GATI GREETINGS 2022/2023
Of everything that happened in 2022
Politics and family and weather all in rhyme.
A big deal for you - to take the time,
but it is a Cytron/Gati tradition.
It’s long yes, but hope it’s no imposition.
Think of it as a challenge or a dare
when you’ve a few minutes that you can spare.
Have fun with the words, the ideas, too.
It’s long yes, but hope it’s no imposition.
Think of it as a challenge or a dare
when you’ve a few minutes that you can spare.
Have fun with the words, the ideas, too.
And if nothing else, there are photos to view.
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
February 4th, quite a memorable thing
Seeing the athletes parade in Beijing.
24th Winter Olympics was there.
And all the hopefuls from everywhere.
Downhill skiers, dancers, some fell.
Others performed perfectly well.
Luge, skiathlons, jumpers on snow
Doing their best, from the word go.
Two weeks competing, ambition with goals
Slaloms with ski boots, skiers with poles.
Sleds ’n' boards made with precision in length
Sports with enthusiasm, courage & strength.
Turning and leaping, exciting each one.
Difficult spins - all looked like just fun.
Snowflakes the theme, different countries with names.
For the opening ceremony that started the games.
Sparkling beginning, exciting throughout,
Gold, silver, bronze medals, winners no doubt.
Ambitious but overall friendship to enhance.
Was a place where countries could “give peace a chance.”
THE SUPREME COURT
Things this past year were changing so fast
Looked like even traditions don’t last.
We’ve always thought of the Supreme Court
or now referred to as SCOTUS for short.
As the last word, as fair and impartial
As when resided Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Now it’s got a conservative flow
Gorsuch, Kavanaugh Thomas, Alito,
Barrett and Roberts make it 5 or 6 to 4
Minority opinions Kagan, Breyer, Sotomayor
Ketanji Brown Jackson took the place of Breyer,
The newest on the court; keep an eye on her.
The first black woman on the bench to sit.
Waiting to see how she’s going to fit.
The End of Roe the headlines said.
Legal abortion nationwide is dead.
Now the laws depend on each state,
but some gals are pregnant, need help and can’t wait.
So to those states that say it’s OK
No doubt will be overrun right away.
What a mess! Women should have the choice,
And tell those who’re shouting in such a loud voice.
It’s none of their business; it’s their lives not yours.
A victory for stupidity, “NO CHOICE”, you cannot force.
SCOTUS also took power away
From the regulating agency EPA
Whose job’s to see that we have clean air,
But the court has done what doesn’t seem fair.
They want each state to have its own laws
That’s like having more than one Santa Claus.
We should be thinking — UNITED States
Not individuals with likes and hates.
I thought that we were more on the ball —
That we could agree, for the good of all.
In this case, years ahead to be carbon free.
Let the EPA decide for you and me.
Same idea. . . Let the CDC tell us where we’re heading
Like what we should do if monkeypox is spreading.
They should definitely take the lead
On viruses and how we proceed.
Leaving this to states is too dangerous
Directions for health matters we can discuss
on a local level it’s necessary,
But it’s better when coming from the CDC.
The problem with SCOTUS expanding states’ rights
Is everything will bring on big fights.
Next we’ll be seeing the states, each one,
Regarding affirmative action.
Then redistricting, religious liberty,
Gay rights and more disunity.
Maine private schools now get Federal funds.
Church and State separate? this too for guns?
It’s impossible for Congress to compromise;
But that’s our system we used to think wise.
If we can’t reform, if we can’t agree,
We won’t save our democracy.
A New York law, SCOTUS struck down:
It’s OK to carry guns with you ‘round town.
They said “no restrictions” outside the home.
Cited 2nd Amendment. NRA got a bone!
Something that pleases, was so glad to see -
The televised January 6th Committee.
Great TV, where the case is laid out,
Witnesses sworn in who told all about
The effort on Trump’s part to invalidate the election
The people he used and his selection
Of behind the scenes with lawyers and threats
Alleging vote fraud, hedging his bets.
But the truth does prevail over the lie
And he’s been uncovered. Good riddance, Good-bye.
He says he’s running in 2024,
Has his band of followers, his loyal core.
He’s got no chance, too old, out-of-touch.
So full of himself, way, way too much.
Trump-era immigration policy: “You can’t come!
We don’t want you. No asylum.”
The court ruled better than migrants were fearing.
Asylum seekers while waiting for a hearing
do not have to, in Mexico stay
While waiting for their hearing day.
We don’t have the system in place so it works.
We really should have straightened out all the quirks,
But this is a better policy.
It’s going forward, so we’ll have to see.
A small move by Dems and Republicans
On the subject of regulating and purchase of guns.
“Red Flag” provision to confiscate from
Those mentally unstable should NOT have a gun.
Better background checks - NO under 21 fans,
Domestic abusers - keep guns from their hands.
And from those in serious mental health distress
Family or police should not have to guess
But remove firearms to prevent a killing
‘Cause sure enough the sick person wouldn’t be willing
To give up his weapon voluntarily,
But think of the lives saved gratefully.
Nothing is foolproof, you know what I mean?
For sure no one needs an AR-15.
Those are for killing, a sure hit and run.
This could help us to solve the problem
If we had a ban on this rifle of war,
The news of this barbarism would be no more.
Two words that come up in this discussion
“Reasonable” and “Sensible” - ‘cause this is not fun
To hear of more shootings, more innocent lives lost,
More deaths are certainly not worth the cost.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Kurdish girl, 22, Mahsa Mini
From the village came to Tehran, the capital city.
A bad situation, as it was
Picked up, put in a van because
Her hijab showed a little bit of hair,
And the morality police tell you what you can wear.
They beat her; she died; we’re sad & appalled.
And so many of the women in Iran felt called
To protest and burn their head scarves to say
“Enough is enough. Don’t treat women that way.”
Perhaps public protest for change can fulfill
That women are free to do as they will.
CLIMATE
Monsoons in India, caused many a landslide.
Brazil, with mudslides, there too people died.
Rains with such force, rivers swell, overflow,
Washed away, buried alive, no place to go.
In case you don’t know, ‘twas a mega drought.
Climate change effect. There is no doubt.
Speaking of water. . .California’s in trouble.
And we are not alone, not in a bubble.
Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, too
40,000,000 on the Colorado, depend they do.
The problem is big Ag, they’re not rinky dink
They use a lot. Also we need it to drink.
Reservoir levels are critically low -
Weather changes, rising temps, we all know.
We cannot keep doing the same things, by heck.
This is a slow-moving, train wreck.
1150 people in Afghanistan
Died in an earthquake there, now the Taliban
Looking for help, human tragedy
Especially for those who’re in poverty. 
August 3-17 in L.A.
Two weeks in L.A., reflecting back,
All sorts of goodies in my backpack
Small violin, tapes and CDs,
Pictures and papers that make the past freeze.
Two big accomplishments under our hat
David’s book done, to the printer’s. That’s that.
David and I took on the task
Of checking for mistakes, even to the last.
Commas, capitals, quotes, italics,
Index page numbers, whate’er we could fix.
Mary Ellen resigned; Pete came on board;
Quick changes, regrouped. Oh my Lord!!
When I got back up north, on Amazon, could see
Schiffer pushed the release date to 2023.
