White Haired Poet Rogue

Endurance

2012-04-08T13:13:00.001-04:00

The following poem was submitted by West Hartford Poet Rogue to the Connecticut Poetry Society's Savard Poetry Contest. It did not win :(

                                     Endurance
                (Read clockwise starting at the arrow)

                                    It travels far
                           So many years       Gets close enough
               And starts to move                  For us to see
            It feels the pull                              It gets a name
              So far out there                                                         Comet Lovejoy
=> A ball of dust                                         The path it takes
                                                                                                           Is close behind

                                                                The Hot

Bright Sun

Despite the odds                                                                       All thought it cooked
    Keep moving on                                                               Not to emerge
        Not to give up                                                     But to surprise
            It tells us all                                            Without its tail
                    In grand display                           It came around
                        Its tail is back              Now on its way
                                         Back out to space

For Kora

2012-01-16T23:01:00.000-05:00

Kora the Shepherd

A great canine cop

So many town crimes

That she worked to stop

She always sniffed out

The illegal drugs

And took a big bite

Of quite a few thugs

For eight years she served

With Ed Rocheleau

The two also found

Some illicit dough

The Wasson Memorial

Award she received

For all the busts

They both had achieved

With vest and with shield

And a friendly glow

They met lots of kids

On their school road show

Now she has left us

May she rest in peace

She will be missed by

West Hartford Police

If Dog Park Coalition

Does get its way

Call it “Park Kora”

Where all dogs can play

Interview with West Hartford Poet Rogue

2012-01-05T00:02:00.002-05:00

The following interview with West Hartford Poet Rogue

By Abigail Albair, Editor, The West Hartford Press

appeared in the December 15th, 2011 edition of The West Hartford Press.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said that “personality is everything in art and poetry.”

West Hartford has a poet with a lot of personality, yet no one knows who the person is.

West Hartford Poet Rogue has been writing rhyme on a blog for less than a year, all about the goings-on in town, anonymously.

Most recently, he or she crafted a Thanksgiving poem, and prior to that, a poem about Winter Storm Alfred and its aftermath in West Hartford.

That poem was e-mailed to The West Hartford Press and Mayor Scott Slifka, and subsequently read aloud by Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor at a Town Council meeting.

While Poet Rogue’s poetry has started to garner attention, The West Hartford Press decided to seek out more information about the person behind the poetry and requested an interview with the writer, while still keeping their identity a secret.

West Hartford Poet Rogue answered in an e-mail:

“Thanks again for this opportunity

To become known in the community

So for this honor I’ve taken the time

To answer your questions wholly in rhyme.”

What follows are the interview questions and poetic answers, which provide just a bit more insight into West Hartford’s own phantom:

Q: The town has had a poet laureate since 2005, a position in which a person traditionally composes poetry for the town, similar to what you do. What are your feelings on the town’s use of a poet laureate?

Town Poet Laureates, the town has had three

None of their poetry’s been seen by me

They may be great poets of much renown

But they don’t write verse of happ’nings in town

Perhaps I expect much and don’t know it

Is that not the job of the town poet?

Q: How long have you been writing poetry, and how long have you been writing under the name “West Hartford Poet Rogue?”

When poet number three was chosen last May

I thought quite a bit, decided that day

It was up to ME to get the job done

And at the same time to have lots of fun

So rather than sit like bump on a log

I sprang into action starting my blog

Q: Why do you choose to write anonymously?

People not knowing adds a mystery

To West Hartford’s colorful history

Folks should be thinking as they roam the town

Is it that woman at Big Y or Crown?

Perhaps Poet Rogue is one of those dudes

Buying their yogurt at either Whole Foods

Maybe it’s that guy behind you in line

At Dot Com Liquors just buying some wine

Sitting at Petersen’s eating your frips

Think “It’s that girl with mint chocolate chips!”

Is it the teller at your local bank?

