It’s such a great song.  A song that embraces the vicissitudes of life. But does, letting go,  mean giving up? It can. Or it can simply mean, not now. There are a lot of things I have let go. This “LETTING GO” business isn’t always easy.  I mean…knowing when to hold ’em and knowing when to fold ’em is sometimes hard, we’re not talking about laundry…

Well, we could but I don’t want to talk about old dirty socks or worn out shoes or shirts  that have been hanging around in the closet for a quarter of a century.  Of course, I’m not dismissing having a clean house. In fact, having a clean house can actually help in letting go of some of our other baggage. How many of us sometimes become mental hoarders. We have so much traffic running around in our heads, without having the capacity or lacking that intuitive ability to either filter or direct it in a positive way. It’s not always easy being a HUMAN BEING.

I would never consider myself a prolific writer. I don’t write everyday. I may think about it but don’t do it. I’m a procrastinator. I’ll make every excuse in the book, although I can’t put it all on work anymore, I’m retired.  But it’s been almost a year and I just haven’t had the urgency to write anything. Yeah…I let go alright and to add on another excuse: I DON’T HAVE ANY DEADLINES. I don’t have an audience chomping at the bit waiting for me to produce.  In fact, if there are a few people out there who do read my post, I’m grateful.

A lot can happen in a year, and my life (like everyone else’s) has been full of creative activity but one of the driving forces for me to write now is that I don’t want a year to go by without posting anything. August would be a year. So, yes, I did in fact give myself a deadline, a self imposed one. But I still don’t feel pressured enough where I feel I’m missing out on a big paycheck or risk losing thousands of subscribers. So for the few of you who read this blog, THE DEPARTMENT OF POETIC LICENSE, I’m very grateful and sincerely hope that you take away some valuable nuggets that you can use and also find comfort  in whatever you are going through in life you’re not alone.

My self-imposed dead-line (as you may notice) to finish a blog before a year had passed; well, a year has come and gone, and while I have sometimes wondered why I haven’t been able to be more disciplined when it comes to writing. I can probably come up with a litany of excuses and go down that rabbit hole of could haves, should haves  and if’s, which in reality is simply called “PROCRASTINATION” or perhaps, ” PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS”.

At this point in my life, I sometimes feel like a surfer; I wait with my surfboard for that big wave of energy, then I time it just right and jump on my board and ride it until I can’t anymore. I know that next wave will eventually come.

Letting go isn’t always easy.  But if we learn anything; it is good to know that we don’t have to continually beat ourselves up with all of those : would haves, should haves and ifs. All we have is this moment, A SNAP SHOT IN TIME.

I want to pass along a nugget that I read from a publication, “LIFE IS LIKE A CAMERA, JUST FOCUS ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT, CAPTURE THE GOOD TIMES, DEVELOP FROM THE NEGATIVES, AND IF THINGS DON’T WORK OUT…JUST TAKE ANOTHER SHOT.”

UNTIL NEXT TIME. STAY FOCUSED, BE WELL, AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

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My last few rounds of golf was not pretty.  I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately. You know when your buddies tell you to pick up a three foot putt, they can feel your pain. They know. Why? Because THEY like most golfers have been there before. When we hear professional golfers refer to golf as ‘ a tough game.’   They also know that the game can be feast or famine. But watching this malnourished golfer struggling was perhaps like watching a wounded bird (what a visual paradox), and wondering if it will ever fly again, or possibly get eaten.

As I stood there admiring the great shots my partners were hitting I realized that I really like playing with these guys. We keep each other encouraged. We laugh at one another, laugh at ourselves. Of course, we want to play well, but we’re not hot shot competitors. That’s what keeps me coming back, not just the golf but the whole experience; the camaraderie, the beauty of the course, being outdoors and taking in the splendor of nature.

One of my closest friends (Reggie) plays golf but he hasn’t actually played in years. He bought an OCCULUS and decided he wanted to play golf. He explained to me that, like chess, it is possible to play against people in other states even other countries. Something I knew nothing about.

This one particular day he played against a guy who whipped him like Mike Tyson. He told me that the guy seemed a little perturbed that he wasn’t any competition. The guy told him to next time check out the person’s handicap before hand. In other words, STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE.  DON’T COME OUT HERE AND TRY TO HANG OUT WITH THE BIG BOYS AND GIRLS!

I couldn’t help but feel his pain as he licked his wounds. ” Hey, doesn’t this guy know that we all had to start somewhere.” I told him. Then I thought about it, maybe he had a point. Perhaps, next time he should check. It can be a bit discouraging to be out of your league. Some of us are what I consider late bloomers. I didn’t even hold a golf club in my hands until just about my mid-thirties, which was when I was introduced to this game.

