Bright white
it blinds me
taunts me
empty as my mind
no stir of love
no rant of anger
no wink of irony
no blush of sensuality
no tale to spin
no phrase to turn
NOTHING!
just – vast — empty — screen
damn this poetic pinch
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
F ate is dancing in the moonlight
in a gossamer gown of falling stars
silhouetted against the night sky
in the satin silver chill of winter
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Silken Bed of Wonber”
by: rob kistner © 1/18/24
she whirls dream room to dream room
the whole world close enough to touch
on this deep night of ecstatic lovers
entwined on soft silken beds of wonder
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Passion-Winged Hearts”
by: rob kistner © 1/18/24
the bow of love songs pulled just right
taut golden strings are pressed down tight
the passion-winged hearts of lovers unite
lift them trembling in sensual delight
*
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Passion’s Embrace”
by: rob kistner © 1/18/24
to soar over moonlit rooftops above
ablaze in soul-fire magic of love
as lovely fate dances in moonlight
on this satin chill winter’s night
in her wondrous gown of stars
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Moon Magic Lady” (diptych)
by: rob kistner © 1/18/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
to me
this city
as are most cities
is empty of heart
void of soul
this city
that vibrates
with the rush and chaos
of synapse and sinew
this city
that vibrates
with the hum of networked urgency
data outdistancing comprehension
often the we can
beyond the reach
of should we
this city
teeming
with college’d clones
like-patterned minds
that surge with ambition
that submit to the agendas
good or bad
dreaming of early retirement
fearing an early death
this city
bedecked in stainless
and stone
poured
erected
glassen’d
this city
ablaze in halogen
aglow in neon
awash in tears
of the poor
this city
its haughty monoliths
of varying shape
differing size
flanked in concrete corridors
that criss and cross
blink and beep
that ring buzz belch hiss
— and stink
this city
that intimidates
in cold and calculated majesty
this empty city
as do most
abuses the human soul
it does not nurture
no
it does not offer solace
to my human core
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Folded Petal’s Mystery”
by: rob kistner © 1/16/24
that seeks the folded petal’s mystery
that marvels at the smallness
of a changing frond
at the tart-sweet scent’d
gnarled bark
of mighty conifer monoliths
thrusting ever skyward
or the magic
of a budding branch
this city
does not touch my spirit
soothed by wind and water
thrilled by song of birds
or the swoop of hawks
this city
does not spark my wonder
stirred by the yelp
or bark
or bleat
of beasts
this city
cannot reach my soul
that needs to see a salmon’s trek
the open sky
the roll of unobstructed clouds
see the fall of stars
this city
has nothing for my soul
that needs to hear the crack of thunder
resound for miles across the plane
then off the mountain’s face
that needs the fresh embrace of rain
the crisp and quiet drift of snow
the hues and sway of living fields
this city
leaves my spirit cold
that needs to watch the orchard
blossom and bloom to fruit
see forests
thick beyond horizons
or feel the lift of cresting surf
no
this city
does not satisfy my need
to know the evolving natural wonders
that inspire
that swell my soul
that resonate my heart
this city
does not hold my soul
and so I look beyond
for my tomorrow
*
humans stacked in cubes
compressed so their soul can’t breathe
this is not the way
humans need nature
the heart and mind must be free
break the concrete cage
*
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Future Balanced City”
by: rob kistner © 1/16/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Here I’m wishing wishes for those days when life made sense. I’m thinking thoughts that tear at me for the things I failed to be. How I do welcome the damp dreary days of February, when my forlorn fallen face is commonplace. When no one intrudes to question what’s the matter. To tears I cry there comes no — why, because all around are caught up in the blues.
No, she will not excuse this sadly lost and broken man, who much too late understands I was a fool, and in this sorrow understands, love’ll not return. I am glad fouler weather will soon occur, to drive the joyful all around me to indoor spaces, so I’ll be spared the pain of smiling faces. My heart aches to feel her smile’s embrace. But that smile was the last smile to come upon her face.
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
This “found poem” is made from the first line from each monthly poem I posted in 2023. At the very bottom of this post is the title of each in chronological order. These first lines were not assembled chronologically.