Maybe the clerk where you fill up your tank

I bet it’s that guy who sits there so smug

Having a beer down at the Corner Pug

It could be the woman right near the door

At Bombay Olive with Chicken Tandoor

Rather than some unapproachable bard

Since writing poetry’s not very hard,

I want as they wonder who it could be

To think “Poet Rogue sure seems just like me”

Q: Have you ever had someone, not knowing that you are the West Hartford Poet Rogue, comment on or point out a poet rogue poem to you?

Yes that has happened, in fact quite a lot

Guess my identity still they cannot

Q: Many of your poems express an opinion in poetic form. From your “Farewell to Diane Mudge” you speak as a conservative. Is it strictly your opinion that you want to share or are you at times speaking of feelings that you’ve found to be prevalent in the West Hartford community?

West Hartford at times seems so high-brow

Affairs in town we with grandness endow

I see my job to reflect tongue-in-cheek

Writing a poem every third or fourth week

Writing about celebrations in town

I echo the mood of people around

No matter what secrets we try to keep

Bits of ourselves to the work seem to creep

Q: How long do you mull over a topic before inspiration strikes to write a poem and what topics in town do you consider most worthy of your poetry?

Once with a topic I’ve been inspired

A day or two is all that’s required

For topics to choose, there sure is no lack

The dog park, taxes and Square of Blue Back

Elections, lawn signs are not to be missed

And current events please add to the list

Lest you may think that I only can jest

Sometimes I prefer to show off the best

Like the great happiness we felt by far

For our own West Hartford’s Singing Rock Star

With poem called Checkpoint I also tried

To show a more serious and somber side

Q: Do you write poetry other than your West Hartford

poetry?

With all these topics to choose close at hand

All of my poetry time they demand

With life’s tasks to do, who can find the time?

Just an occasional greeting card rhyme

Q: What can residents expect to see from you in 2012?

Nostradamus I’m not, that I’ll admit

So telling the future, I will omit

Topics galore are already churning

Fingers and pen are already burning

Next year’s elections are sure to be fun

I’m sure with the dog park we aren’t done

Students and schools and fathers and mothers

Taxes, the busway, who knows what others

Let me suggest, there’s a sure way to know

On the web to my blog often do go!

West Hartford New Year’s Wishes

2011-12-28T00:43:00.001-05:00

As 2011 is nearing its end

Some wishes for New Year’s to you I now send

May taxes stay level or even go down

Yet there be enough funds for business of town

May parking be free in the Center and Square

With plenty of spaces available there

May children score high on their standardized tests

May magazine writers still say we’re the best

May we dine outside late and drink beer and wine

With nary a worry about paying a fine

May dogs get their park and have someplace to “go”

And as to the busway let’s tell the state ”NO”

May your candidate win, the other one lose

May we once they’re done still have money to use

May the Democrats vote with fiscal reason

And Republicans get backbones next season

If you’re without job, may search be successful

If you’re employed may it not be too stressful

May all empty storefronts with new shops be filled

And all local shoppers with their wares be thrilled

May CL&P’s electricity flow

And the trees that lost limbs continue to grow

May the Mayan prophecy soon be reversed

And nothing happen December twenty-first

May trips to the doctor be easy and few

May you look great and feel great, lose some weight too

May your cupboards be stocked with favorite food

And your cup overflow with blessings and good

May loved ones be gathered in joy and delight

May you have a New Year that’s sunny and bright

West Hartford Christmas 2011

2011-12-17T20:46:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is now in the history books

To Christmas Day now, everyone forward looks

It starts with Black Friday with sales that bust doors

But you’ll be too late if you get there by four

A local event everyone does extol –

The annual ritual – West Hartford Stroll

Drive around town as we search for free parking

Then join the huge crowd with all their dogs barking

Store to store we all go searching for goodies

Bundle up kids. It’s cold, pull up your hoodies

Some stores go all out with treats that are dear

Others are stingy, offer treats from last year

You may hear some carolers sing in the street

In another spot band plays cool Klezmer beat

Walking around we see store decorations

Salvation Army guy rings for donations

The thick crowds and noise make it too hard to think

All I desire is hot cider to drink

In the end we go home tired and cold

The cookies all gone and a few items sold

While driving in town we see home Christmas lights

Those new L.E.D. bulbs sure make them look bright

On one lawn I see huge snowman inflated

Next to red Santa already deflated

Bring fresh cut tree home on top of your car

But wreath on the hood is just going too far

To shop in the Center for parking you pay

But go to the mall and you park free all day

In need of an item for holiday fest

Get a fancy wrapped gift from good old Toy Chest

Need last minute gift or bouquet of flowers?

