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From the pen of Michael Bahm...
 I am a Mid-western American. I am 52 years old and there was nothing in my early years that would have told me that at this age I would be writing poetry. Though I must say that I always liked poetry. I was brought up in the schools run by Roman Catholic nuns and constantly resisted their way of introducing poetry. To me it seemed mechanical and I always felt that memorization of a poem did not lead to knowing what the poem or poetry was.
Poetry is a feeling that comes from within and that feeling cannot be placed there by someone telling you you'll fail if you don't memorize this poem or that one. In my poetry I try to relate my feeling about life and living to those who wish to listen though the main person I'm trying to reach is myself. Some of the people who have touched me as I have grown and do grow are Thomas Merton, Elizabeth B. Browning, Wlm. Blake, and much of the writings in the various Holy Books of the religions of the earth. In closing I'd like to say that I hold no illusion that there is no bad in the world but to me everyone here is simply a friend I haven't met yet. I am not better than you and in fact your being here makes me better. I thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you and welcome any comments you might have.
Poems From The Street
Sometimes when I feel like writing I'll go to a busy street corner and sit.
I place myself where others can see me. I welcome their glances. I do
this to notice life as it passes before me. I always wonder what they think
and also if they ever remember the stranger sitting, writing on the street
corner. I note it in my poetry and thereby remember the moment. This
allows me to be more aware of what goes on around me when I am not writing.
When I'm just gathering thoughts for other poems. It makes me want to be
more a part of my world.
I always pick a place that has something for me to sit on or lean against so
I can be outside and visible. I never sit in my car to write.
Other places I like to write about people and their mannerisms are a mall, a
restaurant, or an airport. The thing is to observe, see what is going on
around me and let the actions of the people direct my poetry.
You should try it if you haven't already.
More of Michael Bahm's Poems are in at -
www.geocities.com/maggie_9_49
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