Late Peaches

New Poetry Anthology, Late Peaches, Sacramento Poetry Center, 2012 will have a second reading, Saturday, October 20 at the Antiquite Maison Privee, 6:30-9:30.  My poem, Cause of Death: Child Abuse, for James Humphrey (1939-2008) written 5 months after Jim's death, was accepted by the judges to be included along with 115 other poets from the Sacramento area. 


Cause of Death: Child Abuse

No safe-haven
when baby
infant
or
teen

Cause of death: child abuse
camouflaged  by
cardiopulmonary arrest

Didn't believe in suicide

Did believe a miraculous pain remedy out there
able to take lifelong suffering away
preventing accomplishment to become
acclaimed brain surgeon
renowned scientist
award-winning pianist
or
to finish stint with St. Louis Cardinals

Wanted to
live
life
to
fullest!

Fulfill destiny:
be greatest slugger of all time &
build a ranch for abused children life self

Gave as naturally
& easily
from
healthy
broken
heart

“Poetry Reading” As Read By Bob Stanley With The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet

The Sacramento Poetry Center presented a celebration of James Humphrey’s writing and life on November 19, 2011. It was a benefit for The Stanford Home For Children. What a pleasure to hear Sacramento Poet Laureate Bob Stanley improvise with the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet.

Sacramento Poet Laureate Bob Stanley Reads “Sons And Fathers”

The Sacramento Poetry Center presented a celebration of James Humphrey’s writing and life on November 19, 2011. It was a benefit for The Stanford Home For Children. What a pleasure to hear Bob Stanley read the poem with the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet, creating an amazing musical atmosphere.