Liberty's Sunrise

 By Bud Koenemund

A haiku to celebrate the election of Joseph R. Biden

Inspired by Catherine Harren Barufaldi

Sentinels in Blue

By Bud Koenemund

People dismiss us as inconvenient –

Obstacles to work, school, or vacation.

Sentinels in blue; control they resent –

Even while enjoying our protection.

Often, we are targets of ridicule;

Enduring contempt and indifference.

Cursed by the self-entitled for our rules;

Silent as others vent their annoyance.

Still, a few accept this challenge: standing

Firm ‘gainst those who’d see America bowed.

Our mission is the price freedom demands:

A sacrifice many will never know.

   Each day, we rise, making liberty sure;

   Pledging to keep this, our Homeland, secure.

Pulse

By Bud Koenemund

For Orlando (12 June 2016)

Did you think violence would bring victory?

That enmity could force change in nature?

Make even one surrender liberty?

Gay, straight, transgender – we’re all God’s creatures!

Every bullet fired; each knife thrust;

Senseless pain inflicted; epithet hurled;

Nose fragmented, rib bruised, or head concussed

Enflames our hearts – the pulse filling this world.

Yes, your venom stole life, but love lives on;

Flourishing; shining through the ignorance

Of hate. And, that kiss which enraged shall bond

Us in celebration of difference.

   Diversity strengthens our unity,

   We will rise together – humanity!

It's Mine, and I Can Touch it if I Want

By Bud Koenemund

For "Her."

Pain is the cost of living, and mem’ry
Its tithe; images – good and bad – that dwell
To merge art with a mind in jeopardy;
Risking yet another descent toward Hell.
Like any addict, I’ll never be free
Of thy damned compulsion; left forever
Trapped between slavery and liberty,
‘Til the mortal coil has been severed.
While my scars will linger, and the bruises –
An ugly, yellow-black – refuse to fade,
There is some profit when anguish ‘comes muse,
And, by genius is suffering repaid.
   There is truth in the misery that haunts:
   It’s mine, and I can touch it if I want.