It’s been an enjoyable ride, a lot of ups and downs but more ups than downs. But overall I count my blessings; at least I’m physically able to swing a golf club. There are some people who, perhaps, used to play but can’t anymore due to physical limitations. However, there are some who defy the odds. Why? Because they love the game too. And like me, they realize that the real competition is within one’s own self. My aim is always to get better but not at the expense of having a good time.

When I was a ranger at Delaware park golf course (a municipal golf course located in Buffalo, N.Y.),  I used to see a guy playing with one arm. He was right handed and had no left arm (no prosthetic). Guess what? Every time I watched him hit the ball,  it went straight as an arrow. He had such a smooth swing. Okay, I’ll come out and admit it-I was a little jealous.

So, if we are struggling with our game, have NO FEAR, it will come back eventually.  As it has been put, ‘PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.’  We’ll never improve if we aren’t patient with ourselves. It’s a process. Put in the time. Practice the right techniques. Then trust the process.

One thing I do know is that whatever your handicap -there is always room for improvement and even professional golfers have to sometimes exercise patience. Why? Because they (like the rest of us)  have no other choice.

UNTI NEXT TIME. STAY FOCUSED, BE WELL. AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

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The  DPL wants you to tap into your imagination. We want you to use your visionary super power. We are also willing to bet that most of you never associated golf with poetry. How is that possible?  GOLF and POETRY?

Most people think that writing poetry is a sedentary event. You sit at a table or desk and write. While this is true to an extent, POETRY can also be a moving, artistic expression. Look at dancers, whether their movements are choreographed or improvisational, it’s  poetry in motion.

Every time I play golf and decide which club to use, for me, it’s like I’m picking up a pen to write. What shall I write?  Well, what do I see?  Where do I want the ball to land. What direction is the wind blowing?  I’m taking in and processing all the sensory information needed in order to select the right club that will assist me in writing the outcome I want.

Let’s explore what our POETRY CADDY put into our bag:

a  METAPHOR is a comparison between two things that are otherwise unrelated. A golf ball isn’t a bird, yet the object is to not only to make it fly like one, but to also make fly in the direction that we want it to go. When I do all the right things, the bird listens; when I don’t, well, you know the rest…

ALLITERATION is when two or more words that start with the same sound are used repeatedly in a phrase or sentence. The repeated sound creates the alliteration, not the same letter. For example, ” Tasty Tacos.” When golfing, even if my swing varies a little from time to time, I still want to make solid contact. Usually when the ball is hit on  the sweet spot of the club, a distinctive “Click” sound is heard which is sweet music to a golfer’s ears. That’s the alliteration I want. I want to hear that sound over and over again. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK…

IMAGERY is an important poetic device-it’s how you make the BIG IDEAS in a poem as well as the poem’s meaning come “a live” for the reader. Before I swing that club I need to visualize where I want the ball to land. Of course, I don’t want it to land in the water, or in a sand trap (typically referred to as the “beach”), nor in the other fairway. However, I find it best to stay focused on the good shot I want to see. Block out everything else. I can’t focus on what I don’t want.

RHYTHM-  I always said, “If you have a heartbeat-you have rhythm.” Rhythm brings together all the elements that makes for a smooth golf swing, whereby it flows (like a well written poem)  and doesn’t look staccato like I’m fighting physics. I even downloaded a metronome app to help me establish a sense of timing. I also heard fellow golfers say that they count in their heads as they start the backswing, 1…2…3…4.  And some even use names of their favorite golfers, for example: TI-GER-WOODS (3 count), FRED-DEE-COUP-PLES (4 count). It works when you break it down into syllables that not only fit but also sounds good to the ear. Pick a name and add some spice to your game.

RHYME-  It’s simple-  IT DON’T MEAN A THING IF YOU AIN’T GOT THAT SWING.

NOW. The only thing left to do is to pick up those clubs and BE your own  POETRY-IN-MOTION.

UNTIL NEXT TIME.  PEACE, LOVE AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!!!

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DID I DO THAT?

Believe me, I have mimicked (quite a few times), Steve Urkel, the annoying but lovable character played by Jaleel White on the long-running late ’80s sitcom, Family Matters.

DID I DO THAT?

As if I couldn’t believe it (the truth is I couldn’t) but why shouldn’t I believe it. It happened, didn’t it. Of course it did. I have to belief it. Why? Because I did it. I hit a fantastic shot. So bring on the fist bumps and the high-fives. I’ll take it. And yes, thank-you. I’ll take my bow, for now.

