Author: Kurt Philip Behm

I am a lifelong author with 21 books published to date—one best seller. Much of my writing is about the deception of time and its many disguises. My Poetry 'An Anthology Of Perception,' is now available in four volumes. In addition I have a 175 page Poem 'After Midnight,' that was published in 2014. My Historical Fiction series, 'The Sword Of Ichiban' is now up to volume 8 which is being published this Spring ... Vol #1- The Sword Of Ichiban Vol #2- Darkening Sun Vol #3- Revenge Along The War Trail Vol #4- Death From The Sky Vol #5- Jumping Into the Darkness Vol #6- The Fall City Mandate. Vol #7- Approaching Storm Vol #8- Brothers In Blood One autobiographical novel, 'The Death Of The Playground' a Best Seller, published in 2007. One travel novel, 'Searching For Crazy Horse,' published in 2005, recapping my forty years of motorcycle touring in the American Rocky Mountain West. I have written one Children's Book, 'Sammy & Bumpers' that was published in 2016. All of my books are available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and better Book Stores world wide. Kurt Philip Behm

1954

I remember the smell of beer

going down the back steps

The keg under the dartboard

the men in long sleeves

Being carried by my grandfather

and each uncle one by one

Old Spice and English Leather

as hugs and kisses were exchanged

The garage door open to the back yard

where music was playing

The bride throwing her bouquet

girls screaming with glee

I was six years old when they married

Eisenhower’s picture in the hall

The smell of the fresh cut grass

and cigarette smoke mixing freely outside

It was the best of all possible times

God and country held us tight

The best of all possible times

—as hope and laughter filled the air

 

(Family Wedding: June, 1954)

North Rim

Grand Canyon darkness—city nights,

towering votives in wingless flight

Elevator to the desperate peak,

ninety-nine floors above the waiting street

 

Torment and doubt ride to the top,

buttons numeric finally stop

Ten steps to the railing, writhing in pain,

the cure within reach—calling your name

 

(225 West 57thSt, New York: June, 2022)

Forever Timeless

A minute to make a moment

the instant to endear

A vow to make a marriage

more committed year to year

 

A ribbon to make a bow

once the tie is fastened right

A hope turned into wishes 

wrapping tidings ever tight

 

A man begets a son

with his legacy passing on

A matriarchal mother

making lullabies of songs

 

All time forever timeless

past—future in default

As fate unlocks eternal

the Muse inside your vault

 

 

(The New Room: June, 2022)

One Arrow Left

Twas deep within my golden years

when youth came rushing back

Tired of being left behind

seducing what I lack

 

Clocks run down as midnight harkens

options running thin

Amorous feelings lost to time

whose walls are closing in

 

But then an archer from the past

tightens up my bow

One arrow left to fire off…

that girl I used to know

 

It flies directed from my hand

t’ward one I left so young

To strike a memory buried deep

—of first love woe begun

 

(Saint David’s Pennsylvania: June, 2022)

Talons Extended

Unlike the first Revolution…

this time we have to take America

back from within

Like drug and alcohol addiction

we need detox

and rehabilitation

The traitors and despoilers left

to wither and die

Too many have sacrificed

for the freedoms we take for granted

to abdicate our responsibility

to the lunatic fringe

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: June, 2022)