Author Archives: JackoRecords

Read the letter from your lawyer Monday morning Saw no anger saw no tears like before Said you needed to close this life chapter I can feel no more than sorry anymore I can do no more than close that … Continue reading →

“You were supposed to be dead!” The lahar came from Meg’s animated orifice as if a pyroclastic flow from Krakatoa. Her overheated vitriol gassed out like the encore during a Flo and Eddy concert. WTF! My sister Meg was a … Continue reading →

1970 was a crazy year. Glad it was coming to an end. The SDS (Student for Democratic Society) was taking over college campuses, the Black Panthers were killing cops, Sharon Tates’s murders were still out there, and the Vietnam War … Continue reading →

MARK ANTHONY MIDDLE SCHOOL, the nom de plume had nothing to do with a Latin music pop star. Instead, the name was a throwback to the neighborhood first populated by Italian immigrants in the 1930s. The school had a few … Continue reading →

VERSE     C                                                                                       Am YOUR WINDOW ROLLED DOWN … HAIR DANCE ACROSSED YOUR EYES Dm                                                                                F YOU’RE IN ANOTHER PLACE …..BY THAT LOOK ON YOUR YOU FACE C                                                                     Am CONVERSATION IS HARD….. WORDS ARE SPOKEN NOT HEARD D                                                                     F REMINDERS OF A FAITHLESS KISS CHORUS … Continue reading →

Walking off the baseball field, my friend Patrick and I would look in the parking lot for Grandpa’s car. He provided transportation for us four times a week during little league baseball practice. So, after busting our hump for two … Continue reading →

For reasons not fully known to me, Mom decided I needed a parochial school education. She said the public curriculum was watered down, multifarious and polytomous. She felt it important for me to challenge my mental capacity and grow intellectually. … Continue reading →

Being a 9-year-old, well, 9 years old in 8 months, would always present problems. After long summer days of playing baseball, throwing rocks at passing trains, teasing old man Jacob’s dog, and going to the creek to gig frogs, I … Continue reading →

He was placed in the wheeled ossuary, minutes after the sound of trumpets drowned out the empathy. Darkness hooded banal condolences and attempts to unbelieve the journey that was to be. A spiritual energy grasped the shoulder, a tug, then … Continue reading →

Froze but did not freeze Uncertain passion with a late fee Anger waited patiently For a chance to act decisively Rodgers sat the ten men down “It’s time we claimed the pigskin crown” Ayahuasca may be the only play A … Continue reading →

Pack the bags, gas up the car, the hobbits charged the iPad Though the journey’s been traveled often, “Do you know the way” mom asked the dad “Of course, I do” was the terse replay, “It’s only four hundred miles” … Continue reading →

The white two-story Craftsman style house was built for the Vincent’s to share into their retirement years. The addition of a private bungalow was constructed in 1968 for their sixteen-year-old son, Robert Gordon (Gordo).  The home had been a focal point … Continue reading →

C-Rations were canned food developed during WWII. Since they didn’t have a shelf life, the REMF’s (Rear Echelon Motherfuckers) at Disneyland East (The Pentagon) decided to use the last war’s leftovers to feed this war. The C-Rations cases were packaged … Continue reading →

MY INTERNET IS UNSTABLE (1100 South Ocean Boulevard) The morning came with darkness, blacker than coca cola The operating system is broken, with things I could have told you The bandwidth is too narrow to handle all the traffic The system … Continue reading →

Meander through the gaslight perchance to steal a breath Molly calls a name to an odious regret pull the sheet, wheel the cart … suicide Tuesday The room seemed loud with Nicki Minaj Legal tender passes hands now’s the time … Continue reading →

I meandered down the footpath’s excruciating climb Many time’s the cabin was dark covered with poison ivy vines Each traveled footstep was painful than sublime Without a course deviation or exit signs A youthful trek ending in the wooden door … Continue reading →

Countless inquisitions directed toward my soul with a bemused, befuddled slur “Come on man, take the donkey for a stroll” “Why don’t you choose, what’s there to lose playing tight end on our teams” I grin and see the future … Continue reading →

