Hello Folks,
This poem is about two people in a very long relationship, where one is reaching out to rekindle it as from the start. I'm of that age now, though this was written fourteen years ago. Most of my friends are in that category and are probably making their own new re-evaluation. Whoever and whatever it is, say it with love. Do You Remember? Have we grown too old Do you remember? When love was a flame Instead of an ember Do you recall our start? That fabulous spark That made us both tremble You captured my heart I wouldn't depart Till your defenses crumbled Have I not been bold? To hold you so tender Love's ever my aim I feel the same Do you remember? The years show their wear I know we both care Yet, down deep is a rumble To rekindle that spark The flash in the dark That thrilled us to tumble I love you so, dear These feelings are clear My heart's ever open With you I am hopin Still caught in love's splendor Have you forgotten? Come... let us remember Jack T. Leyton 2007 So nice to be in a position of recreating new love from old love. I wish we could all have that opportunity. Cheers, Jack 🖖✌️
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Hello Folks,
In honor of Memorial Day I'm posting Honor And Glory. I wrote this back in 1974, a year after I finished my military service. Being an amateur military historian and appreciating the wonderful fantasies and myths of books like The Lord of the Rings, I took a stab at writing a poem depicting combat. It only took me about forty-five minutes to finish the first draft, but, it took many more years to tune it up with rewrites. I don't use the common terminology for units and ranks, but delve into fantasy to find generic terms. The main thing isn't the names but the experience of combat. After spending most of my teen age years, and after, reading histories of the American Civil War, I wanted to express something like that feel to this poem. And maybe find a universality that deals with an historical experience so common so as to transcend any particular place and time. Honor And Glory Projectiles from large enemy thunder tubes Fly overhead seeking some damage to do Our War Group enters the camp left to us With once bright uniforms covered with dust The mounts are nervous, though protected by a rise Shielded from the fire, as our columns arrive Leadmen of Troups hear from Headmen of Bands “There’s no falling out, the column here stands.” Tired men fall from our march in the sun Comrades support them, there’s no place to run Leadmen tell Pack Foremen, “Inspect Warlings through.” File Overlings follow to ensure hearts stay true Warm water is taken from bottles half full While we all listen to the thunder tube duel The longer the waiting, the tenser the nerves Feeling, on today’s action, the conflict may turn Our Chiefman is here, to help form our line Preparing the Bandline, he say’s we’ll do fine We’re all made ready, with skirmishers ahead The thought in our minds, who’ll live or be dead? The Theyn of the War Group arrives with his staff We’re put to attention to hear what he say’s “Friends, Patriots, be proud on this morning, Our freedom now lies in your honor and glory.” “We fight to protect our families and homes. This is our duty, the only way shown. Our enemies enslave us, won’t let us be. Fight for your freedom and destiny.” Checking our arms, fire rods are readied With long blades attached to make them more deadly Our lines are dressed as the thunder tubes stop Then we hear, along the rise, the words, “Over the top.” Our line surges forward, scrambling over the rise Each of us praying to somehow just stay alive How many more races across torn up ground How many more lifetimes to waste, as this now Large thunder tubes take their toll once again Churning up ground, and brave frightened men Struggling along, covered with dirt and sand Praying not to step where projectiles might land My mind stops, suspended, as the inferno is seen Trapped in this unreal, nightmare of a dream What have we done? What was our crime? Forced to pray for survival one more last time Our foot band’s Headman, with banner unfurled Like a man possessed in a alien world Exhorting, cajoling, driving us all along “To stop is dishonor, move forward, be strong.” My mind clouds, past fights merge into one All I know to live, is keep moving, and run Looking back I see we’re far less than before As projectile bursts engulf us once more Littered around are broken mounts and men I know I could never do this again We near the trenches where our enemies lie Their Headmen yelling, while their wounded cry Our thinned line closes the space in-between The enemies’ eyes are scared and mean Their fire rod flashes quicken our pace All locked together in this deadly long race The banner held in our Headman’s strong hands He plants in the trench, where others soon land Our foot band enters, fighting eye to eye The foe’s soon evicted, while many there die The Headman screams, to gather a pursuit We’re all brought together to see the fight through One frightened man panics, crumbling to his knees The rest start off, as the enemy flees Then, a projectile burst knocks me to the ground My mind’s filled with haze, motionless, but sound Trapped in my body, as others pass by I’m aware of life, and afraid to die I see, in my haze, the Headman at bay Prodding the straggler to get on his way Yelling, exhorting, the same old story “Defend your country, for honor, and glory.” With thunder tube bursts again overhead I feel, before