Richard Baron

Brooklyn, NY, USA 

I am presently teaching mathematics in William Alexander Middle School 51 in Brooklyn, New York. I have been a curriculum writer and have been listed in Who's Who In American Education. I have had a short story published in the Journal of the Association of Computer Educators and poetry published by The National Library of Poetry. The three selections I have chosen illustrate my poetic style and express three different themes found in my poetry. As you will see, the title is an important element to the structure, composition, and rhyme in my poetry. I hope you will enjoy the selections.

Spiral Staircase

Plenty of obstacles block my path.

I ponder how far to the top. 

Rarely do I not look back. 
 

At one point, I am overcome by severe depression.
 
Lord helps me to dissipate this great oppression.

Spiral Staircase is like my life.

 
Pausing midway up the steep staircase,

I take some time to catch my breath.

 
Rarely is each step easy.

A life of missed opportunities, lasting forever.

Spiral Staircase is like my life.

Permeated with sharp twists and turns.

In every tough step I do take,

Rarely do I not stumble.

At the top of the staircase, I reflect upon my life.

Learning to adjust to periods of great strife.
 

Tears

Tears!
Evoked by a good cry.
Aroused by a failed try.
Raised by a moist eye.
Shared by those who die.

Tears!
Evoked by books I've read.
Aroused by someone dead.
Raised by what tongues said.
Shared by those who wed.

Tears!
Evoked by searing pain.
Aroused by morning rain.
Raised by flowers lain.
Shared by the world's slain.

Tears!
Evoked by a lost love.
Aroused by a hurt dove.
Raised by a lost glove.
Shared by a true love.