Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Emptied Rooms” by: rob kistner © 5/13/24
Here is the change
the forgetting
the slipping away
the frustration
the less and less being able
and yet
the burning longing to
remember
memories
dimming in a fog
cherished times and places
loved ones faces
fading
into twilight
like so many emptied rooms
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
You arrived in spring
asking why I was alone
I had no good response
but that shoe had fallen
with a deafening thud
so what was I to say
you seemed startled by life
and asked me about sorrow
I had no good response
so I invited you in
and watched as you untangled truth
marveling at your balance
for years now
together we’ve watched the night sky
and wondered about love
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: WGO
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: Poets & Storytellers
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Walk With Me” by: rob kistner © 11/8/23
Very deep
in this primeval wood
secreted among the old-growth
nestles a serene forest clearing
soft filtered sunlight
falls in rays
so gently
through the green canopy
enwraps golden
this hallowed place
let us go
walk with me my love
‘round the lake
but let us be quiet
let us listen
to the voices of nature
to our footfalls
as they drum the root chambers
each step cushioned gently
by centuries of needle-drop
in this wilderness forest
we will enjoy the rise and fall
twist and turn of the trail
serenaded by the spring breeze
high in the treetop canopy
the steady rhythm of our footsteps
will sooth our weary hearts
we’ll trek deep into the forest
to a crest of a knoll
overlooking a downed redwood log
a very special log
at quiet repose
in this magical place
we will be sanctified
by nature’s grace
in this sacred space
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Sacred Space”
by: rob kistner © 5/7/24
here we will rest peacefully
in this towering
ancient woodland cathedral
we’ll bask in the filtered sunlight
that drifts down dreamlike
golden
into this enchanted clearing
we will give thanks
as we breath deeply
the intoxicating natural bouquet
of this timeless forest
a rich heady blend
conifers
ferns
mosses
musks
and sweet ionized mountain air
so come love
and bring no book
for this day
we will embrace calm
gratitude
and nature’s splendor
Original DDE™ surrealistic triptych: “Nature’s Splendor”
by: rob kistner © 11/8/23
*
first posted concept: rob kistner © 2007
Poetry online: Sacred
first posted draft: rob kistner © 2010
Poetry online: The Sudden Doe
first posted full edit: rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: WGO
updated edit: rob kistner © 5/7/24
Poetry at: dVerse
Peace and quiet is not always easy out here on my back deck in the months of early Spring. As Seattle lies nestled in a flyover zone for Canadian Geese, it can be rather noisy in the evening when I’m out trying to enjoy the relaxation of sunset. These beautiful creatures are flying V-formation north into Canada. It’s breeding time. The propagation urge stirs in their blood. The honking is on the wing — look out below!
Fascinating how nature has instilled such instinctual “body clocks” in so many of its wondrous beasts — fur, fin, and feather. Just as the powerful bear knows when to hibernate, and the agile salmon knows when, and even where to spawn – the gorgeous geese of Canada know when it’s their time. Something told the wild geese it was time to fly. That something was their amazing natural cyclical imprinting
Poetry at: dVerse
Oh spirits
of toned wood and bamboo bent reed
of taut tuned steel and sizzlin’ skins
come to me now — jazz must be saved
jazz must be served — we’ll riff contrapuntal
play for me in healing virtuosity
I found a box and jammed it with jazz
whisper to me in purest resonance
unleash the chordal’d structure
espouse the harmonics of truth
tell all about the wirebirds
we must take violaville by storm
strummin’ wild in the tenth world
taunt me in a 3/4 minor chord flurry
of rich sizzling scalded jazz
I found a box and jammed it with jazz
here I come — I am an inferno
ensemble desire rages strong
as we rise skyward in musicality
ride’n the bliss of improv in scat
soaring in untethered sacred syncopation
well damn — we’re totally musicalirious
I found a box and jammed it with jazz
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Selfies find me quite perturbed
one might say I look disturbed
it’s just that I’m fed up to here
with all the lies, truth is blurred
patience has been left behind me
might just loose my mind completely
madness seems to grip this world
that’s lost interest in reality
so who’s to say that I can’t fly