We’ve no control of marketing, nor why there’s delay;
They just changed the date, explanations, no way.
Paintings, framed and not, most covered and protected,
In looking at each of these, we then detected
Some of his canvases, mammoth in size
Abstract, colorful expressions so wise.
Dan’s different periods, he developed and grew.
My job’s to figure now what I should do 
On June 29th, FRANK turned 84.
Says it is over, and he’ll get no more,
But he’s been quite busy doing what he can
At home just like everyone - woman and man.
His zoom writing classes meet three days a week,
Writes from the prompts and from stories gives peaks
Into his past we get special insights
Revealing his childhood and adult life bites.
At least twice a week, he drives to the mall
To Lakeshore Plaza for a Noah’s Bagel.
Gets his coffee there and sits at Peet’s -
A personal pleasure, two habitual treats.
In May got our boosters, in June, just after,
Frank got a sore throat, it was a disaster.
‘Cause when his fever was 104,
Went to Kaiser, to the ER.
Stayed there for three days, on oxygen, oh dear,
The COVID drug was Remdesevir
Watched over him till no more news.
The only thing wrong was they lost his shoes.
Election job volunteered, he did it twice,
At the local poll place, no fraud, voting nice.
Watches YouTube for music and clips,
Daily scrolls FACEBOOK - he posts and gets tips
From family and friends ’n groups on this site
Stays up til 2 A.M. into the night.
Also on NETFLIX, parts of movies,
RILEY is 20, sophomore at UT
In San Marcos, Texas, taking film history
And Drama, and pre-teaching, plus general ed
Living off campus with friends. As he’s said,
“I also like my part-time gig
at the Mexican restaurant; some tips are big.”
All three are coming for Christmas here.
Tony can see MATTIE who lives real near.
A nice reunion it no doubt will be
‘Cause we’ll be together, the family.
In Half Moon Bay, just down Highway 1
Close enough for some holiday fun.
February 4th, quite a memorable thing
Seeing the athletes parade in Beijing.
24th Winter Olympics was there.
And all the hopefuls from everywhere.
Downhill skiers, dancers, some fell.
Others performed perfectly well.
Luge, skiathlons, jumpers on snow
Doing their best, from the word go.
Two weeks competing, ambition with goals
Slaloms with ski boots, skiers with poles.
Sleds ’n' boards made with precision in length
Sports with enthusiasm, courage & strength.
Turning and leaping, exciting each one.
Difficult spins - all looked like just fun.
Snowflakes the theme, different countries with names.
For the opening ceremony that started the games.
Sparkling beginning, exciting throughout,
Gold, silver, bronze medals, winners no doubt.
Ambitious but overall friendship to enhance.
Was a place where countries could “give peace a chance.”
UKRAINE
What’s there to say? What’s it all for?
I thought we’d come farther, but now there’s a war.
What is Russia? Define it, 1-2-3
“A gas station masquerading as a country.”
Not mine originally and I don’t know who
In sarcasm said what’s perfectly true.
We have gone backward, to the Middle Ages.
The Plague, the Crusaders, before there were sages.
For sure all civility tossed to the side.
Smart folks should know better, instead show pride.
Haven’t we learned from the past, there’s no winner?
You can’t make a vegan have meat for her dinner.
War’s not the answer for changing folks views.
Death and destruction are now the bad news.
What have we come to? Our leaders are unfair.
They’re selfish, power-hungry, here and everywhere.
I thought we were smart, so technology shows,
And progress in science, each health problem slows.
But I am disgusted that in 2022
There’s no respect for the earth nor its people, too!
February 24th not a good occasion.
Not WAR, instead called the “Russian Invasion”.
In the civilized world, there in Ukraine
Russian ambitions - the Cold War again.
Not just a cold war, but tanks, soldiers, guns,
Actual warfare - moms sending their sons,
Missiles and air strikes, civilians bombed too.
Refugees leaving, not knowing what to do.
Poland - central to the crisis - no real order
Because Ukraine shares its 345-mile border
Migrants got on trains, drove in cars, walked west,
Biden said sanctions on oligarchs the best.
That could and would break them, but Putin’s their man,
Stubborn, determined, with his own plan.
To return Russia to the days of glory
When the Soviet Union was in charge of the story.
Crimea was taken in the very same way.
For freedom from conquest, so Ukraine may
Their cause, the West’s with; our help, yes it went .
Our weapons and billions of dollars we’ve sent.
We’ve cut off some oil supply, sanctioned their rich.
They’re fighting their battles, not knowing which
Will bring them to victory, Kyiv they still hold
While other places under siege, have fallen we are told.
Sweden and Finland have joined NATO
But for Ukraine, it’s a bit late, 0h!
Mariupol on the coast flattened, now it’s history.
In rubble, destroyed. It is no mystery
That Russia wants more like Odessa, we’ll see.
We’ll keep up the sanctions and diplomacy.
Volodomyr Zelenski, a name known to all
speaking for his country, “Ukraine will not fall.”
With national pride, men have fiercely fought.
People killing, buildings down, misery a lot.
Biden in Brussels with European allies
Heard from some, some bellicose cries
That we should help them physically, what for?
We must avoid chemical and nuclear war!
The battle’s at home when politics steps in.
Says he, “We’re trying to get diplomacy to win.”
People on both sides lose in the end.
No one wins. WAR IS NO PEOPLE’S FRIEND.
What’s there to say? What’s it all for?
I thought we’d come farther, but now there’s a war.
What is Russia? Define it, 1-2-3
“A gas station masquerading as a country.”
Not mine originally and I don’t know who
In sarcasm said what’s perfectly true.
We have gone backward, to the Middle Ages.
The Plague, the Crusaders, before there were sages.
For sure all civility tossed to the side.
Smart folks should know better, instead show pride.
Haven’t we learned from the past, there’s no winner?
You can’t make a vegan have meat for her dinner.
War’s not the answer for changing folks views.
Death and destruction are now the bad news.
What have we come to? Our leaders are unfair.
They’re selfish, power-hungry, here and everywhere.
I thought we were smart, so technology shows,
And progress in science, each health problem slows.
But I am disgusted that in 2022
There’s no respect for the earth nor its people, too!
February 24th not a good occasion.
Not WAR, instead called the “Russian Invasion”.
In the civilized world, there in Ukraine
Russian ambitions - the Cold War again.
Not just a cold war, but tanks, soldiers, guns,
Actual warfare - moms sending their sons,
Missiles and air strikes, civilians bombed too.
Refugees leaving, not knowing what to do.
Poland - central to the crisis - no real order
Because Ukraine shares its 345-mile border
Migrants got on trains, drove in cars, walked west,
Biden said sanctions on oligarchs the best.
That could and would break them, but Putin’s their man,
Stubborn, determined, with his own plan.
To return Russia to the days of glory
When the Soviet Union was in charge of the story.
Crimea was taken in the very same way.
For freedom from conquest, so Ukraine may
Their cause, the West’s with; our help, yes it went .
Our weapons and billions of dollars we’ve sent.
We’ve cut off some oil supply, sanctioned their rich.
They’re fighting their battles, not knowing which
Will bring them to victory, Kyiv they still hold
While other places under siege, have fallen we are told.
