tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33922413033637302072024-03-13T03:41:17.766-07:00Judith Cullen - StoriesBring Joy ~ Create Beauty ~ Connect PeopleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-64828517133785339722021-06-07T19:50:00.005-07:002021-06-07T20:08:35.991-07:00BY REQUEST: "The We Who is Me" or "How Trolls are Made"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfAXm8KEQE9G54ZksNJsHltAK9eezRGBCbhGbIlGBxojMPlYk3mXA4kp1y0yNOtKqrLlYIyKwfzbZksMWebIrktZquWLkJkCPsA2rK-7YO9lxBXbeYg5qHiq89CUWt0uZIYtQzVJsgNg/s1200/This+is+Cale_002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1200" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfAXm8KEQE9G54ZksNJsHltAK9eezRGBCbhGbIlGBxojMPlYk3mXA4kp1y0yNOtKqrLlYIyKwfzbZksMWebIrktZquWLkJkCPsA2rK-7YO9lxBXbeYg5qHiq89CUWt0uZIYtQzVJsgNg/w400-h230/This+is+Cale_002.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">© Judith Cullen 2021</span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is my avatar - Caledonia. This is also me. Some people don't get that concept. My late Mother insisted in referring to Caledonia as if she were something other than me, and it surprised me how much that bothered me. I could not help her to understand. Not everyone who uses an avatar (for whatever purpose) has the same connection that I do. Many of them do. Why would that be?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a difficult concept to express. People who know me only in the physical world struggle to understand it - to grasp that the connection is something beyond fantasy. People who met me initially in the virtual world, and then meet my physical self often comment that they see a resemblance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's break it down: Cale is six feet tall and on the athletic side of "willowy." The athletic and the height were deliberate choices on my part because they are things I never have, and probably never will be physically. She has long, raven hair. I was a brunette once, and my actual hair is so thick that I don't dare wear it long lest I be strangled by it some moonless night. I'm short, round, salt-and-pepper graying, and I walk with a cane. That's the differences. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I may not be everything that Cale is on the surface, but she is almost everything I am otherwise. I don't pretend to be someone else. She is the virtual manifestation of almost everything I am, and a very few things I would wish. There is very little differentiation between us: I am she, and she is me - except that she could reach the top shelf in my kitchen without the aid of a long-handled wooden spoon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">What's more, Cale is who I might have been had I not been introduced and listened to so many damaging scripts in my early years, sometimes from people I loved. Messages that left marks I still struggle with: I was told I was overweight long before I actually was, I got all the same warped cultural signals about beauty that every woman of my era was raised with. Was I told I was smart, talented, clever as often as I was told, "If only you were . . . ."? Nope!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are still some days when I catch myself in the mirror and see a troll. I have to stop and remind myself that what I am seeing is not who I am. I am seeing a reflection that was crafted for me from my earliest childhood memory. Cale is the "If only..." I might have grown up to be if I'd had control of my self-image, if only I had not had to endure "If only..." so many times. Cale is, in some ways, more me than I am - she's me if I'd had more choices.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those things that are the important things: who I am inside, how I feel about people, how I treat them, my talents, my skills, my mistakes, my victories, my accomplishments, the inevitably painful lessons - those are the things that connect the two of us. They are our common ground.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So the troll still shows up, looming above the bathroom sink. But she's balanced in the blackened mirror by the expression of me I created based on my self-awareness, and decades of self-knowledge and experience. When I question the validity of this connection, I look at all the things the we-who-is-me have accomplished: skills, creative endeavors, enriching relationships. They have all contributed positive things to my life - the realities blending together into my whole.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was brought on by reading a friend's facebook post, where they were told outright that they were ugly. (By the way, no he is not!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"... If you say, “You’re ugly” to an ugly person — no credit</span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">for honesty, which must always be a discovery, an act</span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">that qualifies as an achievement. If you persist</span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">you’re just a cruel bastard, a pig without a mirror,</span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">somebody who hasn’t examined himself enough..."</span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ~ Stephen Dunn's "Propositions"</span></i></div></i><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So yeah, I still struggle. I admit to still being afraid each time I meet a virtual friend for the first time in the physical world - afraid of the disappointment. But in reality, it doesn't matter. We all have mirrors, and many of us were raised with the same skewed cultural messaging. Cale and I, we know who we are. The people who cannot see any farther than the differences? They missed that Cale is the outward reflection of who I am inside - the billboard advertisement of inward grace. They only prove how insidious that cultural programming is: they became trolls, and they don't even realize it.</span></p><p></p></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">##</div></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-82984799094291302622021-04-30T23:59:00.007-07:002021-05-01T07:13:15.969-07:00*NEW POEM* Looking Forward & Asking Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0ocJGc_mRdVODKomK3V2PAF9vsGG2bCMxiou-FjOxrIDopxhX3z6VvrdxgRbyNRHJOjX020nqjP9cXsi2r1f4EeNWxUi-RbJa3o0S-IFEMkHPTOvtTfne8GH6XXbFvdgPdZes1SCinY/s1024/social-distancing-cookies-angular.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="1024" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0ocJGc_mRdVODKomK3V2PAF9vsGG2bCMxiou-FjOxrIDopxhX3z6VvrdxgRbyNRHJOjX020nqjP9cXsi2r1f4EeNWxUi-RbJa3o0S-IFEMkHPTOvtTfne8GH6XXbFvdgPdZes1SCinY/w495-h127/social-distancing-cookies-angular.