On occasion poetic inspiration strikes me, and I am able to synthesize snippets of verse. Eventually these snippets undergo a phase transition into a poem.
Sonnets from Tuan #8
I love that you listen without judgement,
with curiosity and compassion,
as if talking were a way to invent
some new gadget of crispiest fashion.
I’m awed by your bluntness—your brash-ful self—
and the off color candor you come with.
How true to be you it must be, or else,
how could someone still be so genuine?
The episodes we’ve seen through the seasons,
and all the culture we’ve shared and consumed,
make for fond memories and good reasons
for our friendship to have so much more room.
But if we aren’t to meet out on a court,
Frank, then I hope you stay honest, old sport.
Sonnets #1-5 were written in 2020 during the early months of the pandemic. Most poems were mailed with the intention of connecting with friends at a time when connection was challenging.
Sonnets from Tuan #1
To Lesley, here, I write this sonnet so
As one more birthday comes to knock your door.
In times as these, with nowhere thronged to go,
I hope my works can bring your grin or more.
Though empty streets and spots the town abound,
And far away are many friends held near,
A rousing chorus soon should widely sound
To celebrate your twenty-seventh year.
But how might we who stay inside make room
For such a multitude of friendly eyes?
Be sure! The answer comes to us through Zoom
Whose technologic marvel gives surprise.
Now come for cake and candles burning long
As we your loved ones sing the birthday song.
Sonnets from Tuan #2
A biffle means a friend for life who's best,
And Frances, you most surely make the grade
A friend of old who's lived more than the rest,
Whose cheer — sincere — is readily displayed.
The roads we've taken twist, careen, and splay
Though more so you, from islands to the east
That wonderful would whether be the day
When you and I could ready face and feast.
But none to worry, comfort do I find
In knowing certain how we may again
Be fated ever presently in mind
To speak between us more than with the pen
So carry on and loose no single sigh
For we are biffles till the day we die.
Sonnets from Tuan #3
My sister, you are quite the oddity
You reach beyond your years and take your place.
My words, though scant, I hope should laud to thee
Who zealously pursues a lofty space.
The world lays before you waiting still
For whatsoever claim you make your own,
And from afar I cannot wait until
Your lane, your love, your life, to all is known.
Although, in time, you'll see much more astir
Remember how this story started so
Your roots uprooted by a whirlwind were
Tumultuous then tranquil as we know.
With space for thoughts between I close this mail
To wish you well, Ms. Lily Cottontail.
Sonnets from Tuan #4
A friend across the country stands without
a peer, for distance bridged by snaps withstand
the creaks and cracks of time that fuel the doubt
of crumbling castles withering to sand.
For Sarah, you are one such friend indeed
who livens up an else wise languid day,
whose friendship reaches out to those in need,
with something oft encouraging to say.
And more, with humor odd but oddly fun,
I shudder should we ever drift apart.
For company as yours lets everyone
who dares participate appease their hearts.
So hopefully this sonnet keeps you sane
for now, til when we once might face again.
Sonnets from Tuan #5
To Rachel whilst your knee has time to heal:
I wish you all the joy that rest can bring,
And more, I wish you friendship ever real —
A camaraderie beneath your wing.
For well I know that bonds are wont to grow
From unassuming couches sharing tales;
So eager do I wait for us to show
How we, apart, should once again regale
Of all that occupies our coastal days,
Of eats and finds and thoughts and dreams and buys.
How endless, nowadays, the patent ways
To reach another's ear, delighting eyes.
So keep us linked, whichever way of text,
For more than not I'll love to hear what's next.