Indomitable

By Bud Koenemund

For Shaindel Beers

I wish to protect thee – in my fashion.

Drop everything, rush there, and shield you

From the world; from doubt; from yourself; dragons

Immortal; fears forever pursuing.

Training dictates action, see? My father;

Gary Cooper; John Wayne; the Infantry;

Always taught to defend the weak – rather

Smothering with attempts at chivalry.

‘Tis ever man’s hubris, I’ve learned: seeking

To support a survivor; these labors

Merely re-arranging deck chairs, sinking

Slowly into comments on the décor

   While you heal; for thou art no damsel

   In distress, but a heart indomitable.

Mediocre White Male Poet Entitlement

By Bud Koenemund

For Shaindel Beers

Peril awaits mediocre white males –

Objection breeds cries of entitlement.

Trapped betwixt love and refusal they flail –

In quicksand, struggle speeds envelopment.

Risk and uncertainty oft’ herald pain;

Attraction devolving in enmity.

Wounded, “nice guys” lash out, although they feign

Indifference, voicing their misery.

Sadly, it appears fantasy is dead,

And life doesn’t end like a fairy tale –

No Beauty transforming this Beast. Instead

Happily ever after remains veiled.

   Words diminish, vanishing in chatter;

   E’en as we protest: all poets matter!

Beautiful

By Bud Koenemund

For Shaindel Beers

Poet; what lyric could I offer you,

Knowing these same words inhabit thy brain?

I must request, Artist, briefly eschew

The pen to come muse, and let verse sustain

Thy spirit. Oh, aptly named – Beautiful –

Indeed, a title unmatched by these rhymes,

Be assured, thy visage remains youthful;

Nature undimmed ‘gainst the ravage of time.

Pray, acknowledge this little song as proof

Your countenance is appreciated,

And have faith the fleeting years will show truth

Through wisdom earned, and grace to celebrate.

   This praise springs forth by thy inspiration,

   A living light immortal as the Sun.