sad tidings for the new year.

Hi folks : Well it happened. I made it through my last day with the University of Rochester. There were a lot of tears and hugs to go around . I'll miss everybody but I'm still in treatment for my bi-polar disorder with the university so I might see some of you when I come in for appointments and of course we can keep in touch through this blog . It still feels weird though. I spent four years and a few months in there employ and I'm not quite used to the idea that its over yet. But sooner or later change happens to everyone . So if any of you out there know of any job openings please email me . thanks for listening . more poetry in 2010.

Have a happy !

Good holidays every body! Just a quick note to say hi this week. more poems in 2010.

snowstorm

Hi folks : It's bloody cold out in western NY today . No going out of the house without bundling up and wearing so many jackets your head will burst and don't forget the hats and boots too.
there's a holiday party on saturday if the weather warms up enough. I hope I'll see some of you there. no poem this week. Have a happy .

getting closer

hi folks: well its snowing here in Rochester NY maybe we'll get some relief from the weather later on today. in the mean time here's this weeks poem :

Geography

by Lawrence R. Berger

In one part of the world

ice falls from a cloudy sky

children dance and schools close.

In one part of the world

its ninety degrees in the shade

and people thirst.

In one part of the world
the weather is perfect for this time of year.

All over the world people

complain about the weather

I'd like to trade places with some of them.

Happy December

hi folks: Well my job at the university of Rochester will end December thirtieth . I don't know quite were I'll land but hopefully it'll be on my feet.
I hope you all enjoy the holidays . more on that to follow . no poem this week because I've got to many things going but stay tuned for more next week.

its that time again! (part two)

Hi folks : Well its Thanksgiving time again and we've survived to reach it . So here's your poetic reward:

Thanksgiving 2009

Trees shine like stars and people flock to gatherings of home and hearth. the chance for a good feast is probable for the weatherman forecasts mashed potatoes and gravy with the chance of stuffing. enjoy the food cause the next day you burn off the calories by shopping.

see you next week.

one week left till party time !

Hi folks: Well it's nearly that time of year again ! Parties and trees and all the trimmings time to get settled for another year. no poem this week just a happy holiday wish. see you next week.

and on and on ....

Hi Folks: I just got back from a University Reading and it was a smash hit! the group is called rock pile and they're out of San Francisco. very passionate and worth seeing . now on to my not so humble poem of the week.:

The reading started

By Lawrence R. Berger

The saxophones lit the air with jazz

and the drums beat out the blues

the old poet walked with his cane to the stage.

The music lit the night like a thousand beacons shining
the poets words. They were measured like droplets of water

hitting your ears one by one . The mystic rhythms of the coffee house where brought to the theater and everyone left happy.

see you next week

The beat gose on!

Hi folks It's that time again so here goes . Things are working out for the better ans maybe just maybe I'll be having fun again. Anyway , Here's this weeks poem:

Great things happen
By Lawrence R. Berger

Some shine bright as the sun and fall to earth to make life bearable . Some only glow in the moonlight hiding like worms of the earth but like the worms they create soil for us to plant nutrients to sustain us every day. I think I'd rather be a worm today .

short and sweet. see you next week.

my brithday was happy!

a Friend made me pumpkin chocolate chip bunt cake and vanilla cupcakes with white frosting. Everybody called and wished me a happy birthday ! It was a blast! Here's this weeks poem:

Age before beauty

By Lawrence R. Berger

The annals of time have inscribed me for another year. I've grown older if not wiser which all things being considered is very surprising . I've longed to end my life for years now but so far i keep plugging along . here's to another year.

see you next week .

It's that time again!

My birthday is next tuesday, the 27th of October. so you can leave me messages between now and next weeks blog. I'll be 43 this year. I feel very old! But at least I'm not dead yet! And that's a good thing right? Anyway, here's this weeks poem:

Age before beauty

by Lawrence R. Berger

Time passes and brings a close to the seasons.

Summer winter fall or spring .

Roses bloom before they wither

and the trees bathe the forest year after year

in wonder us colors . Maybe before

I die I'll get in some wonderment too.

see you next week.

Happy Thursday part 2

Hi folks: lets get right to it shall we?

October

By Lawrence R. Berger

All is well in the month of ghost and goblins.

My birthday fall just four days before and my brother's anniversary the day before. Haughntings from the past fill my brain with horrors but I persevere to see another day.

see you next week.

Happy Thursday!!!

