He was a tall man and his suspender hung loose on one side Weaving side to side as he sawed the wood The dust fell like snow in a pile at his feet And he smiled down at me, a child of four He never knew, or did he? That I captured his smile inContinue reading “Uncle Joe”
Author Archives: Crystal Diane Arbogast
The Night Watchman
The moonlight embraces the world on this chilly, autumn night. An automobile winds around the curve of a mountain, its driver oblivious to the dirt road that descends off the side, and into a valley below. If the driver had followed the road after clearing the trees, he would have seen the glow of theContinue reading “The Night Watchman”
The Basket
She walks along dusty roads carrying the fruits of her labor Baskets with splotches of color woven painstakingly by fingers Rough, worn and sometimes bleeding into the red of the design That wraps around the masterpiece she has created The tinkling of the bells worn by goats and cattle mingle With the dust that risesContinue reading “The Basket”
U2
The plane glided through the atmosphere like a giant bird of prey. Inside, the glow of the control panel reflected off the pilot’s goggles; the only light in his world. The roar of the engines were a hum in his ears and served as a reminder that he was still aloft and miles above theContinue reading “U2”
Stars
Ethereal beauty Infinite and cosmic Elysian fireflies Heavenly witnesses Smoldering embers Distant worlds A navigator’s map An aphrodisiac Wish recipients A child’s delight Beacons eternal For all life
Omega Day
As the summer sun peeked over the edge of the blue ocean, the dolphin plunged vertically out of the water as if it were a rocket. Flashes of fin and white belly rotated in a spinning motion before crashing back into the sparkling depths. Others in the family broke the surface in the sameContinue reading “Omega Day”
Twilight
She stares out of the window As strangers walk by. “Poor old woman,” they say. “Doesn’t even know what’s going on.” And she sits in her robe which Smells of urine. But they don’t know That she is dreaming. Reminiscing, Of her life and loves. Of him. Of how his eyes crinkled When he smiled.Continue reading “Twilight”
Irony
They stood together in formidable lines, Tossing insults and chants into the air. Don’t go in there! Jesus loves your child… A girl trembled as she turned from the door, Into the arms of those who would Save her baby. Fifteen years later They are there again, Standing in that formidable line. Crying for certification…Continue reading “Irony”
Requiem
I wrapped my arms around the soldier whose frozen fingers clutched his rifle as he slept in a trench somewhere in Korea I kissed the boyish face and looked into the eyes that witnessed the pain and suffering of a place called “The Punchbowl” I took the hand that had guided me lovingly as aContinue reading “Requiem”
Mustang
He stands erect, With flowing mane. ‘Neath wind swept skies, On sun washed plain. A noble lineage, Sprung from Spanish sand. Now free from royal armor, And the conquistador’s hand. His line is old, His heritage strong. But his days are numbered, As time measures on. For the world of man, Devours the land. AndContinue reading “Mustang”
Covenant
The mass of helmets lurched backward as the landing craft plunged into the dark water. Sea spray glistened on the surface of everything it touched, catching the light of the artillery fire. Private Eddie Hagen glanced at the faces of the men around him. Some were praying, while others held pictures or mementos of sweetheartsContinue reading “Covenant”
Lost
My brother stumbles through The streets of the town, Clutching the bag tucked Inside of his coat. Searching, For a warm place To spend the night. Alone, with his only friend. The one who soothes his troubled soul And comforts him with the blessing Of forgetfulness. I weep for him, but do not Call outContinue reading “Lost”
Contrast
A frantic and dreary morning With thousands of mice Running the wheel Aimed at their destinations I veered off the highway A different direction A change of heart, perhaps Searching for something…..different Then, I took notice Of the hawk Perched high in the tree Cloaked with his freedom And I envied the difference Of ourContinue reading “Contrast”
Fall
I contemplate Fall As the wind grows cold. Farewell to Summer’s bloom, Which has browned with age… old. Old is the year, Gone are the times. The experiences of life, Both bad and good… mine. Mine to keep locked up, And in Wintertime, to dwell on. The laughter and the tears Of cherished ones andContinue reading “Fall”
Duende
The candlelight casts shadows Of everyone in the room And all eyes turn to the corner To the source of the haunting tune They are there together Fused as one in a loving embrace His fingers plucking the strings And its body pressed against his face The melody grows stronger Sending out the Andalusian cryContinue reading “Duende”
Currents
I walked by the river today To heal the wounds I carry Inflicted by the loss of your presence I sat on the bank And shared my melancholy With nature’s children And I realized You flowed through My life as liquid A gentle reminder We are all but passing through
Daughter
I loved you Before we met And yet We were connected Body and soul We shared space And nourishment And yet I was in control Making decisions For both of us Choosing the paths We would take And yet Knowing the day Would come When I would let go Reluctantly, at first Carefully giving upContinue reading “Daughter”
Dragon
Deep in slumber One summer night A dream came to me Out of bright starlight A vision appeared Behind my sleeping eyes The form of a dragon Out of the mist did rise His appearance was frightening I wanted to run away But his eyes were captivating I decided to stay He started to speakContinue reading “Dragon”
Blame It On The Rapture
I had always heard stories about Uncle Charles through the years. Things like “free spirit”, “hobo”, and “drunken bum” seemed to crop up in conversations where he was mentioned. Aunt Maudie loved her brother, though. In her eyes, there was always something worth saving about Charles. After all, he was one of God’s children andContinue reading “Blame It On The Rapture”
Hobnail
Fannie Poteet sat cross-legged on her Uncle John’s front porch; her favorite ragdoll clutched under one arm. The late afternoon sun shone through the leaves of the giant oak tree, casting its flickering light on the cabin. This golden motion of light entranced the child and she sat with her face turned upward, as ifContinue reading “Hobnail”