Kurt Philip Behm's Poems

In the act of creation, we feel most alive Releasing the lifeforce —our purpose defined (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Better to spend an eternity in Hell Than a brief fleeting moment —in Heaven (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

To believe or deny, enlightenment dares Our lack of acceptance, a three-legged chair We feel it and breathe it, and live it de jure As minds are left gasping at something so pure At this very point rejection sets in Our spirit’s attacked, the re...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

None of us get to stay forever, no matter how we try The fuse burns short with memory’s fire —into the bye and bye (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The history of Western Literature is one recurring sympathy pain (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Not knowing the outcome, I’d hide in the field And wait for nature to turn out the yield Perception unharvested, the thick to the thin The fantasies rotting —all truth caving in (Stoltzfus Farm: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

It’s hard to say goodbye when you know the time is dwindling In the moments you have left, what was given, taken back It’s hard to say goodbye when the words are lost and foreign Those looks you get with time beset —in everlasting sorrow (Vil...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What genius can thus inspire, the mind will never know It takes more than a thought conceived, to go where visions go Angkor Wat or Taj Mahal, we only stand in awe And wish to go from whence they came —the artists Shangri La (Dreamsleep: Dec...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What is the square root of time, what is a moment devolved from itself What is the relative quotient of dreams, tomorrow unspoken—lost inbetween (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Married to the moment, divorced from everything else my vows repeated over and over —this present forever to begin (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The spirit can never be suppressed its silent essence roars No government or despot’s reign can change its ethos pure Bottled up the pressure builds, like Cuba underscored The rhythm faint but always there —erupting force majeure (Deamsleep: D...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Talent versus genius, innate the spirit cries Surpassed by something undefined —old limits left behind (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Fading in the distance, years trapped inside the past The future just beyond our reach, its vacuum deep and vast Each moment to remind us, when looking North and South The horse’s mouth will speak the truth —when present here and now (Dreamsl...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Tranquil and quiet… a walk in the park Until life’s Trojan Horse rolls in from the dark Cancer invading, you must parry back Each moment recaptured —a present still wrapped (Villanova Pennsylvania: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

To believe or deny, enlightenment dares Our lack of acceptance, a three-legged chair We feel it and breathe it, and live it for sure As minds are left gasping at something so pure At this very point rejection sets in Our spirit’s attacked, the r...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

We have only our perceptions, but how honest can they be Where one man sees the color red, the colorblind can’t see When trapped in three dimensions, we must push against the walls Until we’re free of all constraints —and clarity befalls (Wayne ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is there anything language can’t possibly express Words falling short, all speech in distress Are there concepts so deep, they cannot be described To experience beyond any speaker or scribe A higher enchantment, a deeper enthrall The logic of...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I asked again for everything… she gave nothing in return A jilted strand of loneliness —unwoven and unheard (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I met a man along the bank, come back from Galilee He took my hand and spoke my name, which he was not privy His head was crowned with sunlit fire, his eyes like mine so blue And as we looked into the pond, one face stared back—not two (Dream...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Christians flock into their churches, travelers hit the road Searching for what’s beyond their view in spirit overload To leave behind the past imprisoned, stilted and controlled The blacktop chanting “come what may” —a eucharistic whole (Dre...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Repeating on and on without changing, the boredom settled in Lost in endless repetition, ten miles South of what might have been A broken record skipping, skipping, the groundhog’s prediction thin Burrowing out the same old hole —ten miles Sout...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The view is always better from the highest road, the joy of looking down Vision bestows as gravity flows —beyond the here and now (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Sometimes love just isn’t enough, as destiny calls within Orphaning passion, emotions untether, lost to Cupid’s whim Never requited, alone and denied, the search begins anew Feelings repackaged and searching for more —to do what love can’t do ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The price of love is loss Its bill both old and new A cost that must be paid With feelings torn and strewn (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You climb up a mountain for the beautiful view Its challenge seductive, a call to renew The higher it takes you the farther you see With freedom the distance —that lies in between (Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I can no longer afford what my folly has purchased Return not an option —my bank account dry (Dreamsleep: December, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Up is not a direction, but an intention Down is not an intention, but a reflection Across is neither intention nor reflection Towards—a new connection better bred (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Death failed to show up for work one day, the clock remained unpunched Hospital’s waiting, graveyards on call, all coroner’s out to lunch Death took a holiday without checking in, the pecking order stunned Like a deer on the highway, all headli...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Punching in the numbers on the celestial dial tone Eternity became toll free —its area code my own (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Once was a time I was young enough, to know and feel the truth But the years laid claim to my memory, and the seeds to every fruit Today is but folly, tomorrow a fool, the past like fine wine ages true Where a nightingale sings in my dreams u...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The music called the dancers to the floor The poet waltzing freely —with his eyes (Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania: March, 1980)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

“A vision into your future “A mirror of your past” (Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania: March, 1980)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Why would it matter, why would you care Voices becalming, breathless unpaired Freeing the Dharma, released in the air Transcending today —immortality shared (Villanova Pennsylvania: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Faith often hides an idolatry within Statutory mandate —harbinger of sin (The New Room: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Creativity… undemocratic Tyrants of insight, breaking new ground Vision on fire, effigy’s burning Painting’s unframed —all muses set free (The New Room: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Humanity is destined for being at war Attacking tomorrow, its fate still unsure New conflict resharpens the dullest of blades Where written in blood —new history is made (Valley Forge: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Live your days with purpose, and death walks by your side To constantly remind, what time will not abide Your choice on how to handle, ignore or then befriend That last step left untaken —where life begins again (Bryce Canyon: August, 2019)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Humble before the sea Steady within the gale Intrepid among the waves Thankful —as tides return (Christmas Tree Island: May, 1991)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Changing the future—changing the past, a north south reprimand Each word rewritten—time bespoke, the present close at hand (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Many nights there were no new dreams, so I borrowed from the old Resurrecting the scaffolding of what lay unbuilt—untold (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The largest rock I stand upon is anonymity Lodged within the silence of myself Calling from those distant lands in names left blank and mute Insuring my obscurity —unknown but deeper felt (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Morons and liars, all facts to mislead Their wool to disguise —the truth unperceived (The Mainstream Media: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Welcome loneliness my old friend, to mark the hours emptiness sends In the middle of the cold and dark, the vanishing call of a last meadowlark leaving me stranded, deep in the well Counting the minutes where time has conspired, lusting for som...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

We make our beds and lie in them —whether we sleep or not (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is there truth without belief, facts left on their own Disconnected from themselves, answers poorly shown Can dogma live in vacuums, when empty of itself Will formulaic reasoned minds —conscript what goes unfelt (Villanova Pennsylvania: Novem...

– by KIurt Philip Behm

Death is no harder than living —when there’s nowhere left to go (Lenape Trail: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The fire’s gone out in the last wooden hut Fresh snow has been falling, cold hunger abuts The Red Coats emboldened in far Germantown The wind carries stillness, with death all around A General stands watch on the farthest of hills His heart neve...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

How is servant to what In all I say —and do (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Over the horizon a harp is playing Its call recurring, its tone Divine Beyond the swell, a calm is waiting Its breeze untethered —to flow sublime (Book Of Prayers: November, 2020)

– by kurt philip behm

Music is to written words as icing is to cake Enhancing what you thought you read, to joyously partake A song can climb between the layers to make each serving fly Sent from Maestro’s high above —sweet memories bye and bye (Dreamsleep: Novembe...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Laboring in obscurity, years behind the mask Wandering through the shadows, questions poorly asked Looking for one reason, to leave the past behind Echo’s howling endlessly —prophecy reminds (Villanova Pennsylvania: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Victim of his own success… the treadmill calls, the hourglass broken —casualty of what time denies (The New Room: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

In fear of your abandon, afraid of letting go Alone and feeling stranded, bereft—no kindness shown (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Its history was written in tragedy The period to the last sentence —was death (The New Room: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Standing redundant in an echoing wind, renewing your vanity with deference to all At home on the fringes where truth is an orphan, you line up your enemies canons shot at the wall A general of a malingering army, whose entitled thinkers lay trut...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Knowledge is not a paradigm, but a bridge to something else Its path to stay unmeasured, when crossing into self Devoid of polar opposites, where beauty exits truth To steal away, a soul relayed —its burden stripped of proof (Saint David’s Pen...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

How do we profess what we can’t understand The very nature of this takes on certain demands If it’s truly beyond our ability to know Something deeper is calling, where thought cannot go These walls that surround us, this cave that we’re in Fa...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Some would say, the danger portends Some would say, it all is pretend Some would say, the past wears a shroud Some would say, the quiet is loud Some would say, all love is for fools Some would say, to break every rule Some would say, toda...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Raising thoughts and emotion, the mainsail was set Heading into the wind of tomorrow unmet All stays are in place, with tiller held fast Reaching for glory —the doldrums have passed (Hereford Inlet: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Politics governs our temporal lives Religion conscripting eternity’s prize Together they’ve killed more than famine and war A plague that still haunts us —to shun and deplore (Villanova Pennsylvania: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The bridge to belief spans a river of doubt Whose rapids are raging, whose questions cry out Each step that I’ve taken, each tread that I cross Brings me much closer —to what I once lost (Montrose: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Hey Academic, throw me some facts Explain to me clearly each thought you attack Dear Intellectual, restate and rephrase Your version of truth, empty words in the fray Hello Professor, is the poison pill done Refilled with your venom to spread to...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The pages of my life turn like falling leaves as autumn yields to winter gathering in piles of remembrance blowing and scattering to the four winds —never to return (Dreamsleep: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Religion and science… never to wed Like oil and water, alone in their beds While science defends, ancient dogma portends Two voices discordant, to break if they bend For centuries long they have fought tooth and nail Refusing to budge out of ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Lines of immortality, words on the page Inscribing a vision, all thoughts to remain Death with her envy, corporeal greed Robbed of my legacy —alive with each read (Villanova Pennsylvania: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Detached from my consciousness, the monster attacked Feasting first on my memory, the front then the back Now living inside me, all day turns to night Connection—rejection, devouring the light (Radnor Pennsylvania: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Sometimes money isn’t enough, the wheat rejects the chaff Wealth attained by winnowing gain, the scarecrow only laughs Sometimes money isn’t enough, the numbers rise and fall Interest accrues¬ as attrition renews —the richest count forestalled...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The winds of disaster blow solemn and cold, sweeping away my heart From out of the North, reclaiming my soul —in torment to depart (West Campus: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Ladybugs outline the memory of my childhood, marking the pathway of my approach Orange and black like Halloween candy corn, tempting diversion—they lure to encroach (The New Room: November, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You have to be immortal to placate the gods Time reaffirming all memory of Creation, destruction, eternity looms For those who believe —appeasement exhumes (Calvary Cemetery: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Reaching into the maelstrom, my hands were consumed My spirit to follow —my will to assume (Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