Mysterious lady in blackened silk
your essesnce unearthed in Corsica
we have watched billowing pearl clouds
sing to me my sweet sweet lover
a whispered zephyr tosses my hair
a stolen kiss in the night
I can still feel it — all of it
tonight memories unfold
hmmm… excuse me please
this american life is flawed
nightfall now — the darkness descends
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “American Nightfall”
by: rob kistner © 1/11/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Beast of Verse” by: rob kistner © 1/9/24
A beast of verse
a seeker of my soul’s expression
stalker of the proper
the perfect turn of phrase
poetry’s ever my obsession
ever my prize
it haunts me
taunts me
relentlessly I seek it
in the voice of a breeze
stirring the trees
in forest high canopies
in the rustle of leaves
and dried conifer needles
underfoot
hiking
in the drumming
of my footfalls
on old growth root chambers
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Root Chamber Rhythms”
by: rob kistner © 1/9/24
in the crackle
of a chill
still
late night
campfire
in the cries
calls
chuffs
growls
and belling
of wild nature
it arrives in the roar
of the pacific ocean
rolling waves
crashing on a rocky shore
or relentlessly pounding
sheer cliff facades
that flank
the coast
soaring skywardy
from the ocean floor
it reveals itself
surprising
in a captured glimpse
of the midnight moon
rising
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Midnight Moon Rising”
by: rob kistner © 1/9/24
in the shimmered beams
of golden sunlight
drifting down dreamlike
to fire the forest clearing
it is the song
of the soul
played to the music
of the spheres
in the chords of truth
that every angel hears
it floats
between the notes
of a mellow jazz tune
and in the mist
that veils the
early AM moon
it murmurs in the ripples
lapping my drift boat
as I fish
afloat
a high mountain lake
seeking my take
it comes enwrapped
in the sounds
that abound
in pacific northwest
wilderness
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Quiet Contemplation”
by: rob kistner © 1/9/24
it comes unbidden
quietly hidden
dancing elusively
in and out of my thoughts
it comes in the quiet
of warm firelight
deep in the night
when all else
has fallen away
I reach out
to embrace it
in the hope
it will stay
it whispers to me
drawing me deeper
into the mystery
of it all
I hear it call
coaxing me to the edge
of almost comprehension
yet leaving me aglow
needing to know
in brilliant bewilderment
warm in the embrace
of bewitching wonderment
a beast of verse
compelled to write
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Compelled To Write”
by: rob kistner © 1/9/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
As soft I knelt
bright shone the sun
though the winter held
warmth made inroad
as will my heart
the lagoon soon melts
with breaking dawn
my warm tears flowed
renewed love
is what I felt
bright shone the sun
as soft I knelt
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Watchful Alpha”
by: rob kistner © 1/8/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “The Beauty of Wisdom” – by: rob kistner © 2024
THE MAIDEN — THE NATURALIST — THE CREATOR — The POET
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “4 Spirits of A Women” – by: rob kistner © 2024
Radiant vision
silken skinned
sheer translucent
as an amber flame
you tempt my dreams
you rouse my slumber
you’re torrid
as a teen’s temptation
I am captive
to a lover’s pyre
kindle’d tinder
by goddess fire
your bewitching face
so captivating
so seductive
my soul’s levitating
your hair a rich’n’thick
deep chestnut gold
to stroke’n’fondle
as I fantasize
lushly plush
sensual to touch
sable soft
as a lover’s sighs
your skin is golden
as a summer sunrise
so stunning
as to blind
creation’s eyes
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Strength Truth Beauty — She Is”
by: rob kistner © 2024
you are daughter
of this earth
warrior queen of truth
goddess blessed at birth
unrestrained by
repressive normalcy
riding the four winds
living free
you are fast
as a moment passed
graceful
as a gliding doe
you radiate rizz
like none that is
clad in the earth satins
of champions royal
your temperament
totally loyal
your courage
is your legacy
deeply rooted
bravery
relentless champion
of equality
your smile enticing
as a gentle rain
warm
as a summer lane
you are goddess
ever beautiful
divinely-splendrous
sculpted grand
you’re strong
as an April storm
your stare striking
as thunder’d lightning
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “The Stare” –
by: rob kistner © 2024
brought forth
in natural glory
from fair eden
by Aphrodite’s hand
pursuing wisdom
of the spheres
embracing truth
rejecting fears
sensuous and serious
fragile and furious
delicate and dangerous
complex and curious
thinker
warrior
teacher
mother
a sacred source
