Category Archives: Poetry

Poem: The Afrocentric Pejorative

Posted on November 1, 2006 by Louis William Rose

Now everybody knows there is a word you cannot say. It is much worse than other words that fill us with dismay. Greater by far than Kike, or Wop, or Dot-Head, or Ofay. Grave consequences loom for those who put … Continue reading →

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Poem: My Dear Friend

Posted on July 1, 2006 by Louis William Rose

Do not imagine weeks go by that I don’t think of you. Not constantly, of course, for I am occupied it’s true with matters consequential. But now and then while waiting in life’s sterile anteroom, your memory causes me to … Continue reading →

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Sonnet: Tree Hill

Posted on July 1, 2006 by Louis William Rose

I think I’ll wander up to old Tree Hill to spend a few unhurried hours there and walk the trails until I get my fill of butterflies and scented woodland air Above the birds and squirrels make their nest turtles … Continue reading →

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Poem: Calvin Understands

Posted on August 1, 2005 by Louis William Rose

What more is there to say but Calvin understands He knows my trip was long, things had not gone my way He meets my want, with quiet voice, with skillful hands Provisions me, that mine should be a pleasant stay … Continue reading →

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Poem: Martha Mitchell

Posted on December 14, 2004 by Louis William Rose

Martha Mitchell, brassy, big haired, woman of the South Arkansas simple sweet and twangy A voice of her own that she loved to hear And John Mitchell for a husband Trouble. Trouble for the GOP Nixon knew her kind and … Continue reading →

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Poem: Type II

Posted on December 1, 2004 by Louis William Rose

I have to take the pills Blue, orange, tan, and white Six white Or I will die Or I will lose my legs Stroke, coma, sightless eyes Brown eyes My kidneys gone My doctor says that I Should diet, drop … Continue reading →

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Sonnet: Epitaph

Posted on November 1, 2004 by Louis William Rose

Epitaph for Louis William Rose Lou Rose has passed away, ha, ha, ho, ho. No special claim on heaven he has made, Except that upon Christ his sins are laid, Were there another way he must say no. His life … Continue reading →

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Poem: The Party’s Over

Posted on November 1, 2004 by Louis William Rose

The conflict between the two party pols at last has begun Now that all the facts that no one will hear are made manifest. Of course they will both continue to poll the voters en masse Ensuring that they position … Continue reading →

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Poem: Patter upon an Umbrella

Posted on October 1, 2004 by Louis William Rose

Whilst I strolled one summer Sunday, came a tree within my reach. Overarched like an umbrella, I there picked myself a peach. From the path a gentle lady did observe my moral breach. I approached her hoping she would not … Continue reading →

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Villanelle: Forty Hours

Posted on October 1, 2004 by Louis William Rose

I did not like the things they had to say. The current economic crisis meant That I should have to work on Saturday. Why must I have to work the extra day? I cannot get it back once it is … Continue reading →

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My Definition of Poetry

Posted on September 2, 2004 by Louis William Rose

poetry NOUN: 1. The art or work of a poet. Middle English, from Old French poete, from Latin poeta, from Greek poietes, maker, composer, from poiein, to create. No one may define poetry except the poet. In like manner no … Continue reading →

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Poem: Stars & Bars

Posted on August 1, 2004 by Louis William Rose

Atop some distant southern crag I spied a confederate battle flag. I felt my warrior’s spirit sag, for I am a Union soldier To think that some still hoist that rag. The honor of the Union drag thru mud and … Continue reading →

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Sonnet: To My English Professor

Posted on October 8, 2003 by Louis William Rose

If I could set the standards I must meet, Does common sense not indicate that I, Would place the bar mere inches from my feet, To effortlessly clear it when I try? Or do I choose a steeper, nobler path? … Continue reading →

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Poem: A Question for the Candidate

Posted on May 1, 2003 by Louis William Rose

What used to bear the name of university, Is now no more than an employee factory, Where students do not ponder truth and mystery, But train instead to serve the world economy, And lick the boots of those who climb … Continue reading →

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On Shakespeare’s “Sonnet CXVI”

Posted on March 1, 2003 by Louis William Rose

With Sonnet CXVI, William Shakespeare refuses to admit that anything can change or stand in the way of true love. The setting of this sonnet gives the impression that the poet has been engaged in a lively discussion regarding the … Continue reading →

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Poem: Mary Was Such a Good Employee

