Sonnets of Solidarity #1

*Thought I'd give you guys a longer piece since I was away for about a week. Enjoy!*

Forgotten Man

as snow fell white through air in silence thick
and thuds and cracking echoed cross the hill
my pounding ears beheld the muzzle click
I braced my jumping heart to hear the kill

the shot rang out like cannons on the fourth
I tried to run but froze like in a dream
to ashes in my mouth turned days of mirth
collapsing in the snow I made to scream

on feet I stumbled up and scanned the ground
and waited for the earth to cease its spin
his memory I had to honor now
to quit or die would be a deadly sin

for freedom and his wife I puffed and ran
my friend would not become "Forgotten Man"

Couplets of Collusion #51

Premonition

across the way I saw his eyes go red
before me loomed a zombie up ahead

Couplets of Collusion #50

Omens from the Orchard

he picked the peaches off the twisted tree
the angry limbs attacked with wretched glee

Couplets of Collusion #49

Vectors and Variables

he fell like lead when pushed from ladder high
this man, bizarre, he screamed the number Pi

Couplets of Collusion #47

Sad End for a Pigeon

feathered wings on frosted pavement splattered
left to rot like nothing ever mattered

Couplets of Collusion #48

Holiday Traffic

just stop and go with fist and honking horn
with boiling blood of shoppers now forlorn

Couplets of Collusion #46

Sharp and Swift

intense and cold,, his fangs bore through my flesh
confined was I, by tangled cords of mesh

Couplets of Collusion #45

Ritual Scrawled in Blood

he jabbed the needle deep into her skull
she saw his conscience die through pupil's dull

Couplets of Collusion #44

Best in the Ballroom

they traveled 'round the room as feathers float
their eyes beheld Venetian moonlit boat

Couplets of Collusion #43

Aliens and Wild Horses

with laser beams for lassos, round 'em up
then serum strong inject 'em, Doctor Vyup

Couplets of Collusion #42

Heist in the Tower

"The pocket watch and waistcoat," Herbert grinned,
"was pilfered from the High Lord Benjamin."

Couplets of Collusion #41

Food Critics and Five Star Cuisine

each wretched bite our hopes did slowly dash
with spices some, one only needs a dash

Couplets of Collusion #41

Food Critics and Five Star Cuisine

each wretched bite our hopes did slowly dash
with spices some, one only needs a dash

Couplets of Collusion #40

Precipice

she lurched and gripped the wooden canyon rail
the judge was dumb to let him out on bail

Couplets of Collusion #39

Gremlins in the Gas Tank

he turned the key, yet still the engine failed
how now to get the Christmas presents mailed?

Couplets of Collusion #38

Sweat and Wires

the chill air swept his bones like dust on rock
his fingers worked against the ticking clock

Couplets of Collusion #37

Used and Forgotten

the ragged woman screamed in howling rage
for all her work, she never earned a wage

Couplets of Collusion #36

Venom and Vengeance

the puncture wound began to ache and throb
cold eyes beheld the smug, self righteous, Bob

Couplets of Collusion #35

Grammar for Goodies

he added on a subordinate clause
in writing to that jolly Santa Clause

Couplets of Collusion #34

Dog on Deck

the whimpers were from "Not So Brave" the Dane
from eastward came the howling hurricane

Expanded Horizons November 2010

November was an interesting month, and as you will see from the last entry, some of the most interesting things that happen to us are unplanned and totally unexpected:

Gave second Toastmasters speech and got ribbon for best speech of the day

Led Table Topics,, impromptu speech portion, of Toastmasters meeting

Became Chair of subcommittee on Social Media for my Toastmasters club

Went for a week without any caffeine or alcohol to remind myself that I may enjoy it but I don't need it

Changed my schedule and started getting up early in the morning, usually around 5am, and stuck to this for a significant period of time

Started some new writing projects but didn't finish any

Got hit by a car while walking
(Grateful to be alive and have only sustained relatively minor injuries from which I should be able to recover)

Couplets of Collusion #33

Pathway to Knighthood

his carefree lollypopish attitude
was forged in molten gold vicissitude

Couplets of Collusion #32

Necromancy of the Naive

he gazed upon the stars from emerald hill
from bushes watched the reaper with the chill

Couplets of Collusion #31

Mischievous Soldiers

the backside, rode he, of a Caribou
across the tundra, through the morning dew

Couplets of Collusion #30

December 24, 2440: Greed remains a Constant

the goal to slowly pester and annoy
at any cost to snatch the latest toy

Couplets of Collusion #29

Stalactite

he wound and swung with heavy wooden bat
but never saw the howling angry bat

Couplets of Collusion #28

Swan Song

upon its lanky neck it bore a gift
a treachery for only eyes of swift

Couplets of Collusion #27

Lost in Cold Wilderness

a knight went gallavanting through the hills
as night went gallavanting through the hills

Couplets of Collusion #26

Bomb Threat

a trenchcoat figure in the shadow lurks
innocent, honorable, Mister Burkes

* * *
Stay motivated through my words of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs

Couplets of Collusion #25

Throne Room and Torture Chamber

on ornate seat of satin soft he sat
he gave the vicious victim to the vat

* * *
Stay motivated through my words of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs

Couplets of Collusion #24

Aphrodisiac in the Alcove

with broccoli and beats the soup was made
and spices to seduce her in the shade

* * *
Stay motivated through my words of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs

Couplets of Collusion #23

One Hour to Live

the totem round his neck pronounced a sneer
with crimson eyes the falcon's head strikes fear

* * *
Stay motivated through my words of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs: http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs

Couplets of Collusion #22

Daddy went Quail Hunting

the feathers drifted slowly on the wind
yet I beheld such bloodshed as a sin

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #21

Dungeons and Drunkards

to make it past the massive iron gate
with Meade the tower guard inebriate

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #20

Buccaneers in the Moonlit Bay

upon the bluffs by Frank the sheep were shorn
suspect he not the ship that came to shore

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #19

Twisted Reflection in His Own Bloodstained Knife

in fortune caught, reversal unaware
his cold fate gripped by talons of despair

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #18

Hushed Laughter

his head they buzzed while doze he did in class
no longer "hot to trot" was he, alas

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #17

Bad Neighborhood in the Jungle

as arrow pierced his chest he reeled in shock
he only sauntered by to take a walk

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #16

New Dress now Drenched

behind me with the garden hose they snuck
upon my face I fell into the muck

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's eaasy.