May 24th, iPhone vibrated a FOX NEWS alert. First thoughts, another Ukrainian city destroyed by the Bolsheviks, gas prices hitting a new high or Johnny Depp reconciling with Amber Heard. Such is the state of the media that every trite, … Continue reading →

The citadel lights grow dim The crowd cascade a perverse cold damp an answer awakened by a churchly hymn and the screed of the neon lamp The ramparts are manned If only a casual relief from the wolfish The creature … Continue reading →

Janie writes her poetry For people on the beach Compromises on the verse But still she tries to preach Melody with just three cords Repetition in 4/4 time Simple muse for quiet souls Trying so damn hard to rhyme Time … Continue reading →

The ramparts have been scaledEmotions that’s are serenely expressedNow the gate shield is removedWaves in every ash blonde tress Tell of days of grandeur morn …..captured in the rapture of New LoveA tale of hours in goodness spent Mind at … Continue reading →

Hello Lord. It’s been awhile since we had a one on one talk. I haven’t forgottenYour omnipresent glory or Your never-ending love for mankind. I’ve just been up to my ass in alligators (figuratively speaking or course) and haven’t had … Continue reading →

A Two thirty, nature call  A trip to the dual flush, elongated Kohler edifice Stumble back to Egyptian cotton Bury your face in the oversize My Pillow “When it rains, it pours” Wake from the quietus  The pillow is angry, … Continue reading →

The stadium scoreboard clock hits zero. The Officials raised their hands, terminating the gladiator’s bread and circus spectacle. A game was finished with another multiple touchdown performance. The post puerile females positioned their adolescent personalities into a semicircle, surrounding the … Continue reading →

Walid Zumblatt’s Druze militia began the offensive with a barrage of 105 howitzers. The sound would cascade through the valley above the Beirut airport. The Lebanese civil war had been going on for over ten years. The destruction to the … Continue reading →

When I thought, I had seen it all, matured beyond my years I walked through a box store isle and heard pleasure to my ears Black and sleek like a Michael Jordon jump shot Calling out to me “take me … Continue reading →

The boys had just played their last gig in Hamburg, Germany. Harrison was being deported. It seemed George was infatuated with a Fraulein beauty, a local named Lucy Robert, her father being a well know cardiologist. She was employed as … Continue reading →

Five score years ago a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. have we not moved to a better nation Eight score years we sit today, we have dissolved separate drinking fountains and back of … Continue reading →

His left-hand griped the steering wheel. His right-hand chocked the leather gearshift knob. Tense body ached with excitement, now steering a course for the final adobe of the righteous. His being was consumed with shahada, giving himself to Allah. He … Continue reading →

Charade and hide your power Cloak what you have that may present Certainty forlorn, it’s what your enemies think you have in the tower Laws are the yoke to make the enemy live up to its rules Legislators change the … Continue reading →

James you weren’t a friend of mine but I knew you very well Planted trash in your backyard gave you a house for sale Go to work and pay your taxes feast upon the dream Waking up to find that … Continue reading →

When I die I want to die alone no maudlin sounds no weepy eyes bygone voice of yesteryear Funeral dirge baneful riffs eulogy to soothe I die alone The place it does not matter to me a time is not … Continue reading →

C one seventeen planes wheels up fly into sky Rapid fall now entombed Women wrapped in blue rags Future now is their yesterday Wife twelve year old girl Bagram is no more Eighty billion dollars lost We give you our … Continue reading →

Reply to all … More destructive than the Tsar Bomba more frightening than 200 megaton Krakatoa The velocity change with a windward shift, humanity balkanizing into some protozoa The tired old man you elected king, Can’t remembers the morning song … Continue reading →

What a lovely child you have Mrs Crane He’s so precocious, well behaved needs little to entertain How is he as your son, did he go with you to Aspen Does he sleep well when the day is done Or … Continue reading →

Jerry couldn’t find the much needed items he would require for the trip. He spent hours upon hours searching in the basement, looked through his unsocial bedroom and other places of refuge. The light he was searching with was dim … Continue reading →