Sweden and Finland have joined NATO
But for Ukraine, it’s a bit late, 0h!
Mariupol on the coast flattened, now it’s history.
In rubble, destroyed. It is no mystery
That Russia wants more like Odessa, we’ll see.
We’ll keep up the sanctions and diplomacy.
Volodomyr Zelenski, a name known to all
speaking for his country, “Ukraine will not fall.”
With national pride, men have fiercely fought.
People killing, buildings down, misery a lot.
Biden in Brussels with European allies
Heard from some, some bellicose cries
That we should help them physically, what for?
We must avoid chemical and nuclear war!
The battle’s at home when politics steps in.
Says he, “We’re trying to get diplomacy to win.”
People on both sides lose in the end.
No one wins. WAR IS NO PEOPLE’S FRIEND.
SAD NEWS! DANIEL CYTRON
My brother DAN always heavy got thin.
That was very unusual for him.
Did an aspartame diet; that’s how he ate,
Hoping to aid in his quest to lose weight.
Who knows if that hurt his left kidney,
But then stage four renal cancer, got he.
Did radiation, infusions and pills,
Fought like a champ, but depends not on wills
Yet soon he got weaker; it moved to his spine.
Then to his lymph nodes and lungs, a decline.
The therapy not working, the cancer won
He fought the good fight but his hopes were undone.
DAVE, FRANK, and I know his body is gone
But we know for sure that his spirit lives on.
Here is a poem FRANK wrote about DAN
To express his thoughts, the best that words can:
My brother DAN always heavy got thin.
That was very unusual for him.
Did an aspartame diet; that’s how he ate,
Hoping to aid in his quest to lose weight.
Who knows if that hurt his left kidney,
But then stage four renal cancer, got he.
Did radiation, infusions and pills,
Fought like a champ, but depends not on wills
Yet soon he got weaker; it moved to his spine.
Then to his lymph nodes and lungs, a decline.
The therapy not working, the cancer won
He fought the good fight but his hopes were undone.
DAVE, FRANK, and I know his body is gone
But we know for sure that his spirit lives on.
Here is a poem FRANK wrote about DAN
To express his thoughts, the best that words can:
DANIEL,
You are still in your body locked in to endure.
From 400 miles away I can hear your noiseless moan.
I am not sure there will be another day.
Before time eats us up, I want to see you once more
But only a miracle can stop the approaching silence.
Thank God for your paintings!
You will always be remembered
for the way thousands of colors put a spell on all of us.
Not long ago we were at a wedding and you were still your old self.
I called you Daniel, my brother. Your name is ancient from the time of Nebuchadnezzar.
That’s when Daniel and Shadrach and two others were taken to Babylon.
Only 40 years later did the Decree of Cyrus allow the Jews to return.
It’s hard to let you go, dear friend and brother "Vaya con Diós"
and I whisper the Hungarian words "Isten Veled."
You are still in your body locked in to endure.
From 400 miles away I can hear your noiseless moan.
I am not sure there will be another day.
Before time eats us up, I want to see you once more
But only a miracle can stop the approaching silence.
Thank God for your paintings!
You will always be remembered
for the way thousands of colors put a spell on all of us.
Not long ago we were at a wedding and you were still your old self.
I called you Daniel, my brother. Your name is ancient from the time of Nebuchadnezzar.
That’s when Daniel and Shadrach and two others were taken to Babylon.
Only 40 years later did the Decree of Cyrus allow the Jews to return.
It’s hard to let you go, dear friend and brother "Vaya con Diós"
and I whisper the Hungarian words "Isten Veled."
April 25th was the day he died.
Len and I were with him, right by his side.
Family and friends are all very sad
So please share your stories or good times you’ve had.
At legacy.com (L.A. Times take a look).
And share a nice memory in the online Guest Book.
Further, my DAN CYTRON: One Artist’s POV
You can rent or buy this Amazon movie.
Listen to him talk; he’d lots to say.
About the Art World and who has to pay.
http://www.amazon.com/Dan-Cytron-One-Artists-POV/dp/B008NW7XL6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399051773&sr=8-1&keywords=dan+cytron+one+artist%27s+POV
Len and I were with him, right by his side.
Family and friends are all very sad
So please share your stories or good times you’ve had.
At legacy.com (L.A. Times take a look).
And share a nice memory in the online Guest Book.
Further, my DAN CYTRON: One Artist’s POV
You can rent or buy this Amazon movie.
Listen to him talk; he’d lots to say.
About the Art World and who has to pay.
http://www.amazon.com/Dan-Cytron-One-Artists-POV/dp/B008NW7XL6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399051773&sr=8-1&keywords=dan+cytron+one+artist%27s+POV
For two clips and a trailer, if you want to see,
You can hear Dan speak on IMDb.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1911558/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
You can hear Dan speak on IMDb.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1911558/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Daniel Cytron Looking Back 70 years! It’s a book
On Shutterfly (full frame). Why not take a look?!
https://sallyfrank.shutterfly.com/31
On Shutterfly (full frame). Why not take a look?!
https://sallyfrank.shutterfly.com/31
And the TV show when he was 32.
The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, principled and who
Stood up for artists whose works are resold.
Articulate young man, politically bold.
Legislation wrote; fought political fights
Dedicated to artists’ royalty rights.
https://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip_507-gm81j9820s
Some may have seen this - a moving bio,
a review of DAN’s life - 9 minutes the show.
Some things in this you may not have heard.
It is on YouTube, called: “Dan Remembered”.
https://youtu.be/GfvpWCcnaKw
Two nice memorials for Dan had we.
July 4th weekend when some folks were free.
An outdoor meetup, JERRY AISTRUP’s place.
Where old friends could gather, face to face.
FRANKIE got COVID so we had to stay
In San Francisco - far, far away.
But with NANCY MOZUR, plans came together.
Food, drinks, and flowers and SoCal good weather.
DAN worked for SAM FRANCIS’ litho shop when
These friendships were started way back then.
The Otis friends joined online as planned
Each with a story, remembering DAN.
Some were sitting in the garden under trees,
And DAVE helped with Zoom. All shared memories.
That was Saturday. On Sunday, too,
Family and friends gathered online to do
A virtual Google meet, similar to Zoom
Except everybody was in a home room.
Even from high school a few came to share
But the real thing we noticed - that DAN wasn’t there.
The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, principled and who
Stood up for artists whose works are resold.
Articulate young man, politically bold.
Legislation wrote; fought political fights
Dedicated to artists’ royalty rights.
https://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip_507-gm81j9820s
Some may have seen this - a moving bio,
a review of DAN’s life - 9 minutes the show.
Some things in this you may not have heard.
It is on YouTube, called: “Dan Remembered”.
https://youtu.be/GfvpWCcnaKw
Two nice memorials for Dan had we.
July 4th weekend when some folks were free.
An outdoor meetup, JERRY AISTRUP’s place.
Where old friends could gather, face to face.
FRANKIE got COVID so we had to stay
In San Francisco - far, far away.
But with NANCY MOZUR, plans came together.
Food, drinks, and flowers and SoCal good weather.
DAN worked for SAM FRANCIS’ litho shop when
These friendships were started way back then.
The Otis friends joined online as planned
Each with a story, remembering DAN.
