Aren't we lucky to live in a place where spring comes early ?
When the rest of the nation still looks at winter very surly.
For years I dreamed of warm sunshine while shoveling snow-
until the U.S. Army in California my bugle did loudly blow.
In downtown Burbank spring came early, warmed the heart-
where, as a lowly Private,I scrubbed barracks and got a start.
We learned to march and our superiors we had to salute,
thinking of the Hollywood Canteen puts me in a good mood.
But, at the end,there was no work when they finally let me go,
back to winter in New York where the cold winds did blow.
My dear departed wife and her parents found us there a home-
yet, in our fondest dreams in warm California we wanted to roam.
When her parents, on a visit, with a shoe store there fell in love,
they asked us to join them to enjoy the good sun from above.
Much time has since passed with my heart in this great State-
where spring comes in good time, only sometimes a little late.
OTTO ROSS
February 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
C H A P T E R 11
Many chapters are in a book, but rarely a chapter Eleven !
That is one number one hates, either on Earth or in heaven .
It means that your carefully invested hoard has lost it's worth,
just overnight and there is nothing you can do but loudly curse.
All these years you have slaved to put this away for your old age-
then comes an official notice of its demise and leaves you in a rage.
Overnight this saving is not worth the paper on which it is written-
how can that be ? In a very sour apple you must have bitten.
They send you reams of forms to read and then fill out,
you just wish you could meet them and have some clout !
But they tell you this just might be a labor of love -
it feels like a stroke of lightning has hit you from above.
How can they take away something you earned with much sweat ?
Overnight they kill your savings, never blink an eyelid, I bet.
What has this world come to where your saving are so insecure-
when overnight your safety blanket suddenly is gone for sure !
Otto Ross
March 2011
That is one number one hates, either on Earth or in heaven .
It means that your carefully invested hoard has lost it's worth,
just overnight and there is nothing you can do but loudly curse.
All these years you have slaved to put this away for your old age-
then comes an official notice of its demise and leaves you in a rage.
Overnight this saving is not worth the paper on which it is written-
how can that be ? In a very sour apple you must have bitten.
They send you reams of forms to read and then fill out,
you just wish you could meet them and have some clout !
But they tell you this just might be a labor of love -
it feels like a stroke of lightning has hit you from above.
How can they take away something you earned with much sweat ?
Overnight they kill your savings, never blink an eyelid, I bet.
What has this world come to where your saving are so insecure-
when overnight your safety blanket suddenly is gone for sure !
Otto Ross
March 2011
L A Z Y D A Y S
It is raining ! A good excuse for lazying around with nothing to do !
Really - I should do the laundry- but that is between me and you .
What better way to spend a wet day than to simply let everything go.,
too bad that I have to make my own meals- but that, unfortunately, is so.
The house is quiet once again, the so welcome visitors have left,
but, fortunately I am still able to manage and not be bereft.
Let it be known that so far with good spirits I can persevere,
there is no crying or feeling sorry for myself : I am still here !
At ninety-eight and four months that is a good thing to state,
as long as I can still play poker-however no staying up too late.
Although the days are now longer with no school to attend,
however-in four weeks this vacation should be at a timely end.
As you all know -writing poems keeps this old brain going.
That there are people who like them-that certainly I am knowing.
While, hopefully, I am entitled to many more of such a lazy day :
aren't I blessed to make this statement-that's all I have to say !
OttoRoss
March 21,2011
Really - I should do the laundry- but that is between me and you .
What better way to spend a wet day than to simply let everything go.,
too bad that I have to make my own meals- but that, unfortunately, is so.
The house is quiet once again, the so welcome visitors have left,
but, fortunately I am still able to manage and not be bereft.
Let it be known that so far with good spirits I can persevere,
there is no crying or feeling sorry for myself : I am still here !
At ninety-eight and four months that is a good thing to state,
as long as I can still play poker-however no staying up too late.
Although the days are now longer with no school to attend,
however-in four weeks this vacation should be at a timely end.
As you all know -writing poems keeps this old brain going.
That there are people who like them-that certainly I am knowing.
While, hopefully, I am entitled to many more of such a lazy day :
aren't I blessed to make this statement-that's all I have to say !
OttoRoss
March 21,2011
TURN ABOUT IS FAIR PLAY
Used to be a time when I was at the selling end of the game.
But there came old age and with it the buying is what came.
To be friendly and polite is needed with either procedure
the spending of money-instead of making it, is now a feature.
The government , after most of your life, they took from you,
now they are obliged to pay back some, that is very true.