Strange voices echo disaster What in the world were they after Thirty-four bodies were buried alive as the jets make their strike from the sky War once again had arrived The General had chosen his side There was not a … Continue reading →

In the mountain pass, the helmeted shielded Valkyrie rides into night The noise of Rota’s spear grew loud, the coat of mail grew tight The unsaddled fiery white steed comes to collect the battle dead Choices made by the shielded … Continue reading →

Mamma take the breakfast dishes…put ‘em in the sink Papa’s going to the barn…he said he has to think Lately all his memories are swallowed in a drink Mortgage is due and we can’t pay…the farm is on the brink. … Continue reading →

Will anyone read this note or find my bones of interest The story I have to tell, only be described in inches My travels began with small steps, then steps that grew much quicker The home on the hill with … Continue reading →

His left-hand griped the steering wheel. His right-hand chocked the leather gearshift knob. His tense body ached with excitement, now steering a course for the final adobe of the righteous. His being was consumed with shahid, giving himself to Allah. … Continue reading →

“The Jews are here. The Jews are here” as brown shirts don their jackboots Meander through the helpless Jews strike early for the Reich Helpless face, we soon displace For betterment of all mankind The cattle cars transport the scares … Continue reading →

His left-hand griped the steering wheel. His right-hand chocked the leather gearshift knob. Tense body ached with excitement, now steering a course for the final adobe of the righteous. His being was consumed with shahid, giving himself to Allah.  He drank the … Continue reading →

TO MY MOM, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY   Like most fourteen to eighteen-year-old boys today, my behavior could have easily been fashionably, but incorrectly, diagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder or labeled juvenile delinquency. I would then be given daily doses of Adderall, … Continue reading →

Twenty year ago, in my world, once again I inherited a blessing I could not explain or answer the question “why me.” A beautiful child entered into my life, a granddaughter we named Nina. We saw in her a perfection … Continue reading →

He opens up the trapdoor, knowing whence and whither he goes Half the journey was joyful, half the crowd he froze “Fuck them if they think they can keep electric out” Zimmerman ordered up his Stratocaster to the roadies with … Continue reading →

Pocket full of one dollar bills City skyline in the rearview mirror Hands relaxed on the steering wheel She’s relaxed with the whole damn deal When I said we could talk it over What she heard was “It’s really over” … Continue reading →

Naked lies the birthing of the child Please to meet you, can you guess my name A place beyond the crib I’ll advocate Faux reasoning will will convince and act as bait To define the essence and narrative through the … Continue reading →

  As the eldest son in a military family, I found myself changing residence frequently. Born in South Carolina, I resided in states like New Mexico or North and South Carolina. I spent some of my teenage years in Tripoli, Libya, … Continue reading →

                                                          CARS Being a military brat, at 14 our family moved to Tripoli, Libya in 1965. Some moments would stick into my head and produce a smile, and sometimes outright laughter. I was riding in a car with Italian friends … Continue reading →

Settled into a game of Scrabble a pile of letters, endless babble making word and then unravel many points the game will travel   I take the letters from my tray Place on the board a smart array Then told … Continue reading →

Hello Frank, welcome back, did your travels turn out well? A quick reply to Franks friend Guy “The trip was really swell” The wagon ride that carried us had its momentary dread So tell me Frank and please be frank … Continue reading →

Phoenician voyage, it found its way to a Majorca casbah A traveler saw the urn, and bought the Roman/Greco jar Forty-Seven Euro’s paid sailed past the Pillars of Hercules Now sat quietly unattended in the a foyer for everyone to please … Continue reading →

The siren echoes, the chatter of Beretta cries The stench of forty dollar rooms with sheets not washed or dried The light from overhead incandescent luminaire flickers with the fan He has a two AM buffet Chinese rice and a … Continue reading →

As the airplane was touching down in Columbus, Ohio, the “what will she look like, what will I say” monomaniacal thoughts coursed through my head. My anxiety grew exponentially. I hadn’t seen Karen since I left for Vietnam twelve months … Continue reading →

The phalanx has taken its position on the wasteland The body of troops in position on the hill Cloward and Piven issued the call Overload the system and storm the Bastille   GAME ON!!!