It didn’t matter what the titles were, but that I read them It didn’t matter what the author said, but that I listened It didn’t matter that his verse trailed off, the pages yellow and torn It didn’t matter that the world forgot —what one man p...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Republican or Democrat, the wool has been pulled Over the eyes of a nation of fools The truth is just fine if we get it spoon fed In our favorite flavor self-served in our beds While off in the distance an Angel stands guard Bemused at the fo...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

His image eternal, the chisel portrays Beauty in its purest form —but one word to say (Villanova University: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Shadows on a cave wall, eyes that look for truth Figments of what sight denies —dancing resolute (Durango Colorado: September, 2004)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Consensus… the sum of like judgment Judgment, the tool of conjecture Conjecture, opined observation Happening quite often —with eyes closed (Eastern College: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I took health for granted, my youth like a rose To bloom in the present, till thorns would depose Attacking my body, invading my mind The sleep I’d grown used to, much harder to find Not a cold or a fever for so many a year No matter the weat...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The essence of fashion is ephemera Emotion and change dancing cheek to cheek The top of the mountain, a revolving door Those fifteen minutes… some to lose—some to gain (The New Room: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Shadow hovers… as I wake from my sleep Respreading its shroud from a future once bleak Its darkness portends what fear seeks to end All memory entombed, as wishes pretend (Ashwood Manor: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Life is the culmination —of many small things (Dreamslseep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is consciousness different than having a soul, reflection unhallowed—eternity trolled Does the magic within us begin and then end, finite conscription—one lifetime to spend And if unrelated, then what lies between what we feel and we ponder—perc...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Hours screaming, futures pleading, eternity portends Voices crying, souls denying —as darkness comes again (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Why would I question, why would I care Why would I venture, why would I dare Why would I set out for places unknown If not to find something —my life has unshown (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Centennial masterpiece, numbers subtract The prize in the wandering, years drifting back Memory indentured, the sour and sweet Pointing me inward —a timeless retreat (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I offered two nickels, she demanded a dime It wasn’t enough, her anger declined “Can’t you make change,” she then shouted aloud And while counting my failures, her voice reendowed But the count was undone, all divisors were shunned My offerings...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Capsules of time… no beginning or end The view from without, the view from within Defining the space, transporting the hours Moment by moment —again and again (Haverford College: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Sued three times… your wrath indicts Prostate, throat, and kidney cites Each time you threatened: “This is the end” I wasn’t ready, mistried again I kept my counsel and shut you out The jury hung to scream and shout Your will or mine, it’s ze...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are we doomed to be unhappy, or does it involve a choice Do our feelings link externally, giving outside forces voice Do we choose the pain and misery, as they cross our beaten path Can they exist if our wills resist —muted and outcast (Dreamslee...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Either I’m right and you’re wrong Or you’re right and I’m wrong Or we’re both wrong —but we both can’t be right (St. David’s Pennsylvania: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Doubt is a troublesome occupation —certainty merely absurd (Radnor Pennsylvania: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Veil of Perception, what lies beyond Our senses and memory, all time put upon Lying within or lying without Inherent by nature, shadowed by doubt Primary function, will scholars proclaim But second to that —our reasonings change (Bryn M...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Happy is he who is content with the least Whose hunger is sated in famine he feasts Happy is he who begins at the end And ends at the beginning —his fortune to bend (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My last attempt to circle the square anger takes the throne Isolated no longer to share servitude alone Wandering unsure things left unsaid words to disappear Into the dark deserted forlorn heightening my fear The ladder broken every rung unab...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Given facts and reasoned truth… Can't marry each other without changing their suit Some things our intellect tries to explain Can you turn off a light that turns back on again The reasoning sands and factual concrete From thin ice to thick, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Can you talk about good without acknowledging evil Could they ever exist on their own Can you go somewhere without leaving someplace else The answer fairly shown Simplistic by nature, linguistic in form Contrast rules the day Allowing for on...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is something unphysical in charge of this world That lines every moment, unseen and unfurled Scientists say NO, breathing fire as they shout What is it then that scatters atoms about Darwin had his theory, well accepted—unproved That things c...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Most of our lives are lived in an in-between world… yesterday and tomorrow the bookends to what has happened and what is yet to come ordering the mayhem in an artificial attempt at unity and control escape becomes an option for the very few who no...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Beyond every question… God is the answer filling in the gaps of our imperfection offering hope in the face of despair light to shine through the darkness and promise when abandonment is all we feel lifting the burden that covers our greatness reaf...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Traipsing off to the cave with my feelings and thoughts A Hermit I’ll be, my last battle now fought Alone with my memories, together indwelt Eternity reckoned —transcending myself (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

There’s nothing objective about spirit, in that lies its strength and its truth Unable to measure, only to feel, its critics profane and uncouth Science declares it the enemy, its formulas explaining away Why love has no bearing and within it w...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The commonest denominator, stepping toward the throne His minions with their blindfolds on, about to be disowned The commonest denominator, laughing at their pain Another lie, stick in the eye —a life of greed and shame (Dreamsleep: October, 2...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Both old and new thou must review, changing pink to red Those poorly formed, to stay forlorn, hiding in their beds Begin then end, begin again, on chance the meaning fed Whose banquet serves another time —a feast eternal spread (Dreamsleep: Oc...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Not in command of what happens next, only in how we react The world gets to pitch and we get to catch, in hope that our strikes are intact No matter how hard we struggle and fight for a sense of control Reality looms till fatality dooms —eterni...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Animals think, and animals react Animals sleep, and animals attack Animals eat, and animals mate Animals fly, and animals wait Animals feel, and animals cry Animals sicken, and animals die Animals come, and animals go Animals watch, and an...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Can our spirits pray without God at the center Can worship pay homage to self Can divinity reign in each person ordained Revering what’s hidden —indwelt (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Diverting his eyes from that last final hour, denying death its due His conscience and awareness tight in his grip, ownership unrenewed Both arms around life, he’s forever rejected, blinded as time starts to bleed Meeting the end in a loss of c...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The laws we need most stay unwritten As tyranny runs wild without sanctions in place Minus shared common values can we ever regroup From this polarization —and dog eat dog race (Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is truth that important, or ignorance bliss Your place on the Ferris Wheel, roundly dismissed What first must go up, by law to come down Gravity’s joke, if not Heaven bound The yes from the no, the right from the wrong The good from the bad, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The funding of wisdom, bankrolling death Thoughts to withdraw from a ledger unspent Refinancing life, true folly indeed With memory cashed in —eternity free (Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Happy endings, the folly of youth The aged alone to portend Distance a comfort, expiration afar Reality mostly pretend Death as a concept, corpse underground As different as night is to day Two ends of the spectrum, inextricably linked By ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You may not cross the darkness, the morning light unfound The promise of tomorrow —today is shining proud (Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I was perfectly happy, a singular chime I was perfectly happy, alone in my mind I was perfectly happy, my world underscored I was perfectly happy, my feelings secure I was perfectly happy, adrift in my world I was perfectly happy, no feeling’...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Demanding possession… nine tenths of the law Last bone to fight over —its marrow still raw (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Be it good or then bad… defined after the fact Acceptance—rejection, a dog or a cat The goals of Centurions, or those of a Priest Different agendas, a moveable feast Be it virtue or vice, their adherents will claim Then shout from the rafters...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The newly armed Prophet, his heart beating strong An old disarmed Sage, living futile and long If words could bring victory, the benign would then reign But vows must be forged with steel edges of pain Intentions when noble, bearing witness t...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Behind closed eyes, the future still to mourn Grieving in a blinded state —orphans left unborn (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Indentured as servants, and not as our masters Words are conscripted —their meanings enslaved (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Kiss me once more lovingly, than you have kissed before Tell me that our love is shared, and one plus one is four Kiss me once more lovingly, with time our hearts denied As death abates, new dreams await —forever’s wish to hide (Villanova Pen...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’m back from war without my soul, having pawned it on the field Among the dead and buried dreams, whose futile prayers concealed I wonder where my spirit hides, as I sleep these endless hours With day as night and night as day, in loneliness devo...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Caught inside a memory, with flashbacks of desire Your scent returns as lightning —my heart a copper wire (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If you’re not ready to kill the lion —never stalk its trail (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Knowing only what your path has shown —so little have you learned (Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Entropy evaporating into itself Birthing an ending —singular truth (Villanova Pennsylvania: Tribute To Stephen Hawking October, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Reaching through the Biosphere, I touched the hand of God Who turned me around and pushed me back, inside my inner pod Letting me go with these final words, transcending into self… “Your search is to end where you began —your heart and mind to...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Backround information, footnotes of the weak Substantiating all excuse, data incomplete Reasoned explanation, wishful thinking’s tool For dilettante’s to build a stage —to dance and play the fool (New Hope Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Delivering what we said we wanted, wrapped in dirt and mud The politician slashed and burned, and each time drawing blood He tapped into our memory, with fear and recompense Reminding what the past was like, with promises incensed He sang old so...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I was twenty, you were nineteen, that day along the mall When I heard a guitar from deep inside, that round auditorium hall Up on stage with legends, Son House, Muddy, Johnny Winter too A red haired, freckle faced, blue e...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Lobbying through Hell, the politician remanded To the Devil he stated: “Your program’s too thin “You need to refigure and turn up the heat “His word’s getting through, and the Angels all sing” “It’s not about numbers, Lucifer cried from the fu...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I sleep with Saint Anselm, but wake with Aquinas My dreams to envision what the morning will say Creativity’s twins, imagined then stated Epiphany’s birth —morphing night into day (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Should I share my truth with you, or take it to the grave And bury what my life has been… the fearful and the brave Should I share a final word, before my name is called To pour your cup into that stream —that runs beyond the falls (Dreamsleep...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Do we worship a concept we cannot define Do we dig for a treasure that we’ll never find Is the belief that it’s there, enough to forge on In perpetual failure, no words to our song Do we feel we’re the closest when the bottom falls out To be ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Prophesy, that sphere beyond reason Belief as its bridgework —faith as its troll (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Time an illusion, to make sense of reality Reality an illusion, to order and place Order an illusion, to all that’s a given What’s given Divine —indefinable Grace (Villanova Chapel: September, 2020) ‘A Tribute To Augustine’s 3 Tenses Of Time, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The suddenness of desertion, the emptiness of time Abandoning each moment, as clocks strike their chime And wherego the hours, once used and cast off Are there auctions and markets for each second that’s lost And who’s to recount the old wishe...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Tapping eternity, time rendered still Back looking forward —never until (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A Poet’s ink… more sacred than a Martyr’s blood Each word divinely measured —all time in glory of (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Phrases string together, letters front to back Birds of the same feather, in each other’s tracks Marching toward transcendence, words reformed and strong Flocking into unison —flying into song (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

