John Adams New York, New York

John Adams was born in the first decade of this century to John A. Adams and Althea Berry. For 20 years he rode Arizona range as a cowboy, interspersed with 2 1/2 years in England and Continental travel. He's worked in Butte Copper Mine, a mile underground. He's even opened up two copper mines. He's had 5 homes nearly paid for, and then sold out; started a garage in L.A.; and hauled cattle, sheep, hogs, and other animals to L.A. stock yards. In 1957 he went to New York and bought out two small stores, next he traveled to Great Barrington, Mass. where he taught manual arts. Then he returned to New York where he added roofing to his agenda. He still lives there, and has a coop and a workshop. A friend moved in with him in the 70's. "He died in my arms but made me promise to carry on his literary goal. I have been writing prose and poetry ever since."

Grand Canyon Lands I'm in a wild neglected niche, Mojave joins the sublime ditch. Out from Lake Meade where deserts burn As heat surrounds a cooking urn. These fiery winds may take their toll Infernos' depths; devil's punch bowl. Bright ochre sands like burnished chrome Reflects the sun, earth's nascent home. Grand Canyon's wild. So am I. Wild donkeys thrive with coyotes nigh. Cactus water, at least, is clean When hunger gnaws, there's mesquite beans. Let coyotes howl. Old owls can hoot Snakes can't pierce my heavy boots. I had to come. There was no choice The greed, the bias, the deafening noise. Moon and stars and desert air May heal my soul. It is my prayer. Skoal to the west with spaces wide Where souls can hope, dream, and decide.

To the winner belongs the spoils Whate'er the means, we praise this slogan. Nature wanes as man embroils. Will space ship man destroy his Eden? So if you ask why I am here, With eerie heat mirages near, I had to come, my soul to ease, And renew hope for nuclear freeze. Grand Canyon's old. Our lives are short Be kind to all. There's many hurt. Allusions crushed; less love around Science scarce agrees with life beyond. A little sweet talk and a flower Outlooks can change within the hour. A cup of tea, a glass of wine Life's noblest role--To act divine.

All poems Copyright © 1996 John Adams. All rights reserved.