Headhunter poems by Ken Greenley

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Headhunter Poems by Ken Greenley. Illustrated by Angela Mark. Photography by Chuck Svoboda. Published by Improbable Productions, Denver, Colorado. Copyright (c) 2013 Ken Greenley. All rights reserved. ISBN: 0-9632326-2-2

This book is dedicated with love to my wife, Vicki, also my teachers, Steve Michaud and Marc Crawford.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Poems from this book have appeared in Big Hammer and the anthology Cost of Freedom, also online at Outlaw Poetry and Short Story-UK. I’d also like to thank Dave Roskos, John Richey, Matt Borkowski, Mike Romoth, Chuck Svoboda, Lenny Chernila, Barbara Test, Julie Cummings and Neil Kelly for encouraging me with my work and being the people they are. I’d also like to thank the old Court Tavern in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Ziggie’s Saloon and the Mercury Cafe in Denver, Colorado for being the type of places they are.

Headhunter Poems

is a collection of poetry written in a simple, direct style. Here at last are poems that that don’t hide their meaning in word-play or metaphor. They are told in a straight, down to earth fashion. Sharp, clear images guide the eye on a tour of a unique poetic world.

The material has a broad scope, dealing with a wide range of subjects. Some paint lovable portraits of local streets, alleys, dives and dumps. Others veer into the political realm, examining greed, waste, and environmental damage. The poet also draws on his extensive job experience to give vivid descriptions at weird workplaces on off-hour shifts. Other poems are inspirational tributes to nature and our connection with it.

The book charms with its wide range, rich imagery, and straightforward language. From the humorous to the poignant, from the political to the natural, Headhunter Poems takes the reader on a manic mental ride.

Illustration by Angela Mark

Aboard Canoe

Tubular body
Plying through waters still
reflecting forest green
Boat’s sharp silver bow
points like arrow to the sun
Twinkling
Our own private star
Come with us
As we paddle ashore
and feel the cool of green
seeking the shadow
between three trees
soft black space
surrounded by leaf jade
feel the peace and safety
there

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Ken Greenley February 4, 1958 – February 12, 2020 was a writer who lived in Denver, Colorado. The number of places he’s lived is only exceeded by the number of job’s he’s had. Greenley liked to explore the themes of class division (in a supposedly classless country), the struggle to stay spiritual in the modern world, and the growth episodes that occur in childhood. He thought art, particularly writing, should combat media brainwashing, and should examine the clash between what we’re told and what really happens. He tried to make his material as funny as possible, because he found it hard to make modern life seriously, and considered it his mission “to make people laugh and think at the same time.”

Much more on Ken Greenley can be found by clicking here… and here…

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