GATI HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2025
The Gati family sends greetings your way
and hopes you’re having a very good day.
I write a poem yearly to remember, not report;
I do have some fun; it’s like a word sport.
My mission is to write all lines in rhyme
and recall what happened over time.
So many things both good and bad,
made me feel both happy and sad.
For all of it, I’ve tried to make sense,
of how it affected me — these events.
I know it’s long, perhaps an imposition,
but I leave it to you; it’s your decision.
The pictures, they’re there for you to see too.
They’re there to help to show who is who.
If nothing else, our wishes we send
as we bring 2025 to an end.
JANUARY
TRUMP came to office like the stereotypic bull,
With a list so long — a shit-bucket full
“to clean the swamp” and let us all know
he was the sheriff and ready to go
with pen in hand and authority from on high
Executive Orders, in a blink of an eye.
His goal is to disrupt our democracy.
He doesn’t really know what can or should be.
He’s high on himself; he’s drunk with power;
His Truth Social tweets come at any hour.
He is uncouth; he has no respect
for things that require some intellect.
The year hardly started when fires began
In Los Angeles county, people drove and ran
From dangerous winds, 100 miles per hour,
Uncontrollable, fast-moving, with all its power
Flattening houses, pulling down trees
Killing the foliage, embers flying where they please,
Igniting new fires, out of control —
No way to stop this, no man, mule, or mole.
Fire fighters tried but the winds were too strong.
Water power failed; other things did go wrong.
On the road out, there was gridlock.
Many were stuck like a big boulder rock.
Panic took over; trucks couldn’t pass
Some older folks, just couldn’t move fast.
With no cell connections, no electricity,
We watched the “news” thinking, “Just a pity!”.
People died, houses burned down to the ground.
Smoke filled the air; the sirens — surround-sound.
Six separate places, it was their fate.
200,000 told to evacuate.
Lydia, Woodley, Kenneth & Hurst,
Eaton and Palisades, said were the worst.
Serious injuries, life’s treasures burned.
Can we look back and ask, “What lessons learned?”
Tragedy comes to us all, in different ways.
Nature spares no one, so each of us pays.
Can we start over when we feel despair?
Again will the sun shine? Will there be fresh air?
FEBRUARY
Sure, why not cut unnecessary spending
Then we will the right message be sending.
But are these cuts for citizens good?
Are these sensible or misunderstood?
INSPECTORS GENERAL — they’re there for good use.
In three categories 1. Waste, 2. Fraud, 3. Abuse
They watch what is done; agencies they oversee,
Now the fox guards the henhouse, only HE.
It’s obvious who is running the show, in Washington D.C. each event
It’s DONALD TRUMP and his foxy friend ELON, our unelected President.
They have the power, are in charge, no transparency
To check on whether money’s spent really efficiently.
There’s defense and taxes, Covid payments, health care,
Education, contracting, immigrants everywhere.
They talk a big game, make it look like they’re on it.
Just changed the MAGA hat for Li’l BoPeep’s bonnet.
The meaning of this is a magic trick.
Pretend to be better; they think that will stick.
But people will see that TRUMP’s all bluff ’n bluster
I pray he’ll go down just as did Colonel Custer.
Remember DONALD, you’re NOT a king.
There’s a Congress and Supreme Court who’re part of this thing:
“Constitutional representative democracy”
And we’re watching you, Our part is the WE,
In “WE THE PEOPLE” have a stake in this too,
And we’re not happy with what YOU want to do.
You’ve made proclamations —buy the Panama Canal
Take over Greenland - the Dane’s say, “Go to Hell.”
Change the name of the Gulf of Mexico
Make Canada our 51st state, a NO GO!
He’ll make a Mid-Eastern Riviera travel spot
And get rid of Gazans, their land now we’ve got.
Then Israel will be at peace for evermore.
And he’ll decide for Ukraine when WE stop the war.
There are real problems that must be attended,
And we Americans can’t be upended
By this administration, like a bull in the china shop
Eventually the people will say, “THIS MUST STOP!”
Among the many Executive orders
Trump’s alienated our friends on both borders.
Canada to the north; to the south Mexico
With friends like we are, it’s hard to know
how to react. Should they retaliate?
Or plan to confront us at some future date?
On foreign-made cars, aluminum, & steel
Trump wants to add tariffs ’cause he seems to feel,
Even though it will cost more when it’s done,
The U.S. will benefit in the long run.
The experts, however, this message they send:
“We as consumers will pay in the end.”
Started his signing with immigration and crime
Showed he could do this in record time.
To eliminate all things he said were “woke”
‘Cause white folks know best and DEI’s a joke.
On immigration, had ICE do his bidding
Hundreds of Venezuelans are now still sitting
In jail in El Salvador; the bill we pay,
And they are still there, no justice, no way.
In early September, raid on Hyundai plant
Almost 500 South Koreans now can’t
Make batteries in Georgia. Visas they lack.
ICE invaded. Then we sent them back.
J.D. VANCE, our country’s VP
spoke to the Europeans as if we
can lecture them — insulted they felt.
They want us as partners, but a punch to them dealt.
His message was clear, and he laid it down,
“Listen to me folks, the sheriff’s back in town.”
TRUMP campaigned, “Give me 24 hours,”
As if he had some superhero powers.
Donald is only for “me, my, and mine”
He foolishly boasts and talks a good line.
The war in Ukraine, can’t be stopped, it seems,
Not by King Donald nor any of his teams.
PUTIN and TRUMP are a dangerous pair.
We want a cease fire, but there’s no there there.
If Ukraine is central, from the talks left out,
It’s not our country, yet there is no doubt
That our arms and money help in their cause
But borders have meaning; there are global laws.
Does Russia think they can a power be again?
Starting with Ukraine, we’ve been watching them.
First take Crimea, then the Donbas in the East.
They want more and more, like a banquet or feast.
War is expensive in weapons and lives.
Lots of hate and bitterness, ugliness survives.
No one really wants war ‘cause everybody loses.
There’s no real solution, only what one chooses.
Our hope is that there are some smart human beings
Who come to their senses with some peaceful leanings.
Trump sees himself as a world peacemaker,
Talks and bluffs like a mafia deal-faker.
In the Oval Office, his peace-power to enhance.
There they were in public view —Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance
It was a show, of bad diplomacy,
A middle-school yelling match, for all to see.
Zelenskyy kept his cool but eventually had to walk.
He spoke to both men, in English tried to talk.
But Trump kept insisting that Russia was right,
That Ukraine should stop but continues to fight.
Trump lied again, said this “dictator Zelenskyy”
Should take this deal and agree to agree.
That Trump and Putin would decide what’s to be.
Trump would end the war — one, two, three!
At the White House, with cameras and the press
Was not to be. Instead ’twas a bad game of chess.
Then up stood the Euro community —
England, France, Poland, Germany
Told Zelenskyy not to fear,
He’d get his backing from over there.
They never got to agree on the plans
That had possibilities for a shaking of hands —
Agree to sell Ukraine’s minerals to us
In exchange for saying “Thank you” and “Yes we trust
the U.S. to arrange the peace and cease-fire
Ukraine to accept and say, 'Yes, sir, my sire!'”
But no chance for war’s end, for a deal or exchange
Now was no time to talk and arrange
For the weapons he needs, for security
To insure their borders and no World War III.
To meet without Russia at the table
Ukraine would not be in anyway able
To accept terms Russia and the US made.
As thousands of lives they’ve already paid.
Pres. versus Pres. I’ll remember as scary,
This very last day in February.
ELON’s a horrible force to contend with
Like a Berlin Wall or a big monolith.
Purports to be the country’s savior
Helping Trump out, doing all of us a favor,
But we know he’ll gain, just wait and see
With Space-X, Satellite Internet, Tesla EV.
He and Trump’s wealthy friends; they’ll benefit
While all of the rest of us wait, wish, and sit,
Hoping that plain folks will not just be
Hearing appeasing words ‘bout the economy,
That our borders need to be sealed,
That our Federal workers should get out,
That waste, fraud, and abuse are still there no doubt.
So yield to the big companies, agri-farms and more
And we’ll all be able to open the gold door
To prosperity and freedom, the way it used to be.
Follow King Donald for our country’s liberty.
What a bunch of horse shit and lots of cow manure.
Elon and Trump . . . they’re too much to endure.