Think I could have been better…. Sometimes Think I could have tried harder…. Sometimes Think I could have been there when you needed me Think I could of said what you bring to me Now I find myself dancing with … Continue reading →

Lie between the padded silk as the ceiling fades with prose The time’s not right for the red-hot light beyond the ode composed   The gathered vestibule with Capricorns dressed bereft regalia clad Anoint the head, the soul is fed … Continue reading →

She said no with a tone of certainty A tone that moved my feeling from excitement to discomfort Her eyes endorsed the uneasiness of the moment With arms crossed and a step backwards   She said no again as I … Continue reading →

I’ve made my choices, by listening to voices Inside an id that resonates, the constant call to congregate   beyond somewhere … of time and place   I’ve made my choices, to follow railroad noises As a beacon call to travel … Continue reading →

The plane turned toward the terminal … as I terminate the journey The steps are extended … as I extend my hands The uniforms are everywhere … everywhere they ask What brings you here today … what is your task … Continue reading →

I hear the scatter of wayward feet …. The anger brought into my den As they look and see a voice toward me Wonder why and what has been Can’t explain the shape I’ve made …. Can’t explain the change … Continue reading →

She didn’t know where he would take her She didn’t know if she should go She didn’t know if he would break her There’s only one thing she could know   She didn’t think of stormy oceans She didn’t see … Continue reading →

There’s a point when courage ends And stupid takes his turn Battles on with windmill songs Nothing left to learn   There’s a point when bravery turns As foolish takes its place Control the course with empty voice A grimace … Continue reading →

Sitting in a pub, San Francisco bay just to pass the evening hours I fell in love with a barroom queen Did not have the words to light the fire   She gave me a smile with her painted up … Continue reading →

If he should love me not   the morning would still be here The rays of sun or drops of rain   would still pass among our ears If he should love me not If he could touch me not  with eyes … Continue reading →

Let the fire continue as the smoke remains aloft  Let the ambers glow as mannequins remark  The ashes that are left untilled are blown away with wind  Leave us all when mornings come, the personage again   Times are spent … Continue reading →

  The wreckage spread both up and down,    a storied sandy beach The countless names and monograms    witness to defeat No one saw the giant storm   that crashed upon the ness the blinding light hide all despite   the bells of … Continue reading →

The airplane touched down in Columbus, Ohio, as the “what will she look like, what will I say”, pinged around in my head. The anxiety grew exponentially. Haven’t seen Caren since I left for Vietnam, twelve months ago. A few … Continue reading →

Time between the morning and the dreams Lays thoughts of a never-ending consequence Yesterday speaks to beyond what we are not able to hold  Now lift the solace dreams and move into the blast zone    Close the moments and … Continue reading →

What is casual become sinister depending on the tune Promoted by the chyron, that flashes on the tube Who decides who to praise, who promulgates the lie If Pilot needs a Jesus Christ that he can crucify “and the band … Continue reading →

Blame these dirges insensitive, the roar see not beyond Tears of sorrow consolers, cashing in a life coupon The cards were dealt, the game was on, last hand seal the fate Called the bet laid down the cards, two black … Continue reading →

Keeping with the prompt CHST, I bought a vowel, added an I went with what I saw a obvious. Taking it right up to the edge of politics and religion (without crossing over). I linked in the video on the … Continue reading →

In the Israel/Arab Six Day War in June 1967, An American signal ship, USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli Mirage Jets and gunboats. After Years of investigation, the attack was deemed an accident in the “fog of war”… This piece … Continue reading →

Trying something new and see how it works… Posting a song with the video I made with iMac. Looking for feedback as to the ‘technical’ aspect of the post. thx

The gates laid open, as the manic chants rang out  A cadre moved in cadence toward the afternoon death route Sudoral bodies honed and sculpt performing pugil art  Weapons ready, patrons blaze, wait carnage for to start And the crowd … Continue reading →

