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Home Poetry Humor

‘Modern Blessing’ and Other Poems by Kevin Ahern

September 24, 2025
in Humor, Poetry
A A
16
poems 'Modern Blessing' and Other Poems by Kevin Ahern

.

Modern Blessing

May you have five bars upon your phone
_And a WiFi signal strong.
May your identity stay yours alone
_If you click on something wrong.

May you never need good health care
_Or the assistance of an official,
And may you always be two steps ahead
_Of intelligence artificial.

.

.

Rejection Letter

Thank you for sending
The verse you have written
But with it, our editors
Weren’t very smitten.

In fact, smite is what
They’ve threatened to do
If we get any more
Like it from you.

.

.

Venous Envy

Moving blood
Is quiet, mostly
You must listen
Varicosely.

.

.

Kevin Ahern is a Professor Emeritus of biochemistry from Oregon State University who is enjoying the spare time he has gained in retirement to write verses, limericks, and other creative items.

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Comments 16

  1. Roy Eugene Peterson says:
    1 year ago

    Kevin, what a joy to read your concise humorous poems that are entertaining. Like you, I have hope we can stay ahead of AI and use it appropriately. “Rejection Letter” is my favorite or your three, probably because I can identify with the effort spent in writing and honing a poem only to receive a rejection notice.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Roy.

      Reply
  2. Margaret Coats says:
    1 year ago

    Kevin, I do hope for all those blessings! Especially, I’m doing my best to avoid the need for “good health care,” as I see too many who are plagued yet satisfied with the poor version. Love the play on “smite” and “smitten” in “Rejection Letter,” and glad you did not get one from the Society. And I’m a just bit envious that I never before considered whether “mostly” and “varicosely” rhyme perfectly. You have a welcome way with words.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Margaret.

      Reply
  3. Martin Briggs says:
    1 year ago

    These three succinct little gems made me smile, Kevin. And “Varicosely” is ingenious.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Martin. I’m happy you enjoyed them.

      Reply
  4. Paul Freeman says:
    1 year ago

    I especially enjoyed the form rejection letter. Being an expert (sorry for using a swear word) on them, I can vouch for its near authenticity.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks. I think we’re all experts, most likely.

      Reply
  5. Paulette Calasibetta says:
    1 year ago

    Kevin, a clever trio exposing the reality we are living in….which is not always pretty.
    Thanks for sharing a humorous outlook.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Paulette. I’m happy you enjoyed them.

      Reply
  6. Adam Sedia says:
    1 year ago

    Light verse is always a treat, and you’ve given us three witty, pithy gems. “Varicosely” is a clever pun. “Rejection Letter” is my favorite.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Adam.

      Reply
  7. Gigi Ryan says:
    1 year ago

    Thank you, I laughed out loud when I read the word, “varicosely.”

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Gigi. I’m happy you enjoyed them.

      Reply
  8. Shamik Banerjee says:
    1 year ago

    Love these packs of humour, Kevin! Modern Blessing is my favourite. Keep sharing more.

    Reply
    • Kevin Ahern says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks, Shamik. Will do.

      Reply

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