They’re no friends to our neighbors; our own people disagree
They’ve alienated over half the folks, in this country.
There’s no thought of helping the man on the street,
The everyday American who doesn’t lie and cheat,
Who just wants a fair share of the American pie,
Who’s working or now is retired, asking “Why
do these rich oligarchs think that it is we
who need them to be there, in Washington, D.C. ?"
Their method to “clean the swamp”— first do mass firings
Indiscriminate letters ; no thought of re-hirings.
A messy, no rules followed, just proclamations,
Executive orders, praise God, exclamations.
Tear down what’s been in place, a working bureaucracy.
Sure there are problems in a democracy,
But these folks are not the ones to take on this task.
They’re loose canons, uncontrolled — no questions asked.
We saw how they handled USAID,
IRS, FBI, and the CDC.
They can’t just bulldoze the workforce there
Especially when real people need the care.
STOP. Do some thinking. We might go along.
But you folks have caused things to really go wrong.
To correct what needs fixing. To rethink and redo,
We all are in favor. We’d like that from you.
But you’ve proved you’re selfish, unfeeling, no heart,
So we want you out of there. LEAVE. GO. DEPART!
Cold-blooded capitalists with no humanity.
With AI technology and NO empathy.
Deconstruction of the administrative state.
Many think your mission is anything but great.
Just because you shake up the status quo
doesn’t mean you smooth out the way things should go.
As a matter of fact, much was working quite well
Was turned upside down and good workers could tell
That Elon had not planned, nor given fair warning
And those unemployed say it’s all so alarming.
The only results — chaos, confusion, fear.
Is that what we voted for? Of course not. That’s clear.
KING TRUMP keeps talking about his mandates,
But really he’s going after everything he hates.
With “Promises made; promises kept”
Not words of wisdom, causing many to have wept.
Abdicating power to the President and his men
Power given over with a phone and a pen.
The guardrails in democracies do lie in the courts
And Congress a check on these “Executive sports”,
TRUMP’s game he is winning with his signature
Not power to the people; he’s a power monger!
Pretending to end wars, threatening tariffs on our friends,
Canada and Mexico - what message this sends?
There are two questions, make up your mind:
They’re about selfishness or being kind.
Should the Federal government be changed and limited? Or
Should we help our people? Are all ideals dead?
The real truth lies (now that’s a funny phrase)
With the Trump, Putin, and MBS craze.
That’s Mohammed bin Salman, Vladimir and the Don
Ready to take the whole world on.
Imagine what these three nations say,
Saudi Arabia, Russia, USA.
All they can think of are fossil fuel solutions.
Ukraine has what they want. There are no delusions.
Who’s fooling whom? Do we think they’re for us?
Climate solutions for the Earth, mankind, plus
Animals and air and sea creatures too.
But they’re for cheating and turning the screw
On any and all who don’t go along —
dancing their dance and singing their song.
We can see through each sneaky mind,
Lying, pretending that they are just kind,
But we know the truth lies in manipulation
For more money, more power, it’s their vocation
To collude, to scheme, then to meet
And make sure that their plans ne’er miss a beat.
Our job is to stop them — not easy and slow,
They think they’ve got us in a toe hold,
But truth and hard work will prevail I am sure.
In the meantime, however, we’ll have to endure.
Saving tax money, OK I’m all in,
But our enemies now are our used-to-be friends.
Reciprocal tariffs, EU complained with a shout.
“Trump is a TACO” - Trump Always Chickens Out.
And then for the UK he said 10%
Accepting this number, so with it they went.
Firing fed workers who do their jobs well
Their evaluations can certainly tell.
If shaking it up is the way to go.
This is a bad way, and smarter folks know.
Layoffs of people with expertise
Harms those with low-income and disabilities.
Protecting those principles of our civil rights
at the federal level, those who care put up fights.
NWS, FDA, CDC, NPS,
NOAA, FEMA, USAID, yes.
HHS, DHS, CISA, VOA,
Even folks needed at the DVA
Government restructuring, big complaints
All in the name of budget constraints.
How many ways can a man disrupt things?
What sort of bird can fly, with broken wings?
This is the best I can do to compare —
Firing those workers, it just isn’t fair.
Closing down programs for refugees and more
Our borders then look like closed and locked doors.
Afghans who helped us — and did it with pride,
Fought with our green berets; lived side-by-side,
What sort of grateful does this show to them?
Promises should be kept, not erased with a pen.
Many other immigrant programs suspended
Yet for rich emigrés, oh no, they’re not ended.
BUT . . .
The economy is what, he said he would fix.
So far TRUMP’s still up to his old tricks —
Promises, lies and talks a good game.
We know, however, he still is the same.
Eggs are expensive; don’t blame the hen.
And for this Easter, they’ll rise again. [joke courtesy of Stephen Cobert]
Here’s a little something I’d like you to ponder
I put it in poem form. Don’t let your mind wander.
Rumor has it ‘bout the Ukraine War
Trump’s not PUTIN up with the war any more.
And as for an overview —it’s now the thing . . .
Many are calling TRUMP, “The Lying King”.
MORE OF THE POLITICAL YEAR
“Oh no,” you say, “no more of this”,
But I say, “I am really pissed.
There’s no other way but through poetry.
Have to get it out of my system. Humor me.
Trade wars between the U.S. and the world
To friends and foe alike, the President unfurled
“Reciprocal tariffs” he said, “Yes for sure
on electronics, apparel, toys, furniture.”
In the meantime, the Stock Market really tanked,
Reacted badly. So TRUMP we all thanked.
His billionaire friends, they lost a whole lot
And reps from some countries came here and they fought
the unfair burden on their goods for export.
Disagreement was widespread. Many said, “Do abort
this whole idea. Lots of folks disagree
that tariffs will help make America wealthy.”
It’s shaken faith in our economy,
And Tesla sales fell - that’s reality.
Elon’s connection to TRUMP was too tight
They’re learning though; they’re not doing right!
By any standard, the people know best
And soon we will stop them and put this to rest.
Less than 1% of our budget set aside
humanitarian programs, to countries gave with pride,
For food security, health, and literacy
Who knew TRUMP’d dump these? Chaotic cruelty.
How many ways can a man disrupt things?
He’s made us like flightless birds; he clipped our wings.
Firing federal workers makes anger and frustration.
Is that what we got with this administration?
The economy’s worse, and it just isn’t fair.
Groceries are higher. We all can compare
Prices for gas and for eggs before.
Folks without jobs, can’t shop at the store.
TRUMP and his cronies are riding roughshod
Executive signature, smirk, and a nod.
On immigration, had ICE do his bidding,
Hundreds, Venezuelans deported and sitting
in jail in El Salvador, the bill we pay.
Now they are stuck there - no justice, no way!
No hearings, just whisked away up in the sky,
taken to prisons; can’t escape if they try.
The public’s protected and surely succeeds
When an agency’s there to look after our needs.
Yet with government agencies they’re acting thorough
Gutted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
So little thought as they ruin each one.
They trashed the Dept. of Education.
Once again we’re talking ‘bout the press —
Facts, thoughts, opinions that people express.
TRUMP is ignoring the working folks who
Put him in power. They know what is true.
We want an informed citizenry.
That is what holds up democracy.
He is an autocrat who wields all power
Makes loyalty purges from his White House tower.
We the people know what he’s about.
He’s gone too far, and we want him OUT!
Yes, we the people can’t take any more.
We’ve had it all the way down to our core.
In his first few months, look where he stood.
Let’s be specific — the man is no good.
Donald, the king, was in 7th heaven
He accepted Qatar’s offer, a 747.
Worth $400 million, but that’s not allowed.
The Constitution says “NO”. He’s nothing but proud.
Instead he stands tall and says, “Look at me.
I’m a loved leader. Now let me be.”
Using his position the Presidency
Promoted his Trump cryptocurrency.
He’s given direction to the DOJ:
“Go after my opponents, in a political way.”
$500 K per person got he
At a private club in Washington, D.C.
So folks could gain access to Trump and his clan.
Man were they rich! And oh what a plan!
Who does he pander to? Arab Royalty,
Putin, Big Oil, and Fox “News” TV.
Elevated Elon Musk to power
Badly-planned mass firings hour after hour;
Threatened uncooperative Republicans to note
He funded other candidates next primary vote.
