May 2019 – Image & Verse

Walking In Paradise

This is a poetic capture of a real-time experience of one of my many 3.5 mile hikes over the years, around beautiful Lost Lake, situated in the high mountain Oregon forests, on the western slope of Mt Hood, in the Cascade Mountains. Truly paradise! I would give everything to be able to make that trek again just once more. But it’s wilderness, and my failed health prevents it from ever happening again. So, when I am blue, I go there still in wonderful memories.

Mt. Hood peak, seen across Lost Lake, in Oregon Cascade range

Walking In Paradise

my footfalls
drum the root chambers
of the old growth
each step
cushioned by centuries of needle-drop
in this ancient forest

enjoying the rise and fall
twist and turn of the trail
I amble dreamlike

my walking stick is smooth
clutched comfortably
in my right hand

tensions dissipate
soothed
by the audible stir of the wind
in the treetops

wafting down the western Cascade slopes
it invigorates

the steady rhythm of my footsteps
hypnotize

rounding a bend in the trail
brushing through waist-high fern
I crest a knoll
and stop

mesmerized

filtered by the towering woodland canopy
light drifts down dreamlike
settles golden
into the natural cathedral before me

a presence is tangible

a breeze enfolds me
filled with the intoxicating scent
of living earth

an addictive bouquet
of cascade red cedar
douglas fir
ponderosa pine
moss
bark
loam
and ionized mountain air

my spirit rises
my being grows weightless
any sense of self floats away
lifted into oneness
wholeness
bliss

suddenly
I’m startled from my reverie

a young doe
bounds onto the trail ahead
stands proud
pauses in the golden light

she considers me briefly
then disappears
quick as a stolen glance
quiet as passing time

darting my eyes
here then there
in a vain attempt to follow her
I catch a glimpse of silver-blue
reflecting resplendent
where massive tree trunks part

this is the reason for my trek
into this mighty wilderness

I step through the opening
and climb a huge boulder

I sit
pull my legs under me
and lean forward
arms folded
elbows on knees
basking in the energy

just below me
an enchanting tangle of driftwood
floats sculpture-like
unmoving

across the magical mirrored lake
rising spectacular
a chiseled mountain peak
coppered
in the evening sun

I grow very still
listen
gaze
rapt

I become this moment
in touch with my soul
with the eternal
transcendent

alone in pristine
old growth paradise

Huge old growth, Lost Lake Trail, Oregon

~ ~ ~

Poetry at: dVerse

Poetry at: earthweal

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, I was rob’s shih tzu. He misses me every day.

Unfolding Fate

Unfolding Fate

this pilgrim’s lot
is cast to wander
in search of what
is not quite clear

step by step
day after day
uncertain fate
unfolds this journey

filled with wonder
with joy and awe

fraught with sadness
with pain and tears

it’s carried me
‘cross boundaries
borders
mass of lands
‘cross time and space

it’s shown me mysteries
marvels
magic

good and evil
the best the least

it’s brought me pleasures
fame and fortune
only to claim them back
with no remorse

I’ve known satisfaction
adulation
a woman’s love
a child’s passing

this journey’s been true
faithful — genuine
only to turn away
and break my heart

it’s been fact
fiction
and contradiction
fantasy
and harshly real

I’ve been ignored
I’ve been betrayed

even honored
as a man of standing
then shunned
to stand alone again

I’ve traveled light
traveled fast
I’ve stumbled burdened
weighed with grief

I’ve lead and followed
lost my way
regained direction
to then lose the path

I’ve walked hand in hand
with fear and death
stared down depression
just to be consumed

then arose again
to venture forth
without a clue my destination
with no regard the fated outcome
nor consideration of my plight

I long ago abandoned worry
having learned it’s of no use

came to realize
despite our difference
at the core
we’re all the same

this realm we entered all alone
and here we’ll leave alone again

but all of this is of no matter
foolish so to dwell upon
of no concern
of no regard
most certainly not worth the measure

in reflection
one sees far too late
it is this journey
that is the treasure

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Click below for more journeying at dVerse:

dVerse Poetics: On Wandering & Observing

Summer Song

Summer Song

At last fair summer has arrived, just in time to rescue my sense of humor. The winter rains held stubborn this year. But now the sky is sunny and clear, as is my lifting mood, rocking summer memories in the golden warmth. I’m thankful for this season of plenty.

The seeds push sprouts through the rich warm earth, as nature cycles to this time of birth. New buds pop forth through ready limbs. Mountain streams run fast and clear as nature’s curtain lifts on this magical time of year — as the veil lifts on my sweet recall.

