When I knew I was coming back to my regular shift, I was excited. I like working midnights, and being up during the daytime killed my energy last week. I had no idea that the sun light and fresh air of the day time would do that to me, but it sure did. And now that I'm back...I'm remembering that night shift is a mostly long and boring process, occasionally punctuated by moments of excitement and terror.
But not tonight. It was a typical non-eventful night. Rain kept people away and most bars closed early. But I found a new form to entertain you with. And by new, I mean that this form was invented at the end of the 20th century. The Pleiades is the name of a group of stars, and the form. It can be done with no syllable count, six or seven syllables per line. The main part of the form is that there are only seven lines, and they all start with the same letter as the title, which is always one word. I did two to try out the freer form and the seven syllable variant.
Peaceful (No Syllable Count)
Pitter patter of rain drops on my car
Pleasing a sound as I needed
Pushing my tiredness away
Perfectly contrasting an empty town
Possibly I could find something to do
Preferably an arrest or car stop
Picking these is difficult on a slow night
Writing (7-Syllable)
When I had a spare moment
Words fell from my fingertips
Waiting was always my strength
What I needed were questions
Who I sent them to made sense
When I get them back, who knows
Wanting and wishing try me
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
August 30, 2011 - 0500
Night two after a week away and I am beat. Coupled with the four hours of actual sleep I got yesterday and I'm sincerely hoping that I can get home and to bed at a reasonable hour.
That being said, I took on a challenging style this morning. The Rhopalic Verse is a pretty neat set of words strung together. They are in syllabic order: 1,2,3... and so on if you're wordy and smart. I stuck to no more than four syllables and that was enough to give my mind a workout.
Difficult Words to Write Through the Yawning
A little maddening metropolis
This city aspires
Bars open expecting alcoholics
But nothing partaking
My slumber quietly interrupted
Four hours collected
My vision compounded
By yawning restlessness
A single vehicle
A simple citizen conversation
No ticket extended
One warning completed
That being said, I took on a challenging style this morning. The Rhopalic Verse is a pretty neat set of words strung together. They are in syllabic order: 1,2,3... and so on if you're wordy and smart. I stuck to no more than four syllables and that was enough to give my mind a workout.
Difficult Words to Write Through the Yawning
A little maddening metropolis
This city aspires
Bars open expecting alcoholics
But nothing partaking
My slumber quietly interrupted
Four hours collected
My vision compounded
By yawning restlessness
A single vehicle
A simple citizen conversation
No ticket extended
One warning completed
Monday, August 29, 2011
August 29, 2011 - 1415
Well, I'm back. After a week away from the town and the nightly grind of the shift it's good to be back. I would have written something last night, but I had other important documents to draft. Like a memo for reimbursement for mileage and fuel to the tune of almost $500.00. And a total reworking of our departments firearms program. I learned in those five days, that if someone in my department shoots someone right now, we are totally screwed. And I am not going to be in that bag, so I used my down time to draft a new training curriculum. I'll do some more on it tonight but I should also be able to put some poetry out as well.
I'm not going to try and rehash what I did in that week of training, but instead focus on what I usually write about which is my every night encounters.
Welcome Back, Welcomed Back, Welcome, Back
I was warned by text before I even arrived
That my peer would be ranting long into the night
But when we arrived we were both pleased to see
That he'd taken time off and that I would be free.
So I drove all the streets and said my hellos
To the businesses and all of the people I know
Drunk boys and girls all wandered the walks
Interrupting my driving with slurred boozy talks
Then I was greeted by a new throbbing pain
Not wearing a gun belt had suddenly drained
my lower back muscles of all of their holding
Uncomfortable driving from the belt not molding
But I was reprieved by hours of writing
New training materials that I knew I'd be sighting
After learning that we as a department were lacking
And a single lawsuit would send all of us packing
I'm not going to try and rehash what I did in that week of training, but instead focus on what I usually write about which is my every night encounters.
Welcome Back, Welcomed Back, Welcome, Back
I was warned by text before I even arrived
That my peer would be ranting long into the night
But when we arrived we were both pleased to see
That he'd taken time off and that I would be free.