Yes he has the right to be dumb and dim,
And we have the right to not like him.
Abusing his office, he is so unwise
Rewarding, protecting his friends and allies
Punishing all his political foes,
His head’s in the clouds, moves as the wind blows.
The news overall keeps getting worse
At everyone, everything, I want to curse —
The weather, the prices, the world situation,
The President, Congress, the whole goshdarn nation.
The judges, the lawyers, the bankers, police —
Intolerance for all of it, seems to increase.
So many problems are overwhelming
From cease fires perhaps some peace that may bring.
Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas,
Tariffs and taxes, how much do things cost?
Inflation and climate change, disasters worldwide
Famine, fire, hurricanes, many have died.
Things fall apart, bad infrastructure,
Solutions expensive, how can we be sure?
Fear of the unknown, some have no job,
Inflation must go down or here comes the mob.
Then there’s big Pharma, stop fentanyl
Drug overdoses -- it’s really awful.
JUNE
For two days in LA, perhaps in fear
Hundreds of demonstrators faced riot gear
Worn by ICE agents there on their mission.
Our governor did not give his permission
to search for the undocumented for deporting.
GAVIN our governor said, “Protestors are aborting.”
TRUMP ordered 2000 National Guard.
NEWSOM responded, “Get out of our yard!”
He didn’t ask for help for these latest scenes
and certainly not to bring in the Marines.
TRUMP called it a rebellion, just to harass
and angered L.A.’s Mayor, KAREN BASS.
Yes, June was the month TRUMP took seriously
to deport whom he said were here illegally.
He said, “Go after the immigrants first,
drug lords, sex traffickers, the worst of the worst.
criminals, rapists, citizens who
harbor their family; that’s what they do.”
So masked men in black clothes, no warrants in hand
grabbing, handcuffing, no real legal plan,
To an ice cream wagon, flower cart, fruit stand,
to workplaces, slaughterhouses, even farmland,
the parking lots at the Home Depot invaded.
For the undocumented, any place could be raided.
Downtown LA was a mess for awhile;
Protesters met Marines, guns in a file.
It seems the ideas of this “Felon-in-Chief” [to quote Harry Shearer]
have gone past reason; it’s beyond belief.
There is no compassion or compromise,
only conquest — his political prize.
MORE ON IMMIGRATION
Trump has a problem; he’s more upset than we
as regards immigration and legality.
Those that are working on farms picking fruit.
Let them stay safe here; we don’t give a hoot
As long as they work and taxes they pay,
Let them remain in the U.S. of A.
Trump’s got this thing about immigrants and crime.
Home Depot “workers” and nurses are fine.
They take the jobs no white folks will do.
Why punish them and their families too?
ICE raids and night scares, no warrants, handcuffs.
They treat these people very much too rough.
FACT: 4-5% of our population
Are undocumented workers here in this nation.
Of those arrested, the vast majority
Are not criminals; it’s known; we agree.
It’s an us-vs.-them economy —
Ugly and crude, Trump’s lies — a flurry.
He makes us think there’s an internal threat
Yet keeps adding to our national debt.
Even though he’s cut billions in spending.
FACT: Good government people, their jobs he is ending.
I joined the Peace Corps for its philosophy.
And USAID represented generosity.
Our people to yours, “Help others: was our creed.
The world is vulnerable. We’ll help with the need.
140 programs were in this game.
Now only 30 or less do remain.
Military parades, oh Trump had one.
Crowds were sparse, but he had fun.
Center of attention for his birthday.
Spent lots of money on a big show that way.
We’ve seen this done by authoritarian regimes —
North Korea, China, Russia, it seems
use these occasions to intimidate.
(Democratic countries do it to commemorate.)
No potent message, just wave the flag more
like on July 4th, with fireworks galore.
“Oh no,” you say, “no more of this”,
But I say, “I am really pissed.
There’s no other way but through poetry.
Have to get it out of my system. Humor me.
Trade wars between the U.S. and the world
To friends and foe alike, the President unfurled
“Reciprocal tariffs” he said, “Yes for sure
on electronics, apparel, toys, furniture.”
In the meantime, the Stock Market really tanked,
Reacted badly. So TRUMP we all thanked.
His billionaire friends, they lost a whole lot
And reps from some countries came here and they fought
the unfair burden on their goods for export.
Disagreement was widespread. Many said, “Do abort
this whole idea. Lots of folks disagree
that tariffs will help make America wealthy.”
It’s shaken faith in our economy,
And Tesla sales fell - that’s reality.
Elon’s connection to TRUMP was too tight
They’re learning though; they’re not doing right!
By any standard, the people know best
And soon we will stop them and put this to rest.
Less than 1% of our budget set aside
humanitarian programs, to countries gave with pride,
For food security, health, and literacy
Who knew TRUMP’d dump these? Chaotic cruelty.
How many ways can a man disrupt things?
He’s made us like flightless birds; he clipped our wings.
Firing federal workers makes anger and frustration.
Is that what we got with this administration?
The economy’s worse, and it just isn’t fair.
Groceries are higher. We all can compare
Prices for gas and for eggs before.
Folks without jobs, can’t shop at the store.
TRUMP and his cronies are riding roughshod
Executive signature, smirk, and a nod.
On immigration, had ICE do his bidding,
Hundreds, Venezuelans deported and sitting
in jail in El Salvador, the bill we pay.
Now they are stuck there - no justice, no way!
No hearings, just whisked away up in the sky,
taken to prisons; can’t escape if they try.
The public’s protected and surely succeeds
When an agency’s there to look after our needs.
Yet with government agencies they’re acting thorough
Gutted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
So little thought as they ruin each one.
They trashed the Dept. of Education.
Once again we’re talking ‘bout the press —
Facts, thoughts, opinions that people express.
TRUMP is ignoring the working folks who
Put him in power. They know what is true.
We want an informed citizenry.
That is what holds up democracy.
He is an autocrat who wields all power
Makes loyalty purges from his White House tower.
We the people know what he’s about.
He’s gone too far, and we want him OUT!
Yes, we the people can’t take any more.
We’ve had it all the way down to our core.
In his first few months, look where he stood.
Let’s be specific — the man is no good.
Donald, the king, was in 7th heaven
He accepted Qatar’s offer, a 747.
Worth $400 million, but that’s not allowed.
The Constitution says “NO”. He’s nothing but proud.
Instead he stands tall and says, “Look at me.
I’m a loved leader. Now let me be.”
Using his position the Presidency
Promoted his Trump cryptocurrency.
He’s given direction to the DOJ:
“Go after my opponents, in a political way.”
$500 K per person got he
At a private club in Washington, D.C.
So folks could gain access to Trump and his clan.
Man were they rich! And oh what a plan!
Who does he pander to? Arab Royalty,
Putin, Big Oil, and Fox “News” TV.
Elevated Elon Musk to power
Badly-planned mass firings hour after hour;
Threatened uncooperative Republicans to note
He funded other candidates next primary vote.
Yes he has the right to be dumb and dim,
And we have the right to not like him.
Abusing his office, he is so unwise
Rewarding, protecting his friends and allies
Punishing all his political foes,
His head’s in the clouds, moves as the wind blows.
The news overall keeps getting worse
At everyone, everything, I want to curse —
The weather, the prices, the world situation,
The President, Congress, the whole goshdarn nation.
The judges, the lawyers, the bankers, police —
Intolerance for all of it, seems to increase.
So many problems are overwhelming
From cease fires perhaps some peace that may bring.
Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas,
Tariffs and taxes, how much do things cost?
Inflation and climate change, disasters worldwide
Famine, fire, hurricanes, many have died.
Things fall apart, bad infrastructure,
Solutions expensive, how can we be sure?
Fear of the unknown, some have no job,
Inflation must go down or here comes the mob.
Then there’s big Pharma, stop fentanyl
Drug overdoses -- it’s really awful.
JUNE
For two days in LA, perhaps in fear
Hundreds of demonstrators faced riot gear
Worn by ICE agents there on their mission.
Our governor did not give his permission
to search for the undocumented for deporting.
GAVIN our governor said, “Protestors are aborting.”
TRUMP ordered 2000 National Guard.
NEWSOM responded, “Get out of our yard!”
He didn’t ask for help for these latest scenes
and certainly not to bring in the Marines.
TRUMP called it a rebellion, just to harass
and angered L.A.’s Mayor, KAREN BASS.