Elmwood CVS open twenty four hours

Wear fancy red sweater and don’t be tardy

Don’t get too drunk at office Christmas party

As we go visiting friends and relations

Their unruly children causing frustrations

Eat Christmas Dinner, drink eggnog, wine and beer

To lose all the weight, must work out all next year

Then after the holidays discarded trees

Like the tumbleweeds roll with every slight breeze

All know what you got from the trash you discard

And soon you must pay what you charged on your card

But seriously now, may your days be the best

Celebrate holidays and then get some rest

No matter what your religious persuasion

Rogue sends best wishes for every occasion

Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

As on Thanksgiving Day, we look around

Here’s what we’re grateful for right here in town

Winter storm Alfred is now in the past

We’re thankful the lights came back on at last!

Eastern Coast Earthquake gave us a slight jolt

Good that the town folk did not lose a volt

A hurricane not, no eye to be seen

That was the story of trop storm Irene

The taxes in town rose only a bit

Oh wait, 2012 we’ll really be hit!

After election, lawn signs taken down

Oh wait, I still see them all over town!

No “Occupy” tents on green of the town

Oh wait, weekend pickets are still around!

Peterson, Pfau’s, our stores Mom and Pop

We’re grateful for local places to shop

We shop in the stores of Square of Blue Back

Oh wait, it’s for sale, it’s not in the black!

We’re glad to be getting a new dog park

Oh wait, no we aren’t, where will they bark?

All kidding aside, let’s truly give thanks

For food on the table and cash in the banks

For us and our loved ones enjoying good health

And jobs that allow us to increase our wealth

With family and friends we gather this day

And observe Thanksgiving in our own way

Winter Storm Alfred

2011-11-09T21:49:00.002-05:00

A winter storm arrives
Last days of October
The heavy snow on leaves
Makes the trees fall over

The heavy branches fell
On every street in town
Blocking many roadways
And bringing wires down

There’s no time to protest
Or think of the Dog Park
As we sit in houses
Cold and in the dark

By a roaring fire
On dark November night
West Hartford Poet Rogue
Writes poems by candle light

Many town folk thinking
CL & P is mean
They claim they’re working hard
But no crews to be seen

When talking of the problem
Of tree limbs still attached
CL & P and Mayor
Get in a shouting match

Each and every night
The Mayor tells us all
The most current status
On daily Robo-Call

Robo-Calls inform us
Of crimes and burglaries
And other useful stuff
Like where to stack downed trees

A killer on the loose
Quickly apprehended
For keeping us informed
Town to be commended

Looking for gas station
Driving helter – skelter
Then escape cold night
At the Conard Shelter

Need to make some calls
I don’t sit home alone
I’m in the library
To charge up my cell phone

Mayor cancels Halloween
Costumes would be dandy
Without Trick or Treat
Stuck with all the candy

Puddles in the kitchen
Meat and eggs no good
Only thing to do is
Get take-out Chinese food

With televisions off
New noises fill the air
Generators humming
And chain saws everywhere

Slowly, oh so slowly
The power starts to flow
Have to be so careful
The breakers not to blow

Facing any hardship,
Any kind of weather
People of West Hartford
Face it all together

The Signs of Fall

2011-09-26T23:23:00.003-04:00

It's time once again for the signs of Fall
Objects of beauty? Not always for all
This time of year an old scourge comes to pass
Are they the mushrooms on your neighbor's grass?

Are they the leaves that come down from your tree?
No, they're the lawn signs that say "Vote for Me!"
Some lawns have many and some just a few
The best ones are those that lawn signs eschew

Gas stations in town take a unique stand
Some allow all, but at some signs are banned
One puzzle whose answer yet I know not
How lawn signs spring up on an empty lot?

