Poetry Niche – October 2025

GD (Greg) Shaffer is a writer of poetry and short stories who, via Iowa and Colorado, now resides in Ajijic. From his childhood memories of growing up on a small farm in Iowa, to his diverse life experiences, to his fascination with life, death and the natural world, his poems and stories connect to the reader through relatable, thought-provoking topics and his often-whimsical style. Greg is currently working on his first book of poetry, and a series of short stories based on his childhood on the farm.

DRAGON’S LAIR

enter not, the dragon’s lair

nightmare-scape of death and stench

steeped of

gut and spleen

of shattered bone

marrow now consumed

sacrifice to the demon

which is god and master

of this unholy realm

malevolent brain

wracked of pain and sadistic glee

tortured and wrought of

thirst to maim

and pare death from life

wretched teeth

cleave bone of flesh

of the damned souls

who dare to disturb the beast

exposed brain and lung

testicles

shattered and bloody

lie spilt upon the filth

fear do i

to enter

this pit of death

this deepest recess

of blackest shadow

of mind and soul

as should you —

a willing sacrifice be

if challenge the beast within

for the dragon awaits —

and destroy you i will

******

UNSPOKEN

heavy and dark

my heart

landscape of ice and emptiness

thoughts scattered

words uttered

useless and empty

as a single raindrop

in a desert of fire and sand

i want to speak to you the words

i need to say

while time allows

but the soul cannot oblige

for perhaps you do not know

that life’s river is running dry

and rains cannot

nor will not

refresh the flowers you’ve tilled

only cracked earth to remain

vague reference of life lived

eyes

once deep bright stars

alive with life and purpose

now faded as weathered wood

of an ancient barn

abandoned to time

eyes

ask to tell of feelings

imprisoned within

but men are taught to hide

words that tear and hurt

lest we weaken the façade

so meticulously constructed

and carefully tended

silence soon ….

still the words stay frozen in my heart

elusive as the memories i yearn to share

i try to speak

of love and respect

to say we will not share again

stories and dreams

and laugh at memories made

when younger were we both

but tears form as the words choke in my throat

and now the time has passed

you so brave to face your fate

with smile and loving eyes

and how weak was I to never say

the things that needed said

******

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Mel Goldberg

Mel grew up in Chicago. After completing his bachelor’s degree in English at Northern Illinois University, he taught English and literature in Los Angeles. After earning his master’s degree in literature at California State College at Long Beach, he returned to Illinois to teach high school literature and writing and college English. He taught literature at Stanground College in Cambridgeshire, England for one year as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher.
After he retired and moved to Sedona, Arizona, he taught literature at Yavapai College in Clarkdale, Arizona.
He and professional artist Bev Kephart bought a small motor home in 2003, sold most of their possessions, and traveled the U. S. for seven years. After visiting Mexico several times, they settled in the village of Ajijic, joining the ex-pat artist and writing communities.
Mel’s writing has been published online and in print in The United Kingdom, The United States, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia. He is the author of three novels, a book of short stories, and several books of poetry. He and his wife now make their home in the village of San Nicholas de Ibarra.

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