While bending the rules, and strattling the line I pushed every limit, calling it mine Tearing down fences, defiantly proud The direst warnings, rebutted out loud One last price to pay, its ticket to stamp Shadows concealing my spiritual ramp E...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Once free of the body, into the soul Majestic reversal, the minstrels have told A crown made of virtue, death in the past Whose regal foretelling —a message to last (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Modern thought… a footnote to Plato Enshrined in our memory —recalled and retold (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Short in stature, long in fight, the zealot stood his ground The odds unfavored, no end in sight, victory still unfound The daylight haunting, the body count, the field a sea of blood A bugle blowing for one last charge, advancing through the ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

All of my life, living for today All of tomorrow, living for tomorrow None of my life, living for yesterday Lived as today —as today was tomorrow (Reading ‘The Portable Einstein,’ September, 2020) “Today was tomorrow —to all of yesterday”

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’ve crawled through the logic, but where’s the trap door The one to escape through, where there’s something more I’ve labored with reason, my notes here to show Its path ever narrow, restricting the flow Epistemological gods of my youth Now ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Auditioning for myself the lights went down the sound amped up my head turned round Auditioning for myself the handbill flew into the seats the chosen few Auditioning for myself last line unread the words reborn inside my head Auditioning for m...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Prescribed philosophy… medicine of the soul Brainchild of the gods —thoughts becoming whole (Newtown Square Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

That unshared secret… a crawlspace of denial where shadows keep your heart at bay, lonely all the while To hide in darkened corners, as falsehood lends its smile your mind left cramped—all virtue tramped, banished and exiled (Dreamsleep: Septemb...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I ran over the edge of uncertainty To convince you of what I didn’t know Falling into the abyss of deception Where the pretenders and charlatans go (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Physician heal thy body… virtue heal thy soul Wounds profane—blood reclaimed, whose sutured truth is told (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Yes or no, right or wrong, their truth so far apart Opinion versus stated fact, polarized and stark To give or sway conjecture, in light of what is known Weakness in consensus lost — black and white has shown (Philadelphia Ethical Society: Sep...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A painting will never love you back, like a woman or a child An opera may cause your heart to sing, then leave you twice beguiled Platonic zeal may fill the hours, a pleasant interlude But requited love will change your life —and end your solit...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is knowledge just the memory of what has gone before Our current thoughts a window dress, in search of something more Are ideas in our DNA, and cellular as such Feelings lost within those thoughts, wading through the dust Is our soul but then a ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Without exception, throughout all time, governments devolve Aristocracy, the Philosopher King, benign in his resolve Timocracy, the city state, landed and secure The Oligarch, his army placed, to rule in peace and war Democracy, each voice to ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

‘You’ll never step in the same river twice,’ the future now the past Motion the only constancy, beyond all time to last You will never see the mountain, by staring in its face Perspective shorn and vision torn, its image out of place You’ll ne...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What was, became you What will be, becomes you What could be, belies you What is —befalls (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I said yes, you disagreed… no longer to be friends P.C. culture, zero-sum, misleading to the end (Rosemont Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What versus why, each millennium cries Man on the run, all truth in disguise Modernity reels from an ancient ideal Until time the thief —reveals (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The knife edge of verse… a verbal incision, whose sharpness cuts both ways Its blood groove runs heavy with truth dripping free —to mark the words unsaid (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Subject and Object, who builds the bridge From either perspective, to laud or forgive First person invective, third person retort The toll for each crossing —forever deports (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Intention of action… inaction pursues Deflecting commitment, with roadblocks infused Intention of action… step one and step three Step two is the question —of what comes to be (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You dip your toe into poetry’s waters, but never seem to get wet Pretense showing, your measure unknowing, the surface as good as it gets Into the depths where fear leaves a shadow, you stare with eyes conjoined The moment upon you, time has b...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The sum of all possibility, true nature of our soul To act upon or take flight from, virtues to extol What may or may not happen, to inspire or pretend The choice is ours, the will empowers —to flee or to ascend (Bryn Mawr College: September, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

At what price, love, the Angel’s sing At what price, love, the joy it brings At what price, love, our spirit’s rhyme At what price, love —the word sublime (The Book Of Prayers: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Memories of the future, dancing in my head Recalling what will come to pass, joyous and unread Reflections yet to happen, vivid they befall Voices that still wait to sing —calling me enthralled (The Book Of Prayers: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Some men are rich with a promise, to others—millions are never enough Fortune esteems what your vision can dream, contentment elusive as such (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Stealing my dignity in the name of love, you took back all control The past and future trading in place, all memory untold Stealing my dignity in the name of love, child—father to the man Whose power has dwindled and wheels come off, with freed...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Finding fault with a vagrant poem, its message left unclear Falling short, while aiming long, to harken every ear What’s left unsaid, an unmade bed, the sheets pulled down and bare The words still truant, their search goes on —whose message all...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Dodging a bullet, the PET Scan loomed large… results both good and bad “Nothing today to worry about,” but tomorrow left unclad The moment secure, the future unsure… prognosis under siege The lights of the O.R. calling his name —with hope the ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Information… answers wrapped in questions, warped in dimension —to overload (Ted Talking: January 2018)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

We die in the present, but live in the past Though the moment may claim us —our memory to last (Pine Ridge South Dakota: June, 1993)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Can our culture live on, can its message be contained Will an eagle looking down see the joy or the pain Will our heritage run deep, like the river that flows To an all-consuming delta, and the life force who knows (Pine Ridge South Dakota: Ju...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I get along with my father now, better than when he was alive The walls have dismantled, the barriers down, a clear vision to inside The excuses we made, a pride that forbade, here buried in the ground As our spirits conjoin to sail on the win...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The older I get the more I know, everything starts as a prayer The older I get the more I’m indebted to a voice that I can share The older I get the surer I am that life begins and ends The older I get the richer the words —that spoken live aga...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Walking on His good side, each step was placed with care My direction set, intention met, new words to light the air Looking back I said goodbye, all strings there left untied Hands firmly placed in His embrace —eternity inscribed (The Book Of...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Poetry… my breath, my life Feelings inhaled, thoughts to delight (Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

So much lost… so little gained Prairies in judgment, our destiny framed So little gained for what we lost Spirits now orphaned —tomorrow the cost (Browning Montana: Blackfoot Reservation - May, 1995).

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Our Father, life giving light, Redeemer of the plains Carry our offerings into your heart, remember, we serve in your name Spirit Redeemer, the mountains and hills, distant and barren in lore The drums have restarted, the chanting begun, the Pe...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

We cannot eat lies or feast on empty promises No more than the bison, starving in the desert sand We cannot clothe our children as we run from the Wasichus Our teepees torn and freezing amidst the winter snows (Pine Ridge South Dakota: Late Se...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Revisiting places, a fresh pair of eyes All time reimagined —the how and the why (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A watch is forever subservient to time As each day bows down to the sun Remeasuring infinity from end to end Orphaned between —and left to beguile (Villanova University: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If conflict is human, is violence a game The law of the jungle by some other name A mortal endeavor, to choose when we fight With nature in judgment —the wrong from the right (Wayne Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Imperfection keeps me fertile, like the storm upon the plain Measuring the distance, of what’s lost and sometimes gained With my thoughts I mark the hours, left uncounted looking back The choices made and prices paid —endorsing what I lack (Vi...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If reality is meant to change, Buddhists may be right The stops and starts of wasted dreams, to bury in the night With truth in self-denial, our awareness springs and grows The burdens of all conscious thought, released—once letting go (Villan...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Cheating death… the myth we tell —when life seems all the more (Villanova University: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My door is made of solid bronze but doesn’t have a lock Patina’d with the stain of blood from all the battles fought It swings upon a rusted hinge and creaks when open wide To welcome back the future-past the present safe inside (Bryn Mawr Pen...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I know more things than I can tell The water deep within my well I wish for more than hope can stand Obeying Thee —my heart commands (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

On a barstool somewhere in a lost America with a stranger who calls me friend All options dwindling my fate in his hands —and nearly at the end (Choteau Montana: Ranger Jacks Bar, August 2004)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Logic destroys the natural state, as order rules the day To tag and label, weigh and chart, reality at bay A poet in the truest sense, I fall outside the lines Entropic freedom calling me —to all that I might find (Rosemont College: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When death came ‘a calling,’ again thus denied The future remortgaged —payment applied (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The white wing of the wind blew down from tomorrow Carrying a message of hope —from beyond the unknown (Dreamsleep: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Caught within the membranes of a lost tomorrow, time stood still No sound, no sight, no fresh vibration, as eternity waits (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Coming out of the shadows, reality struck hard Changing me forever —leading me away (Dreamsleep: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Don’t hate me if I struck a nerve, a tear now yours to mend The pain acute, denial slim —too late to then pretend (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Waiting for yesterday, I stumbled into tomorrow —and found my spirit lost (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A creative adult, a child who survived New toys in the attic —where time comes alive (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Only talking to each other, academics expound And sing to the choir —no truth to be found (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Foreigner to death Alien to mortality Gateway to transcendence Angel from beyond (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A bigger fish, a smaller pond A greater truth alludes The water shallow, banks now void Of fishermen bemused (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Do you strive to be poetic, while forgetting to be a poet Your words when forced an epitaph to what you never said (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Lost within the folds of my regret Trapped between today and tomorrow Taking what I could never give Losing what I had yet to find (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kufrt Philip Behm

I don’t want to be the one who shies away and loves you less I don’t want to be the one asleep while you’re awake I don’t want to be the keeper of secrets you cannot share I don’t want to be the one you miss —until I’m gone (Villanova Pennsylv...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The wingless eagle went to the party of the owls with his own wisdom Intimidating the impostors of the night with his past glory Exposing the shadows of their dark indulgence —with a killers eye (Stone Harbor New Jersey: January, 1992)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Divorce not an option, vows to remain The altar enmired, betrothal reclaimed Children all lettered, their offspring to spin My nuptials enduring —faithful within (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are you rapacious with your poetry, avaricious in your verse Covetous of those words you read, jealous—maybe worse Do your thoughts deceive with what you write, does bad intention rule the day Those tracks you leave, the trap you’ve set —with y...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