Yes, June was the month TRUMP took seriously
to deport whom he said were here illegally.
He said, “Go after the immigrants first,
drug lords, sex traffickers, the worst of the worst.
criminals, rapists, citizens who
harbor their family; that’s what they do.”
So masked men in black clothes, no warrants in hand
grabbing, handcuffing, no real legal plan,
To an ice cream wagon, flower cart, fruit stand,
to workplaces, slaughterhouses, even farmland,
the parking lots at the Home Depot invaded.
For the undocumented, any place could be raided.
Downtown LA was a mess for awhile;
Protesters met Marines, guns in a file.
It seems the ideas of this “Felon-in-Chief” [to quote Harry Shearer]
have gone past reason; it’s beyond belief.
There is no compassion or compromise,
only conquest — his political prize.
MORE ON IMMIGRATION
Trump has a problem; he’s more upset than we
as regards immigration and legality.
Those that are working on farms picking fruit.
Let them stay safe here; we don’t give a hoot
As long as they work and taxes they pay,
Let them remain in the U.S. of A.
Trump’s got this thing about immigrants and crime.
Home Depot “workers” and nurses are fine.
They take the jobs no white folks will do.
Why punish them and their families too?
ICE raids and night scares, no warrants, handcuffs.
They treat these people very much too rough.
FACT: 4-5% of our population
Are undocumented workers here in this nation.
Of those arrested, the vast majority
Are not criminals; it’s known; we agree.
It’s an us-vs.-them economy —
Ugly and crude, Trump’s lies — a flurry.
He makes us think there’s an internal threat
Yet keeps adding to our national debt.
Even though he’s cut billions in spending.
FACT: Good government people, their jobs he is ending.
I joined the Peace Corps for its philosophy.
And USAID represented generosity.
Our people to yours, “Help others: was our creed.
The world is vulnerable. We’ll help with the need.
140 programs were in this game.
Now only 30 or less do remain.
Military parades, oh Trump had one.
Crowds were sparse, but he had fun.
Center of attention for his birthday.
Spent lots of money on a big show that way.
We’ve seen this done by authoritarian regimes —
North Korea, China, Russia, it seems
use these occasions to intimidate.
(Democratic countries do it to commemorate.)
No potent message, just wave the flag more
like on July 4th, with fireworks galore.
SEPTEMBER
Another notable military show
done for the whole wide world to know.
CHINA had a huge Beijing display
of their major weapons for Victory Day.
Helicopters, drones, missiles, tanks, not a few,
Rocket launchers, stealth fighters, aircraft brand new.
Uniformed men marched perfectly in sync,
Hats, boots, white gloves, and guns, not a missing link.
Xi was the main man. Impressed by him
was Putin from Russia & North Korea’s Kim.
The last of the spectacle, flags, doves, balloons.
It’s peace on earth or the whole world in ruins!
Another notable military show
done for the whole wide world to know.
CHINA had a huge Beijing display
of their major weapons for Victory Day.
Helicopters, drones, missiles, tanks, not a few,
Rocket launchers, stealth fighters, aircraft brand new.
Uniformed men marched perfectly in sync,
Hats, boots, white gloves, and guns, not a missing link.
Xi was the main man. Impressed by him
was Putin from Russia & North Korea’s Kim.
The last of the spectacle, flags, doves, balloons.
It’s peace on earth or the whole world in ruins!
MORE ON THE MIDDLE EAST
It’s been called “a horror show”,
No agreement for Gaza. Both sides they say, “No.”
No to the hostages, alive and dead.
No to a cease fire. Not enough bloodshed?
No to a day-after plan — there is none
Arabs and Jews . . . what’s been done has been done.
Instead there is famine on the Gaza side.
Medicine, gas, water, in short supply.
Security’s a problem, of course Israel’s scared,
And everyday Gazans, they’re not prepared.
There’s worry and bombings and hopelessness,
constant movement and tons of stress.
250,000 in tent colonies.
Sanitation impossible; situation breeds disease.
Reconstruction’s a big job; can’t be done in a hurry,
But for the moment, all there is, is worry.
A shattered health system; overwhelmed medic staff.
Hospitals are not safe. Their needs, more than they have.
Nothing of substance at the White House meetings there.
Trump always gets our hopes up; but just lots of hot air.
THE DOMESTIC SCENE
For all of us, Congress is supposed to care
Our safety, health, security, economic welfare.
Instead it became, so obscene.
Their attention was only on Jeffrey Epstein.
“Government by crisis” so clear is this phrase.
Just because we know what he does, is no reason him to praise.
Said in another way, he’s running an autocracy,
And everything he moves on, he calls an “emergency”.
Trump says protesters are all “animals”. . .
“Insurrectionists”, “aliens”, & “deadly criminals”.
Calls on law enforcement, it's his policy and brand.
Politicizes all of the military, and
No wonder there’s violence that will not cease.
He’s combined Marines, National Guard, and the police.
You’d think there’s a war in D.C. & L.A.
Chicago’s Mayor Johnson told Trump,“Stay away.”
Trump thinks for homelessness, crime, and drugs
The military’ll solve it, like swatting out all bugs.
In D.C., end of November, an Afghani immigrant,
Killed and wounded two Guardsman; was a shocking event.
Trump has now decided, NO IMMIGRANTS will we
take from “Third-World Countries” — It's his own policy.
It’s been called “a horror show”,
No agreement for Gaza. Both sides they say, “No.”
No to the hostages, alive and dead.
No to a cease fire. Not enough bloodshed?
No to a day-after plan — there is none
Arabs and Jews . . . what’s been done has been done.
Instead there is famine on the Gaza side.
Medicine, gas, water, in short supply.
Security’s a problem, of course Israel’s scared,
And everyday Gazans, they’re not prepared.
There’s worry and bombings and hopelessness,
constant movement and tons of stress.
250,000 in tent colonies.
Sanitation impossible; situation breeds disease.
Reconstruction’s a big job; can’t be done in a hurry,
But for the moment, all there is, is worry.
A shattered health system; overwhelmed medic staff.
Hospitals are not safe. Their needs, more than they have.
Nothing of substance at the White House meetings there.
Trump always gets our hopes up; but just lots of hot air.
THE DOMESTIC SCENE
For all of us, Congress is supposed to care
Our safety, health, security, economic welfare.
Instead it became, so obscene.
Their attention was only on Jeffrey Epstein.
“Government by crisis” so clear is this phrase.
Just because we know what he does, is no reason him to praise.
Said in another way, he’s running an autocracy,
And everything he moves on, he calls an “emergency”.
Trump says protesters are all “animals”. . .
“Insurrectionists”, “aliens”, & “deadly criminals”.
Calls on law enforcement, it's his policy and brand.
Politicizes all of the military, and
No wonder there’s violence that will not cease.
He’s combined Marines, National Guard, and the police.
You’d think there’s a war in D.C. & L.A.
Chicago’s Mayor Johnson told Trump,“Stay away.”
Trump thinks for homelessness, crime, and drugs
The military’ll solve it, like swatting out all bugs.
In D.C., end of November, an Afghani immigrant,
Killed and wounded two Guardsman; was a shocking event.
Trump has now decided, NO IMMIGRANTS will we
take from “Third-World Countries” — It's his own policy.
PAY TO STAY (facts from the NYT)
Pay to stay is the Trumpian way
To let foreigners come to the USofA.
Skilled workers now, a $100,000 a year fee
like software engineers, visas called H-1B.
Then there are gold cards for $1million or $2
A business-sponsored applicant of “exceptional value”.
Business travelers, tourists, and students who
Must pay $250, customs to pass through.
Even those seeking US asylum,
fearing war or famine, where they come from
To apply we’re charging $100 a year
and for applications pending, pay another to stay here.
For work permits, what used to be free,
Applications, minimum the new fee, $550.
Even bonds for visitors who might overstay,
$15,000 to insure they go away.
AND even the judges who agree or not,
are in the middle and are literally caught
in this time of 5th amendment suspension
ICE is putting people in detention
and deporting immigrants legal or not,
Grab ‘em and take them on the spot.
The executive has taken over the DOJ.
They’re doing what they want. We have little to say.
ENERGY CREDIT
The “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by Congress,
“Regress” is the word instead of “progress”.
One example, sufficient to show
That environmental laws were given a blow.
