Day: April 9, 2016

UNDER THE PORCH

On By Walter J. WojtanikIn April Poetry Month, Challenge, Haibun (Form), Life, Memory, Poetic Asides, Through the Eyes of a Poet's Heart, Walt's Heartflashes - Poetry3 Comments

Dark and dusty, cobwebbed and musty. A space I used to go to for escape. A flashlight and a bundle of comic books were all this little nook needed. I would read my adventures, sequestered in this hidey-hole. I had control. No one else ventured there. My siblings found it very scary, but to me it was sanctuary.

Every young boy needs
a place that is all his own.
Private thoughts to keep.

© Walter J. Wojtanik – 2016

Poetic Asides April Poem-A-Day Challenge – Day #9 “Hideaway”

ANOTHER “NEW” POET

On By Walter J. WojtanikIn Altered States, April Poetry Month, Challenge, Name, NaPoWriMo 2016, Through the Eyes of a Poet's Heart, Walt's Heartflashes - Poetry6 Comments

I’ve been expressive all my life,
and I’ve used a lot of words.
My poetic prowess found success,
but here is something absurd.

Despite the audience I’ve amassed
I’m rather insecure.
So I write under pseudo names
to try to feel more assured.

The temperamental artist,
found solace in personas,
a chance to write the things I might
without all of the drama.

If you read a piece by “Castlebaum”,
I’m sure you’re reading me.
Vincent Van Wendt was another gent
who made my rounds, you see.

J.P. Walters had a run,
a “new” poet giving Chase,
if they’d put a picture to the names
it’s sure you’ll see my face.

So, come to find the poems I’ve mined,
they all have the soul of me.
Every word out from one heart
in the cause of poetry.

(C) Walter J. Wojtanik – 2016

NaPoWriMo 2016 – Day 9: “A line I’d never write”

CAMP CACTUS – ELLICOTTVILLE, N.Y.

On By Walter J. WojtanikIn April Poetry Month, Challenge, Childhood, Haibun (Form), Life, Memoir Project, Memory, Poetic Asides, Poetry, Through the Eyes of a Poet's Heart, Walt's Heartflashes - Poetry1 Comment

A ramshackle cabin stuck in the sweeping hills, a hideaway of sorts. Not a resort by any stretch of any imagination. A destination for a few summers in the late sixties. “Cactus”, an old codger, the last bar stool at the local tavern; his place. His son, a friend of Dad’s invited. Bring the boys to fish and swim and hike in the hills.

The lake water was murky, the catfish were ugly and the incline was so steep it hurt your feet to think of venturing upward. Yet, we had a ball. The men folk drank and “stank” to high heaven. The boys pitched our tents and had adventures. The stars and moon illuminated and we were satiated on marshmallows and “Dogs”. Campfire and stories with all the gory details left in. Long gone, absorbed by sprawl, now a part of the ski resort that claimed her. Fond in memory, we had named her “Camp Cactus.”

Adventure filled us
with stories to tell, learning
where our hearts could lead.

(C) Walter J Wojtanik- 2016

Poetic Asides April Poem-A-Day Challenge – Day #9: “Hideaway”