Posted on October 12, 2002 by Louis William Rose

Mary, was such a good employee. She worked ten or more hours a day. Whenever they had an emergency, Mary was willing to stay. Bob was a good employee too. His work was his heart and soul. No limit to … Continue reading →

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Poem: The Office Refrigerator

Posted on July 14, 2002 by Louis William Rose

How good it is to have at work a large refrigerator, in which, to leave and then retrieve our food, sooner or later. If say, perhaps, a memory lapse should cause our lunch to linger so long that eating it … Continue reading →

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Sonnet: How Wonderful to Know and Not To Know

Posted on May 1, 2002 by Louis William Rose

How wonderful to know and not to know of chance and circumstance that might have been never expressed but for your toothy grin. Which must sustain me even as you go. With both hands, I would part the folds of … Continue reading →

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Poem Bobby Combs

Posted on March 28, 2001 by Louis William Rose

He wasn’t a big man, not in size, but he would not be ignored. There was an intelligence in his eyes, where the sum of years was stored. Commanding respect, demanding the truth, gallant, melodious, strong. Focused on excellence from … Continue reading →

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Poem: Depression

Posted on November 15, 2000 by Louis William Rose

Once dapper, now dour Once sweet, but now sour I wait for the hour when death pays his call I don’t feel like drinking or dancing at all I don’t feel like taking my place at the ball

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Poem: Massacre

Posted on April 30, 1999 by Louis William Rose

I was there and I recall how it felt to be a member, of that group out in the hall at the school in late September. Who had gravitated thus by an instinct for survival having suffered on the bus … Continue reading →

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Sonnet: My Love For You

Posted on June 16, 1994 by Louis William Rose

My love for you is like the wildwood rose. That flourishes secluded in the fields. In seasons lush or deprivate it grows. Each passing year a greater harvest yields. My love for you is like the brook that flows. The … Continue reading →

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Poem: Marta

Posted on March 15, 1994 by Louis William Rose

A quiet beauty graced with towering intellect, who oversees her private aims and public goals. Compelled by honor, yet with her emotions checked, she gives direction, disciplines, inspires, consoles, the ones who follow her and call her friend. For those … Continue reading →

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Poem: I watched you leaving

Posted on March 15, 1994 by Louis William Rose

I watched you leaving, saw you wave. Your face lined with sickness body bruised and beaten eyes set in a mask neither happy nor sad the lover that I could not save It was not the first time, both of … Continue reading →

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Poem: If I Could but Decide

Posted on February 11, 1994 by Louis William Rose

If I could but decide for both of us, How simple life would be, how free from care. Knowing that in me you’d placed your trust. I’d carefully resolve, strive to be fair Life’s not like that though I guess … Continue reading →

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Sonnet: I Have Sought Thee

Posted on January 5, 1994 by Louis William Rose

I have sought thee for so long, every day and every hour, every poem and every song, wrought to bring our love to flower. Is there naught for me to say, what persuasion, what endearment, could I now at your … Continue reading →

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Poem: Remembering you is easy

Posted on November 25, 1993 by Louis William Rose

When I awoke I visualized your face, your smile so vibrant, and your eyes so bright, the way you looked when held in my embrace, in tender dreams I had of you last night. I often think of you throughout … Continue reading →

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Poem: Prison is a Wonderful Place

Posted on June 1, 1993 by Louis William Rose

Prison is a wonderful place People here from every creed and race Memories that time will not erase When the court adjudicates your case You could disappear without a trace When they send you here it’s in disgrace It’s a … Continue reading →

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Song: The Needle in Your Arm

Posted on March 1, 1993 by Louis William Rose

a intellectual blues riff for the heroin addict How cruel!, the world around you, a child so scared, defenseless, would naturally seek a friend who, assured that it would hurt less. So eagerly embraced, a blanket soft and warm. All … Continue reading →

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Song: Six Stringed Parable

Posted on June 15, 1976 by Louis William Rose

Let me tell ya’ll a story ‘bout this guitar I got here. It was never glued together, it just suddenly appeared. Now if you believe my story, if you think that it is true, Then the same thing might apply … Continue reading →

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Song: Father teach me to pray

Posted on April 15, 1976 by Louis William Rose

Father teach me to pray. My life’s an empty shell, won’t you within me dwell. I pledge myself to you Oh Lord. Please make us one. Father, I’ve gone astray. I’ve sinned against you Lord, I do it every day. … Continue reading →

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