At odds with myself, those things you see Eyes looking out —feelings within (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The furniture of my youth, bed posts of desire Armoire of a future wish —hope chest of dreams (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Hiding in the middle class, I made my way through life Looking like I had it made, no struggle and no strife Others couldn’t see it, as it metastasized inside A terminal metamorphosis —hidden from your eyes (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Standard bearer, above the fray Others follow, trackless fields Trailing echo’s, dead and gone Then tomorrow —tomorrow then (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Clothed in fraud, his disguise supreme Frightening listeners, confusion schemed His world inside, a caldera waits Armageddon trembling —the hour late (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Maintaining his distance, Dylan felt safe A musical drifter not born for one place His words once released, to live on their own The road calling windward —far from his home (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Bridging the gap… hate falling away Into the chasm, fate tightens the stays Forging two armies, to now fight as one Entreating their union —Saint Michael has come (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Looking down, I’ve been so lucky Looking up, still more to know Fortune smiles, the road still open Steeper yet —but blessed to go (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You once gave to me something, you now want to take back But its cord is umbilical, my soul thus attached The title to the future in invisible ink Bleeding free your reluctance —inextricably linked (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Behind on my rent… the door slamming behind A beggar of memories, doomed to remind Last boxcar of hope on a railway of dreams From here to tomorrow —trapped in between (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Betrothed within, making love to ourselves Pledging new vows, to seal every tryst Promises buried, a marriage unseen Wedding bells ring —ever silent and deep (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Chasing after the flame, in spite of the heat To bathe in the light —everything else is dark (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Decisions that last forever… choices made every day To commit with our hearts, our heads in the wind —the difference for Poets to say (St. Mary’s Montana: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The first casualty of war… truth The last casualty of war… death Truth fighting death, beginning to end Questions unanswered —gravestones contend (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

On the quietest of nights I can now hear its roar This current hides calmly what fate has in store Its crashing is consummate, my drowning awaits Last bend now approaching —the hour grows late (Villanova Pennsylvania: August: 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

“Violence broke out again last night in Gotham… “No arrests have been made” (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Asking for support and not your agreement, I looked into your eyes Seeing rejection, a stare blank and cold, all connection was untied Words became hollow, our rose only thorns, a new distance did we share Alone while together, the ending in si...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Has the future made a profit by selling out your dreams Marking up expectations, closing out self esteem Interest bearing hopes uncashed, wishes in arrears Creditors loom, the past foreclosed —tomorrow paid in tears (Villanova Pennsylvania: Au...

– by Kurt Philip Behm,

If something isn’t true, is it necessarily false By the polarized abstraction, are we blinded to recourse In the either or equation and the depths of zero sum Is all meaning trapped forever —inside this web we’ve spun (Villanova Pennsylvania: ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Reaching down or reaching up Arms extended —hearts to touch (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Revisiting oceans I’ve sailed before, my eyes now finally see Their currents deeper but softer felt, all doldrums blowing free As friends I greet them no longer strange, once passing in the night With anchors dropping inside my soul —to harbor ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Hitchhiking along a highway that runs inside my mind Revisiting the roads I’d crossed while skirting all the lines My thumb held high and searching for what eyes no longer see Along this path that takes me home —returning unto thee (Villanova ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Being poor… having no money Conjoined, yet not the same Faith in the wind, promises born Wings free —to be reclaimed (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Attack, attack… leaving no room for fear Charging ahead, driving the past behind Fate in a coma, never really dead Lying in wait —for that final misstep (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You can only live in the time you’re given The past and the future, a false consorting Looking inside and blinding yourself —to tomorrow and yesterday The magic contained within each fleeting moment —until it’s gone (Villanova Pennsylvania: ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are you bigger in your absence than your presence could command Is your memory that much stronger than your being when at hand Does the legend of your fancy stretch the truth of what you’d done The imagined and embellished —a false legacy becom...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The right to remember, the right to recall The right to uncover, the right to forestall The right to nostalgia, the right to look back The right to remember —the right to retrack (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Fear, the ghost of indecision where darkness stalks each day Confusion our ignoble master, bewildered we fall prey Terror caught in nightly doldrums, the walls start closing in As choices wait our will to answer —or die this fate within (Villa...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The thrill is gone, but its memory remains in flashes that come in the night The names have all changed, but faces stare back forsaken, denied by the light The thrill is gone, but its price still to pay whose absence weighs heavy and long The r...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The bigotry of isolation, prejudice of despair The future in your rear window —abandoned beyond repair (Villanova Pennsylvania: July: 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

With distance in his voice, he traveled on the wind Guitar case for a saddle, to ride each beckoning whim A folk tale left untethered, his melody to claim Each song an affirmation —his legend to refrain (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Paying the price for a life ill lived, my spirit torn and scarred Those things undone, weigh heavy now, old choices prey and mar I thought the past behind me sure, alas, naivete Each memory loose to track and hunt —tomorrow’s yesterday (...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Moments of clarity stop the clock, but time rolls on and on Unrecorded, to stay embedded in each wish unfulfilled Tranquilizing the fleeting doubt that truancy sets free Returning with the future claimed —to liberate the past (Villanova Pen...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Markets are strong as bridges crumble Dividends fly while highways collapse Earnings per share define false adoration Gift wrapping burns —on the last empty box (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Sitting neither left nor right but on the different side of things Polarity drifts off like the ending note in a forgotten song The past and future saying one final and lasting goodbye As time becomes a wandering orphan —and the moment set fre...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Those who betray their dreams are forever old Living between denial —and what might have been (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Will you be the hero within your own story Will you marry the present, dating the future and past Will your legacy document your truest intention Or falsely imply words abandoned—unheard (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Science… explaining away the magic (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

With nothing to offer but my own confusion, I wandered through the night Holding you close while letting you go, a darker prophecy claimed the light The end came too soon, the beginning was dead, all connection torn and lost In the distance to ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Redefining the past for tomorrow Memory’s promise —reimagined again (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Deafening thunder, cries from down under Voices of silence —lost in the wind (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Name dropping success… a first name basis with failure Hope into the wind, heartache on the approaching storm (Villanova Pennsylvania: June, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The underside of dawn, a promise ill remembered Blue Hour turned to black —as night devours day (C&D Canal: June, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are the truly enlightened able to endorse their success Driven closer to the flame —where heat blinds to reveal (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The future calls our name just once, hello awaits goodbye The past a veil to what’s been learned —the truth wrapped in a lie (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The past held victim to the future Each memory a shackle in tomorrow’s chain (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The moments of these days… the wheat from the chaff Each choice confirmation —the first from the last (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The greatest times are the one’s that surprise us The greatest people are the one’s who don’t (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What are we afraid of if not ourselves What are those shadows that hover within What do we know beyond the joy and the pain Where resonant voices —start over again (H.U.P. May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Taking the reader where alone he can’t go Onramp to tomorrow —new roads to be shown (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

She only leaves me when it’s raining, to wash away the pain Clouds an ablution to her memories dark, drowning a past refrain She returns as the skies are clearing, to dry inside my warmth Our love in place until thunder breaks —again to chase ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I can’t cry anymore, or mention your name I can’t sleep through the night with fury and shame I can’t give anymore, stakes gone from my claim I can’t cry anymore —tears salting the blame (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Art of Creating, the Art of Living —YES (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Disguising his attack, concealing his intent, deceit comes calling as a friend Smiling to your face, fangs in your back, the wolf approaching as a lamb (Villanova Pennsylvania: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Poetry, not read with the eyes or listened to with the ears —when spirited through the soul (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

They just want to feel something… the audience again new They just want to escape time, for a moment then, or two They just want to know you care, after what the past has cost They just want you reaching out —touching something that they’ve los...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

And no summer came… the calendar frozen, cold winds still in play And no summer came… the birds and the butterflies staying away And no summer came… expressions of love buried under the frost And no summer came… the seasons to mourn every day...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Searching, I look for words to free the song The music, already playing inside my soul (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2008)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Monument Valley, you whisper going through HOPING IT WON’T HEAR HOPING IT WON’T HEAR Whatever you say —never to be enough (Duchesne Utah: June, 2008)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If only my wishes had come to me earlier Much less than I settled for —still more than I deserved (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What’s in a title, what’s in a name What does it matter, praise—or to blame (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Blue Collar—White Collar, choking the same Their difference endemic, as time casts its blame (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Before success, the work had more meaning Before success, with nothing to fear Before success, all floor and no ceiling Before success —the mirror was clear (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

How close can you get to the horizon, how far can infinity feel How near can you get to the distance, that pulls, but then never reveals (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Writing pains my hand —as it eases my heart (Strafford Pennsylvania: November, 1976)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The rock, stands against the wind in centuries old calm Counting the years until our baptism, sinking deeper still Stoic to tell lest we forget, engraved on a hill of blinding sun Of barefoot painted dancers, and children—future come (Mesa Ve...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Monuments of distraction, portals from hell The gates, the temptation, where the misguided dwell Three dimensions the material, where emptiness hides The lions all roaring from cages inside The pathways worn smooth, the comfort is there ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A Poet first, long before the first word Musings inherent —crying to be heard (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Give me back my kidnapped youth, distiller of the night Return the sun from whence it’s gone, expose this darkened fright Give me back the future-past, all memory on the run Return those days once sold unborn —to where my joy has gone (Villano...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The prostrate lizard, hated savior, crawls the crooked road to the city Figures, sinking with the light, bending your prayers —watching the sun Light retreats as shadows leave, emptying space for a new awareness Its carnal madness telling agai...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The top of the mountain —how do you spell alone (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Everyone’s life is tragic, but who calls out the score The Jester or the Hangman, the Undertaker sure Everyone’s nights are haunted, when sleeping with the Muse Each dream a wanton barter —your memories to lose (Haverford Pennsylvania: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Jazz without melody, an arm with no hand A heart without blood —a sea with no land (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

An army of lions… led by a lamb An army of sheep… led by a lion The fangs out in front first bite is the deepest A wound more than fatal —destruction sublime (Villanova Pennsylvania: May, 2020)

