Jess Strauss

Firecracker: Poems at 93 Jess Strauss

Publisher Marketing: There is no connection between being ninety-three years old and being ancient or timeless. The poems in this collection are contemporary-real, sincere, and thought-provoking. Strauss explores the many degrees of love-from young to old, from family to valued friends-in provocative and compassionate verse. Neither is love his only topic. He offers poetic viewpoints on poverty, disability, and war; he recalls traveling the long trail of parenthood from newly born child through to adulthood. The obstacles and joys in life that might be faced by age ninety-three bear examination in "Firecracker: Poems at 93." Fire Cracker There are many things I'd like to beThere are many lives I'd like to liveAbove all I'd like to feel freeTo live and love, to forgiveA state of mind haunts my soulOne unusual wish torments my mindTo build my energy so it can explodeI wish I were a firecracker of some kindI'd light the sky with flames of loveI'd burn away the troubles of the worldPeople could look down, around and aboveTo know sunshine, clouds, see stars unfurlI'd arouse curiosity in childrenI'd teach them what controlled energy can doI'd teach them how music can enfold themI'd teach them to understand things old and newI'd like to be a firecracker, and make my mark in timeWith a loving companion as a backer, I'd explode with love in a life sublimeThough you may not see love, I'll knowAs a firecracker, I could make it so.