Category Archives: Poetry

First Frost

Posted on 2025-11-11 by Bartholomew Barker

I fluff up my nest and my graying fur, ignore my doctors put on a few pounds, fill the freezer with Impossible burgers and microwave burritos. Night freezes the birdbath, so I lock my doors, secure the shutters but leave … Continue reading →

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Fraiku: Date Night

Posted on 2025-11-07 by Bartholomew Barker

Secluded booth Sharing a bottle of wine Dessert to go

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Life in the Confederacy

Posted on 2025-11-03 by Bartholomew Barker

The stainless steel is cold in my hand, except for the place touched by my lips where I blew as hard as I could and barely heard a whine. Rabid dogs came running, tails wagging, mouths foaming, ready to vote … Continue reading →

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Día de los Muertos

Posted on 2025-11-01 by Bartholomew Barker

We lay an offering on the alter.For great-grandfather Whilum,a trowel encrusted with the earth.For great-grandma Emma,a bowl of butterscotch candy.For grandma Mary,a feed-sack apron.For grandpa Boppi,a dancing harmonica.For my father Peter,another flashlight magnetic and powerful.And for my mom— rye,sweet vermouth … Continue reading →

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Fraiku: Between Worlds

Posted on 2025-10-31 by Bartholomew Barker

In the graveyard, mist rises under the moonlight as the veil draws thin.

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Hansel

Posted on 2025-10-30 by Bartholomew Barker

She slinks over to me sitting at the bar, touches my arm, twirls her red hair, asks about my job and family. Tells me she loves to bake. Her oven is always hot. Calls me cute and with a wink … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , | 25 Comments

Canis Redivivus! at MasticadoresUsa

Posted on 2025-10-29 by Bartholomew Barker

I am pleased to announce that my old poem Canis Redivisus! is up on MasticadoresUsa as part of their pet poetry series. Don’t worry, only the title is in Latin. Here’s the first stanza: My dog sleeps like a beach … Continue reading →

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Trick or Treat

Posted on 2025-10-28 by Bartholomew Barker

I’ve done my own research, the evidence is overwhelming. It need not be cataloged here. Donald Trump is just a character played by a comedian in a fat-suit. The ludicrous comb-over and orange makeup should have been enough for us … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

They’ll Say They Didn’t Know They Were Nominated

Posted on 2025-10-26 by Bartholomew Barker

I am proud, thrilled and most of all honored to announce that my poem, They’ll Say They Didn’t Know, was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by the Chaos Section Poetry Project. The initial version of They’ll Say They Didn’t Know … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Fraiku: Ripped from the Headlines

Posted on 2025-10-24 by Bartholomew Barker

Trump wrecks White House. No need for metaphor. Life becomes parody. (East Wing of White House reduced to rubble as part of Trump’s ballroom construction)

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , | 23 Comments