Paul is an author of books, poems, progressive essays, and scientific journal articles. His book Sonnets of Love and Joy, was published by Kelsay Books in 2023. His book Alice’s Adventures was published in 2022 by Kelsay Books. His historical novel, 1871: Rivers on Fire, was self-published in 2021. His most recent non-fiction book was Disposable Americans, published in 2017 by Routledge.
Minutes to Christmas
Sing along at: https://boomerboys.org/minutestochristmas.mp3
Christmas Time, Christmas time,
through a silent shroud of snow I hear the church bells chime...
Bright and bouncy children, tumbling on their sleds,
home for steamy cocoa, and crunchy gingerbread...
Love the sound of bells,
love the fond noels,
love the spicy smells,
love the fare-thee-wells...
Christmas is the best time of the year.
Christmas eve, Christmas eve,
time for Santa's elves, and jingle bells, and make-believe...
Stockings on the fireplace, cookies for St. Nick,
children hear the sleighbells as seconds slowly tick...
Love the sound of bells,
love the fond noels,
love the spicy smells,
love the fare-thee-wells...
Christmas is the best time of the year.
Christmas day, Christmas day,
just outside I hear the jingle of a one-horse sleigh...
Kids in their pajamas gather 'round the tree,
all the family singing a yuletide melody...
Love the sound of bells,
love the fond noels,
love the spicy smells,
love the fare-thee-wells...
Christmas is the best time of the year.
Christmas is the best time of the year.
Hegemony
(A play with Hegemon, outspoken leading man;
the innocent Subordo, from a world apart;
and simple Publico, of short attention span;
and Opulo, the merchant.) Let us start.
Says Hegemon: “It’s vital that we intercede
to help you govern.” Says Subordo in reply:
“This serves us well. In compensation we’ll concede
our country’s wealth.” But as its fortunes go awry,
Subordo nominates a leader for reform.
Says Hegemon: “His record of debauchery
and greed will devastate your land. You must transform
your nation to a market-based democracy!”
The people balk, thus Hegemon’s soliloquy:
“Such insolence demands that we suspend
all trade.” Subordo, cast aside in misery,
appeals to Hegemon, who promises to send
a righteous leader to restore the fragile peace.
Says Publico: “You’re welcome to our bank accounts!”
Says Opulo: “Our arms production must increase!”
As Hegemon prepares a gala to announce
the victory, Subordo cries, “Our homes are lost,
our land destroyed!” Says Hegemon, “We must denounce
the enemy, and then rebuild at any cost!”
Says Publico: “You’re welcome to our bank accounts!“
Says Opulo: “Rebuilding? Let me calculate.”
And Hegemon declares in mighty voice: “We state
the Truth – throughout the world our message resonates!”
(Then silence, as production terminates.)