So I drove all the streets and said my hellos
To the businesses and all of the people I know
Drunk boys and girls all wandered the walks
Interrupting my driving with slurred boozy talks
Then I was greeted by a new throbbing pain
Not wearing a gun belt had suddenly drained
my lower back muscles of all of their holding
Uncomfortable driving from the belt not molding
But I was reprieved by hours of writing
New training materials that I knew I'd be sighting
After learning that we as a department were lacking
And a single lawsuit would send all of us packing
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 19, 2011 - 0500
No poetry today. While disassembling my pistol at work for cleaning, the ejector broke off. Bad for the gun, but not so bad for the poetry, because other than this nothing happened all night. See you in a week.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August 18, 2011 - 0500
Tonight, I got to put to use some of my more advanced officer safety skills. And by that I mean, I made three subjects do as I said, when I said and put them at a distinct tactical disadvantage. I was quite proud of myself.
For a Wednesday/Thursday it wasn't too bad. Enough to keep us busy until around 0300, and then there was enough in the office to get me through until 0400. Then, it only took me 15 minutes to gather my thoughts and write out the Cavatina, which is tonight's style. While is says it was and is unpopular in England, I liked this one. The change in meter and unique rhyme sequence was fun and just challenging enough at 0400 to make me have to think about the next rhyme.
Mixed Bag Mid-Week
The night was calm as I drove through the town
It's a good thing
My partners stop did not come on the air
Made my head ring
Matching bracelets for unlicensed driver
Work makes me sing
And then three kids just laying in the street
Then after, fresh tomatoes make lunch sweet
For a Wednesday/Thursday it wasn't too bad. Enough to keep us busy until around 0300, and then there was enough in the office to get me through until 0400. Then, it only took me 15 minutes to gather my thoughts and write out the Cavatina, which is tonight's style. While is says it was and is unpopular in England, I liked this one. The change in meter and unique rhyme sequence was fun and just challenging enough at 0400 to make me have to think about the next rhyme.
Mixed Bag Mid-Week
The night was calm as I drove through the town
It's a good thing
My partners stop did not come on the air
Made my head ring
Matching bracelets for unlicensed driver
Work makes me sing
And then three kids just laying in the street
Then after, fresh tomatoes make lunch sweet
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 17, 2011 - 0500
Another short week for me. I am taking off this Friday for Irishfest in Milwaukee, and then next week I am in training Monday through Friday. Firearms instructor class, woohoo!
But today was a fun style called a Monchielle Stanza. Four stanzas, five lines each, 6 syllables per line, and a rhyme in lines three and five. Simple. And here it is.
The Night Was Cool And Slow
The night was cool and slow
And I was set free quick
I drove 'round slow, silent
It was that kind of night
No cars or peds in it
The night was cool and slow
Midnight and I was out
The depot doors stood wide
But no one loitered in
Back to the dark I glide
The night was cool and slow
I hoped for more to see
But it was not my fate
Mid-week is quiet time
These I both love and hate
The night was cool and slow
And gave way to the morn
Stars faded; traffic grew
One more night of safety
One more that we got through
But today was a fun style called a Monchielle Stanza. Four stanzas, five lines each, 6 syllables per line, and a rhyme in lines three and five. Simple. And here it is.
The Night Was Cool And Slow
The night was cool and slow
And I was set free quick
I drove 'round slow, silent
It was that kind of night
No cars or peds in it
The night was cool and slow
Midnight and I was out
The depot doors stood wide
But no one loitered in
Back to the dark I glide
The night was cool and slow
I hoped for more to see
But it was not my fate
Mid-week is quiet time
These I both love and hate
The night was cool and slow
And gave way to the morn
Stars faded; traffic grew
One more night of safety
One more that we got through
Sunday, August 14, 2011
August 14, 2011 - 0500
The end of the work week brought a fairly slow night. And for a Saturday, that was a surprise. College students are starting to arrive in town now, and foot traffic is picking up as well. But so far, everyone is being good...for now.
