The 11th Hour   The 11th hour was upon me Time— urged me along As I sat back down to count to three Contemplating where I belong—   Prior to twelve but after ten— First of numbers that repeat— One and one— I said…

The mountain in the sunset blazed. The wanderer with ragged breath Screamed with rage against the daisies Nodding sleepy in the grasses. Over there the sky was clearing And the day was slowly slipping. Up ahead the rainbow burned, The air beneath of copper hue….

Marry me postcards and poisoned roses, flan, tequila lollipops, stern nose, son in a trunk ———— Christmas Polaroids and Blow-up Bozo, parking tickets, barbecue sauce and Northern accents ———— Thick lenses, thin ties, gray serge and guitar, real estate license, Best Boy, dog-eared Home to…

Christ’s life spilled silently, Whip-scourged, nailed violently, Drop by precious drop, Breath by sweet breath, Sword-thrust, and alone.   The earth shuddered. Heaven folded inward. Death closed the tomb.   Until morning broke, three days beyond,   And the earth shuddered Heaven opened. Away rolled…

Famed actor John Barrymore is said to have commented from his deathbed “Death is easy. COMEDY is hard.” I can attest to the comedy part will take Barrymore at his word on the moving on as death is one of the few things in life…

The Croupiers Vintage   I stand stoic and ready, unashamed or moved by Valkyrie’s command, She set her cards at play, the demise of discerned brethren, to be mortally harmed.   I do as instructed, unwavering in grotesque purpose, Dialing up my spirited friend, my…

“A New Wall” I’ve come to a wall. It seems to stretch forever in either direction. It’s not a tall wall. But I’m too tired to climb. Dig? No, that’s ridiculous. What do I do? It’s a simple wall. Not too tall, but big enough…

Rainbow-rimmed orange Slice painted on the cloudy canvas, full of hope

The tinted glass of my windows Keeps the sun out But the light is Not something That can be stopped by Curtains, the cracks remain still.

Like the nine letters of this title, lots in life are not prepared for. No matter how hard one tries, certain things come preset. Like the breath of air, not extempore, life moves on, preset. Live.       Written from the text prompt of…