for the human race
a font of love
of understanding
the fate of civilization
is by your grace
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Mother of Civilization” –
by: rob kistner © 2024
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
As you read this Christmas poem, with its taste of bittersweetness, see it not in a dark light — embrace it as a tale of an inevitable journey, to be with the one so beloved…
B rushed my shoulder on this morning’s train
then while in line to get my breakfast tea
at the market it was there again
from our favorite table it beckoned me
in the crowd at the festive mall
glimpsed like a flicker of candle light
I swear I saw it fleeting fall
upon the gifts I did not wrap this night
upon this tree, friends helped decorate
upon the greeting cards I did not write
in angry voice I bitterly chastise fate
singing carols this night, no no not quite
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Merry Crushmess”
– by: rob kistner © 2023
I see it there in every aisle
the shadow of your sweet love
elusive as a shopper’s smile
caught up in the crush and shove
it haunts me this night each year
the same night that you went away
in dreams you kiss away each tear
touch my lips that beg you stay
but tomorrow’s Christmas morn
I will not awaken broken blue
this night I’m no longer torn
love’s final act from me to you
it was our love — was Christmas
in my heart, this is forever true
beneath this bright Christmas star
I give my love and life again to you
on this blessed Eve’s midnight deep
my precious love — I come to you
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Coming M’Love”
– by: rob kistner © 2023
*
rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: dVerse
We cross this solstice night
the final dying of the light
as the old year quickly wanes
seasons circle back again
life’s cycles will reprise
a new year will arise
may the power of light’s rebirth
bring you blessings of the earth
rising from this longest night
we visualize new born light
as each day’s warmth increases
night’s chilling grip releases
light will overtake the dark
sun shifts the journey of its arc
each new day’s light longer burns
as earth’s precious warmth returns
embraced rich in solstice moonlight
our hearts burn warm and bright
in the splendor of this deepest night
our love and our dreams ignite
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Longest Night”
by: rob kistner © 12/21/23
*
rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: dVerse
Expected conquests
realized
lack the succulence
of sweet surprise
move boldly in life
no expectancy
filled with wonder
open to ecstasy
break the restraint
of longitude
the barrier of latitude
know at the core
each is the other
and in all we’re one
know well
the thrill of courage
the joy of gratitude
learn to live
each precious moment
hold to truth
until at last it’s done
*
rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: dVerse
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Forest Snowman”— by: rob kistner © 12/17/23
R eally not a fan
of winter things
I get the cold weather blues
badly
when it’s cold
I’d like to die
…not really
but maybe…
if I had a river
I could skate away on
I could feel better
but with my luck
I’d probably fall in
and be trapped under ice
oh yeah —
and a long december
forget it
all through the frozen nights
I hear the hounds of winter
and their blood curdling howling
next morning
their footprints in the snow
only serve to remind me
we’re trapped
soon to be snowbound
in the bleak midwinter
I get so depressed
it’s usually a blue christmas
but maybe
if we make it through december
I can let it go
after all
I’ve got my love
to keep me warm
for a cozy little christmas
and the snowfall
is beautiful and —
I believe in father christmas
perhaps this year
it can actually be
a wonderful christmastime
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Christmas Bells”
by: rob kistner © 12/17/23
so let the bells ring-out
for christmas now
at the closing of the year
I think I’ll make it
a very merry christmas
and a happy new year
let’s hope it’s a good one
without any fear
*
rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: Poets & Storytellers
https://youtu.be/-JHm8Bso53s?si=mER7YwcnB9wA-Lqw
* 28 musical artists whose song titles and/or lyrics featured in this poem
~
Counting Crows
Queen
The Moody Blues
Muddy Waters
Bill Monroe
Merle Haggard
Billie Holiday
Faith Hill
Idina Menzel
Billie Eilish
Lindsey Sterling
Sting
Metallica
Moby
Ariana Grande
Joni Mitchell
Paul McCartney
John Lennon
Manhattan Transfer
Donald Fagan
Hans Zimmer
Greg Lake
Toys Chorus
Katy Perry
James Taylor
Wendy & Lisa
Seal
Elvis
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Sweet Fire”— by: rob kistner © 12/14/23
Golden’d ginger
that falls in flows
grand marnier fire
