This poem reflects recent conversations and reminiscences with friends, almost all of whom are in their 70s and 80s. A few didn’t make it this far. Of those of us still alive, some suffer from terrible ailments. However, I believe our enthusiastic way of experiencing life built a reservoir of strength that helps us maintain a sense of grace as our discomfort and limitations increase. 

The  image was generated in Adobe Firefly from prompts by Scooter Smith.

Memorial Day 2026. I recently wrote this song without thinking of Memorial Day, but here it is and the lyrics are appropriate.

I was born just as the Korean War started. My father, who served in the Marines during World War 2, was called back to active duty, leaving my mother at home with a newborn. She said she would never forgive the government for that, but I’m sure she did. Less than 20 years later, I served in Vietnam during that war. The events in the song experienced by my grandfather and son were created to serve the message. 

Image generated in Adobe Firefly by Scooter Smith. 

This is simply an expression of deep love for my wife, an appreciation of our life together, and an awareness that it is drawing to a close.

The featured image was generated in Adobe Firefly from prompts by Scooter Smith.

This is as self-explanatory a poem as you are likely to get.

The featured image was generated by Scooter Smith using Adobe Firefly.

This is a shout out to old men and their spouses who love them. 

As I wrote it I heard a country string band. So, it’s a song that I just haven’t put music to yet.

The featured image was generated by Scooter Smith using Adobe Firefly.

I rediscovered this poem I wrote in 1989 during my years with Joe Stanco’s Poetry Circle.  (I edited it a little, very little, because I can’t stop myself.) Joe’s Circle included the well-known poet, Tim Seibles, as well as VP Crowe, Amy “Moonlady” Martin, Gordon Hilgers, Jas (James) Mardis, and Sam Modica. Nice crowd to learn from.

Of all my performances of (what was almost unanimously terrible) poetry, this was the one that actually made people stand up and cheer. It may not have been great word art, but it had a message people could get behind.

I’m still thrilled by most of it, too.

I used Adobe Firefly to generate the illustration.