Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:18:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979177866 Chris Brockman 2011-03-31T17:18:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979175631 The Power of Prayer   While the faithful pray, The priests are preying On the little boys and girls. While prostrate jihadists pray, The imams are saying Kill . . . Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:36:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979175631 Chris Brockman 2011-03-30T17:36:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979173041 MIA or MIA   Honey from local bees is sweeter; We reap what we sow across our land. Sunny is the hum of busy workers Harmonizing Nature's community band.   . . . Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:09:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979173041 Chris Brockman 2011-03-29T17:09:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979120191 BY KEVIN G. HALL - McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON -- From state legislatures to Congress to tea party rallies, a vocal backlash is rising against what are perceived as too-generous retirement . . . Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:43:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979120191 Chris Brockman 2011-03-06T12:43:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979119016 This appeared oricinally as an op-ed piece in the Raleigh News & Observer   The Ethics of Litter By Chris Brockman   There has been a good deal of concern expressed . . . Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:05:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979119016 Chris Brockman 2011-03-05T20:05:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979117987 Rude Awakening   The first day of an early spring has come and I’ve gone out walking to welcome again the touch of friendly air on my skin, to experience, . . . Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:11:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979117987 Chris Brockman 2011-03-05T08:11:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979113594 100 Meter Dash   To run a good race, I have to say In the meter, the foot will definitely hold sway. Against the block, push metaphor and four Feet to the stride is . . . Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:34:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979113594 Chris Brockman 2011-03-03T17:34:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979098843   The Price of Fire and Ice   Fire and ice exact Too high a price. Fire turns ice to steam Evaporating it like a waking dream. Ice turns fire to ash Forever dousing . . . Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:14:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979098843 Chris Brockman 2011-02-25T20:14:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979042973 Thanks to Michelle for the inspiration.     The Book of Love     I read my wife like An old familiar book. Every day I open her And am drawn again Into . . . Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:25:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979042973 Chris Brockman 2011-02-10T20:25:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979033829 When I last visited my father in the nursing home in Florida, I found him listening with a group of others to a country music duo who regularly play for the residents.  The intriguing thing about . . . Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:04:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979033829 Chris Brockman 2011-02-08T19:04:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978999203 This is a poem I wrote some years ago for a couple who had postponed their wedding ceremony several times because the man was unsure if he wanted to be married.  CHANCING DANCING   Shall . . . Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:30:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978999203 Chris Brockman 2011-01-29T17:30:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978987378 Here is a short excerpt from my forthcoming memoir, Growing Up In Boom Times, to be published in a few months. As a heating device, the fireplace probably resulted in a net loss of heat.  . . . Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:27:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978987378 Chris Brockman 2011-01-26T15:27:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978937964 I have signed a contract to publish my memoir, Growing Up in BoomTimes .  For the next several months, I'm going to be pretty busy with getting everything in line for publishing and promoting . . . Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:42:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978937964 Chris Brockman 2011-01-17T17:42:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978890861   Sat, 08 Jan 2011 12:39:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978890861 Chris Brockman 2011-01-08T12:39:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978861729   Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:57:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978861729 Chris Brockman 2011-01-01T20:57:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978851592 New Semester and I'm Seeing Red   Heaven knows I've tried almost everything At least once or twice-- Exercises, explanations, sugar and spice, To get my students to abhor . . . Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:57:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978851592 Chris Brockman 2010-12-29T21:57:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978846863 Happy New Year to My Grandchildren   In your lives, I hope you fare well. I hope you find a well spring That irrigates your creativity To fertilize growing satisfaction. . . . Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:12:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978846863 Chris Brockman 2010-12-28T22:12:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978832353   Fri, 24 Dec 2010 20:08:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978832353 Chris Brockman 2010-12-24T20:08:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978831627 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=H10f2w7T5CU Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:31:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978831627 Chris Brockman 2010-12-24T11:31:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978794133 The Goats of Christmas               Freddie and I go way back.  We grew up together, literally on different sides of the church.  . . . Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:56:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978794133 Chris Brockman 2010-12-14T08:56:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978761682 When I was in my second year of college, I discovered classical music.  One of my means of discovery was a late night radio program, Music 'Til Dawn, on Detroit's WJR-AM.  . . . Sun, 05 Dec 2010 21:20:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978761682 Chris Brockman 2010-12-05T21:20:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978758449 Binging On Borodin   It takes only seconds for Borodin To reach out and take our hands And lead us to paradise. How did he know that we, strangers, Needed the . . . Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:46:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978758449 Chris Brockman 2010-12-04T15:46:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978741028 Because my recently posted poem about working in a gas station gave rise to some interesting comments on the way service stations used to be, I am re-posting this excerpt from my memoir in ms. Growing . . . Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:46:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978741028 Chris Brockman 2010-11-29T21:46:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978737097 I have seldom, if ever, written response poems.  When I read Elizabeth Bishop's "Filling Station," however, I knew I had to write something in response.    . . . Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:19:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978737097 Chris Brockman 2010-11-28T18:19:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978727058 It's a beautiful morning!  Happy thanksgiving.   Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:42:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978727058 Chris Brockman 2010-11-25T10:42:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978720340 All the president's expert advisers can't figure out how to stop his fall in popularity.  They obviously don't have their eyes on American culture.  The answer is simple:   . . . Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:04:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978720340 Chris Brockman 2010-11-23T10:04:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978717610 The Intoxication of Poetry   We blend ripe ideas, bursting with flavor and gathered in the act of dawning, with the choicest of words and the essence of emotion, . . . Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:02:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978717610 Chris Brockman 2010-11-22T16:02:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978712163 Don't Be Sorry, Charlie   In the commercial, Charlie Tuna confuses What tastes good With good taste. His lack of finesse, In a sea of clammy ads, is In fact, tasteful semantic . . . Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:22:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978712163 Chris Brockman 2010-11-20T13:22:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978703849 Green, Green   Twenty-one, and Simon says: Time hurries on And the leaves that are green Turn to brown.   Twenty-one, and Sinatra was having A very . . . Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:41:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978703849 Chris Brockman 2010-11-17T17:41:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978693845 Full Color   It's the calm before the storm, Fully ripe banana, Over- medium egg, Cute ten year old, al-dente pasta. The sun is spotlighting Smiles . . . Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:19:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978693845 Chris Brockman 2010-11-14T11:19:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978689404 This is for teachers everywhere   Teacher's Realization   Am I fakin' it? Can I be a teacher When I don't have All the answers? Does indifference . . . Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:01:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978689404 Chris Brockman 2010-11-12T17:01:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978677754 Loves of My Life   Some were only in a catalog, Lovely, with no thorns pictured. Others were buds of intense Potential beauty.   A few opened and . . . Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:48:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978677754 Chris Brockman 2010-11-09T08:48:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978671603   Sun, 07 Nov 2010 09:11:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978671603 Chris Brockman 2010-11-07T09:11:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978667479 Pavane   She exists only in my garden of catalogue roses, My gallery of Platonic ideals. Hers is not a Wagnerian Love death, Not a Butterfly or Mimi, . . . Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:13:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978667479 Chris Brockman 2010-11-05T18:13:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978660796 A while back, I participated in a personal essay class/workshop to check out someone else's teaching style and keep up my own essay writing skills.  The class's object was "to write a short personal . . . Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:26:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978660796 Chris Brockman 2010-11-03T18:26:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978651070   Sun, 31 Oct 2010 17:41:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978651070 Chris Brockman 2010-10-31T17:41:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978650801 Here is something I shared with my adult students as an example of a well-written paragraph (with a message).  Think about it if you're thinking of not voting.                           . . . Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:23:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978650801 Chris Brockman 2010-10-31T14:23:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978650660             I went to Jon Stewart's Rally To Restore Sanity on Saturday, along with my wife Julie, for a variety of reasons.  Chief among these . . . Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:59:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978650660 Chris Brockman 2010-10-31T12:59:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978633389   Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:48:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978633389 Chris Brockman 2010-10-25T19:48:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978627224 There is still time to come to Washington and rally for sanity! reservations@dcrallybus.com Rallying Cry   We're going to take back the promise of night. We're going to save . . . Sat, 23 Oct 2010 09:43:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978627224 Chris Brockman 2010-10-23T09:43:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978625899 Stretching, Not Praying   Getting ready to run, I was full out stretching. A neighbor walked by and said: Brother, I am so glad to see That you are praying. . . . Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:43:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978625899 Chris Brockman 2010-10-22T21:43:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978615063   Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:17:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978615063 Chris Brockman 2010-10-19T09:17:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978613294 We may not be able to change the world, but we CAN show the world we're tired of all the CRAP that's going on and attend the Rally To Restore Sanity in Washington, D.C. on October 30.  Tonight . . . Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:10:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978613294 Chris Brockman 2010-10-18T20:10:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978609342 Back to the Garden   Freedom is the soil in which humanity grows. Freedom is the fertilizer for creativity. Freedom sows the seeds of discovery And reaps the harvest of prosperity. . . . Sun, 17 Oct 2010 10:56:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978609342 Chris Brockman 2010-10-17T10:56:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978597574   Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:11:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978597574 Chris Brockman 2010-10-13T08:11:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978594375 The Nature of Music   Nine goddesses, heads and hearts together, Focused on the nature of the aesthetic: Together we are what exists so far Of truth and beauty in . . . Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:53:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978594375 Chris Brockman 2010-10-12T08:53:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978589111 Naming Rights and Wrongs   Congress on Craig's List: Will Vote For Money. Funny, but won't happen. Craig's List no longer Caters to whores. Small change, anyway, . . . Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:32:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978589111 Chris Brockman 2010-10-10T16:32:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978581803 Josh White, Jr. is a folk singer based in the metro Detroit area.  I have heard him perform live many times.  As a live performer he is one of the best.  This song was recorded live at . . . Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:26:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978581803 Chris Brockman 2010-10-07T22:26:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978578389   Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:35:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978578389 Chris Brockman 2010-10-06T19:35:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978568775 This song makes so much sense if you think of "lover" as the speaker's clinging to a set of limiting circumstances out of self-doubt and fear of not being good enough or failure.  How many of us . . . Sun, 03 Oct 2010 10:45:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978568775 Chris Brockman 2010-10-03T10:45:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978567661 Scent of a Recent Woman   You linger on your pillow. A strand of raven hair on it still carries your bouquet. A sweater flung across a chair, tossed with gay abandon, retains . . . Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:43:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978567661 Chris Brockman 2010-10-02T21:43:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978567149 And the Beat Goes On   Leave it to Poe to know about the beat generation.   I'm beat, but I'm not beaten, said the English major after long sparring . . . Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:45:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978567149 Chris Brockman 2010-10-02T15:45:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978565062   Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:03:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978565062 Chris Brockman 2010-10-01T21:03:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978549961   Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:08:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978549961 Chris Brockman 2010-09-26T22:08:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978547028 Autumn's Piggy Bank   Small change adds up, Silver sliver moons And coppers growing on trees. Save them up and They turn into something big-- Like a new . . . Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:23:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978547028 Chris Brockman 2010-09-25T12:23:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978528550 Rallying Cry   We're going to take back the promise of night. We're going to save the day We're going to help integrity rise And once again hold sway. We're going . . . Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:35:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978528550 Chris Brockman 2010-09-18T10:35:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978527114   Fri, 17 Sep 2010 21:25:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978527114 Chris Brockman 2010-09-17T21:25:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978510545   Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:48:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978510545 Chris Brockman 2010-09-10T22:48:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978510517 A Child's Eye     (with thanks to Irene H. for the inspiration)   Oh, the acuity of a child's eye, Seeing only through the clear Perception of . . . Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:18:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978510517 Chris Brockman 2010-09-10T22:18:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978510060   Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:23:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978510060 Chris Brockman 2010-09-10T16:23:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978499848   Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:48:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978499848 Chris Brockman 2010-09-06T17:48:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978497245 Shira C. started this and continues to add to it in her comments, as has Kushal Poddar, inspiring me to do likewise.   Goldfinches   Transformation . . . Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:01:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978497245 Chris Brockman 2010-09-05T13:01:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978495671 Restoration Yellow birds restore the gold               When wild sunflowers Fade to grey   . . . Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:23:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978495671 Chris Brockman 2010-09-04T11:23:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978494108 Goldfinches   The chilly rains bring Out the gold that Brightens against the snow                  . . . Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:33:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978494108 Chris Brockman 2010-09-03T17:33:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978480182   Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:05:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978480182 Chris Brockman 2010-08-29T11:05:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978476518 I Wood   The snarling chain saw, power in my hands: Power to prorogue the power pimps, Power to withhold support for the oily elite, Power to negate the lucre of lapdance lobbyists. . . . Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:28:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978476518 Chris Brockman 2010-08-27T18:28:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978458506   Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:22:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978458506 Chris Brockman 2010-08-20T17:22:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978453481 Search youtube fror "ruthi" and here's what you get.  I hope you all enjoy!   Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:09:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978453481 Chris Brockman 2010-08-18T18:09:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978440433   Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:27:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978440433 Chris Brockman 2010-08-12T20:27:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978429727   Sun, 08 Aug 2010 10:22:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978429727 Chris Brockman 2010-08-08T10:22:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978428830 Ode to Odious Mowing   It's Saturday morning. The weekend's dawning. I've donned my battle gear. The grass is high And so am I For the mowing time of year.   Mowing, mowing, . . . Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:09:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978428830 Chris Brockman 2010-08-07T18:09:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978423481 Serving Southern Culture   Geopedagogical irony: I, a son of Michigan, Am teaching Southern Culture  In North Carolina (At least it was southern Michigan.)   My students, . . . Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:12:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978423481 Chris Brockman 2010-08-05T10:12:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978421891   Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:50:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978421891 Chris Brockman 2010-08-04T14:50:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978417545 Every word of Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking is music to me. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:04:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978417545 Chris Brockman 2010-08-02T22:04:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978414176 I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect poetry. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:02:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978414176 Chris Brockman 2010-08-01T08:02:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978412671 Reflection   Dancing on the edge Stretching every fiber Mind on point White light of  truth Encircling Delicately balancing Alternatives Blending . . . Sat, 31 Jul 2010 09:46:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978412671 Chris Brockman 2010-07-31T09:46:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978389512   Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:15:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978389512 Chris Brockman 2010-07-23T16:15:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978387416 The Southern Culture class I teach had a potluck for the chapter in our text on Southern manual arts, including Southern cooking.  I wrote a poem for the occasion   A big scoop of pulled . . . Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:43:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978387416 Chris Brockman 2010-07-22T19:43:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978384967   Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:53:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978384967 Chris Brockman 2010-07-21T17:53:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978380251   Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:39:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978380251 Chris Brockman 2010-07-19T18:39:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978374720   Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:31:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978374720 Chris Brockman 2010-07-16T15:31:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978374705   Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:18:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978374705 Chris Brockman 2010-07-16T15:18:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978369928 Creative Ferment   The chateau is closed. The vintner's gone to work To pay mortgage and taxes On his life dream. But the first vintage is maturing and . . . Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:35:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978369928 Chris Brockman 2010-07-14T14:35:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978340483   Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:57:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978340483 Chris Brockman 2010-06-30T21:57:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978332787   Front Porch Disk at Dusk   Headlights pop on, Bright eyes of people Seeking redemption From where they've been. Fireflies ignite flashing . . . Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:58:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978332787 Chris Brockman 2010-06-27T20:58:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978254008 Dove Tales   Dovetails Fit together Tightly, Securely, Elegantly It works For doves Mate for life Sing sweetly, Harm no one, . . . Sun, 23 May 2010 17:47:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978254008 Chris Brockman 2010-05-23T17:47:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978248962 This is marvelous for people who value language.  Please listen to the end; that's where the message is. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127010097 Thu, 20 May 2010 20:20:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978248962 Chris Brockman 2010-05-20T20:20:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978244490 I've just come from three six-hour days visiting my father in a nursing home in Florida.  These visits always fill me with awareness of the what a different world a nursing home is.  . . . Tue, 18 May 2010 16:35:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978244490 Chris Brockman 2010-05-18T16:35:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978234501 Aubade   The philharmonia of birds is Tuning up to greet the nascent day. A dove plays its breathy flute Turning the twittered cacophony To a concerto for . . . Thu, 13 May 2010 12:04:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978234501 Chris Brockman 2010-05-13T12:04:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978233249   Wed, 12 May 2010 22:15:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978233249 Chris Brockman 2010-05-12T22:15:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978222833 CROSSROAD      What are we going to do with Dr. Jack?  He keeps trying to make us believe          we own ourselves. . . . Fri, 07 May 2010 17:33:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978222833 Chris Brockman 2010-05-07T17:33:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978215137 Sodom and Tomorrow   I scrawl these words in my own blood, Aware they’ll likely not get through. I must try to let you know, my sons My daughters, what has happened here. . . . Tue, 04 May 2010 11:07:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978215137 Chris Brockman 2010-05-04T11:07:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978214995 This morning: My poppies have popped. My dianthus delights. My coreopsis congregates.  My buttercups beam. My irisis are eye catching. My lavender is lush. My daisies are dancing. . . . Tue, 04 May 2010 10:02:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978214995 Chris Brockman 2010-05-04T10:02:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978211420   Sun, 02 May 2010 20:31:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978211420 Chris Brockman 2010-05-02T20:31:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978209727   Sat, 01 May 2010 16:47:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978209727 Chris Brockman 2010-05-01T16:47:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978208332   Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:21:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978208332 Chris Brockman 2010-04-30T22:21:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978198981 A Reflection On Me   Look to language for what we mean. Reflect on reflection. Reflecting on something, I am Pondering, considering what it is To me in my thinking . . . Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:44:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978198981 Chris Brockman 2010-04-26T15:44:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978163405 A flower of my devotion  :)> Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:53:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978163405 Chris Brockman 2010-04-09T19:53:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978147791 Vigilante Vigil   Ancient juke joint, Once lively and laughing, Spirits glowing, music flowing. Now, cancerous, tumored roof Caving in, door gaping sinister . . . Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:16:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978147791 Chris Brockman 2010-04-02T16:16:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978140764             Peter Joseph Swanson takes on a formidable challenge with Merlin's Charge .  