tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64512242024-03-23T05:17:48.969-05:00The Middlewesterner
Exploring the heart of the country;<br>
or, as Nancy Besonen has said, "Tom Montag is defining<br> the character of the Midwest - one character at a time."<p>
</p>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comBlogger5250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-47686675464037459082023-08-03T11:02:00.005-05:002023-08-03T11:02:45.900-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (534)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">MUSIC'S NOT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Music's not the only reason</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to get up in the morning</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">but it's one of the good ones,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IT GETS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It gets to the point sometimes</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you revise it before you write it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'VE WRITTEN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I've written so many poems</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">even God is tired of it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk admitted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-61068480950797063562023-07-26T09:24:00.006-05:002023-07-26T09:24:48.102-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (533)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF NO ONE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If no one speaks</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">your language</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you're talking code,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">O, MISERY</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">O, misery,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">what you want</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is a red-headed girl</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and what you've got</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is a blonde,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">THE THING</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The thing about water is</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">it knows where it goes when</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">it's gone,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-43650903959594934312023-07-25T08:49:00.006-05:002023-07-25T08:49:33.128-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (532)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">LISTEN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Listen to your instrument,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">it will tell you what to play,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU WANT TO</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You want to wobble</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">before you fall --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">it softens up the ground,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU CAN'T</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You can't</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">have what</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you don't,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-63023376796971431192023-07-24T10:14:00.000-05:002023-07-24T10:14:03.288-05:00THREE OLD MONK POEMS (531)<div><span style="font-size: large;">FLOW AND OIL</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Flow and oil</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">don't rhyme,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">but they could,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">told the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">WHEN THINGS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When things rhyme</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">it's like a bell sounding,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">FIND THE PLACE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Find the place</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">on the mountain</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">where you are</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">best. It's not</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the same for</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">two of us,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-74710993977826960422023-07-23T17:23:00.000-05:002023-07-23T17:23:00.589-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (530)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">PUT THE BEAT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Put the beat</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">on important words</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and pound it</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">into them,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">THERE IS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">There is the beat</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and the off-</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">beat and two, three, four,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told the band.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU'RE SPINNING</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you're spinning a lot of saucers</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you don't want to be bothered</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is how I understand it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-49867119001276078152023-07-21T10:20:00.003-05:002023-07-21T10:20:17.276-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (529)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">EMBARRASSMENT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Embarrassment</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is the fool's charm,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU MAY SPEAK</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You may speak with the dead</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">but don't be telling them stories,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">WHEN THEY TAKE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When they take you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">by the hand, that</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">means something,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the student told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-64510411608442605702023-07-20T09:33:00.002-05:002023-07-20T09:33:06.533-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (528)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">NO MATTER</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">No matter how far</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">off you go, you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">have to know the beat,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the guitar-player.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF WHAT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you have to look for</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">wisdom,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you won't ever</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">find it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">PATTERN IS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Pattern is there</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">in all things --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you just have to</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">see it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-66599269092094798272023-07-19T08:48:00.002-05:002023-07-19T08:48:15.294-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (527)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU WRITE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you write so much</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">how do you know</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">what is good,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk asked</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SCIENTISTS DON'T</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Scientists don't strike up</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the usual conversation,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU'RE EITHER</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You're either</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Howdy Doody</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">or Buffalo Bob --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">those are the choices,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-19706697042855149972023-07-18T13:41:00.003-05:002023-07-18T13:41:14.669-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (526)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU CLIMB</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You climb</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">when what you want</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is to fall,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">THE BEAT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The beat</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is the beat --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">there's not much more</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to say about it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the drummer told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU'RE ASLEEP</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you're asleep when</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the angel of death comes,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">should I wake you,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the master asked</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-54920841909488091222023-07-17T08:38:00.002-05:002023-07-17T08:38:38.629-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (525)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">EVENTUALLY</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the silence is</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">not so,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU NEED</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You need to wander</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">40 years in the desert</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">before you can talk</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">about God's people,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">THE MORE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The more you worry</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the slipperier it gets,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk warned.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-26922364451590416052023-07-16T12:07:00.005-05:002023-07-16T12:07:34.630-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (524)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">STUDYING ROCKS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Studying rocks</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">teaches patience,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU CAN RUN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You can run until</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">God catches you,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">then you're done,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">WHEN YOU'RE COUNTING</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When you're counting</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you have to know</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">where the one is,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told the band.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-87572598717268812282023-07-15T08:53:00.003-05:002023-07-15T08:53:23.980-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (523)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF GOD WAS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If God was</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">talking to you,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you'd know it,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF GOD</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If God</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">loves you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you'll know</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">that too,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">GOD IS NOT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">God is not my business,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">God is not anyone's business</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and he doesn't need</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">your money.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-86680373782087612712023-07-14T11:27:00.005-05:002023-07-14T11:27:50.957-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (522)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU CAN LIE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You can lie to the devil</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">but you can't lie to God,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">WHEN YOU GET</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When you get up on</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">don't fall off of,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk advised.