Couplets of Collusion #15

All In

right through like glass they read his poker face
yet hidden up his sleeve he held an ace

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #14

Nonchalant Just Eating Ice Cream

as knife is twisted in his back he screams
so much for all the friendships and the dreams

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #13

Wages of War

collapsing on the ground, he heaved a sigh
the messenger had come so far to die

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #12

Innocent Blood

his hands he washed to guilt and shame decry
yet still he did condemn the man to die

* * *
Remember to read my tweets of wisdom on Paul's Proverbs:
http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs
If you have a Twitter, follow me. If you don't, create one... then follow me. It's easy.

Couplets of Collusion #11

Framed

the body swung on thickly braided rope
with ghastly spirit's visage they can't cope

Couplets of Collusion #10

Foul Ball

with fury did the manager describe
the play, the call, not knowing that the ump secured a bribe

Couplets of Collusion #9

Hitch in the Heist

the crunch of fallen leaves on frosty ground
with rope and cord the prisoner was bound

Couplets of Collusion #8

Hell comes to Hockey

the ice on which they skate is getting thin
so grab your gear and let the games begin

Couplets of Collusion #7

Whispers in the King's Kitchen

a gourmet feast prepared to satisfy
who knew the allergen would make him die?

Expanded Horizons October 2010

This list may not be quite as long as the one I provided you with last month, but all the same, I wish to share with you a few of the important happenings and milestones from October. I hope to inspire you to always reach for more. Here's some food for thought to wet your motivational appetite:

Gave my first speech for Toastmasters

Got business cards to promote this blog and Paul's Proverbs http://twitter.com/paulsproverbs and started handing them out

Started volunteer position with the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired as the Writer and Editor of their employee newsletter, Clover Notes

Walked/ran over fifty miles

Started a Men's Bible Study group

Wore tights as part of a costume for Halloween and the Ohio Renaissance Fair

Saw Bear Grylls, of "Man vs. Wild", speak, shook his hand, and got his autograph

Couplets of Collusion #6

Visage of the Victim

the smoke that filled his lungs, a poison gas
with eyes of steel he welcomed fate, alas

Couplets of Collusion #5

He said it would be fun

atonement from this anguish burns inside
from evil deeds and guilt no place to hide

Couplets of Collusion #4

Two Authors at Odds

with ink and quill to life he brought the sea
and just as many strokes his friend brought misery

Couplets of collusion #3

Two Teenage Boys and a "Keep out!" Sign

the floorboards creaked beneath our leather shoes
my heart stuck in my throat at freaky views

Couplets of Collusion #2

Twilight at a Beach Deserted

along the salty shore the cold wind blew
that no good cheater bobs in ebbing blue

Couplets of Collusion #1

Not Bluffing

the game of cards they played was just a sham
on bloodstained sheets was found the lady Pam

Acrostic Animals #50

Yay! I have written 50 of these little poems. If you haven't figured it out, or looked it up, there is a secret to these. Read the first letter of each line in the poem and it spells out an animal. If you didn't know about this, I suggest you go back and read all the Acrostic Animals pieces with this in mind. And here is number fifty:

Persnickety Persistent Patient Pest

Futile slaps that bring increased frustration
Land so soft with germs and wings and buzzing
Yet again the taunting hesitation

Acrostic Animals #49

Eggs, Excess, and Extinction

Discovery by Dutchmen sailing
Open beaks naive to orchestration
Dogs that hail the harbinger of death
Ornament to wistful tales of old

Acrostic Animals #48

New at the Zoo

Odd to behold a sight so strange
Kicking up dirt in black and white
Afternoon forager alone
Protrude the tongue to take a bite
Inviting wonder through the cage

Acrostic Animals #47

Pillage and Plunder

Ants softly crawling through cracks in the earth
African nights with the moon so shining
Riverbeds dried like a carcass from heat
Dim goes the sky as the clouds make passing
Vicious the tongue for sustenance lashes
Ages of mounds destroyed in quick digging
Rest in the tomb of the victims thousand
Kalahari sings of death and rebirth

Acrostic Animals #46

Death comes Quickly!

Sink the teeth into them quickly
Hungry instinct to devour
Avalanche of seeping crimson
Roving giant soaks the nectar
Killing with a crazy smile

Acrostic Animals #45

Tales from the Tunnels

Bright the sun that filled the glade
Ugly teeth in shadows wait
Naive popping from the ground
Nose that twitches up and down
Yesterday in blood was bathed

Acrostic animals #44

The View as They Migrate

Coral dazzling before their eyes
Opera of life in constant motion
Depths of mystery and wonder

Acrostic Animals #43

A Moment of Hush Unspoiled

Swimming along in gliding patterns
Watery ballroom with a soft rhythm
Alabaster dolls ornately carved
Nature bowing to a pink sunset

Acrostic Animals #42

Before They Were Canned

Tranquil drifting through the brine
Unaware and out of time
Nets collapsing all around
Albacore no longer proud

Acrostic Animals #41

Tender and Juicy with Limitless Options

Crispy
Honey glazed
Intense
Curry covered
Killer
Enchiladas
Nutmeg
Seasons so well

Acrostic Animals #40

Watching from the shadows

Red those eyes like dripping blood.
Await the reaper till he come.
Vanity of rich and smug.
Envy wields the loaded gun.
Now the terror has begun!

Acrostic Animals #39

Standing Guard

Winging swiftly
Attack in swarm
Sting with fury
Protect the home

Acrostic Animals #38

A Strange Ballet

Pirouette
Arabesque
Nutcracker
Derriere
Allegro

Acrostic Animals #37

Victims of the Ngurakin

Darkness fills the quiet valley
Insipid air in stale stagnation
Necromancy for the corpses rotting
Guttural whispers floating softly
Ocarina sings the rising

Acrostic Animals #36

Wings just for show

Exotic this feathered giant
Majestic in long running strides
Untamed in the wild outback

Acrostic Animals #35

Cooing and Tranquility

Delicate
Oasis
Velvety
Elegance

Acrostic Animals #34

Wings or Horns?

Clever and sneaky
Always a delight
Totally innocent

Acrostic Animals #33

Danger in the Dunes

Caravan in the scorching desert
Angry bandits on the prowl
Victims dragged away in sacks
Escape with help from loyal companion
Landscape fierce for man and beast

Acrostic Animals #32

Predator

Firelike in the heavens soaring
Altitude of swirling nimbus
Lengthy shadows we adoring
Claws like nails and wings outstretched
Open eyes on rodents snoring
Now begins the steep descent

Acrostic Animals 31

In Constand Streaming

Swim
Always.
Love
Mountains.
Owe
Nothing.