Some were sitting in the garden under trees,
And DAVE helped with Zoom. All shared memories.
That was Saturday. On Sunday, too,
Family and friends gathered online to do
A virtual Google meet, similar to Zoom
Except everybody was in a home room.
Even from high school a few came to share
But the real thing we noticed - that DAN wasn’t there.
THE SUPREME COURT
Things this past year were changing so fast
Looked like even traditions don’t last.
We’ve always thought of the Supreme Court
or now referred to as SCOTUS for short.
As the last word, as fair and impartial
As when resided Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Now it’s got a conservative flow
Gorsuch, Kavanaugh Thomas, Alito,
Barrett and Roberts make it 5 or 6 to 4
Minority opinions Kagan, Breyer, Sotomayor
Ketanji Brown Jackson took the place of Breyer,
The newest on the court; keep an eye on her.
The first black woman on the bench to sit.
Waiting to see how she’s going to fit.
The End of Roe the headlines said.
Legal abortion nationwide is dead.
Now the laws depend on each state,
but some gals are pregnant, need help and can’t wait.
So to those states that say it’s OK
No doubt will be overrun right away.
What a mess! Women should have the choice,
And tell those who’re shouting in such a loud voice.
It’s none of their business; it’s their lives not yours.
A victory for stupidity, “NO CHOICE”, you cannot force.
SCOTUS also took power away
From the regulating agency EPA
Whose job’s to see that we have clean air,
But the court has done what doesn’t seem fair.
They want each state to have its own laws
That’s like having more than one Santa Claus.
We should be thinking — UNITED States
Not individuals with likes and hates.
I thought that we were more on the ball —
That we could agree, for the good of all.
In this case, years ahead to be carbon free.
Let the EPA decide for you and me.
Same idea. . . Let the CDC tell us where we’re heading
Like what we should do if monkeypox is spreading.
They should definitely take the lead
On viruses and how we proceed.
Leaving this to states is too dangerous
Directions for health matters we can discuss
on a local level it’s necessary,
But it’s better when coming from the CDC.
The problem with SCOTUS expanding states’ rights
Is everything will bring on big fights.
Next we’ll be seeing the states, each one,
Regarding affirmative action.
Then redistricting, religious liberty,
Gay rights and more disunity.
Maine private schools now get Federal funds.
Church and State separate? this too for guns?
It’s impossible for Congress to compromise;
But that’s our system we used to think wise.
If we can’t reform, if we can’t agree,
We won’t save our democracy.
A New York law, SCOTUS struck down:
It’s OK to carry guns with you ‘round town.
They said “no restrictions” outside the home.
Cited 2nd Amendment. NRA got a bone!
Something that pleases, was so glad to see -
The televised January 6th Committee.
Great TV, where the case is laid out,
Witnesses sworn in who told all about
The effort on Trump’s part to invalidate the election
The people he used and his selection
Of behind the scenes with lawyers and threats
Alleging vote fraud, hedging his bets.
But the truth does prevail over the lie
And he’s been uncovered. Good riddance, Good-bye.
He says he’s running in 2024,
Has his band of followers, his loyal core.
He’s got no chance, too old, out-of-touch.
So full of himself, way, way too much.
Trump-era immigration policy: “You can’t come!
We don’t want you. No asylum.”
The court ruled better than migrants were fearing.
Asylum seekers while waiting for a hearing
do not have to, in Mexico stay
While waiting for their hearing day.
We don’t have the system in place so it works.
We really should have straightened out all the quirks,
But this is a better policy.
It’s going forward, so we’ll have to see.
A small move by Dems and Republicans
On the subject of regulating and purchase of guns.
“Red Flag” provision to confiscate from
Those mentally unstable should NOT have a gun.
Better background checks - NO under 21 fans,
Domestic abusers - keep guns from their hands.
And from those in serious mental health distress
Family or police should not have to guess
But remove firearms to prevent a killing
‘Cause sure enough the sick person wouldn’t be willing
To give up his weapon voluntarily,
But think of the lives saved gratefully.
Nothing is foolproof, you know what I mean?
For sure no one needs an AR-15.
Those are for killing, a sure hit and run.
This could help us to solve the problem
If we had a ban on this rifle of war,
The news of this barbarism would be no more.
Two words that come up in this discussion
“Reasonable” and “Sensible” - ‘cause this is not fun
To hear of more shootings, more innocent lives lost,
More deaths are certainly not worth the cost.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Kurdish girl, 22, Mahsa Mini
From the village came to Tehran, the capital city.
A bad situation, as it was
Picked up, put in a van because
Her hijab showed a little bit of hair,
And the morality police tell you what you can wear.
They beat her; she died; we’re sad & appalled.
And so many of the women in Iran felt called
To protest and burn their head scarves to say
“Enough is enough. Don’t treat women that way.”
Perhaps public protest for change can fulfill
That women are free to do as they will.
CLIMATE
Monsoons in India, caused many a landslide.
Brazil, with mudslides, there too people died.
Rains with such force, rivers swell, overflow,
Washed away, buried alive, no place to go.
In case you don’t know, ‘twas a mega drought.
Climate change effect. There is no doubt.
Speaking of water. . .California’s in trouble.
And we are not alone, not in a bubble.
Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, too
40,000,000 on the Colorado, depend they do.
The problem is big Ag, they’re not rinky dink
They use a lot. Also we need it to drink.
Reservoir levels are critically low -
Weather changes, rising temps, we all know.
We cannot keep doing the same things, by heck.
This is a slow-moving, train wreck.
1150 people in Afghanistan
Died in an earthquake there, now the Taliban
Looking for help, human tragedy
Especially for those who’re in poverty.
MORE CLIMATE PROBLEMS
In July and August record rainfall,
Eastern Kentucky, affecting all
In hollers and gullies, violent rain
Swept away people, lives lost in vain.
Houses and cars all in the mud,
Horrible scene, uncontrollable flood.
Tragedy all over California, too.
Fires obliterated forest. A few
Seemed to be worse - this year more were lost
Impacting lives, trees, meaning, and cost.
The weather’s severe and no answers appear
To heal and bring back a life or career.
We watch and hear those who managed to survive,
How very lucky they feel to be alive.
Island in trouble, Puerto Rico,
Fiona, the Hurricane, came and let go!
Also five years ago, Maria did them in
With deadly rain and devastating wind.
Preparation yes, but not a surprise
There was no way to get medical supplies.
Roads, landslides, bridges - nothing left dry.
Impossible floods, 30 inches high,
People need drink and electricity,
No water or power. Jeez, what a pity!
WORDS FOR BIRDS
A revelation I had one day
Watching backyard birds at play.
Onto the deck the sparrows they came -
Same species, yes, but hardly the same.
Leaders and followers, aggressive, sly,
Fast movers, slow movers, sneaky and shy.
Li’l pushy fighters and those that attack,
Passive wait-n’see-ers who’re more laid back.
They’re “take-what-is-there” types’ some like to choose.
Some eat with others; some birds will refuse
To eat when another bird has come to eat
So waits till the coast is clear, rather than meet.
Some methodical birds plan their move, when and how;
Stay on a branch till their nerves tell them, “Now.”
Some eat in place, glad what they’ve got.
Those that leave fast have a hideaway spot.
