Poetry is all things to all people and this book is no exception. I am concerned that it could have the impact of a drone strike. Let your imagination run wild. Have fun. The title tells it all, Random Runes, New Poems and Old Elegies. I built a formidable file of poems I put together during the decade (2000-2010). It has been five years since Author House published my first poetry book titled, Songs from a Cave and Other Selected Poems (1995-1999). So, I bought a touch screen computer and an excellent printer (hp Officejet pro 8600 jet) and went to work organizing, authorizing and deputizing. What a job. I decided to randomize the individual works using Moses and Oakfords TABLES OF RANDOM PERMUTATIONS left in my library from my doctoral dissertation days at UC Berkeley (14 December 1974). There must be an easier way today. Consequently personal, political and philosophical works are scattered around by the process. There were new poems along the way such as Super Urban Man, On Salvaging a Sunken Stanchion and, not to forgotten, Beat Down at Dog Beach. Old Elegies were written for old friends who have passed away, Arnold, Bob, Harry and five or six others. They rime using the villanelle style and went over very well at the time. Give Us your Sons is topical and international. Its about the molestation of boys serving on the altar of churches. The last line is: We went back at seven for Mysteries of the Cross. Members of Poetry for Pleasure at the Rogers Senior Center in Huntington Beach, CA like, as of today, Dross Bucket and Baby Slobodans First Photograph. If you are a Bicyclist youll appreciate, Riding Around the Bear where I take you over Onyx Summit by Big Bear Lake and nudists will appreciate, Danseuse Narurel in four parts. The last sentence is: All of you, from head to toe will be slipping, sliding, gliding then move and pose au naturel to four-four time and dance the tango. Above all, have a good time experiencing Random Runes and, if you like, recommend it to your friends and family. Of course, Id appreciate it if you did. Gerald Olson
