Monday, December 01, 2008

UFC: AFICIONADO? YOU TELL ME

UFC: AFICIONADO? YOU TELL ME

Roger A. Davis

I grew up watching boxing on Friday nights
Schlitz Beer commercials, the bear and the fights
Boxers, like heavyweight Floyd Patterson
Becoming the Champ, beating Ingemar Johansson

Even for the early Cassius Clay, I was very keen
Went to Wichita to see him on the big screen
These bouts were shown in Century II
Sadly, Muhammad Ali got many a boo

Though I have followed boxing to this day
I’ve changed my allegiance to a new way
Ultimate Fighting Championship, it’s here to stay
Mixed martial arts are used in the fray

Submissions, decisions and knockouts
The latter is my favorite to win bouts
The Octagon Cage is the arena setting
And sometimes there is blood letting

It has progressed with safer rules
And Spike TV shows taped duels
UFC also has reality shows
Up and coming stars square off as foes

I’ve liked stars, such as Randy Couture and Ken Shamrock
On Nov. 15, a new Heavyweight Champ: Lesnar, Brock
This bout and others, I watched on Pay-Per-View
It inspired this poem to give UFC its due

TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE

TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE

Roger A. Davis

Location: Kansas, in the Flint Hills
A place of beauty and thrills
You see how 400,000 square miles used to be
A time when buffalo and antelope roamed this country

An historic ranch house, limestone barn and school
And 32 acres that were not ruined by the plow tool
Donated for visitors by the National Park Trust
With less than 4% of this prairie left, this seems only just

Leave Emporia, head toward Topeka on the Turnpike
And you will view the landscapes I really like
Rolling hills, mounds and panoramic views
A seasonal palette of changing hues

Trails for visitors to hike
And narrated bus tours, if you like
Whatever way you choose to see the Preserve
It is a treat for the eyes you muchly deserve

A THIRTY-YEAR-OLD PRICELESS TREASURE

A THIRTY-YEAR-OLD PRICELESS TREASURE

Roger A. Davis

Three decades ago
Josh made his show
Peggy labored in a recliner chair
She brought forth a son so rare

How many parents can say
They have never been ashamed in any way
For me, this is actually the case
He is one of the best in the human race

Those who have come in contact with me
Know that I brag constantly
But I can't contain my pride
Though it upsets Joshua's private side

Josh is friend and confidant
And my love for him is above any want
Knowing he cares for me in a reciprocal way
Gets me through each day

This is Josh's birthday celebration
I hope he lets me read this as an oration
Because, if we debate the issue
The score, either side, Roger-0, Josh-2

So I decided, as you know now, to pre-empt confrontation
Happy birthday, Josh; enjoy your celebration
Thank you, Amanda, for your plans for this day
Sidebar: You have improved Josh in many a way

CONNECTION PERFECTION

CONNECTION PERFECTION

Roger A. Davis

I wish this title was true on my PC
Yet, the server often disconnects, you see
Playing a game, get a good hand
Oops, and I'm in no-man’s-land

Yet, other links I cherish so
Like golf ones, players going toe to toe
Or links with the past
Memories of my family being the all-star cast

To church with white shirt and cuff links
Those days are long gone, me thinks
Link sausage isn't on my menu list
Or ID bracelet on my wrist

Linking toys are a favorite to play
Constructs and Lego, a way to have a good day
In my childhood, they were erectors sets and Lincoln Logs
Now days, it is my use of personal blogs

Cell phones have revolutionalized connection
Unless you’re in a dead zone, this is near perfection
Yet prayer is still the best link in the chain
All-loving, all-caring, guaranteed it will remain

VALET MAKES MY STAY

VALET MAKES MY STAY

Roger A. Davis

Even if I arrive or leave late
They treat me like a visiting Potentate
This includes bellhops, too
J.R., Dennis and Blue

Bags and my triple-X wheelchair
They handle with care
They are kind enough to transport me
To buffet, Front Desk and where I use my room key

Holly and Jamie are on Valet late night crew
Good jokers and they’re married, too
Ruby takes your tickets and gives good advice
And, thank you, Front Desk, for rooms at no price

Dan and crew always make me welcomed at Prairie Band
Saying, “What else can we do to give you a hand?”
Their sincere, friendly ways
Motivate my casino and resort stays

This poem is a testimony to the first greeters
Their success can cause guest repeaters
The statement above for me is true
So this is written to give you your due and to say, “Thank You!”