Some take their time, but not the chickadee.
They’re in and out, thank-you’ma’am, zippadee!
Some take whatever is there, not picky
While others are fussy types, persnickety.
Sunflower seeds for some are OK,
But partial to peanuts are the Scrub Jay.
Corn kernels, peanuts shelled, tiny bird seed -
Bird personalities, while they all feed.
In July and August record rainfall,
Eastern Kentucky, affecting all
In hollers and gullies, violent rain
Swept away people, lives lost in vain.
Houses and cars all in the mud,
Horrible scene, uncontrollable flood.
Tragedy all over California, too.
Fires obliterated forest. A few
Seemed to be worse - this year more were lost
Impacting lives, trees, meaning, and cost.
The weather’s severe and no answers appear
To heal and bring back a life or career.
We watch and hear those who managed to survive,
How very lucky they feel to be alive.
Island in trouble, Puerto Rico,
Fiona, the Hurricane, came and let go!
Also five years ago, Maria did them in
With deadly rain and devastating wind.
Preparation yes, but not a surprise
There was no way to get medical supplies.
Roads, landslides, bridges - nothing left dry.
Impossible floods, 30 inches high,
People need drink and electricity,
No water or power. Jeez, what a pity!
WORDS FOR BIRDS
A revelation I had one day
Watching backyard birds at play.
Onto the deck the sparrows they came -
Same species, yes, but hardly the same.
Leaders and followers, aggressive, sly,
Fast movers, slow movers, sneaky and shy.
Li’l pushy fighters and those that attack,
Passive wait-n’see-ers who’re more laid back.
They’re “take-what-is-there” types’ some like to choose.
Some eat with others; some birds will refuse
To eat when another bird has come to eat
So waits till the coast is clear, rather than meet.
Some methodical birds plan their move, when and how;
Stay on a branch till their nerves tell them, “Now.”
Some eat in place, glad what they’ve got.
Those that leave fast have a hideaway spot.
Some take their time, but not the chickadee.
They’re in and out, thank-you’ma’am, zippadee!
Some take whatever is there, not picky
While others are fussy types, persnickety.
Sunflower seeds for some are OK,
But partial to peanuts are the Scrub Jay.
Corn kernels, peanuts shelled, tiny bird seed -
Bird personalities, while they all feed.
August 3-17 in L.A.
Two weeks in L.A., reflecting back,
All sorts of goodies in my backpack
Small violin, tapes and CDs,
Pictures and papers that make the past freeze.
Two big accomplishments under our hat
David’s book done, to the printer’s. That’s that.
David and I took on the task
Of checking for mistakes, even to the last.
Commas, capitals, quotes, italics,
Index page numbers, whate’er we could fix.
Mary Ellen resigned; Pete came on board;
Quick changes, regrouped. Oh my Lord!!
When I got back up north, on Amazon, could see
Schiffer pushed the release date to 2023.
We’ve no control of marketing, nor why there’s delay;
They just changed the date, explanations, no way.
The second big thing I did - Dan’s airport space
Filled to the gills, disaster, disgrace —
So much to deal with, boxes of stuff
Any normal person would’ve said, “It’s too tough.”
But obviously “normal” is not operative here.
I just plowed forward without any fear.
Computers, hard discs, wires, parts ‘n cables,
Boxes and crates - most not marked, no labels.
But even if each was in catalogue prime,
All piled on top, no relation to time.
In fact some terrific old gems from the past
Nostalgia is fun but, how long does it last?
Folders and stickers, lots of office supplies.
Each box I’d open, was a big surprise:
Typewriters with broken keys, even a Royal.
Today’s digi-keyboards and to these we’re loyal.
Many a speaker, more than one radio,
Uher tape recorder, Fostex mixer audio
Headphones and microphones, tons of CDs,
LP records, cassette tapes, DVDs,
Old floppy discs, testers, batteries,
Sometimes his stash came from overseas.
Bell and Howell projector, microphone stands.
No doubt at one time recorded some bands
With LEN at History of Recorded Sound
As business partners, those jobs they found.
Printers and scanners, and mother-boards,
If all parts were there, worth monetary rewards;
Needed work and time, for retrospective taste.
Much destined to be donated, to e-waste.
Lamps, bulbs, old cameras, even microscopes.
Dan had stuff for brainiacs, not stuff for dopes.
His own-made inks, colored paints in jars,
Even a bumper from one of his cars.
Brushes ’n containers in every size.
Electronic equipment and many art supplies,
Goggles and respirators for safety,
Hazmat suits - his PPE.
Tubes of watercolors, paper, hand-made,
A Rolodex of names and lists of sales paid.
Books on arts and artists, exhibition catalogues,
Files of every transaction, old checks and business logs.
Manuals for software, popular way back when.
I hated to dump these, but who’d need them again?
Not a paper thrown out nor magazines dismissed.
Everything thrown in crates; to save he’d insist.
But to the dumpsters, filled ‘em to the top
And worked two weeks straight, morn-to-night, non-stop.
Then in November, I came back once more
To organize, throw out, what a chore!
Decided to shoot all the paintings unframed,
Lithos and watercolors, mostly un-named,
But wow, was surprised to find many-a-gem.
Now the job starts; got to catalogue them.
Attended to Dan’s stuff at his storage space
Santa Monica Airport, floor to ceiling packed place.
Hazardous waste, cables, computer boards,
Plumbing supplies, tools, door knobs, keys ’n cords,
Speakers, mikes, tape decks, movie projectors,
Light bulbs, flood lights, electric detectors
Plastic bags, lots of tapes. ready to pack,
Empty ‘n filled boxes, front to the back.
Three small fridges, Mom’s microwave,
Papers and letters, photos to save.
Japanese prints and papers, a pleasure.
Tesukiwashi five volumes, a treasure.
Plastic utensils, paper cups, plates
Dan had supplies for all sorts of dates.
Mom’s cook books and pots ’n pans.
Ammunition, coins, fishing tackle - all those were Sam’s.
On special occasions, he did drink wine.
Was a sommelier knowing which kind was fine.
Part of his job at the Typhoon Restaurant.
I gave away the bottles anybody’d want.
Filled to the gills, disaster, disgrace —
So much to deal with, boxes of stuff
Any normal person would’ve said, “It’s too tough.”
But obviously “normal” is not operative here.
I just plowed forward without any fear.
Computers, hard discs, wires, parts ‘n cables,
Boxes and crates - most not marked, no labels.
But even if each was in catalogue prime,
All piled on top, no relation to time.
In fact some terrific old gems from the past
Nostalgia is fun but, how long does it last?
Folders and stickers, lots of office supplies.
Each box I’d open, was a big surprise:
Typewriters with broken keys, even a Royal.
Today’s digi-keyboards and to these we’re loyal.
Many a speaker, more than one radio,
Uher tape recorder, Fostex mixer audio
Headphones and microphones, tons of CDs,
LP records, cassette tapes, DVDs,
Old floppy discs, testers, batteries,
Sometimes his stash came from overseas.
Bell and Howell projector, microphone stands.
No doubt at one time recorded some bands
With LEN at History of Recorded Sound
As business partners, those jobs they found.
Printers and scanners, and mother-boards,
If all parts were there, worth monetary rewards;
Needed work and time, for retrospective taste.