Tonight I wrote a Goethe Stanza poem. It isn't so much the rhyme or meter, but the presentation. You will be able to see it easier than I could explain it.
Short Handed, Slow Night
It's good I worked, with a man out sick
Even though one could have handled the town
He'll burn himself like a candles wick
Busy, sick or slow...don't be a clown
He was so drunk he could barely stand
Blood dripping from a split elbow
Medics arrived and lent a hand
Where it happened he doesn't know
Form a residential caller a noisy party
I had to shut off my car to hear
A band far away was playing hearty
But were at a bar, no where near here
Tonight I wrote a Goethe Stanza poem. It isn't so much the rhyme or meter, but the presentation. You will be able to see it easier than I could explain it.
Short Handed, Slow Night
It's good I worked, with a man out sick
Even though one could have handled the town
He'll burn himself like a candles wick
Busy, sick or slow...don't be a clown
He was so drunk he could barely stand
Blood dripping from a split elbow
Medics arrived and lent a hand
Where it happened he doesn't know
Form a residential caller a noisy party
I had to shut off my car to hear
A band far away was playing hearty
But were at a bar, no where near here
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 13, 2011 - 0515
This one is late for a couple of reasons. First, is that it covers two days. An eventful two days. And second is because it's fairly lengthy. I had to start a new Moleskine just to finish writing it out. Not that I filled 192 pages with this one, but I was almost at the end of my old one and this ran five pages.
The style is a Burns Stanza or Standard Habbie. Easy rhyme sequence and simple syllabic structure. And, with as much as I had to cover I needed something easy to follow.
Two Days Busy
We had a shift of three once more
Bars open late. What's in store?
We wonder walking out the door
It's slow until about half way
A drunk man peeing on a door
Caught dead to rights. Not much to say
Handcuffed and taken in a charged
In booking to the toilet barged
His bladder from the beer enlarged
In wallet found a gram of coke
The state was called about his charge
A felony is not a joke
His friend had fake ID in hand
Plans for leaving us were canned
"Stay with us" we did demand
A call to states attorney made
Transport them to Waukegan-land
To a gray jail cell I'm afraid
Two arrestees head to court
Me leave on time? I did abort
that idea. Day shift was short
Both were kept after judges call
I left for home and sleeping port
Almost 12 hours overall
Friday there were but two on shift
A full moon lets the crazies drift
And gives my tired bones a lift
That, and a large iced coffee drink
Lots of people through which to sift
Our first call put us on the brink
A business man. A fake ID.
The kid confronted tried to flee
With owner following angrily
He caught up, but by car was pulled
The car kept going down the street
And owner on the pavement rolled
They chased them down on motor-bikes
All streaking through the inky night
The young man trying to take flight
But wisely he did finally stop
We show up and arrest on sight
The joys of being a local cop
A bong and beer in car were found
Offender did not make a sound
When told the car would be impound
Three students all were in the car
Good schools, but no sense abound
They might be free had they gone to a bar
Kid one from Stanford college nigh
And two, from Berkeley, almost cried
Three was a Wisconsonite
He caught the charge that was most harsh
First two released to parents sighs
The third one given tickets charged
I tried my best to make the pinch
You'd think when busy it'd be a cinch
And drunks arrested in a clinch
But four stops got me nothing fast
I gave not even a inch
But luck tonight had long since passed
With five arrests in just three days
Those working a deserve some praise
Something more than a turn of phrase
They all were working as a team
When young ones came and made their plays
All comes together like a dream
The style is a Burns Stanza or Standard Habbie. Easy rhyme sequence and simple syllabic structure. And, with as much as I had to cover I needed something easy to follow.
Two Days Busy
We had a shift of three once more
Bars open late. What's in store?
