Rob Kistner – Page 67 – Image & Verse

Arms Of My Angel

This song by Sarah McLachlan, “In The Arms Of An Angel” always makes me break down. She was my son, Aaron Robert Kistner’s favorite vocalist. He listened to her “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” album all the time. He said she had the most beautiful voice on earth. Hearing this song takes me deep into memories of my sweet angel. My son Aaron died in his 18th year, just prior to entering college to study music. He was a very handsome, kind, and gentle young man – and a fabulous singer. I miss him so, everyday. My arms ache to hold him close just once more. Here is a poem I condensed today, from a much longer version I wrote immediately following his tragic death in a horrible auto accident.

Arms Of My Angel

It may be my favorite picture of you, son,
the one I cherish most since your passing.

A simple snapshot,
taken at the airport,
upon your return
from having run the New York City Marathon.

A gentle, triumphant smile,
eyes beaming behind those “way cool” shades,
jacket sleeves rolled in casual hip-ness,
bag thrown so carefree over your shoulder,
medal dangling proudly from your strong neck.

The victor: gentle, cool, hip, carefree, proud, and strong,
— fiercely handsome!

How profound this captured moment proved to be.

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.

Fly my sweet angel – fly!

~ ~ ~

For more tears at dVerse:

Poetics: Cry Me A River

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Hour of the Dragon

Monstrous green dragon of greed & power-lust.
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Hour of the Dragon

when our insanity of arrogance
distorts our vision
blinding us to reality

when facts annoy
and fiction comforts

when we’re copulating
with false gods
of greed and power
on forsaken altars
of fear and prejudice

then the hour of the dragon
is at hand

~ ~ ~

The hideous Orange liar-breathing dragon of DC.

Click below for more dragon poetry at dVerse:

Quadrille #81 – Here there be {poem} dragons

Check out more poems on Toads

Click image below to read the original 2012 poem from which this Quadrille was condensed. WARNING: original is raw and dark.

___________________

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Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Chat With A Tree

Chat With A Tree

Yo, humans, can we talk? You know, you guys used to be pretty cool. You were on a roll there for a while. But lately, I have watched your recent generations going backwards in some unfortunate ways. Some of your powerful nations seem to be coming apart at the seams. It’s as though your wisdom is evaporating. You are tending toward stupidity, not getting smarter. I’ve seen you make mistakes over the centuries, but really! You used to find a way to work it out, to be more tolerant.

What I have been observing in recent times, is you moving to a cold, isolated existence, disconnected from each other. Hell, you are disconnecting from everything! In this fascination you have with technology, you have begun serving the machine. You are so enamored with the virtual world, you have lost sight of the natural world. All your video games, and really violent video game. It is as though you are fascinated with perfecting violence, like you are in some bizarre race to ruination?

You are becoming aliens in this amazing eden, that so many have been helping create for you all, for many millenniums now. My fellow trees and I have invested our existence in providing oxygen for you, and cleaning toxins from your air. But I see you crippling the natural world, misshaping it, scarring it – you are killing it, and each other. Come on you guys, all my rooted friends, big and small, and all our animal buddies – we care about you! Give us a break! Pull your heads out of your collective butts!

Look, speaking for us trees, if you humans wipe yourself out, most of us will likely still be standing here, thrusting skyward, reaching closer to heaven than any living things. We have been, and chances are, will remain perpetual survivors. We are historically rooted in perpetuity. We are the constant sentinels, the witnesses to your existence on planet earth. But we don’t want to be witness to your tragedy – we like you guys, in general.

Listen, since I must stand here, watching you for generation after generation, what do say, you let me watch you move forward. Take that cleverness, and your technologies, and clean this mess up. Even if it takes your civilization painstaking progress to turn it around – start. Who cares if the reversal of of your fortunes unfolds slowly – just do it!

I would love to observe millenniums of human endeavor awaken
to real self-awareness of your responsibilty as one of the key stewards of this planet. Become less dependent on blind conformity, on a hive mentality of conflict. Become true masters of your machines. Look up into each others eyes. Stop stumbling around, staring down into your gadgets, like automaton zombies. Use your technologies to genuinely improve your lives. Use it to end hunger, end strife, strive for the light. Evolve as wise beings.

Let me see the natural world reshaped positively by you, tempered with strength, made more productive and resilient – more beautiful. Let me see you find your balance with each other, with all the rest of us. I will stand here, reaching skyward, as long as you don’t screw it up for all of us. Please let me stand here proud, a witness to your eventual glorious triumph!

~ ~ ~

Check out more tree thoughts on Poets United

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

Beautiful Being

Image above by Eli Edward Evangelidis

Beautiful Being

I lived at the lightless edge
that pooled in the night
deep in the bleak backwoods
of the sad brokenhearted

I hid in the anguish
of the loveless who cowered
in the dark serpent’s shadow
lost in the perverse nightmare

I fed on the grief
of the forgotten who wailed
for their horrific loss
in the ruins of despair

this was my heartscape
black as mid-winter night
a lightless horizon
no glimmer of hope

trusting was toxic
no foothold for love
relations were carnage
scattered lifeless and cold

’til you, beautiful being
eyes brilliant and true
approached from afar
bearing tinder of love

the graceful arrangement
was deftly ignited
and patiently tended
the fire gently stoked

afraid to come forward
I held outside the glow
but your kindness drew me
we stood by love’s blaze

with passion it roared
its light pierced my blackness
its heat warmed my soul
my ice heart was thawed

with you in my life
I am darkness removed
soaring and weightless
radiant and rising

vital and caring
my spirit’s renewed
illuminated wholly
by a new dawn of dreams

Her beautiful being.

~ ~ ~

________________

Check out more poems on Toads

Click here to read my Peace Poem.

Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.

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!

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

~ ~ ~

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.