– by kurt Philip Behm

Whispers before me, echoes behind Voices portending, words to remind Sleepless imprisoned, nights linger on Shadows approaching —memory gone (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When you’re out of options —it’s no time to make a choice (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’ll rue the day, I can’t write angry I’ll rue the day, not alone with myself I’ll rue the day, the questions all answered I’ll rue the day, thoughts no longer felt (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Through the bedroom window in my Grandmother’s house, shone three lights—far off and red Vertically stacked, representing the distance, to a young boy fast in bed A distance that I was born to travel, my hopes as then conceived A distance...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Fear is a thief stealing into the future, the past its lot to pawn A larcenous demon that hides in the night, from the gallant, intrepid—and strong (Dreamsleep: May, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Every second, an infinity happens ... in relativity! (West Philadelphia: January, 1973)​

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The sentence was death, terminally sure, to pack my bags, adieu As reds have never looked so red, and greens, the greenest hue The wine the sweetest on my tongue, as birds sing sweeter still The children’s laughter I embrace, their joy I’ll kee...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The light gets richer approaching the end Warmth trumping distance —goodbye an old friend (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A question unanswered, a wish unfulfilled A moment left fleeting, to wander until A maiden unmarried, a tryst never made A lover in armor, a husband forbade A day left to dwindle, the twilight to roam A promise indentured, enslaved and alone ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is this life we live, the life we know, really death from another plane Is the hurt we suffer, and the struggle we bear, the result of another realm Are the visions we see, and the insights unnamed, but a window into that world Is what we call ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A dark cloud swept o’er me today, and visited but couldn’t stay It tried to blow my voice away, but stronger winds then had their say Poisoning rains lay overhead, whose black veil lifts in mornings glow Their invocation scoffed again —by every...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Married to a doctrine —divorced from the truth (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Writers treading water —the sound of the falls (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Whisking away tomorrow in a velvety breath —to write once more (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The country was turbulent on TV, but not in Iowa The ‘Times Were A Changing’ for most to see, but not in Iowa There was more to sound than snippets or bites, back then in Iowa Each voice was heard when spoken and free, back then in Iowa The ki...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Three in one, prophetic comes One for all, each heart enthralled Confusion proffered, diffusion reigns Salvation offered —all reason feigned (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Turning down every invitation… the invitations stopped Ensuring the freedom I always craved, alone inside my thoughts Misunderstood and misrepresented, my feelings misconstrued And needing to live within myself —no enmity toward you (Villanova...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

We live, have lived, and always will —live in troubled times (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What’s written in the past, the shadows capture Those words saved for tomorrow, fantasy But what I write today, to live forever Alive unto itself —time’s reverie (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Walking with giants, each step getting bigger The miles—the millennia, the search beyond (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The stairway to God is music Each step a string on the Angel’s harp (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

In days of fancy, you cared for me In days of challenge, I cared for you In twilight moments, our love renewed In night’s betrothal —our wishes free (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When you become a victim, the hunter turns to prey And the wolves now beckoned —call (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

As an artist, you go where art takes you As a writer —you become the words (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Gypsy jumped from car to car, never getting off the train In Davenport through morning fog, the old town looked the same The prairies waited in the dark, the Rockies far beyond In Denver’s wind he heard the words to an oft-forgotten psalm ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Running in circles, spinning in place Everywhere at once —nowhere at all (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I abhor… bigotry, dishonesty, hate and disloyalty, bias and jealousy, misogyny and tyranny But more than anything I hate weakness in all its forms, cowardice being the most destructive, which allows all of the things I abhor… to exist (Dreamsle...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Ships pass in the dark, so near yet so far A hair’s breadth away —eternity preys (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

For those who will listen, and those who can hear For those it will matter —your words to endear (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You have to be naked inside a Poem Exposed in its limelight, a baby new born Starving the doubt by feeding the fear Everything revealed —your back to the wall (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

For those who will listen, and those who can hear For those it will matter —your words to endear (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

There’s a power that only certain women have, a force beyond words to describe Where your breath is frozen, and your eyes are locked, with every move freeing her guise You surrender the only thing certain and sure, your downfall worth all she un...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Youth, the perception —of what time throws away (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You won’t get better with age Or turn more experience into a higher art By heading back down, never reaching the apex To where you first started —your eyes turned away (St. David’s Pennsylvania: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

One last day to suffer, as silence endures One new day engendered, to motion toward A musical seamstress, to stitch me back whole A lyrical consort, inscribed to behold Each word as my seed, to lay fertile the plain Each phrase lost and orpha...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

America’s greatness… we don’t have to agree In freedom of dissension, a strong harmony Each voice draws a bowstring whose arrow flies high Carrying a message —that liberty buys (Philadelphia Pennsylvania: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Elegant grunge… the Rolling Stones (Wembley Stadium: June, 1982)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

“Once you’ve financed your passion —it’s time to quit work” (Valley Forge Military Academy: August, 1964)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Time… our most precious consumable Buying each footstep —lace on the pall (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Unliving your memory —unbreaking my heart (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Painting with words, poetry my canvas Hanging through the ages —signed with my blood (Ocean City New Jersey: June, 1969)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Don’t pick it up if you can’t put it down A little bit pregnant —the world turned around (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Folding words into a feeling The permanence was addictive The creases redefining And the transcendence sublime (Nashville Tennessee: 'The Bluebird' October 1991)​

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Living right, death of no concern Dying right —life begins again (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2018)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

‘Wana Hin Gle’ the Lakota call me, ‘Wana Hin Gle’ my given name ‘He Who Happens Now,’ the drum beat has found me, reaching into this moment beyond glory and fame As ‘Wana Hin Gle,’ my spirit has wandered, as ‘Wana Hin Gle,’ my ancestors call ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Never writing to make the words pretty, but the thoughts pure Each breath a moment of time’s demise —tomorrow gone (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When man came out of nature's womb —God was born (Winnipeg Canada: September, 1992)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Artists reach beyond themselves, to be more than who they are The journey never at an end, nor ever near—but far (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Who’re you really” the Sage asked again, that look upon his face “It depends on who I’m looking at,” I said, his eyes now glazed “I’m never just one thing as you’ve heard often in my songs “Like the weather I am prone to change, from right—to o...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I don’t remember where I was, when the Earth became my lover Surrendering herself to me, enticing all endeavor Canyon Walls and Glacial Cliffs, whose depths and heights I wander Memory folding in upon itself, my heart immersed in splendor I now ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The eggs had been colored, and scattered about The baskets were hidden, the children to shout… “Was he here mom, was he here?” they yell from upstairs “Come down and find out,” she says—nary a care Their little feet rush, taking two steps at o...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Return to the sky, our moon, Bakunawa Masked Haliya has been called, the tree circled again Balyana is dancing, the heaven’s in darkness By the goddess of moonlight —you’re condemned to the sea (Villanova Pennsylvania: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Social Distancing not so strange, I’ve been doing it for years The world a feelings length away, old lovers left in tears I shared what I shared early, with my short pants not yet off Trusting in my family first, I learned—but Oh the cost For ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Fighting against you, attacking with words, hatred my weapon inscribed Fountains of blood each chapter exudes, keeping you distant—forever alive (Penn Medicine Radnor: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Why try to write like somebody else, by others passion driven A watered down copy, trespassing free, to alien words you’re smitten A copycat artist who mimics the sounds, your voice a toast unbidden While somebody’s pain and somebody’s joy —the...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I would look through the window at feeble old men and secretly smirk and secretly pity Now the window looks back and its message is clear that old man is you and the picture’s not pretty (Villanova Pennsylvania: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Divorced from my shadow, estranged from the words My heart to philander —new innocence heard (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The lungs don’t work —when the heart is broken (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

There’s a clarity that comes with age, confusion on the run The light much brighter deep inside, no writing on the come My youth endeavors, drifting lines, those hedges where I’d hide Have all been trimmed or taken down, left nothing to deny T...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Some words forever born inclined, others bred in shadows Verse conceived and left unread —to wander lost and fallow (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The writing, compensates itself in the writer Every word an inheritance, each phrase self-endowed (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Remembering the present, forgetting the past Turning into the other —the moment recast (Villanova University: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I wandered among the springtime trees, and in the stillness they reached out To touch each feeling within my heart, giving cover to my doubt My life sequestered as I walk alone, past memories deeply felt The social ramblings of a world at war, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Raping the sky of its luster, a new darkness began to imbue Draining the ocean—taking its salt, a pillar for Edith renewed Shearing the top off the mountain, its crater to hemorrhage and bleed Stealing the promise from every hope all faith left...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Genie-us crawled silently out of the old clock, and climbed up the bookshelves at night The Genie-us then read from the pages forbidden, feeling shame with a lusty delight The Genie-us returned as the sun came up, crawling inside the tall...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Genie-us crawled silently out of the old clock, and climbed up the bookshelves at night The Genie-us then tore out the forbidden pages, feeling shame with his lusty delight The Genie-us returned as the sun came up, crawling inside the tal...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Did you baptize the moment, did you remake the night Did you give truth a name, did your secrets escape Did you forever divide, leaving zero to burn Did you dance through the flames —to the edge of goodbye (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Ambient poetry, truth on the vine Words of the moment —vintage divine (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

How real can you be… how prescient can you become How long can the moment last —to choose or to then believe (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

In adolescence he created the myth That untamed —devoured him (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Thoughts inflame as feelings stir, words simmering yet to boil Unspoken sparks drift through the night, a pyre still to fan As heat restores the human soul, all prodigals return With hope to melt the frozen dawn, and free the Poet's hand Delphia...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Climbing each rung of the rotting ladder, my wishes snapped one by one The beanstalk looming high above, its vines blocked out the sun Grounding my desires and aspirations, like a bird with broken wings My hope tried one last blind ascent —to w...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The world your editor, each season your pen Heartache your publisher, verse to amend Days left to punctuate, nights misconstrued Memory the binding —time as the glue (Dreamsleep: April, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

As my body stoops with age, youth lulls upon the page Where words forever young, cry willful to be sung As daylight quickly passes, I greet night a friend at last With memories deeply grained —reborn in verse again (Villanova Pennsylvania: Dec...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Only a Poet can stab time in the heart, to bleed free and eternal —only a Poet (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are you happy spreading misery, distrust what you embrace More joyful when the skies are dark, than bright on sunny days Is truth a tool you wield and fling, a weapon in your hand Love what looms and threatens most, to never understand Are fee...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

He went in for a six-pack, and came out with a smile His heart reawakened, the old lady—a child (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

