Weight Loss Isn't As Easy As It Used To Be

Eat It Up

by Rachel Hoyt

image by m_bartosch

The shelves are stocked against you

with profit packed flavors -

trademarked tastes of the sweet life

you've limited time to savor.

Just one bite? No, that won't do.

Who would eat all the rest?

It was bottled and boxed to cure your strife,

cooked up just for you, the guests. 

Copyright © 2015 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

Trying to be/get/stay healthy is no piece of cake:

The Money Spent Selling Sugar to Americans Is Staggering - The Atlantic

Why It Was Easier To Be Skinny In The 1980s - The Atlantic

Packaged food purchases are up but nutrition quality is down. - Science Daily

Fat shaming. It's a thing. - Sociological Images

What Does Freedom Mean To You?

Freedumb

by Rachel Hoyt

image by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee via freedigitalphotos.net

It's not enough to be free to do.

I cannot feel free when bothered by you.

It's not personal. It's not! I swear!

I just that freedumb can't be fully fair.

Copyright © 2015 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

Quite a few stories recently have made me wonder if we know anymore what it means to be free?

1. New Arizona Law Requires Doctors to Say Abortion is 'Reversible'

2. Frat Lobby Wants Congress to Block Schools From Investigating Rape

3. Hobby Lobby Made Indiana's Religious Discrimination Bill Possible

4. CA Lawyer Proposes Ballot Initiative to Kill Gays and Lesbians

Technorati Tags: Freedom, Laws, Poem, Rhyme, Initiative, Poetry

What Happenned After David Beat Goliath?

The Little Man's Epigram

by Rachel Hoyt

image by ratch0013 via freedigitalphotos.net

When his sling made Goliath fall,

many "Davids" felt the same call,

then history showed us "one for all"

can grow new giants we appall.

Copyright © 2015 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

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Many of my fellow crafters are leaving Etsy,

but for now it is still the best place for me

to sell my candles to the public directly.

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Technorati Tags: Conflict, Epigram, Poem, Rhyme, Beat, Poetry

Why Can't I Conceive of What I Don't Know?

Known Nescience

by Rachel Hoyt

image by samuiblue via freedigitalphotos.net

If only I'd known

to ask me tomorrow,

I wouldn't have sewn

that seed that caused sorrow;

but then how would I

have known what to tell me?

I suppose that blind eye

was what helped me see.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

BoingBoing explained why we are totally unaware

of the many things we can't know (and we don't even care).

Technorati Tags: Nescience, Ignorance, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

From Wanderers to Drivers to Freight

Road Work

by Rachel Hoyt

image by sippakorn via freedigitalphotos.net

We walked the path less traveled

and found we liked the way.

We carved the earth with trowels

and oxen carts and sleighs.

We made wheels so we would roll

faster down dusty trails.

We smoothed the bumps, filled the holes,

to make our paths less frail.

We now use the less traveled

to make the journey great.

We set aside our trowels

and turned into the freight.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

This poem was inspired by A Brief History of the Road,

things in nature and inventions that help us move loads.

Technorati Tags: Road, Path, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

Poor Diet Can Dull Your Sense of Smell

Sniff Life

by Rachel Hoyt

Wake up and smell the roses,

One of life's loving scents,

A blossom which proposes,

Our senses can be bent.

Go on and squeeze a lemon,

That fruit which smells so clean,

A nutrient filled weapon,

That scrubs systems and scenes.

Get out and walk a garden,

An orchard or a field,

Ask fat to beg your pardon,

Sniff life where health is sealed.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

This study concluded that eating too much fat

kills your sense of smell. What do you think of that?

Technorati Tags: Health, Smell, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

The Proposal To Split California Into Six Separate States

Hexa-fornians

by Rachel Hoyt

image via sixcalifornias.com

They say that we should cut up

My state, the land of gold - 

They yearn for a pick-me-up,

A rule to be extolled -

They want safe towns and wise schools,

Smooth roads and sunny skies - 

They're flush, funded by moguls,

And fueled by selfish cries -

They want to save a great state

By splitting it in six -

They're half trying a bit late

To create a quick fix.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

Some are pushing for California to be split into six states,

possibly wishing such a split would make some lands seem even more great.  

Technorati Tags: California, Government, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

We Loathe "O" and Like "I" Sounds?

