"When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses, for art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment." - John F. Kennedy

Thanks for finding me. This is a fairly random sampling of my poetic rumblings beginning in the mid-70s to present day. Not definitive or complete, just things that struck me again for one reason or another on revisiting. There are a couple of previously published collections here which might be good places to start if you are diving in blind from the precipice.

Try the collections MEET THE BEATS or GLIMMERING RAY DUET (both archived in June 2008 in the menu below right) for starters if you are so inclined...

As of 2016, I will be publishing my song lyrics on a seperate page from the more poetic scribblings here. Pieces that first appeared here and then later were arranged for music will remain here in their original form but may appear edited on the lyric page. Check out the links section for the original song blog.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

TO REFUSE THE MUSE IS MISUSE OF THE NEWS

sometimes paper is so much easier than life
night safer than day
waiting easier
than stepping up.

If I were better in the morning
face to face
fearless
lurching
face first
into the fray
perhaps
words
could
rest
comfortably
rebooting their
resonance
but
that would not
be
muse worthy.

so
consequently
our hearts
rumble
paradiddles
and press rolls
until
attraction + obstacles
= excitement
as we import
desired characteristics
from those we yearn for
in others
while the atmosphere
of the moment
loses itself in the tailspin
of
fragile time
blown chances
passing trains.

Sitting down
heart
in hands
scribbling
commences
daring itself
to resist.



~ for Janine, written as a Facebook comment by Brad in response to Rhys’ McClure’s comment on the poem WHY SO SHY BOY? On November 6 at 2:32a

Thanks Rhys for the inspired reading of the previous scrawling. As one in the throes of courting a reluctant but appreciative muse, as when two people try and discuss the same book they are reading at very different paces, I fill in the blanks with what works for me. Solace in the pen, indeed
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