We wonder walking out the door
It's slow until about half way
A drunk man peeing on a door
Caught dead to rights. Not much to say
Handcuffed and taken in a charged
In booking to the toilet barged
His bladder from the beer enlarged
In wallet found a gram of coke
The state was called about his charge
A felony is not a joke
His friend had fake ID in hand
Plans for leaving us were canned
"Stay with us" we did demand
A call to states attorney made
Transport them to Waukegan-land
To a gray jail cell I'm afraid
Two arrestees head to court
Me leave on time? I did abort
that idea. Day shift was short
Both were kept after judges call
I left for home and sleeping port
Almost 12 hours overall
Friday there were but two on shift
A full moon lets the crazies drift
And gives my tired bones a lift
That, and a large iced coffee drink
Lots of people through which to sift
Our first call put us on the brink
A business man. A fake ID.
The kid confronted tried to flee
With owner following angrily
He caught up, but by car was pulled
The car kept going down the street
And owner on the pavement rolled
They chased them down on motor-bikes
All streaking through the inky night
The young man trying to take flight
But wisely he did finally stop
We show up and arrest on sight
The joys of being a local cop
A bong and beer in car were found
Offender did not make a sound
When told the car would be impound
Three students all were in the car
Good schools, but no sense abound
They might be free had they gone to a bar
Kid one from Stanford college nigh
And two, from Berkeley, almost cried
Three was a Wisconsonite
He caught the charge that was most harsh
First two released to parents sighs
The third one given tickets charged
I tried my best to make the pinch
You'd think when busy it'd be a cinch
And drunks arrested in a clinch
But four stops got me nothing fast
I gave not even a inch
But luck tonight had long since passed
With five arrests in just three days
Those working a deserve some praise
Something more than a turn of phrase
They all were working as a team
When young ones came and made their plays
All comes together like a dream
Thursday, August 11, 2011
August 11, 2011 - 0500
Amazingly, it looks like my computer is going to cooperate for an on-time publish of today's poetry. Fingers crossed it will keep this up all week.
Tonight we had three guys working, which is a rarity around here lately. It's usually me and one other guy, so when I saw the extra it made me both smile and pensive. Extra man power is always welcome, but it also means I have no excuse to leave and back up the other officer. I'm stuck listening to my peer rant and rave about whatever is bugging him.
I captured the highlights in a rondel. Easy rhyme and syllable structure, unlike a traditional sonnet. Sonnets always give me fits, and I'm not sure why. But ones like this, which are close to a sonnet form, are no problem. The struggles of artists, I know.
Three On, First Night Back
At first it seemed a good idea
And is, when you just do your job
Ticket an ambulance? Let's be clear
That just makes you look like a knob
Outside you cannot have your beer
Not sober or a drunken slob
At first it seemed a good idea
And is when you just do your job
Be cool and you are out of here
Headed home, if you shut your gob
Felony charges hang on your cob
Off to county you'll go so clear
At first, it seemed a good idea
Tonight we had three guys working, which is a rarity around here lately. It's usually me and one other guy, so when I saw the extra it made me both smile and pensive. Extra man power is always welcome, but it also means I have no excuse to leave and back up the other officer. I'm stuck listening to my peer rant and rave about whatever is bugging him.
I captured the highlights in a rondel. Easy rhyme and syllable structure, unlike a traditional sonnet. Sonnets always give me fits, and I'm not sure why. But ones like this, which are close to a sonnet form, are no problem. The struggles of artists, I know.
Three On, First Night Back
At first it seemed a good idea
And is, when you just do your job
Ticket an ambulance? Let's be clear
That just makes you look like a knob
Outside you cannot have your beer
Not sober or a drunken slob
At first it seemed a good idea
And is when you just do your job
Be cool and you are out of here
Headed home, if you shut your gob
Felony charges hang on your cob
Off to county you'll go so clear
At first, it seemed a good idea
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 10, 2011 - 0930
Man, do I feel like a fool. I've been home and only had a few minor chores to take care of and I didn't even post what I had written...last week. Sorry about that everyone. I have it all written out and so here it is.
This is a poetry style called a Dizain. It's French in origin, and has a 10 line structure, 8-10 syllables per line and an easy to follow rhyme pattern. The one that I wrote is about another nice and busy night at work and the many wacky things I saw that night.