long, that I’ll soon be dead The scene with the Headman’s charge continues Till a burst from a tube makes dust of their sinew The smoke soon clears, only crumpled bodies remain Uniforms are shredded, the torn banner hangs Battle sounds relent, to stillness and calm All the dust settles, and the conflict is gone Then after a time the War Theyn appears Seeing the banner brings him close to tears Telling an aide of the Headman’s brave run “Oh, to what cost such bravery is done.” He gets two stretcher bearers to stop To put the Headman’s remains there on top Placing the banner, over the body, once brave They carry it back to a fine hero’s grave Unknown to them, though well I could see The bodies having fallen so close to me Taken was the straggler, in mistaken hurry To fill in for the hero’s honor and glory Jack T. Leyton 1974 Years ago, I happened to read this poem to the father of a friend of mine who was in the U.S. 29th Infantry Division that landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day, 1944. He just kind of gave a look like a thousand yard stare and softly said, "Yeah, that's about it." Enough said. God bless and keep all our heroes, past, present and future. Equivalents War Group = Division = 10,000 (+/-) Bandline = Brigade = 3-5,000 Band = Battalion = 500-1,000 Troup = Company = 100-200 Pack = Platoon = 30-45 File = Squad = 8-15 Warling = Soldier from anywhere at anytime Enough said. God bless all our heroes, past, present and future. Cheers, Jack 🖖✌️ Jax Blog #13
This next poem I wrote back in 2007. Around that time I was putting my book of poetry together at a coffee shop near where I lived, while I was in between employment. I was spending long days compiling what I had and I found myself sometimes finishing scraps of partial poems from sometimes years before. "Jill" was one of those partial poems. Around that time I had met a girl who worked at the coffee house named Jill and it got my imagination moving enough to finish this poem. I mean, I'm Jack, shouldn't there be a Jill... and a hill? As for the date 12/29/1972 at 06:00 am, PST. At the time I wrote the poem I was heavily into Astrology, and so with hard study and geometric logic and astro plotting of all the planets, and... and with a lot of help from an online Astrology site, I came to the conclusion that a person born on that day, at that time was my perfect match. A young 48 year old, now. Oh well. As luck would have it, I've never been able to meet anyone with those dates and times. I'm still waiting.... Jill Someday I'll find my Jill Every Jack should have one With all the standard thrills Knows how to love and have fun Is there a proper way? Not some run of the mill If classifieds would say Right here, an awesome Jill Who am I to complain? Sure, some great catch I am She might just think the same Yep... better off with a Sam An astrologer told me, "Son, I've got the perfect girl. Born, West Coast, December 29, 1972 ... at 06:00 am." I said, "Are you for real?" I have such love to share With passions full... and still She's got to be somewhere? That loving elusive Jill Jack T. Leyton 2007 Yep... I'm still waiting.... I don't think I'll be holding my breath. Stay Safe and Well Cheers 🖖 ✌️ Hello Folks,
This poem is one of my few attempts at dry humor. I was attempting to give it a slight Monty Python style. I hope I succeeded, but that judgement is up to you. JUDGEMENT DAY WILL BE FRIDAY This establishment will be open half day only. All employees wishing time off are asked to submit in writing any requests no later than two days prior. If possible an alternate to cover your position should be designated. Pay will be straight time with the usual O/T bonus. Of the three per cent cost of living differential. All time off will be taken from vacation time, if available. Otherwise, it will be counted as a non-pay day. Paychecks, usually available at the end of shift on Friday, due to a glitch in the computer system, will be mailed out instead. We are confident in the assurances of the Post Office, that service will continue in its normal efficient manner Since it is expected to be a light volume day, the dress code will be relaxed. All wishing to bring in a pot-luck lunch are heartily encouraged. . IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES Questions and suggestions may be left on the executive voice mail. Your input is important to us. A response may be made in an appropriate and timely fashion. If there is need for personal consultation, however Management will Not be available. Good Luck and Best Wishes. Thank You for your continued support. Jack T. Leyton 2000 Lately, we seem to be having a few of these ourselves. I hope we continue to get thru them in a successful manner. Good Luck and Best Wishes Thank you for your continued support. Jack 🖖 ✌️ Hello Folks,
