Steven Cross Writes
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stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
Steven Cross Writes
@stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
370 followers 220 following 52 posts
Poet, Writer, Traveler, News-junkie, The Christian Left
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stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 4:27 AM
stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
#poem #poetry #new-version
Live the Poetry
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #new-version Live the Poetry Words: © Steven Cross 2025 I’ve got rhymes that Dr. Seuss never wrote But you can feel free to quote ‘Cuz I usually get ignored by busy bees Influencers, complainers, and other parties It ain’t easy being a poet in times like these But just like Bluey’s dad said: “I’ll tell you that for free.” I try not to get addicted to sentimentality People try to read me like a book But mine is a mystery You think you know me Please! I don’t even understand me Who or why am I? To be, or not to be? Existential questions possess me! Maybe one day in eternity I’ll sing truly: I was blind but now I see But for now I live the questions As Rilke said poetically And I say stoically: Live the Poetry
October 30, 2025 at 4:23 AM
stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
#poem #poetry #new-version
Live the Poetry
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #new-version Live the Poetry Words: © Steven Cross 2025 I’ve got rhymes that Dr. Seuss never wrote But you can feel free to quote ‘Cuz I usually get ignored by busy bees Influencers, complainers, and other parties It ain’t easy being a poet in times like these But just like Bluey’s dad said: “I’ll tell you that for free.” I try not to get addicted to sentimentality People try to read me like a book But mine is a mystery You think you know me Please! I don’t even understand me Who or why am I? To be, or not to be? Existential questions possess me! Maybe one day in eternity I’ll sing truly: I was blind but now I see But for now I live the questions As Rilke said poetically And I say stoically: Live the Poetry!
October 30, 2025 at 4:17 AM
stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
Unexpected humor at the book store! What a funny juxtaposition of books!

The Stephen King novel Cujo, about a demonic dog, is displayed next to a book titled The Dog Behavior Problem Solver: Positive Training Techniques
Unexpected humor at the book store! What a funny juxtaposition of books! The Stephen King novel Cujo, about a demonic dog, is displayed next to a book titled The Dog Behavior Problem Solver: Positive Training Techniques
October 25, 2025 at 11:39 AM
stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
#poem #poetry
Live the Poetry
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry Live the Poetry Words: © Steven Cross 2025 I’ve got rhymes that Dr Seuss never wrote But you can feel free to quote ‘Cuz I usually get ignored by busy bees Influencers, complainers, and other parties It’s ain’t easy being a poet in times like these But just like Bluey’s dad said: “I’ll tell you that for free.” Try not to get addicted to sentimentality People try to read me like a book But mine is a mystery You think you know me Please! I don’t even understand me Who or why am I? To be or not to be? Existential questions possess me! Maybe one day I too will say I was blind but now I see But for now I live the questions As Rilke said poetically And I say: Live the Poetry!
October 24, 2025 at 2:28 AM
stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
A Legacy of Love
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
-In Remembrance of my aunt
#poem #poetry
A Legacy of Love Words: © Steven Cross 2025 -In Remembrance of my aunt A legacy of service A legacy of sharing A legacy of listening A legacy of caring A legacy of worship A legacy of songs A legacy of teaching What is right from wrong A legacy of laughter A legacy of inclusion A legacy of welcomes A legacy of passion A legacy of masterminding Pranks, celebrations, and fun A legacy of taking care of everyone What will people remember? A legacy of love
July 26, 2025 at 11:12 PM
stevencrosswrites.bsky.social
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #hiphop
Escape into Aesthetics
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
If you want to contemplate this poem more contextually, look up Marc Ellis’ First Light and you can see, his words are written so beautifully!
