Roger Darnell: On & Up » just

July 14, 1987: Beat

Roger D. — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:39:10 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot about my personal writing projects lately. Thanks to the sage advice of Julia Cameron in “The Artist’s Way,” I have taken to journaling most days of the week… and those activities keep me in touch with my inner ticker, while maintaining my balance with Being. Looking through my database of poetic writings, one has jumped out to me tonight, due to the fact that I wrote it precisely 23 years ago. It makes me realize what a very long way I’ve come in this span of time, and how much I have to be thankful for.

It’s one of the few items from “just,” my first poetry collection, which I’ve published so far on this site. Though it touches many nerves for me, and hints at the place and station I’ve come from, somehow it feels good to expose it to the sunshine and fresh air which make up my life at present, with loved ones, friends and comrades many and strong. There was a time, not long ago, when things weren’t looking so good. Even then, the sense of better things to come was bright and clear.

Beat

by Roger Darnell

confusion is found
my world is unbound
again I must face
arranging this place

it’s something I dread
but just as I’ve said
this thing must be done
now that it’s begun

my big life grows small
short problems grow tall
’til I in my fears
start changing my gears

spurring ambition
spiting attrition
I know no defeat
my heart must still beat

Copyright Roger Darnell . All Rights Reserved.

July 8, 1985: Ask and Receive I still clearly remember the time, place, circumstances, and even...

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July 8, 1985: Ask and Receive

Roger D. — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:21:31 +0000

I still clearly remember the time, place, circumstances, and even the paper that I wrote on, when I penned the following short poem over 24 years ago. I was headed to Champaign, Illinois, to complete the technical school component of my initial U.S. Air Force training. It was my first real freedom since my last previous airplane rides had delivered me from Orlando into Houston into San Antonio, whereupon my basic training promptly began. I recall finding it odd that I was scheduled to arrive on a Friday afternoon… but it was worse than I could have imagined. My flight wound up having to begin our training on a Friday night, but the first day that “counted” in our six week commitment was the following Monday. We eventually finished our training on a Friday, but we were not allowed to leave until the following Monday. That’s how U.S. Air Force Flight 456 served seven weeks of training during the six-week bootcamp. I had made it as far as Chicago O’Hare, and I was awaiting my last flight. I remember sitting and having a beer, having a strong feeling of accomplishment and independence, pulling out the official Air Force writing pad I’d picked up during basic training, and writing these words, which continue to give me pride and strength to this day.

Ask and Receive
by Roger Darnell

There is a light in every window.
There is happiness in every smile.
There is a silver lining,
How could you miss it?

There are friendships unquestionable.
There is meaning in every utterance.
There is opportunity at every turn
Waiting to be reckoned with.

Here in life I am happy.
Hear my thanks, oh Lord.
There I go…
They’re expecting me.

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June 18, 1988: clear blue light

Roger D. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:50:57 +0000

Tomorrow it will be twenty-one years since I began writing the following poem. That’s another story, and perhaps, another post… maybe one for twenty-one years from tomorrow.

I selected the poem this evening after searching through the spreadsheet containing an archive of my poems with the date I wrote each one, collection information, and a column for me to track reviews underway with publications. The document was put together at another time in my life and career, when I was more diligent in submitting poetry to prestigious print publications and presses. Not sure if this one was ever submitted to magazines, but either way, I know the rights are mine :^). It’s part of my first collection, entitled “just.”

In the Clear Blue Light

by Roger Darnell

In the clear blue light
slipping in behind the night
dawning daybreak shines in glory…
glowing glory giving sight

to the eyes closed tight
facing darkness in the fight
that will make the losers winners
when light enters, making bright

hopes for one more chance
in this joyous world to dance
just to wake up in the morning…
welcome morning, new romance!

Urban Lee Ridings and “Who Lives Alone?” Recently I was going through a folder I’ve held onto...

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