Liquid Words

By Arthur Weil

'Liquid Words' is Arthur Weil's ninth book of poetry. His writings here deal with happiness, nature, philosophy, love, and aging, among other topics. These are lighthearted, witty poems that reveal the passions of the human heart. Titles include, "I'm So Lucky, "Where Did My Libido Go?", and "The Vacuum of Silence."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arthur Weil
• Release date: Jan 3, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452469973

Arthur Weil

Arthur Weil 85 years old Arthur Weil is from Piedmont, California. He is a retired high school teacher and real estate agent. Arthur Weil's poetry examines all facets of life while paying tribute to them with wit, wisdom and whimsy. His words inspire the reader to look at life in a new way, to pause and appreciate, and, always, to chuckle. He has been published in a number of anthologies and newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune. He has published 17 books of poetry since his first, “Life, Love and Gems That Shine,” in December of 1999. Mr. Weil escaped Nazi Germany in 1938 as one of 1400 children of the kindertransport. He spent his formative years in Chicago, completing his BA and MA degrees, finished his PhD coursework in History at UC Berkeley. He taught in the public school system for 27 years, and went on to run his own real estate business for 24 years before becoming a full time writer. Art is a strong supporter of the arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has two children and three grandchildren. At the age of 85, Art recently finished a book of poetry for teens, “Eat My Words.”

Book preview

Liquid Words

by

Arthur Weil

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Arthur Weil Smashwords

Liquid Words:

Copyright © 2011 by Arthur Weil

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Happiness

A state of well-being and contentment: joy, a pleasurable or satisfying experience – that is how my Merriam Webster defines ‘happiness’. If that’s the case, then I’m happy to say, that along with that blinding, uplifting, emotional state called ‘love’, I have been most fortunate to, on many an occasions, be overcome with happiness. Sometimes this feeling sweeps over me, flooding my heart and blood with its chemicals and emotions, unstoppable, like an uncontrollable sneeze. Other times, I had to consciously work at it – consciously seek it, consciously force it to trickle in.

So then, is this ‘happiness’ a fleeting thing? It seems to be – unless one cultivates a healthy, happy ‘attitude’. How one goes about maintaining a happy attitude is key. Studies show that a healthy, happy attitude has the added benefit of creating a healthier body. A healthy body in turn, contributes to our happiness. Happiness has a physiological affect on our body chemistry, sending positive signals to the brain, which in turn sends positive signals to our body. People who exercise regularly report adrenalin surges of happiness, as do lovers. The happiness felt when winning an award, or getting a diploma will be short-lived, unless there is a steady flow of this currency in the body.

Sometimes we can fool our body into generating happiness simply with a positive state of mind. I’m in a constant search for positive states of mind. My calendar is filled with live entertainment, pleasurable experiences, and daily challenges: theater with friends, lunch with my Men’s Group, weekends away with my kids, my daily quest to write the best poem I can. Yet, the most sustaining happiness of all, I find, is the peaceful and passionate relationship of a partner.

As we get older, our idea of what constitutes happiness changes; our perspective changes. We mellow. We accept the imperfection in ourselves and in others, and actually begin to admire our eccentricities and our uniqueness. We realize we don’t have to control everything and everybody. We know that life is full of compromises. Our aim is simply to live peacefully, in harmony, with a positive outlook and spirit.

Sometimes, we cannot avoid negative feelings, sometimes, but once you’ve felt the contrast of having happy adrenalin chemicals flowing around your body and brain, you’re more likely to want to revert to that feeling. Joyful poems, happy endings, lively songs, blissful dreams, good food, moments of kindness, and loving gestures may be all I have to rely on at this age, but it’s everything.

I intend to live in the moment; discover every moment of happiness. Hug and kiss each moment – and by doing that welcome even more of it.

******

She whispered

I miss you.

A beautiful, powerful statement

Sincere

I was, I am same body (to be missed)

Of course, I missed you too.

It was but hours ago that we met!

Threshold of the Universe

With visions and fireworks

Pinnacle on Mount Loneliness

I experience the hues of the rainbow

Frothing, haunting formation of clouds

Cirrus, Nimbus – like angels, scaring demons in the sky

The radiance, the magnificence of life

Uncanny inspiration, all too short!

You and I stand at the threshold of this universe

Confined, deliberate – ready to dare or do

Planted firmly to explore our vision

Gift of life in all its brilliance

Like Moses holding the tablet of the Ten Commandments

Downward – exhorting his people

To abandon the Golden Calf

So you too – here – retreat from the steep mountain

Inspired/halo – visionary

Truth – in awe of The Creator,

The Unifier of the Universe

Queen/King of nature’s power

Admire, thankful, humble,

In this, our place, the infinite universe

The spirit is within you – me!

Yet, we are but on the threshold!

Go, take another first step!

******

Airing Out

I fling open the window

To let the cool, clean air in

Or the stifling, stale air out

Sometimes the brisk draft is uncomfortable

Depending on which way the wind blows

It’s Nature, sloughing off dust

Fumes, chemicals transferring

My atmosphere –

For me to inhale warm or cool –

Breezy – silent

Can’t you feel the change in the air?

You, I, we – simply, automatically breathe

Who has time to analyze the gasses?

Amazing – the power of air and water!

Just a little penetrating draft and

Our perception and thought soon are modified.

******

I’m So Lucky

I’m so lucky

To be here

Alive!

Cherish this moment

Sipping this drink

Gulping a bite

Eyes eat up action

Whispering noises

Breeze against my cheek

Rejoice

Smile as taste buds are jubilant

Anxious to share

This very moment

With you

With friend, twice celebrated

My mind stuffed

Filled with pleasure

Appetite just right