When I think about, I’ve come a long way. I remember my humble beginnings; if you wanted a hole dug, just give me a pitching wedge and place a golf ball on the ground. I would swing, digging up a lot of dirt and grass, and the ball would still be laying there. It looked like someone came through with a backhoe.

Then I was told to keep my head down, keep looking at the ball until I hit it. So, I kept my head down ( praying the whole time) and I eventually connected and the ball finally left the ground and flew. I also took lessons. The more I practiced and played my game improved little by little.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

Like anything else in life, nothing is handed to you. Why would it be any different in golf? I know I have to put in the work if I expect to get better. But being too hard on myself can be self defeating. I have to REMEMBER TO THINK POSITIVE AND RELAX.  Don’t over think and have confidence.

If I own my bad shots, well then, I certainly must accept and own the good ones as well.  When I hit a good shot, I hit a good shot. Even if it’s not a good looking shot; whereby the ball doesn’t fly in the air but crawls through the grass (what’s typically called a worm burner) up to the hole like a centipede. Great!  I’ll take. Skill? Luck? Who cares at this point. Pride takes a back seat. I’m interested in results.

When we put in the practice to get better, we should expect to be better; shifting from the unbelieving question, “DID I DO THAT?” to the more soul satisfying, “I DID THAT! “

UNTIL NEXT TIME.

PEACE, LOVE AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.

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Although GOLF can be both challenging and fun; there is one word that golfers hate to hear or yell themselves and that’s the dreaded word “FORE.” In case you’re reading this and you’re not familiar with the word; the wikipedia definition relates it to be “an exclamation called out as a warning to people in the path of a golf ball.” As much as I care to admit, an exclamation which I have yelled out a few times over the years.

FORE!!!  WHAT!!!  Have you ever wondered, why?  Why did you even bother to come out to play.  Well, so have I.   And no one wants to hear you deflect how bad you’re playing by mentioning how great you played a few days ago. They don’t want to hear it. They don’t care. What matters is how you’re playing now.

So, a bit of advice… if you ever golf by yourself and you make all those fantastic shots; 30 or 40 foot putts for a birdie, 40 yard chip shots that land 2-3inches from the hole and drives that launch straight as an arrow, into infinity, you might want to just enjoy and appreciate the round yourself.  I know you’re proud of your unwitnessed accomplishments but why bother telling any of your friends? Their not going to believe you anyway.

So. I’m still wondering ‘WHY’?  Why am I out here? Why did I bother to show up? Nothing is going right. I’m all over the place. I’m playing military golf, hitting the ball left then right then left then right. I know how to march. I was in the Marines. I just don’t want to do it on a golf course.

” I suck at this game! ” I say in frustration. ” Take it easy my man. You have to trust your swing. It’s a process. You have to take the good with the bad. See the positive. Even a broke clock is right twice a day. ” My friend Shawn said cool yet reassuringly. We both laughed. True words of wisdom.

I realized he’s right. If you start beating yourself up, you’ll dig yourself an even deeper hole. RELAX, STAY POSITIVE, TRUST,  BELIEVE.  I now know that when I remember those words and absorb them into my mind and heart it will lead to better outcomes.

Since, as I heard it put, ‘Repetition is the Mother of Mastery’,  so it is with patience and practice (and a swing coach) my swing and confidence is improving and my clock is back moving. I know that I have to continually invest the time it takes to keep it MOV…ING  in the right direction.

As we have said, the DPL applauds golfers of all ages.  KEEP EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE.  

Until next time…PEACE, LOVE AND KEEP LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE!

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PHOTO BY LUCIE LIZ

The above photo is a picture of a golf green; commonly referred to (by some golfers) as the ‘DANCE  FLOOR’.  The ultimate goal is to eventually end up on the dance floor in order to putt the ball into the hole. The length of time it takes to get to the dance floor is determined on a person’s level of skill.  If you a more experienced player, it usually doesn’t take as long to get to the GREEN.  However, the rub is that there are so many things to navigate, both internally and externally,  just to get to the dance floor.

When I was a lot younger, single and going to clubs dancing was a way to meet women. The dance floor was an ice breaker. I also learned a valuable lesson in life, sometimes you have to hear a lot of no’s before you hear a ‘yes.’  So even if I don’t do as well as I expected, there are always some great shots I can put into my memory bank.

Most writers (poets) have a treasure chest of metaphors waiting to be used like different colors to an artist or various spices to a chef. So when I first heard of the comparison of a GOLF green to a dance floor, it made sense. I finally arrived at my destination. I’m in the club and it’s time for a few dance moves, however; this time the putter is my partner. Eventually, all golfers make it to the dance floor.  If you putt well, you’re a good dancer. But if you don’t there is always a chance for redemption on the next hole.