For used EVs [electric vehicles], 30% credit, note the date:
Expiration 2032 - no hurry, you can wait.
But NO, now it’s 30 September, 2025,
Not even ‘nuf time at a dealership for cars to arrive.
SECOND STATE VISIT TO THE UK
Trump loves pomp and circumstance,
He didn’t take his VP Vance.
This time just model Melania and he
visited Queen Camilla and King Charlie.
His second state visit to Castle Windsor,
Red-carpet ceremony, pageant galore.
A flyover filled the British sky
With red, white, and blue smoke above them on high.
Dignitaries for the banquet, royal carriage, and bands
Yet London protesters with signs, not fans.
Projected picture of Trump and Epstein
Organized their march, huge anti-Trump scene.
PM Keir Starmer met Trump the next day
Business discussions, to invest in the UK.
Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Open AI
have committed billions, deals glad to tie.
CHARLIE KIRK & FREEDOM OF SPEECH
I’d never heard of Charlie Kirk, nor Turning Point USA
till Tyler Robinson went berserk on a pretty September day.
Pulled the trigger on this MAGA guy.
31-year-old podcaster — too young to die.
Anger, fear, passions surfaced immediately,
Then theories and opinions got expressed on TV.
Jimmy Kimmel blamed MAGA, on his show.
Then ABC cancelled him. What a low blow!
“Free speech” is something for all, guaranteed
The First Amendment, is a right we ALL need.
Yet, If it’s not what those in power say:
“Too bad, sucker, shut up, go away.”
Let’s be clear: distasteful content and hate speech
can cause big problems and how far they reach.
Companies can self-censor, hire whom they please,
Say whom they want to speak, hire who agrees.
BUT the government CAN’T control or censor.
What they think is “right”, they can’t close the door
on thoughts just because they don’t agree
or don’t see things as they want folks to see!
TRUMP and his followers are government.
Their ideas are theirs alone and NOT from God sent.
So when they dictate what books or cultural meme,
We must let them know that we’re NOT ON THEIR TEAM!
CLIMATE CHANGE
TRUMP says, “Climate problems are overblown,
Exaggerated, and not even known.”
To quote him as his own words he hurled:
“It’s the greatest con job ever perpetuated on the world.”
What does he know, to speak so assured?
He doesn’t believe science; his words are absurd.
No matter what scientists say, he denies them
Doesn’t like windmills, kills birds that fly by them.
Rejects good solutions like solar cells.
Loves fossil fuels — coal, natural gas and oil wells.
They release carbon dioxide in the air,
pollutants and acid rain, those folks don’t care.
No need for corporations to change their tactics.
There’s money in fertilizers, gas cars, and plastics.
What do they really want — the fossil fuel industry?
TRUMP said in exchange for help, he’d get them subsidies.
Laws and agencies are under threat
keeping air & water clean —these we want to get.
But they’re walking back legislation that passed and made sense
so as to help the earth for many years hence.
They attack scientists. The US should be leading.
Instead the EPA’s smaller and staff there are pleading,
“We’re in the midst of a crisis — fires, floods, and heat.
It’s disappointing and tragic; feel defeated and beat.
But we won’t give up; we’re still in the fight.
It’s so important, and we know we’re right.
Pay to stay is the Trumpian way
To let foreigners come to the USofA.
Skilled workers now, a $100,000 a year fee
like software engineers, visas called H-1B.
Then there are gold cards for $1million or $2
A business-sponsored applicant of “exceptional value”.
Business travelers, tourists, and students who
Must pay $250, customs to pass through.
Even those seeking US asylum,
fearing war or famine, where they come from
To apply we’re charging $100 a year
and for applications pending, pay another to stay here.
For work permits, what used to be free,
Applications, minimum the new fee, $550.
Even bonds for visitors who might overstay,
$15,000 to insure they go away.
AND even the judges who agree or not,
are in the middle and are literally caught
in this time of 5th amendment suspension
ICE is putting people in detention
and deporting immigrants legal or not,
Grab ‘em and take them on the spot.
The executive has taken over the DOJ.
They’re doing what they want. We have little to say.
ENERGY CREDIT
The “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by Congress,
“Regress” is the word instead of “progress”.
One example, sufficient to show
That environmental laws were given a blow.
For used EVs [electric vehicles], 30% credit, note the date:
Expiration 2032 - no hurry, you can wait.
But NO, now it’s 30 September, 2025,
Not even ‘nuf time at a dealership for cars to arrive.
SECOND STATE VISIT TO THE UK
Trump loves pomp and circumstance,
He didn’t take his VP Vance.
This time just model Melania and he
visited Queen Camilla and King Charlie.
His second state visit to Castle Windsor,
Red-carpet ceremony, pageant galore.
A flyover filled the British sky
With red, white, and blue smoke above them on high.
Dignitaries for the banquet, royal carriage, and bands
Yet London protesters with signs, not fans.
Projected picture of Trump and Epstein
Organized their march, huge anti-Trump scene.
PM Keir Starmer met Trump the next day
Business discussions, to invest in the UK.
Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Open AI
have committed billions, deals glad to tie.
CHARLIE KIRK & FREEDOM OF SPEECH
I’d never heard of Charlie Kirk, nor Turning Point USA
till Tyler Robinson went berserk on a pretty September day.
Pulled the trigger on this MAGA guy.
31-year-old podcaster — too young to die.
Anger, fear, passions surfaced immediately,
Then theories and opinions got expressed on TV.
Jimmy Kimmel blamed MAGA, on his show.
Then ABC cancelled him. What a low blow!
“Free speech” is something for all, guaranteed
The First Amendment, is a right we ALL need.
Yet, If it’s not what those in power say:
“Too bad, sucker, shut up, go away.”
Let’s be clear: distasteful content and hate speech
can cause big problems and how far they reach.
Companies can self-censor, hire whom they please,
Say whom they want to speak, hire who agrees.
BUT the government CAN’T control or censor.
What they think is “right”, they can’t close the door
on thoughts just because they don’t agree
or don’t see things as they want folks to see!
TRUMP and his followers are government.
Their ideas are theirs alone and NOT from God sent.
So when they dictate what books or cultural meme,
We must let them know that we’re NOT ON THEIR TEAM!
CLIMATE CHANGE
TRUMP says, “Climate problems are overblown,
Exaggerated, and not even known.”
To quote him as his own words he hurled:
“It’s the greatest con job ever perpetuated on the world.”
What does he know, to speak so assured?
He doesn’t believe science; his words are absurd.
No matter what scientists say, he denies them
Doesn’t like windmills, kills birds that fly by them.
Rejects good solutions like solar cells.
Loves fossil fuels — coal, natural gas and oil wells.
They release carbon dioxide in the air,
pollutants and acid rain, those folks don’t care.
No need for corporations to change their tactics.
There’s money in fertilizers, gas cars, and plastics.
What do they really want — the fossil fuel industry?
TRUMP said in exchange for help, he’d get them subsidies.
Laws and agencies are under threat
keeping air & water clean —these we want to get.
But they’re walking back legislation that passed and made sense
so as to help the earth for many years hence.
They attack scientists. The US should be leading.
Instead the EPA’s smaller and staff there are pleading,
“We’re in the midst of a crisis — fires, floods, and heat.
It’s disappointing and tragic; feel defeated and beat.
But we won’t give up; we’re still in the fight.
It’s so important, and we know we’re right.
Speaking of weather, the Caribbean had
Weather we’d all have to categorize as bad.
Melissa, the hurricane was a “cat five”,
Massive and raging, like a monster alive.
Passed over Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti,
damaging, killing, a storm so weighty
that no-one had ever seen so much power!
Up to 30 inches of rain, 185 miles per hour.
Weather we’d all have to categorize as bad.
Melissa, the hurricane was a “cat five”,
Massive and raging, like a monster alive.
Passed over Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti,
damaging, killing, a storm so weighty
that no-one had ever seen so much power!
Up to 30 inches of rain, 185 miles per hour.
Two tropical cyclones disrupted Asia,
in Indonesia, Thailand, and Maylasia.
1300 mies away, in Sri Lanka one,
Surprised all who live there, deep destruction done.
Flattened houses, flooded the ground
No time to flee, thousands were drowned.
Mother Nature doesn’t care.
She sweeps away roads and doesn’t play fair.
Climate's changed oceans, warmer for sure;
causing more rainfall, holding moisture.