A Good Working Weekend
Multiple puking was first on the list
One guy, back and forth, in the dark alley
Another guy peeing could not be missed
Thought he was hidden down in a valley
Caught, his pants fell - there's no dilly-dally
My second drunk driver in as many nights
It makes me happy when none of them fight
He hit a parked car as he pulled over
Refused the breath test, 'cause he knows his rights
Nice enough guy, but also not sober
This is a poetry style called a Dizain. It's French in origin, and has a 10 line structure, 8-10 syllables per line and an easy to follow rhyme pattern. The one that I wrote is about another nice and busy night at work and the many wacky things I saw that night.
A Good Working Weekend
Multiple puking was first on the list
One guy, back and forth, in the dark alley
Another guy peeing could not be missed
Thought he was hidden down in a valley
Caught, his pants fell - there's no dilly-dally
My second drunk driver in as many nights
It makes me happy when none of them fight
He hit a parked car as he pulled over
Refused the breath test, 'cause he knows his rights
Nice enough guy, but also not sober
Saturday, August 6, 2011
August 6, 2011 - 0500
Tonight was much, much better than the night before. There were lots of people all about, and they stayed for most of the night. This in turn, gave me lots of opportunity to make stops, talk to people, and eventually arrest someone. Which I did.
It was my second stop and I cashed in with it. The driver was pretty hammered, but mostly in control of himself. If only he'd turned on the headlights...
This is a Cyhydedd Fer Sonnet. There wasn't any real information regarding the origins, only the rhyme sequence. It's a set of eight rhyming couplets, with roughly eight syllables per line. Straight forward and easy.
Fun (For Me) Saturday Night
The weather was warm, made me sweat
Runs down my back where I can't get
The town was busy as could be
So I went out, a drunk to see
My first car stop had lights on high
She was sober, we said good bye
Second stop had no lights at all
Two times the limit; he took the fall
He was sent out into the night
And in my car I did take flight
My third stop was just simply lost
He went his way with laughter tossed
Nothing makes my night more cheery
Than arresting someone drunk and beery
It was my second stop and I cashed in with it. The driver was pretty hammered, but mostly in control of himself. If only he'd turned on the headlights...
This is a Cyhydedd Fer Sonnet. There wasn't any real information regarding the origins, only the rhyme sequence. It's a set of eight rhyming couplets, with roughly eight syllables per line. Straight forward and easy.
Fun (For Me) Saturday Night
The weather was warm, made me sweat
Runs down my back where I can't get
The town was busy as could be
So I went out, a drunk to see
My first car stop had lights on high
She was sober, we said good bye
Second stop had no lights at all
Two times the limit; he took the fall
He was sent out into the night
And in my car I did take flight
My third stop was just simply lost
He went his way with laughter tossed
Nothing makes my night more cheery
Than arresting someone drunk and beery
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 5, 2011 - 0500
In a last ditch effort to get this out, here is some free verse I put down regarding slow nights. I know it's like hearing a stuck record, but most nights here go off without a hitch. Enjoy.
Thursday in 20 Lines
My usual coworker was off today
He keeps things interesting when here
His replacement is...adequate
But being part-time makes him reluctant to engage
A typical Thursday in our quiet town
Meaning a slooow first night back
My peer bent my ear until one A.M.
I only got a two hour nap before work
One car stop yielded a student
Lost, but in control of his faculties
Second stop was more promising
But he was honest; and not drunk
I followed a drunk, shirtless man home
They usually pee somewhere along the way
He kept taking off and putting on his shirt
Nobody wanted to see that. No body.
Tomorrow night, Friday night, should be better
Busier town, more things moving, more potential
As long as things go smoothly I'll have fun
If there are problems, I will not be amused
Thursday in 20 Lines
My usual coworker was off today
He keeps things interesting when here
His replacement is...adequate
But being part-time makes him reluctant to engage
A typical Thursday in our quiet town
Meaning a slooow first night back
My peer bent my ear until one A.M.
I only got a two hour nap before work
One car stop yielded a student
Lost, but in control of his faculties
Second stop was more promising
But he was honest; and not drunk
I followed a drunk, shirtless man home
They usually pee somewhere along the way
He kept taking off and putting on his shirt
Nobody wanted to see that. No body.
