Michael Owens
Michael Owens writes from his Texas home in Cypress. He is a member of several poetry associations and writing groups including Poetry Society of Texas, Poets Northwest and Austin Poetry Society. Mike has won several awards for his poetry and has been published in the Poetry Society of Texas 2011-2014 anthologies, the InSpirity publication Peace Works edited by Anne McCrady, the Tenth Anniversary Poetry At Round Top Collection, the Twelfth Anniversary Poetry At Round Top Collection from the Round Top Festival Institute, the Texas Poetry Calendar, and Blue Hole publication of the Georgetown Poetry Festival.
Mike credits a middle school teacher for encouraging his writing. He has an undergraduate degree in English from Stephen F. Austin University. Mike enjoys the narrative form mixing memoir with an active imagination.
Mike credits a middle school teacher for encouraging his writing. He has an undergraduate degree in English from Stephen F. Austin University. Mike enjoys the narrative form mixing memoir with an active imagination.
Michael's favorite quote from a poet:
“The truth is, nobody’s waiting for you to press your poetry into their hand. Nobody knows you’re writing it, nobody’s hungry for it, nobody’s dying to get at it. Not a living soul has big expectations for the success of your poem. Let time show you some of the things you’ve done wrong before you show your poem to somebody.” - Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate 2004-2006 and Pulitzer Prize Winner for his book Poetry Home Repair Manual
“The truth is, nobody’s waiting for you to press your poetry into their hand. Nobody knows you’re writing it, nobody’s hungry for it, nobody’s dying to get at it. Not a living soul has big expectations for the success of your poem. Let time show you some of the things you’ve done wrong before you show your poem to somebody.” - Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate 2004-2006 and Pulitzer Prize Winner for his book Poetry Home Repair Manual
Never Captured
From a huge file of digital images
I must select a photo for your obituary.
All of the gardening photos
your butt high up in the air
digging weeds or killing ants.
Fishing photos show all the catch
that tattered old hat with the goofy logo
of a bass and catfish dancing.
None with you and the grand daughter
will work, I would never put her photo
in the newspaper with obituaries.
Easter photo outside church twenty years ago,
when you were fifty pounds lighter,
that is a lie everyone knows.
Hospital photos from new knees,
after the car accident,
all reveal your hollow fragile face.
Nothing shows your tender touch,
your willingness to try anything,
the real you was never captured
© Michael Owens
For permission to publish or otherwise share this poem, please contact Michael.
Printed in the March 15, 2019 issue of Metonym Journal, Metonym is an annual publication of William Jessup University's undergraduate English program located north of Sacramento, California.
http://metonymjournal.com/
From a huge file of digital images
I must select a photo for your obituary.
All of the gardening photos
your butt high up in the air
digging weeds or killing ants.
Fishing photos show all the catch
that tattered old hat with the goofy logo
of a bass and catfish dancing.
None with you and the grand daughter
will work, I would never put her photo
in the newspaper with obituaries.
Easter photo outside church twenty years ago,
when you were fifty pounds lighter,
that is a lie everyone knows.
Hospital photos from new knees,
after the car accident,
all reveal your hollow fragile face.
Nothing shows your tender touch,
your willingness to try anything,
the real you was never captured
© Michael Owens
For permission to publish or otherwise share this poem, please contact Michael.
Printed in the March 15, 2019 issue of Metonym Journal, Metonym is an annual publication of William Jessup University's undergraduate English program located north of Sacramento, California.
http://metonymjournal.com/
Freedoms Reflection
Mirror clear waters of Highland Lake
reflect graceful green leaves of healthy trees
sturdy log homes dot the shore behind docks
where water craft wait for pleasure seekers.
Blue heron hangs high, legs vertical
drops to the surface picking up a fish.
The American Bald eagle swoops down the lake
lifting dinner as five ducks swim by.
Birds caw far off and car tires roll on the road.
Squirrels chatter as birds empty a feeder.
Houses for sale and occupied sit side by side
the scent of exploded fireworks hangs in the air.
The freedoms of America side by side
on Highland Lake at sunrise.
© Michael Owens
For permission to publish or otherwise share this poem, please contact Michael.
Printed in November 2017 edition of Highland Lakes Newsletter Highland Lakes New Jersey
Mirror clear waters of Highland Lake
reflect graceful green leaves of healthy trees
sturdy log homes dot the shore behind docks
where water craft wait for pleasure seekers.
Blue heron hangs high, legs vertical
drops to the surface picking up a fish.
The American Bald eagle swoops down the lake
lifting dinner as five ducks swim by.
Birds caw far off and car tires roll on the road.
Squirrels chatter as birds empty a feeder.
Houses for sale and occupied sit side by side
the scent of exploded fireworks hangs in the air.
The freedoms of America side by side
on Highland Lake at sunrise.
© Michael Owens
For permission to publish or otherwise share this poem, please contact Michael.
Printed in November 2017 edition of Highland Lakes Newsletter Highland Lakes New Jersey
