For today’s dVerse OLN, I have posted a live, Spoken Word Performance, I did in 1999, of my original poem, “Memphis Red”, written in 1987. In 2001 I created a brief multi-media A/V movie to accompany my live reading. I invite you to relax, then click the white arrow in the red box below, to watch and listen to “Memphis Red”. Please enjoy! 🙂
Here, in the street of the sky, night walks scattering poems. These poems are inspired dreams of truth, but the fabric of these dreams can be pierced by spires of human fear and insecurity. The clarity of these inspired dreams are sometimes clouded by the dire deeds and distorted dialogue of disingenuous demagogs, who deem only to dominate and destroy the dreams of those who dare think differently.
But still night presents the poems, the dreams, with unclenched open hands of truth, hoping the winds of change catch them this night, lifting them fully promised.
These are poems produced by a clear, open mind, meant to inspire all who hear, to be more. So listen, and think differently, as the hours rise up putting off stars — and it is dawn. Awake now, as into the street of the sky light walks scattering poems anew.
From the spark of cognizance
at the dawn of awareness
through the eons of fire and conflict
forward past the dark times
advancing through the ages of change
traversing the renaissance
moving in the era of enlightenment
into these centuries of new growth
they have kept it
locked in their hearts
burning in their souls
the keepers of the keys
protecting the sacred secret
and now
on the threshold of actualization
realizations unfold
its safeguard is the catalyst
driving time and space
ensuring the ultimate balance
the locks must never be loosed
it must never be told
never unveiled
eternal must be the search
Oh my son, I miss you everyday Aaron. You died in your 18th year, just prior to entering college to study music. You were a very handsome, kind, gentle, and caring young man – great football player, marathon runner, fabulous singer, and beloved youth pastor. You made me laugh so often. So bright — a humor… witty, warm, and wonderful. I miss you so. I ache to hold you just once more — to hear your beautiful voice, to laugh at one of your spontaneous jokes. I wrote this poem to remember you, beautiful boy.
In loving memory of my son, Aaron Robert Kistner: 11/4/76 – 7/3/95
This is my favorite picture of you son
the one I treasure most
since your passing
a simple snapshot
taken at the airport
upon your return
from having successfully run
the New York City Marathon
a gentle
triumphant smile
eyes beaming
behind those ‘cool’ shades Ray-Ban RB3025 aviators
you called this your top gun look
jacket sleeves always rolled
so casually hip
bag gripped
firm and steady
in your left hand
your marathon medal
dangling proudly
from your strong neck
we celebrate you
the victor
humorous
gentle
kind
cool
hip
proud
carefree
and so strong
!fiercely handsome!
scorpio
you were born this month
four days in
how profound
this captured moment
taken just before the finish line
of your 18 years
it said it all
your race is run
your bag is packed
your reward’s in hand
run run racer across the sky
…and now too Aaron
you can fly
so son… Fly my sweet angel – fly!
