Shawn L. Bird

Original poetry, commentary, and fiction. All copyrights reserved.

poem- red lipstick January 1, 2014

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 12:18 pm
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A sales lady

rhapodized over my

red and purple shoes.

“I wish I had the guts

to wear something like that,”

she said, sighing.

“I always admire

great shoes on other people.”

.

I told someone of this,

and she said,

“I know what she means.

I used to envy people

who had the courage to wear

red lipstick.”

I smiled,

gazing at her scarlet lips.

“Do you feel super-powered

in that lipstick?”

Her eyes just twinkled in response.

.

We hold ourselves back,

from what will

make our spirits soar,

reveal our natures,

demonstrate our individuality,

because of what?

Fear of censure by dullards?

or

Fear of our own unleashed potential?

.

Embrace the tokens

of your power:

wear shoes that make your feet

dance in the street,

and lipstick that makes your smile

a billboard for your joy.

Be you

in all your

power.

.

(Thanks Julia, for loaning me the lipstick image). 😉

 

poem- next year December 31, 2013

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 12:36 am
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Next year

I will sign contracts

I will be inspired by talented friends

I will travel to promote books and writing

I will have readings and signings

I will meet thousands of people on the blog

I will finish the three manuscripts in progress

I will fit into my favourite ensembles

I will clear out the clutter

I will hike in the hills

Next year.

 

poem- travel December 30, 2013

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 4:44 am
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The case is packed full

of memories and you are

preparing for the trip

back to routine.

All that remains

are the images in the

camera and in

your mind.

 

poem- Vernazza memories December 29, 2013

Filed under: Poetry,video — Shawn L. Bird @ 7:32 pm
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We sat down in an Italian restaurant tonight, and I looked up at a photograph of  the  view from our apartment in Vernazza.  This led to reminiscing about the lovely town.

.

Vernazza:

I dream Italian nights

above your breakwater

and the good-night chimes

of the church bells.

.

(Here’s a sample posted to Youtube.  I loved listening to the 9 p.m. bells.  Not so much the morning bells! lol  Such a beautiful place).

.

 

poem- brush off

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 3:35 am
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Thanks for the compliment,

but I’m not interested.

.

You seem like a nice guy,

and some girl will be lucky

to have you,

but I’m not interested.

.

Look,

it’s like this,

to be honest,

I’m kind of repelled by you,

your breath is rank,

you have an unpleasant body odor

that is not masked by that cologne,

(which, by the way, I think

I’m allergic to)

your hair hasn’t been washed

in way too long

and the pustules erupting on your

forehead and your emaciated form,

do nothing to attract me.

The state of your clothing

suggests a negative cash flow.

So you see, I’m not interested.

I don’t need a Chippendale

or a millionaire,

but a little effort on your part

would help your cause.

.

I’m not a bitch, buddy,

I’m just not interested.

 

poem- mother December 28, 2013

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 3:22 am
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He said

his mother was dead,

because the gulf

between them

was wide with guilt

and jumping it

was beyond

their capability.

She said

her son was lost

because his choices

marooned him

on an island of his own making

and would not let

anyone in.

They said

their journeys

were in opposite directions

but eventually,

on the other side of the world,

they’re bound to intersect.

 

poem- Pacific sunset December 27, 2013

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 8:46 am
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She sits

above the sky

silently watching

sun on shore

sliding to the horizon

dropping

slowly

beyond the sea.

 

quote- the mind December 26, 2013

Filed under: Commentary,Literature,Quotations — Shawn L. Bird @ 12:59 pm
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The mind is its own place, and in itself

Can make a heav’n of hell, a hell of heav’n

Milton said that in Paradise Lost in 1667.  That’s 344 years ago, and as fine a statement on mental health as ever I’ve heard.

If you’re not clinically depressed, it expresses the simple concept that your  attitude to the situation is what’s important, not the situation itself.

I’ve known a lot of people over the years who are constantly saying negative things about their hard-working, diligent spouses.  For whatever reasons, they feel that bashing their spouse is acceptable sport.  Inevitably, their relationships crumble, and they blame the spouse for the divorce when in fact, their own attitude is what doomed the relationship.

Speak what you want to be true, and you will make it so.  Articulate thankfulness, appreciation, and passion and you will create those things.  

It may only be in your mind, but your mind controls the body.

If you are clinically depressed, this quote expressed the simple concept that your perception of the situation transforms it.  Other people may see simple delights, while you see complicated anguish.  Your perception is valid, but don’t let it ruin you.  See your doctor.  You’d be willing to medicate for a heart condition, your brain deserves just as much respect.

Your mind controls the body.  Make sure it’s healthy.

 

haiku- moonrise in Arizona December 25, 2013

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 8:31 pm
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The great orb rises

into a molten sky

above endless red dust

 

poem- Havasu

Filed under: Poetry — Shawn L. Bird @ 12:11 am
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Lunar landscape

miles upon miles

of dust,

red rocks,

and sky

stretching wider than a sky has business stretching

then a surprise:

startlingly blue lake

reflects cloudless blue sky

and London Bridge.

How odd.

.

.

.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is set beside the lake formed by Parker Dam on the Colorado River.  The city is accessed via historic Route 66.