Hey folks: It's that time again so without further ado here's this weeks poem:

Apples

by Lawrence R. Berger

They taste good in pies and make for geinus insperation.

Haul out the cider and its party time!
time for children to play with trees and now is the season for harvest.

enjoy.

back to the grind!

Hi folks: Well the holidays are over and its back to work for most of us that ceibrated. so here's this weeks poem.

When it rains it pours .

By Lawrence R. Berger

Sometimes words heal

and sometimes they wound

but always there is a reaction.

may your words never come back to haunt you.

see you next week.

Good yuntov part two!

Happy new year everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This weekend includes Yom Kippur the day we ask forgiveness for our mistakes . actually the holiday starts Sunday night and ends on Monday night . But it dose fall in between blogs. so no poem this week but have a beautiful holiday and may you be inscribed in the book of life for a good year.

Good Yuntov

It's time to reveal my heritage folks . Believe it or not I was born and razed Jewish and since Rosh Hasuna is coming up this weekend I wanted to wish everyone a happy Jewish New year. so here's this weeks poem:

Manna

By Lawrence R. Berger

They wandered in the desert
for the equivalent of my lifetime.

but still they found peace.

So the dark thoughts have flown

and I am myself again.

Yeah for trial and error

see you next week.

back to it !

Hi folks . just a little note to say high this week . see you next time.

happy laybor day!

hard work can heal a mans soul
but he must rest to keep that soul in his body
have a great weekend.

my apologies

Hi folks : To those of you who follow this blog I must apologies for not updating it in the past few weeks! I had to stop some projects and that threw me back into a deep depression and I'm just now starting to come out of it . But at least for this week I'm back and here's this weeks poem:

Roping

By Lawrence R. Berger

They say that when you get to the end of your rope

you should tie a knot and hang on as tight as you can.

not always as easy as it sounds . But a sailor's hitch

can save your sanity eventually as long as you've got a good therapist and

your chemicals are in balance .

Sometimes you need to walk away

to give yourself time to tie the knot.

everything sits by the wayside while

you find your way back. Most

of the time you recover but it takes a while

I'm still living through the while .

getting better part three

HI folks: sorry this is so late but I literally just got out of bed this day. I must've been tired blooded! But hey I'm up now so here's this week's poem:

Waking up is hard to do.

By Lawrence R. Berger

Sleep comes easily as night falls.

but dawn passes by unnoticed

as dose noon .

Some days you awake refreshed and invigorated

ready to Challeng the day and claim your place in it .

Other days its tea time before your eyes meet light.

rejoice and be glad cause either way you still wake up.

see you next week.

getting better part two.

hi folks : This week I've done some work on projects and I'm feeling less stressed so here's a short poem:

Hard choices

By Lawrence R. Berger

Times are tough all over

PROSE is comming to take our jobs

and we need to work.

see you next week.

getting better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hi folks : sorry I missed last week but I was going through a lot . first i just found out my job maybe changing but it will still be there. Other things mentioned in my last post where not changeable but this are slowly getting better. I thinks so at least . no poem this week . sorry but I haven't writen anything soince my last post. at least this is a start.

back to the grind!

Hi folks: I hope you had a happy holiday! I wound up at a family reunion for my mother's side of the family , better known as the Shrybman tribe. I Met folks i was related to that i never know existed before. one of the cousins gave me the idea for this weeks poem so thanks and here goes:

The middle East in Rochester

By Lawrence R. Berger

Many of my relatives are Jewish

and supposedly we have a Rochester, NY

contingent that is planning to got to Israel and or

are already there.

I don't understand the concept

why got to a place where your hotel

is likely to get bombed?

or you may get shot in the head

because you don't speak the language well?

It makes no sense to me but if they want to go

I hope they get to come back.

not a very happy poem I know but in the past week

I've found out that :

I'll be loosing my job at the U of R soon,

one of my co-workers committed suicide

had my favorite aunt die of lung cancer

and I'm now on deadline for a few projects.

