Poems: Reflections and Ruminations, Observations and Inspirations

By Rick Paulsen

I have chosen thirty poems that cover a wide gamut of subjects. Some might make you chuckle or even laugh. Some might make you cry. Some are poignant or metaphorical. I think that the inspiration for any story starts with some experience the writer has had. These are some of mine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Oct 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781490777283

Rick Paulsen

I started writing as a serious endeavor four years ago after I retired. Since then I have written over eighty poems, seven short stories, and I’ve converted eleven of my poems to music. This is my first attempt to publish my work. I hope the reader will connect with me and enjoy exploring the world of poetry as I do. Using rhyme and metaphor to tell a story—that’s what it is all about for me.

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Poems

(Reflections and Ruminations Observations and Inspirations)

RICK PAULSEN

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©

Copyright 2016 Rick Paulsen.

Cover sketch by: Clarence Hall Sullivan 1933

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-7727-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-7728-3 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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CONTENTS

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF A POET

HARBINGER OF HOPE

MAGNOLIODEAE

UNIVERSAL WONDER

INK

MY SHADOWY FRIEND

THE DUST BOWL

SOLDIERS! PARADE REST

TO VIRGINIA.

THE BOOK OF LIFE

U.S. CIVIL WAR

SOPHIE’S ZITHER

THE HAWK AND THE SPARROW

THE SCARECROW

SCHOOL DAYS, COOL DAYS,

GOOD OLD BROKEN RULE DAYS

WHIM

HUMMINGBIRD

THE BUTTERFLY

THREE FLOWERS AND A BUTTERFLY

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW

JAVIER THE HAULER

THE PASSING

THE DEVIL’S DARK SPACE

THE WINDS OF LOVE

THE IRON WORKER

A TIME TO DREAM

A SNOWY DAY IN JANUARY

A HALLOWEEN POEM

DAPHNE DU MAURIER

DUCKS IN A ROW

A PEN IN HAND

AN EVENING IN THE WOODS

CHASING THE WHALE

LIMERICK TO A JUNK MAN

LOVE’S FAIR WIND

ORION THE HUNTER

OUR GARDEN

REFLECTIONS

SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL

STUCK IN THE CAR WASH BLUES

THE LONELY SAILOR

To my family for all their encouragement

and support. Especially Kathy.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF A POET

Writing is my avocation

I like words and their derivation

find pleasure in a conjugation

I read them with much admiration

without words no conversation

or literary innovation

I study them with fascination

look them up for edification

practice their enunciation

so in my humble estimation

if there were an award citation

for using one’s imagination

in the use of word manipulation

I might get a nomination

because with little provocation

and always with anticipation

I start a poetic fabrication

a sometimes lengthy dissertation

from some deep mind exploration

or just a random observation

which can cause exasperation

as I struggle in frustration

to complete a new narration

an oft time wordy enumeration

that if well done needs no translation

to understand my inspiration

then offer it with reservation

for review and examination

hoping for a commendation

from which I’d feel exhilaration

a very pleasant high sensation

almost instant gratification

and that for me is compensation