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seventy-Two Inches</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">by Judith Cullen</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">© 2021</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Smiling is useless,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">a flex beneath </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">filtering layers</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">expressing nothing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Trying the eyes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">results in odd</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">bulging twitches</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">like transitory gas.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">One hundred and</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">eighty two centimetres,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">seventy two inches</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">of cavernous void.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Our beings long for </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">rituals of comfort in</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">a frightening world,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">stretching out.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> <span></span></o:p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">New effort replaces</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">old attempting;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">must work at it,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">have to mean it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A compliment, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">a serendipitous flower;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">the reaching that</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">bridges the gap.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Learning to extend</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">the soul beyond</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">a sway of breath.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Words count:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thank you</i>,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lovely smile</i>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Silence a missed </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">opportunity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">What will we </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">retain in after-times;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">when protective</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">layers peel away</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and distances dwindle?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">There should be</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">greater endurance,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">expanded soul range, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">from reaching,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">from continual effort.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Seventy two inches</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">should make us</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">stronger in kindness,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">diligent at connection.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Will these newly flexed</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">muscles remember?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">##</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Social Distancing Cookies Angular” by Tinus Badenhurst CC0
Public Domain image from <a href="https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/">https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/</a></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-8297762753132092102021-02-11T08:41:00.003-08:002021-02-11T08:41:33.137-08:00AT LAST! A New Poem<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VeYW6QIACPxmOxGD2QE_YvirHSxSl_UQ44PNYxYaKf4Qdv7S8pFU4Me8ca0pu6EfytaOcOH3-A7NhUgxZHDYs5U-BnjQcyKCH6cSevwKbC9zuEtmtUBP9gSfY4Kc_GjG6Tw5U2EyRvQ/s1024/181622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="1024" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VeYW6QIACPxmOxGD2QE_YvirHSxSl_UQ44PNYxYaKf4Qdv7S8pFU4Me8ca0pu6EfytaOcOH3-A7NhUgxZHDYs5U-BnjQcyKCH6cSevwKbC9zuEtmtUBP9gSfY4Kc_GjG6Tw5U2EyRvQ/w400-h144/181622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's been a long dry writing spell ... it's been 2020! A year reviled, but only distinct in that is seems to have been like poetry - everything distilled into one highly charged season of the unbelievable. <p></p><p>In the middle of this, my Mom passed. She was 89, and my life with her for the past 7 years had involved a daily consciousness of twilight, and acknowledging the third lurking member of our household - death. I realized my writing had, in so many ways, become about death, and the yearning to let go and move on. </p><p>When the time came, I didn't want to write at all. I wrote a story about the incredible moment of Mom's passing, and one other story, and that was it. I did not want to write about death anymore, or about moving on. I just wanted to do it. Ten months later, it's still not that easy. But my pen is ready, and words have been flowing through me. It's time.</p><p>The first poem out of the chute has many imperfections, but it is notable for being the first one out after so long a period. I can't help but treasure it just for that. ~ jdc</p><p>***</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"What is it?" </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">by Judith Cullen © 2021</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Whatever it is,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">wakes you at 3am,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">the shape-note-word </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">that taps, taps, taps</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">on a conscious mind</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">struggling, blurred.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It is still there</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">merging into traffic, </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">the hue-key-phrase </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">a looming presence</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">on the shoulder of</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">the morning blaze.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It perches on the rim of</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">your second cup of coffee</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">a texture-rhythm-meter,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">unwilling to leave</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">till it's a fully realized,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">blossoming feature.