A.J. Bland-Fears

Little Rock, AR, USA

I hold a BS degree in mathematics. I am a Consulting Development Analyst in the information technology area of a large telecommunications company. I am married with three children, 2 girls and a boy. My hobbies include reading, walking, and writing poetry and short stories. I have loved poetry since my teenage years, but never imagined that I would ever attempt to compose it. Samplings of my poetry have appeared in some of the more current anthologies, such as Collections—Contemporary Verse From Around The World and The Promise Of Tomorrow. Poetry serves as an escape valve for suppressed and intense feelings that are imprisoned in my heart.

The Bleating of the Lambs

The slaughterhouse poses motionlessly white and erect
Where her weary hands cleaned the mirrors there
as they shamelessly did reflect,
The woefulness, yet the blessedness of her weekly chore
Knowing that dust, grime, and wrinkles would open a door.

Even now, the old log cabin boldly spills out its daily news.
Forgiving and forgetting, she rendered it its dues;
While its presses rolled, she arose early to enter
its master's household,
Her sleep-deprived spirit would free yet another soul.

In this proud, new era, specklings of those westside,
majestic altars yet stand,
But through enlightened, renewed eyes are no longer viewed as grand.
On their sweat-stained altars, fewer sacrificial lambs are laid;
Ironically, from their offerings were our brighter futures made.

Sweet, Seductive Sleep

When cold, bitter winds blow
Barren trees pregnant with snow
Street lamps offering their muted glow
Traffic meandering at a cautious flow,

Such a pleasure to be inside
Where a toasty fire abides
Almost a mortal sin to hide
From the seeking elements

A cozy blanket at my feet
Coaxing sleep softly entreats
As waves of Beta and Theta meet
Wakefulness moans in complete defeat.

Ohhh, surrender can be so sweet!

Alone At Ease

Being alone
Is a state that some
Desperately free from
Even when full-grown.

But why?
It's an enviable condition
When your only mission
Is to hear yourself sigh!

Oh, what bliss
Peace and silence bring,
The tug at your heartstring
As you gently reminisce!

To Die For

A settling in before the dusk
The quiet hour before the dawn
A slow day without the rush
Timeless setting of a golden sun.

Curling up with a good book
Falling asleep during a gentle rain
An innocent wink; an admiring look
Singing a hymn with a soothing refrain.

Reflecting on the best of times
Writing verse set to a perfect rhyme.