They now have to send you a monthly retirement check,
the time has come when they must stop to be a pain in the neck.
Retiring at 80 years of age, I finally could stop sending them "loot"-
instead of them having a hand out-now I can give them the boot.
Right on time to my bank account they send what they owe:
my fervent prayer is just that their coffers do not get too low.
Turn about is fair play- they have been taking all those years.
there were times when their greed did drive me to tears.
Now, it is only fair that they give back some of this unearned treasure,
to see them do it now gives me such great monthly pleasure.
OTTO ROSS
March 2011
But there came old age and with it the buying is what came.
To be friendly and polite is needed with either procedure
the spending of money-instead of making it, is now a feature.
The government , after most of your life, they took from you,
now they are obliged to pay back some, that is very true.
They now have to send you a monthly retirement check,
the time has come when they must stop to be a pain in the neck.
Retiring at 80 years of age, I finally could stop sending them "loot"-
instead of them having a hand out-now I can give them the boot.
Right on time to my bank account they send what they owe:
my fervent prayer is just that their coffers do not get too low.
Turn about is fair play- they have been taking all those years.
there were times when their greed did drive me to tears.
Now, it is only fair that they give back some of this unearned treasure,
to see them do it now gives me such great monthly pleasure.
OTTO ROSS
March 2011
WEATHER REPORT March 28,2011
It is a secret no longer-yes, now it has to be told :
good old California this winter has gotten ever so cold.
Living in the East one expected year's end with snow:
but ,out in the West to need heat is rare, I want you to know.
When the US Army once sent me out here to enjoy many a warm day,
all year around the the good old sun an important role it did play.
My memory does not chronicle many days of it being wet,
our summer Khaki uniforms a good work-out they daily did get !
Finally the good Lord sent me here for a permanent stay-
he found the best place weather wise, rarely the skies were gray.
Open sandals were what we sold in our store the year around
the need to carry overshoes so very seldom was truly found.
Yet, this year I must truly file a complaint when paying my heating bill,
of sweaters and overcoats lately I had more than my fill.
The nose keeps running-it hates this weather-but, if you please:
now, this very weekend the weather report predicts 90 degrees !
OTTO ROSS
good old California this winter has gotten ever so cold.
Living in the East one expected year's end with snow:
but ,out in the West to need heat is rare, I want you to know.
When the US Army once sent me out here to enjoy many a warm day,
all year around the the good old sun an important role it did play.
My memory does not chronicle many days of it being wet,
our summer Khaki uniforms a good work-out they daily did get !
Finally the good Lord sent me here for a permanent stay-
he found the best place weather wise, rarely the skies were gray.
Open sandals were what we sold in our store the year around
the need to carry overshoes so very seldom was truly found.
Yet, this year I must truly file a complaint when paying my heating bill,
of sweaters and overcoats lately I had more than my fill.
The nose keeps running-it hates this weather-but, if you please:
now, this very weekend the weather report predicts 90 degrees !
OTTO ROSS
A - SHOPPING AT 98
The most important event of my old age routine- it is shopping !
A task that will include much well-known names -a- dropping.
Since most local stores are no longer in pleasant, close proximity-
trips by car are required and feature a drive to a less close vicinity.
While not a daily occurrence, it is necessary if I want to have a meal,
preparation of shopping lists, once ignored, are now a big deal.
Bread and milk are often featured, yet most nourishment comes in a tin-
it is just so amazing what varieties of food are contained therein.
No chef is required to come in person-but some have made a name
by putting their faces on these concoctions, they did achieve some fame.
There now is a variety of prepared food, it covers the whole world-
specialties of far away countries, ready to eat, are now unfurled.
These trips also include a quest for needs that are just a must-
such as toilet paper, napkins or vacuum bags to collect much dust.
We have come a long way from the old time variety store or market,-
one place is now able to fill all your needs: just go to Target !
OTTO ROSS
MARCH 2011
A task that will include much well-known names -a- dropping.
Since most local stores are no longer in pleasant, close proximity-
trips by car are required and feature a drive to a less close vicinity.
While not a daily occurrence, it is necessary if I want to have a meal,
preparation of shopping lists, once ignored, are now a big deal.
Bread and milk are often featured, yet most nourishment comes in a tin-
it is just so amazing what varieties of food are contained therein.
No chef is required to come in person-but some have made a name
by putting their faces on these concoctions, they did achieve some fame.
There now is a variety of prepared food, it covers the whole world-
specialties of far away countries, ready to eat, are now unfurled.
