Cranky Old Man poem

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made […]

The Arsenal at Springfield By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This is the Arsenal. From floor to ceiling, Like a huge organ, rise the burnished arms; But from their silent pipes no anthem pealing Startles the villages with strange alarms. Ah! what a sound will rise, how wild and dreary, When the death-angel touches those swift keys! What loud lament and dismal Miserere Will mingle […]

Graveside Verse for Combative Pacifists

Bobby’s learned to serve his cause And Ahmed’s taught the same His stone is just a different shape and bears a different name The flag, the pomp, the smart salute are stratagems that try to say that in this noble cause It’s honorable to die But buying into this deceit perpetuates the lie For warlords, […]

Aikido Etiquette

Aikido Etiquette The master who’d prefer we know His wisdom than his reputation Might well abjure this cloying show Of mandatory adulation      

Snowden Limericks

Snowden Limericks The Oath All government employees are required to vow to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the fourth amendment of which reads: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but […]