Water levels rising on the sea,
bringing strong surges with intensity.
in Indonesia, Thailand, and Maylasia.
1300 mies away, in Sri Lanka one,
Surprised all who live there, deep destruction done.
Flattened houses, flooded the ground
No time to flee, thousands were drowned.
Mother Nature doesn’t care.
She sweeps away roads and doesn’t play fair.
Climate's changed oceans, warmer for sure;
causing more rainfall, holding moisture.
Water levels rising on the sea,
bringing strong surges with intensity.
THOUGHTS ON WAR
The power of war and all it causes,
Nobody wins. There are just losses.
Obscene results — the pain of generations,
Especially on the children of affected nations.
This says it all. There’s Russia and Ukraine
Israel and Palestine, war is insane.
Diplomats resolve to stop these and more
But we keep waiting for the end of war.
People are filled with nothing but hate,
And so it is, we have to wait.
The power of war and all it causes,
Nobody wins. There are just losses.
Obscene results — the pain of generations,
Especially on the children of affected nations.
This says it all. There’s Russia and Ukraine
Israel and Palestine, war is insane.
Diplomats resolve to stop these and more
But we keep waiting for the end of war.
People are filled with nothing but hate,
And so it is, we have to wait.
UPDATE ON US
TRIP TO LA FOR DAVE’S BIRTHDAY (October 13-20)
Our 8-day trip we spent in L.A.
Both Frank and I drove the 5 Highway.
Frank stayed four days, Four Points Hotel.
I on Dave’s couch, slept very well.
Thanks to Lana and Tony, his stay there was free.
I think he got it from points from DeeDee.
A lecture on Rauschenberg at the LACMA
Enjoyed the museum, with Dave, his ma and pa.
Frank stayed in Inglewood, but Dave and I did go
Sunday to a Long Beach Open Studio.
Then Long Beach Museum, paintings displayed
And singular art books so nicely made.
Spent with David, his birthday 52
Drove out to Eagle Rock, had a chore to do.
Delivered the Tesuki Washi Taikan
Japanese paper, fine prints were made on,
For Special Collections in Oxy’s library,
Sarah Pickle and her staff were quite merry.
Brunch with Ronda, just Feri and me.
Nice hanging out at Fromin’s Deli.
Worked at Dan’s hangar, the cleanup is slow.
Met Len there, only a short time, though.
On Saturday in Long Beach, DAVE saw his friend TOM.
LYNEA was with him, and I came along.
After that visit, with Dave and FERI,
a show opened at Long Beach Downtown Gallery
Slater Barron, “A Mother’s Life” was there,
Lint paintings. Also met the curator.
Maybe this contact will reap some good wine,
hoping to connect with him, at some future time.
On Sunday, Dave ’n I took boxes (not all),
But a carful downtown to St. Vincent de Paul.
On the way back, saw Echo Park Lake.
What a nice small detour, worthy to take.
Saw “Wicked” with Dave & Making of the Blues Brothers.
Had I not been so tired, we would have watched others.
LYNEA was with him, and I came along.
After that visit, with Dave and FERI,
a show opened at Long Beach Downtown Gallery
Slater Barron, “A Mother’s Life” was there,
Lint paintings. Also met the curator.
Maybe this contact will reap some good wine,
hoping to connect with him, at some future time.
On Sunday, Dave ’n I took boxes (not all),
But a carful downtown to St. Vincent de Paul.
On the way back, saw Echo Park Lake.
What a nice small detour, worthy to take.
Saw “Wicked” with Dave & Making of the Blues Brothers.
Had I not been so tired, we would have watched others.
 |
| Frank and George |
FRANK and his old friend, there face to face.
Keeps close to his good friend, saw him in L.A.
Nice to laugh and reminisce ‘bout their past up to today.
Visited MacArthur Park, saw the Burlington Place,
Langer’s Deli, his old haunts, there first he had to face.
The beginning of his young life in California where
he was forced to settle down and see how he would fare.
NOVEMBER
THANKSGIVING DAY, celebrated each year,
especially set aside, it’s very clear.
if your family can join you or friends can come too,
This is great if it’s what you want and can do.
To make a big deal ‘bout turkey and such
I’d rather “fine dine” just the two of us.
That’s what we did, Frank and I ate at home.
And talked to the two “kids” on the phone.
Our family’s Frank and David and me,
We are very close and we do talk daily.
Christmas here in S.F., the Bautistas we’ll see
and David will drive up. How nice that will be!
THANKSGIVING DAY, celebrated each year,
especially set aside, it’s very clear.
if your family can join you or friends can come too,
This is great if it’s what you want and can do.
To make a big deal ‘bout turkey and such
I’d rather “fine dine” just the two of us.
That’s what we did, Frank and I ate at home.
And talked to the two “kids” on the phone.
Our family’s Frank and David and me,
We are very close and we do talk daily.
Christmas here in S.F., the Bautistas we’ll see
and David will drive up. How nice that will be!
 |
| Frank |
FRANK’s 87; he treasures each day,
To Lakeshore Plaza, he gets away.
Buys a sesame bagel covered with schmear
Then to Pete’s Coffee, that’s located near.
He still takes classes with Marina each week,
Writes down his mem’ries. Into his life we peak.
He really has produced some powerful poems,
Some prose-like, some rhyming, ‘bout both of his homes.
We get insights about his time in Hungary
Yet most of his thoughts are about this country.
Watches Hungarian programs on the news,
As well as what Facebook and YouTube choose.
With spiritual masters, the Eckhart Tolle way
and doc filmmaker, Lucy Kaye.
He also likes some other kinds of shows:
Nature, cooking, right-wing politicos.
Enjoys the movies we stream together.
Mostly stays inside, out of cold weather
Plays computer chess, his indoor fun.
Loves to see it say: “FRANK, YOU HAVE WON.”
Took in some operas, on stage heard them sing
and one at home with Dave — streamed “THE MONKEY KING”.
Who wouldn’t want to seek immortality
Imprisoned for 500 years, this monkey.
Then to India a Buddhist monk he follows,
Fights gods, demons, dragons, even underwater goes.
With puppets and dancers, stage lighting — what a show!
As good as Las Vegas in San Francisco.
”PARSIFAL” by Wagner, knights and prophecy,
Christian symbols, Holy Grail, and some royalty
Felt like movie music. Critique? No success.
Was a weird, strange opera, mixed-up story mess.
Verdi’s “RIGOLETTO”, is a jester and hunchback,
Loves his daughter dearly, but she dies in a closed sack.
Familiar music, beautiful, Italian opera, grand.
Tragic story, in the end, was not what life had planned.
Feri has given himself some health scares
And me too, as a partner who cares.
His heart, his kidneys, a recent fall —
Everything’s a worry and that’s not all.
He wears a Libre 3 to check his sugar level.
Checks it all the time, like Satan, the red devil.
He knows when he’s hell-a-high; he sees when numbers drop.
He pays attention to his food, like a glucose-watching cop.
To Lakeshore Plaza, he gets away.
Buys a sesame bagel covered with schmear
Then to Pete’s Coffee, that’s located near.
He still takes classes with Marina each week,
Writes down his mem’ries. Into his life we peak.
He really has produced some powerful poems,
Some prose-like, some rhyming, ‘bout both of his homes.
We get insights about his time in Hungary
Yet most of his thoughts are about this country.
Watches Hungarian programs on the news,
As well as what Facebook and YouTube choose.
With spiritual masters, the Eckhart Tolle way
and doc filmmaker, Lucy Kaye.
He also likes some other kinds of shows:
Nature, cooking, right-wing politicos.
Enjoys the movies we stream together.
Mostly stays inside, out of cold weather
Plays computer chess, his indoor fun.
Loves to see it say: “FRANK, YOU HAVE WON.”
Took in some operas, on stage heard them sing
and one at home with Dave — streamed “THE MONKEY KING”.
Who wouldn’t want to seek immortality
Imprisoned for 500 years, this monkey.
Then to India a Buddhist monk he follows,
Fights gods, demons, dragons, even underwater goes.
With puppets and dancers, stage lighting — what a show!
As good as Las Vegas in San Francisco.
”PARSIFAL” by Wagner, knights and prophecy,
Christian symbols, Holy Grail, and some royalty
Felt like movie music. Critique? No success.