Much destined to be donated, to e-waste.
Lamps, bulbs, old cameras, even microscopes.
Dan had stuff for brainiacs, not stuff for dopes.
His own-made inks, colored paints in jars,
Even a bumper from one of his cars.
Brushes ’n containers in every size.
Electronic equipment and many art supplies,
Goggles and respirators for safety,
Hazmat suits - his PPE.
Tubes of watercolors, paper, hand-made,
A Rolodex of names and lists of sales paid.
Books on arts and artists, exhibition catalogues,
Files of every transaction, old checks and business logs.
Manuals for software, popular way back when.
I hated to dump these, but who’d need them again?
Not a paper thrown out nor magazines dismissed.
Everything thrown in crates; to save he’d insist.
But to the dumpsters, filled ‘em to the top
And worked two weeks straight, morn-to-night, non-stop.
Then in November, I came back once more
To organize, throw out, what a chore!
Decided to shoot all the paintings unframed,
Lithos and watercolors, mostly un-named,
But wow, was surprised to find many-a-gem.
Now the job starts; got to catalogue them.
Attended to Dan’s stuff at his storage space
Santa Monica Airport, floor to ceiling packed place.
Hazardous waste, cables, computer boards,
Plumbing supplies, tools, door knobs, keys ’n cords,
Speakers, mikes, tape decks, movie projectors,
Light bulbs, flood lights, electric detectors
Plastic bags, lots of tapes. ready to pack,
Empty ‘n filled boxes, front to the back.
Three small fridges, Mom’s microwave,
Papers and letters, photos to save.
Japanese prints and papers, a pleasure.
Tesukiwashi five volumes, a treasure.
Plastic utensils, paper cups, plates
Dan had supplies for all sorts of dates.
Mom’s cook books and pots ’n pans.
Ammunition, coins, fishing tackle - all those were Sam’s.
On special occasions, he did drink wine.
Was a sommelier knowing which kind was fine.
Part of his job at the Typhoon Restaurant.
I gave away the bottles anybody’d want.
In looking at each of these, we then detected
Some of his canvases, mammoth in size
Abstract, colorful expressions so wise.
Dan’s different periods, he developed and grew.
My job’s to figure now what I should do
August - September SALLY SUFFERED
How do you know you have shingles?
One side of your body gets bumps and it tingles.
Itchy red skin, pulls at you, feels so raw,
Did see a doctor and that’s what he saw.
For more than a month it was a big mess;
Supposedly caused by chicken pox and stress.
Not contagious, then we noticed dots,
on my poor son David, he broke out with spots
He got the real chickenpox, who knows how
It wasn’t deadly but we do know that now
Even when vaccinated, nothing’s sure
50% effective, no 100% cure.
Things don’t go smoothly, on the whole
Selling the house, though done, took its toll,
THE TRUST
Needed to work on a very real “must”.
As a trustee, did research to dissolve the trust.
Step-up-in basis, capital gains tax,
Internal Revenue Codes - couldn’t be lax.
Read online what lawyers had to say
Then had to contact a good CPA.
He’ll do the taxes, no more work, none
Money’ll be distributed, and it will be done!
One side of your body gets bumps and it tingles.
Itchy red skin, pulls at you, feels so raw,
Did see a doctor and that’s what he saw.
For more than a month it was a big mess;
Supposedly caused by chicken pox and stress.
Not contagious, then we noticed dots,
on my poor son David, he broke out with spots
He got the real chickenpox, who knows how
It wasn’t deadly but we do know that now
Even when vaccinated, nothing’s sure
50% effective, no 100% cure.
Things don’t go smoothly, on the whole
Selling the house, though done, took its toll,
THE TRUST
Needed to work on a very real “must”.
As a trustee, did research to dissolve the trust.
Step-up-in basis, capital gains tax,
Internal Revenue Codes - couldn’t be lax.
Read online what lawyers had to say
Then had to contact a good CPA.
He’ll do the taxes, no more work, none
Money’ll be distributed, and it will be done!
The FAMILY UPDATE follows right here
and how our days went, this past year:
and how our days went, this past year:
On June 29th, FRANK turned 84.
Says it is over, and he’ll get no more,
But he’s been quite busy doing what he can
At home just like everyone - woman and man.
His zoom writing classes meet three days a week,
Writes from the prompts and from stories gives peaks
Into his past we get special insights
Revealing his childhood and adult life bites.
At least twice a week, he drives to the mall
To Lakeshore Plaza for a Noah’s Bagel.
Gets his coffee there and sits at Peet’s -
A personal pleasure, two habitual treats.
In May got our boosters, in June, just after,
Frank got a sore throat, it was a disaster.
‘Cause when his fever was 104,
Went to Kaiser, to the ER.
Stayed there for three days, on oxygen, oh dear,
The COVID drug was Remdesevir
Watched over him till no more news.
The only thing wrong was they lost his shoes.
Election job volunteered, he did it twice,
At the local poll place, no fraud, voting nice.
Watches YouTube for music and clips,
Daily scrolls FACEBOOK - he posts and gets tips
From family and friends ’n groups on this site
Stays up til 2 A.M. into the night.
Also on NETFLIX, parts of movies,
With me on KANOPY, others he sees.
S.F. Opera - “standing”. “rush”, or “balcony”
Carmelites, Onegin, Don Giovanni
Orfeo and Eurydice - all Muni close
Antony and Cleopatra - a John Adams’ dose
La Traviata at the ball park
Sitting in the bleachers, bundled up in the dark.
S.F. Opera - “standing”. “rush”, or “balcony”
Carmelites, Onegin, Don Giovanni
Orfeo and Eurydice - all Muni close
Antony and Cleopatra - a John Adams’ dose
La Traviata at the ball park
Sitting in the bleachers, bundled up in the dark.
Felder as Chopin in Paris, Mountain View
Lunch with JOHN DALE on West Portal too.
Some movies in theaters, but most are Kanopy’s
Frank likes fiction, me, documentaries.
On Saturday nights, FRANK, DAVE, and I = we
Watch and after critique a movie.
FRANK till plays chess with the folks on his screen
Wins, draws, and loses - he remains keen.
First trip in three years, drove to L.A.
We were there before the Thanksgiving Day.
LANA flew from Texas, great to see her
Stayed in the Marina but we were together.
Drove with her to see GEORGE his pal
A very nice meet-up in Southern Cal.
We also stopped on the way, in Oxnard,
Saw NICK his other friend; but that stop was hard.
Lunch with JOHN DALE on West Portal too.
Some movies in theaters, but most are Kanopy’s
Frank likes fiction, me, documentaries.
On Saturday nights, FRANK, DAVE, and I = we
Watch and after critique a movie.
FRANK till plays chess with the folks on his screen
Wins, draws, and loses - he remains keen.
First trip in three years, drove to L.A.
We were there before the Thanksgiving Day.
LANA flew from Texas, great to see her
Stayed in the Marina but we were together.
Drove with her to see GEORGE his pal
A very nice meet-up in Southern Cal.
We also stopped on the way, in Oxnard,
Saw NICK his other friend; but that stop was hard.
No matter how isolated we are in our day
We dinner together ‘cause that is the way
We remind ourselves that in 1972
In Benedict Canyon, at the CYTRON HOUSE a few
Memories we made 50 years ago.