These trips also include a quest for needs that are just a must-
such as toilet paper, napkins or vacuum bags to collect much dust.
We have come a long way from the old time variety store or market,-
one place is now able to fill all your needs: just go to Target !
OTTO ROSS
MARCH 2011
T A L K I N G T O M Y S E L F !
Let me be honest : a poet of note surely I am not !
But to keep alive in my dotage-that's all I've got.
The old noddle needs nourishment to keep it up to par,
without these brain teasers I would not now get very far.
It is amazing what haphazard procedure I do follow,
with pen and paper at hand, the thoughts are never hollow.
Knowing that I touch subjects featured by no one else,
surely I can be proud of ringing many quiet bells.
Let it be known that my efforts do take very little time,
somehow or another any one line is followed by a rhyme.
Many times my admirers tell me to publish those verses-
but, I am not out for glory, just a chuckle satisfaction disperses.
Thus the books containing my work are growing in girth,
proudly I deem it a labor of love, time spent of some worth.
My feeling is that I can leave behind a token of my existence,
Yes, the literary juices still flow and do not meet with resistance.
OTTO ROSS
MARCH 28,2011
But to keep alive in my dotage-that's all I've got.
The old noddle needs nourishment to keep it up to par,
without these brain teasers I would not now get very far.
It is amazing what haphazard procedure I do follow,
with pen and paper at hand, the thoughts are never hollow.
Knowing that I touch subjects featured by no one else,
surely I can be proud of ringing many quiet bells.
Let it be known that my efforts do take very little time,
somehow or another any one line is followed by a rhyme.
Many times my admirers tell me to publish those verses-
but, I am not out for glory, just a chuckle satisfaction disperses.
Thus the books containing my work are growing in girth,
proudly I deem it a labor of love, time spent of some worth.
My feeling is that I can leave behind a token of my existence,
Yes, the literary juices still flow and do not meet with resistance.
OTTO ROSS
MARCH 28,2011
S L E E P W E L L
How much is that doggie as a pillow ? Priceless, I would say !
Not often does one find such comfort- be it night or day.
As a companion for a good slumber-it is not often to be found,
such soft support for your head should make you rest so very sound.
Not many pets are allowed to share one's slumber most any night,
but this companion Chihuahua evidently earned that very right.
When this soft fur touches your silky skin it must be a welcome treat,
to be able to have your head so cushioned, surely it is very neat.
Of course when you let your pet share your dreams much is expected-
it is just hoped that the other two do not feel very neglected !
In my long life, Sophie La Douce was not allowed to share my bed,
I cannot remember using her as a cushion- enough said.
Thus I envy you this very joy which enhanced your good slumber,
surely it led to happy dreams for you to gladly encumber.
Just don't squeeze that little head, it is just so very tender:
it is truly amazing what such soft support may engender
Otto Ross
April 2, 2011
Not often does one find such comfort- be it night or day.
As a companion for a good slumber-it is not often to be found,
such soft support for your head should make you rest so very sound.
Not many pets are allowed to share one's slumber most any night,
but this companion Chihuahua evidently earned that very right.
When this soft fur touches your silky skin it must be a welcome treat,
to be able to have your head so cushioned, surely it is very neat.
Of course when you let your pet share your dreams much is expected-
it is just hoped that the other two do not feel very neglected !
In my long life, Sophie La Douce was not allowed to share my bed,
I cannot remember using her as a cushion- enough said.
Thus I envy you this very joy which enhanced your good slumber,
surely it led to happy dreams for you to gladly encumber.
Just don't squeeze that little head, it is just so very tender:
it is truly amazing what such soft support may engender
Otto Ross
April 2, 2011
FIRST OCEAN VOYAGE
Yes, we had a river in the town of my birth and a small lake.
What we had was a big puddle and rowboats a trip to take.
Mother was afraid, but Father liked to take me for a row,
and I could not wait for him to ask me if I wanted to go.
Growing up I had to learn to go to the bath, learn how to swim-
with a belt around the middle, the teacher held me on a heavy string.
Never afraid of the water, I soon got to enjoy this healthy exercise,
and, with my school friends, to swim, I thought, was ever so nice.
Then came the time when the big ocean beckoned and I wanted to go,
took a long train trip to a harbor city where strong winds did blow.
A huge steamer was tied to the wharf, big stairs I had to ascend-
I was ever so lucky a young group of travelers to befriend.
This first voyage was calm, meeting these people was much fun
in no time at all we heard interesting stories from most everyone.
