Note: This compilation occurred to me more than a year ago. In fact, the reason I logged on to Facebook on March 14, 2017, was to reach out to Alan and propose that we combine our efforts, merging his Colorado Calling and my Jersey Rejoicing into one poem. Instead, I learned that morning of Alan's passing a few days earlier. It threw me for a loop, and the idea got pushed to the back of my mind. But it was always there, t...

You always did like surprise endings,A twist no one could see coming,And that last one of yours was a doozy.Days later, we're still reeling,Not from the shock, which dissipates,But from a grief that lingers.You probably never knewThe regard people held you in,For it seemed to sneak upAs we chatted and laughedAbout topics big and small.Our esteem grewAlongside your virtual menagerie,Vintage music, Exacta and photography ta...

A con man rolled into town, With a funny looking wig. Made a lot of promises, Everything will be really big. He claims he doesn’t like immigrants, Says they cause a lot of strife, But you certainly would never know, By looking at his imported wife. And he doesn’t like Muslims, And forget it if you’re black. And as for those pesky Mexicans, He’s sending them all back. He says he has a really big plan, To cure America’s ill...