An Anthology of Poems ©

by

R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

305 Skyline Drive
Austin, Texas 78746
(512) 328-6609

	These poems portray a recent attempt by the author to create poetry.  He was inspired during a recent trip to Pampa, Texas, whereupon he met his former teacher and poet, Elaine Ledbetter.  Elaine gave him a copy of a speech, Some Keys to Poetry, she had presented.  From this inspiration, the author has discovered the joy and pleasure of expressing oneself in verse!

R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.
May 28, 1994
Email:  rmbrown@mail.utexas.edu

The Tree
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

There was a giant tree
Its branches silhouetted
Against the red sky

Little light remains
Sunset on its way today
Darkness comes this day

I am reminded
As light's last rays-photons that
Filter through the boughs

Shimmering leaves cast
Their long, lingering shadows
Into the abyss

Hope reigns high, this light
So magnificently beamed
Into that deep trench

Will forever reign
Amongst all that come to view
This giant humble tree

May 23, 1994

	Driving back from Pampa on May 19, and after reading Elaine Ledbetter's inspiring account of Some Keys to Poetry, the thought of a giant tree on the horizon first popped into the author's mind.  It could not be forgotten!  Then in the quiet and beautiful environment of home, these thoughts simply gelled into this, the first poem he wrote.

The World
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

A world without end
Vast, infinitesimal
Yet so small a place

To the moon they flew
Our brave astronauts so fit
When the blue pearl rose

From the lifeless sky
Our home appeared suddenly
Was perceived on earth

At last what is home
To those weary travelers
Was viewed all at once

Total life on earth
To be observed from so far
A world without end

Now it is finite
The urge to conserve is cast
In stone for all time

May 23, 1994

	The idea for this poem came from a precious gift from NASA- a photographic print of the earth made from the original negative by the astronauts on their way back to earth.  This photograph is one of the most valued possessions, and not a day goes by that the thoughts conveyed by the poem are brought up when sighting the earth in that photograph.  The author like many, believes that this single photograph will go down in history as the major lesson to be learned from the moon exploration experience- that to survive, the human race must respect its global home which is finite.  As a result of this famous image, everyone feels more humble.  The goals are for a harmonious co-existence not only with fellow humans but also with all living things and the good earth.  Yes, the earth itself can be thought of as a giant, living organism. We must not amputate any part, or the other part will suffer.

The Eternal Flame
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

Somber, silent, sad
As I watched, one departed
Eulogy, pain, end

Jacqueline, admired
By all people of this land
Remembrance and hate

The date JFK
Left the confines of this earth
Senseless, helplessness

Yet through the grim pain
I felt as bad memories 
Jacqueline, at peace

Jacqueline, at rest
Beside her husband she loved
Beside her children

May you rest in peace
Dearest Jacqueline
May you rest in peace

May 23, 1994

	This poem came at the moment of watching on television, the early morning events of Jacqueline Kennedy's funeral in New York City on May 23, 1994.  Memories flooded into the mind as recollections of Jackie Kennedy on that fateful day, November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  Ironically, the President was to have come to Austin that afternoon for a gala fund-raising affair, and many Austinites already were lining Congress Avenue waiting to see the President when they learned of this tragedy. 

Fulfillment
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

To express one's self
Is a very hard duty
Yet the need to know

Is stronger than steel
How can I know if I love?
Only by deed done

May 23, 1994

	This poem originated as a simple expression of fulfillment and what is the essence of this condition of existence.  Only if we are seeking the truth through the need to know, can we achieve universal fulfillment and personal satisfaction with ourselves.

The Cardinals and the Cat
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

Tweep, tweep, tweep, warning 
You are too near our nest, sir!
Tweep, tweep, tweep, warning

I am no problem
I come only to watch you
Why be so angry?

You might just try it
To remove our little ones
That would hurt a lot

OK, I will leave
For now you are in safety
So why all the fuss?

We want to be sure
But can we really trust you?
Can we do our thing?

Yes, you can relax
I am no longer a threat
To your dearest ones

Thank you Mr. Sam
You are so kind and nice, sir!
We will not peck you

Thank you, Cardinals!
My perceived diet is now worms
I respect your space

May 23, 1994

	On one bright day in May, 1994, as the author sat in his yard, two cardinals, male and female harassed Sam, the family cat.  This constant attention was totally ignored by Sam, yet the harassment continued, permitting a close-up glance at the behavior of this wonderful pair of birds. Presumably, this cardinal pair was mated for life and had set up housekeeping in a nearby nest, probably with little ones on the way.  The meter of this poem truly reflects the voices of the cardinals and their particular song of concern in this instance.

Aida
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

Hello my black cat
How do you want your petting?
Stroke the chin or head?