How lucky you are… to be a Poet The window to tomorrow left open All tracks into the past —to reclaim (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Tears from a straw, heartache from a tumbler Ice from a memory —fire from my heart (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Squandering what you never had And what you’ll never —understand (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Dying alone on foreign ground, death gripped his blessed hand Raging hard across the pond, Manhattan, his last stand An oak to fall on alien soil, all seeds to heaven thrown His words cast free into the dark, that ‘Good Night’ now his own (Vil...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Poet’s real enemy is time Alone to struggle —moments to rhyme (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The world sneezed, the demon danced —the music stopped in time The world coughed, the demon choked —millions now entwined The world hid, the demon searched —new victims running low The world rose, the demon dead —nowhere left to go (Dreamsleep...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Rat-a-tat, Rat-a tat-tat, the mice crawl through the walls You hear them best when lights are low, the cat still yet to call Rat-a-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat, straight up and overhead The world they know—the world you know, conjoined but never bred Ra...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Refusing to ever say hello The coward says —goodbye (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Putting up the white flag, laying down my gun Turning my back on fantasy, projects left undone Unlike other enemies, she’s neither front nor back But lives where only she can go, where color turns to black Her voice becomes a mimic, ventriloqu...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Ovarian, Breast, Pancreatic, or Lung… there’s a look that is shared the same And staring straight into the eyes of time, all promises gone and reclaimed Each moment borrowed and leased from your fear, the walls crashing one by one Tonight no ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is someone profiting on your wishes and dreams, renaming your parade Like a thief in the night they steal every wish, their own life at best a charade Is someone else cashing the check you just wrote, to pay for their larcenous schemes Has your...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Weaver of dreams, caretaker of the word Orator of the heart —steward of love (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Always is a long, long time, today is longer still The beginning of what can never end, consciousness distills Tomorrow is the shortest time, when looked at from today And yesterday no time at all, whose notion drifts away Never is all time de...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The artist dies again and again, but his art does not Bringing new life to the ages, turning his back on time The artist cannot last, but his genius can Living inside the spirit —of what death denies (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Off in the distance, he was whispering my name What started as a rumor, audible and plain My parking meter empty, the hour glass had run What life only borrowed, reclaimed—the devil’s son (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

It was the 3rd day of the battle, and thousands lay dying or dead Lining the edge of the smoke and chaos, the roses and daisies were spread The screams in the night were ungodly, sounds of cannon fire ruling the day With blue and grey bleeding...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are you hiding inside your writing, making it impossible to see what you mean Camouflaged words based on muddled intent, to confound, confuse, or mislead Is it cryptic or gibberish in nature, your attempt to impress with your scheme Are your wo...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Dying is a wild night and a new road” Then Darkness is passion untamed —on a highway to hell (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

What every man would like to say, and every woman like to hear What every moment would then embrace —released to so endear (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Past moments segmented euphoric, notebook in the back of my jeans” It used to be a pocketed feeling, today it’s the air that I breathe They used to visit when I would invite them, now they’re my shadow unseen Blanketing my world with their lett...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The incarnation of silence, sound without tone Words embody in the night —crying to be known (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If you live long enough… those things you missed will again return No longer wrapped in layers of disguise But flying on spirit wings the Archangels have endowed Bequeathed to the morning’s sunrise —your exiting dawn (Villanova Pennsylvania: M...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The imagery of experience, the magic of verse Each word bought and paid for —to bless or to curse (Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania: 1971) ‘With Jerry Jeff Walker At The Main Point’

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You can’t argue or reason your way into transcendence Sinking deeper with each formula drawn —and truism proclaimed (Wayne Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The drum beat of eternity —keeper of the dream (Pine Ridge South Dakota: June, 2006)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When the spirit listens —the heart forgives (Villanova Pennsylvania: December, 2011)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I chased my selves down the hallway tonight, and called them both by name They stopped and wavered before looking away, turning their backs again Subliminal gravity captured the space, attraction thrice denied The fusion once splintered reuniti...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The night a killer with retinas that burn, all verses running mad Fists of silence coming out of the dark, opening up to grab Fingers choking the last vocal chord, strangulation by command The quiet finality of a voice now gone —gripped in my o...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Standing alone on the altar’s first step, apprenticeship dethroned Indentured anew, my eyes turn inward, disarmed, but not disowned A quarter to forever in the distance ahead, blank meadows still to quote The hour glass waiting upon no man, to ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Give it back to the night, give it back to the day Give it back to the moment, where time goes to pray Give it back to the future, give it back to the past Give it up to the present —forever to last (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Words of malice, curses flamed, hiding in the past No license needed to hunt through time —the present armed en masse (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

In the end… all we have left is the music And music, will be more than enough (Garrett Hill Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Poetry and Political Correctness —the ultimate Oxymoron (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

With eyes that see and ears that hear, but hearts that look away Each child unkept—all life bereft, to rue these mournful days (Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Country Club of walking death, calls out across the ferns The 1st hole starts with pain unmatched, its traps to flame and burn The 9th hole calls you back to life, just to send you down again The 14th hole, a dismal swamp, your demons there...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Joni said… “If I tell you what the song is about, it won’t be about you anymore” (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020) ‘Watching Joni Mitchell On AXS’

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Debiting the bank of time —your dream my breath withdraws (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

God made me a man… the devil a poet To argue with the Almighty of his methods and plan God made me a mortal, but divinely inspired Two feet on the ground —flaming the fan (Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2016)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A river is but a witness, to what lay along its banks Carrying forth transcendent dreams, flowing stillness, giving thanks A river travels onward, while buried in its wake The current freeing motion’s form —offering escape (Dreamsleep: March, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Can you remember the present, or only the past And what of the future, clairvoyant at last Are the walls artificial and the boundaries lame Is time only mental —perception to change (Rosemont Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You can’t go back —to where you’ve never been (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Today, I fed a horse still wild, and asked him with my rhyme To blaze the silver meteor’s trail, to where the words collide I filled him with one final verse, to sharpen my refrain And mounted for that one last ride —to go back home again (Dre...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Clear the decks and set the helm A storm approaches, hatches closed Drop the main and raise the jib The anchor’s gone —our fate to sail (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Passing through its own reflection, eternity is beauty —and beauty is truth (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Are you the latest one I’ve left alone, heart Shanghaied—no goodbye Are you wondering why as questions loom, the answers high and dry Were you sure you’d be the only one, to wade misfortune’s tide As that fated current pulled me back —to drift ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

There’s just a set number of poems to write And writing the last, I’m done To die but alone, with my words as the pall Breathless verses —left unsung (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The past is but a distant flame, with reasons there disowned Where fire burns in effigy, to singe that falsely known The ages but a candle dim, its wick burned to the quick As torches rage from deep within —all time a kindling stick (Dreamslee...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Beyond comparison, they rise when we fall Uniquely divergent, to impale and enthrall No reference or genre, descriptions confound Bowie and Jagger —alone in the crowd (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Hanging like a scapular, your memory haunts my dreams You clothe my thoughts in joyous warmth, my lonely voice to scream… “I live inside your shadowed love, afraid new suns will shine “The darkness my heart yearns to keep, all new light—minus ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I put a saddle on the wind, and rode it through the storm The bridle placed, the buckled cinch, the reins, my horse reborn Inside each stirrup passion spurs, the present now in hand Behind whose mane I charge within —in search of who I am (Vil...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Clothing the world in hate and destruction Shame is the loom that weaves damnation (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The bike broke down, my money gone, Beale Street calling —Memphis in my dreams The diner’s empty, last quarter found, the jukebox playing —Memphis in my dreams The waitress smiles, she’s off at six, her place a walk —Memphis in my dreams The ki...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Sage cried out these final words as he rose from where he sat… “There’s nothing beyond everything —and everything beyond that” (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

All you can be is all you can be,” damning with faint praise A lover, not a girl to wed —left hand falsely raised (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Blood is thicker than water, what we had thicker than blood” All wounds long healed by memory’s salve, divined from up above Our bonding copper wire, wrapped round a thousand times Till fortune gets down on both knees, and bows—our soul’s conjo...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Do you wilt in someone else’s shadow Do you fawn in someone else’s praise Do you rise in someone else’s dawn Do you fly with someone else’s wings Can you break the chains that hold you Can you smash the mirror of regret Can you kill the demo...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Reading poetry to enhance your own, beguiling at the least An intention maybe well inclined, but it’s bread without the yeast Only fire and ice can make the Bard, to burn and melt within Your Muse to christen each child true born, adoption —...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is a poem ever really done, can the last word not begin The Angels voting lines impearled each phrase into a hymn Is a poem ever given back, to whom the words behold Each letter turned into a string, —a harp of heaven’s gold (Dreamsleep: Marc...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Writing outside the body, in the control room of the mind The blueprints of our D.N.A., left for me to find The root cause of the madness, ‘where thoughts and feelings meet’ No blood yet spilled, no demons killed, free will lay sound asleep Th...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Moments in the present, hours in the past, wishes in the future —none of them to last Seduction by the penny, heartbreak by the pound, rivers flowing memory —waterfalls abound (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Who you are and What you are and Where your are and When you are is Why you are and All you are and All you are and… (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

To love, to hate, fruition waits Which mood describes, which mood defies Those things you feel, those things you say Before tomorrow —beyond today (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Will you die, pretending to be someone you’re not Will you live, defending that someone you are Will you remember the last thing you tried to forget Will you return —to begin a new ending again (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My words are a saxophone, my phrases a drum My stanzas a keyboard, my rhyming a gun The Muse is my bullet, the readers a shield The darkness my target —its bullseye revealed (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Wicked Flee When None Pursueth,” proverbs tells us so The righteous stay in judgment’s light, to harvest what’s been sown Those prodigal delinquent souls, that life has cast astray Walk free the line tween right and wrong —till fate will ha...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Letter to letter once estranged, they mate in open air Copulants of a thought unloved, vowels conceived in pairs An alphabetic orgy, the first word falls in place Darkness changing into light —all silence to replace (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Does memory store from front to back, or more like side to side Do childhood dreams seem closer now, than yesterdays goodbye Does memory scorn all month and year, a dimension of its own Remembering best what matters most —defying time enthroned...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Is the fire escape of love still open does it go both up and down will it rescue you from the flames of possession promising only exit never refuge from the heat Is the iron railing molten as you step out on the landing is the air too hot to brea...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I know what you are, but only you know who that is I know what you said, but only you know what that means I know how it looks, but only you know how it feels I know when you’re missing —but only you know when you’re gone (Villanova Pennsylvan...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Running from everywhere, nowhere to go Your mask in place —forever alone (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The enemy of my enemy —masquerading as my friend (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by kurt philip behm

