My poems “Scrambled Eggs” and “Side Effect” are live at issue two of The Calendula Review: A Journal of Narrative Medicine at CNU College of Health Sciences. I am grateful to the editorial team for taking these pieces, which are from a series of hendecasyllabic poems (eleven-line poems, each line of which consists of eleven syllables) begun last fall.
O at the Edges 
Oh wow, Bob, these two poems – heart breakers! Felt them, love them. Congrats on finding such a perfect home for them!
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Thanks, Lynne. Cate is an Angel! Those eggs were perfect!
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She is an angel! So thoughtful!
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An angel and a genius. I feel blessed!
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These are both wonderful poems, Bob. Perfect, both of them.
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Thanks, Alison. I was pleased with the placement. It’s not often that a journal’s mission meshes so perfectly with my poems. 🙂
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Both pieces are fantastic. Peas and ketchup, gravity and naps. If Forrest and Jenny were reality of age and entropy…
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Thanks, Rob. If only I could run like Forrest! Alas, I fear peas and ketchup are looming in my future.
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Congratulations, Robert!
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Thank you, Andrew.
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You’re welcome.
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Congratulations on the publication of your two poems, Bob! Both are so honest and moving.
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Thanks very much, Liz.
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You’re welcome, Bob.
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Congratulations! Having lived with someone suffering the ravages of cancer I can attest to the sheer beauty of the delivery of an unexpected meal. And also to the sheer exhaustion of each day. The details are all exactly right. (K)
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Those eggs were beautiful. I savored each one!
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Congratulations, Bob. Well done (of course), weaving such minor details through the complexities of your situation.
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Thanks, Ken. Details are everything, everywhere, especially now. I embrace them.
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Congratulations on two good authentic pieces. No wonder Cate brought tears to your eyes.
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Thank you, Derrick. Those eggs!
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Powerful work, Bob, as usual! The girls and I especially like “Scrambled Eggs.” 🙂 We are glad to be a part of your poetry and a part of your generous, continuing life. (Oh, the hens, having wings, wish to claim “angels,” but neither they nor I can remotely claim “genius.”)
Sending love.
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Oh, Cate! I get misty-eyed just thinking about that day. Such a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Your girls are most definitely angels, as are you!
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Thank you, Bob. Sending love, if not eggs, as I’m down to three reliable producers. Seems age takes its toll on us all. I hope the new regimen agrees with you, as much as is possible.
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Ah, love and eggs are equal in my eyes. Hmm. I wonder what love over easy would be like? Or poached? I’d better stop. 😊
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Lovely and transparent. Your poetry is always so honest.
When my mom was getting chemotherapy, there were only a few things she could enjoy eating. One was homemade macaroni and cheese, and the other was a very mild pork and sauerkraut dish that she liked. It was such a privilege and also something I could do for her that helped, when I felt helpless.
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Thanks, PS. I still find it amusing that I craved tater tots, as they’ve never been favorites. But just being able to eat was an accomplishment.
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I’m sure it was! I’m glad you found foods that were palatable.
Tater tots make me feel like a kid again :).
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I’m now interested in seeing whether the current treatment regimen will have any effect on my appetite/ability to eat. So many unanswered questions…but I suppose they’re forthcoming.
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Congrats on the publication, Robert! The insight you share, the hardships endured, difficult to navigate, I’m sure, but thank you for your honesty. I wish you well.
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Thank you, Susi. I’m glad to still be here.
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You’re welcome, Robert! We are too. ❤
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I’ll think of you when I have eggs for breakfast tomorrow. They won’t be exactly those gift eggs, but close enough.
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I’m contemplating a fried egg sandwich, perhaps with bacon. Hmm…
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This took me back over 20 years. I was the only one who could cook for the woman whose estate I managed while she was on chemo. It was difficult because her body chemistry was all over the place. Eggs and rice are nourishing at least. I guess ketchup could be used to season egg fried rice.
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Eggs and rice have long been breakfast favorites of mine, especially with some crispy bacon. But eggs, rice, canned peas and ketchup is quite the eye-opener! 😄
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I love the raw sentiment & the math! What a challenge that must be… I’m sorry you even have to know of these things
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And today the second round of chemo begins. This new one is rough, I’m sad to say. Back to rice and peas!
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