Ode to Chocolate
by Hugh B. Starkey
Whispers trickle into my mind
That sweet confection calls
Resist I must
Lest I fall  

Louder still
The siren's song
Testing my resolve
Can I refuse, for how long  

Oh, the joys that await
A moment's pleasure
Surely something so tempting
Must be a treasure  

Alluring aroma
Such beauty divine
How lovely its taste
The tiniest piece, sublime  

But with the smallest morsel
My feelings soar
With just one bite
I'm its slave, forever more
About The Author


Hugh B. Starkey retired last January from corporate America after 33 years as an electronic engineer and manager. He lives in the Phoenix, Arizona area.  In addition to writing poetry, he regularly contributes book reviews and articles on young adult science fiction and fantasy to Spectrum Home and School Network.  Presently, he is working on short fiction and editing a local car club newsletter.
On a winter night, long ago by Hugh B. Starkey
Two friends, apart
So alone, estranged
By chance they meet
By destiny, arranged

Pleasantries provoke
A laugh, a smile
To reminisce
For a little while

With each memory
Came a tear
Testifying to
Its pain and fear

With each tear
A memory released
The pain subsides
As shared feelings unleashed

Two friends
Closer than before
Find quiet solitude
By the lakeshore

Night's cold air
Could not invade
The warmth
Two hearts had made

A touch, a kiss
Passions soar
Arms intertwined
And more …

 Love's journey began
And continues, so
On a winter night
Long ago
Copyright © Hugh B. Starkey
A Writer's Workshop By Mail