I'm not that happy so I'll see you next week

happy fourth of July

Hi folks : happy fourth of July, I'm off to Canada for the weekend and so here's this week's poem:

Declaration

Sometimes words fail

to inspire greatness

others use the freedom to express it .

enjoy yours.

see you next week.

special edition

Hi folks: What with Michale Jackson and Farah Faucet dying so young and the world in morning I thought it might be appropriate to issue a special edition of this blog . So, here's the poem :

Moonwalk with Angeles

by Lawrence R. Berger

Every generation has its heroes

and they forget that their idols are mortal too.

folks admire a life well lived and fantasise

that spark fame can be greater than the idols can bear

Pin up pictures and music videos changed

the way we see entertainment

ultimately its the memories that build

a legacy. These two now sleep with the Angeles

the world is in morning and icons are being canonizes

in record stores everywhere.

his children did not lose any money from his last tour that can't be made up of

memorabilia sales for there own kids foundation . Do not weep for the children but for their parents who made us all sing.

Hi folks !

Another week has come and gone, hard to belive its Thursday already . half the year is gone now. I've got a lot to show for it but hers this weeks poem:

June bug

by Lawrence R. Berger

they say that when life hands

you lemons , you should make lemonade

but that assumes you've got the water, a pitcher

and maybe a few ice cubes too.

Sometimes lemons contain their own rewards

just don't let the mosquitoes get you down.

Remember I'm also looking for guest poets to share on this blog so if you have any interest e-mail me at laughingl@yahoo.com

see you next week.

here we go again !

Hi folks : Well it's Thursday and that means it's time to update this blog. this week I hopefully get the fliers for Skysaje Enterprises with all the details on what we're up to. send me an email with your postal address to me at
laughingl@ yahoo.com if you're not already on the mailing list and I'll make sure you get a flyer. Hint, If you don't think you're on my list you probably are not so send me that email, hint two, I lost my addressees file when i moved to upstate NY so I don't have a lot of your emails. please email me with the contact info. now here's this weeks poem:

Summer time

by Lawrence R. Berger

The Rain falls slowly now

the ground is dry and the sun is warm for a change .

time for bathing suits and the ice cream man to

brighten our lives with happy memories to sustain
us through the winter till we see our friends again .

I survived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi folks : Well the Gasocpy showed the problems it was meant to detect and I'm still alive ! So here's this weeks poem:

Throat spray

by Lawrence R. Berger

In side the hospital

they take my name and numbers

two hours later I see the anesthetist

and we go for the lungs.

I can see the lights of the surgical bay

and they are the last things that I see

before I close my eyes .

when next I open them

I'm in the recovery room

I see a clock that tells me the procedure

took about ten minuets after subtracting

the shedualed recovery time

I'm pissed but still groggy

so i keep my mouth shut

they hand me my clothes

and I get dressed to go home

Half an hour later it get my ride and leave the hospital

I get home

make my follow up appointments

and eat an egg salad sandwich

Life has its moments.

not bad for just out of surgery eh?

Oh and by the way, check out my new website at: www.skysaje.com

if you get the chance.

and so it begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi folks : Thanks again for all your support and feed back! you'll find that I've Incorporated your suggestions starting this week. That being said, here's this weeks poem:

Sharing

By Lawrence R. Berger

Together we stand

united this world .
One watches out for another
and forms the bond of love
to produce the next generation.

Years pass and days grow into
them like the mighty oak grows from a tiny
Acorn. Sooner or later the journey ends
and till then we find ourselves
forever learning and never
coming to the knowledge of the fact that
it's the journey that makes like worth living!
thank you for sharing mine!


(c) 6/4/09 Lawrence R. Berger

If you have trouble leaving comments here please e mail me at
laughingl@ yahoo.com and let me know if you'd like to be considered as a guest poet. see you next week.

Thanks for the help!!!

HI folks: This is an extra post to thank you all for your comments. I'll be adding your suggestions in during the month of June and beyond . If for some reason you're having trouble posting your comments to this site ( one of my good friends tried for a full thirty minutes before sending me an e-mail message ) please email me your comments at : laughingl@yahoo.com

now here's a new poem to start of the new look of this blog:

Changes

by Lawrence R. Berger

Evolution happens a step at a time.

we grow

we modify

we learn
we adapt.

No one is able to function in a vacuum

Thank you for your assistance

(c) Lawrence R. Berger 5/30/09

Oh and by the way, one of the suggestions was to feature a guest poet occasionally on this blog. If you would be interested in being a guest poet and have your work published here please e-mail me at

lawrence@skysaje.com Thanks again for the support

update three

Hi folks : It's that time again. so here goes this weeks post:

Seahorses

By Lawrence R. Berger

Waves call like sirens of ancient legend

to those who would concur nature's wrath.