Tomorrow night, Friday night, should be better
Busier town, more things moving, more potential
As long as things go smoothly I'll have fun
If there are problems, I will not be amused
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011 - 0500
Looks like I'll actually get to publish twice in one day! *fingers crossed*
This set of lines is in the Spanish Quintain (Quintilla) style. Five lines in an eight syllable, set rhyme structure. Simple and classic. And not too bad to write in either.
I was told tonight that I was not to be trusted. This was third hand information, first spoken by a member of my department. He (I can say he, since we don't have any sworn female officers) is in such a mood lately that all of the command staff, of which I happen to be a part of, are out to harshly punish those in patrol. Not only that, since he's the only one who does any work, no one else is worthy either. He's a one man police department! It got me thinking about his attitude and what possible outcomes there could be from his attitude and actions.
Untrustworthy(?)
At work I am now an outcast
By one who thinks of wrongs done past
But I'm too new to feel his ire
His attitude makes others tire
If it keeps up he just won't last
Because I am the boss of some
I'm out to make punishment come
swiftly down on those below me
Everyone around here can see
His constant whining makes them numb
He's never happy here at work
And everyone thinks he's a jerk
If he could just go with the flow
And not make everything a show
Then being here would be a perk
I ignore him and keep growing
All the while I'm smiling, knowing
The more he acts like a big ass
Showing my boss he has no class
Out the door is where he's going
This set of lines is in the Spanish Quintain (Quintilla) style. Five lines in an eight syllable, set rhyme structure. Simple and classic. And not too bad to write in either.
I was told tonight that I was not to be trusted. This was third hand information, first spoken by a member of my department. He (I can say he, since we don't have any sworn female officers) is in such a mood lately that all of the command staff, of which I happen to be a part of, are out to harshly punish those in patrol. Not only that, since he's the only one who does any work, no one else is worthy either. He's a one man police department! It got me thinking about his attitude and what possible outcomes there could be from his attitude and actions.
Untrustworthy(?)
At work I am now an outcast
By one who thinks of wrongs done past
But I'm too new to feel his ire
His attitude makes others tire
If it keeps up he just won't last
Because I am the boss of some
I'm out to make punishment come
swiftly down on those below me
Everyone around here can see
His constant whining makes them numb
He's never happy here at work
And everyone thinks he's a jerk
If he could just go with the flow
And not make everything a show
Then being here would be a perk
I ignore him and keep growing
All the while I'm smiling, knowing
The more he acts like a big ass
Showing my boss he has no class
Out the door is where he's going
August 1, 2011 - 0500
Actually, August 2, 2011 at about 0150. Sometimes, things get in the way. Like life away from the streets. A couple of days off were complicated by at-home repairs that came out of the blue and needed immediate addressing. These have been taken care of, and we are all much happier at home for it.
Also, it seems that Google/Blogger have decided to let me publish today. Or my desktop is feeling generous. Either way, here it is from last night.
Looking to southeast Asia, we find a style called the Ya Du. It has a simple, Haiku-like structure, with a staircase rhyme sequence that is both fun and challenging. This one gives another look at what really doesn't go on in our town on a Sunday night.
Hot Days, Slow Nights, Back to Work
Lots of email for me
My four days seemed long
But these were hot days
My Ways were too short
And when I return there's nothing to report
Driving in the slow town
Deep sweat frown on faces
AC down. I understand.
We'll hand over money soon
Hoping for relief tomorrow afternoon.
Also, it seems that Google/Blogger have decided to let me publish today. Or my desktop is feeling generous. Either way, here it is from last night.
Looking to southeast Asia, we find a style called the Ya Du. It has a simple, Haiku-like structure, with a staircase rhyme sequence that is both fun and challenging. This one gives another look at what really doesn't go on in our town on a Sunday night.
Hot Days, Slow Nights, Back to Work
Lots of email for me
My four days seemed long
But these were hot days
My Ways were too short
And when I return there's nothing to report
Driving in the slow town
Deep sweat frown on faces
AC down. I understand.
We'll hand over money soon
Hoping for relief tomorrow afternoon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)