With my knowledge of English I got along with much ease,
with some of them I was able to keep in touch, it did so please !
Otto Ross
April 2011
What we had was a big puddle and rowboats a trip to take.
Mother was afraid, but Father liked to take me for a row,
and I could not wait for him to ask me if I wanted to go.
Growing up I had to learn to go to the bath, learn how to swim-
with a belt around the middle, the teacher held me on a heavy string.
Never afraid of the water, I soon got to enjoy this healthy exercise,
and, with my school friends, to swim, I thought, was ever so nice.
Then came the time when the big ocean beckoned and I wanted to go,
took a long train trip to a harbor city where strong winds did blow.
A huge steamer was tied to the wharf, big stairs I had to ascend-
I was ever so lucky a young group of travelers to befriend.
This first voyage was calm, meeting these people was much fun
in no time at all we heard interesting stories from most everyone.
With my knowledge of English I got along with much ease,
with some of them I was able to keep in touch, it did so please !
Otto Ross
April 2011
C I G A R E T T E S
Believe it-or not-I smoked my first one on board of a ship !
My age was twenty, and I left home for my first ocean trip.
Away from parental supervision, it proved that I was now a man:
no better way to express this fact than one of these cylinders can.
It made me proud that now I belonged to this intrepid band,
who so clearly stated that it could light up on demand .
Yes, it was all for show, let me clearly state that I did not inhale-
if questioned about the habit I could point to nicotine on my fingernail.
Held between two fingers, nonchalantly blowing out steam,
these fire-tipped sticks made any sinister darkness gleam.
Nonchalantly pull one from the box or an initialed silver case
and held expressively in your hand,proved that anything you could face.
The came the time when their use to your health was called detrimental,
nicotine-free ones popped up- they were only experimental.
So, proud I am that overnight I had the guts this nasty habit to quit :
Yes, I am able to state that any tobacco to this day stays unlit !
Otto Ross
April 2011
My age was twenty, and I left home for my first ocean trip.
Away from parental supervision, it proved that I was now a man:
no better way to express this fact than one of these cylinders can.
It made me proud that now I belonged to this intrepid band,
who so clearly stated that it could light up on demand .
Yes, it was all for show, let me clearly state that I did not inhale-
if questioned about the habit I could point to nicotine on my fingernail.
Held between two fingers, nonchalantly blowing out steam,
these fire-tipped sticks made any sinister darkness gleam.
Nonchalantly pull one from the box or an initialed silver case
and held expressively in your hand,proved that anything you could face.
The came the time when their use to your health was called detrimental,
nicotine-free ones popped up- they were only experimental.
So, proud I am that overnight I had the guts this nasty habit to quit :
Yes, I am able to state that any tobacco to this day stays unlit !
Otto Ross
April 2011
T S U N A M I
A strange word, coined by the Japanese-now on everyone's mind !
It is an occurrence where wind and water for destruction are combined.
Huge tidal waves resulting from volcanic eruptions, out at a hostile sea,
they are now on every one's mind, it is so scary-believe you me.
People swept away, homes inundated, to the elements exposed-
this is nature at the worst where there is an ocean where once was a coast.
Although far away, every one on this Earth is affected by this disaster-
it just goes to prove that we are so helpless and who is our Master.
Therefore it behooves us to do what we can to ease this pain,
money does help,but we should be allowed to send food to sustain.
The world is getting smaller, we are all affected day by every day,
it behoove us to be of aid, to show support, come whatever may.
Only if we help each each other will there be a future to sustain
because it is unwise to ignore disaster and aloof to remain.
We are all subject to a power, sending punishment from above
now, more than ever, what we most need is brotherly love !
Otto Ross
April 2011
It is an occurrence where wind and water for destruction are combined.
Huge tidal waves resulting from volcanic eruptions, out at a hostile sea,
they are now on every one's mind, it is so scary-believe you me.
People swept away, homes inundated, to the elements exposed-
this is nature at the worst where there is an ocean where once was a coast.
Although far away, every one on this Earth is affected by this disaster-
it just goes to prove that we are so helpless and who is our Master.
Therefore it behooves us to do what we can to ease this pain,
money does help,but we should be allowed to send food to sustain.
The world is getting smaller, we are all affected day by every day,
it behoove us to be of aid, to show support, come whatever may.
Only if we help each each other will there be a future to sustain
because it is unwise to ignore disaster and aloof to remain.
We are all subject to a power, sending punishment from above
now, more than ever, what we most need is brotherly love !
Otto Ross
April 2011
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