Acrostic Animals #30

Boys will be Boys and Bugs will be Bugs

"Lary's head is itchy."
"I'll bet I know what it is."
"Clumsy fool! You'll get 'em on me."
"Eddie's afraid of the big bad bugs."

Acrostic Animals #29

Hunters in the Swamp

Fun in the sun with a gun
Rap on the map with a tap
Over the clover we wove
Grillin' the kill with some dill

Acrostic Animals #28

A Great and Terrible Expedition

West of the islands that pocket the sea
Hold to the course where adventure is found
Avenging the deaths of our comrades three
Lightning and thunder may furious pound
Except we will fight till triumph and glee

Acrostic Animals 27

Oh Dear!

darting
excited
Esoteric
Recluse

Acrostic Animals #26

Pay him Homage

Prowling through the forest green
Ancient paths of moss and stone
Noise like whispers from a tomb
Temples stand in valleys deep
Hide and tremble at the sight
Eyes of gold that chill your bone
Ravenous his apatite

Expanded Horizons September 2010

Allow me to stray briefly from my usual routines of merely providing you with creative tidbits, to give you a summary of some things I accomplished last month in what I call "Operation Expanded Horizons". I hope this inspires you to follow my lead and always look for ways to break out of your typical cardboard box of daily monotony and constricting comfort zones.

Read, ponder, and then make your own list next month:

Bowled over 60 legitimately for first time since becoming blind

Went to a Chiropractor for the first time in years

Ate only fruit for a whole week

Started taking Ballroom Dancing lessons

Bought a pair of size 30 pants

Wrote several short stories, posted here and on Twitter daily and have at least 10 followers on each

Read "Deception Point" by Dan Brown (audiobook)

Gave practice talk for Catholic Men's Retreat I am helping with next spring

Attended Mass at a Maronite Catholic Church (Eastern Rite, very different)

Joined RCIA team at my Parish

Switched to new Knights of Columbus Council closer to my apartment

Found an internship opportunity to get some experience

Officially accepted by The Seeing Eye to receive a dog in the near future

Proposed to my girlfriend and she is now my Fiancé

Acrostic Animals 26

Filth and Squalor

rundown grungy cobblestone streets
attract the sort with rotten teeth
tearing up the king's harvest feast

Acrostic Animals #24

Danger! High Voltage!

Energy pulsing in steady cycles
Ebbing and flowing in the briny deep
Light up your brain and fry it to a crisp

Acrostic Animals #23

At Odds with the Oddities of the Arctic

Parenthood in pristine pajamas
Elegance under glassy glaciers
Neighbors welcome newcomers with warmth
Giving tours in tip top tuxedos
Undivided attention to all
Inviting hugs with little hubris
Nightfall settles in silent slumber

Acrostic Animals #22

Descending Blackness

Claws piercing
Running faster
Omen foretelling
Willow stifles laughter

Acrostic Animals #21

Startled in the Frigid Dark

Old and withered on the shadows
Winging swiftly through the moonlight
Laying waste to eerie silence

Acrostic Animals #20

A Trap for the Unsuspecting Trapper

Fortune smiles on the clever
Overture of deception
X signals the fool's demise

Acrostic Animals #19

"What's he doing at the Pub?"

Flirtatious creature
Lunges awkwardly
Always on the move
Musical his words
Inspires silly stares
Guzzling alcohol
Ornery at night

Acrostic Animals #18

Resilience in Virtue

"Careful now."
"A little more."
"Rest gently, poor thing."
"Doze away in my hand."
"It's alright. You'll be fine."
"Never stop fighting."
"Awake so soon?"
"Lord! You're quick."

Acrostic Animals #17

Rabid Recluse

Zoo enchanting children's sight
Erudite will entertain
Boldness stands in black and white
Rattled giants race through rain
All throughout this stormy night

Acrostic Animals #16

Carefree Flitting

Beautiful
Undulation
Twisting in the wind
Tantalizing the eyes
Elegance in motion
Resting on the current
Floating so softly
Landing with care
Yet again

Acrostic Animals #15

Evolution on the Rocks

Loitering
Insipid
Zygotic
Apathetic
Reenacted
Dinosauring!

Acrostic Animals #14

No Trespassing: Wild Tundra

War leads to snarls and carcasses
Onslaughts of crimson flesh and bone
Last throws of midnight agony
Fear choking like frigid abyss

Acrostic Animals #13

Yonder past the Creek

Playful prancing patience
Overlooks our orchard
Nightfall nearing nuzzles
Youthful yellow yearling

Acrostic Animals #12

Alone in a Barren and Cruel Desert

Vigilance is wise
Under cloudy skies
Looping slowly down
Terrifying sound
Usher fear and dread
Rotting carcass fed
Early bird will win
Scavenging like sin

Oops!

As a writer, you would think I know how much difference one word can make. "not" was supposed to be "now" in the last posting. Lol.

Good news!!!

Hey folks,
I have already announced this on Facebook and Twitter, but for anyone who checks this blog but doesn't check my other stuff, I am not engaged! She picked out the ring, but then i proposed to her in a park and it was an amazing moment! I am a lucky man... and she is a lucky lady!

Acrostic Animals #11

Vicious Venomous Vipers

Slither hither
Nab your prey
Attack and crack
Kill and play
Erase all trace
Slink away

Acrostic Animals #10

Arachnophobia as Art

Sinister this sneaky species
Prey on powerful and pesky
Icy insane inclinations
Deathly deviant diablo's
Eviscerate, enjoy and eat
Rapid rising and retreating
"Survive, you won't, my friend so sweet!"

Acrostic Animals #9

Invaders from the Hills

Gluttons
Overeating
Attitude adjusting
Tormenting townsfolk terribly
Shoot 'em!

Acrostic Animals #8

Constant Cooing

Park bench portraits
Indicating
Ghastly gargoyles
Enveloping
Old onlookers
Nauseating
Saturation

Acrostic Animals #7

A Tale of Bone and Blood

Blazing speed I fly
Attack with brutal fury
Terrible this night

Acrostic Animals #6

I Pity You

Pudgy
Itchy
Grungy
Slob!

