Author Archives: Bartholomew Barker

Melodions

Posted on 2020/07/09

We’re all just particles of music vibrating alone in the cosmos searching for harmony     (Image by Mandy Myers)

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | 12 Comments

The Short of It

Posted on 2020/07/03

I’m proud to announce that three of my poems have been posted on Susi Bocks’ marvelous blog The Short of It. These haven’t been read before except by Ms. Bocks, those few fellow poets who improved them in workshops and … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 9 Comments

Pelé and Poets

Posted on 2020/06/30

The email flirts from my inbox unread. A reply from a journal I submitted my best to many months ago. It bats it’s eyelashes and winks, beckoning, begging for my attention, “Open me. I’ll show you everything.” But like a … Continue reading →

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Last Astronaut

Posted on 2020/06/26

Last Astronaut Past midnight on the great plains desolate street light hangs over a gas station The faded sign creaks in the wind peeling paint corroded pump stark fluorescence casting shadows on hard packed dirt I am a fallen astronaut … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 9 Comments

Angry Summer Sonnet

Posted on 2020/06/22

Angry Summer Sonnet Do not put your fist through drywall or glass. Do not screech frustration behind shuttered windows. Knock on neighbor’s door. Anger leads to action and action to change. Bring everyone you know. Punch the sky. Let the … Continue reading →

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Our Virus

Posted on 2020/06/19

Our Virus We must eradicate this virus infecting our nation. It is dangerous, pervasive and has killed far too many. We know how to fight but intentional ignorance and tribal chest pounding has prevented progress. Science can lead but will … Continue reading →

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Checkmate

Posted on 2020/06/16

Checkmate I taught my wife chess too well. She countered all my moves with ease. “Chinese or pizza tonight?” I don’t care. “Pick one.” Okay— Chinese. “Let’s get pizza.” There were also good times— long talks on hikes with dogs, … Continue reading →

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Haiku: A bad apple spoils the bunch

Posted on 2020/06/11

A bad apple spoils the bunch Some proverbs ring true Claiming there are just a few bad apples Confirms the bunch is rotten

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Skin-Deep

Posted on 2020/06/08

Skin-Deep I’ve traced my ancestry, my family, through courthouses and cemeteries and no more than one-sixty-fourth owned other men and only in the jaded view of the law— my shameful heritage, like many of my southern neighbors. How could my … Continue reading →

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Law and Order

Posted on 2020/06/03

Law and Order I’m supposed to fear those in the streets demanding reforms and when glass is broken and tear gas clouds our vision, it is scary. But I’m more afraid of sycophants in suits ignoring subpoenas, welcoming bribes, trading … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , | 7 Comments