No, please, the whiskers
I dearly love the whiskers
I feel so good, then

OK I obey
Your wishes for a nice stroke
But I am busy

What say you, Malcolm?
Why do you ignore me so?
Just when I need love?

I know, Aida
You are so affectionate
You want more petting

No, Malcolm, no, no
Please stroke my long whiskers, please !
I feel so good then

Yes, yes, Aida
I will meet your wish today
Tomorrow, who knows?

All right, Malcolm, thanks
For being so kind and nice
When you could be mean!

May 23, 1994

	This interesting black cat came into the family as our daughter, Julie, nursed it back to health when it appeared on our doorstep on the evening of the summer solstace, combined with a bizarre lunar eclipse several years ago.  The robust, almost playful expression and the numerous "meows" demonstrate a remarkable intelligence and understanding of this particular cat's personality-one which is friendly, ugh, too friendly!  This cat will allow one to pick it up by its hind legs, hang it inverted and, at the same time, stroke its belly, all without a scratch.  Julie named the cat after one of her operas, and this animal can simply be mesmerized by stroking its whiskers and holding its nap, probably as its mother may have done to carry it from place to place.  No doubt, Aida is unique in some ways, but she expresses the universality of animal behavior in the context of our need to communicate and be kind to animals. Hopefully this poem conveys Aida's personality!

The Prize
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

It is known worldwide
That Alfred Nobel did give
Prizes for deeds done

Now what do these mean?
How can they do so much good?
It's not the winning

Of these great prizes
That brings notoriety
To their known winners

It's the bold spin-off
That can be put to good use
If only the prize

Is humbly conceived
By its noble, good winners
Then humanity

Will see the goodness
Take Mandella and deKlerk
Former enemies

Now together one
They both lead their new nation
On a path of peace

Equal, black and white
No more discrimination
Yes, the Nobel Prize

So duly deserved
By these two thoughtful leaders
May have saved a place

For those to cherish
Together those black and white
Can accomplish peace!

May 28, 1994

	The Nobel Prize is one of the most cherished prizes.  It brings instant fame to the winner, yet, little thought is given to how the winner/s might use the newfound benefits of the prize. Rather than self-gratification, this recognition often goes far beyond the winner.  For instance, Mother Teressa unselfishly continues to give of herself to help the poor and indigent people in India.  The recent dramatic changes in South Africa inspired the author to reflect upon how two men, one a former president, and the other his former prisoner, came to reverse their leadership roles in government and yet keep harmony and peace.  Perhaps the Nobel Peace Prize served to reinforce the tremendous responsibility to be borne by these two highly intelligent men who could see the future in a different way, long before the rest of the world would realize.

The Three C's
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

Life is so tricky
That rules to live by are hard
And much too complex

So a simple test
With three C's as the basis
Can help you so much

"Curiosity"
If you lack this rule of life
You will miss it all

"Creativity"
This great gift from God is yours
If only you know

How to express it
To its fullest, high level
Now add one more "C"

"Credibility"
The C you will never have
If you cheat, lie, steal

For without this "C"
You are unbelievable
To your fellow man

So please remember 
That these simple, little "C's"
Can guide you through life

With so much to know
Happiness will now be yours
Forever to keep!

May 28, 1994

	This little poem is based on a talk delivered to the winners of the Texas State Science Fair in 1989. The original context was in the field of science, but the author has come to believe that the three C's apply to anyone, anywhere, anytime.  The three C's recently were resurrected in a talk delivered for the top graduates of the Pampa High School 1994 Class.  The goal was to give these fine graduates something simple that they would never forget as they take on life's challenges.

A Day to Enjoy!

© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

A day to enjoy!
Happy birthday, dear Teacher
When, to you I spoke

Little did I know
That you were born on this day
On May twenty eighth

Take time to reflect
On your birthday my dear Friend
Take time to enjoy

The long years of love
Devoted to your dear Bill
Faithful constant love

Take the time to live
And remember your great past
For it is here, now

That you have inspired
So many young and able
To do what is best

To love, honor, trust
To do their best in all things
Wisdom never fails

So on this fine day
May you remember things past
Wonderful Elaine!

May 28, 1994

	This poem originated, when upon telephoning Elaine Ledbetter on May 28, 1994, the author learned to his surprise that this was her birthday.  He read his first poem to her, and she responded that this event, "made my day".  Obviously inspired, a poem about Elaine erupted to the surface; however, it does not do justice to this remarkable person who has inspired so many, a citizen who is a leader among leaders. She will always be in the author's memory and heart!