Acrostic Animals #5

The Ancient Ageless

Take your time
Under and up
Rise and roll
Tell the tale
Last and lazy
Ever at ease

Acrostic Animals #4

Another Day at the Hill

Always working
Never ceasing
Take no resting
Slowly dying

Acrostic Animals #3

Intelligence is a Gift

Dare to
Overcome
Live for
Passion
Hope to
Inspire
Nice folks
Smiling

Acrostic Animals #2

Some Beasts Can't Be Tamed

Lazy... monster...
Ingrateful!
Old... pal...
No!

Acrostic Animals #1

A Barrel of Mischief

Madness abounds
Onlookers gaping
Noise like blaring sirens
Keep out if you like your face
Enough to daze an elephant
Yellow bananas should calm them down
So sweet this moment their eyes close in sleep

Haikualogue 38

Strangled by Summer

"Got my hot drink and..."
"Um, you know its warm out, right?"
"But... yesterday... Aww!"

Haikualogue 37

Dust upon Dust

"He was a good friend."
"More than a friend. He sparkled!"
"He's gone like the wind."

Haikualogue 36

Cruisin' in the Crisp Autumn Air

"Feels so gooood out there."
"Why did you open them, dear?"
"What? Messin' your hair?"

Haikualogue 35

Rotten Grammar from the Tree of Ignorance

"Them plums is rotten!"
"Those plums are rotten, Jacob."
"That's what I done said."

Haikualogue 34

I've Had My Day In The Sun

"Thought you was gon' tan."
"Don't wan' look like baseball glove."
"Fine. You missin' out."

Haikualogue 33

Bluebirds Singing

"Them's funny noises."
"Shh... mama's lettin' 'em fly."
"Wowee! Watch 'em go..."

Haikualogue 32

Diving in the Deep

"So bright and dazzling!"
"Feels like a grand cathedral."
"Uh... guys... look ov... Sharks!!!"

Haikualogue 31

At the Corner of Lake and Autumn

"It's gettin' cooler."
"Time for sweaters and coffee."
"Leaves ain't fallen yet."

Silly Limerick Sunday #13

King gazes out his Window

a boy and a girl with a kite
I'd cherish to see such a sight
them running about
they scream and they shout
alas for this fool it is night

Haikualogue 30

Withering Leaves

"No, no. Daddy, look."
"Everything rots, kid. That's life."
"I'll save it. I will."

Haikualogue 29

Hanging Around for Perspective

"Hey, you look funny!"
"It's like the sky is the floor."
"Come down from there, guys."

Haikualogue 28

Thunder crashing in the Hills

"Angel's is bowlin'!"
"Gabriel jus' got a strike."
Michael spilled his beer!"

Silly Limerick Sunday #12

Stuck in My Memory

he stood on the tips of his toes
his brow how it suddenly rose
beyond the great wall
in front of the mall
an obese fellow stripped off his clothes

Haikualogue 27

Two roads diverged in a Spooky Woods

"Ain't goin' that way!"
"Dare ya to. I'll eat gravel."
"Hmm... you comin' too?"

Haikualogue 26

Salad's NOT for Everyone!

"Look, Mommy! Bunnies!"
"Now, now, Dear. Don't disturb them."
"They want my yuckies!"

Haikualogue 25

After the Rain

"Look at these earthworms!"
"Stop rollin' 'round in the mud."
"Here... Have a mud pie!"

Haikualogue 24

Lumbering Bear

"I think he's asleep."
"Shh... Let's get closer and see."
"Uh-oh. He blinked. ... Run!"

Haikualogue 23

Peaches on the Hillside

"Wow, it's so juicy."
You sure it's still good by now?"
"Does smell kinda weird."""

Haikualogue 22

The Seed of a Dandelion

"Wind's 'is bes' friend."
"He jus' keeps a wanderin'."
"Poor bloke mus' be cold."

Silly Limerick Sunday 11

Roaches on Rampage

they march and they march and they march
no tongue of theirs ever will parch
they scurry along
naive is our song
they conquer each doorway and arch

Haikualogue 21

Lil' Pup's Got Some Wolf In 'Im

"His tail's a waggin'!"
"Looks like he's ready to pounce."
"Careful. He can bite."

Haikualogue 20

Parched by the Elements

"So dry it's crackin'."
"Here's a glass of water, dear."
"'Fraid that won't be 'nough."

Haikualogue 19

Sudden Downpour

"I just felt a drop."
"Dude, you're just imagining..."
"Imagine that, Mike!"

Haikualogue 18

It's Not Funny!

"Tag! You're it, Jenny."
"Hey, whatch where yer pushin' me!"
"You're full of prickers!"

Haikualogue 17

Undervalued Fragrance

"Ahh, you smell that, Frank?"
"What? Did you fart or something?"
"No. Smell these flowers."

Haikualogue 16

Flaunting the Law

"Says, 'Keep off the grass'".
Don't... care. Dear Lord, that was hot!"
"It tickles my feet."

Haikualogue 15

Something to Prove

"The... water's... sooo... c-cold!"
"Don't be such a baby. ... Ahhhhhh!"
"Hahaha... Wah! Wah!"

Haikualogue 14

Yuppies Hiking in the Hills

"Whatch out fer dem claws!"
"Nonsense, Sir. It's just a cute..."
"Cute. Hahaha. ... Run!"

Haikualogue 13

Delicate Symphony After Dark

"Ahh... that soft squeaking."
""It's gettin' on my damn nerves."
"You've no sense of taste."

Haikualogue 12

Old faithful

"Whoaheeee, man, at's hot!"
"I warned ya 'bout runnin' up."
"Warned yo 'bout naggin'."

Haikualogue 11

Vultures

"ain't it disgusting?"
"It's the circle of life, dude."
"Ugh. I can't stand blood."

Haikualogue 10

Twisted stalactites

"I love that echo."
"It's drippin' like our faucet."
"The dark is eerie."

Haikualogue 9

Phone call from the Desert

"Oweee, man, that hurts!"
"What? The heat or the cactus?"
"I'm stranded here, fool!"

Haikualogue 8

Tears from Heaven

"It's really pounding!"
"Mommy, what did I do now?"
"Why?" "Cuz' God's crying."

Haikualogue 7

The Sun through the slits of Bamboo

"I can feel her heat."
"Oh how she brightens my day!"
"She is gorgeous. No?"