Was a weird, strange opera, mixed-up story mess.
Verdi’s “RIGOLETTO”, is a jester and hunchback,
Loves his daughter dearly, but she dies in a closed sack.
Familiar music, beautiful, Italian opera, grand.
Tragic story, in the end, was not what life had planned.
Feri has given himself some health scares
And me too, as a partner who cares.
His heart, his kidneys, a recent fall —
Everything’s a worry and that’s not all.
He wears a Libre 3 to check his sugar level.
Checks it all the time, like Satan, the red devil.
He knows when he’s hell-a-high; he sees when numbers drop.
He pays attention to his food, like a glucose-watching cop.
He likes to make “lecsó”, a Hungarian dish.
Craves it, and so when this is his wish,
Onions, peppers, sausage, garlic, tomato paste,
Always has a spoon on hand, to get a little taste.
Makes “nokedli” noodles, looks under the lid.
Stirs it, adds the sauce, and enjoys the meal he did.
DAVID is now 52, still working as a QC,
Quality Control for the Testing Group,
but he’s thinking about how to flee.
He’s been there for years but he’s only one of two
and the company now seems to have far less to do.
His horizons are changing, he’s got his eye
On teaching at a college, and for this, he wants to try.
He did get an offer to work at Americorps
Then Trump defunded the program; the offer was no more.
He’s contacting schools with his CV and resumé
hoping that his expertise will warrant some good pay.
He’s got his cover letters; some courses ready to go
All he needs is an interview, just to let them know.
Ready he is for in person, hybrid, or on Zoom;
He can teach film classes, at school or from his room:
Kevin Smith: His Films and Fans, some of Hollywood’s flops,
Bret Easton Ellis lives, Post-Production, surveys and docs.
Given a chance, by gosh and by golly
It might even happen at UCLA’s Olli.
With perseverance and a little luck
He’s not going to give up and say, “What the F?%#!”
DAVE loves to travel, took two trips this year
to SPAIN and NEW YORK, solo traveler, no fear.
February 20th to the second of March he went
Had a great getaway, in the time he spent.
Flew over to SPAIN, it was the first part
Chose BARCELONA, was really smart.
The Olympic Stadium where soccer’s got a name.
Barcelona vs. Madrid, he saw a tie game.
Montjuic Castle and Molins de Rei
“Stoker Hills” premiered there. First place it played.
Docs at a Sports Film Festival. Not to be missed --
Flamenco dancers, three fine guitarists.
Train to BILBAO, great Guggenheim Museum.
The Carnival’s Gigantes and Cabezudos, did see ‘em.
Side trip to the shrine on a hill
Really big effort, but did fulfill
Gaztelugatxe, it was a success.
So was the kids’ parade. It was the best.
Craves it, and so when this is his wish,
Onions, peppers, sausage, garlic, tomato paste,
Always has a spoon on hand, to get a little taste.
Makes “nokedli” noodles, looks under the lid.
Stirs it, adds the sauce, and enjoys the meal he did.
 |
| David |
DAVID is now 52, still working as a QC,
Quality Control for the Testing Group,
but he’s thinking about how to flee.
He’s been there for years but he’s only one of two
and the company now seems to have far less to do.
His horizons are changing, he’s got his eye
On teaching at a college, and for this, he wants to try.
He did get an offer to work at Americorps
Then Trump defunded the program; the offer was no more.
He’s contacting schools with his CV and resumé
hoping that his expertise will warrant some good pay.
He’s got his cover letters; some courses ready to go
All he needs is an interview, just to let them know.
Ready he is for in person, hybrid, or on Zoom;
He can teach film classes, at school or from his room:
Kevin Smith: His Films and Fans, some of Hollywood’s flops,
Bret Easton Ellis lives, Post-Production, surveys and docs.
Given a chance, by gosh and by golly
It might even happen at UCLA’s Olli.
With perseverance and a little luck
He’s not going to give up and say, “What the F?%#!”
to SPAIN and NEW YORK, solo traveler, no fear.
February 20th to the second of March he went
Had a great getaway, in the time he spent.
Flew over to SPAIN, it was the first part
Chose BARCELONA, was really smart.
The Olympic Stadium where soccer’s got a name.
Barcelona vs. Madrid, he saw a tie game.
Montjuic Castle and Molins de Rei
“Stoker Hills” premiered there. First place it played.
Docs at a Sports Film Festival. Not to be missed --
Flamenco dancers, three fine guitarists.
Train to BILBAO, great Guggenheim Museum.
The Carnival’s Gigantes and Cabezudos, did see ‘em.
Side trip to the shrine on a hill
Really big effort, but did fulfill
Gaztelugatxe, it was a success.
So was the kids’ parade. It was the best.
DAVE’s New York weekend, 13 -16 November.
Short but sweet, a trip to remember.
Overnight to Newark flew from L.A.
Lana got the hotel in Chelsea, where he stayed.
Walked the streets, shot picts of NYC,
He got lucky, weather fine, just chilly.
The Broadway show, CHESS, starring Lea Michele
Whom David loves, and she did very well.
Fun for a fan on his Playbill now reads,
Got autographs from the 4 male leads.
Took a good selfie in front of Trump Tower.
Gave him the finger — GO PEOPLE POWER!
On the A-Train, end of Manhattan found
Fort Tryon Park, fall trees and leaves abound.
The Cloister Museum, Medieval castle for
the Unicorn tapestry and exhibits galore.
Views of the Hudson River from the top,
Excellent artifacts, well worth the stop.
Happened on FIT, fashions cheered his mood,
And had a great dinner at Xi’an’s Famous Food.
Ferried to Governors Island the last day,
Watched 5K runners at serious play.
Got his own souvenir yellow t-shirt
Didn’t have to finish or run in the dirt.
Train to New Jersey, no shutdown, thank God.
Had fun, got away, kept a healthy bod.
Made books of both trips. It’s the way to try
to keep the memories. They’re on Shutterfly.
[To see one or both of them click the link.
You’ll like them, at least, that’s what I think.]
MY FRIENDS, Here and Gone
Three good friends passed away — not good news to hear.
PAT BARBOUR HUGHES (83) —
She, from the early 70s I knew
Mission Community College, a teacher who
Loved the job, taught ESL,
and enjoyed knowing the students as well.
She was an artist, I admired so.
Her travel bug & animal love, I began to know.
She collected baskets and books, loved hand-made stuff,
Was a hiker, nature lover, and a music buff.
Lived in San Francisco, we were neighbors too
From ’57 BHHS, it was she I knew.
Back and forth we drove, SF to L.A.
Loved to converse, talked nonstop, and laughed all the way.
SAL-LOUISE and THELMA-SUE, names that seemed to stick.
We renewed our friendship here, this unconventional chick.
Friends we were from Beverly, from Freshman Algebra class.
Kept in touch over the years, no birthday ever passed
without a call, a catch-up; our families knew each other -
daughter Sarah, husband Peter, and Laurette, her mother.
sister Susan, father Michael, step-mother Dossie
Los Feliz in the city, Laguna by the sea.
The kibbutz connection, the art world that she knew,
an expert advisor; a friend through and through.
DUANE HUDSON (85) -
My Peace Corps buddy died in 2024,
But his family got together, did a “yahrtzeit”- like encore.
The one-year anniversary, in Washington state,
I sent a video that I made so as to relate
and recall Nigeria, old times, ’twas a small dose.
of thoughts and memories from back then, since we were very close.
My Peace Corps buddy died in 2024,
But his family got together, did a “yahrtzeit”- like encore.
The one-year anniversary, in Washington state,
I sent a video that I made so as to relate
and recall Nigeria, old times, ’twas a small dose.
of thoughts and memories from back then, since we were very close.
For two more colleagues I want to sing
BETSY PORTARO, ANN-MARIE FLEMING.
Indo-Chinese Training Project, so long ago and
Chinatown/North Beach — ESL high to low.
.
BETSY PORTARO, ANN-MARIE FLEMING.
Indo-Chinese Training Project, so long ago and
Chinatown/North Beach — ESL high to low.
.
One friend, RIVKA (91), I still enjoy seeing.
Talking to her or around her just being.
We’re in West Portal; she’s downtown on Clay.
We keep in touch but not every day.
We talk on the phone or I go to visit.
It’s good to be social; sometimes I miss it.
Talking to her or around her just being.