Wiping the tears from eternity’s past, placing the future on ice New memories lie frozen, suspended in time —to melt with each morning’s respite (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I don’t believe in Jesus, I don’t believe in Buddha, I don’t believe in Allah, I don’t believe in Zeus I don’t believe in Fairy Tales, I don’t believe in Santa, I don’t believe in Unicorns, I don’t believe Dr. Seuss I don’t believe in Proverbs, ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The wheel of life, the wheel of death, Involution breaks their hold To turn our consciousness inward —and directly know the Soul (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Those who never take advice, insist on giving it To offer wine that never aged —from empty barrels drawn (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Too craven to take his own advice, he stumbled over time A distant echo of what he proclaimed —an alien unrhymed (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I refuse to talk with bigots, does that apply to you And freely open up my mind, to greet the world anew Discriminatory and hateful barbs, divide and tear apart What poetry tries its best to mend, inside an honest heart Those few most vile hid...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You filled my eyes to overflowing, and quenched my thirsting heart You poured your vision into my soul, beatific to impart All banks you flooded as dreams wade in, and currents gently surge My spirit safe within your flow, re-baptized to emerge...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Tears well shed rewash our dreams —of nightmares filled with lies (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Scientific theory, modernity’s ego trip Its pay grade maxed, its mirror cracked —empirical ellipse (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The Universe, imagination God… existence Thine Each Soul, His essence passing through Individuality —Divine (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Keeping it to yourself, while giving it away Only poetry is split, and structured this way Keeping it to yourself, then passing the torch A deft oxymoron, as light is re-sourced (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Where you stand tomorrow, based on where you sit today Your principles determined by what you get The ground below you moving, feet shuffling back and forth Saying this and saying that —remembering to forget (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I see someone I love, in everyone I meet The wellspring eternal —its blessings complete (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I write prose so I can write poetry, and poetry so I can write prose Never prose that calls itself poetry —or poetry that’s lost within prose (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt philip Behm

The next time I see you —you better be gone (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I hate Periods and like most Commas, a Full Stop turns me off Quotation Marks I can endure, but Semi-colons not I love a good Exclamation Point, all Question Marks so so But my favorite is the Em Dash —replacing most of those (Villanova Penns...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Still looking for that lost back road… a lifetime spent to find The one that’s waiting just for me, to travel it sublime It leads to my beginning, every twist and every bend To take me back inside myself —all travel there to end (Rosemont Penn...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

No off position on the genius switch No light to then burn out No cracks to form on Leonardo’s bronze No Frazier Ali rout The expectations stretch beyond What humanity can span The eye of the needle, the camel threads What always could —sti...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Only a Tiger will approach a Tiger, Lions never do To give him pause and make him think, “What will this Tiger do” All other beasts he rests cocksure, a meal they will become But faced with one of his own kind —to stay or then to run (Villano...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Drunk in Barstow, waiting for a waitress, who gets off at 2:00 a.m. The crap game cleaned me, two bums on the pool table, snoring like a train Drunk in Barstow, third time this month, I just never seem to learn The waitress said, “My boyfriend...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Persuading you with my verses Never convincing you with my yarn Your heartstrings twist in braided strands To mend my spirit, darned All shouts have turned to whispers New melodies resound A phrase to dance inside your head As love —each wo...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Some came home… but never came back Some came back… but never came home Caught between forever And what forever —had disowned (Vietnam Veterans Memorial: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

To be, Or not to be A Poet… Who’s to say, Who’s to know —who’s to really care (Dreamsleep: March, February)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Drunk in Barstow, waiting for a waitress, who’s working till 2:00 a.m. The crap game cleaned me, two bums on the pool table, snoring louder than a train Drunk in Barstow, for the seventh time this month, I just never seem to learn The waitress...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The wound bleeds free —that kills the angry heart (Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2016) From My Novel ‘Falling Into The Darkness’

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If I could start back over fresh, a songwriter I’d be The words inside the music, in joyful harmony If I could greet the dawn again, I’d pick up the guitar And strum my way into the night —toward that distant star (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

God created distance, so the wounded could go home The searchers and the dreamers, the ones born bound to roam He then laid down the open plain, below a towering sky And set his voice into the wind —for pilgrims such as I (Villanova University...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If not in memory’s service, do we still write the words To leave the past unledgered —and by token paid (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Silver lining, pouch of gold Last remittance, past unsold Blessing tendered, pearl gateway plain Fallen Angel —redemption claimed (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A truck driver passes through a hole in the sky His rig self inclusive, his load staying dry Eighteen wheels of redemption, the manifest signed Delivery as promised —his docking sublime (Dreamsleep: March, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Once I tell you what it means, the cell walls isolate Other meanings locked inside —no hope of an escape (Inspired By Bob Dylan’s Comments To Dick Cavett)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Does your writing have a time stamp, or an expiration date Does it spoil in the open air, does it falter at the gate Will children still remember, when they have grandchildren of their own That what’s written once and meant to last —those words...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You left me before I found you, never saying why Your shadow my only memory —on the threshold of goodbye (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You never want to look your art directly in the eye For fear of having it look away —you orphaned bye and bye (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’ve yet to meet two artists who really like each other The cobra and the mongoose, locked in a mortal embrace They say the same prayers, as they swear the same allegiance While hating what the other does —and who the other is (Villanova Penns...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Leaving nothing to his children but cowardly shame, his back turned toward the light His memory the captor of a traitorous scheme, capitulating through the fight His legacy broken, his endowment recalled, his reputation scorched and burned O...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I carry deep inside myself, a man once big and strong Who stood alone against the wind, that blew both right and wrong I carry in my heart and mind, those things that age inures Reminding of what once was mine —as memory endures (Villanova Pen...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Writing outside the audience, applause means something more Writing the words inherent, oblivious to the score Writing outside the audience, and critical acclaim Writing for time eternal —Mariah calls your name (Villanova Pennsylvania: Februar...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Now, more than ever, my thoughts regale, the years as yeast, new spirits rise Now, more than ever, my woods on fire, old feelings simmer, my breath to stoke Now, more than ever, I walk alone, my words returning, time destroyed Now, more than ev...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When I was young, my edges raw, my feelings open, my thoughts my own Now that I’m old, those edges scarred, those feelings transient —those thoughts my own (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020) ‘Watching The Documentary, ‘Sir George Martin’

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Forgetting to remember, destiny sold is eternity shamed Forgetting to remember, letters well placed still call out your name Forgetting to remember, providence anointed is innocence lost Forgetting to remember, what’s bought with your freedom —...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Sentenced to the future, for those sins unpunished now Caught inside a fatal moment —breaking sacred vows (St David’s Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The idea of God, eternal, complete The knowledge of God —elusive at best (St. David’s Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Suicide, the death of the self Consciousness martyred —bathwater damned (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Richer than a platinum mountain, more wealthy than a Sheik The words I’m gifted lie bejeweled, a fortune by their weight No King or Titan, Earl endowed, could match my treasured chest Each word an ingot, phrase a bar —my verse the Lord’s beques...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You speak to my spirit with logic, I answer your mind from my soul With words in two disparate languages, our discourse to never be whole Your left hemisphere sealed in a vacuum, when my right hemisphere comes to call Though Donne said, “No Man...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Buying into the future, without mortgaging the past Each day a new indemnity —a present made to last (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A tumbleweed Poet, Mariah’s delight The wind for a mistress, the future in flight A rambling Sage with a heart full of why Forgetting the past —this moment defies (Villanova Pennsylvania: March, 2018)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Destiny sold —eternity lost (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

To children, time is lost The moment set free The instant sublime Joy —the only cost (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Epistemic Humility, the world adjusts its crown Reality filtered through the lens of who looks, when, and how (Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I do and don’t believe in God, at exactly the same time A paradox like the Trinity, an unwritten verse that rhymes I feel him inside me with every step, while knowing he’s not there I carry his joy within my heart, though reason not to shar...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Not what’s written… but what’s seen and felt —then heard (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

On the back side of deliverance, our paths fated to cross Your road going toward the light, my direction all but lost You stopped and turned toward me, looking deeply in my eyes Pity mixed with latent fear —my fate so redefined (Septa R5: Febr...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Designated driver, your road to end at last The choice was yours, mistake inured, your future now your past Designated driver, those high beams in your eyes A haunting name, the lasting blame —that night your dreams reprise (Villanova Pennsylv...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My ego lost virginity, upon the critics throne Pregnant with doubt ectopic, its embryo disowned With labored forced delivery, and fetus left unsired A chastised unwed mother —giving birth to words bemired (Ronald McDonald House: February,...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

True poets are poets before picking up a pen True poets are poets before opening their mouths True poets are poets before their words are enshrined True poets are poets before… (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

To doubt what you doubt, but know what you know The difference inherent, its fire aglow To wish what you wish for, but feel what you feel Knowing and feeling —those things that are real (Villanova University: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Leaving behind excuses, the reasons close at hand No longer distracted by the ism’s of truth, or what protocol demands Living outside the fences, no longer looking in The horizon waiting as my dreams set sail —safe harbor there within (Bryn Ma...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

One brisk Saturday morn, I left the house with glee To find myself within the woods, in perfect harmony (Rosemont Pennsylvania: May, 1959) Miss Annette’s 5th Grade Class St Thomas Of Villanova Grade School

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Staying up for three days inside of one night, the walls come crashing in Compression imploding, my mind exploding, all memory suffering Each hour like three, as day becomes night, the reaper at the door Waist deep in the heartache, his presenc...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

An empty voice with naught to say, a barrel hollow born To spout and spew, pontificate, a hairless sheep forlorn With lines recopied, often stole, released, his name to bear A charlatan of spoken verse —embezzled words to share (Villanova Pen...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

All passion enslaved to Aphrodite, her chains beyond silver or gold Where time will forever surrender, to love—never purchased or sold (Rosemont Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Damned when we do, damned when we don’t, the end works out the same As love demands its pound of flesh —the lion never tamed (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020) ‘Inspired By Daniel Turner’

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I dare you not to read the words, I double-dare you true To live outside a sentenced life —your spirit unrenewed (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Until you really love someone, you don’t know what you’ll do The old rules self-abated, priorities renewed Until you really love someone, you won’t see past yourself Your life upturned, your role reversed —your soul to someone else (Dreamsleep...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Patches on the quilt of life, letters sew not rend Memory darning time to time, future warmth depends Words left tattered, words that bind, ragged breath portends To stitch it once and have it last —tomorrow on the mend (Villanova Pennsylvan...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Like an exiting wind, voices leave from within As the feelings impart, verbal memories embark A last spoken refrain, to escape unrestrained As the sky opens wide —Heaven's breath to provide (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

You’re desperately lost, writing your way into the madness Each word a false beacon, your hopes to decry You’re desperately lost, searching the caves of your memory Delusion the caretaker, your verses to lie You’re desperately lost, as every ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

