But, he
Is charming
I told you so
Insistent
That, I know
Has VIP access
You h…
Oh.
And, she
I resisted
Clearly not
I didn’t mean to
Or so you thought
I know it won’t last
What?!!
Betide, woe.
~ Just L (Friday, May 13, 2022)
I Would Never…
The girl code is dead.
The “sisterhood rule” I’ve lived by is over your head.
You swore, “I would never”…
But, you did.
~ Just L (May 4, 2022)
“Despite how open, peaceful and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you, as deeply as they’ve met themselves.” -Matt Kahn
“Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.” -Steve Keating
Coaxing Deliciousness
The more complex your taste
Inhaling the aroma
The slower I sip, and savor
Lingering a bit longer
In and around my tongue
Swishing and swirling
This favorite is not too young
Should I consume (you) too quickly
For your taste
You were drinkable, pleasant even
But not memorable
(May 1, 2021)
Gone Rogue – Year 3
For the past three years I have had the pleasure to be inspired by a four-day/three-night rafting trip with Noah’s River Adventures (http://noahsrafting.com/) on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River.
Here’s this year 3’s reflection followed by a link to year 4’s.
Into the wild and scenic with a yogi, Several scientists, teachers, writers A designer and a builder retired One art historian and a social justice fighter Three night, 43-mile Rogue River party Padded seat, kayak, or paddle raft rowing Churning through steep rock walls of Mule Creek Canyon And boulder-strewn Blossom Bar Rapids before slowing Miners, early settlers, heart of the river story Relayed by Dustin and Abraham Lincoln (Tillman) A bouncy rap flowed from Bobby Dee While guides slice fruit for guests to munch on For rock hounds, plenty of chalcedony Into harmony, spirit, body, and mind Whisky Creek Cabin, between Grave Creek and Rum 100 proof prospectors more into booze than 79 Glimpsed eagles, minks, a bear picking berries, Saw turtles, but no Dove (name of a guide who is on the move) Diverse, inclusive flotilla communities Converse about food and love... Those hickeys are cupping, “my lover’s a lamprey” “Sunchocola is a sweet, smoky tomato” “Wish you’d label your mealworms” “I (Leon) row for burritos.” Of separation, some discovered degrees For shooting stars or yoga practice “Come to your mat or situation” While time still hums on its axis Absorbed SPF that’s vegan, gluten-free Swam with Tuna, a sweet pup Learned we’re “not related to Gerbils” (Morning) Joe and High Desert Pure many’s the giddy-up Under the waning sun, Rebecca stung by a bee Duckies (inflatable kayaks) dive into white water ala pochards Austin turned into Moses right before our eyes Since 1974, Noah’s River Ark is the vanguard ~ Just L (August 16-19, 2019)
Read "Rogue Love - Year 4": https://justlpoetry.com/2020/08/18/rogue-love-year-4/
Rogue Love – Year 4
For the past four years I have had the pleasure to be inspired by a four-day/three-night rafting trip with Noah’s River Adventures (http://noahsrafting.com/) on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River.
Here’s this year’s reflection followed by last year’s.
Rogue Love – Year 4
It feels like being in your favorite worn-in college hoodie drinking coffee on a cool morning anticipating the day’s adventure, cozy and familiar.
It feels warm on your skin like the scorching sunshine that accompanies the best whitewater of the season or a wind-powered hair dryer in the Narrows between Mule Creek and Blossom Bar, glowing (or blowing) with laughter.
It feels like a jump from a high rock into the cool rushing Rogue River in the height of August, right after your raft survived the Class V rapids, exhilarating and free.
It feels secret akin the hike to Tate Creek Falls that ends in a rope climb to the top of the waterfall, then a 10-foot drop down a natural water slide to a hidden swimming hole, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
It feels like walking through the Siskiyou National Forest on a summer evening, each moss-laden branch forms a cathedral of conifers that surround you, serene and breathtaking.
It feels bright as Perseids peak, a celestial event best viewed with the moonlight blocked out by the rock gorges with nearly vertical walls, towering cliffs and majestic stands of the Wild Rogue Wilderness, absolutely awe-inspiring.
The wilderness is a uniquely American idea, and it is here – in this varied magical landscape – where I feel I rediscover playing outdoors, diverse wildlife, wildly deepened friendships, and gratitude as expert guides traverse the challenging 34-mile stretch between Grave Creek and Foster Bar.
~Just L (August 14-17, 2020)
Read “Gone Rogue – Year 3”:
https://justlpoetry.com/2020/08/18/gone-rogue-year-3/
Uneven Beliefs
Intermittently uneven beliefs
Aswim in emotions of doubt;
Limitless laws only in my head
Conflict with what love’s about.
~JustLPoetry (April 18, 2020)
Window Above the River Cuale
A third floor bay window is perched above the south bank of the Rio Cuale. It is in a white plaster building with raw concrete architectural details around the doorways and arches. An intentionally dilapidated villa built in 2013 presents more Old Europe than Mexican. It shelters rooms of Art Deco lighting — sconces, pendant, gilded, and art glass. Mostly hidden by a formidable Banyan Tree that has grown around a boulder at its base and extends over the river bank. A Chacalaca makes his home in its upper branches each morning. And occasionally a young black possum with a white tail or an iguana visits below. Beyond the expanse of numerous white framed beveled glass panes open to let the coastal air in is a spacious green marbled shower adorned with a gold rain shower. Any person could do a full twirl with outstretched arms without hitting one wall. There is no glass; there are no doors.
~ Just L (April 2, 2020)
First Blush
I need to get to know that man, because right now all I see is attractive.
~ Just L (February 2, 2020)
Author’s Note: I realize there are a lot of ways to read into this. I will leave it up to your own interpretation.
Halloween is Spooky
Why did you give up on us?
Why did you make a point of pointing out others who had?
On you, or in general?
In good times or bad.
Why do lovers say stupid shit they don’t mean?
I fell for your philosophical line.
I’d rather you had stated your truth,
“I’m only in this for 50 nighttimes.”
Why did you give up on your dream?
The one before the two times before?
Did you want to be alone?
Then why are you knocking at my door?
~ Just L (October 31, 2019)
Mai Tais and Yours
An unplanned adventure
Throwing caution to the wind
If only to hold her
Plane ticket to Honolulu
On a moment’s notice
He has some powerful juju
Mai Tais on the beach
Cool R&B and warm breezes
Nothing’s out of reach
~ Just L (October 18, 2019)
Just L Poetry 