It might be said, in fact, that he's questing . . . Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:34:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978140764 Chris Brockman 2010-03-30T17:34:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978132148   Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:04:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978132148 Chris Brockman 2010-03-26T18:04:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978119550   "Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world."               . . . Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:52:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978119550 Chris Brockman 2010-03-21T11:52:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978118304          By the time spring had officially come around, the sport of the season was marbles.  There is some primeval connection with kids between certain . . . Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:05:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978118304 Chris Brockman 2010-03-20T18:05:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978110635 Go Ask Alice Have we short circuited kids' life imagination Through the indiscriminate use of digitalization? Show, don't tell is the writers' exhortation, . . . Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:03:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978110635 Chris Brockman 2010-03-17T14:03:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978103209 Designer Reality?   Why do you find it miraculous that Nature works so well? Why must the music of the spheres Show a cosmic composer's hand?   . . . Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:51:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978103209 Chris Brockman 2010-03-14T14:51:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978090987   Old Friends   On a rare visit that's taken up The hundreds of miles between us, For a school project, your son wants to know . . . Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:04:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978090987 Chris Brockman 2010-03-08T18:04:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978088870   Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:10:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978088870 Chris Brockman 2010-03-07T19:10:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978087558   Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:15:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978087558 Chris Brockman 2010-03-06T21:15:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978083937 Rude Awakening     The first day of an early spring has come and I’ve gone out walking to welcome again the touch of friendly air on my skin, . . . Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:36:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978083937 Chris Brockman 2010-03-04T22:36:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978076462 The Intoxication of Poetry   We blend ripe ideas, bursting with flavor and gathered in the act of dawning, with the choicest of words and the essence of emotion, . . . Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:14:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978076462 Chris Brockman 2010-03-01T22:14:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978073780 Children of Prometheus   Accept the holy spark of reason And discover who you are. You are stardust, You are golden dust That can be activated, Cogitated, . . . Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:03:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978073780 Chris Brockman 2010-02-28T16:03:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978061889 Then I'd Be Satisfied   If I could have a house that's better than mine, then I'd be happy. If I could belong to the country club that all the doctors do, . . . Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:46:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978061889 Chris Brockman 2010-02-22T16:46:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978059645 C B + S W 4-15-62                                        . . . Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:47:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978059645 Chris Brockman 2010-02-21T12:47:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978046127 Julie     After all the years have watched us star In our lives’ play together, The time has come for you to receive The just . . . Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:54:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978046127 Chris Brockman 2010-02-13T14:54:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978034169 Because there seem to be many teachers or former teachers on Gather, I offer the following:   Philosophy of Education   By Chris Brockman     . . . Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:33:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978034169 Chris Brockman 2010-02-06T12:33:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978033116   Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:15:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978033116 Chris Brockman 2010-02-05T20:15:35Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978026057 Out of Tune, But Definitely Not Out Of Mind By Chris Brockman                 You young guys, listen up.  . . . Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:59:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978026057 Chris Brockman 2010-02-01T20:59:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978017968 Angels Against Snow   Angels against snow— How are we to know? If I avoid catastrophe Is she watching over me? What if I should fall, Is she not . . . Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:51:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978017968 Chris Brockman 2010-01-27T12:51:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978014243 SPLIT INFINITIVE        To be just          or             to . . . Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:16:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978014243 Chris Brockman 2010-01-25T18:16:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978012182 It’s only words and words are all I have To take your heart away.                                 Gibb . . . Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:59:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978012182 Chris Brockman 2010-01-24T17:59:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978001266 The Poet’s Pursuit   We peer into parlors, Funeral and front, Knowing what we’ll see But determined nonetheless To see for ourselves.   We scrutinize nature, . . . Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:27:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978001266 Chris Brockman 2010-01-18T13:27:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977999447   Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:24:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977999447 Chris Brockman 2010-01-17T13:24:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977999320   Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:13:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977999320 Chris Brockman 2010-01-17T12:13:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977997983 Poets Produce   Vision is what we make When the big presses roll. Though we’re poor cousins Of both fiction and fact, As silver is often a Byproduct of gold, We shine with . . . Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:58:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977997983 Chris Brockman 2010-01-16T11:58:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977995271 The World of Poets   Some of us are constellations, galaxies, Honor takers, money makers, and celebrities. But almost all are mere points of light in the heavens. Shining or glowing . . . Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:42:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977995271 Chris Brockman 2010-01-14T21:42:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977992742 The Poets   A world-wide computer network is devoting spare memory to telescopes scanning the stars to find signs of extra-terrestrial intelligence in the Universe..   There . . . Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:41:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977992742 Chris Brockman 2010-01-13T13:41:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977986872   Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:44:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977986872 Chris Brockman 2010-01-10T12:44:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977985432             Here is another snippet from Growing Up In Boom Times , my someday to be published memoir.             There . . . Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:49:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977985432 Chris Brockman 2010-01-09T10:49:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977975836 A Catholic school was a half a block down from my grandparents house in Miamisburg, Ohio.  My sisters, cousins, and I would play on the playground behind the school.  The playground, for . . . Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:34:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977975836 Chris Brockman 2010-01-04T11:34:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977971795     A day late, but thanks to Willhelmine Estabrook for putting in mind of this . Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:53:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977971795 Chris Brockman 2010-01-01T16:53:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977970264 I have been recording history by decade for the past thirty years.  Here is the updated version.  The previous iteration appeared in the Oakland Journal , Spring, 2000.   . . . Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:16:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977970264 Chris Brockman 2009-12-31T10:16:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977969277   Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:43:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977969277 Chris Brockman 2009-12-30T17:43:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977967534   Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:03:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977967534 Chris Brockman 2009-12-29T14:03:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977965081 ALARMING RISE IN MORNING SICKNESS                       I am despising                  . . . Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:39:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977965081 Chris Brockman 2009-12-27T21:39:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977963812 "The world wants to come together, and music is the best way to do it." Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:53:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977963812 Chris Brockman 2009-12-26T15:53:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977947355 I have enjoyed this Dream Tour immensely.  I have discovered that there are far more dream songs than I ever imagined.  I could go on posting them a lot longer, but . . . Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:38:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977947355 Chris Brockman 2009-12-14T21:38:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977947006 Home For Christmas: A Story in Dialogue   By Chris Brockman       ♫ I’ll be home for Christmas… ♫ Man, the first couple of times it was . . . Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:43:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977947006 Chris Brockman 2009-12-14T16:43:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977945438   Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:22:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977945438 Chris Brockman 2009-12-13T18:22:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977944397   Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:01:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977944397 Chris Brockman 2009-12-12T19:01:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977943253   Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:01:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977943253 Chris Brockman 2009-12-11T19:01:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977941843   Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:36:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977941843 Chris Brockman 2009-12-10T22:36:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977939971   Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:43:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977939971 Chris Brockman 2009-12-09T21:43:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977938147   Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:44:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977938147 Chris Brockman 2009-12-08T22:44:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977936235 Songs   Words and music, a happy combination,    each provides a solid foundation       for the other to build on. Start with a weeping, . . . Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:20:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977936235 Chris Brockman 2009-12-07T22:20:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977936230   Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:16:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977936230 Chris Brockman 2009-12-07T22:16:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977933784   Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:36:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977933784 Chris Brockman 2009-12-06T15:36:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977932782   Sat, 05 Dec 2009 22:28:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977932782 Chris Brockman 2009-12-05T22:28:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977931661   Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:44:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977931661 Chris Brockman 2009-12-04T22:44:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977930044   Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:52:10 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977930044 Chris Brockman 2009-12-03T22:52:10Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977929507 Kushal had to go and bring up teddy bears, so I have to post my own tribute to the fuzzballs.   Tried And True   Teddy bears, Teddy bears, Everywhere there’re . . . Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:06:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977929507 Chris Brockman 2009-12-03T16:06:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977928272   Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:39:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977928272 Chris Brockman 2009-12-02T22:39:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977926444 The Power Behind War By Chris Brockman   “War, huh, yeah,/What is it good for?” Edwin Starr asked in his 1969 #1 song.  It’s a raw and . . . Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:00:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977926444 Chris Brockman 2009-12-01T22:00:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977926432   Somehow I missed posting #26.  Here it is.  Enjoy. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:48:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977926432 Chris Brockman 2009-12-01T21:48:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977924723 This is the finale, which I dearly love, as I do the entire symphony.  This is a work, however, that sound anything from terrible to glorious, depending on who conducts.  This version is not . . . Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:11:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977924723 Chris Brockman 2009-11-30T22:11:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977922794   Music To Me   Music, to me, is the sound of the soul, The song of the heart. It says things that can’t otherwise be said, Speaks feelings that can’t . . . Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:39:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977922794 Chris Brockman 2009-11-29T18:39:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977922785   Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:29:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977922785 Chris Brockman 2009-11-29T18:29:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977921866   Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:07:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977921866 Chris Brockman 2009-11-28T20:07:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977921422 For a Friend Confined to as Wheelchair at Thirteen   Life is a circle Of cycles of rounds Of round and round, And Oh, I didn’t know, Does it hurt— . . . Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:02:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977921422 Chris Brockman 2009-11-28T11:02:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977920941   Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:15:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977920941 Chris Brockman 2009-11-27T23:15:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977919496   Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:20:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977919496 Chris Brockman 2009-11-26T19:20:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977918406   Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:10:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977918406 Chris Brockman 2009-11-25T23:10:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977916595   Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:28:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977916595 Chris Brockman 2009-11-24T21:28:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977914933   Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:56:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977914933 Chris Brockman 2009-11-23T22:56:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977912780   Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:17:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977912780 Chris Brockman 2009-11-22T15:17:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977912687   Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:20:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977912687 Chris Brockman 2009-11-22T13:20:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977912671 Thirteen Hundred Blackbirds   Autumnal blackbirds replacing leaves, Inky clouds cover quivering cottonwood trees. Ebony parabolas surfing shifting curtains of sky. . . . Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:01:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977912671 Chris Brockman 2009-11-22T13:01:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977911106   Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977911106 Chris Brockman 2009-11-20T22:04:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977909600 Old News   The national news discovers a man Living his life of quiet desperation. A technical crew invades his space, Sets up lights and sound equipment So the . . . Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:05:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977909600 Chris Brockman 2009-11-19T23:05:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977909557   Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:23:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977909557 Chris Brockman 2009-11-19T22:23:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977907651   Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:18:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977907651 Chris Brockman 2009-11-18T22:18:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977905774   Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:33:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977905774 Chris Brockman 2009-11-17T21:33:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977904148 Trailer of Tears   The dingy grey single-wide grows From the edge of the highway, A weed with the will to sprout there, But not the vitality to thrive.   A poverty of attention . . . Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:02:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977904148 Chris Brockman 2009-11-16T23:02:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977904138   Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:51:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977904138 Chris Brockman 2009-11-16T22:51:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977902186   Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:42:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977902186 Chris Brockman 2009-11-15T19:42:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977901320   Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:23:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977901320 Chris Brockman 2009-11-14T20:23:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977899993   Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:54:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977899993 Chris Brockman 2009-11-13T16:54:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977898629   Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:11:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977898629 Chris Brockman 2009-11-12T22:11:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977896957   Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:22:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977896957 Chris Brockman 2009-11-11T22:22:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977895084   Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:31:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977895084 Chris Brockman 2009-11-10T21:31:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977894088 Sorry, I accidentally deleted this!   Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:10:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977894088 Chris Brockman 2009-11-10T09:10:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977892306 Commenting on Frank Sinatra's "Dreams" posted as part of my Dream Tour, Karen Erdman commented that Sinatra is the "gold standard for dreamy music," with which William Dotani agreed.  This inspired . . . Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:17:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977892306 Chris Brockman 2009-11-09T09:17:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977891651   Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:02:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977891651 Chris Brockman 2009-11-08T22:02:36Z