Seems there's a new sign behind every tree
Here's a short listing of those that I see
While making my way through town in my car
There's Democrats Cantor with falling star

Whose ugly orange signs? Kindall's the name
From Ed Board to Council, spending's the same
Slifka and Captain and Casperson too
Essie and Davidoff - There's no one new!

Almost forgotten, I have to admit
Candidates Putterman and Terry Schmitt
Are running once more for Education
So from the board there'll be no rotation

Republicans Adler and Goldman and Hall
Of Martin and Sarzen - no "sign" at all
From Kyle and from Brassil nary a roar
One more Republican, lonely Burke Doar

Most signs are the same as two years ago
Reuse them again, expense to forego
Old signs with a new phrase are now bedecked
In small crooked letters, "Please Re-Elect!"

With choices like these for our town I fear
My vote this fall is becoming quite clear
With so many signs, no sick days at all
JP Carroll the roofer send to Town Hall

Long after the vote on November 8
Some signs will still stand on February 8
So please be timely with your collection
Need to make room for next year's election!

Farewell to Diane Mudge

2011-07-31T20:35:00.001-04:00

A Board of Ed member named Mudge
On spending she just would not budge
She said "Why spend in haste?
"Let's first cut the waste
"In detail through budget let's trudge"

To everyone she did confide
She found a new place to reside
From education
She made resignation
'Cause she moved to the Farmington side

While principals eat out at Max's
Diane will now pay less taxes
Getting more for her money
Her days will be sunny
And instead of board meetings, relaxes

Meanwhile in West Hartford town
Conservatives are feeling down
Claire Kindall will party
And feel like a smarty
In increasing taxes we'll drown!

Lib Brassil will take Diane's place
And others will enter the race
To fill Diane's shoes
The public will choose
A fresh new conservative face

Diane, may good luck follow you
As you bid West Hartford adieu
But without you to fight
To keep spending tight
What will us conservatives do?

West Hartford Dogs Do Beware

2011-07-18T19:23:00.001-04:00

West Hartford dogs do beware
In this town you haven't a prayer
The town may seem cool
But don't be a fool
There's an anti-dog attitude there

A big box pet store called PetSmart
Was off to a glorious start
But at Bishop's one day
The store went away
Done in by a poor profit chart

3-Dog Bakery was a store
Where dogs went to eat, drink and more
It used to be fun
But that fun is done
Last year the store closed its last door

A place called Reigning Cats and Dogs
Sold booties and leashes and togs
The store is no more
Now dog paws are sore
When walking in snow, rain or fogs

Without a West Hartford Dog Park
Where will the town dogs go to bark?
Home Depot withdrew
So with no place to poo
The future for dogs looks quite dark

Town council is starting to talk
When dogs go outside for a walk
Should bring their own scoop
To pick up their poop
A new law for walking the block

No dogs on the Derby Town Green
Said an article recently seen
When reading the text
Wonder "Is this town next?
"Dogs banned from West Hartford town Green?"

Was it the economy alone
Or a plot by a party unknown
That dog stores in town
Were all shut down
And left many dogs without bone?

So who is behind this commotion
To set anti-dog plans in motion?
The house cats in town
Want to wear the top crown
And give all the dogs a demotion!

Parking Blues

2011-07-10T00:35:00.002-04:00

Taking my girl out on dates
I'm shocked at the new parking rates
I'm sad to report
I'm one dollar short
And paying is something SHE hates!

With each visit to CVS
My frustration I must express
I cannot afford
To park my red Ford
The increase, it's just more B.S.

Those with money may come eat at Max
At Joseph A. Banks they buy slacks
They just pay a five
For a valet to drive
For the rest its an increase in tax

Out of towners may whine and may balk
And of high parking rates they may talk
We who live here
When getting a beer
Just park at Whole Foods and then walk

But parking at Whole Foods in town
Is something the cops now look down
They give you a ticket
As if to say "Stick it!"
Which turns my smile into a frown

It used to be free after eight
The new time you better keep straight
You're safe only when
You're paid up 'till ten
When dining at Grant's very late

The new parking rates do remember
When thinking of each council member
Then please make a note
When you go vote
The upcoming eighth of November

The parking spot search was no fun
With Blue Back and Center I'm done!
I said "Screw it all
"I'll head to the Mall
With plenty of spots and costs - None!"