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">HOPING FOR</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hoping for</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">holiness</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is not</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">enough,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-45202319073816634072023-07-13T08:34:00.004-05:002023-07-13T08:34:28.047-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (521)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">NOTICE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Notice all the things</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">that are not said</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to understand why</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">communication</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is a problem,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk advised.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SOMETIMES IT'S</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it's the wind</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">which runs you ragged</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and sometimes it's</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">your heart dancing,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IN EVERY ENDEAVOR</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In every endeavor</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">if you land right-side-up,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">keep rolling,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-24847871315816202972023-07-12T13:51:00.005-05:002023-07-12T13:51:28.110-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (520)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">HOPE SWIMS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hope swims like a cat,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU THINK</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you think</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you know the plan,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you don't,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">HALF A SMILE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Half a smile</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">is when they're</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">looking at you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">funny,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-25479615028038111662023-07-10T09:40:00.006-05:002023-07-10T09:40:31.058-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (519)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">WISDOM IS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Wisdom is the shine</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">worn on to things,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">THOSE PLACES</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Those places you go</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">when God's not with you,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">don't,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU LIVED</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you lived in trees,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you'd want a tail,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk decided.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-5285783642593085472023-07-09T10:39:00.003-05:002023-07-09T10:39:20.994-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (518)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU DON'T</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you don't know</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">when it's time to</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">roll over, you might</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">write all night,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk warned.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We think he was</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">speaking from experience,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the poet said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU KNOW</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you know</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">what your fingers know</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you could play piano,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk predicted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">DON'T MAKE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Don't make a fuss</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and don't clean it up --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">it'll be a poem,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-58672805185355138212023-07-07T07:47:00.002-05:002023-07-07T07:47:15.538-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (517)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SLOGANS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Slogans they have</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">no use for --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">that's what I write,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk admitted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">THE CHURCH</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The church is bigger</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">in small communities,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk observed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU ONLY</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You only have to say it once</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and it's yours to say again,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-76521157783091874012023-07-06T09:24:00.001-05:002023-07-06T09:24:07.377-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (516)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SOMETIMES YOU WANT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you want</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the drummer to grab the cymbal</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and sometimes you don't,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">ON THE MOUNTAIN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On the mountain</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the spirits settle</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">where they wish,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IT'S ONLY</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's only a good deal</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">until someone</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">sells it cheaper,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-52323529026104020912023-07-05T09:32:00.006-05:002023-07-05T09:32:38.684-05:00THREE OLD MONK POEMS (515)<div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">HOW CLOSE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">How close we are to death</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">when we can see what's precious,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">READ EVERYONE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Read everyone</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and write to sound like</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">yourself,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">LIGHT THAT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Light that lays</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">a certain way</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">gets my attention,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk admitted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-7477804174179121952023-07-04T10:22:00.005-05:002023-07-04T10:22:38.832-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (514)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">TO THINK</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">To think that</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">music was once</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">about dancing,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SOMETIMES / WHEN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">when they want</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">your attention,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">they bump you,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the student told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">about girls.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SEVEN FROM</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Seven from two is five</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">in my math,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-16114344157409538982023-07-03T09:16:00.005-05:002023-07-03T09:16:32.275-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (513)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I WANT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I want my poems to sound as if they were</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">written in a different alphabet,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU CAN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you can be</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">both and neither,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you are light</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and darkness,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU ARE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you are tired of church,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">think about how God feels,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-15149486236810270662023-07-02T10:05:00.007-05:002023-07-02T10:05:56.968-05:00THREE OLD MONK POEMS (512)<div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">STEAL MY POEMS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Steal my poems</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">if you want to,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">That's where folk</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">sayings come from.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IT'S NOT ENOUGH</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's not enough</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to understand,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You want to be</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">able to predict.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">YOU ANGELS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Your angels keep</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">their own counsel,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What he meant was</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">they won't burden you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">with their problems.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-78545374077910527292023-07-01T09:54:00.003-05:002023-07-01T09:54:11.176-05:00 THREE OLD MONK POEMS (511)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I MAKE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I make the kind</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">of mistakes you'd</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">want me to,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">his editor.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF IT DOESN'T</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If it doesn't do</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">anybody any good,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">put it in the warehouse</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">til its time comes,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IF YOU WANT</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">know a place</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">you have to get out</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and sit in the dirt,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451224.post-15295946053539447632023-06-30T09:30:00.006-05:002023-06-30T09:30:51.886-05:00THREE OLD MONK POEMS (510)<div><span style="font-size: large;">THREE OLD MONK POEMS (510)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">DON'T LOOK</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Don't look for it --</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">let it comes to you,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk told</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the poet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">SOME NIGHTS</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Some nights on the mountain</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the crickets have a lot</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to tell the stars,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the old monk said.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes late the stars</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">talk back.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">IT WILL TAKE</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It will take a better</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">master than I am</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to shape up the old monk,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">the master admitted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Middlewesterner</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11924864059360272068noreply@blogger.com