"Imperfect Eclipse" (a poem for the Great Eclipse of 2017)

Yeah, yeah, I know, I've been away for far too long...

So, the Great Eclipse of 2017 was today, and I just had to write a poem for the occasion.  It just had to be done today.

And so, without further ado...

"Imperfect Eclipse"

Everyone was talking about it,
the first rare solar eclipse in a century,
and everything from gear to vantage points
everyone prepared in a hurry.

Unfortunately, I was held back indoors at work,
so outdoors I could not see the eclipse,
because I was needed here for the usual work,
heeding the orders from my bosses' lips.

And yet, unfortunately enough,
had I been allowed to step out and go forth,
I would not have seen its full splendor anyway-
a consequence of living too far north.

But luckily, I saw it from the window,
my eyes safely shielded by passing clouds:
a great map of ice floes floating in the sky,
filtering harmful rays through fine wispy shrouds.

It hung there, shining high in the sky,
an imposter of a bright moon crescent...
there was no way I would miss this sight,
this rare and fleeting celestial present.

Of course, nothing really went as planned,
because nothing in life is ever perfect,
but I'm truly grateful to have seen it,
even with my circumstances imperfect

And so all the heavenly bodies
continue their dance through the universe,
and with me having written these words,
I conclude this humble poem with this final verse.

'Twas the night before the new Star Wars movie...

So, I just can't let this historic event go by without proper commentary...

I remember, well over a year ago, when we got a two-fold surprise: not only had Disney acquired the rights to Star Wars, but now a new sequel trilogy was in the works.

People started having their doubts at first, but as time went on, things looked more and more promising.  And now, with the critics' reviews coming out, it looks like they just might have pulled it off.

...I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm glad Disney and all those involved managed to do it right and make something great.  Soon enough, everyone (including yours truly) will be able to find out for themselves.  (One of my mottoes in life: "If you're going to do something, then do it right.")

And yes, I did make this blog post with its title playing on the classic poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," because why the heck not?  It's not like I made the decision to release the new film so close to Christmas...  But since I did that anyway, I might as well write a like ditty for the occasion...

"'Twas the Night Before the New Star Wars Movie"
by Seth Shirer

'Twas the night before the new Star Wars movie, and all 'round the world,
everyone got ready as the theaters' red carpets unfurled.

For countless many, Real Life concerns were forsaken,
As they all wanted to see when the Force would "awaken."

It's finally here, ready to go, this brand-new "Episode Seven,"
And for the die-hard fans, this ought to be like Heaven.

It's the usual fare, with plenty of humans, aliens and droids,
and some space battles too, maybe even a few asteroids!

A franchise forty years old but still going strong,
No one wanted to see this new movie go wrong.

Never before had one of these films been released in December,
And this was a big event which they all wanted to remember.

Undoubtedly many parents will take the kids to see this flick,
To keep them busy as their young wait for gifts from St. Nick.

...Now the author wants to stop this poem before it gets lousy,
Especially before it wears on and he gets too drowsy.

Still, a final message for the fans who stay good and true:
Enjoy the movie, and may the Force be with you!

A haiku for the blood moon

Well, the blood moon came and went, and we won't see another like it for another 30 years or so, and it was a wonderful event, to be sure.  But since I'm also on a roll with the haiku at the moment, it occurred to me to write something for the occasion...

Blood moon in night sky-
Wait another thirty years,
Always great to see.

As always, feedback is welcome.

Another haiku, this time for MIRACLE OF SOUND!

As I've mentioned elsewhere before, I'm a big fan of the music project Miracle of Sound, which simply cannot exist without the great and unbelievably talented Gavin Dunne.

And since I'm already on a roll with the haiku stuff, I quickly composed this one in my mind and put it down into writing...

Miracle of Sound,
I just can't stop listening;
Gavin Dunne, rock on!

This one's for you, Gav!

My first English haiku in a long time ("I too like haiku...")

Believe it or not, folks, I am also something of a poet, even if I've been doing my own personal poetry on and off for, well, my entire life thus far...

And here's my first English haiku in a long time!

I too like haiku,
brief Japanese poetry,
works well in English.

Enjoy!