When we got married, so we let you all know
We dinner together ‘cause that is the way
We remind ourselves that in 1972
In Benedict Canyon, at the CYTRON HOUSE a few
Memories we made 50 years ago.
When we got married, so we let you all know
SALLY
“Multi-tasker” is my middle name.
It is not, just a time-filling game.
I think about the list of things
Prioritize the “carousel rings”
Get them in order, then goals set -
What must be finished - what not to do yet.
How many things can I get done?
Can I handle three, while others handle one?
Here’s an example of one day’s tasks.
From three different sources, three huge asks.
Start looking over the proofs for Dave’s book.
Union Bank fraudulent checks need a look.
Franchise Tax Board sent stuff for review,
And those are NOT all that I must do.
Write out reminders; check on each list.
Don’t let the small stuff get you real pissed.
Print out a bio with pictures and such.
Make a short film where the viewer feels touched.
Zoom and Google technologies
Have to be learned so they’re not mysteries.
LANA was to meet us down in L.A.
We were to drive there on a Monday.
Happened to be my birthday, but STOP!
Everything changed - snap, crackle, pop!
FRANKIE got a sore throat, temp 103,
Tested for COVID, but thank God not me.
Went to the ER, and left him there
They admitted and gave him very good care.
He’d already had vaccines in his arm.
But they watched over him and this worked like a charm
We isolated yes, as best we could do
Ate in separate rooms; kept contacts, few.
We masked up, hand washed, and distanced stayed.
I, Chief cook-and-bottle-washer, launder-lady, nurse maid.
Listen folks, this still’s a dangerous disease.
Keep vigilant in your lives. Take fair warning, please.
I didn’t just stand around, instead just lept
Into some areas, not so adept.
The Benedict Canyon house I managed to sell.
This past year, dealing with Dan’s stuff was hell.
Now I’ve got boxes, files, photos galore,
Asking the big question: “What’s it all for?”
Take for example, the business of art.
Yes I’m quite interested but not a part.
At least in the business, a neophyte am,
Though I’ve got guts, I don’t give a damn
If I misstep or don’t know the ropes,
I figure I can join in with the other dopes.
If I fail, I won’t go crazy surely;
And if I succeed, then more power to me!
It is not, just a time-filling game.
I think about the list of things
Prioritize the “carousel rings”
Get them in order, then goals set -
What must be finished - what not to do yet.
How many things can I get done?
Can I handle three, while others handle one?
Here’s an example of one day’s tasks.
From three different sources, three huge asks.
Start looking over the proofs for Dave’s book.
Union Bank fraudulent checks need a look.
Franchise Tax Board sent stuff for review,
And those are NOT all that I must do.
Write out reminders; check on each list.
Don’t let the small stuff get you real pissed.
Print out a bio with pictures and such.
Make a short film where the viewer feels touched.
Zoom and Google technologies
Have to be learned so they’re not mysteries.
LANA was to meet us down in L.A.
We were to drive there on a Monday.
Happened to be my birthday, but STOP!
Everything changed - snap, crackle, pop!
FRANKIE got a sore throat, temp 103,
Tested for COVID, but thank God not me.
Went to the ER, and left him there
They admitted and gave him very good care.
He’d already had vaccines in his arm.
But they watched over him and this worked like a charm
We isolated yes, as best we could do
Ate in separate rooms; kept contacts, few.
We masked up, hand washed, and distanced stayed.
I, Chief cook-and-bottle-washer, launder-lady, nurse maid.
Listen folks, this still’s a dangerous disease.
Keep vigilant in your lives. Take fair warning, please.
I didn’t just stand around, instead just lept
Into some areas, not so adept.
The Benedict Canyon house I managed to sell.
This past year, dealing with Dan’s stuff was hell.
Now I’ve got boxes, files, photos galore,
Asking the big question: “What’s it all for?”
Take for example, the business of art.
Yes I’m quite interested but not a part.
At least in the business, a neophyte am,
Though I’ve got guts, I don’t give a damn
If I misstep or don’t know the ropes,
I figure I can join in with the other dopes.
If I fail, I won’t go crazy surely;
And if I succeed, then more power to me!
DAVID this year was 49.
Last of the forties; youth is behind.
Holding onto his job at home,
The Testing Group keeps in touch by phone.
Sees movies in clips, in languages foreign
Does Quality Control, it never is borin’.
He does this job and the consumers never know
How much goes into a smooth-running show.
Has an opinion, a well-thought-out one
Of directors, cast members, stories, and some
He loves to re-write the endings and share
The way it “could have been made, if they cared.
We saw the Fabelmans and after-show talk.
Lana and he saw the Selena Gomez doc.
Listens to podcasts ‘bout the Hollywood scene
Is up-to-date with what’s on the screen.
Politics, too he knows all about
Which side of the aisle he stands, there’s no doubt.
Associate Producer on Stoker Hills
Got distribution, its end it fulfills.
Last of the forties; youth is behind.
Holding onto his job at home,
The Testing Group keeps in touch by phone.
Sees movies in clips, in languages foreign
Does Quality Control, it never is borin’.
He does this job and the consumers never know
How much goes into a smooth-running show.
Has an opinion, a well-thought-out one
Of directors, cast members, stories, and some
He loves to re-write the endings and share
The way it “could have been made, if they cared.
We saw the Fabelmans and after-show talk.
Lana and he saw the Selena Gomez doc.
Listens to podcasts ‘bout the Hollywood scene
Is up-to-date with what’s on the screen.
Politics, too he knows all about
Which side of the aisle he stands, there’s no doubt.
Associate Producer on Stoker Hills
Got distribution, its end it fulfills.
DAVE gave himself a really fun way
To celebrate his 49th birthday.
In the month of October, off to New York
14th through 17th and no thought of work
Stayed in a hostel, one of Chelsea’s
Walked the High Line, saw the galleries,
“Death of a Salesman” with a half-black cast,
Broadway theater, got his ticket fast.
The newest fashion and designs at FIT,
Saw their historical Shoes exhibit.
The real thrill was seeing “Funny Girl, and well
Not disappointed in Leah Michele.
Walked across Central Park to the east
Had himself a Magyar “feast”
Hungarian food at the Budapest Café
Added to a memorable day.
DAVE does culture just like a sport.
He loved his vacation, although it was short.
To celebrate his 49th birthday.
In the month of October, off to New York
14th through 17th and no thought of work
Stayed in a hostel, one of Chelsea’s
Walked the High Line, saw the galleries,
“Death of a Salesman” with a half-black cast,
Broadway theater, got his ticket fast.
The newest fashion and designs at FIT,
Saw their historical Shoes exhibit.
The real thrill was seeing “Funny Girl, and well
Not disappointed in Leah Michele.
Walked across Central Park to the east
Had himself a Magyar “feast”
Hungarian food at the Budapest Café
Added to a memorable day.
DAVE does culture just like a sport.
He loved his vacation, although it was short.
I did spend lots of time working with Dave.
Checking the galleys of his book, and gave
My two cents on content, grammar, design,
Checking on everything, looked at each line.
We finished DAVE’s book, said good-bye to Schiffer’s Mary
They postponed the release date to early January.
