A half-read book beneath a ceiling fan, A stoneware mug that's full of IPA But sleepy hounds do not complete the clan, The house feels empty when you are away. The hummingbirds squeak disapprovingly At roaring F/A-18s on display Football announcers only bring ennui- The house seems silent when you are away. My aches and … Continue reading October 5: Away
Sonnets
October 4: The “A” Train
When working on a problem of some size There sometimes comes a flash of clarity That makes all your preceding steps seem wise, And your conclusions ring with verity- For suddenly, the path is not defined By dead ends that in error you have taken, Instead, mistakes seem perfectly designed A vital new perspective to … Continue reading October 4: The “A” Train
October 3: The Other Shoe
I must protest: it's not procrastination- It's effort that's expended to prevent Redundancy; to hamper duplication Of tasks- uncertainty to circumvent. For what's the point of jumping when I'm told When quick responses lead to admiration For just as long as it takes to grow cold And lead to a delayed realization? Oh no! This … Continue reading October 3: The Other Shoe
October 2: Spineless
Just yesterday I opened up a book Beloved by those whose taste I know and trust. But fifteen minutes later I was hooked- Engrossed as to the daily grind I bussed. Fatigue and miscommunications kept Me from advancing further in the story But that night as I closed my eyes and slept, I hunted, and … Continue reading October 2: Spineless
October 1: A Delicate Balance
Once past the equinox, the sun's bright rays Diminish, angles narrowing, acute, So one must change the starts and ends of days, Adjusting to dark dressing and commute, As well as changing schedules and new students, And brand new quarter, weather, term, and season. So greet the changes with sufficient prudence To understand the difference … Continue reading October 1: A Delicate Balance
September 30: Mental Health Day
Dear Place of Work, Ms. Weber won't be in Today, tomorrow, possibly all week. She suffers from a lack of keratin Upon her toes, and maladies unique: I diagnose presymptomatic states Pertaining to her oddly sound psychosis: Ideopathic syndrome, which dictates A somewhat unpredictable prognosis. And therefore, I prescribe a regimen Of neuroactive exercises, such … Continue reading September 30: Mental Health Day
September 29: Cosmetic Changes
Some mornings, through lush breeze and sunlit air, Demand to be seen through unpainted eyes, Since wind feels freshest kissing skin that's bare, Suppressed by artifice and wan disguise. What does the morning care if you've a spot Or if the skin beneath your eyes is dark? When such a day's beginning to be wrought, … Continue reading September 29: Cosmetic Changes
September 28: Outreach
I sang a concert with a hundred friends, A new conductor and a brand-new season, With music that collectively transcends Chronology, geography, and reason. Two times my eyes welled up, and twice they spilled, From Purcell's sorrow and from Bernstein's joy Love and philosophy were thus fulfilled, In such a way that time cannot destroy. … Continue reading September 28: Outreach
September 27: Headcanon
When reading Chekhov with an actor's eye And finding written: “Traraboomdeyay,” I wondered what Chebutykin meant thereby, And what, if anything, he wished to say. And just what Ronald Hingley heard him sing When he transcribed the singing from the Russian. Was he deliberately altering The onomatopoeia for discussion To draw a parallel between the … Continue reading September 27: Headcanon
September 26: A Roll of the Dice
Four cups, five dice a-rattle, then upend The cup and sneak a glance at what's beneath, And hope those private faces don't portend An easy-to-guess lying through one's teeth. For bidding on the pips you don't possess Is risky, but an awful lot of fun, For when the bid is called, whether success Or failure … Continue reading September 26: A Roll of the Dice
Libby Weber 