Haikualogue 6

Slice of Americana in Summer

"Sky's gon' be blazin'."
"Look at them pretty dresses."
"Dogs are on the grill!"

Haikualogue 5

Girl in Twilight with a Golden Cage

"Birds! Daddy, look! Birds!"
"Punkin, they's jus' headin' South."
"I want one, Daddy."

Haikualogue 4

Little Girls at Midnight

"Look at all those lights."
"They're reflecting like diamonds."
"Don't stir the water."

Haikualogue 3

Swallowed by Green

"Where did your wall go?!"
"That ivy won't stop climbing."
"It wants to go home."

Haikualogue 2

Of Wind Chimes and Porch Swings at Sunset

"Look at those colors!"
"I's jus' gon' catch a firefly.""
"They best not come yet."

Haikualogue 1

You will have to forgive me for not posting here for about a month. Well, you don't have to forgive me, but I do humbly request your forgiveness. I just moved and with the stress of getting settled into the new place and the new neighborhood certain things, such as this blog, went by the wayside. But I am back and I hope to return to the routine of posting everyday. I thought I would try something different. It is a Haiku, a three line verse usually reflecting on nature in which the first and third lines are five syllabals and the second line is seven. But the twist here is that each line is a complete peice of dialogue, and thus you could call this Hint Fiction as well as, or instead of, poetry.

Love it, hate it, don't care? Let me know. Here it is:

Peeping over the Fence

"You seen her garden?"
"Oh my, well it is lovely."
"Seven shades of pink!"

25.25 May 26, 2010

Fireflies Dancing in the Dark

The massive dragons left a swath of destruction in their wake. They burned entire cities. But spared the forests, as if to renew the earth.

25.25 May 25, 2010

In the Palace beyond the Hills

The Princess burst into the room,, slamming the door, feet stomping. She deamanded to see her unicorn, but he was dead... and so was she.

25.25 May 24, 2010

Dread the Running of the Bulls

Sarah thought she'd lounge by the pool for a while. She didn't realize how tired she was until she awoke looking like a matador's cape!

Silly Limerick Sunday 10

Delicious and Dangerous

he slipped on an apple and fell
the concrete did make his face swell
he got to his feet
not dropping a beat
said, "This apple will surely taste swell!"

25.25 May 22, 2010

Little Johnny Storm at a Beach

When I fall, Daddy picks me up. Mommy weeps over how hurt and dirty and bruised I am. Will you mean people stop tripping me?

25.25 May 21, 2010

Quite a Hairy Situation Today

Hank loved his beard. It was his hallmark, his signature, his most prized possession. But it had to go. Now she'll never know it's him.

25.25 May 20, 2010

Bear eating Cheese from Italy

Oh, how I do love a stinky cheese. And, it would seem, so does my teddy bear when he comes to life. Very quite bizarre.

25.25 May 19, 2010

Is it my fate to be a tasty snack?!

Near the end of my long hike, a giant grizzly lumbered toward me. He only wanted an audience. Surprisingly, he was a terrific tap dancer.

25.25 May 18, 2010

The Princess that tamed a Swan

Ye be wonderin' why a swan of all beasts would need to be tamed? Well, ya ain't seen one of the monstrous man eating ones.

25.25 May 17, 2010

Frank, Lee, I do not care, frankly.

Francis and Leonor, the two young passengers left on my bus were making quite a commotion. I threatened to let them off in the ghetto.

Silly Limerick Sunday #9

Reward demanded for Mission Completed

the hairs on my head they did rise
toward uppermost reach of the skies
the man I beheld
no morals upheld
he killed all the ones I despise

25.25 May 15, 2010

Dive right into the murky Pool

He was told his cousin lived out here. Road was gravel, no signs and only room for one car. What a place to be dying.

25.25 May 8, 2010

Poker Game in a Western Saloon

As I turned to leave, the young fool kicked me upside the head. A regrettable mistake indeed. My knife is now stained with his blood.

25.25 May 7, 2010

Our Polished Silver Gleaming

All the preparations were in order for the most elegant and decadent banquet in all the land. Too bad I forgot to send the invitations.

25.25 May 6, 2010

I ain't no Little Miss Muffet, yo!

The spider swung down and tapped me with its hairy leg.
"Hey man, you gonna eat that?"
Naturally, I offered it some tea and scones.

25.25 May 5, 2010

Now that's one spicy taco, amigo!

He told me it was mild salsa, so I slathered it on like butter on bread. I didn't realize that he failed Spanish in highschool.

25.25 May 4, 2010

Crimson Stars Dance By My Head

It was my first time flying solo in outer space. I was so excited. Maybe I was too excited. I forgot to scan for pirates.

25.25 May 3, 2010

Bob took aim and then he shot me!

So there's I was, just a walkin' down the sidewalk 'tween Fourth and Maple, when dude pulls up alongside me and... bam! ...snaps my picture.

Silly Limerick Sunday #8

Maybe I should close my mouth and stop staring...

I happened to enter a clearing
where stood with a smile so endearing
a lady so fair
with crown on her hair
of roses and violets so cheering

Haiku of the Month #2

Madonna in May

clear crystalline glass
heart singing with light and warmth
hymns to the blue queen

25.25 Apr. 30, 2010

"Throw me a rope, you bloody fool!"

He turned the corner slowly, his hands in his pockets. He looked so chill. He must not have seen me hanging on for my life.

25.25 Apr. 28, 2010

The Hazards of a Hot Summer Day

Julie sauntered down the lane, her bare feet slapping against the cold stone. Distracted by her iPod, she didn't see the glass bottle looming ahead.

25.25 Apr. 26, 2010

My apologies for the brief hiatus. Resuming the daily musings of my strange mind... now:

I go forth in Battle for my King!

We retreated to the golden city, behind the great walls and turrets. I thought we were giving up, but after resting and regrouping, we attacked!

25.25 Apr. 23, 2010

What a bizarre day at the ocean!

Once upon a sour lime in a mixed drink by the sea, a mermaid sauntered up and drank with gusto right in front of me.

25.25 Apr. 22, 2010

Crime ruins the Neighborhood

Jordan whistled as he surveyed the desolate streets. He hadn't been here in fifty years and he knew things wouldn't be the same, but... wow!

25.25 Apr. 21, 2010

Grinning in the Face of Danger

As the giant snake wrapped around his broad shoulders, she wondered whether she was mesmerized by its eyes or his. Either way, she was hooked.