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #hiphop Escape into Aesthetics Words: © Steven Cross 2025 If you want to contemplate this poem more contextually, look up Marc Ellis’ First Light and you can see, his words are written so beautifully! Lately I’ve been reading the late style prophetic And pondering various other dialectics While so-called leaders are shouting apoplectic, I wax poetic and keep it eclectic ‘Cuz I gotta do what I gotta do To keep my mind copacetic In a world of ugliness, I escape into aesthetic At times I’m frenetic since life has been hectic! Since I cannot seal myself off hermetic-ally To escape a Kafkaesque polemic catastrophe I keep tick tick tick talking ryth-met-tic….ly & I ask: Are we mistakenly, giving up plaintively? I know In these times rhymes aren’t enough To solve or resolve The conflicts of our Republic or world so easily And feasibly I cannot see How to diagnose aggressively Each grievance so egregiously put on us And put forward solutions seriously, successfully And digressing, it’s depressing me spiritually But eventually we’ll turn it all around At least, optimistically, that’s what I hope to see But it may be a while, and that brings me back To the late style, prophetically Peace out! All Love to Thee! Comment: Episode 431 of Magnificast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-magnificast/id1214644619?i=1000634631737 First Light: Encountering Edward Said and the Late-Style Jewish Prophetic in the New Diaspora by Marc H. Ellis
July 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM
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#poem #poetry #4thofJuly
If the American Dream
Became Reality
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry If the American Dream Became Reality Words: © Steven Cross 2025 On this 4th of July! As fireworks fill the sky Lady Liberty still holds her torch high But fierce tears now fill her eyes For those who came to die Without reaching our shores by and by For those fleeing persecution, who sadly hear: “Welcome to the land of prosecution and fear” For those wronged by society And locked up without apology For them- This land is not free! And truthfully If they are not - neither are we! But we all could be- Truly Free If the American Dream Became Reality For not just you and me Not just for the rich Not just for the privileged Not just for the lucky For Everybody who yearned to breathe free
June 28, 2025 at 2:27 PM
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#porm #poetry #blueskypoetry
The Lady Who Saw a Hundred Years
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
-To My Great Aunt
June 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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#poetry #poem
Unbreakable Spirit
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
-In Remembrance of my Uncle (2020)
Unbreakable Spirit Words: © Steven Cross 2025 -In Remembrance of my Uncle (2020) His body was weak, But he was strong We could feel his strength, When he played a song When he laughed, we would laugh along His best jokes, always sounded kinda wrong But we laughed anyway, Because he welcomed us to join in on— The fun And then punished us with a wicked pun We’ve lost a man who broke the mold Who spoke truth to power, Both clever and bold With an Unbreakable Spirit, And kindness to both young and old His memory deserves to be told and retold
June 27, 2025 at 4:20 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Final Blow?
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
A poem about the US strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites. (6/23/25)
Final Blow? Words: © Steven Cross 2025 A poem about the US strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites. (6/23/25) Final blow? (I don’t think so) But how does anyone know? It’s too early to claim victory though BTW where did the enriched uranium go? Rebuilding might be slow But a determined foe Won’t stop plotting Or attacking high and low Since we threw diplomacy Out the window Violence that both sides sow Will continue to grow As feckless leaders chirp and crow “Moments ago the military put on a show” No one can guess Which way it might go Don’t believe anyone Boldly saying so
June 23, 2025 at 5:34 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #traveling #Bangkok #Thailand
Wandering around Bangkok
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
Wandering around Bangkok Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Souls rise to the call Of the City of Angels With smiles big and small As blistering heat rises Until heavy rain falls As travelers wander mazes Of multiple mega malls Their breathing mixes the street smells From durian and som tum stalls As orange-robed monks meditate In peaceful temples with painted walls While passengers ride sky trains Above Tuk Tuks as traffic crawls And couples in crowded bars Of beautiful guys and dolls Drink from glasses Filled with foam rising tall While costumed performers Dance in an elegant Royal hall As colorful ancient giants Guard the city Under skyscrapers Climbing above it all
June 18, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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If there is a book you want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.
Toni Morrison
If there is a book you want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. Toni Morrison
June 12, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Without YOU
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
Without YOU #poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Without YOU Words: © Steven Cross 2025 You can look without seeing You can listen without hearing You can speak without talking You can touch without feeling You can believe without doubting You can understand without knowing You can command without shouting You can grow old without growing But… Without YOU— There’s nothing YOU can do So… Be YOU! It’s the perfect part, YOU were born into Without YOU— No dream YOU dream comes true No sight YOU see is in view No love YOU love is found No song YOU sing has sound So swear YOU will stay high above ground Our Friends all want to keep YOU around Inspired by The Beatles “All You Need is Love”
June 11, 2025 at 5:19 PM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
IT STINKS
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry IT STINKS Words: © Steven Cross 2025 I don’t like to tell others how to think But when I smell something I must declare that— IT STINKS! Campaign with poetry; Govern with prose But tyrants don’t need either of those Propaganda will suffice Just repeat big lies once or twice Until it doesn’t sound as nice Then make new lies To pull off a heist Be ready to attack with fresh supplies Of lies big, small, and every size Constant distractions will hypnotize Misdirection stops prying eyes But the Truth will sniff them all out Until the stench is revealed without a doubt
June 11, 2025 at 3:38 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Protest this Mess
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Protest this Mess Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Protest this mess We cannot rest Until our democracy can pass this test But be smart It’s not a science; it’s more of an art Don’t let our tactics become as vile As the evil we revile I hope we can come through With our values staying true Even when our government leaders rarely do
June 10, 2025 at 7:29 PM
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I like the black background too.
Teaching is Jazz #poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Teaching is Jazz Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Teaching is Jazz Teaching is… Planned improvisation With rotating members in a transient band Trying to play a new song Or an old song In a new way! And the notes you play or don’t… it all… Matters! Teaching is dancing with a partner Who might step on your foot Or Drop You At Any Moment But you Keep playing And you Keep dancing And the lesson Turns out…. Swingingly… Eventually… With lots of Practice, patience, and passion!
