Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Today


painting by Susan Brassi, borrowed from fineartamerica.com


Today

“There’s a party going on right here, a
celebration to last throughout the year.”
--Kool and the Gang.

On the cusp
of the second week in October,
celebrate 10/11, for it is a day
the Lord has made, or not,
as Autumn creeps along the
crisp edges, and the cold sun reigns
over the final few lingering moments 
of yet another Northwest
Indian Summer.

At my age, already in the winter 
     of my  life, I’m just happy to celebrate
        the distinct privilege of participating in another
           day period--as lovely Michelle Obama reminds us
        that this is the International Day of the Girl Child,
      as does the Donald amid his arrogance
and vulgarity, while he also is
     celebrating the birthday of his
             father, Fred, who certainly must
                      be so very proud of his boy from
                             on high, or perhaps low. CNN informs
                      us that also on this day the Senate 
            joined the House in approving military
       might against Iraq, and hell, here we
are 14 years later just tickled to
death about how all that turned out, 
right?

Celebrities dress up any celebration;
Eleanor Roosevelt was born on this date.
I wonder how our 39th First Lady
would feel about Hillary?
Actor Ron Liebman’s birthday is shared
with fellow actors David Morse & Joan Cusack--
this is counterpointed by 
Chico Marx.
        Redd Foxx &
                 Jean Cocteau,
who all passed away on this day.

Today, I have decided, will be an excellent day as the 
blue skies and October sun beckon me to grab my 
camera and roam about seeking fresh images, even 
though I will still be 72, overweight & short of breath,
and overwrought by the incessant political yammering,
but               
                        Every heartbeat is
                        a tiny victory, and every 
                        breath celebration.


Glenn Buttkus

Posted over at dVerse Poets Pub

18 comments:

De Jackson said...

Oh, Glenn. That haiku. THANK YOU.

Also love:
"as Autumn creeps along the
crisp edges"

brudberg said...

I do love this... sometimes we just need to celebrate the being of us... I almost expected you find all the possible reason, but sometimes we should celebrate existence...sustenance.

Marina Sofia said...

Yes, every heartbeat and every breath we draw is worthy of a celebration! Good on you, Glenn!

Mark Butkus said...

I feel like dancing!

A very nice read Glenn!

Cheers,

Mark

tonispencer said...

Incredible senryu at the end of this dancing and prancing poem. Celebrating yourself - an amazing person indeed. 70 is the new 50. And you prove it with your old-young wisdom. Continue to celebrate you with every ounce of your being.

Sanaa Rizvi said...

The haiku especially swept me off my feet!! ๐Ÿ’– Such a whirlwind of emotion, your poem ๐Ÿ’–

Grace said...

Not the winter of your life yet Glenn with your gift of words specially that last 3 lines ~ So many things to be thankful for, thanks for the reminder ~

Paul Scribbles said...

Such a flow to this...the poetic and then the political and then pondering and then the POW.

Kim M. Russell said...

A poetic opening stanza, a pinch of cynicism and a crowning haiku, Glenn!

Sreeja said...

Every heartbeat is
a tiny victory, and every
breath celebration---absolute!!

Loved the poem for its true spirit!

Unknown said...

Love the subtle (or not so subtle) sarcasm sprinkled throughout...and then a wonderful haiku to switch the mood to positive at the end.

Misky said...

Absolutely brilliant.

Asobime said...

I love this, Glenn. It's a perspective that is absolutely real and necessary in these days.

Mother Wintermoon said...

Fantastic work and perspective... incorporating current events, past political figures and a wonderful haiku in one fell swoop. Excellent!

Victoria said...

Every heartbeat is
a tiny victory, and every
breath celebration.

Also 72, but underweight and can't gain. Is there no balance in this life? Certainly not in the world of politics. :0)

Mish said...

A balance of wisdom, opinion (shared), reflection and appreciation for life and it all fits together so seamlessly. Loved it.

Anonymous said...

Every breath is indeed celebration, despite all the disturbances wracking our world. I do enjoy your thoughts on life, both personal and external.

Walt Wojtanik said...

Always wise words from you, Glenn! That in itself is something to celebrate!