Category: Poetry

Poetry became part of my life decades ago. My first memory involving poetry: a creative writing class from seventh grade. Poetry and writing remain crucial parts of my life to this day.

I find my inspiration in the commonplace, in everyday experiences, in current events. My daily meditations grant me a great deal of clarity, which comes in verse.

Currently, I’m focusing short-form poetry. Predominantly I’m writing haiku/senryu with some tanka. For the past few years, I’ve worked to post a haiku daily. Though not perfect, I’ve been able to stick to that schedule pretty well. Some longer forms come to me, too, though mostly in free-verse.

Death’s Density

Carl Setzer

Death, dense,
Beyond neutron stars.
Black holes where
Nothing escapes
Light itself,
Impotent.

Light, space itself
Warped by the power
Of this empty absence.
All nearby, changed,
Bent, disformed.
Eternity.

Nightbound Words

Carl Setzer

Racing mind
Fears awakened,
Given voice,
Speaking loudly
Into murky peace of night.

Dreams unrealized,
Yet still dreams.
Voices of neglected
Priorities. Reminding
Me; deepest values.

Empty grave
This frantic life.
Delightful sense of purpose
Untethered to accomplishment.
Illusions of effectiveness.

Self directed rage
Unuseful, empty sounds.
November’s east bound
Wind pushes still,
Fiercely, chilling.

Moments

Carl Setzer

Flash,
Hand lunges.
Strike!

Momentary grasp for power.
Momentary…

Power touched; flees.
Power’s gone, mist:

Angry vacant god.
Emptiness returns.

Desperation’s emptiness
Resumes its
Ice cold

Fury.

Night

Carl Setzer

Darkness lurks upon the farside of my window.
Orange red splotches force through the murk,
Showing much too little.

Too much hidden for those seeking safety.
So much away from the accountability of eyes.
Sometimes selfish longings,
Sometimes the drive to cause pain.

Whether avoiding guilt or capture,
Night’s blanket an ally.