June 10, 2025 at 2:06 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Teaching is Jazz
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Teaching is Jazz Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Teaching is Jazz Teaching is… Planned improvisation With rotating members in a transient band Trying to play a new song Or an old song In a new way! And the notes you play or don’t… it all… Matters! Teaching is dancing with a partner Who might step on your foot Or Drop You At Any Moment But you Keep playing And you Keep dancing And the lesson Turns out…. Swingingly… Eventually… With lots of Practice, patience, and passion!
June 9, 2025 at 11:39 PM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Subtlety
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
Subtlety #poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Subtlety Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Subtlety Instead of controversy Won’t get much attention But it is a much better invention Telling people exactly what to think Is not a good intention And people don’t respond well— To condescension So feel free to disagree As long as we all can be free— To be whoever we choose to be Without repercussions Or violent eruptions Let’s have discussions Respectfully With Subtlety
June 8, 2025 at 6:39 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #lyrics (inspired by Linkin Park)
I’m Not as Strong as I Pretend to Be
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #lyrics I’m Not as Strong as I Pretend to Be Words: © Steven Cross 2025 I’m Not as Strong as I Pretend to Be If you look closely you can see The mask I wear so convincingly Is just not me— It’s just not me (3x) // Take off the mask? It’s a hard ask I don’t want to wear it But… to get it off It’s a tough task (3x)// Do you really wanna see what’s beneath the mask? I don’t think you do! (3x) // You know there’s reason I kept it hid I needed to ask for help But I never did My true self Is like a scared kid Maybe you would know What to say If I did // But now! Now I sing this song because I cannot put the mask back on (3x) Inspired by Linkin Park songs
June 7, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
AI, am I?
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry AI, am I? Words: © Steven Cross 2025 AI, am I? Can machines live and die? Can they laugh or cry? Look closer in my eye. What do you spy? Which one is the best? Voight-Kampff or Turing Test? To elicit or assess? Intelligence or distress? Were results a failure or success? Am I creator or creation? Standard or deviation? Solution or complication? Human or imitation? Marked for adjudication or deactivation? Blade Runner or replicant infestation?
June 5, 2025 at 4:33 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Brotherless
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Brotherless Words: © Steven Cross 2025 -To my younger brother. Brothers forever! Not an orphan Not a widow Not a widower I don’t know the word I need a word-inventor I am a brother less Less a brother Lesser than Other No longer a brother No longer my brother’s keeper No longer a secrets-only-shared-by-brothers Keeper No more secrets big and small Secrets never shared with mother at all I confess I feel defined by what I do not possess I am less I am brotherless
May 31, 2025 at 2:40 PM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #hiphop
Chyrons of Doom, STAY TUNED
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry #hiphop Chyrons of Doom, STAY TUNED Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Chyrons of doom Invade the newsroom Is the world ending soon? “Hear more after a word from our sponsor” STAY TUNED At least the ratings will bloom And Social media is already going— BOOM! (Like a mushroom) We’re so quick to consume So quick to assume So quick to follow a crazy, racist buffoon We get fed with a spoon We believe: Go viral— Or go build a tomb! We judge way too soon Check the pundits you let in the room The truth is… elusive— Don’t just assume! Cleaning up lies takes more than a broom. Some people speak the truth, If you… STAY TUNED
May 30, 2025 at 3:11 AM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Somewhere Between Dreams and Nightmares,
I Search and Wander
Words: © Steven Cross 2025
#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry Somewhere Between Dreams and Nightmares, I Search and Wander Words: © Steven Cross 2025 Somewhere Between Dreams and Nightmares, I Search and Wander As I wake my thoughts vanish yonder Only feelings linger longer Until I drift back to sleep like the dead- Paralyzed as if by an embalmer My fears disperse, and I am calmer But then a sense of dread returns even stronger Was I tempting Fate? — How did I wrong Her? In silence I sit and ponder Thus, I give up on sleep and rise to saunter Curses haunt my door, Blessings greet no more But the reason why, I can’t account for Perhaps, I don’t know what’s in store For this story of mine, But I know I’ve been here before Of that, at least, I am sure Alas, this ends my mind’s tour
May 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM
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#poem #poetry #blueskypoetry
Get Up, Rise!
Words: © Steven Cross, 2025
Get Up, Rise! Words: © Steven Cross, 2025 Get up, Rise! Don’t be hypnotized By the lies. They come in disguise. Fears and doubts, they paralyze. Get up, Rise! I surmise We all fall down After many tries But we must arise And keep our eyes On the prize. Get up, Rise! Believe. Be wise! Kneel. Arise! You’re part of something Bigger than yourself That never dies. Get up. Rise! If we believe and act as one, There is no limit to what can be done! So... Get up and Rise!
May 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM