"Portrait of Georg Giese" by Hans Holbein the Younger‘Salesman of Salesmen’ and Other Poetry by Steve Cooke The Society February 24, 2019 Beauty, Culture, Poetry Salesman of Salesmen Infectious spirit, everybody’s friend,Hypnotic and fascinating, a forceOf pushy power, broiling to transcendObjections fully, only to endorsePositions he defends until the end. A dragon slayer (real or fancy free),Dynamic challenge underfoot emblazed,Through every turn of life’s calliope,Perfecting imperfections freshly glazed. Impulsive danger feeds charisma’s fire—Creative vision sold out by the pound,Conquest, adventure, danger by desire,Bad Temper, selfish chauvinism woundSo tight he feels he must retire. Emotion holds with weakened bonds and kingsProsperity will not divert his goal.He shapes his world to match his dream of things,Improving life in search of his hero’s role. Feeling Blue Your gloom has marked your face with sadness stains.Avoiding hurt has left you far from gleeAs well. The blues have colored life’s domains,Depressing hope in listless lethargy. To keep your head above the edge of doubtAnd slog on through the day, you toil, no rest,Nor pause, to think about your pleasure drought,Performing tasks at yields less than your best. With damage done and pain now mollified,Your health returns in force with spirits high.You start to smile and cope as tears have driedAnd faith returns to give you peace hereby. Your frame of mind improves and now the coopAround your life should change as well—A tripWill alter life’s perspective, loop the loop,Emotions whirl you back within the script. Steve Cooke has lived in Kearney Nebraska for over 5 years with his wife and two of his three kids. He currently manages the Kearney Goodwill (Store of the Year) and am a Creative Writing, Poetry, and Microsoft Application instructor at Central Community College. He is a past president of the Kearney Area Arts Council, a member of Kearney Cultural Partners and a board member of the Kearney Children’s Museum. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.