Bird songs echo through the greening trees to serenade my reverie. The heady fragrance of summer carries on the gentle breeze, as the bold hues and rich sounds of this beautiful boisterous season fill my soul to bursting! Joyous is my heartsong!

green leaf on blue pond
turns in golden summer sun
red bird softly sings

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Click below for more memorable haibuns at dVerse:

Haibun Monday: Memorial

Had Not

Had Not

had not she appeared in that clearing
so lost

had not she crossed my path
on that soft summer day

had not her voice
drifted like silk
on the summer breeze
to wrap sheer and sweet
around my heart

had not I been drawn
like a new bloom
to the morning sun

had not I been captivated
as a hummingbird
by a drop of nectar
crystal on a velvet petal

had not my love come down
soft as a rolling mountain meadow

had not this dream been born

had not my life begun again

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Check out more poems on Toads

Naked

Naked

to feel our hearts surge with joy
I want us to be naked

backlit by the golden sun
our bodies radiantly naked

in the soft grass of a mountain meadow
frolicking with you naked

running silvery in a cool spring rain
slick and slippery naked

in the riotous colors of a flower garden
our lips petal plushed and naked

lying in the rolling summer surf
waves breaking upon us naked

walking in an ancient forest deep
awed, spellbound and naked

smiling on a crisp autumn morn
leaves falling ‘round us, naked

curled in sweet peaceful sleep
both breathing gently, naked

in the copper glow of desert redrock
our wild spirits naked

in the frothy roar of a waterfall
standing in the cascade naked

in the wafting of a gentle breeze
we dance and whirl ‘round naked

silhouetted against a sterling moon
our skin a satin sheen and naked

with our secreted souls laid bare
fully exposed and naked

all our dreams and fears revealed
hearts trembling and naked

our every pretense stripped away
finally truly naked

enfolded here in each other’s arms
both vulnerable and naked

we gaze into the vast night sky
we marvel, breathtaken — and naked

I’ll rob the stars from that night sky
to twinkle in your eyes so naked

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Click below for more ghazal poetry at dVerse:

Poetry form: Ghazal

Light

Light

lightless ignorance
cannot vanquish absolute
seek the light of truth

truth can penetrate
the pitch black of ignorance
wisdom is the light

even the smallest light
of wisdom
burning in the pitch black
of ignorance
casts its glow far-reaching

~ ~ ~

Check out more light on Poets United

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Seeds

A grief portraiture of a dear friend I lost.

Seeds

For Memorial Day

there are those days
I still can feel
the breeze of youth
gently stir my soul

those days remembered
of graceful lightness
when faith in truth
sparked splendid dreams

those days of us
when all we touched
was fresh and new
and the world
was full of wonder

those carefree days

when we were certain
we’d live forever
strength made each day
a great adventure

but not these days

I am bent
by the yoke of sorrow
I am heavy
with the weight of loss

I am haunted
by the ghost of memory
the painful days
when I think of you

these empty days

how can this void be filled
when one so vital is gone

so much wit and wisdom
robbed from this world
kindness and love
lost when you passed

one who understood
the need for giving
in a careless world
darkened by greed

a tender heart
truly unselfish
whose warm embrace
included all

I will not forget
I will remember you
and all those days

that’s how I’ll fill this void

with the seeds of friendship
planted deep
inside my heart
now filled with grief

may they grow
to make the memories
richer and more precious

grow to make me gentler
and more grateful
for the loved ones
still in my life

good-bye my friend
I will not forget

I will tend these seeds
and think of you

I will not forget

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Check out more portraiture poems on Toads

Night Goddess

Image above by Mary Frances

Night Goddess

you’re my alien goddess
sparking golden in the night
my radiant beauty of energy
my networked power of love

oh alien night goddess
my alluring otherworldly
we’ve sailed the universe
in our skyship of passion

I have watched with you
platinum fire clouds
hanging in pale green skies
over the azure seas of Toluraz

we’ve seen the copper leaves
of the silken parmus fronds
flashing from indigo cliffs
in the crystal mists of Gemin

we’ve swam the blue oceans of Gaia
made love ‘neath its silver moon
scaled its emerald forested mountains
ran with its fantastic beasts

I have beheld exquisite beauty
throughout the cosmos in my life
but nothing nearly so beautiful
as your ebony eyes — tonight

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Click below for more ekphrasticated poetry at dVerse:

Ekphrastic poems – Mary Frances

The Dark Dock

This is inspired by memories from the 1950’s when my father and I would fish, well into the night in the Canadian wilderness. Coming back, with “little blue”, our 25 HP Evinrude pushing us through the damp, foggy darkness, traversing the treacherous rocky ‘narrows’ that connected the chain of lakes we fished.

Huge boulders lurked ominously in the clear, cold water. Motor off, dad would carefully row and pole our way through, with the bow-hung Coleman lantern’s yellow glow to guide us — and me at the bow of the boat with a hand-held Rayovac spotlight, visually probing the dark depths. The huge submerged rocks, appearing from out of the darkness like some beast, coming into the penetrating beam of my light, were indeed spooky, and gave me a shiver — still do.

