Bathhouse

through a bathhouse window beautiful still

stood a statue always tranquil 

yet weathered by many winters

a fountain pouring cold water 

from a pipe into a cascade of bowls

while in hot water steaming up windows

so that she could not be seen I bathed

though I see her always at the portal

where my mind slips by her into new worlds

not seen through glass but with my inner eye

but in this moment lying here measuring time

by the slant of sunlight across the skylight

as sunset trending west comes earlier 

bleaching oiled strips that hold up the glass

showing by angle the reach of the sun

about a third of the cedar casing

lighter than the rest and understanding

why the bathhouse was built purposefully

facing north its two skylights catching the sun

Dick Russell (C) Richard M Russell

                          2024

 Thinking of Dead Poets
 

imagery as if brand new

Li Po staggering forward

moon for his candle 

stars watching him stumble

where the muse takes him 

where she took them all

towards a moon shining in a puddle

or a river where he drowned

rushing to embrace her

his maddening muse

 

in love again waking

when first birds sing 

feeling young again   supple

after years of sloth

looking for clarity 

in fading light

  

 

Dick Russell

copyright © 2024

Richard M Russell

Oaks and Hazels

Hazelnuts thrive once planted by squirrels

become without weeding quickly a copse     

over there, oak trees grown from stored walnuts

assuring squirrels will always have lots,

eating a fraction of what they gather

planting harvests with whatever is left

survivalist squirrels managing woods

so that in future they'll not be bereft.

Excellence finds excellence sifts through dross

recognizing each other through deeds, done

accomplishments acknowledged minds cross

choosing to attempt something never done.

Dick Russell (C) Richard M Russell

                          2024

 It Could Be

the man who would be king is plotting how

if voters don't elect him, he can win

by any means necessary fair or foul

he's expert at preserving his own skin

she who will defeat him is planning change

first, she must debate him on live TV

he'll be all made up, but you'll see his mange

his aged luster for all eyes to see

he'll ramble, he'll blame, he'll lie through his teeth

if he's not insane people will think it

will she withstand his bombast his hulking big beef

avoiding questions, irritated, clearly unfit 

he's a sinking ship his crew now know it

they’re long past the warning sign: no exit. 

Dick Russell (C) Richard M. Russell

                         2024

 Long Game

 

 

So some rich men are playing a long game

financing Trump now knowing he will fail

they are glad they advanced their preferred name

now they are ready when Trump heads to jail.

Those billionaires want Vance on the ticket

For their own reasons not entirely clear

They'll wave signs at corners like a picket

They are against most of what we hold dear.

They like that he blames lefty progressives

They like that he's tall married with a beard

They don't like to hear media dismissives

They don't like him being depicted as weird.

Vance says the childless should count for less

In November voters will bring him distress

 

 

 

Dick Russell (C) Richard M Russell

                         2024

 Thinking of a Friend

If we met again, would we be as shy?

i would, if we were eye to eye alone

be afraid to touch to let passion fly

uncorked sixty years strong always unknown.

Would we reconnect to be as we were

just words waiting to be used on our lips

close to commitment fearful to answer

to urgent feelings restrained like two ships

at harbor carrying precious cargoes

our future lives, as yet unpacked,

destined to part ways to sail where wind blows

not unload too soon by emotions highjacked.

Why did I not touch?  Why did I not speak?

Friendship falling in love appearing weak.

Dick Russell © Richard M Russell

                        2024

 In Early August

When thoughtful of my early Iife, I groan

remembering something I'd done or not

transported in time to an unearthed bone

that my brain knows, and I'd almost forgot.

Appearing from nowhere out of context

often unwelcome from a time when single

as if tagged this is best expressed as sext

received split screen where life's images mingle,

precipitating moments seen again

triggered presumably by stimuli

unknown to science, magical brain-

made neuron spasms flashing inner eye.

Then you glance at me and smile, I'm redeemed.

Everything is now better than it seemed.

Dick Russell © Richard M Russell

                        2024