We’re in West Portal; she’s downtown on Clay.
We keep in touch but not every day.
We talk on the phone or I go to visit.
It’s good to be social; sometimes I miss it.
April first was rainy and wet.
Only fools would go out and drenched they’d get,
But I’d made plans to drive and to reach
The Spanish Bay Inn, at PEBBLE BEACH.
There was my old friend RONDA, spending time.
I stayed overnight. So nice — on her dime.
Went for a windy walk, trail by the sea,
Smooth rocks and white waves, wild flowers, so pretty.
Had a fine dinner, watched the sun set,
talked, laughed and reminisced, no better can it get.
Drove back the next day, no rain, lots of sun.
passed the lighthouse, down Highway One.
Whipped-white surf, bright yellow fields of flowers,
Made it back home in two and a half hours.
 |
| Sally |
SALLY is 84. healthy and strong, but . . .
look into the mirror; it cannot be wrong.
Gray hair, skin bruises, wrinkles occur,
No question about it — real picture of her.
She’s vegetarian, that’s how she eats,
won’t give up chocolate and other sweets.
Feri and she have each other still
For 53 years said, “I do and I will.”
This year’s been fun. I’ve done lots of baking.
Leftover cacao from Dan I’ve been making.
Brownies or cornbread is what I’ve been lovin’.
When I have extra eggs, I use my oven.
I talk to our son on the phone every day.
Enjoy when the next-door kids come to play.
My brain and body — OK as I am,
Grateful to my parents, thanks to Shirley and Sam.
SALLY’s HEALTH RANT
A few thoughts on health and also nutrition,
Not that it is my only ambition
To lecture on how you all should eat
‘cause I am partial to food, that is sweet.
Often I overdo on chocolate bits
Instead of celery, carrots ’n' turnips;
But I eat plants, all by choice,
Am deaf when hearing a meat-eater’s voice.
Chicken, fish, beef, and lamb, and pork --
Go for it, you guys, with your knife and fork,
But I choose not any animals for food.
It’s cruel and bloody and doesn’t taste good.
You have to smother that muscle in sauce,
And in the market, you know what it costs,
Plus the food for feed, the land that is cleared
The trees that are cut, forests’ve disappeared.
Any creature with a mother, just let it live.
This is a gift, that you can give.
SALLY AND THE MATILDA CYTRON TRUST in JULY
JUDGE MOODY ordered our two sides to meet,
to mediate this case — 60 days to complete.
Then when we got to the 6th of October,
No matter the outcome, it should have been over.
And as I see it, whether I’d have lost or won,
before distribution, the taxes must be done.
The problem’s the same: pay the capital gains.
My cousin and her husband’s complaints remain —
See me as the enemy, in their way of getting money.
Greed guides them, like a bee to honey.
MTC UPDATE: Ongoing litigation with my cousins, never-ending.
They want MO-MONEY and are not bending.
Must settle at mediation or go to trial.
Been dragging this out for a long, long while.
By next year April, the court ordered us
to settle this case and this we must.
 |
| Tony and Lana |
 |
| Riley |
LANA, Frankie’s daughter, turned 60 in May.
Keeps close by telephone, almost every day.
Senior living housing and hotel space did sell.
Right now she is working, at a Hyatt Hotel.
TONY (66) is the Manager of the Marriott Fairfield Inn
He still runs the show there, same place where he’s been.
RILEY in this past year, he turned 23,
Works at Whole Foods Plano in their store’s deli.
All three went to Europe, stopped in the UK.
Tony’s sister’s in London, so they stayed there a few days.
MATT who lives in France now, joined the family in Italy
Really did enjoy themselves . . . immensely.
Ultra-quick tourists, LANA and TONY,
alone took the "Chunnel", from England, under the sea.
The two of them together - this is how they came
Overnight in Paris, went down the River Seine.
Saw L’Arch de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower,
Made it fast but worthwhile, each ’n’ every hour.
Saw as many things as they could,
Got a feeling for France and went off feeling good.
 |
| Frank and Lana |
On a weekend flew from Dallas, a little time she had,
But a way to spend with us his 87th birthday,
here on the west coast, city by the Bay.
Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park
Fun-fish Aquarium down under ’n' dark
albino alligator, T-Rex bones,,
turtles that pass for silent stones.
Walked in Pacifica out by the sea,
also at Lands End, where there’s pure beauty.
 |
| Alan Kaleb Stephanie Troy |
THE VALPONIs
STEPHANIE (37) works for ClassPass.com,
an online fitness spa and salon.
where gyms and wellness are great, of course.
She leads a team of 15 salesforce
ALAN’s at Gallo Wine, job changed a bit.
Now he can travel, and that’s part of it.
TROY is 15, is a high school Sophomore,
Been playing football, adds much to the score.
Even thinks he might play college ball,
What’s wrong with dreaming? Nothing at all.
KALEB (12) a championship baseball guy,
Also a Gold Honor Roll - grades are high.
These are a quick overview facts to know.
Relatives on Frank’s side, in Modesto.
Updated, pictured, they are the ones -
his granddaughter and his two great-grandsons.
 |
| KPop Demon Hunters & Pokemon |
SAMMIE is 9 and JAY is 6
and MICHELLE and KATIE are up to new tricks.
This past year was a big one, for outdoor sports and such;
The kids learned skiing at Tahoe, and liked it very much.
Skateboarding, swimming, Lacrosse, soccer, too.
Every day another game or activity to do.
They’ve been busy at their school, and traveling when they can.
Yosemite and Orlando Disney, Korea, China, Japan.
Frank plays chess with Joseph; Sammie and I duos play;
We use the ukulele, learn music in that way.
SAMMIE started the flute; JAY plunks the piano.
When they come over, we have fun. It’s great to watch them grow.
HARDLY STRICTLY (Oct. 4th)
Golden Gate Park, music festival free
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, 25th anniversary.
Friday I went, but no place to park,
Disappointed I drove home, long before dark.
Saturday, FRANK ‘n I took the local bus,
We loved the Banjo Stage, perfect for us.
Laurie Louis, Alice Gerrard, and Della Mae —
tribute to Hazel Dickens, her music played.
On Sunday, SAMMIE and I had a date.
The two of us could hardly wait.
Left my phone home, so excited were we
Had to borrow Katie’s, I’m such a dummy.
Thousands of people enjoying their lives.
Great music to groove on; good weather, good vibes.
 |
| Puff |
OUR FAVORITE SCRUB JAYS
First there was BLUE, we used to adore.
Every day came to the open French door.
Then there was FLUFFY, she’d land on my hand
and take a peanut. We thought that was grand.
Then came PUFFY, a strong male jock.
With his beak, on the window he’d make a loud knock.
And now comes PUFF to the window upstairs.
She’s a skittish Scrub Jay and easily scares.
I’ve managed to train her to wait patiently.
She has it down, almost routinely.
She sees me from some place, where she’s hiding,
Then comes to the window where I am abiding,
Flies to the roof, notes if I’m there,
flies to my hand, grabs the peanut with flare.
She’s not satisfied with only one.
So flies off but knowing, there’s more to come.
Then in her beak, in flight she grabs
so many times I never keep tabs.
If at the computer and paying no mind
PUFF will come onto my desk so’s to find
Me in the room, imagine how I feel
when she enters my space. No dream, it’s for real.
One thing though, that still baffles me —
She’s a wild bird who comes in, yet she remains free.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Let me end with a prayerful thought:
Idealists have wishes and activists have fought
for a peaceful planet, pollution free,
no nuclear weapons, no shooting sprees,.
Perhaps it’s a pipe dream that there’ll be no war,
and our fellow humans can open their door,
that together we can live on this planet Earth,
a small space we claim from the time of our birth.
Wishing you adventure and lots of wonder,
New ideas and thoughts to ponder.
Let’s make the New Year the time to renew —
Hope 2026 is when wishes come true.
Let me end with a prayerful thought:
Idealists have wishes and activists have fought
for a peaceful planet, pollution free,
no nuclear weapons, no shooting sprees,.
Perhaps it’s a pipe dream that there’ll be no war,
and our fellow humans can open their door,
that together we can live on this planet Earth,
a small space we claim from the time of our birth.
Wishing you adventure and lots of wonder,
New ideas and thoughts to ponder.
Let’s make the New Year the time to renew —
Hope 2026 is when wishes come true.
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