William Van Ornum

The Eagle Of The Sea

Sigmund Freud, neurologist, took the hypothesis

That misery is not in the protoplasm.

Instead he thought the Talking Cure

Could even change the synapses.

The harpies of the shore came out

And wrecked the Eagle of the Sea.

Too much sex

Too expensive

Not empirically verified.

But are there other yellow brick roads?


The Potable Lake

Sunken Northern Lights
Rainbow hues and gold specks
Trout seek; bass roil.

Coves beckon
Deer dart and prance
Coyotes stalk
Predators feast.

Sometimes muddy
Dams stanch
People visit.

Sentries have rifles
Houses sit submerged
Deep denizens follow roads below
Grandma’s farm still’s stolen.

Conduit of life
Slakes thirst of Big City.

Ambrosial.

Ashokan.


Election Day And The Prince Of Strawberries

If I were the Prince of Strawberries
I’d chase fireflies and watch stars
And light everyone’s birthday cake.

If I were the Earl of Ink
I’d hide all the books, keep them safe
So pixels don’t devour them.

If I were the Governor of Words
I’d insist they told the truth
Neither slipping nor sliding away.

If I became a General in the army,
I’d do push-ups with the troops
And lead the line when needed.

And if I lived in the United States,
I’d insist on a wise ruler
A philosopher king.

Only someone like Marcos Aurelius
Or Faustina II
Would do.


About the Author

William Van Ornum writes, cycles, walks, and enjoys the outdoors. He was a college professor for over 30 years. He had other jobs before that, include a stint as a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus driver. He has been a Chicago Cubs fan for many seasons and appreciates those who strive whatever the odds. This was a lesson learned from watching the Cubs.

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