The Original Hipster (I Saw Jesus, Part 5)

I saw Jesus again
(the guy is everywhere).

It was after a gig
as I walked alone
down an empty street

I looked up and saw a glowing light
from a window and there he was
sitting on the couch 

of his studio apartment 

with his girlfriend

their faces shining in the light
of their individual laptops
as the room glowed blue
from a television show
no one was watching

and I wondered what he does
to afford the rent in this town
and I must admit

I was disappointed to see him 

wearing a flannel shirt

in September.

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   September 2015

Indian Summer (The Season of Wispy Clouds)

Each year there are a few quiet weeks
where Summer and Fall share the day
in sibling rivalry until Summer concedes to let go

where Fall brings a crisp edge
to the morning and evening air
to ease us gently into what lie ahead

but Summer still rules the day with boastful pride
sending us searching for shade on our lunch hour
just to remind us who has been running things

and the Sun looks on, smiling
at this game of tug-of-war
and offers them a special light

and together they join hands each night
and make the wind sit down and watch
as they command wispy clouds to hang still
for their majestic sunset canvas

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   September 26, 2015

Do

   What I do
What I can do
What I should do
  What I want to do
What I am here to do
                         are all          
different

What I'm supposed to do
        What I need to do
        What I must do
   is make them all

the same.

Do.

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   September 2015

Heartbreak International

She was on the phone
in the next cubicle
softly crying, quietly pleading
in a language I could not understand

I could feel the pain and suffering
as her sad words drifted over
the walls like clouds of pain
to blot the sun from my day

She had no idea I was sharing
her private moment and that
I had convinced myself someone
was telling her their final good-bye

It was a reminder
that heartbreak is
universally recognizable
in any language

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   September 2015

Bay Area Regretful Transit

The BART train
    at rush hour: one surf board
for five hundred people

          ~~~~~

BART train riders--
    forced to share someone's
tuna and sweet pickle sandwich

          ~~~~~

BART train riders--
    skinny suits to Spear street,
sandals to Silicone Valley

          ~~~~~

BART train riders--
    expressionless
while clandestinely farting

          ~~~~~

BART train riders
   telling off their Boss
in a daydream

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   September 2015