And Now He's Gone was written a short time after the death of my father. He died on Valentines Day on the weekend of my son's first birthday. It was a time of mixed emotion for my whole family. My Dad had been in the hospital for a week beforehand, in and out of a coma. All our relatives visited him during that time knowing it was "Good-bye." Still full of emotion, I wrote this poem. And Now He's Gone I feel the shadows in this house There was once a presence here It is, and may remain a permanent scent For over thirty years my father lived here And now he's gone His clothes in the dresser folded just so My Mother placed neatly, in loving expectation I recall occasions, weekends, and visitations Photos on the wall with his grand style And now he's gone Not all the crying, praying, and shouting Cursing, wailing, or bawling can change a thing The scent is there from years of wear His spirit lies in the memories of our lives And now he's gone In the little hours, when the creaking walls are heard And the half dreaming beckons to might have beens The wishing dies away in tears of parting Loves heavy heart remembers sorrows and joy And now he's gone Jack T. Leyton 1987 The house was where my brothers and I were raised and was full of the spirits of our family. It was sold after our Mother's passing, but I still drive by sometimes. As Thomas Wolfe said, "You can't go home again." As in most families, the memories stay rich and compelling. And now they're gone. Cheers, Jack 🖖✌️ Hello Folks,
The poem Air Seas was written at a positive time in my life when I had the feeling that all was well for a positive future and to just go ahead and challenge it. Of course the future never stays that way for long. But it's always important to ride that crest as long as we can and remember what we're capable of and what we can handle. Air Seas Sails set for the clouds And places filled with stars Flying high on the winds That bring wonders from afar Air seas my eyes see Through the currents of the sky Time is won to be done And I'm glad that I'm alive All's bright for the moment On my new craft soaring high Till time brings the morrow And the moment I shall die Soaring high through the clouds As my new life is taken in hand From it's dark and dismal depths To the place I'll make my stand Free flight in cool air As I try my sails and wings Flight now I've mastered I have learned so many things Far from my beginnings Remembered distant past My sails are unfurled Strong tempered, made to last Off then to adventures I've not dreamed since long before Time now to live them To fill each moment more and more Jack T. Leyton 1979 May all our adventures be positive and caring. And may these trying times now just serve to temper our wings and sails for a brighter future. Cheers, Jack 🖖✌️ Hello Folks,
Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's I was a member in good standing with the Conejo Valley Poetry Society. We had a lot of really great poets involved, with meetings every couple of weeks and a general poetry reading once a month in the coffee shop of the old Border's Book Store in the Thousand Oaks Mall. Much of my poetry was written with them. We'd get together to display our new writings for a class critique and hopefully improve our technique. I always thought there was value in that, even though I might not always agree with the comments. A Taste Of Seduction is the result of my enjoyment of the writings of my friend David Alan Foster. His humor and alliterative style always made me smile, if not laugh. So I wrote this as a kind of tribute to Mr. Foster and his work. A Taste Of Seduction Thought I'd go out For a taste of seduction With some passion on the side Guilt and regret I'd forget In that doggie bag, to go On further reflection Illicit love Though on the menu I can't quite digest Other rich dishes Like half baked sex And steamy affaires Are out of my budget Better I stay home Than become some fast fool Jack T. Leyton 1995 Short and simple. There'll be a few more along the way. Take care. Stay safe and well. Cheers, Jack 🖖✌️ Hello Folks,
This was written in the dark days of the reign of George W. Bush. It hearkens back to the old days of the 1930's Great Depression. But, one must always adjust for inflation. I can remember those stark times quite keenly. Luckily for me I had just landed a delivery job that I was able to keep right up to my retirement. This is dedicated to the bad old days of just fill-in jobs until the good one arrived. Buddy... Can I tap You for a Buck? Asking for cash is a bummer Panhandling off ramps sure sucks I'm a guy like any other Buddy... can I tap you for a buck None thought my firm would go under Then NAFTA competition struck Didn't know they'd got our number When suddenly our number was up Buddy... can I tap you for a buck? My dot com interest scurried When Wall Street hit its flurry My wife is awfully worried We just lost the house Maybe, next goes the spouse Union wage, now offshore dollar a day That corp'rate free trade muck Trades all our freedoms away All that Repo-publican bunk Yet, they're never jailed for their junk Wish I had a piece of Congress Since my excess tax holds it up Now, we've got all this war stress Where were you when nine-eleven struck? Buddy... can I tap you for a buck? Jack T. Leyton 2003 This poem was even more true after the crash of September 2008. Very painful. It probably rings more true for the dark days of the reign of King Donald as well. Hopefully, now, we may be heading back to a "normal" existence. Maintain hope. Never assume...! Stay Safe and Well. Cheers, Jack 🖖 ✌️ Oh, Ziegfeld came about in 1978. I was working as a clerk in the storeroom at The Burbank Studios, at the time on the old Warner Bros. lot on Olive Ave. Across from the storeroom on Stage 16 they were shooting a musical biography of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr called "Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women" starring Paul Shenar and a bevy of beauties including Samantha Eggar and Valerie Perrine. The made for TV movie was directed by Buzz Kulik, who was known for directing the CBS anthology series Playhouse 90 and many episodes of The Twilight Zone.