25.25 for Apr. 20, 2010

Today's Soup Needs a Bit of Salt

Sighing, he slipped into the foamy water. Charles was alone in the biggest hot tub he'd ever seen. Unnoticed, the hungry shark advanced on him.

25.25 Apr. 19, 2010

Just Another Walk in the Shade

Jerry strolled down the cobblestone lane with his best friend of thirty years. He whistled and Tom chatted endlessly. Suddenly, shockingly, Tom pulled a gun.

Silly Limerick Sunday #7

You just made it angrier!

So spent we did stop for a rest.
Our mettle was put to the test.
A bear on the trail!
Our faces so pale...
Then John put a dart in its chest!

25.25 for Apr. 17, 2010

Go jump, headlong, into the fray!

The girls screamed. The suddenness caused me to tumble out of my seat... just in time to see a glass bottle whiz past my head.

25.25 Apr. 16, 2010

Toy Soldiers in the Stormy Sky

I flew higher into the atmosphere than ever before. I don't know what great spirit i angered, but I soon wished I had stayed home.

25.25 for Apr. 15, 2010

Four Guys sit on a Wooden Fence

His face turned tomato red and he swung his fists wildly. It only took one little finger on his shoulder to put him off balance.

25.25 Apr. 14, 2010

My Backyard of Rustling Trees

I swear I heard one whispering to another. they're out to kill me in my sleep, or at least cause me a branchload of trouble.

25.25 Apr. 13, 2010

When the sidewalk ends, keep on!

Jill became lost, following a butterfly several blocks. She was frightened until she saw a clearing... and her big brother making out with Ms. Witherspoon!

25.25 Apr. 12, 2010

Giant Sunflowers Stampeding

As he ran faster, all the vegetation suddenly sprang to life. his head swam and he swallowed. He wished he hadn't torched his neighbor's garden.

Silly Limerick Sunday #6

Fragile. Very Fragile. Do not touch.

a shop full of crystal and glass
was enjoyed by Miss Annabell's class
till Johnny yelled "Tag!"
I broke the rare hag
and we all got thrown out on our ass!

25.25 for Apr. 10, 2010

Just like her Mom's favorite quilt

The balloon rose slowly, higher and higher. Up and up. The little girl giggled with excitement. Then she gasped. How would she get back down?

25.25 Apr. 9, 2010

He's Actually a Prisoner of War!

That dangerous fellow, deep in the Milky Way, guarded by that hot tempered warden, is about to get parole. Beware the Man in the Moon!

25.25 Apr. 8, 2010

Wistful Memories for Popcorn

The Old Salt scrubbed the deck and listened to parodies of hit songs. The cows were on board for a tax break.
"Damn, stinky neighbors!"

25.25 Apr. 7, 2010

Shredded Mast on the High Seas

The Captain surveyed the horizon. He had to make for one of the small islands. But each had a reputation, and each would be dangerous.

25.25 apr. 6, 2010

Please Consult Owner's Manual

He revved the engine with reckless abandon, giving little thought to any harmful effect on the environment. Someone should have told him about alternative energy.

25.25 Apr. 5, 2010

Peanuts, Dogs, and too much Beer

He stepped up to the plate, laughing at the pitcher. He knocked the dirt off his cleats. Then he was quickly escorted off the field.

Silly Limerick Sunday #5

Well, this one isn t that silly, but it is a Limerick. here you go:

Why do bunnies hide eggs?

The rocks they did rumble and quake
Each bird did of sudden awake
Like a babe from a womb
He arose from the tomb
To cleanse us with grace from His Lake

25.25 Apr. 3, 2010

Little boy in Pin Striped Suit

Bells thundered as loud as airplanes. The birds stopped singing. No one spoke a word. A black fog descended. He would never see grandma again.

25.25 Apr. 2, 2010

Stupid Knight seeks Treasure

Bruised, bleeding, and short of breath, he ascended to the top of that great mountain only to discover that he could have taken the elevator.

Haiku of the Month

Alabaster of April

Bright shining flowers
Rising up across the earth
Tasty bulbs of health

Haiku of the Month

Here is the first in a new series, a Haiku to kick off the beginning of the month:

Alabaster of April

Bright shining flowers
Rising up across the earth
Tasty bulbs of health

In other news, I will be attempting to write 100 pages of script for the stage or screen this month as part of the worldwide effort known as Script Frenzy. I will post progress updates here.

25.25 Mar. 31, 2010

Laughin' brook done spit me out!

Strong wind come up and splat I'm in the drink. Soon as I spy that gator, I come flyin' back up quick as I fell.

25.25 Mar. 30, 2010

Earth to Sky a Tune now Singing

A man flattened like a pancake by a steam locomotive, then hurtled into a beautiful glade with fountains and birds,, might feel as I do.

25.25 Mar. 29, 2010

Gleaming Jewels Brighten Mud

Her Majesty scowled. She needed no words to express herself. I went straight away to the barracks and issued her orders. Tonight will be bloody.

Silly Limerick Sunday #4

Suddenly Rolling in Dough

We ate all the shrimp and sardines
The pizza and chili with beans
We feasted all week
By Red Water Creek
Then blew all the rest on new jeans

25.25 Mar. 27, 2010

For Saturday:

Snowballs zoom down the Trail
My mouth was parched by thirst and my feet were sore and aching, but when they jumped out from the trees, I took off running.

25.25 Mar. 26, 2010

A Wandering Gypsy in Twilight

Coming upon the old troll, I remembered what my mother told me. I smiled from my heart, whispered a prayer, and began playing my flute.

25.25 Mar. 25, 2010

I ought to set down the Whiskey!

Three elephants sauntered into the tavern. I asked everyone what was so funny. Then the bartender pulled out his gun. It was a water pistol.

25.25 Mar. 24, 2010:

Remember to send your 25 words story with 25 letter title to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com
The spark word for this week is royalty . Send them to me by this Sunday. And here is my story for today:

These Peasants, My Worker Ants

They toiled in the hot sun for hours, resulting in only one loaf of bread. But it was the biggest, sweetest loaf I've ever tasted.

25.25 Mar. 23, 2010

Staring down a barrel of death

A troop of hunters in a mirky wood have spied a giant deer. It spied them too. The meat will go well with orange juice.

25.25 Mar. 22, 2010

Sweat builds up in the noon sun

They carried the large stones high over their heads. Grunting and wailing, they marched toward the center of the village. Bells rang out a warning.

