Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Here is some art in the heart of Minneapolis:

In Indiana, it's not. In Minnesota, it is.

By Indiana, it is. But unique, it's not.

[2021]

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Here is some art in the heart of Minneapolis:

If you do not not climb and do not touch,

the cock on top will thank you very much.

If you choose to climb and choose to touch,

the cock on top will make you need a crutch.

[2021]

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Here is some art in the heart of Minneapolis:

A bridge to a cherry too far, 

A catapult spoon that makes passers-by swoon

And imagine cerises by Renoir.

[2021]

Rhyolite, Nevada, USA

Imaginary friends:

   Treat us so nice,

   Give us advice,

   Keep wise words concise.

   Require no sacrifice.

Imaginary friends:

   In our minds must they stay,

   Or, at least far away.

   Lest our real friends do say

   "Don't be cray-cray!"

[2016]

Washington, Utah, USA

Hatchback open.

Music in motion.

Parking lot empty.

Plays he fortemente.

Talent's a wasting,

No listeners chasing

His dotted half notes

Or rhythms that float

Across a wide sea

Of just asphalt and me.

[2019]

New Paltz, New York, USA

Five years and counting.

Make the most of the next twelve.

Then starts adulthood.

[1995]

Preston, Minnesota, USA

Pants. Overalls really.
Seat of his pants. Hardly frilly.
Flying by the seat of his pants. From a clothes line, silly!
Look. See. What's the big patch say?
"County Seat," but, on this day:
No buns to protect. They're in the cafe.
[1992]

Huntington Beach, California, USA

Here be boys playing ball.

Better sports than boisterous brawl.

Each one of four, a partner has,

Analog images all crossing paths.

Total: eight. But only four

Will leave the shore. 

At end of day, at end of play, 

The analogs will fade away.

No echo of an: "Oh, please stay."

No! Brother Sol must have his way.

[2020]

Bath, England, UK

Face masks are on everyone's mind.
That's 'cause they are hard to find.
So, to those with fingers nimble,
to those armed with thread and thimble,
go forth and find some fabric simple,
fabric enough to cover each dimple,
mouth, nose, and pimple.
But, why must masks be so plain?
Floral prints would be much less mundane!
[2015]

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"Own a piece of the sky."
Kiss the clouds as they fly by.
A condo on the 44th floor?
Only if you are not poor.
[2010]

Marbella, Spain

One torso.
Four feet.
Costa del Sol.
Can't be beat.
[2015]

Portsmouth, England, UK

Big boat, small boat,
Building and cloud.
But where are the sails?
Make that tall ship proud!
[2011]

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Purse and puppy.
Back to the cam.
Self-aware yuppie.
Life is so glam.
Eyes on the tower.
She's moving up.
Sydney's her city.
But her love is her pup.
[2011]

Oranjestad, Aruba

Game board or relief for the bored?
"A striking chord!" or "Good Lord!"
Looking for fame or architectural shame?
Oh-so lame or entirely new frame?
Tic-tac-toe or or just pixels aglow?
Package sans bow or morceaux de gâteau?
As for the palms: They, too, have their qualms.
[2017]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Wheel chair rolling. Pedestrian strolling. Corner approaching. Two souls rendezvousing.
An uneasy feeling. Back pocket starts squealing. Wallet's revealing some ringgits for dealing.
Some gracious accepting. Lives intersecting. Good deeds compiling. God must be smiling.
[2011]

THE BACKSTORY ~ Posted on the 10^th Anniversary of Geographically Yours, 4 August 2020: When I saw this transaction unfolding on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, I had to get to my camera fast. I knew something was taking place that everyone should see. I had to document it. Snap, snap, snap: Done. This is the way “almsgiving” works in a Muslim society. People take care of those who can’t easily take care of themselves, even if they are strangers. Just don’t call it charity! It is nothing “over and above”; it is the least that God expects. Here were a few seconds of performance art that made tangible one of the pillars of Islam. It reminded me so much of my studies and travels in the Arab World, where I met some of the kindest and most hospitable people anywhere. I am so glad I was quick on the draw with my point-and-shoot (so much more responsive than those old 35mm varieties I used to strap around my neck). After I returned home, I found the images here to be among my favorite mementoes. I liked the scene so much I wrote the poem above. D.J.Z.

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

   Separate, but tandem;
Their course: a bit random.
By the market they ride;
They feel the good vibe.
The brakes they apply,
A rack they do spy.
A heaven-sent sign:
"Lemonade could me mine,
Or fruit of the vine?
Perhaps we should dine.
Something light would be fine."
   With appetite sated,
Fatigue now abated,
Mood fully elated,
The day re-created,
Onward they ride,
A groom and his bride,
One more day by his side.
[2018]

Otley, England, UK

Ye Old Pork Shop:
A hole in the wall.
So small that all
the buyers can't stand tall
inside the hall
where pork loins call.
So small that all
the pork loins call
on butcher Paul
to outside build a vending stall.
[1985]

Catoctin, Maryland, USA

May you remain busy
Every day of your life.
Glow like a flower,
Abound in sunlight.
Never sacrifice color,
And never slow down.
Let your wings do the work,
And your face never frown.
Yeah! May you scream,
No moments to waste.
End every day with a loving embrace.
[2017]

Singapore, Republic of Singapore

Yeasty shell and porky fill.
Steam them till they fit the bill.
Feeling ill? They're like a pill.
Eat them till their number's nil.
From the dumplings: Much good will.
[2011]

Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, USA

Purpley Grime or Pinkly Prime?
Tea Time or Tiring Rhyme?
Wish-It-Were-Mine or Aesthetic Crime?
[2017]