Each season several fishermen would take out the bottom of their wood boats on an unseen rock. Bear and wolves lived in the forests, so one did not want to trek for miles through the pitch black of night. Making our way, weary and wet, back to our little island’s dark wooden dock was slow and eerie – but thrilling!

photo collage: “The Dock” – rob kistner © 2009

The Dark Dock

fog rolls low over the boat
slowly cloaked
by the ghostly shroud

the lone light
hangs heavy
from the bow ring

throws its yellowed glow
into the damp night

searching its beam
fractured ‘cross the chop water
probing for the dark dock

for home

~ ~ ~

rob kistner © 08/13/09
revised © 2019

Check out more poems on Toads

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

The Ache!

“Heartache” by: Jaime Best

The Ache!

there is a darkness
of the broken soul
so deep
it stirs the tongue
of the brooding poet
loosing a torrent of sorrow
so rich with longing
the hearts of all who read
will ache
for their one true love
lost forever
to fate

~ ~ ~

Click below for more rich poetry at dVerse:

Quadrille #80 – Eat the Rich

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Unbridled

This piece is inspired by a long-time friend, and former business partner. Barry was healthy and athletic through high school and college, and later an excellent graphic artist. Now he’s relegated by MS to the confines of an electric wheel chair. He loved to dance and enjoyed my band in younger years. He has never let the chair stop him. Though he doesn’t walk now, and has lost the effective use of the left side of his body (he is/was left handed) he has never stopped smiling or going to watch live music performed. He has become a superb photographer, learning to master the right side of his body. He also still loves hot rods, a passion he and I share. Barry is now 73, still going strong. This is for you my buddy.

Unbridled

“Dedicated with love & respect to my forever friend, Barry!”

that is unquestionably joy
in a most unexpected place
in the eyes of a battled warrior
cruel society deems disabled

bent and stooped
by fate – struck down
confined to his rolling metal chair

his gentle eyes still reflect a wonder
by my soul sometimes misplaced
by my self-pity displaced

his timeless spirit knows only belief
it pours forth from his being

his person full alive
his essence full aware
wholly in the now

positioned close to the modest stage
he is enraptured by the rhythm
enthralled by the magic
captured by his lens

the band plays fast
the band plays slow
the band plays loud
the band plays low

he is filled with every note
every beat
every nuance

he rocks
and rolls
and snaps snaps snaps

he experiences an ecstasy
which I watch with marvel

its purity and power
I am challenged to equal

I now realize
just how much
I do not understand
about struggle
about pride
as I behold this able man

faint envy stirs
as I witness his unbridled joy

so complete
and unpretentious

~ ~ ~

Barry, with beloved hot rod.

Click below to read more poems at dVerse:

OpenLinkNight #243

Photogtaper Barry, with wife Roz, and some of his “one-handed” work.
4F18C5C2-6109-4134-9BA3-07F86D4F6010

_____________________________

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Wicked!

Wicked!

a stare of icey crystal blue
burns above a fiery mouth
that takes you in devouring
bares your soul, then spits you out

fiercely knowing — worldly wise
sleek as steel — tall and strong
swift and cunning — motor running
she might let you in, but not for long

her soul is free — she’ll not be caged
no mortal man will keep her tied
her spirit a gorgeous beast enraged
she’s crushed all those who’ve ever tried

poor fool who craves this iron goddess
is hopelessly addicted
there’s only one word for this life-force
that word, my friend, is — wicked!

~ ~ ~

Click below to read about more poems at Sunday Muse:
Sunday Muse 56

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Roarin’

fueled by the freedom of the open road
she races her way into the sunset
leaning tightly into curves
wind whipping her hair
her knees tucked
head’s down
roarin’

thriving on the thrill of the throttle
embracing the magnificence
living in the moment
not counting time
keeping track
just being
free

~ ~ ~

Click below to read about more poems at Sunday Muse:
Sunday Muse 56

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

My Cusp Runneth Over

When I saw Amaya’s prompt today for dVerse it put me in touch with a fun poem I wrote in 2007. I had no opinion of astrology, but I decided to get a personal astrological reading back then from Astology.com to support what I originally wrote for this poem. To update the poem, I got another reading today from Astrology Online.

I posted today’s reading at the bottom of this post. I blended info from this current reading into this revision of my original poem. I hope you enjoy this!

This is the new zodiac sign for Aquarius/Pisces cusp.

My Cusp Runneth Over

Some tongue-in-cheek astrology.