Silly Limerick Sunday 4

Colorful Cataclysm

Volcanoes and earthquakes are thrumming
With folks in the village still humming
They dance in the square
Of doom unaware
The end of their world is coming!

25.25 contest winner #3!

Here is this week s winner of the guest submission contest. The word this week was insects and next week the spark word will be royalty . Submit your own to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com and this could be you! And as a side note, the winning entry was chosen by a nuetral third party who had no knowledge of who the authors were.

And here is the winner:

Of Labyrinths and Crazy Mazes

By Margaret Mary Myers of Baltimore, MD
http://margmary.blogspot.com

Jerry frantically wiped the spider webs from his face and shuddered. Clinging to
hope, he pushed through.
There she was!...bruised and bleeding, yet alive!

25.25 Mar. 20, 2010

They couldn t find me anywhere!

Balloons shot skyward, fireworks whizzed overhead, and confetti coalesced all around. The King had arrived. All I knew was that I had to find him.

25.25 Mar. 19, 2010

Butterfly, come back to my hand…

He never expected to see her again. Yet she stood laughing in the rain. He felt like a sailor sighting land after a long voyage.

Dudes,
Don t forget to submit your own 25 word, with 25 letter title, stories for this week s contest. The spark word is insects . Send them to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com by tomorrow night!

25.25 Mar. 18, 2010

The Glory of Dragons Clashing

The battle was over. At last he could stretch his legs. But no smile lit his scarred face. The screaming children bled like rotten tomatoes.

25.25 Mar. 17, 2010

the Temple of Forgotten Glory

The young man ascended the top step only to realize his grave mistake. He forgot to remove his sandals. The gods would not be pleased.

25.25 Mar. 16, 2010

Pines uprooted from the Woods

Sparks flew and metal clanged. The bearded man stopped working when his whistling was drowned out by ethereal music. The trees will take their revenge.

25.25 Mar. 16, 2010

Pines uprooted from the Woods

Sparks flew and metal clanged. The bearded man stopped working when his whistling was drowned out by ethereal music. The trees will take their revenge.

25.25 Mar. 15, 2010

Frigid Waves Engulf Our Masts

Two Captains face off in deadly combat. Swords clash and cannons fire. This time, it is the First Mate who goes down with the ship.

25.25 Contest Winner #2!

Drumroll please...

This week s winner of the 25 word short story with 25 letter title contest is...

Mary Myers of Atlanta, Georgia!

The spark word for next week is Insects . Send your submissions to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com

And here is the winning entry:

Strawberries stain white rum

By Mary Myers

White glove sees strawberries in the protest of many urchins. Smash, smear it is lost for years but not with understanding. Bananas would be better.

Silly Limerick Sunday #3

Properly Dispose of the Ashes

A card house assembled by blokes
Whose taste was for fine import smokes
Got seared by a flame
Which ended their game
And made them the butt of our jokes

25.25 Mar. 13, 2010

Rain on the Old Pond by the Mill

Three ducks waddled into the water and glided forward. When the gunshots went off, their friend in the reeds snickered. Finally, the time had come.

Folks,
I haven t recieved enough submissions for the contest this week, so if I don t get any more today, I will postpone running a guest story until next Sunday. If you still want to submit your own 25 word short story with a 25 letter title, send it to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com and remember the spark word is fruit .

25.25 Mar. 12, 2010

Steam Engine jumping the Rail!

He didn't bother with plate and napkin. He simply dashed to the buffet as if he hadn't eaten in three days. Naturally, we all scattered.

25.25 Mar. 11, 2010

Dying in an afternoon drizzle

He kicked off his flip-flops, scooped them up, and meandered off the sidewalk. The mud between his toes reminded him of childhood… and that hurt.

25.25 Mar. 10, 2010

A Million Airplanes in the Sky

The injured bird emitted a soft tweet and stumbled upright. He stretched his wings, grimacing through the pain. Then he set his jaw, and flew.

25.25 Mar. 9, 2010

My Kite is a Victim of Mischief

"Don't care what Mom said, or how hard it's raining, he's gonna pay!"
Then he ran outside with a nerfgun and a plate of spaghetti.

25.25 Mar. 8, 2010

Drifting over Irish rooftops

She smiled as she let the flower slip from her thin fingers and blow away. She felt her heart rise with it and become free.

Silly Limmerick Sunday #2

Magic Ravenous Appetite

Oh castle with turrets and moat
Such stories, the minstrels, they wrote
The dragons you lanced
While Princesses danced
Till all was consumed by the goat

Spark word for next week

For all who wish to submit for the contest this week(see post below for last week's winner and what the contest is all about) the spark word for this time is:

fruit

Good luck!

25.25 contest winner!

Congratulations to our first winner in the 25 letter title, 25 word story competition, Michele Crocco, a local Northern Kentucky photographer and Graphic Designer! Check out her work at the CrowCo Designs website:
http://web.me.com/crowco/Site/Welcome.html

And here is her story, and remember the spark word was "rust":

Salty Reaction to the Element

Preserve the woman, as the material is fresh.
Don't drink the salt water.
The creases may color to orange
Then fade and disintegrate upon exposure.

Folks,
Be sure to send your own 25.25 stories to me throughout the week and next Sunday it could be you! Send all submissions to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com

Last chance!

Hey dudes,
Just wanted to warn you that on Sunday I will be choosing the best submission and posting it, so if you want to appear on my blog, you are running out of time to send in your story. See the post from Wednesday for the rules.

Thanks and good luck!

25.25 Mar. 6, 2010

This beat and rhythm so unique

He stared, admiring her lopsided smile and her flying hair as she danced to nothing at all. He took a breath. Time to man up.

25.25 Mar. 5, 2010

Parched by Desert of Iniquity

His dry eyeballs scan the horizon, each grain of sand the same, each scorching, bright, and barren. Longing for vultures, bandits, or even a mirage.

25.25 Mar. 4, 2010

Blackbirds in Chocolate Cake

"Those pompous buffoons devoured every morsel of dessert as if it would vanish."
"Don't fret, my good man. The poison will kick in soon enough."

Contest Announcement

Hey folks,

I am starting a new little contest here at the Muse. I invite all of you to try your hand at writing a 25.25 Story like mine.

Rules

Write a short story of exactly 25 words and having a title of exactly 25 letters, not including spaces and punctuation.

