The Poetry Marathon

for My Birthday Band

“Life is a series of surprises and would not be
worth taking or keeping if it were not.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

My birthday this year in quarantine.
I expected no cards or presents.
I bought my own special cupcake
and picked up Mexican takeout as my gifts.

Unexpected sounds shattered
my silence of alone.
As I stepped onto my lawn
Sammy of The Scaffolds
in his saxophone element.
Nicole with tambourine in hand,
Joanna maraca shaking.
Mike with a snare drum
As Andy sang along.
A balloon to lift my spirits.
A rendition of Happy Birthday
at social distances,
but closer to my heart.

Margarette Wahl

Her Flawless Beauty
“Beauty in the Ordinary.” Diana Pollos-Lutz
for Kathy Martínez

She’s water girl on stage at every show.
Lucky VIP member in support
of our favorite band.
Her recent dilemma lowers her spirits.
Friends and Townies remind her
she’s still beautiful
after posting pictures of her bald head.

A butterfly with a damaged wing,
she’s still one of God’s creatures.
Erik, our favorite band member
said this to me
so I spread his love towards her,
because there’s no competition
when fighting cancer.

The disease robbed her of hair,
but not the beauty and support to win.
I’ll be smiling seeing her in victory
being water girl once more.

Margarette Wahl

Smiles
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine
and shadows will fall behind you.” Walt Whitman

I smile because frowning causes wrinkles.
I smile because things can really be worse.
I smile because I deserve happiness.
I smile because the world is full of dark places
I choose not to go into.
I smile because it’s contagious and infectious,
there’s no cure.
I smile because I might be the only good part
in someone’s day.
I smile because it’s easy, free, positive
and can bring peace
…some day

Margarette Wahl

When California comes to Mind

California is not all Hollywood stars and glamour.
Not Beverly Hills mansions, Golden Gate Bridge or Silicon Valley.
It is you trapped in your apartment during this Pandemic.
Hair growing into a wild fro.
Unable to perform on stage, you record Cameo’s
to cheer up fans.
Surprise visits on Live Instagram to give them a sanity.

When I see LA or California on a map,
I see your beautiful dark Latino skin
with sparkles near your pupils.
I hear the sweet sentiments of your voice
and miss your singing.
California holds a promise towards tomorrow
because it holds you inside it.

Margarette Wahl

Legacy

“Give me a metaphor for the moment.” Harriet Slaughter

Remember me in metaphors, not in everyday cliches.
Remember my written words
how I spilt my heart across the page.
Remember me for my good deeds,
the ways I intended the world to be.
Remember me inside the scents of roses and of daisies.
Remember me in the touch of rain on your cheeks,
inside the sincerity of ballads on the radio.
Remember me in the sweetest taste of raspberries.
Remember me like a song, one you repeat over and over
never grow tired of its entirety.
My legacy will continue on as you move on.
I’ll be the bittersweet side inside your history.

Margarette Wahl

Stay beautiful because you are. Life is worth living with you in it. I close my eyes I hug you in my dreams, kiss you in my wishes. I’m with you in every step, every inhale and exhale of breath. Tomorrow is always brighter because I have you to look forward to. You create every metaphor of my poetry. My world is complete with you in it.

A handwritten letter
lies told to me
a tattoo
a promise
committed crime
published poem
true love
recording a song
performing a concert
saying a prayer
making a wish
a wish granted
family

death.

A hot cup of coffee,
a concert not postponed,
the smile across his face.

My ways of a perfect day.