The sun shines on their taned and toned

bodies as they splash their way to immortality

Others dive to plumb the depths

of the abyss and find new creatures

to feed the rest of us.

Still others seek the gold found

in treasures of the past

buried deep beneath the waves

( c)Lawrence R. Berger

5/28/09

Comments welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

U2

hi: its thursday again. heres this weeks poem:

Sleep

by Lawrence R. Berger

its safe

curled up in your blankets

you can really get some rest.

if not you're in trouble.

I've got copies of Dragons Dance volume one still avalible

and I'm in progress on the books. please leave comments. see you next week.

Update!

Hi folks:

Welcome to my blog! Here's this weeks poem :

The winds are blowing
the sky is gray
I love the rain.

not a standard haiku
but a poem just the same . see you next week and don't forget to leave comments.

Happy Thursday!

Hi folks: Well , a new year has started and the sun is shining its a beautiful day to be alive and writing poetry! I just finished the mock ups for the third edition of my compilation Instant Poetry( just add words! ) I can hardly believe it! here's this weeks poem culled from that compilation:

Sunflower
By Lawrence R. Berger

Touched by the Gods

she carries her obsession.

Following the sunrise

with the fruits of her tears.

Hour by hour she followes her lover across the sky

Mourning him through the darkness

till he returns with the dawn.

and her name is Sunflower.

(c) 1999 Lawrence R. Berger

Let me know if you'd be interested in pre-ordering the book. Its due out in December. your comments of course are always welcome . see you next week.

its been good !

Hi folks : Well the contest officially ends today! I'll be compiling the entries and getting them off to the judges over the weekend. today is also the last day of national poetry month so here's the last poem of the celebration.

Twenty seconds to Midnight

By Lawrence R. Berger

It's not enough time!

Quick, someone hand me the knife!

The ball is falling!

Corks are popping!

Champagne is flowing!

Blood is drip-ping from my pen!

Lord God help me there is just not enough time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

how the hell can you write anything decent in just twenty seconds?

(c) 1999 first published in Instant poetry(just add words!)

And with that the calender begins again and a new poetry year starts!

By the way, I'm currently working on the third edition of Instant Poetry(just add words!) for a 2010 release. I'm accepting pre-orders for copies so if your i interested e-mail me at laughingl@yahoo.com

for details and I'd love your comments on this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy poetry new years! see you next week.

This is it!

We're down to the last full week of National Poetry Month! I hope you've enjoyed the poems I've posted they have been some of my best work! This is also the final week to enter the Skysaje Enterprises 5th annual poetry contest. details follow the poem:

REPLY FOR A GODDESS

By Lawrence R. Berger

You offer me a treasure

far beyond the dreams

of mortal men

And just one single night with you

would satisfy the eternal lust of Zeus himself

Ah but alas i am only a man

With naught but human emotions

Frailties

And I couldn't possibly worship you as you truly deserve

for I am but a mere mortal

and I have no powers to grant

All i have to offer you would be my heart

Ah but then again tell me please how can i give you

that which you already own?

(c) 1999 Lawrence R. Berger First published in Instant poetry (just add words!)

here are the contest details:

Skysaje Enterprises 5th annual poetry contest

$250.00 grand prize and three $25.00 Honorable mentions

Submission guidelines:

1. submit up to 5 pages per submission.

2. all works must be typed in 14 points font or greater.

3. Author contact info must appear on every page

4. a $15.00 non refundable entry fee must be included with each submission.

5. submission deadline 4/30/09

Make checks payable to L. Berger

and mail submissions to:

Skysaje Enterprizes

50 amesbury Rd.

rochester, NY 14623

see you next week.

All things end.

Hi folks : Well it's that time again . Here's this weeks Poem:

Donation$

By Lawrence R. Berger

Excuse me sir

My name is Lawrence R. Berger

and I'm a proponent of reverse pan handling.

Would you like some change?

No, really would you?

You see as I walk out of my house on the way to the bus stop

I always pass the same three people. It never fails they are there every single day.

The first one has a chain around his neck

held together not with a lock but with a banjo.

The second is a man of color

not black but silver from head to toe.

I found out recently his name is Tron.

the third just had his legs blown off in the war

and all of them have cups in their hands begging for change.

I've learned something living in the area though.

I've learned its really money they are after.

they count on the fact that people will through coins in the cups

and say i don't need the wake up call.

