Yes. So many most folks.
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Portable Labyrinth
That one cannot tickle oneself
is among the things we
have been told
Lightly trace your hand
with your finger and
see for yourself
Top
Bottom
In between
Take
Your
Time
…
© David L White
May 30, 2026
Saturday Poem
Poems Late May 2026
Richard popped to mind. Brautigan.
The poet to whom I dedicate my poem titled:
Suicide as Mentor, which I had trouble writing and spoke aloud to George one day, and he said: “There it is.” while no one was recording.
Loading mercury with a pitchfork.
your truck is almost full. The neighbors
take a certain pride in you. They
stand around watching.
Loading Mercury With a Pitchfork
by Richard Brautigan
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Need I Mention the Clouds?
Sun beams dappling in light breeze
between the limbs of the ornamental crab
and folds of the living room drapery
moving gently, too.
It’s Wisconsin, nearly June,
and the forced air furnace still runs.
It’s a reflective moment where
I may see myself blinking
in the light.
Twinkling sometimes I
like to say. Need I
mention the clouds?
…
© David L White
May 21, 2026
6:14 am
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Sequined Thermometer Tuxedo
The title of this poem
was the line that got
me out of bed
after midnight.
I knew it would not
keep until sunrise.
I was thinking about the suicide poem
and you asked me was I that. And
I said no.
And what I envisioned was the
pot of water and the stove top frog.
Not yet might be a more honest estimation.
And then the line: sequined thermometer tuxedo.
That’s why I got out of bed.
Funny, what wakes us up.
…
© David L White
May 22, 2026
12:23 am
Poem
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Sandwiches Afterwards
I was killed to death once
and my spirit left very hungry.
I flew off to the Limbo Bakery
to pick up two cake donuts with
chocolate icing, a still warm
loaf of ghost, and a half pound each
of America Cheese and shaved ham.
I came right back with this impromptu
picnic and helped the woman trying
to hide my body. We tried. Really.
“Wipe that smile off the dead man’s face.
He’s got chocolate frosting on his lips.”
I forgot to get the ghost loaf sliced.
So much for sandwiches afterwards.
…
Copyright David White
May 22, 2026
1:07 AM
Poem
We might think to work some toast in here.
Back to the slicer we go.
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The Special Occasions
Dear Judy, I wanted to thank you for that rhubarb kuchen. I say kuchen because I may not know better, but it was very good.
Also, I do remember seeing your name on a bottle of homemade blackberry liqueur at Tom’s picnic the other night.
That reminded me to thank you for the two bottles of wine that you and your husband gave us years and years ago. Sorry we didn’t return the bottles. They still sit upright in the pantry uncorked, unopened, and … probably spoiled from poor storage.
We are waiting for a special occasion. Sorry.
And lest you feel uniquely slighted, yours are not the only unopened gifts.
One of our wedding gifts, nearing 38 years ago now, was a couple of lovely margarita glasses with a bag of mix and perhaps a bottle. Who remembers now? I could go check … almost mint in box. I did peek and …
I can almost see it from here.
Still unopened. Waiting for
that special occasion.
…
Copyright David L White
May 22, 2026
1:36 AM
Poem
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What Washes Up
What washes up on shore but endless
pockets of pearlescent sea glass and
a tiki . doll . head . necklace . made of
sycamore driftwood, drifted so long
that the nose is flattened and nearly
indistinguishable. The eye holes
are still there. Sort of. Faint.
There are these moments
sometimes washing up.
…
© David L White
May 22, 2026.
1:16 AM
Poem
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Notice
I’m resigning. Before
resignation fully sets in.
I’m giving notice.
It’s been swell.
Sincerely,
Name & emp #
cc: Honored Guests
HR, Nobel Committee
…
© David L White
May 21, 2026
Poem
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Hot Asphalt
Apparently, Robert Frost was
having a mid-death crisis and
showed up in a flashy little
sportster with a young and
supple show-piece roadway.
That’s the spirit, Bob.
Make another difference.
…
Copyright David L White
May 22, 2026
1:23 AM
Poem
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ADHD
All
Due
Haste,
Darling
Now Available
in Roll On and
Room Atomizer
…
DLW
