Verbal Beautification

Looting is an ugly word
That I believe should not be heard.
Here instead is my solution:
“Freelance merchandise distribution.”

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If we had really good VR,
All could live in total isolation,
While feeling that we’re roaming near and far,
Awash in a world of simulated sensation.
Computer viruses would be the only kind
Left behind to trouble one’s mind.

Eavesdropping

Some call it mental chatter.
I say it’s the pitter-patter
Of new ideas with little feet
Jostling around till they feel complete.

Crashing my Karma

I find reincarnation
Impossible to conceive.
But in a former life
I was Hindu, and did believe!

Monologue: Hack Attack

Hacker illustrates social engineering.
Give him a hearing!

No Standing

In video meetings there’s always a chance
Your coworkers are not wearing pants.

Riddle

Black and white of pelt,
He makes his presence smelt.
And here’s another clue,
He rhymes with what he’s known to do.

Observed in the Wild

A six-year-old, on an empty tennis court,
Finds running around the net is excellent sport.

Second Sunday

In this Mother's Day monologue, a prez call his mother to stay in touch,
And asks her not to talk so much!

My People

Irish goodbye: just slipping out the door.
You blink and you don’t see them any more.
Irish mouthwash: whiskey down the hatch.
Works to warm up any cold you catch.
Irish pajamas: sleeping in your clothes.
What’s the point of changing out of those?
Irish democracy: unpopular laws subverted,
Or possibly ignored or otherwise skirted.

Bliss

Newborns, unaware
Of various viral harms
That spiral through the air,
Still find comfort in their mothers' arms.

Mysteries

I've been trying to figure out how to tell the difference
Between social and antisocial distance.
Are people smiling behind their masks?
I can't tell. I may have to ask.

Product Recommendation

I going to begin hoarding
Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer - without delay.
When the hordes of hornets arrive,
I'll be ready for the fray!

Staying Out of It

I put the murder hornet
In a room with a killer bee
And let them fight each other
Instead of coming for me!

Sightings

I've seen a number of serious presidential candidates in person. Hubert Humphrey. Al Gore. John Anderson. And I've seen some presidential motorcades go by - Obama's and I think Reagan's - where I figured the president was in one of those black cars.

But the only time I've actually seen an American president in the flesh was when Donald Trump was in Chicago, for a ground-breaking ceremony for his local Trump skyscraper hotel, years ago. I just happened to be walking by. There he was, talking to a bunch of reporters, standing tall, commanding attention, the way he does. He has stage presence.

I don't know how I never saw Obama in person. Well, I might have, before he had achieved prominence. He went to church about a mile from my house. But I was never aware of seeing him.

Despite being a lifelong USA resident,
I've only seen one president
In person, so far.
I'm not counting the ones who drove by in a car,
Whizzing past fast
Behind darkened glass.

Ker-Splash

A scientific model
Can be a belly-flopper,
Living up to the theory
Of Karl Popper.