Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of the poem is the comeuppance and downfall of a politician
who literally lied his way into office and was then found out.

2) What motivates you to write this poem?

What prompted me to write it? I suppose it was to see how I could
express my opinions on the matter in a comic verse form. As I like the
comic verse of writers like Swift, Lear and Lewis Carrol.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I’ve been writing poetry, on and off, and of varying quality, for
some decades. Though poetry isn’t the main focus of my literary work.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

My literary guest. Merlin the magician. If he ever existed?

5) What influenced you to submit your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I would do an awful job of reciting any of my works, so I was
interested to hear how someone else would read it. And she did a far better job than I could have done.

6) Do you write other works? Scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes, I have written other things. I have had stories and articles
published in anthologies and literary magazines. A volume of my short
stories, entitled, Seven Tall Tales, has been published on Amazon. Have had four one act plays published in separate anthologies published by the Fresh Words publishing company, and a one act play has been performed at a theatre comedy festival.

7) What is your passion in life?

Passions in life. Literature, movies, photography and art.

POEM:

He won his election
through lies and deception.
And it soon became known, across the nation,
that all he had claimed was a fabrication.
A web of lies he had woven,
to forge the career he had chosen.
He said he just wished to do his job,
but was hounded by the whole press mob.
He was no rogue, he wasn’t a clown,
and it was the liberal media that was doing him down.
He became a joke, a figure of fun,
his career unravelled, and he was undone.
He then stepped down, he did claim,
to fight for his honor and clear his name.
But with his reputation sunk so low,
his only option was to go.
Though those he did dupe and deceive
were all too happy to see him leave.
He said his opponents had been spiteful and unfair,
and he had merely embellished his resume, here and there.
It was tough to be in the news spotlight,
every day, and every night,
to be constantly doorstepped by the fourth estate,
and asked to set the record straight.
His career was a ruse and a con, on such an epic scale,
that now he’s ended up in jail.
Was it worth it, George, to win your election,
by such chicanery and deception?
To have your name dragged through the mud,
and to be seen as a grifter, and a dud?
To lose, would have been better by a mile,
than to win in such a wretched style.

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

– The poem celebrates the vibrant, scenic, and lively essence of San Francisco. Its themes include:

Natural Beauty and Scenic Charm: Descriptions of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, green ridges, beaches, and starry nights highlight the city’s picturesque landscape.

Joyful Experiences and Leisure: References to lounging on the beach, savoring the coastline, drinking, dancing, and enjoying the night emphasize a theme of relaxation, pleasure, and communal joy.

Nostalgia and Friendship: The tone suggests shared memories and companionship, evoking a sense of warmth and togetherness amid the city’s lively environment.

Celebration of Life: The imagery of dancing daffodils and the lively atmosphere reflect a theme of vitality and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

Overall, the poem’s central theme revolves around the celebration of San Francisco’s natural beauty, lively culture, and the joyful experiences shared with friends in this iconic city.

2) What motivates you to write this poem?

– I wanted to share with my friends, whether in Korea or around the world, the natural beauty of San Francisco, its vibrant culture, and the charm of this iconic city.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

– I started writing poetry when I was young and have been writing for over 50 years.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

– If I had the chance, I would like to have dinner with novelist Alexander E. Braun Alex.

5) What influenced you to submit your poetry performed by a professional actor?

– I asked a professional actor to perform my poetry to better introduce San Francisco to many people.

6) Do you write other works? Scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

– I write mostly poetry, but sometimes I write essays. I also published a collection of essays, “FOUR SEASONS,” in the United States last year.

7) What is your passion in life?

– I think positively in everything, have faith, and do my best in the tasks given to me each day, living passionately and diligently

POEM:

My friend, you’ll see the shore where the blue sky
pours its buckets of glaring sunlight; nearby ridges beckon
with wings of fresh green foliage.

A chilly wind often wafts in from the Pacific; this is San Francisco.

When you arrive,
you’ll find the Golden Gate Bridge, like cherry blossoms, linking north
and south.

We could lounge on Baker Beach,
and at Fisherman’s Wharf, savor the coastline. At Pier 23 Cafe, we’ll
drink and dance.

We could set our chairs facing the waves,
gazing at a myriad of stars in the brilliant night sky.

With the fatigue of life’s long journey behind us, we see a crowd,
a host of yellow daffodils,
fluttering and dancing along the beach like the women we might meet.