|
The Poetry of Joe Fabel |
||||
| Joe Fabel is a poet who lives in northern California and writes from his heart what he feels and experiences each day. He has a new poetry book contacted to come out in 2005. He made a presentation at Elk Grove's "Salute to Veterans" program 5/22/04 and was a big hit. He will be invited to more veteran events to recite his poems in the future. It is our honor to share some of his poems on our website. From time to time we will be adding new poetry from Joe. | ||||
|
Being a creature of some habit, No foolish need to anticipate what will "Carpe diem" spells my mood this moment; Ah, that elixir of everyone’s daily life, The ones unprepared for such challenge, However, each of you have lived long enough, Yes, your need to accept what is presented,
©Copyright Joe Fabel, May 25, 2004
I AM A MOTHER-GRANDMOTHER Leroy doesn’t ask but he wants something; His posture betrays him but messages me. I wish he would use his words to ask, But bitter experience has wipe that away. Being 5 years old (yes, count your fingers) His mother, my only daughter, is "away" right now, That phrase they use, what is it? Oh, yes, residual. Yes, I want Leroy with me every minute and hour So, I am Leroy’s mother-grandmother by choice ©Copyright - Joe Fabel, May 26, 2004
Poet's note: There was an article in the Bee today about a pilot from WW2 whose remains were just discovered in Europe. That story prompted this poem of mine. THAT OPEN HURT IN MY SOUL! My soldier husband is gone I know not where; No letters from fellow fighters, close buddies; The weighty question: "What happened"? "To where has my loved one disappeared?" Questioning without the benefit of answers; The crushing anguish on my body and soul You mention the need, the desire for Closure, Ah, if I could only envision a painless ending, Free me from this persisting, unending "not knowing"; Comfort me with the truth as he comforted me with his love,
Poet's note: I have several friends who own restaurants and I found that the theme of my following poem applied to each of them over the "beginning" years. Each did the job the hard way: they continued to put in the long hours. That believe in the "American Dream". Joe YES, HE OWNS THE PLACE! That implacable American Dream Copyright © Joe Fabel, June 1, 2004
Poet's note: The following poem recently earned me The Editor's Choice
Award For Outstanding Achievement in Poetry from the International House
of Poetry. They said that it displays an unique perspective and original
creativity. Maybe I won because it features animals. Joe
My Puppy Is My Love
When young we discover puppy love Our neighbor grows into someone special Gone are the times of smart rejoinders The present finds thoughts of sharing
With years fleeting my love expands to another My doggy purchase becomes a loving friend Each day the delight of canine exuberance Fills my daily moments with tender caresses
Wagging tail, sparkling eyes, yelps of delight The fullness of dog entertains my heart and soul Difficulties of the day become easily borne Puppy’s expressions of caring lighten my burdens
Fritz, Pecha, Samantha, Rip, Jack or Brownie All names connoting unstinting companionship Without hidden agendas or double meanings Affection given and received without cost
Copyright © Joe Fabel 2004
BEFORE-FATHERS’- DAY PHONE CALL
“Hi, Daddy, how are you doing?”
“Swell, honey, what’s happening?”
“Everything and nothing, and you?”
“Having a good time talking to you.”
“Daddy, what do you want for Fathers’ Day?”
“Just your love, sweetheart, just your love!”
“You have that, Daddy, what else?”
“If I have your love, I have everything!”
“Oh, Daddy, you must want something!”
“Well, I might be looking for one thing.”
“What is it? Just give me a little hint.”
“No gifts, I have the three of you already
And all of you are a really big treasure to me.”
“Oh, you are absolutely no help at all, Daddy!”
“Just don’t buy me another red tie, okay?”
“Well, Daddy, I’ll try to surprise you this time.”
“Love you, Daddy”! “ Love you, daughter!”
My hint: just come by and visit with me!
By Joe Fabel, speaking for all dads who have
their children’s love.
AFTER SUN SETS!
Moon steals Sun’s glow, Assuming an ownership In its reflected glory.
Striding higher in the sky Moon is now the dominant; But such stature is limited.