and whose right is it to question why
I wear my trousers inside out
it keeps the pockets dry
I see you smirking at my hat
it’s aluminum foil — imagine that
it helps with my cell phone reception
and fascinates my cats
yes I do lose track of time
hours, days — is that a crime
you know it’s all just one’s perspective
and I am very fond of mine
and I’ve a language of my own
like no other you’ve ever known
I speak it only to myself
and only when I’m all-alone
now if you see me on the street
notice the bells upon my feet
the ringing’s meant to scare you
not meant to be discreet
am I strange — perhaps that true
but I’m not nuts — I’m just offbeat
yet — sanity is so damned hard to find
this world has lost its fucking mind
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Briskly clean
silky cool
it spills into
spring’s night window
slips satin silver
sly and sensuous
sheer and silent
as the moon
wafts and tumbles
tantalizes
floats and swoops
in sweet refresh
dances gently
up your arms
across your breasts
to brush your cheek
wraps itself
soft upon you
upon my self too
in fond embrace
whispered rushes
fluttered breaths
like loving strokes
caress our skin
lilting tender
breath of comfort
zephyred fingers
toss our hair
this moonlit breeze
delivers true
soothing you
and too — my self
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poet
do not weave
your fabric of myth
or speak to us in grand riddle
telling of the mysteries
of the spheres
or glorious
times past
help us see
a new way of light
set ablaze our pure hearts
with true fire
of honesty
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Fire of Truth & Honesty”
by: rob kistner © 4/29/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Intoxicating April” — by: rob kistner © 4/25/24
Potent spring can make one
act quite the lovesick fool
heady with anticipation
desires sparkle like a jewel
april’s wine is intoxicating
as winter’s pale heart yearns
to feel spring’s grand unfolding
as nature’s palette slowly turns
this sweet inebriation
of april’s longing soul
can bring forth act’s impulsive
and draw one to the jester’s role
so be wary – for when one’s
caught in this season’s swoon
the better judgements of january
dissolve under april’s moon
the elixir of a world in bloom
is to the lusting lovelorn
a most dangerous of potions
risky randy thoughts are born
so remember and be warned
under passion’s frenzied rule
april can send one’s heart
awhirl like a lovestruck fool
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Beautiful Fool”
by: rob kistner © 4/25/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 25
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Trippin’ Kittens” by: rob kistner © 4/23/24
I’m a smitten kitten
all toked and trippin’
stayin’ stone cool
as reality’s slippin’
this cheshire kitten
is my good friend
and yes we’ve both
gone round the bend
my name is flower
this fella’s named ziggy
we’re locked down tight
and gettin’ jiggy
we just got back
from wonderland
a spontaneous trip
really quite unplanned
our strutten’s righteous
we purrrrr like silk
we’re high as midnight
and cravin’ milk
we’re lush and lazy
ain’t nobody’s fools
we’re bad-ass felines
precious as jewels
we’re tie-dye n’leather
n’high as a kite
if ya bum us out
it’ll be dude — goodnight!
so sit back — shut up
don’t be rude
don’t ‘cha be harshin’
our mellow mood
‘cause we’re chill’n smooth
as Federico Fellini…
…his name is ziggy
they call me queenie
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 23
On Earth Day 2024
These are some thoughts I posted to share on Earth Day 2010. They arose from my heart, and expressesed my great concern for this planet earth, and all of us who are traveling aboard her. What is sad is they are more relevant and concerning today, Earth Day 2024. If you are not in the mood for heavier fare, you can skip down to the haibun posted below this message.
For those reading here on, I see our global society becoming more and more desensitized to killing, suffering, the dignity of women, our failing stewardship of this planet, and the value of life in general.
Popular art reflects culture; it has in all of history. The ongoing proliferation of movies, video games, music, comic books, our dress and personal trappings, TV, even the TV commercials; this all cast a disturbing reflection of the direction a core section of the people of the earth are moving.
And the less than subtle movement to cast doubt, even ridicule, on those who believe that the care of this world needs our attention — NOW!
One might argue that any of these issues individually, is perhaps not necessarily dire. But taken as whole, it is a matter that begs to be examined — I feel.