Gerald
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

"I love you, honey"
These were the words from Gerald
Abuse in old age

Had failed to stifle
His understanding of love
His ultimate love

Now Gerald is old
He has lost most of his strength
Yet through all the pain

Gerald still can love
With those twinkling, big blue eyes
He still can utter

"I love you, honey"
Toward the end of his life
The last words of love

Mean so much to him
fifty nine years of marriage
To his wife, Maxine

All are now fulfilled
They are together at last
"I love you, honey"

June 2, 1994

	This poem is dedicated to my uncle Gerald B. Steele who, at the time of this writing, is 84 years old.  He and his wife, Maxine, had a tumultuous years, starting with Maxine's cancer surgeries, breaking her leg. Gerald was held in something akin to "house arrest", until the author was able to legally free him so that he could join his wife.  Throughout this endurance, Gerald always managed to smile at the author and tell him "I love you, honey". These are the last but perhaps most important words he knows.  Thus it is befitting to dedicated this poem to Gerald who so bravely, unbeknown to him, has weathered the difficulties of his life.  He is "free at last" to be with his wife, Maxine, in their final days.  All is well with Gerald's soul. 

The Deer
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

Hello my dear deer
Not breakfast at Tiffany's
Breakfast with you deer

You will come to eat
When I throw the corn to you
A knock of the can

Is a loud signal
You can hear from a distance
Rush rush you come here

As you approach near
Suddenly your tails do wag
You are so afraid

Yet the great hunger
Attracts you to this breakfast
Stare into my soul

With those big, brown eyes
Ears forward, that long, long stare
Patiently waiting

One of you, crippled
An incapacitated
Front left leg, with pain

Yet daily you come
For a morsel of gold corn
Sustenance you need

It is now finished
The handsome meal of gold corn
Onward morning hail

Into the thick trees
You had breakfast at my home
Return to feast soon!
June 2, 1994

	The author is indeed, lucky to live only 15 minutes from work at The University of Texas at Austin, yet in his yard come wild deer to feed.  Obviously, corn has brought these animals closer to domestication.  Over the past 7 years, the author and his family have truly enjoyed studying and meeting these graceful animals as they come to feed.  Their behavior patterns and personalities are thoroughly expressed, and from the kitchen windows, the deer can be studied in great detail.  When visitors to the lab stay in the author's home, they are never bored watching the feeding unfold during breakfast.

Honesty
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

The term, "honesty"
Has a fundamental place
In society

Words, actions, deeds, trust
All are without true meaning 
If dishonesty

Dominates one's life
So how can this be tested?
One must seek the truth!

It is so simple
Seek the truth, do what is right
That is honesty

With integrity
The answers to life's problems
Will arrive with ease

Unfailing virtue
Guarantees satisfaction
In one's own true mind

Yet the simple fact
Actions speak louder than words
Defines honesty

June 3, 1994

	Integrity and honesty are so important that the author wanted to express in as simple terms as possible, just what is meant by the word, "honesty".  Hopefully the reader will derive some sense of satisfaction from this poem if it can help to reinforce patterns set in childhood, nurtured in youth, and maintained throughtout adulthood.

The Trembling Leaf
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

The aspen thicket
In the glorious springtime
A sight to behold

Not simply calm trees
These living organisms
They quake with the wind!

Have you wondered why?
A leaf so nobly designed
What is its function?

Molecule transport!
Aerodynamically sound
Aspen leaves quaking

In the slightest breeze
Accelerate gas exchange
Photosynthesis

Through the stomata
Carbon dioxide enters
And oxygen leaves

Nature so perfect
Has a rule for everything
Be it a pine seed

Gyrating to earth
Spinning to give it more lift
To disperse it far

Yet the aspen leaf
Through hidden simplicity
True complexity

On a scale so vast
Teaches human tolerance
To preserve our earth

June 3, 1994

	This idea for this poem was in the author's mind long before he took up poetry writing.  His major professor, Dr. Harold C. Bold, frequently told him that "Nature mocks at human categories".  The author has never forgotten this advice because Nature, indeed, tells us how to live.  The simple aspen leaf and its design for improving gas exchange is embodied in the focal point of this poem, as a representation of Nature's seemingly unlimited virtuosity.

Coulter Lake
© R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

In Colorado
Deep in the northwestern woods
Lies a placid lake

High upon a slope
Tired horses dredged a great bowl
Built an earthen dam

This deep mountain lake
Was constructed in the in the midst
Of a vast, wild land

It is still unchanged
Today its clear blue waters
Fed by mountain streams

A place of beauty
To relax and unwind from
Trials of modern life

This place beckons me
To return to its green shores
Here in the mountains

June 3, 1994

	Each year, the Brown family would embark on a glorious trip from Pampa, Texas to a beloved vacation spot, Coulter Lake Guest Ranch.  Obviously, memories of these times flood back into the author's recall of this beautiful spot high in the White River National Forest, approximately 19 miles north of Rifle, Colorado.  The place has remained virtually unchanged for the past 90 years, and the current owners, Norm and Sue Benzinger, plan to keep it that way.  This is a very special place on this planet, one which has spoken so often to the author in ways totally unexpected.  It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.