When they started shooting on Stage 16, I'd go over on my lunch break and watch the action. I knew a bit about Ziegfeld's career and of the artists who had been in his Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway in the 20's and 30's before movies became more profitable. Entertainers like Fanny Brice, Billie Burke, Eddie Cantor, Will Rogers, Helen Morgan, W.C. Fields and more. I wanted to see who they'd cast and when I found out the very popular, in 1978, Valerie Perrine was in it, I made sure to check it out. Along the way, while watching the filming, the idea of a song from 1974 reappeared in my head, and I put it to paper while on my breaks at work. I had a tune for it in mind and I figured I'd go over to the production and see if anyone would be interested. As it turned out, a production secretary told me that all the songs for the show were already set. They were period songs from his life and it was too late to add anything. She wouldn't even listen or look at it. This song was originally meant for an ingenue like Liza Minnelli, who was very popular at that time, having been successful in the musical film of Cabaret. I had started my preliminary sketch of the lyrics after seeing her in the movie in 1974 But since I didn't write music at that time, it just stayed in my head and was primed to take off for the Ziegfeld movie. I don't have a recording of it, but I hope you enjoy the lyrics. Oh, Ziegfeld Grandma used to tell me, of Broadway long ago How she got her chance to sing and dance With the very best of shows, by singing... Oh... Ziegfled, Flo Ziegfeld, remember me? I am the one you saw in that show called "Gay Paree" You promised me a big part in Your show at the Winter Garden But, winter's come, and I am still in the cold Oh... Ziegfeld, Flo Ziegfeld, please look at me I've got the charm and talent you know they want to see You promised me all Broadway A show on the the Great White Way But, shows have come and gone, and I'm still alone Oh, how my mother'd be proud No longer just one of the crowd Seeing me walk on to the stage To the audiences cheers and raves Oh... Ziegfeld, Flo Ziegfeld, I'm here at last I'm here to take my place in the ranks of your great cast I'm here ready to swing in When are we going to begin Mr. Ziegfeld, let's get on with it Mr. Ziegfeld, let's get on with it Mr. Ziegfeld, let's get on with the show Jack T. Leyton 1974 I'm hoping to record it someday with a young lady who can do it justice. But.... We'll see... 🖖✌️
Hello Folks,
The idea for this lyric-poem came from having a cup of coffee one rainy evening in a small cafe on Reseda Blvd in Tarzana. As I watched the rain dribble down the window next to where I was sitting, it put me in a kind of trance. After I had jotted down my initial ideas on a few napkins, I realized I had to run to my car to get my notebook. In the process of working out the following flow of consciousness, I soon found that my lead line worked better as the chorus, which was the magic section that started it all off. I hope you enjoy the result. Memories of You Friday night's stale glare C.D.'s blast and blare Cars whiz by like phantoms through the air Not finding peace I swear Not finding hope or care Time flies... still, I see you everywhere City lights, city sounds, city sights Helpless, lost in memories of you Misty night, sipping rounds, sitting tight Trying to drown my memories of you None were ever better lovers Mates of the soul, best of pals Never a thought of any others What were the doubts not worked out Sleepwalking moments of my lifeline The up's and down's, in's and out's of chance Couldn't dream you'd be stuck in my mind In that unreal, unlikely haze, romance City lights, city sounds, city sights Helpless, lost in memories of you Misty night, sipping rounds, sitting tight Trying to drown my memories of you Drizzled rain streaks the glass I'm viewing Bright colors fade to shades of gray Forgetting exactly what I'm doing Lost in a lonely hearts parade Jack T. Leyton 2000 I've got a music demo of this floating around somewhere. When I figure out how to work this whole computer electronics facebook system, I may post it as well. Stay Well, Be Safe Jack ?✌️ |
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