His book’s release date changed again, woe is me.
To February 21st, 2023.
KEVIN SMITH: His Films and Fans
Can still be pre-ordered as part of your plans.
Checking the galleys of his book, and gave
My two cents on content, grammar, design,
Checking on everything, looked at each line.
We finished DAVE’s book, said good-bye to Schiffer’s Mary
They postponed the release date to early January.
His book’s release date changed again, woe is me.
To February 21st, 2023.
KEVIN SMITH: His Films and Fans
Can still be pre-ordered as part of your plans.
DAVE’s driving up for the holiday
Looking forward to being together. Hooray!
LANA, TONY, RILEY
Looking forward to being together. Hooray!
LANA, TONY, RILEY LANA 57, working hard to survive
In the hotel business, to keep alive.
She’s had a few jobs, most related to sales.
It’s not so easy. She succeeds or she fails.
And if she’s out on the pavement once more
Hopes a better one she will secure.
Watches TV shows she likes on NETFLIX.
In her off hours, there gets her kicks.
She really likes the Emmy-winning show
White Lotus - it’s on HBO.
In the hotel business, to keep alive.
She’s had a few jobs, most related to sales.
It’s not so easy. She succeeds or she fails.
And if she’s out on the pavement once more
Hopes a better one she will secure.
Watches TV shows she likes on NETFLIX.
In her off hours, there gets her kicks.
She really likes the Emmy-winning show
White Lotus - it’s on HBO.
TONY 62, General Manager. Marriott,
Near home in Plano, his dream job he’s got.
Loves to play golf every chance he can.
Supports the Cowboys, his home team, a fan.
Reads and loves movies, if Sci-Fi/Fantasy,
Loves to cook ‘n keep his garden pretty as can be.
Near home in Plano, his dream job he’s got.
Loves to play golf every chance he can.
Supports the Cowboys, his home team, a fan.
Reads and loves movies, if Sci-Fi/Fantasy,
Loves to cook ‘n keep his garden pretty as can be.
In San Marcos, Texas, taking film history
And Drama, and pre-teaching, plus general ed
Living off campus with friends. As he’s said,
“I also like my part-time gig
at the Mexican restaurant; some tips are big.”
All three are coming for Christmas here.
Tony can see MATTIE who lives real near.
A nice reunion it no doubt will be
‘Cause we’ll be together, the family.
In Half Moon Bay, just down Highway 1
Close enough for some holiday fun.
STEPHANIE, ALAN, TROY, & KELEB
STEPHANIE 34, is doing well
Stitch Fix laid her off; her confidence fell,
But she got right back up and found where to go.
She’s working at a financial firm, ECO.
Her first assignment took her to Lisbon.
Seems like the Portuguese lottery she’d won.
ALAN’s still holding his own at Gallo.
TROY (12) loves football, 7th grade, smart and so
a role model for his actor brother,
KELEB (9) in 3rd grade. They support one another.
Stitch Fix laid her off; her confidence fell,
But she got right back up and found where to go.
She’s working at a financial firm, ECO.
Her first assignment took her to Lisbon.
Seems like the Portuguese lottery she’d won.
ALAN’s still holding his own at Gallo.
TROY (12) loves football, 7th grade, smart and so
a role model for his actor brother,
KELEB (9) in 3rd grade. They support one another.
DAVID TAN in S.F. here from Pason, AZ
FRANK and DAVE’s connection is philosophy.
JERRY NEEDLEMAN was their Prof at SF State.
Who died before this visit, one week too late.
FRANK and DAVE’s connection is philosophy.
JERRY NEEDLEMAN was their Prof at SF State.
Who died before this visit, one week too late.
KATIE, MICHELLE, SAMMY and JAY
Next-door family with whom, let’s say
We feel close to; they’re our faux “grandkids”.
JAY is the younger, age 3; SAMMY 6.
They feel quite comfortable and so do we
Coming to eat, read, or watch our TV.
Both enrolled, in French-American Ecole,
Enrichment activities, good for the soul
Soccer, karate, swimming, and hikes
movies, theater, opera, riding their bikes.
As they continue to grow, we’ll enjoy
Our frequent encounters, with each boy.
This was the year, outdoor business up north
More travels in the Rec Van will surely go forth.
Next-door family with whom, let’s say
We feel close to; they’re our faux “grandkids”.
JAY is the younger, age 3; SAMMY 6.
They feel quite comfortable and so do we
Coming to eat, read, or watch our TV.
Both enrolled, in French-American Ecole,
Enrichment activities, good for the soul
Soccer, karate, swimming, and hikes
movies, theater, opera, riding their bikes.
As they continue to grow, we’ll enjoy
Our frequent encounters, with each boy.
This was the year, outdoor business up north
More travels in the Rec Van will surely go forth.
PUFFY and J.R.
A daily pleasure, I look forward to
PUFFY “my” Scrub-Jay knows what to do
Comes to my window, knocks with her beak
Looks straight at me and as if she could speak
Says, I’m here to beg for J.R. and me.
We love those peanuts. You know our plea.”
As soon as she sees me get out of my chair,
She flies to the roof and waits over there
Till J.R. takes his peanut away
Then I have to hide so her game we’ll play.
If she can see me, she won’t take her food.
When she grabs it, she flies off, and then she feels good.
They’ve got me trained as to where and when.
And they do this over and over again.
I get a thrill as each time seems new
A daily pleasure, I look forward to
PUFFY “my” Scrub-Jay knows what to do
Comes to my window, knocks with her beak
Looks straight at me and as if she could speak
Says, I’m here to beg for J.R. and me.
We love those peanuts. You know our plea.”
As soon as she sees me get out of my chair,
She flies to the roof and waits over there
Till J.R. takes his peanut away
Then I have to hide so her game we’ll play.
If she can see me, she won’t take her food.
When she grabs it, she flies off, and then she feels good.
They’ve got me trained as to where and when.
And they do this over and over again.
I get a thrill as each time seems new
And FRANKIE likes to watch them, too.
How fun it is and a surprise to see
A different bird in our backyard tree.
Today while looking at the sparrows that feed
On the sunflowers I give them and like indeed,
A new bird came and just caught my eye,
A bright yellow head and my oh my,
She seemed to find the red berries right
The kind of food to eat before flight.
So I took her picture - front, back, and side,
She’s a Townsend’s Warbler, so says my field guide.
A different bird in our backyard tree.
Today while looking at the sparrows that feed
On the sunflowers I give them and like indeed,
A new bird came and just caught my eye,
A bright yellow head and my oh my,
She seemed to find the red berries right
The kind of food to eat before flight.
So I took her picture - front, back, and side,
She’s a Townsend’s Warbler, so says my field guide.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This poem, of course, must end some time 
And so it’s come to that.
We do wish you all the best.
Now put on your New Year’s hat.
Some sound advice to help us succeed:
“Good thoughts. Good words and yes, good deeds.”
We do wish you all the best.
Now put on your New Year’s hat.
Some sound advice to help us succeed:
“Good thoughts. Good words and yes, good deeds.”
Heartfelt wishes for your good health and be who you want to be.
Please stay strong; we’re thinking about you. Happy 2023!
Please stay strong; we’re thinking about you. Happy 2023!
Huge hugs from FRANK and SALLY. 
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