Loose Change
Some say that I’m not of these times. I’m lost in recollections. Some hear bells but I hear chimes. I don’t ask for directions. Now some would like to define me as nothing but a … Read more
All Posts by Rick Young
Borderline Psychotic
So here’s a song which could have subtitle new national anthem: I’ll put a fucking wall around you all. I’ll toss your kids in cages in the cold. Paranoia has me in its thrall. But … Read more
Barsy
My mother died a year ago today. I feel I need do more than light a candle. I should sit on a rock and meditate, but somehow feel that’s more than I can handle. It’s … Read more
Scupper
There’s a lot to be saved if for drinking supper; cycle all those liquids as if you’re human scupper. Give me one more beer, dear bartender. I’m still a few away from being on a … Read more
The Week Will Inherit the Earth
It was just the saddest thing I’d heard. Blue Monday’s sun was eaten by a bird. It took off to the moon. That light was gone too soon. And now the dark’s just waiting for … Read more
Rocking Chair Blues
I get those rocking chair blues every time I hear the news. There’s a man in shirt and shoes who is drowning in his clues. And a circle of bad folks who are out there … Read more
Slip of the Tongue
I only ate one slice of bacon, just some gristle and some fat, but my vegan friends went crazy, asking how could I do that. Acted like I’d stripped a forest, killed Babe, eaten Bambi’s … Read more
The Aged Stage
I’m not a man of grace. In fact, I can be mean. I don’t respect the president, the papacy or queen. There is only one thing that I love, and this is true. There’s one … Read more
The Aged Stage
I’m not a man of grace. In fact, I can be mean. I don’t respect the president, the papacy or queen. There is only one thing that I love, and this is true. There’s one … Read more
Once Moor, With Feeling
Othello. He hated Jello. He was a Moor and things that shake destroyed his mellow. And his good wife, Desdemona, who lived in Venice but quite enjoyed Barcelona, got entangled with Iago, who was a … Read more
An amateur found a profound truth
An amateur found a profound truth Buried inside a riddle Barking from a distant field Chills down the spine From a newborn fear Parking in front of An elevator door Constraination felt
Outage Problems
Facebook’s having problems, but it must assure it’s backers your blackouts have nothing to do with all those Russian hackers. It’s just a little downtime, like a much needed vacation. It has nothing to do … Read more
Rocky Shiitake
‘Shrooms of all kinds play with our minds, infold like little umbrellas. Some that you find could be unkind. They can be rough little fellas. But everyone loves a Shiitake. Their energy makes you feel … Read more
Hue and Cry
I shook out the sleep dust from your pillow. Seemed as if you’d dreamed in black and white. I was thinking more in terms of color. So I had to wake you every night. Surely … Read more
Smirky Jerky
Catholic boys in MAGA hats, bothersome as swarming gnats. Worse, in fact, ’cause they’re much louder. Couldn’t make their parents prouder. White boys smirking, taunting, yelling. Border walls is what they’re selling. Theirs is an … Read more
Pinning the Knight
Imagine getting old enough to teach a grandson dice games. Never happen. There will be holograms programmable on your home court. Or headset participation: you are guarding Gary Payton, hooking over Alcindor. Athletes will become … Read more
When You Wish Upon A Tsar
The Tsar made me do it. I didn’t quite think through it. Convinced me that collusion was nothing but illusion. I wanted a hotel and figured what the hell. I guessed I could get by by … Read more
The Agony of Victory
Bats flew like helicopters from stadiums, sandlots and parks, all across the sports-infected country. It was the first protest of its kind. Inappropriate usage of trees, they ranted. Last year they’d ruined dear football with … Read more
Ball of Collusion (photo collage by Kalman Zabarsky)
Come Back, Sweet Lou
This guy was Sessions’ Chief of Staff. His resume could make one laugh. He lost a couple statewide runs. But he works out and has big guns. He’s almost fifty, from Des Moines, loved by … Read more