that spills full over
sensuously scented
in a sweet vanilla
to cascade beyond
soft satin shoulders
eyes a pale shade
of golden sable
sparkle chestnut
in gentle moonlight
shadowed softly
a subtle cinnamon
quiet seduction
such sweet delight
lips a pouted sheen
of rich paprika
a temptress smile
that begs be kissed
full and inviting
they warn of danger
like cognac sipped
hard to resist
a cornucopia
of sensuous treats
lustfully coveted
love’s gourmet delight
enticing images
of deliciousness
soul consumed
this ravenous night
a banquet of senses
I savor mesmerized
my desire scandalous
feasting with my eyes
such a scintillating
blend of visual spices
touch tempting recipe
a dangerous game for me
I crave your mouth
I crave your touch
I crave your flesh
they are a drug to me
love’s hungry heart
will I always be
*
rob kistner © 2023
Spicy poetry at: dVerse
H ello human
I see you
I see you friend
are you
my friend
sometimes
we wonder
my kind have watched you
for a million years
seen your weakness
know your fears
in very early times
for your survival
we hunted with you
but in these times
we no longer
understand you
your ancestors were here first
before we evolved to become aware
yet you do not seem to respect
this beautiful home we share
you know well
I am of a wild heart
a free spirit
yet I understand balance
living in balance
sacred balance
with our shared world
our earth
it is in my nature
as once it was
with your kind
but seems your fearful
need to dominate
has made you blind
we share this earth
we wolves
and you humans
but listen human
I am in danger
as are we both
the fresh pure water
that we both so need
to survive
we need its replenishment
even more than food
if we’re to stay alive
food that also depends
intrinsically on water
but water
is rapidly disappearing
as toxins
permeate our earth’s
fragile water systems
if we would lose
our precious water
earth’s ecosystem will collapse
human
you must see
the only way
we both survive
is in sacred balance
with this planet
our mother
we have no other
though I may not speak
still you must hear
this voice of truth
is clear
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Truth & Justice”
by: rob kistner © 12/12/23
you must come to know
the pure heart of justice
justice for this earth
for our home
in this we need each other
we can not stand alone
truth and justice
are linked together
one to the other
now and forever
as are you and I
with earth
our common
place of birth
I may not have a voice
but listen with your heart
feel with your heart
feel the pain
the suffering
let it burn
like acid rain
to permeate
your brain
to think
this earth is struggling
battling mightily
to endure
we need that you
see this truth
it’s not obscure
learn to see
with your eyes
as my kind
see with ours
wandering this planet daily
please see
you are the cause
but you are also
the possible solution
if you will
but open your eyes
your hearts
your minds
become an eco-revolution
look into these eyes
my eyes
that weep
tears
for climate change
pollution
deforestation
for all this reckless
foolish
devastation
human
you must become
the wild heart I am
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Winter Wolf”
by: rob kistner © 12/12/23
Hear me human
hear my wolf’s song
as I keen and howl
for our dying world
so too
you must howl
raise your human voices
use your words
use them now
scream of the injustice
of the real danger
the imminent danger
we must rally
to seek
and to secure
the sacred balance
hold it close
become its protector
not its abuser
pitiful neglector
correct your imbalance
with our mother earth
respect your precious
place of birth
stop your human stupidity
please
I believe
with all the wildness
of my natural heart
with all the strength
of my free spirit
that some of you
want to do your part
want to join the battle
join the pact
to bring balance back
my kind
and our earth must trust
that you will
because you must
life on our earth
is dying
but it seems most humans
are just not trying
your carelessness
is killing our mother
gaia
and killing you and I
a result of your
lethal human arrogance
and this might just be
our final chance
we cannot let it
just go by
if we’re to make it
we must take it
see me human
feel me
hear me
it’s time you start
you must listen
now
ignite your wild heart!
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Leader Of The Pact”
by: rob kistner © 12/12/23
*
rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: d’Verse
~ Hear me cry for our dying earth ~
M idnight
in our moonlit forest
snowfall shimmers
deep and still
through the boughs
of old growth
like dances of star clusters
it blankets
our mountain
in white
pure as love
this night
falls quiet and crisp
great white owl
echoes hope
through frosted cedars
*
rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: Poets & Storytellers