They have gotten to know me too

and they know that as a poet

All I can offer them is change

(c) 2000 Lawrence R. Berger from Dragons Dance volume one

Only two weeks left on the contest. see previous posts for guidelines.

Sorry for any confusion!

hi folks : I want to apologise for any confusion last week. Yes it was April fools day and the start of National Poetry Month! but those of you who follow this blog regularly know I post every week. so here goes:

The meek shall inherit the earth but not the mineral rights!

In the bible

we are taught that the meek shall inherit the earth

that human beings were created in the image of God

and given dominion over the rest of creation.

We're also taught that shortly there after

along comes old Mr. Satan and he steals it all away

No this has prompted myself and some of my friends into thinking

that maybe that first lesson aught be changed to read something along the lines of

the meek shall inherit the earth

but only what's left after those who hustle

I've got to say that that would be fine with me

I'll gladly let the hustlers keep

the cancer

the ulcers

the stress

and the greed

I'd gladly take the pleasure of watching a sunrise

right on off their hands

I say let them keep the psychiatrists couches

and the operating tables

Let the hustlers keep the mineral rights

I'll just keep my sanity thank you

(c) 2009 Lawrence R. Berger

The contest ends April 30th, 2009!

Don't miss your shot at the $250 .00 grand prize or one of the three $25.00 Honorable mentions !

here are the guidelines:

1. submit up to 5 poems per entry.

2. typed in 14pts font please!

3. author contact info must appear on each page submitted

4. a $15.00 US non refundable entry fee must accompany each submission

Make checks payable to L. Berger

and mail to:

Skysaje Enterprises

50 amesbury rd

Rochester, NY 14623

see you next week.

happy national poetry month!

Yes folks today starts the annual month long celebration of all things poetic so here's this weeks effort:

bubble gum

by Lawrence R. Berger

Soft and warm between my teeth

an old lover returns

sweet yet tangy inside my mouth.

Over and over she dances

building ever more desire

slowly she turns up the heat

stoking the fires

Until

her passion no longer

containable

She Explodes

releasing the rapture of the moment

and then

she slides along my tongue for

one

more

Tango.

Some of you may have guessed it but yes this is my signature poem

. It was first published in instant poetry(just add words! ) and later recorded on my CD. What can i say? its national poetry month ! I'm bringing the a game .

And don't forget the contest closes on April 30th! here's the info again:

1. Authors name and contact info must apear on each page submited

2. maximum of five pages per submission

3. any and all styles accepted

4. must be 14 pts type or better

5. a $15.00 US non refundable entry fee must accompany all submitions

6. classic mail only ! electronic entrys will not be accepted.

Make check payable to L. Berger

and mail to :

Skysaje Enterprises

50 Amesbury rd.

Rochester, NY 14623 USA

see you next month!

I made it!

Hi folks: Well another week has come and gone and we're not dead yet ! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's this weeks poem :

Rice Crispy Treats

By Lawrence R. Berger

They're my favorite desert!

lighter than chocolate chip cookies

chewier than Sm ores they bring comfort to a friendly fireside

with a good friend or two.

Fire tending is thirsty work

and water just doesn't do it for me

but a nice flute of champagne and a pan of rice crispy treats

will spark my heart every time.

and here's the contest info again:

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licksdelivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistrythe latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

hope to see you next week!

okay, so this week I'm a little early

HI folks: I hope you are having a lovely week. Galaxies have crashed together and suns have gone nova intentionally. We're all gonna die from the radiation in about two and a half to three years! Kinda makes you forget about the little things like a bad day doesn't it? just thought I'd help put things in perspective for you. here's this weeks poem:

Galaxies

By Lawrence R. Berger

God laughs as man plans for the future

the tests are over and humans are just

to stupid to survive .

Words lose their meaning

when nobody is left alive to here them

though in the end

what else is there?

and don't forget to enter this years contest! Here's the info

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licksdelivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistrythe latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

sorry, I slept late!

Hi folks: Well It's Thursday again ! Time for my blog of the week. My apologies to those of you who like to read this early Thursday morning but like I said in the title I slept a little later this morning . Some of the regular readers of this blog are celebrating birthdays this week so this is a shout out to them. Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's this weeks poem.

Bold

By Lawrence R. Berger

Hero's come in all sizes

but all have one thing in common.

I love a good Sandwich!

And here' s the contest info again :

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licksdelivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistrythe latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

Life sucks !

