Poetry and Its Impact

Poetry is all things to all people and this book is no exception. I am concerned that it could have the impact of a drone strike. Let your imagination run wild. Have fun. The title tells it all, Random Runes, New Poems and Old Elegies.

Creation and Compilation

I built a formidable file of poems I put together during the decade (2000-2010). It has been five years since Author House published my first poetry book titled, Songs from a Cave and Other Selected Poems (1995-1999). So, I bought a touch screen computer and an excellent printer (hp Officejet pro 8600 jet) and went to work organizing, authorizing and deputizing. What a job.

Randomization Process

I decided to randomize the individual works using Moses and Oakfords TABLES OF RANDOM PERMUTATIONS left in my library from my doctoral dissertation days at UC Berkeley (14 December 1974). There must be an easier way today. Consequently, personal, political and philosophical works are scattered around by the process.

New and Old Poems

There were new poems along the way such as Super Urban Man, On Salvaging a Sunken Stanchion and, not to forget, Beat Down at Dog Beach. Old Elegies were written for old friends who have passed away, Arnold, Bob, Harry and five or six others. They rhyme using the villanelle style and went over very well at the time.

Topical and International Works

Give Us your Sons is topical and international. It’s about the molestation of boys serving on the altar of churches. The last line is: We went back at seven for Mysteries of the Cross.

Community and Personal Favorites

Members of Poetry for Pleasure at the Rogers Senior Center in Huntington Beach, CA like, as of today, Dross Bucket and Baby Slobodans First Photograph.

For Bicyclists and Nudists

If you are a Bicyclist you'll appreciate, Riding Around the Bear where I take you over Onyx Summit by Big Bear Lake and nudists will appreciate, Danseuse Narurel in four parts. The last sentence is: All of you, from head to toe will be slipping, sliding, gliding then move and pose au naturel to four-four time and dance the tango.

Final Thoughts

Above all, have a good time experiencing Random Runes and, if you like, recommend it to your friends and family. Of course, I’d appreciate it if you did.

Gerald Olson