A Mode

A La Mode is a collection of 76 poems covering a multitude of lifetime experiences. Most people have experienced some of them. Others are more likely unique. Some are imaginary. Obviously many of the poems express the author's deep feelings, including those that are typically not disclosed.

One of the shorter poems explains some of them:

RAVELED SLEEVE
OF CARE

I sleep
with my poetry book
under my pillow
ready to record fleeting images
before surreal

coagulates
into rational and
fantastic fizzles
to flacid.

The last third of the book is divided into two sections, LDLT (Long Distance Long Term) Relationship Inspired and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Inspired. The LDLT Relationship poems cover both love and frustration. The time L is about 14 years, and the distance L is about 7,000 miles.

ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and the author was diagnosed with it in 2004. A bit of background information about the disease is included at the beginning of the section. The poems that follow provide an interesting perspective on life and on death.