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> <span></span></o:p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">II</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Some call it compulsion.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The cracked, an obsession.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">That is not where it starts,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">when your palm tingles</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">fingertips eager to mold</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">brushes beckoning</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">measured steps waiting</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">arpeggios and scales</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">climax and dénouement</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">bits, bobs, parts, pieces</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">mixed with words, a-whirl</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">stories hungry to be told and</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">paths pulsing with discovery.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">III</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It has to be love,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">empowering that</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">certain color and motion</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">to be foaming ocean,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">cloudless sky, or</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">something only implied.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It can only be love,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">that adds this pitch</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">to that, to this rise,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and an aria flies</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">on once blanched pages</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and a few lines. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It begins with love</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">wading through word,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and thought, and tome</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">to stitch together the</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">delicate, powerful</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">essence of a poem.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Craft, method, skill . . .</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Vision, technique, will . . .</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">interpretation and experience </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">all queue and form, yet</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">it still requires love</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">for a creative spark to be born.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-7152244913474025822020-05-15T03:13:00.003-07:002020-05-15T17:17:39.973-07:00DREAMING DIFFERENT: A Short Story<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYIscJqVgqv5YRyWyWftgyBSLaEaD_doGE74MilE1-bIaRvyl5xU7yLf4D4R0RbOEYYKlT4Ch36ofKmEpLTiXhRKYnNmX7a2YBAU3FaeG5Afg1UG53uYZgSqMDdZFbIW844ZtPNZi2qw/s1600/FFR+Products_016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="1024" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYIscJqVgqv5YRyWyWftgyBSLaEaD_doGE74MilE1-bIaRvyl5xU7yLf4D4R0RbOEYYKlT4Ch36ofKmEpLTiXhRKYnNmX7a2YBAU3FaeG5Afg1UG53uYZgSqMDdZFbIW844ZtPNZi2qw/s400/FFR+Products_016.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Isle of Shadows - Fantasy Faire (SL) 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Dreaming Different</span></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2020 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A gentle creak as the door opens, finding a light that
should not be on, and a small head which should be asleep - her face turned up
in surprise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Mommy!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Hey there. What are you doing up, little one?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bed sighs with the added weight as two dark, curly heads
come together. Two pairs of brown eyes, so much alike, gaze at each other with
love and concern.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I had a dream"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Oh Honey, I'm so sorry."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A swift hug muffles the reply, "Not that kind of dream,
Mommy."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bedclothes rustle as they shift. A drawing pad with the
beginning of a childlike work of art is revealed, with two crayons worn
affectionately to roundness - one purple, one pink.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"This kind of dream."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"What is this?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It's where the bunnies are. That was my dream. I went
to Bunny Camp."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Bunny Camp? What happens there?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It's a special place. A story place," the small
voice says with the wise confidence of seven years. "Surely, everyone
knows about this," her tone seems to suggest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'd like to know more," her Mother assures her,
ready to receive the precious gift of her daughter's vision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The small head rests on the convenient shoulder, and she
explains ...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It all starts with a story. It has to, you know. You
start your own story when the lights go out, and if you are very lucky you find
your way to the camp. Not everyone can do it."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That must be part of what makes it special."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Uh-huh. 'Cause the path to Bunny Camp is made of
stories - lots and lots of them. And the
biggest bunnies, the ones who have been there for ever and ever, they guard all
the stories."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That sounds like a big job."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"They are big bunnies!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arms wrap for comfort, as the shifting cuddle makes soft
sounds in the night."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And they know everything about every story. You follow
the stories into their camp, and you are safe there, 'cause none of the stories
are scary. If any of 'um did become too scary, the bunnies are so big they
would chase those stories away."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"They sound fierce."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Just big. And pink.