Send your story to: sgapaulmyers@yahoo.com

Be sure to include your name as you would like it to appear and any links to your own websites that you would like to share.

Every Sunday I will post the best one. Good luck!

And this week your spark word to inspire you is: rust

25.25 Mar. 3, 2010

Peering out the corner window

He stood in the rain, his thin body shivering, his mind elsewhere. Beyond tattered clothing and upside down umbrella. Watching memories dance on the wind.

25.25 Mar. 2, 2010

I think I chose a wrong Florist...

Purple violets swaying, emitting poisen fumes. Scarlet roses hissing, thorns that slice through flesh. This garden is my funhous, and now your death and doom.

25.25 Mar. 1, 2010

I fight for honor and for Japan!

His arms were crossed swords, his legs, wild horses. Calmly, I stood, an ocean, ready to redirect his fury into a thunderstorm and sink him.

Silly Limmerick Sunday #1

A break from the usual:

The spirit of Old Jack

come hither to see this queer sight
no need sir to shiver with fright
the ghost in the corner
tis little jack horner
his plum was too large for one bite

Silly Limmerick Sunday #1

A break from the usual:

The spirit of Old Jack

come hither to see this queer sight
no need sir to shiver with fright
the ghost in the corner
tis little jack horner
his plum was too large for one bite

25.25 feb. 27, 2010

Staring down a Dragon's Throat

The hilt of his sword shattered. The giant brutes towered over him. Shaking, he stood. For this nation, he fights. For this people, he dies.

Another one...

Melting like a River of Butter

To emerge from his cacoon of blankets as a butterfly or to rot and become ashes, he didn't care. If only this day would end.

25.25 more fun this time

Chaos at her majesty's banquet

Twas a smashing party and all of us were well and truly shnookered. That's when the old bloke from Surry started dancing on the tables.

25.25 again

Dodging bullets in the street

The tires sreeched like a hawk tearing through the sky. The headlights flared like lighter fluid poured on a fire. As for me, i ran.

25 letter title. 25 word story.

Squeeze this world in a juicer

Clutching the pistol in his deformed right hand, staring angrily into her cold blue eyes, he let it slip from his fingers over the railing.

Tell me what you think...

Here's something I wrote the other day.  Tell me what your interpretation is of it:    Tears of Angels Crying   A single wave tossed in a stormy sea Wails goodbye to the sun as it dies on the foam The brilliance receding in tendrils of red   As waters rise up in a dreadful plea The wind strikes a fury to shatter the dome Screaming in darkness like songs for the dead   Yet seagulls alas squawk a new decree Like a traveler at last finding sight of his home The light has returned from which all will be fed   ____________________________ Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum, Paul A. Myers

If you like kitty cats...

Your furry master   Play with yarn… Maybe eat it… Perhaps just get bored…   A mighty warrior I! Always prowling. Fighting insects. Playing with them. Lulled into my trap… Dead bugs are great toys!   Good tasting too!   If hungry or bored… How I love to eat! If you have something yummy… Cream or shrimp or tuna! Oh what delight. Just don't feed me garbage… I'll turn up my whiskers!   Scratch me! Pet me! Hold me! Till I get too bored…   I can snarl and hiss So don't step on my tail! Don't ignore my demands Or heaven forbid Don't bring round a dog!   Sometimes you may hate me! But I melt your heart. When I nuzzle your leg… When I purr in your lap… Looking so innocent…?  Curled up with your hat.

New Year's revolutionc

Revolution versus Resolution    Every year we make resolutions.    "This is the year that I will…"   "I'm finally going to kick my habit of…"   "I know I didn't do it last year, but this year will be different."   We always make these resolutions, but seldom do we keep them for the whole year or even for more than a few days.  Today is the fifth day of the New Year and I bet there are people who have already failed to live up to their resolutions.  In fact, in our culture the idea of a New Year's resolution has become synonymous with failure.  So I propose a new idea.  I propose that we adopt instead New Year's revolutions.   What is a New Year's revolution?  And how is it different from a resolution?   The difference is that in a New Year's resolution we are making external goals but we lack the internal change to accomplish them.  A New Year's revolution is an inside out approach to changing your life.  For example, many people make it their goal to lose weight.  They go on a diet and soon it becomes too much and they go off the diet.  Instead I would propose that you form a new lifestyle, one you can adopt permanently for the rest of your life.  Incorporate exercise into your daily or weekly routines.  Start changing your eating habits a little at a time.  Cut down on portion sizes.  Celebrate when you are able to say no to something bad for you like soda, and when you add new, healthy things to your plate like vegetables.  But we are still talking in externals.  What is the internal problem at the root of your resolution.  You are unhappy with your weight but you are not willing to change your lifestyle.  This is an instance of cognitive dissonance.  For whatever reason, you are eating foods that lead you to have a higher weight than you desire.  For whatever the reason, you are not exercising enough to be in the shape you desire.  Your current way of life results in an outcome you don't like.  If you want to be happy with yourself, you have two choices.  You must either accept your weight as it is or change your lifestyle in a way that will alter that weight.  For me personally I value health very highly so I don't see the former as an option.  But either way, it takes an internal change.  If you cannot bring yourself to change your eating and exercising habits, then you must look within yourself and learn to accept your body as it is.  If you are not willing to accept your body as it is, then you must find within yourself the discipline, the strength to exercise when you don't feel like it, to say no to that second helping of mashed potatoes.  You cannot just resolve to do something.  You must thoroughly examine yourself and revolt against your own ways of thinking and acting that are at the root of your goal.  The biggest enemy is you, and unless you are willing to do battle with the demons within you will never accomplish the goals that you have failed at so many times in the past.   So this year, my friends, when someone asks you about your New Year's resolutions, tell them that they are not resolutions but revolutions.  Tell them that this year you are not just setting goals, but changing your life, altering your thought processes, and looking at the world with a fresh perspective.  ____________________________ Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum, Paul A. Myers

Wistful Obituary

Here's a new little poem for you:   Wistful Obituary   oh there in that bright misty glade lo yonder where little tikes play we'd splash in the creek near 'bout every week the crickets would squeak as we swayed ____________________________   Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum, Paul A. Myers

Rapscallions in the Wind

One of my New Year's revolutions, and I will soon explain the difference between a resolution and a revolution, is to update this blog more.  So here goes:   Rapscallions in the Wind:   ever higher climb sturdy tree and climbing vine to conquer heav en