Oh well , I guess you just have to live it anyway. here's this weeks poem :

How to be a winner!

By Lawrence R. Berger

First you have to enter the game.

That's the easy part !

Most of us are born into this world.

Most of us reach the finish line sooner or later

and wind up six feet under ground in a box.

Ah but the time between is the thing!

live for the journey and you'll never lose!

(c) Lawrence R. Berger 3/4/09

here's the contest info too.

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licksdelivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistrythe latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

Back to the grind

Hi folks : Well its back to my regularly scheduled blogging habit . Here's this weeks poem :

shit

by Lawrence R. Berger

Sometimes
happiness is tough .
So you grab a pen
hand vomit across a page
instantly people say thanks for the poem

Here's the contest info again :



Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licks delivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistry the latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag


see you next week.

Happy Oscar night!

HI FOLKS: Well it's that time of year again . The time when we pay our respects to the hollywood elite. This year there are more parties going on than I've ever seen before ! Hopefully you can hit one or more near you. This year's host is Hugh Jackman, last years sexiest man on earth. a regular reader of this bolg is also a fan of his so I hope this gets out in time to remind her to catch the brodcast. Here's this weeks poem :

Let them eat cake

by Lawrence R. Berger

Belt tightening is a must

for Americans these days

but we still love our occasions to party.

Birthday's, Weddings , funerals

the super bowl and the Oscar's

all depend on loosening the purse strings

and having fun.

let's hope its worth the money being spent on it.

Oh and here are the 2009 contest guidelines again

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licks delivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistry the latent heat that liquefies his wordsso they wash over her in a warm river rush

Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

see you soon !

a little early but...

Hi folks : I know I usually blog on Thursdays but I was at a reading the other day with poets and musicians working together. It was a wonderful afternoon except when the host pointed out that there was a Tip jar for the musicians. Which is all fine and wonderful but he also said that there was nothing for the poets because they would sleep in card Bord boxes if it meant getting their poetry out there but the musicians had bills to pay. This attitude needs to change ! It kind of shocked me coming from this host because he's a locally well known poet himself. so please excuse this post for being a bit of a rant but i wrote the following to get this off my chest.

To

Inspire

Poetic

Souls

By Lawrence R. Berger

Tipping is not a city in China!

There was a time when the value was clear

a bards tale was worth a portion from the table

and a poets song was worth a cup of wine.

Musicians have bills to pay.

so do poets !

Musicians have melody but the poets have message

how can the lyrics be any less valuable than the tone?

Thank you for letting me vent! Here's the contest info again

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licks delivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistry the latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

It worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hi folks: Well it worked ! I posted a piece about being anti -snow and this week we're in the 50's here in Rochester, NY! All the snow has pretty much melted! I hope to see you at the poets against the war reading Thursday night in Basil hall over at St. John Fisher college from 7:00pm till... for more info, directions and details call the host at (585) 260-9005 and ask for Frank.

no poem from me this week but I'll keep posting the guidelines for The Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest till it ends so you can enjoy the poetry of last years winner.



Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licks delivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistry the latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
2008 First published in Main St .Rag


see you next week

okay ! enough with the snow already!

Hi folks : Well there have been a lot of storms this week . Time to curl up and read this weeks blog.

Storms

By Lawrence R. Berger

The ice is thick this winter

power stops

roads get clogged and the heat gets expensive.

But the comfort of friends always produces a warm glow

and the fire department thanks you for sweeping the chimney

okay so maybe its not my best poem to date

but I've had a hard week!

I'm the one that has to go out and shovel!

(c) 2/3/09 Lawrence R. Berger

I've been able to list this blog on a few web sites so hello to all you new readers! Please post your comments! And just in case you're wondering what i look like here's a picture. i'm also posting the guidelines for the Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest again here ya go!


Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licks delivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistry the latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush

Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008 First published in Main St .Rag

see you next week

thanks for visiting!

Hi folks! Thanks for your comments! here's this weeks poem:

Top Banana

by Lawrence R. Berger
Coffee houses hold open mics across the country that give artists a voice.

Vaudeville is not dead!
The old techniques become new again as time passes.

Vaudeville is not dead!
Festivals and showcases abound.

Vaudeville is not dead!
Grab a cane for a new buck and wing.