Went on down to Tupelo,  That’s where I met old Negro Joe Living destitute in the alley Cashing checks from his old lady Sally Drinking watered down bourbon From a paper bag   When he saw me he grunted a … Continue reading →

With pleasured sound of her voice, beauty distance long Travel is the tenured choice, delightful with first song   Adding beauty where there’s none, makes baleful vistas gay As silence fills with time undone, consider choices weighed   Questions posed … Continue reading →

Reflection, August 1970, begin second tour in country. Nothing’s changed, the more gooks we kill, the more gooks we kill, need body count… “It don’t mean nothin.” Charlies formable but not the water walking paladin Hanoi Jane and her cohorts … Continue reading →

HEMINGWAY’S FINAL …..   The footsteps seem to quicken, sand moves between the toes    this is the boat I will use today, to end the haunting “salao”  Catch the giant marlin, triumphantly return  Perhaps this day bring happy or another … Continue reading →

  Mamma, Bernie don’t want to play Said he won’t give his hard earn money away Mamma, didn’t realize The four of us would be surprised When Bernie, took that ride   I remember what was told By the white … Continue reading →

Many a card been dealt on the table Many a good man has lost his last dime Many a talented person has faded Many the expert has turned to the wine   If life would only give me two choices … Continue reading →

You made a promise that you’d come home Fold the flag and carve the stone Raise a glass and make a toast Father son and the holy ghost   You made a promise that you’d come home The doorbell rings… … Continue reading →

Gordon made a house out of sandbags on the hill Than he made a home outa powder and some pills No one ever realize the fear he had inside Gordon didn’t want to be the last Marine to die He … Continue reading →

  Will you explain to me what happened   I can’t understand … your apathy Only one word of explanation can satisfy this need in me   You tell me that fate had called its marker and my son had paid … Continue reading →

You made a promise that you’d come home Fold the flag and carve the stone Raise a glass and make a toast Father son and the holy ghost   You made a promise that you’d come home The doorbell rings… … Continue reading →

Hearts turned to stone black granite names to share Thousands enshrined… solemn fanfare Angled tombstones… souls put to rest` In a timely order, they are finally blessed   Weep calmly now … relieve your pain Than tip your half empty … Continue reading →

Take a bus to Bakersfield after landing in LA After all that’s happen to you nothing left to say Change your smile, change your walk …heavy price to pay isn’t easy for you boy so listen while I say   … Continue reading →

Knew a man from Indiana… Daulton was his name Friendly smile, lanky frame…only claim to fame We shared each other’s memories Thoughts would fill our songs Minds were in the jungle… his heart’s in Tara Haute Traveled out in search … Continue reading →

Victor refused to stop playing his tunes So they broke both of his hands and tighten the noose                                                                                The sports pavilion rocked and started to cheer                                         At the arioso…performed there   Surprised the performer with the vigor of their work                                                         Inflicted … Continue reading →

She was the daughter of a traveling minstrel show Players had performances… always had to go They’d return a happy lot… egos satisfied Hide inside the status quo but then they realized The time they spent away from her could … Continue reading →

Twas the day after Christmas…and all through the house Elves were happy…but not Ms Clause For thirty years no present for her Now was the time… receive what was earned   She tried to conceal… disappointment with grace But could … Continue reading →

Fix the broken pieces…. of a reckless dalliance Tattered like a windblown flag…. Foggy as a backroad morn Dark as a final bedside breath fading in the midnight mist Constance thoughts prevail, remembrance of a faithless kiss   The effects … Continue reading →

I am hungry, I am thirsty, I am tired moving toward an end..toward an even more end provide an outcome… best for all or at least best for some and indeed perhaps perpetually numb   Some will cry… some will … Continue reading →

Stitch the edges, sew the twine Put the stars in perfect line The blue and red, this piece of cloth Symbol of a rebel cause   Young in spirts, at Baltimore Have not yet what the fighting’s for The strips … Continue reading →

                            I’ve seen not near a beauty as the one beneath her glow I think not my eyes will seek Another one to know This favored moment time elapse Reside within the core Sharing spirits as we collapse Swells crashing … Continue reading →