I am Aquarius
a child of water
with equal splash of Pisces too

a lover of freedom
all tethers rejected
all constraints are broken through

I am strong of will
firmly resolute
none dictate what I should do

my mind is my own
not some follower
my path mine only to pursue

my life is unique
it’s of my construct
its purpose is mine to construe

tradition is shunned
my life’s avant-garde
the leading edge never taboo

I’ve an artist’s spirit
and a writer’s voice
my soul’s palette is multi-hue

I am just and fair
quite compassionate
open minded to all that’s new

I am sensitive
with an inventive mind
a philosopher’s vision too

tech is my friend
and the natural world
from both of these I take my cue

my intuitive sense
gives me future vision
to raise the world a notch or two

this all must be real
it has all been revealed
Astrology.com said it’s true

…Astrology Online did too

~ ~ ~

My birthday is February 18th.
I am a pure cusp child born exactly between February 15th – 21st.
This is my reading today on: Astrology Online.

* As an Aquarius/Pisces you are selfless and spiritual, often strongly intuitive and receptive to the collective unconscious.
* You reflect the dual nature of life, reality and non reality, consciousness and the unconscious. You represent consciousness through the flowing of ideas. You work hard to bring your ideas to fruition, stubbornly refusing to give up your causes.
* You are peace loving and friendly, and are the chameleon of the Zodiac, receptive to the needs of others but sometimes getting lost yourself.
* You tend to be strongly spiritual (not necessarily religious) and artistic. You are idealistic, but sometimes your dreams are vague and impractical.
* When reality intrudes, you can become pessimistic or lethargic, but you are very adaptive and broad-minded, so you can rework your ideals when necessary.
* You are tolerant and open-minded, but tend to stick to your beliefs. You are compassionate, sensitive, imaginative and sympathetic to the feelings of others. You tend to be romantic and sentimental, but you may give in to escapism.
* You are devoted to your goals, but you can be disorganized or procrastinate when faced with difficulties.
* Your intellect makes you logical and self-confident, but it may also makes you aloof from people around you.
* You are original, offbeat and even eccentric, but you are also rather bored by detail. Reformist and experimental, you may seem cold toward people who don’t share your intellectual orientation to life.
* You may become withdrawn if your emotions are abused too often.
* You are multitalented, both in scientific and creative endeavors.
* You are unique and rebellious, and are driven to change the world. However, you can be shy, quiet and sometimes elusive, refusing to show your true self.
* You are modest, thoughtful, and display remarkable musical talent. Freedom is important to you, and you are often driven to help others become free, as well.
* You alleviate your emotional stress through contact with others and exercise.
* Your great strength is in your visionary nature and your compassion. You will likely take the world to the next level; and make others see things in a new light. Your ability to break the rules and help others reach their fullest potential make you a most understanding individual.

Check the elements on dVerse:

Poetics: In My Element

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Fire Mark

This is a long-form, free verse poem, contemplating the post-apocalyptic ‘last person on earth’ theme, the “omega man” concept. This is a sobering take on the end of the world. It is also a love story, love lost that is.”

Fire Mark

I remember when it happened
remember well
the all-defining fire mark in time
that forever divided then from now

comfortably alone
walking up along the forested valley
that is our property line at the back
my eyes drifting up the azure waters
of the clear mountain stream
that rolled towards me crisp and pure

at the instant of the startling sound
the strange light
I cast my eyes to the very tops of the Douglas Firs

they stand proud at the river’s edge
sentries for centuries
protecting this northern boundary of our lands
steady and enduring
yet always supple in the winds that waft and quicken
whispering the breath of life
into this pristine realm

then came the second blinding flash
lighting the entire sky

tears glistened
the damned fools had finally done it

two years on now since that ominous event
but I never can forget the bone chill
that penetrating feeling

in those moments I knew
the cities were vaporized
I was isolated
alone
but how alone

too long now
since I have shared this vast beauty
with another’s eyes
with her eyes
with any eyes
or found my voice to exclaim its wonders

yet I still ramble the valley
wade the stream
given to an ever-rolling mumble
jabbering quietly to no one in particular
at the ragged edge of coherence
clinging to the chance
I might be rewarded with a response
her response
any response

but she had gone to the ciy
so only comes the murmur of the constant stream
carried on the season’s breezes

I have held my mind in good humor
bound by the glory of this land I wander
tethered to the waning hope
that she is not gone
that they all can’t possibly be gone
a hope buoyed by the majesty of these forests
that climb their way skyward
with the patience and persistence of the ages

but each day
a horrifying realization
grows in my mind
suffocating my soul

they are gone
every ~ last ~ one
gone

can I last
have I that patience
how long can I hold center
when comes my personal fire mark
my sunset

how long until my fragile psyche unravels
scrambling in lonely panic
seeking human contact

tonight I will sit alone again
in my room
in the soft light of the fire
the only light and warmth possible
since that fateful point in time
when the world’s infrastructure
collapsed

alone
month after month
in the smothering silence
in the maddening quiet
of this voiceless world
in which nowhere can be found
her eyes
any eyes

in which
never again will I hear
a simple

”hello”

~ ~ ~

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

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