Vaudeville is not dead!
Break a leg, folks!

let me know your thoughts and don't forget to email me for info on the Skysaje enterprizes poetry contest oh heck I'll posted it this week too. here you go:

Announcing the Fifth Annual Skysaje Enterprises poetry contest.
This year we’re offering a $250.00 first prize and three $25.00 honorable mentions.
This years judges are:
Ellaraine Lockie: Multiple award wining poet, ( including our 2008 contest)
MJ Iuppa: Legendary Rochester, NY based poet and professor at St. John Fisher College.
Rick Petrie: co-host of the long running Pure Kona poetry series.
Guidelines for entry into the 2009 contest:
1. All entries must be typed in 14pts font
2. Submit up to five (5) poems per entry
3. Title of poem and author contact info must appear on each page submitted.
4. A $15.00 non-refundable entry fee must accompany all submissions.
5. All entries must be received in our offices between now and 4/30/09
Make check or money orders payable to L. Berger and mail to us at:
Skysaje Enterprises
50 Amesbury Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
We now present the winning poem from the 2008 contest ( Ellaraine Lockie’s She reads Virginia Wolfe)
SHE READS VIRGINIA WOLF
BY Ellaraine Lokie
As she slept he'd finger-walk
all the way up her underarm
Soft, like snow falling over
the shoulder, ear , lips
Sleep melted into a pool
that he found with postage- stamp licksdelivered the slow boat way until she couldn't breathe right
That was before he made appointments
with her after x-rated movies
Laid back on an island of entitlement
and measured her worth by the inches he grew
He bought handcuffs, tongue vibrator, Ben Wah balls
told her to exercise with those metal balls until they
played croquet down there
It's understood she'll use the $100 bill he leaves on the bedstead afterwards for groceries
She'll serve rice and beans twice this week though so she can buy Revlon's Raisin Rage
nail polish turn the numbness into a red purple blur brushing the keyboard late at night
Hard , like Hail hitting the bedrock
Then she waits for the recoil
it comes from fingers on the other end of the airwaves
the concussions of her life absorbed
by the longing in the distance and the science of chemistrythe latent heat that liquefies his words
so they wash over her in a warm river rush Reason to keep her from filling her pockets with rocks
ã 2008First published in Main St .Rag

inquriries part two

hi folks: I just adjusted the links in this blog so you should be able to leave comments. let me know if I've got more then one person reading this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's this weeks poem:

Clean him up!

By Lawrence R.Berger

Hey folks come hear the news

I've got some

couplets and a few Haiku's

with free verse tell me how can you lose

when there's a poet on the floor.

Sonnets and Villenells

pour out of Gents and Bells

all hopping their Cd's and books sell

and make them a poet on the floor.

I've been to every venue for miles around

some more than once and I've found

that some can be friendly and others mean

but you just can't escape from that dammed

espresso machine

so I sing

Hey folks come hear the news

I've got some couplets and a few haiku's

with free verse tell me how can you lose

when there's a poet on the floor.

(c) 2000 first recorded in Dragon's dance volume one

tell me what you think. see you next week.

Well now I know !

Hi folks: Last week I posted a request for comments . I got one email from my one loyal reader who told me these posts are a regular part of their week. So i now know I've got to do a better job of promoting this blog. please let me know if you have any comments. Here's this weeks poem:

Hamster Dance

By Lawrence R. Berger

pets are great for therapy

even when they want to be fed.

they get us moving even when we don't

want to get out of bed.

songs get written as

new when old melodies

are reborn .

people are often to smart for their own good.

see you next week.

Tell me what you think!

Hi folks: Is anybody reading these posts? I know I've got at least one loyal reader, but is there any more? Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to shut down the thing yet . just curious because I haven't been getting comments. if you like what you see please email me at laughingl@yahoo.com and let me know or post your comments. now for this weeks poem:

Friends mean a lot
and some like it hot
but time is all we have to give.

let me know your comments and I'll see you next week.

happy new year! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well , its 2009 !!!!!!!!!!!!!! and we're still alive , amazing as that sounds its really something to think about as the new year begins . I've been told i need a new poem for the new year so here goes:

2009

By Lawrence R. Berger

The Ox pulls father time's cart

into another year

Santa has gone to the beach house with Ms. Claus

and the reindeer are at the spa

I'm in my warm coat gloves and boots getting

my exercise by shoveling the driveway instead of

walking my two miles but you do what you've got to do.

The year has begun cold

but pristine

all white and shiny like the newborn child of storied legend

Maybe this year will make my dreams come true

Happy new year !

see you next week!