During National Poetry Month, I am posting all of the Poetry on the Move contestants’ terrific entries. You will agree with me that there is much talent on the move in the county.
Enjoy! And if you care to leave a comment, I know the poets would love hearing from you.
Poetry on the Move is a project of the Santa Clara County Poet Laureate. All poems remain the property of the authors.
Sally Ashton
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate
* * *
Your Mission
Growth and renewal
The latest techie thing
Yet pause to TASTE a mango
In our eternal spring
Create, Celebrate
On a virtual cloud
Or write it with a pencil
Then sing your song out loud
Old, new combining
Accelerating ride
Striving to invent your SELF
Should not be put aside.
by Karen Booth
San Jose
* * *
Invention
With a loud “Whoosh!”
a boy on a bike plows
through a pile of wet leaves.
The rain does not dampen
his fervor to share
the news of the contraption
that finally works
after three cold weeks
and one roll of duct tape.
by Peter Bosel
San Jose
* * *
Valley of the Dahls
Los Gatos legend
Gary Dahl got it right:
the creative mode
imposes fresh conceit
on what is known;
entertain short-term
madness, consider what
the world needs now,
aha!–Pet Rock
in a Box—genius
tempered with silliness
yields long-term success
& again aha! why didn’t
didn’t I think of that?
by Jade Bradbury
Los Gatos
* * *
At the Park in Front of the Sainte Clare Hotel
The jacaranda trees are in full bloom, scattering
lavender petals onto the grass. The sun lingers
as musicians all over the city raise their violins and oboes,
the singers standing warm-throated in the wings,
their movements as precisely choreographed as the workings
of clocks. Everywhere, stagehands draw open the curtains.
by Leah Browning
San Jose
* * *
Invention’s Family
If necessity is the mother of invention
then hard work is its father.
Project teams are
its often unruly siblings.
Even that bratty nephew, argument,
Is indispensable.
Sure, having fun and adequate time away
help refresh body and mind,
but invention’s family does not grow couch potatoes.
by Richard Burns
Santa Clara
* * *
Silicon Valley
Spawned from orchard dirt,
ideas that changed our world
first sprouted here.
So, sit back, and relax…
breathe in the fruited air.
We’ll get you there and back,
while you dream innovative products,
create new jobs,
and help get our country back on track.
by William Burns
Palo Alto
* * *
Creativity
~an active word with the potential and power to transform ~ to fulfill.
Original and timeless – it touches others with its breath,
Freeing one to the wonders of discovery.
None remain untouched by its sublime influence.
by Cheryl Chelemers
Milpitas
* * *
How do I board thee?
Inspired by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I board thee? Let me count the ways.
I board thee to the level of new platforms
Alighting is safe and swift.
I board thee with the tap of a card
Smart technology invents thy commute.
I board thee with anticipation
Boundless journeys begin and end with thee.
by Brandi Childress
VTA
* * *
Begin
With what you have.
Your head, your heart.
An inkling, thread, or thought.
Turn on the light
To long nights
Of wonder, of making.
Some small space –
One quiet corner
Of the room. Perhaps
The garage
Could be a portal
To your discovery.
by Kelly Cressio-Moeller
San Jose
* * *
Invention
Spark trips over question
lands on need.
This outsider has room to see
the will to do.
It must be.
Takes what is available,
connects the improbable,
forces experts to perform the impossible.
Now you need it.
Gotta have it.
Will pay whatever to get it.
Another millionaire is born.
by Cathyann Cusimano(Fisher)
Mountain View
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 