“Generations” is a poem from the book Armor Against the Dawn.

I’m happy to report that this poem, which was my favorite of my entries, won First Place in Published Poetry and Reserve Best of Show in Poetry at this year’s Solano County Fair.

It previously won a red ribbon for Second Place in Any Other Poetry at the 2017 Marin County Fair in July.

This poem is a reflection on how every younger generation must study the zeitgeists of previous generations in order to come to a deeper understanding of the failings of the past in order to forge a better future for all generations.

Many, many thanks to the judges at both fairs! I am honored.

Generations

Child, you were
born into a world
where the lines
were already drawn,
and the words
had their meanings
beyond what you’re seeing,

stretching back
throughout history
only to ensnare us all
in their mysteries
as neutrality
is an impossibility
once understanding
has been achieved,

so choose carefully,
for there is no other world
in which you may exist.

You must change this one.

“Cabinet Construction” is a poem about political corruption and cronyism in government. Although I did have a certain political figure in mind upon writing, feel absolutely free to apply it to your favorite corrupt politician, as one person certainly holds no monopoly in that area.

“Cabinet Construction” won a 2nd place red ribbon in “Presidental Politics” at the 2017 Marin County Fair. It appears in the book Armor Against the Dawn. My gratitude to the creative writing judges at the Marin County Fair! Two other poems from this book won ribbons as well. Go read all the county fair winners both past and present by visiting the County Fair Winners category on the blog.

Cabinet Construction

In building his cabinet,
he has hired
not skilled craftsmen,
nor carpenters,
but, a demolition crew.

This cabinet
is not a food pantry,
but it is sure to have rats
scampering within.

“Fine China” by D.L. Lang won 3rd place in Any other Poetry at the 2017 Marin County Fair. “Fine China” is a metaphor for living life to the fullest, and is one of my favorites of my own poetry. It appears in the 2016 book Armor Against the Dawn. I also won a second place red ribbon in that same category for another poem that appears in that book entitled “Generations.” My sincerest gratitude to the Marin County Fair!

Fine China

Do not place me inside bubble wrap,
for even though I am
intricately, colorfully designed,
made of cool ceramics,

I am filled with hot cocoa,
overflowing with marshmallows
and gobs of cream—
forget your diet!

Destiny is meant to be savored
until the very last drop
and not
preserved like a museum piece,
examined and gawked at
collecting dust
with no use.

No, I’d rather be in a thrift shop,
guaranteed many lives,
possibly cracked,
stained, and worn,
having met many
than preserved,
safe, and knowing none.