North Jersey woman, South Jersey heat Your past in abeyance —dark memories to sleep (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Wishes from the mountaintop, dreamers from beyond Shadows in the wind —trapped in memory’s song (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

On a silver platter of broken dreams Your nature changes, as death comes near The buffet wanton, a dessert of fright Served incarnate —café of tears (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Waiting for time to catch its breath, I wrote the words unheard My verses most unwelcome —the future untoward (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Charging to the front, my words stay behind, an anchor in the drifting sand To live past today, to prod and remind —what time unrequited demands (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Terminal poetry… death by the word Selling a heartbeat for every breath Giving up life for each new phrase Buried —inside what’s heard (Ronald McDonald House: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Thy self a grand impostor, what other people see A bark that hides what fate ingrains, a cover that deceives It’s others held opinion, that pulp you hide behind Till lightning splits your trunk in two —the roots left undefined (Ronald McDonald...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Arguing with the Muse, spirit abused Arguing with the Muse, always refused Arguing with the Muse, soul to confuse Arguing with the Muse —destined to lose (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

No matter what you say No matter what you do It only matters that you care And one plus one leaves two Proof beyond the pudding Truth beyond the facts Whose promise rises with the dawn As love keeps coming back (Villanova Pennsylvania: February,...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I don’t write for you, I write for me To dream each dream, in darkness freed All gifts unwrapped, my table set My voice as spoken, no regrets I don’t speak for you, I speak for me The trails I’ve bloodied, scars decree Each moment purchased,...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Nothing to believe in, nothing to hold dear No one to say what you can’t say, the waters all but clear Nothing to believe in, and that includes yourself You live in fear the truth will rise —an iceberg your umwelt (Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania: Febr...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’ve made a veritable art form out of ignoring others Taken it to the highest level, its crown made out of thorns Turning my back and looking away, denying their importance A world where they do not exist —no insult could hurt more (Villanova ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Painting with words, sculpting with sound Letters to dance —spoken aloud (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Masquerading in a church full of dreams, all parishioners in their pews The preacher straightens his mask and starts, a sermon old renewed Hellfire and brimstone come roaring out, words to torch and burn His face staying hidden as the nightma...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Admission of weakness, beginning transcendence The cry of an Angel —a welcoming hymn (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Writing my own ticket… a coupon from the past The numbers all decoded, my gate approaching fast Walking down the gangway, my seat by fortune cast The pilot sitting next to me —the flight plan mine at last (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Victim of format, prisoner of rhyme Inmate of vision —exile sublime (Monmartre France: April, 1978)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Closeted belief… atheist’s disguise Slings and arrows, boomerang’s surprise Empty of graces, desperate to fill Shot through the heart —their spirits to kill (Noon Mass: St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel, February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If you could lock up three words to keep forever, that were yours and yours alone What three would you choose that were not ‘I Love You,’ your heart to save and own Three magical words to live within, now yours forever more Three magical words ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Ordinary moments for ordinary people, living inside the dream Like comfortable shoes, a dog that won’t leave you, treasures to esteem Ordinary moments for ordinary people, the rest to scratch and claw To get to a place they’ll never find —conde...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

A gathering of Angels, a welcoming hymn Escape and deliverance —call from within (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’m going to watch you die… but before I do I will foretell your story The story of the White Bird The Great Mystery and the Silver Seed The White Bird carries in its talons the Silver Seed of all mankind A seed that will allow you to move past...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Hammering the dark silence, Thor bludgeons the night Releasing with thunder —a storm gods delight (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Clapton’s first three chords, his last three chords, my words have done the same Verses once muddled, distant and skewed, now thunder down like rain The syllables left are short and pointed, their edges razor sharp To cut the remaining clingi...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Science… mankind’s great attempt —to become Divine (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Full time poet, part time novelist Full time storyteller, part time bard The difference greater than words will imply Hemispheric divergence —the why and the how (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Parenting is now a full contact sport No lines demarcated, no rules to enforce The children still babies, the adults still kids Diapering the future —attached at the hip (State College Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Until you truly answer the question, “Why do I write poetry” You’ll never really wed the verse, —your copyright estranged (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

He asked her why she acted so, her answer was “Why not” He asked her why her mood was vile, she said “That’s all I've got” He asked her then about their love, gone missing and in doubt She answered back while looking down, a whisper not a shout...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Head unbowed, heart impaled Memory old, Celtic tales Allegiance sworn, fealty burned Voices call —freedom churns (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If only genius could be contagious, like chicken pox or flu If only brilliance could be transferred, like a bank draft overdue If only insight could be replayed, like a Mozart symphony Then epiphany’s light would shine on all —in communal rhaps...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Nothing more defended than the status quo To protect and covet, never let go Attacked by outsiders, heels to dig in Rocking the boat —water within (Ashbridge Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Dead to himself, he stepped on the ice Cracks beginning to form Transcendence rejected, skating a path In search of time forlorn Crossing each memory, forgiveness in sight Each step, a weighted cost Redemption melting, all hope in denial L...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Leading from today into the past Present state of mind destroyed The future an orphan, waiting disowned Hell’s pathway —to the void (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Counting spaces between the notes, the music came alive The melody deepened, the band on fire, all bees had left the hive Breathing in one fast refrain, my lungs too full to stop An Angel melts his pearl baton, the Sirens blazing hot New sound...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

He who cries the loudest, suffers the most guilt The eyes of destiny staring back —the past with tears rebuilt (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

When I got to Heaven, God was gone His desk cleaned out, the Angels pawned Not one scant sign, he was ever there Eviction notice, pinned to his chair My ride had left, my ticket torn No place to stay, my hopes forlorn Looking down, I saw th...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

In the company of Poets, I make my bed In the company of Poets, I rest my head In the company of Poets, my dreams congeal In the company of Poets, my heart revealed In the company of Poets, my thoughts are brave In the company of Poets, all t...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Auditioning for life, a one-act play Rehearsing my part, to leave or to stay The audience waiting, the stage has been set Opening night, my birth or my death (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I’m young enough and old enough And smart enough and dumb enough And rich enough and poor enough To laugh enough and cry enough But fast enough and slow enough To guess enough and know enough To take enough and give enough To think enough —...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Have I lived long enough, have I said what I came to say Is my spirit now to rest, has the toll-way back been paid Have I lived long enough, being willful, righting wrongs A last heartache twice forgiven —one more smile before I’m gone (St. Da...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Bad prose masquerading as poetry, darkness posing as light Words stacked on top of words uttered in vain —narcissists delight (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Religion has too many givens, the takeaways few, far between Questioning ravaged, intelligence savaged —the mind left to wander and dream (Bryn Mawr College: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My prose becoming painful, poetry yet a joy Explaining has deterred me, rhyme a favorite toy Sentences locked and muted, as couplets run and play New paragraphs unwritten —as verse my heart does pray (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Embracing the myth, I hide deep within More Devil than Savior, aboriginal sin Excuses my sacraments, grace bartered for lies Judgment internal —redemption denied (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

It hurt so much it robbed her soul, and drove her cross the line The men she knew, the men she loved, the pain thought once sublime The last man in, the last man out, now done with men for good Her passion torn, her body raped, a woman she now ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

I offered you everything; you took it all Leaving me nothing —no last curtain call (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Don’t you love her as she’s leaving, her memory still in place The times she lied, the times you cried, vacant and displaced Don’t you love her as she’s leaving, the pain her mission bell Tolling far into the distance beyond heaven—beyond hell ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Pieces of immortality, tinctures of rhyme Living inside the moment —wholly sublime (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Wasting time, life’s greatest pleasure Wasting time, life’s greatest pain Wasting time, beyond all measure Wasting time —bittersweet refrain (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Sometimes, you have to leave to come back Sometimes, the line needs to go slack Sometimes, the loss is more to be gained Sometimes, the past—twice rearranged (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Magic passes through you, though never yours to own Taking you beyond yourself —gifted spell unknown (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Fruitions seed is larger still, get out your watering can Fifty past one hundred years, to shade what light began Wisdom’s tree the hardest wood, millennium to rise Truth ingrained, its bark unstained —transcendence once denied (Villanova Pe...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Embracing indecision, abandonment confronts you My branches sharp and pointed, my roots all buried deep I pity your reluctance, as the forest casts you lonely A single tree in meadows vast —alone against the wind (Villanova Pennsylvania: Febru...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If you say a man’s name, he’s forever alive Come hell or highwater, the reasons abide Losing someone’s greatness, losing part of our own Entombed in remembrance —shared forever alone (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Everyone else has gotten off, how long am I to stay? The train unstationed, tender gone, its engine writhed in pain Did I miss my stop on the journey down? “an express” the porter screamed All light afire, ticket burnt —satanic nightmare dreame...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The air I breathe, the blood that flows The light that shines, the voice that knows The question asked, the answer stoned Tomorrow sold —today on loan (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The devil in the details —hell the final sum (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Poetry has no gender, it seeks a higher line Never selling out so cheaply —as the masses would define (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Cowardice often hides behind intelligence “Until the strong winds of conviction —blow it away.” (Quote From My New Novel: Sold Out, February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

If wishes were dreams —eternity could sleep (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2017)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

The present in the future, the future in the past Each moment with a choice to make —starting first or last (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

With time, the beginning gets close to the end With time, I no longer need to pretend With time, the feelings stand on their own With time, the reasons are best left alone With time, the music alone mine to play With time, the words free to g...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My voice is explicit… “You will never know me” But each word is my Judas —exposed and defined (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Verbal contracts… commerce of indemnity Trading intention —marketplace sublime (Dreamsleep: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

All pretenders drowning slow, lungs to fill with every breath Casted off amongst the waves, nothing spoken to redress Treading water, spewing lies, legs to flail in wasted states Choking from each word unsaid —trailing death within my wake (St...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

An arrow from the darkness… rejection finds its mark The sharpened edge of jealousy, its point straight through the heart The bow retracts in shamefulness, its string left slack and loose One shot was made, a cursed fate —the devil laughs anew ...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

My pen is like a blues riff, not always on the note I bend within the moment, new feelings reach for hope A eulogy remastered, the fire that he fed The Mojo dancing with the Muse, Marine Band his to wed My words to stretch and vibrate, a blind...

– by Kurt Philip Behm

Between his tent and his horse —a man divines his legacy (Villanova Pennsylvania: June, 2017)

– by Kurt Philip Behm

In its grip, each bone to chafe and grind All joints, regifted vestibules of pain Motion stalls, as swelling wraps each limb Sleep the angry victim —time’s revenge (Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2020)

– by Kurt Philip Behm