Our children and adults alike, spend hours playing graphic video games in which the sole purpose is bloodletting, maiming, and murdering, in the most violent and gruesome ways. There are many wonderful video games, but the breadth and depth of the “snuff” games is cause to pay attention.
The gladiator-like fighting cultures that have arisen in recent years is something to look at. These are no longer pugilistic contests, or the “staged” violence of pro wrestling, in themselves, both a bit unsettling — these are blood bouts for the sake of blood. In Rome, the rise of gladiators was a sign of the accelerating decline of the Roman Empire. We’re not there yet, but what does this increasing thirst for blood have to tell us?
Another litmus that has always reflected the culture, is the impact of human religious constructs. Too often, the role they play is the manipulation and repression of our freedoms. I have nothing against the numerous religious constructs man has created. For those so drawn, they are a place for the safety and certainty they require.
However, when radical religious minorities begin to attempt to dictate and rule the masses, imposing their constructed values and fundamentalism, especially when they claim it is the “will of god“ — we’ve got to take serious notice.
These are the signs that point to the stripping of freedom, the neglect of responsibility, the repression of individual thought and personal rights — and essentially, the eradication if the essence of personal accountability. Today, with the rise of the repressive extreme fundamentalism that we see around the globe, it is akin to the eve of the dark ages. I don’t think we will descend to those extreme depths, but what does it mean when we have so many who would lead us there — even if unwittingly?
I so want to champion optimism — but I cannot and will not turn a blind eye to the signs I see. None of us had better do so. We all need to become proactive for balance. That is the key — balance. Balance the extremes of this world; ecological, social, moral, financial, and the like.
To be proactive I have started this creative blog, Image & Verse, to begin, in my small way, to penetrate the root sensitivity of our society. I firmly believe the embrace and expression of creativity is the key to elevating our human species.
I write poetry, speaking in sparse focused voice at times, entertaining lofty and beautiful thoughts at others, also embracing our human sensitivity and sensuality, and holding a mirror to reflect what is beautiful, or to reflect what I see as troubling — because I believe poetry has the power to penetrate the human psyche to greater depths than any written form.
Poetry actually has the ability to alter people on a level that strict written word often cannot. If I write an essay, I make you think; maybe even alter your opinion. I write a poem, I have the chance to make you feel something, in your core — that can alter your hardwired being. I believe this.
I think we urgently need to probe to these depths of the human psyche now, to send out these altering sparks, because I think there is trouble brewing, on some fronts, that could have dire consequence for the long-range future of the planet and for humankind.
I also write poetry to celebrate, to lift up my own spirit, to have hope, to embrace possibility, and to protect my precious personal sanity.
So let us dance, sing, embrace the beauty and the miracle of life and this magnificent world in which we live, and seek joy and truth, but let us not be a Nero. Our Rome is beginning to smolder.
“and so it goes“
Rob
Mother Gaia, you embrace us, you protect us, you carry us safely as we hurtle thousands of miles every hour, of every day through infinite space. You provide for us our every need, sustain our bodies with your abundance, nurture our spirits with your beauty — with your endless wonders.
Your need is simple, that we live in balance with your rhythms, with our fellow travelers on this amazing journey. That we know gratitude, as humble stewards of your countless gifts. We’ve lost our way.
Precious mother Gaia, forgive us. Grant us time to again find our way, to find our humility, our center — the balance.