A little purple, maybe. They are the gar ... garrr.."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Guardians?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yeah, that's it. They are guardians. They make a safe
place where you can meet the stories. There's all kinds of good stuff at Bunny Camp. There's comfy blankets, and cushy purple pillows, and soft grass, and
flowers, and kid-sized bunnies to be your friend. And there's marshmallows, and
cinnamon buns, and ice cream sammiches ..."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That doesn't sound like bunny food!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Silly! It's not
bunny food, it's story food!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Oh! Of course it is. My mistake."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And there's all kindsa flowers, and the trees sparkle.
It's the bestest place."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It sounds great - like a somewhere that you might want
go and stay. I would miss you."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Oh no, Mommy," she replies solemnly, "Only
the bunnies stay there all the time. See, they protect the stories, and the
stories protect you. They has a beginning, and a middle, and an end. They have
to. Because the end of the story means it's time to go home, and that you <i>can</i> go home, 'cause there's no more
story. See?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Wow. Bunny Camp sounds great. I want to go."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A gurgle of childish laughter. Grown-ups can be so clueless,
can't they?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"But Mommy, we just did."<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">##</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<i><b>(written for recent events, and for Fantasy Faire 2020)</b></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-70244495028143105002020-05-09T14:34:00.002-07:002021-04-28T08:56:26.540-07:00WHEN IT IS TIME: A Short Story<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyPxzAHX3aPpzUWb1Dzwa1H4yFqckDCeG7GXDiZg5ZIhztZQ1Nh3UoTWnZX9bR3mR_9KhV9YLs1Izi2lQqhWx7RWA22GpokuGkHeEr-R-22J0N4H06jyl6EWzajDVBevVCpddRUALXyQ/s1600/Snapshot_001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1024" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyPxzAHX3aPpzUWb1Dzwa1H4yFqckDCeG7GXDiZg5ZIhztZQ1Nh3UoTWnZX9bR3mR_9KhV9YLs1Izi2lQqhWx7RWA22GpokuGkHeEr-R-22J0N4H06jyl6EWzajDVBevVCpddRUALXyQ/s400/Snapshot_001.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NOTE: You can now hear me reading this story on <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/FantasyFaireRadioSL/tales-of-the-fairelands-2020-1-cassiopeia-when-its-time-by-caledonia-skytower/" target="_blank">MixCloud</a></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When It Is Time<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by <st1:place w:st="on">Caledonia</st1:place> Skytower</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In memory of Elizabeth
Cullen<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Time.
Time. I wanted more time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">She
cradled in my hands: fragile, imperfect, diminishing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Her
bubble of being had once encompassed a broad sphere. At some point she became
the object of my life, rather than its influence. In the fullness of time she
began to shrink, her focus narrowed, her view spare. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">As with
such certainties, it's easy to ascribe them to an undefined future: the
inevitable that will happen in some comfortably vague tomorrow. I held her as
delicately as I could, aware of the looming presence of that inevitability. It
was time, and I wanted more of it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">More
delicate spheres floated about, but this one remained gently resting in my hands,
shaking ever so slightly. Surfaces turned and swirled around us. I heard water
falling and felt something wet on my cheek. Beyond the edge it got sharp and
dark. Neither of us knew what was out there. We seemed to be alone on this
precipice together, clinging to one another in the hopes that time could
somehow continue as it had. We had cast that moment of change from
our minds for years and years. It would happen someday. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Finally,
someday had arrived. Someday was now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Then
everything ceased. Slowly she deflated until she was gone. Time stopped. Not
a crack of thunder, a cosmic scream, or even a pop. Like pushing on a wall
that suddenly disappeared - nothing more to lever against - I was in a void and
completely alone. It was so very quiet. Other spheres kept spinning,
water ebbed and flowed, wind moved the leaves. It was noiseless and
distant to me. I was numb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We had
gone so high, so long. I was without her for the first time in my life, and so
near the edge. Where did it lead? How was I supposed to go from here? Would
there ever be time again?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">My
questions became more personal. Had I loved her for who she was, and not who I
would have liked for her to be? Had I said everything that I meant to say - the
truths of forever that move beyond frustrations of now? Had she known all of that
- any of it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">I stood,
recognizing that I could not stay here in this silent, timeless moment forever.