Okay. I’ll just come right out with it. I have a confession to make. I’m having an affair. I’m a little embarrassed to put my business out there. When I’m not with her I’m thinking about her. My wife knows about it. In fact, she knew long before I made the confession. She doesn’t mind the affair. She encourages me. She’s good with the relationship as long as I keep things in perspective.

You may have guessed who I’m having an affair with…your guess is right…GOLF.

Golf is my passion. I love the game. I just wish I wasn’t so obsessed with it. But I can’t help it. I play a lot of golf (not as much as I’d like to), watch a lot of the golf channel (watching different tournaments and lessons from the pros), I have a good swing coach (Mr. Horn) who is a phenomenal person. I’ve learned a lot from him.  I go to the driving range about 2-3 times a week, have a subscription to GOLF DIGEST.  I have written poetry about the sport and even wrote a bluesy song about my golf journey.

Sometimes I feel I’m in a ‘she loves me, she loves me not’ relationship. Then I realize that she loves me when I do the right thing. When I relax, don’t try too hard, trust and have confidence in myself ; she will usually  meet me where I’m at.  And when that happens…what a feeling of joy.   I FEEL LIKE DANCING.

Until next time. PEACE, LOVE  AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

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We have rode on the wings of love, inspiration and creativity. We have explored the art of conversation (active listening) in our piece, Two Ears and One Mouth (June 2019 ). It was also our hope to encourage you to write not only poetry but to just write.  This was our mission statement in our  very first blog, Welcome to stanicus.com, (November 21, 2017). Although, we have bounced around exploring various topics  such as encouragement and motivation, The Rhythm of Life (June 5, 2018),  introspection and vigilance , Keep your eye on the BALL(August 29, 2018) .

As we moved on together, exploring both externally and internally; it was always our intent to give you (the active participant) the wheel but it is up to you to drive your own car. The DPL wanted to make you feel comfortable to write about anything and everything. So. We did…

We talked about the art of slowing down, Spacewalking? Nuts and bolts and gears? Oh my! ( December2017).  How important it is to slow down in order for our thoughts to catch up to us. We moved on to TIME, Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock (February 2018). Sure, we can always use more time, need more time, but we have to work with what we have.

Grab that mic!!!  We encouraged you to get out there and perform (read) some of those poems you have written, From the page to the Stage (January 2018). We wanted you to realize the power of both your words and your voice.   Our three part short story, Cop’s Eyes (October 201 9) took you on a mysterious adventure where you met the femme fatale, Louisa. She’s sweet,  just don’t fall asleep.

Global warming has been a very important concern for years now, Buffalovia (December 2019). Ironically, I’m writing this on the heels of one of the worst, historic winter storms that hit this city (Dec. 23&24)  in a generation, known as the blizzard of 2022.  A deadly snow storm that claimed the lives more than forty people.

We shared the joy of grandparenting; Thursdays with Zhuri ( February 2021), The Wheels on the Bus go round and round (April 2022).  The heartbreaking tragic death of George Floyd, What’s Going On, ( July 2020).  The song, What’s Going On, sung by Marvin Gaye; became a song that presented a poignant question.

A question many of us are still asking this very day, “What’s Going On?”  Since that tragedy, Black people in Buffalo, N.Y. have experienced the racial hatred of a mass murder of ten people at the hands of a white supremist on May 14, 2022

The Top’s shooting was so horrific especially for the victims families and the surrounding communities. The entire city was in a state of shock and disbelief. In fact, so surreal  and painful that this writer still cannot bring himself to write about it as of yet. But it was heartwarming to see people in our city come together, both Black and White, to help comfort and show love and support.

We took you on another journey and introduced you to a song Night Nurse (October2019) by the late reggae singer, Gregory Issacs. The song that inspired a poem given the same title. It shows how we can be inspired by music, art, literature, nature and everything around us.

My love of golf has led me to do my best to capture the feeling of watching the flight of a golf ball. Flight (September 2022).  The DPL plans to blog more about my humble experiences playing golf.

The DPL always appreciates any positive  and encouraging feedback. However, right now our site is experiencing some technical difficulties for anyone who wants to leave a comment on a cellphone. But it is possible to leave a comment if one is using a laptop or desktop. Hopefully this is something we can work out soon.

The DPL is hoping for PEACE AND LOVE for 2023. If you are reading this we hope you will continue to explore other features on the DEPARTMENT OF POETIC LICENSE website. So KEEP ON READING AND WRITING.  AND LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE!!!

