Literary Revelations is proud to bring you the wonderful poetry of Ken Gierke. We hope you enjoy this feature.
BIO
Ken Gierke is retired and has lived in Missouri since 2012, when he moved from Western New York, where the Niagara River fostered a love for nature. He writes primarily in free verse and haiku, often inspired by hiking and kayaking, while his fondness for love poetry may be explained by the fact that he moved to Missouri to be with the woman he eventually married. His poetry has been published or is forthcoming both in print and online in such places as Ekphrastic Review, Amethyst Review, Silver Birch Press, Trailer Park Quarterly and The Gasconade Review. It has appeared in several print anthologies, including three from Vita Brevis Press and those edited by d. ellis phelps, Susi Bocks and Colleen Chesebro. His first collection of poetry, Glass Awash, has been published by Spartan Press. He blogs at rivrvlogr.com.
On the Cusp
I watch from the brink
as roiling waters touch
the base of the falls,
watch the maple bend
its branches to kiss the leaves
that lie at its feet.
Wind-tumbled leaves will crest
those falls, embrace the waters
that wait below.
I breathe the mist
that hangs motionless,
await the promise of new buds.
The tree stands tall,
the precipice remains,
my life on the cusp.
In Stillness
Where else would I want to be
than here, on quiet water?
The air, not so silent,
is filled with birdsong,
one chorus followed by another,
led by cardinals’ call and response.
Louder and more insistent,
tufted titmice give voice.
A kingfisher passes by,
trilling out its lonely answer.
The only other sound
is the stroke of my paddle.
With stillness that holds such sounds,
where else would I want to be?
Lovely tribute to Ken. I’ve been following his work for a few years now – never disappoints.
His work is wonderful, indeed.
😀 Thank you.
Welcome, Ken
Amazing verses 👏👏👏
I am glad you enjoyed them Vasilike.
“Las hojas azotadas por el viento coronarán
esas cataratas y abrazarán las aguas
que esperan debajo.
Respiro la niebla
que cuelga inmóvil,
espero la promesa de nuevos brotes”.
Genial.
@azurea20 —
Thank you. I’ve spent a lot of time at Niagara Falls, and it’s impossible to not be awestruck by the experience..
Muchas gracias!
Thanks!
Such beautiful imagery Ken! Lovely work! 💞
🙂 Thank you, Cindy.
Pleasure Ken! ❣️
Imagery so real…I’m right there
Thank you. The grandeur of Niagara Falls is inspirational, yet the tranquility of a simple stream is as much so.
Kens poems are always on point and never fails to move me.
Thank you so much, Pat.
Two excellent poems by Ken. Great to see him here.
Thank you. 😀
Ken, I like the bookend water poems, one from the waters of the falls and one from the waters of the river. Nicely done and, as always, thoughtful in its communing with nature and its application to living one’s life.
Thank you, Lisa. 🙂
Thank you, Robbie.
I love these two poems, particuarly the first one.
Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Ken.
Water and birds…what could be better? (K)
You know it!
Ken is an amazing poet .thanks
🙂 Thank you.
Lovely! A beautiful way to start my day!
Thank you.
Loving this introduction to Ken Gierke and his lovely writing! <3
Thank you. 😀
Beautiful poetry, such deeply rooted pieces in the earth and the beauty she give us. Gorgeous writing, thank you Ken.
Thank you, Joni.
You are most welcome. 🦋
Brilliant language
Thank you.
There is so much poetry in water. Beautiful as always, Ken!
Ken, your poems are always so well crafted and beautiful.