Category Archives: Poetry

Hate and Rage and Video Breath

Posted on December 14, 2013 by John Swinburn

They play video games, all dark and dank, lots of blood and bullets and an army tank. They’re wired on Red Bull and coffee and lust, with a shot of vodka; that’s always a must. Almost time to go hunting, … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Leave a comment

On the Margins

Posted on November 30, 2013 by John Swinburn

I stand at the edge, on the margins, watching the flood, so close to the torrent, yet apart from the flow. There, where I’ve always stood on the margins, the rush beckons me, urges me to lunge. I could fall … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 9 Comments

Poems I Want to Read

Posted on November 17, 2013 by John Swinburn

During a recent visit with a couple who hosted us on a trip to explore where we might want to live, I learned of a book of poetry I want to read.  I want to know; have you read it? … Continue reading →

Posted in Friendship, Poetry | 3 Comments

Mythic Meals

Posted on November 12, 2013 by John Swinburn

I don’t believe in Unicorns but I like the way they taste. The flesh is rainbow flavored, with proper salt and baste. Now Centaur is my favorite food, much muscle in their middles, more flavor than the Cheshire cat, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 4 Comments

Secrets

Posted on November 11, 2013 by John Swinburn

Secrets are secret; some things, you don’t even tell yourself. Pretend the life you live is satisfying and soulful and your wishes are dreams. Don’t ask yourself questions if you can’t bear the answers. Don’t break your own heart by … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 6 Comments

Gouda Hash

Posted on November 2, 2013 by John Swinburn

Mike majored in belligerence and minored in hate, and took a course in loathing from a girl he used to date. He then went on to grad school to study poverty and sin but he didn’t want to finish, ’cause … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Poetry | 2 Comments

Copper

Posted on September 18, 2013 by John Swinburn

Old couples hold hands as they walk slowly down the quiet grey beach, shrouded in mist. They disappear into the fog, two by two. Their lives are strands of copper wire, flexing and bending until there’s nothing left to yield, no … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 1 Comment

Night on the Town

Posted on April 10, 2013 by John Swinburn

Angry clouds, grey chalk and dried blood, churn mercilessly against the setting sun, inciting gentle souls toward a felonious night. Even the street lights are afraid, shuddering and blinking with each shrieking gust of wind and every snarling howl of … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Poetry, Religion | Leave a comment

Bad Poetry

Posted on March 20, 2013 by John Swinburn

Bad poetry smothers empathy with a pillow of ill-formed phrases. Bad poetry digests the imagination the way a snake eats a rat. Bad poetry causes people to drown tires and slash kittens. Bad poetry leads to spiritual poverty and financial ruin. Bad … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 1 Comment

No Man is an Island

Posted on December 26, 2012 by John Swinburn

This, one of my favorite poems, speaks so eloquently to the ties that bind us all together.  It explains, far better than any other words I’ve read or written, the reason (with apologies to Paulo Cohelo) tears are words that … Continue reading →

Posted in Death, Poetry | Leave a comment