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                     THE SWEET SPOT                                                                                                                     OF THE CLUB STRIKES THE BALL                                                                                           BALL TAKES OFF FROM THE TEE

                     CLIMBS OBLIGINGLY                                                                                                                 WITH CHILDISH INNOCENCE                                                                                                   LEAVING ME TO PONDER                                                                                                         IT’S MYSTICAL PATH

                     AMAZED AND TWISTED                                                                                                             INTO THIS POSITION, A PRETZEL OF A SWING                                                                     I FREEZE LIKE A SPRINGER SPANIEL

                    WATCHING THE TRAJECTORY WITH REVERENCE

ONE WITH THE MOMENT                                                                                                          THAT POINT WHEN THE BALL                                                                                                                                  IS NEITHER SOARING NOR FALLING

JUST HANGING

LIKE SO MANY STARS                                                                                                                HIDING BEHIND

                   BLUE SKY

The post FLIGHT appeared first on Department of Poetic License.

DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN?  I’m quite sure you have not only heard but have sung this song to your children or grandchildren along with a few other nursery rhymes. And perhaps ,like some of us  have changed a word or two, or even three to tailor it to your child or grandchild.

Several months ago, Zhuri became interested in helping out with chores around the house like she does when she’s at home with her mom. At first I felt it was too early, she was only two at the time, but when I saw how eager she was and how upset she would get when we didn’t allow her to do certain things; we eventually gave in. Of course this meant anything (within reason)  a two year old can do. We didn’t want to push the envelope. We have plenty of time to capitalize from free child labor ( within reason) before she grows up and becomes less interested.

INTRODUCING THE MUFFIN GIRL:

One day my wife (Zhuri calls her BeBe) decided it was time to take it to the next level, “Why don’t we sing the song as we’re making muffins.” So she asked Zhuri if she wanted to make muffins. “Yes!” She was so excited.

We sang the song as BeBe gathered the ingredients and set everything up. Then she coached and guided Zhuri on her muffin making journey as I viewed from the sidelines like a cheerleader, doing my best  not to interfere with the process.

The Muffin Man is a traditional nursery rhyme, a children’s song of  early nineteenth century English origin.  Victorian households had many of their fresh foods delivered, such as English muffins which were delivered door to door by a vendor known as a muffin man. Like other nursery rhymes, this one also has other nefarious interpretations. One of which I became recently acquainted with was that the muffin man was a child serial killer who lured children with a string of muffins to his doorstep and then knocked them out with a wooden spoon. I’d like to add that none of this was actually proven.

It may be true that some of these nursery rhymes have come from bleak and dark times in history. However, when it comes to our children we want their light to shine. We want to nurture them and expose them to good, wholesome things. When those muffins cooled enough to eat;  Zhuri tasted her creation and said her muffin was “Good!”  It was so worth it to see her smile and of course a round of HIGH FIVES was also served.

So, for right now our house is on DRURY LANE.  Wait a minute…why don’t we just rename it to HAPPY LANE.

YES!   WE KNOW THE MUFFIN GIRL, THE MUFFIN GIRL, THE MUFFIN GIRL...

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lilartsy-pexels

THE WHEELS OF THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND… ROUND AND ROUND…ROUND AND ROUND…

If you haven’t read the DPL’s blog, THURSDAYS WITH ZHURI, you will perhaps understand, a grandparent’s love for a grandchild.  Of course, I love my children. And I helped raise them to the best of my ability. It’s is a different time now.  I’m retired. I’m not working. I’m older, more mature and have a lot more time on my hands. So when Zhuri comes over all of my time and energy is devoted to her. We’re joined at the hip. 24/7. We read, play, dance, sing and sometimes take naps together.

Sometimes when I call my daughter, Ashleigh (Zhuri’s mom), I do my best to build up her confidence, especially at times when I feel she may be a little insecure (although she always claims she isn’t).

” Dad you don’t really love me. I know you’re just calling to ask about your grandchild,” she says half jokingly.

” Of course I still love you honey. How can I not? You’re the mother of my grandkid.” Okay, I’ll admit it. Perhaps I can be a little selfish.

As far as I’m concerned, the wheels on the bus can keep on going round and round. And for a few precious moments I can jump on that bus with Zhuri and be insulated from all of the negativity, chaos and confusion that exist in this world and enter into a SEA OF LOVE, 

The wheels on this bus can keep on going round and round. ZuZu and her BaBu riding and riding all through the town. And there are so many more towns just waiting to be explored.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND, ROUND AND ROUND, ROUND AND ROUND…

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