June-August 2021

Three by 3 of March 2021-May 2021 reprised Scruples, numbers 10 thru 12.  Numbers 13 thru 15 are the continuation. Their original posting dates were: 13 & 14 September-November 2017, 15 March-May 2019.

“The idea of scruples has to do with ethics and morality: what is right and wrong. Scruples are a kind of moral compass that lets you know what’s right.”  (https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/scruples )

                 13.

One good look at the Danube—
                     from bank to bank—
shows it flowing south, of course,
                     broad and deep, a full length
                            channel, the current
                                     more slick than surly…
As far as colors go, teal can appear dark
                      or light, except for a short time
                                    within sight of Vienna…

There the water turns blue, the river waltzes along.

               14.

If a bull enters
            a crowded café,
those near an exit
            can sneak out.
Others are better off
            hiding behind a chair,
or under a table…

Alone, at the bar
            a matador on a binge                            
sips another manzanilla…
            Today he fought badly,
more afraid than brave,
             his passes too safe,
spared by a stroke of luck
              during the toque de muerte.

The bull glares back from the bottom
              of an empty glass,
headstrong, looking for revenge.
               Once in the ring,
there’s no escaping a hangover. .                      

                      15.  

Let’s sing Happy Birthday together.
Those who can remember
the words, still carry a tune,
please gather around the table.

Someone should lower the curtains…
another bring in the cake…

How many candles are lit?
Our lot awaits with bated breath
until the time comes to blow
them out, while we’re able.

 

 

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