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 22
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Sunset Path” by: rob kistner © 3/28/24
This morning’s sun came crisp and bright
enfolded my waking in wonderful warmth
and vivid presence
the world was fresh and fascinating
I embarked toward noonday
the joy of discovery palpable
senses saturated and alive
blissfully consumed
a deep satisfaction
permeated this afternoon
my mind was clear
my soul was full
my heart — overflowed
as dusk descended
I was approaching the forest
heady with expectation
my stride was smooth and steady
the downing sun — a gentle gold embrace
walking near the tree line
early shadows fell soft across my face
as vesper’s velvet blanket
draped its comfort ’round my shoulders
splendid calm enveloped me
yet there began other shadows
settling in my mind
strange distractions
haunting me
hunting me
that disrupted my moments
they now still come
unannounced
almost imperceptible
but there is still far to go
I am eager to journey
drawn by the beauty
that is the rich sunset
facing into the evening breeze
I venture onward
rolling amber and coral
spreads across the horizon
as I enter the old growth
shadows again shift
dull confusion finds me
I lose my pace and focus
to draw up in momentary halt
nagging concern
disquiets me
a stab of panic
pierces my solace
unwelcome bewilderment
grips me
holds me
uncomfortable in my skin
a cloud of frustration
sweeps over me
obscuring briefly
my purpose and destination
then the fog wafts
and again I remember
ahead lies the veiled valley
my hearth and home
but I wander
and once more lose the path
the evening mist is settling
wafting down
through the forest canopy
like a shroud
twilight is coming
much too quickly
and my concern
at first a nuisance — mounts
a growing fear
gnaws inside
fear I will not make it
not make it home
home before sundown
ushers in the darkness
I fear these gathering shadows
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Shadows” by: rob kistner © 3/28/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 19
Beauty walks to the sea by her home
on this bright and sunny spring day
wants to explore this sea alone
so joyfully she swims away
on this bright and sunny spring day
with her heart awash in wishes
she so joyfully swims away
down to the colorful fishes
with her heart awash in wishes
a’swim in the ocean’s sway
down with the colorful fishes
she is filled with love today
a’swim in the ocean’s sway
she’s exploring this sea alone
she’s so filled with love today
for this wonderful sea by her home
as she embraces its vast unknown
<~~|§|~~>
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Ocean’s Spirit” by: rob kistner © 4/18/24
B eauty walks to the sea by her home
on this broken cloudy day
slips into the sea alone
silently she swims away
on this broken cloudy day
alone with her fractured wishes
silently she swims away
deep down with the fishes
alone with her fractured wishes
a’swim in the seabed’s sway
deep down with the fishes
she is leaving it all today
a’swim in the seabed’s sway
with nothing more left to say
she is leaving it all today
the sea carries her spirit away
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 19
Peering over the cliff’s edge
high above the churning fall
of the steel-blue stream
I point
look down my friend
watch that trout
with the svelte grace of a dancer
it slides in then out again
gently flexing in the soft break
of a stream-bed boulder’s shade
look there
I call attention
across the stone canyon
cut by this persistence of current
an Osprey lights a branch
a focused sentinel
measuring the timing and tactic
of his imagined next meal
let us go to the water
down the steep granite face
through the white aspen and Douglas fir
giant chinquapin and Oregon madrone
I descend at steady pace
bent-knee’d and cautious
I throttle and steer
with boot tread and trek staff
followed by a fine-dust slide
of chattering limestone pebble
and dry needle
clattering the rip rap
down to the stream-side grass patch
then alertly hop
rock to rock
‘cross the tumble
of crystal chill current
to where I’ll make camp
in this wilderness canyon
midst the quiet rush
of the Clackamas waters
and the hushed murmur
of tall Ponderosa bough
I settle
OK Gary
you’ve tagged along
all afternoon my friend
pestering my thoughts
with the urge of verse
so here is the perfect spot
to stop
to rest and meditate
mesmerized by this eden
taking seat on a downed Douglas
I inhale deeply
nature’s wonderful wild bouquet
exhaling the stress of the day
my soul feels a presence
still with me
the presence of a kindred spirit
quieting my core
I build a small fire
task done
I close my eyes
and peacefully wait
enjoying the crackle of logs
and the voice of the stream
a breeze stirs
nudging the flames
opening my eyes
so — Mr Snyder
what’s on our mind
Original DDE™ surrealistic art: “Conversing The Muse”
by: rob kistner © 4/16/24
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 16
Friday
late night
she’s in the bar
to stop a fight
here she comes
badge flashing gold
eyes flashing blue
gun steel cold
long arm of the law…
…long legs
long hair
vicious gorgeous
everywhere
intoxicated
I stop
I stare
captured
invested
utterly arrested
*
rob kistner © 2024
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: NaPoWriMo 2024 — Day 15