Loathe or Like

by Rachel Hoyt

image by Stuart Miles via freedigitalphotos.net

Sometimes I moan,

Bold as green mold,

Play the joke who's broke,

A flake the cold doled,

A groan with no tone - 

Sometimes I fly,

Ride the wind's tide,

From a sip of fine wine,

A nice smooth wide stride,

A sigh for by and by.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

This study says "I" sounds are easy to like

and "O" sounds probe your ears like a spike.

Technorati Tags: Beauty, Style, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

Dr. Oz and Vogue Are Saboutaging Your Hopes and Dreams

Work For Dreams

by Rachel Hoyt

image by Master isolated images via freedigitalphotos.net

Hopes and dreams can lift you up

and help you reach the sky,

or leave you parched, an empty cup,

consumed by pretty lies.

You're beautiful the way you are

when you nourish yourself,

when hopes and dreams aren't kept on stars,

or bottled on your shelf.

They act like you can buy the life

you want through pills and frills,

making earnings a noble strife

and shackling your free will.

The life you're told to wish you had

won't make you the best you -

Hopes and dreams are not a fad

and with work can come true.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

Dr. Oz was scolded by members of the Senate recently

for planting unattainable hopes in you and me,

but still few care that Vogue's contents cost three years' six figure salary.

Technorati Tags: Beauty, Style, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

We Are Now One Step Closer To Proving We Should Fake It 'Til We Make It

Dressing Up As "Me"

by Rachel Hoyt

image by Ambro via freedigitalphotos.net

At birth I knew no shame or fear,

I roamed naked and free,

But as life added days and years,

Clothes helped me feel like "me".

To church I wore my Mary Janes -

Their black patent leather

Balanced the frills of lace dresses

And kept stray thoughts demure.

In high school I was a Tomboy,

Wearing jeans and flannel -

Few colors were ones I enjoyed

During that dark, square spell.

For a time I wore casual suits

To bolster my power -

Sometimes I paired them with heeled boots

To look more like a tower.

Now I sit typing, hardly dressed,

Free to do as I please,

Wondering which outfit is next,

Which image to appease.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

A new study shows clothes we wear influence how well we do

at least as much as each of us believes they hold the power to.

Technorati Tags: Clothes, Power, Poem, Rhyme, Thoughts, Poetry

Being Cynical Can Lead To Dementia

Cynical Jim

by Rachel Hoyt

image by Salvatore Vuono via freedigitalphotos.net

At birth he hated all things square

And cried when points approached,

Once old he forgot that he cared

And many points encroached.

While young he grew to mistrust suits

And uniforms, (They're shackles!)

Once old his one friend was named Boots -

The mail man known to cackle.

In high school he fell in love fast

With prom queen, Jessi May,

Once old he smiled when she walked past,

Forgetting past dismay.

He spent his life trusting no one,

A cynic to the core,

Once old he forgot he'd missed fun

And couldn't define "bore".

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

A new study says that cynics might be hurting their brain -

They're more inclined to develop dementia, a sanity sprain.

Technorati Tags: Beliefs, Thoughts, Poem, Rhyme, Dementia, Poetry

Do You Believe Time Travel Is Possible?

Is It Time?

by Rachel Hoyt

Is it time for time to bend to our will?

Time that travel offered a new thrill?

Time that we risk a continuum rift?

Time that predictions were a proven gift?

Time that our dreams become reality?

Time that we really see all we could see?

Time that the past is not just the past?

Time that the world be infinitely vast?

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

I believe many think time travel would be fun,

but didn't know it is a real pursuit for some.

Technorati Tags: Time Travel, Time Machine, Poem, Rhyme, Think, Poetry

Can A Sharing Economy Coincide With A Desire For Onlline Privacy?

The Triple Standard

by Rachel Hoyt

image by idea go via freedigitalphotos.net

Don't talk to strangers

or eat their free candy.

The street's full of dangers

that squash fine and dandy.

Know that the government

is always spying,

claims wise discernment,

but could just be lying.

Use your spy tactics

to learn who to trust.

The world's full of antics

and fun that's unjust.

It's the triple standard

hip modern folks hold

to transform substandard

lives into pure gold.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

This poem was inspired by an article about trying to "opt out"

and one about the share economy that's growing more stout.

Technorati Tags: Spying, Sharing, Poem, Rhyme, Think, Poetry

Poetry Prompt - Crambo aka Bouts Rimés

In honor of National Poetry Writing Month, I'm bringing back a Friday tradition.  Bouts Rimés means "rhymed ends" in French and is a game or challenge where one person (me) makes a list of rhymed words and others (you) write the lines that end with those rhymes, in the same order in which they were given. It was known as Crambo in English and was quite popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Will you help me bring back this hip historical habit?