West Hartford Singing Star

2011-07-09T22:13:00.001-04:00

On that TV show called "The Voice"
The people have made their first choice
West Hartford's own
Javier Colon
With pleasure we all now rejoice

West Hartford News Update Haiku

2011-07-02T18:23:00.001-04:00

Large West Hartford News
Getting used to new format
Sudoku is back!

Summerwood Poetry Readings

2011-06-21T00:09:00.002-04:00

At Summerwood a new dialogue
Has made poetry come into vogue
They all read their verse
Whether funny or terse
Why didn't they ask Poet Rogue?

Bullies Beware

2011-06-21T00:07:00.000-04:00

West Hartford bullies beware!
Of your actions the town is aware
If you don't desist
The town may insist
A wedgie of YOUR underwear!

Economic Boom

2011-06-21T00:04:00.000-04:00

Three new stores in Blue Back will open
A sign of good times, some are hopin'
If you do the math
We're takin' a bath
There's more that are closin' than open

High School Graduations

2011-06-20T17:44:00.000-04:00

Congrats to all graduates in town
You've learned all your adverbs and nouns
In your studies - excelled!
Without getting expelled
So march in your cap and your gown!

At Hall, a West Hartford High School
The graduates all thought they were cool
The economy faltered
So their plans were altered
They couldn't find jobs, as a rule

At Conard the graduates were told
Your diploma is as good as gold
But try as they might
Not even a bite
The job market sure has run cold

The graduates then signed up for college
To gain some additional knowledge
They are starting to sweat
Now that they're in debt
And can't even afford a small cottage

The job market now is quite bad
There's no use in getting all mad
For now, try to forgive
And continue to live
At home with your Mom and your Dad

Celebrate! West Hartford

2011-06-12T22:40:00.002-04:00

Celebrate! West Hartford

Came to town in June

The arts, the crafts

The piano player’s tune

Paintings, sculptures, unique items

Creepy doll art candle holders

Photographs of local towns

Scarves to throw over the shoulders

Wooden signs for your front door

Ceramic bowls and handmade toys

Metal stuff for your front lawn

Clothing for your girls or boys

Walking stick and bamboo flutes

Jewelry hung up on racks

Key chains, pencils, pens and pads

Chiropractors fixing backs

Churches looking for new members

More and more non-profit groups

High school dancers, players, singers

And adult performing troupes

Children with their faces painted

Loose balloons up in the air

Toddlers sleeping in their strollers

And the red bags everywhere

Relaxing on a trolley ride

Had some ice cream on a waffle

Watched them play some mini golf

I bought a ticket to a raffle

Salads, hot dogs, and French fries,

The fresh made kettle corn

By end of day most parents

Would be tired out and worn.

Don’t tell me you stayed at home

And missed it all. Oh dear!

What a shame, but just remember

You can always go next year.

Checkpoint

2011-06-05T17:52:00.001-04:00

I slow my car

Long line ahead

What’s going on?

I’m filled with dread

When it’s my turn

I answer to

The signals of

The man in blue

Asks for ID

Looks through the glass

Finds nothing wrong

Today I pass

As I pull out

My mind takes hold

Of Stories Mom

Too often told

A darker time

Another place

Checkpoints that my

Forebears did face

I drive away

Filled with sorrow

Seat belts today

What tomorrow?

The Taxing

2011-05-31T23:13:00.000-04:00

With apologies to Edgar Allan Poe

Once upon an April dreary, West Hartford pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten fiscal lore,
While Slifka nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, at the council chamber door.
`'Tis some resident,' Brennan muttered, `tapping at our chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

Ah, how the townfolk did remember it was in the bleak November,
And every separate council member had vowed “No New Taxes!” at their doors.
Then ‘pon the election day’s dark morrow; with no way for the town to borrow
To cover town expenses without sorrow – the only other option residents would deplore;
Higher mill rates to fund parks and pools and to raise low school test scores,

Nameless here for evermore.

