Poetry For Now

Hello 2021

January 10, 2021 Martin Strasmore Season 1 Episode 29
Poetry For Now
Hello 2021
Show Notes Transcript

Welcome to belated episode 29.  Since Christmas 2020 I have felt in a negative creative hole, a black hole, as if in the calm before an unknown storm - now I know why.  2021 is a turning point in many ways.   This episode takes us from 2020 through the events of January 6th, 2021 to an optimistic view of 2021.  Expect more episodes soon!

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Hello 2021

Welcome to belated episode 29.  Since Christmas 2020 I have felt in a negative creative hole, a black hole, as if in the calm before an unknown storm - now I know why.  2021 is a turning point in many ways.  Let’s begin!

Goodbye 2020

Are we happier now

as we enter a new number

Twenty one

the winning number.

On that birthday 

over 50 years ago

I was in Naphplion

drinking retsina.

Now I am in Naples

drinking Ensure.

Just a joke,

I Prefer corona

beer that is.

Life moves on

everything changes

except the stillness

of the inner space.


Hello 2021

Sometimes poems are late

Sometimes the world seems late.

New Year 20221 seemed late

Eight Chanukah candles burned on time

The Christmas trees sparkled on time. 

Now at last

much is turning around.

Politicians regaining morality and caring

Covid vaccinations are happening

juicy grapefruit was exquisite

garbage disposal enjoyed the extra exercise


And finally I am out of that state

where no poem felt uplifting.


I can even stay calm

facing the mysteries of laundry life.

When those fluffy white dots

cover my perfectly black shirt

even after checking every pocket

one elusive kleenex

disintegrates.

When pairs of socks

lose their partners

to the sock monster.

When the perfect T shirt

gets hidden in the sheets

and like a skull in Papua

shrinks to an extra small.

I guess meditation pays off.



Choice Points

January 6th, a day to remember

January 6th, a day to forget

January 6th, a day to regret

January 6th, a day of opening

Opening hearts and eyes

to the possible demise

of another despicable surprise.

Instead we can move along

don’t let the election prolong

it’s time to forgive those mis-led

and punish those at fault

those speaking so maliciously

those acting so viciously.


Understand now we have a mountain to climb

Roped together we will succeed or fail

protecting people and institutions that are frail


we have no choice,

 follow the true and honest voice.

 And go to the radiant source

And democracy will stay the course



Saving Grace

Stepping outside into morning sights and sounds

a fresh day in a new year of sparkling water

four ducks turn towards the rising sun

their bronze heads shining brightly

The big black crow cawing on the roofs peak 

the family of moor hens tweet and squeak

the chirping, singing flock of black birds glide in

cooing doves perched high up join the chorus

even the drone of the Cessna adds to the music.


Its a new day and a new year

move ahead free of fear

Make this a year of renewal and joy

Thank you earth creatures for being here.


©MartinStrasmore2021