Cower

Buzz

Flower

Was

Power

Does

Above are the words.

Get writing rhyme nerds!

There will be no winner. This is just for fun

and the joy of rhyming a smile for everyone.

Reasoning and Higher Cognition Lead to Concern for Justice

Cognition Corner

by Rachel Hoyt

 

image by idea go via freedigitalphotos.net

High above the beat of love

which tells the feet to dance,

Atop the spine that can't unwind

unless stuck in a trance,

Near the ears which strain to hear

proof of justice in life,

Behind the eyes where wisdom spies

at karmic joy and strife,

There is a place where thoughts find space

to thicken into guilt,

Where reason calls selfishness treason

and concern for justice is built.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

A new study shows that justice's ignition

is sparked by reason and higher cognition.

Technorati Tags: Brain, Justice, Poem, Rhyme, Think, Poetry

A Poem Which Ponders, Should We Subsidize Hollywood?

Hollywood Heart

by Rachel Hoyt

image by Salvatore Vuono via freedigitalphotos.net

Comfortable, yet not happy,

is hard to tolerate -

filled with dreams of a plush fate

that would yield greater glee.

Miserable, in poverty,

one rides the waves that come -

filled with dreams that some someone

could see what one could be.

When spring rain falls on the land

and blossoms rare treasures,

Comfortable foresees quicksand

and bumps to dodge ahead,

Miserable just bows his head

and prays for simple pleasures.

Every time it rains, a choice

falls into hands that could

hand out the gifts as they should,

listen to their inner voice,

or believe that none will rejoice

no matter where the fruits fall

and seek to distract one and all

with shows that mold every soul's voice.

Copyright © 2014 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

This poem responds to news that Hollywood subidies

are growing while the poor receive no remedies.

Technorati Tags: Hollywood, Subsidies, Poem, Rhyme, Poor, Poetry

How Much Would You Pay to Save Monarch Butterflies?

Monarch Sparks

by Rachel Hoyt

 

Change is a trepidatious thing

without beauty to remind

that inside all are hidden wings

which fear and ignorance bind

Like caterpillars,

our segments slide

low and slow but onward,

Beautiful fillers

lurk inside

near the soul's scabbard and sword.

Every butterfly which breaks

out of the tough cocoon

reminds us of beauty which wakes

when we brave our own tune.

Copyright © 2013 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

It wasn't a big surprise to me

that most people would pay to continue to see

monarch butterflies flying, happy -

reminders of how beautiful we can be.

Technorati Tags: Monarch, Butterfly, Poem, Rhyme, Think, Poetry

 

Prison Profits Preach Profoundly

Profit Tear

by Rachel Hoyt

image by tiverylucky via freedigitalphotos.net

How dare you ask to use the phone

without paying an ear?

How dare you not eat ground up bone

or road kill a-la-tear?

How dare you demand medicine

to treat your karmic ails?

How dare you let my profits thin

when profiteers prevail?

How dare you rehabilitate

while paying for your sin?

How dare you dream country or state

would let human rights win?

Copyright © 2013 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

An article about prisons ruled by profits,

led to this poem of ironic bits.

Technorati Tags: Prison, Profit, Poem, Rhyme, Insult, Poetry

Are California's High Speed Trains Just a Dream?

Dream Train

by Rachel Hoyt

 

 

 

We chug along, dreaming our dreams -

at least to some they're dreams it seems -

Dreams of not driving everywhere,

Dreams of a reasonable fare,

Dreams of a route from A to B

that's environmentally friendly,

Dreams of flight speeds without the height,

Dreams with not a single red light,

Dreams of feeling connected to

these pathways which can lead us through

to places we find and build dreams,

where dreams are life's supportive beams.

© 2013 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

They say the high speed train is not a cause which should succeed.

I say it is a dream which oil kings wish to squash with greed.

Technorati Tags: Sustainability, Farming, Recycle, Rhyme, Poem, Poetry

Why Gmail Users Can't Expect Privacy

Text Traffic

by Rachel Hoyt

 

image by Stuart Miles via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

The processor processes

The texts which one tosses

Into webs to whip them,

Ship them through thin air

Where privacy is rare.

The sticky web sticks to

Secrets and stats like glue

Hiding them far away

To stay as a memory

For all who wish to see.

The programming's programmed.

Privacy be damned.

The text once typed flies free.

Some see so photographic,

Remember text traffic.

 

© 2013 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.

 

 

I understand intellectually

why Gmail knows quite a bit about me,

but must they preach for zero privacy?