Open wide the door was swept, and with his budget figures prepped,
Inside Ron Van Winkle stepped, Town Manager since days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, strode toward council from the door,
And perched upon the lectern placed upon the council chamber floor -
Quoth Van Winkle, `Tax them more!'

Much they marveled how the ungainly budget asked for tax increase so plainly,
Though its answer inhumanely no long-term solution bore;
Then, as if the hike was fated, the new town budget was debated,
For which departments funds were slated. The townsfolk irately recalling vows of yore
Considered them what this grim, ungainly, ghastly, bloated budget bore
Just one thing `Tax them more!'

This and more they sat divining, with council heads at ease reclining
On their cushion's velvet lining that the florescent-light gloated o'er,
`Wretches,' they cried, `thy office we lent thee - by our common votes we sent thee
And now by what presumption meant thee, that our pockets still have more?

Is there no way to pay off Blue Back, gather leaves and to raise the fallen school test scores?
Quoth the Council, `Tax them more.'

`Be that word our sign of parting!' the taxpayers association shrieked upstarting -
`Before thy backsides we leave smarting, back to the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy souls hath spoken!
The current system you have broken! - Quit from the desks you sit before!
Take thy hand from out our pockets, and take thy form from off our door!'
Quoth the Council, `Nevermore.'

And the council, never relaxing, still is sitting, still is taxing
With excuses eloquently waxing, from the council chamber floor;
And their eyes have all the seeming of a politician that is dreaming,
And the florescent-light o'er them streaming throws their shadow on the floor;
And our souls from out that shadow of those taxes that they placed upon our door
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

Memorial Day Haikus

2011-05-31T21:00:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Parade
Fire engines and balloons
Raindrops matter not

Scouts and sports teams walk
School bands playing marching tunes
We all know someone

People waving flags
Veterans in antique cars
Honor those who served

West Hartford News Haiku

2011-05-30T23:35:00.002-04:00

West Hartford News - Bigger
More room for advertisements
Where is Sudoku?

Bella Gusta

2011-05-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

A new shop on Farmington Ave.
Oil and vinegar is all they have
They don't have a salad
To please anyone's palate
And it costs more than Whole Foods by half

Elmwood Happenings

2011-05-29T20:48:00.004-04:00

Haiku
Elmwood Politics
Busway 1 - Dog Park 0
No place to poop yet

Limerick
Without a West Hartford dog park
Where will the dogs go to bark?
Home Depot withdrew
With no place to poo
The future for them looks quite dark

Poetic License

2011-05-29T20:42:00.000-04:00

Poet Rogue's first poem (2009)

There once was a councilor named Cantor
Who enjoyed hearing poetic banter
“The town should get classy
“So let’s go get Sassi
“The first poet laureate,” said Cantor

Sassi visited school after school
Did the students think her poems were cool?
When she read, some would weep
And the rest were asleep
Which was all just incredibly cruel.

After two terms the town called her hence,
“When you started we thought you made sense
“But ‘Rooted in Stars’
Sounds like it’s from Mars
We’re revoking your poetic license!”

A crisis befell the town hall
“For poems now who will we call?”
While the town’s budget waited
The council debated
The next poet they should install

At St. Joseph’s Dennis Barone,
Was an English Professor unknown
He adjusted his glasses
And said “Hold my classes!
“There’s a call on my cellular phone!”

“It’s Cantor here, the town has the blues,
“A new poet we have to choose”
He accepted the job
Of head poet snob
With a write-up in West Hartford News

“Let West Hartford worry no more!
“Have I got some poems in store
“And thanks to my labors
“We’ll show off to our neighbors
“Those Avon and Simsbury bores!”

We know that the job is part time
And what’s more it pays not a dime
But you get what you pay for
If the town would just pay more
Then maybe his poems would rhyme