Major planets slowly appear, Their glare possessing us, Taking their heavenly position.
Without fanfare yet persistently, Individual stars appear overhead, Silhouetted against black sky.
Milky Way appears glowingly, Selfishly capturing our attention, Calling the heavens to stand aside.
Shooting stars grace our viewing, Traveling with the speed of light From one spot to another goal.
Thus, the warmth of day’s Sun Is replaced with the glory of Night, Sharing a place within our hearts.
©2004 Joe Fabel
“IN THE LAND OF HOPE, THERE IS NO WINTER” (Old Proverb)
When one sees a glass half full, Another views the cup half empty, Causing the bystander to question.
Literature is filled with like plots; Character development hinges here, Catching the interest of the reader.
Parents repeat to their youngsters, Time again and yet again later on: “Only an active bee finds the honey!”
Young or older, a mind with ambition, Guided by learned, moral prudence, Earns the laurels at the end of the chase.
Coldness discovered in bitter denial Permeates and destroys one’s life. Give attention to that which achieves!
“The land of discontent”; “The road not taken”, All such choices lead to naught.
Positive commitment instills vigor; Motivation is the winning recipe. Face your days with rewarding Hope!
©2004 Joe Fabel
What does it take to see the real person next to us?
HANDSOME DEPRIVED?
Boldly he approached the pretty girl. Pushing back a wayward lock he asked: “Is this stool taken?” “Always!” she replies.
Stifling a cutting reply, he attempts again: “My name’s Jim and I think you are cute!” “I’m called Unavailable and you’re ugly”.
Maintaining self pride he backs slowly away. Maybe that blonde at the end of the bar. “Hi, I’m called Jim by my very best friends”.
With a slathering look she turns quickly away, Eager to distance herself from the unwanted, Hoping inattention will perform the trick.
Appraising himself in the barroom mirror, Jim brushes away all false pretense. Slowly and painfully he proceeds to pull and peal.
“Oh my!” “What did he do”? “Wow!” All attention from the ladies is upon Jim. Slowly he turns to them with a devastating smile.
“You get what you saw, not what you see”. With that quick statement and with a grin, Jim took one last survey of the bar then split.
Moral: The next time you see an ugly guy, smile!
©2004 Joe Fabel
Do we always make the connection between our long hours on
the road and what we eat at the dinner table?
CORN AND RED CLAY
The Heartland of America beckons, And the weary traveler motors forward, More miles to go before stopping to rest.
Vistas of red clay mounded in the distance, Miles of corn stocks sentinels along the way, Like unbroken shutters blocking our view.
Bread basket of the nation’s large populace, Supplier of basic food stuffs for each and all, Forbidding host but most welcomed provider.
Evening happily brings surcease from travel. Nourishment beckons the hungry sojourners. Cool and quiet motels welcome the weary.
Tomorrow promises additional challenges; Miles of farm lands burden with growth, Corn basking under the sun’s maturing influence.
Differences blur as our vehicle speeds on, One farm becomes the next without change, Sameness occupies and distracts our minds.
Finally, the journey is over and home welcomes. Hungry and without remembrance of hostile miles, We sit at table laden with platters of succulent corn. ©2004 Joe Fabel
I have several friends who own restaurants and I found that the theme of my following poem applied to each of them over the "beginning" years. Each did the job the hard way: they continued to put in the long hours. That believe in the "American Dream". YES, HE OWNS THE PLACE! That implacable American Dream Of course, the early drive and energy Patience continues to be the virtue The castle of ownership is built so slowly. With the name comes all the responsibility. The thrill of ownership at times must be sought, "Would you take care of that leaking toilet, boss?" But, he welcomes that especial American dream That is a blessing which is most peculiarly ours ©2004 Joe Fabel
"I send this new poem to you to explain my position on
Theology and Science. (The above five * marks indicate quotations taken from Shakespeare's Imagery by Caroline Spurgeon, Cambridge University Press, 1935, page 4. These remarks and quotes by Ms. Spurgeon initiated the germination of my poetic composition.)
|