I had no idea of how to continue. Everywhere I looked was an edge to a
nothingness. I was afraid. Perhaps it would be easier to stay caught in this
forever where nothing changed, nothing spoke: a perpetual intake of breath that
never exhaled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">But
that's not life. That's not living. That's not what <b><i>she </i></b>taught me
so long ago when she made silly jokes at the kitchen table; when she grabbed my
sleeve on a Sunday morning excited there was no line at the theme park ride;
when she said, "things can never be so bleak that you can't manage some
ice cream." I would have to face the precipice and whatever cataclysm waited
there. There were no preconceptions or expectations. This was all new
territory. Everything seemed to spin as I walked to the edge, and a faint click
sounded in the distance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">My toes
reached the edge, and I was greeted by a lazy purple turtle. It was something I
had not seen before. In fact the land was filling with details that I had been
blind to before: falling waters, flowers, lights, creatures of many kinds. And
there were words too - words of love, little things said over decades:
"please, thank you, love you, my daughter."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">The
turtle was a guide, a marker to a sparkling path away from the height. It had
not been an end but a pause with a whole universe of the possible waiting around
it for when the time was right to move on. As I stepped carefully down, I heard
the tinkling of moving water. Then the rush of a gusting breeze joined in, the
many sounds of life, and the ticking of clocks gently greeted my ears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">It all
unfolded for me: time always in motion, life in progress, the ever presence of "being." I
had stopped. Time had not. Now I faced a choice: remain lost to time, or
step back into life with all its known-unknowables, and certain-uncertainties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">I looked
down the path. It wasn't straight or even. It might not have even been solid. I
stepped forward anyway. I stepped back into time and began a new journey on an
unfamiliar path. Somewhere, somehow along the way I knew . . . there would be
ice cream.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">##</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(written for recent events, and for Fantasy Faire 2020)</span></b></i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-83670926536651959652020-05-08T07:37:00.004-07:002020-05-08T07:38:42.867-07:00SOMETHING FUN: A Rhyme!So in the midst of everything out pops this poem, inspired by a childhood rhyming game.A bit of fun and relief thanks to two fairy sprites on the region of <i><b><a href="https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/lunafae/" target="_blank">Lunafae</a></b></i> at <a href="https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Fantasy Faire SL</a> in support of Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Mg8Tou6zzW8pnpSpOyZ2bXtxhMyFhBB0ZhwHoJHp1RD8JSyLTxQu_eC5uhPA1IAju0U-zXjcCyEEOMn7MKzZWSr8awDpA6PL_A74GpB4q96R2p9uaUSxpLSObahgdYNAWQpYdXjJX-0/s1600/Fae+Mate_002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1024" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Mg8Tou6zzW8pnpSpOyZ2bXtxhMyFhBB0ZhwHoJHp1RD8JSyLTxQu_eC5uhPA1IAju0U-zXjcCyEEOMn7MKzZWSr8awDpA6PL_A74GpB4q96R2p9uaUSxpLSObahgdYNAWQpYdXjJX-0/s400/Fae+Mate_002.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fairy Vari-Ation</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
© 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I see you Fae-mate </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*clap, clap*</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Come flit and fly with me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The moon is bright and free</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It shines for all of we</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Splash down the rain wash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
around the pebbled shore</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
and we'll be fairy friends</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
for ever more </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*clap*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
more </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*clap, clap*</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
more, more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hello my Fae-mate </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*clap, clap*</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Time for a pixie spree</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let's fly around the tree</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In imp-ish revelry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Our laughter cascades</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As with our wings we soar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We shall be faire-lands friends</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
for ever more </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*clap*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
more </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*clap, clap*</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
more, more!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-85875381789829401742020-05-07T05:00:00.004-07:002021-04-27T09:31:00.297-07:00SEEKING COMPANY - A Short Story<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajkUzi-z_mZdfsH9Ly-VGdvJ4dawCFvviBWdpToeN97dB1xjO_f2WToBiODwWyBZv_AUZpzMAOd00bqBEjNq_VTkIy81SvP4_yNS7OZv4zF_nE6je-7-l5uFVa93kAh5QkfB5tvpPiSE/s1600/Fens+Cropped.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="986" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajkUzi-z_mZdfsH9Ly-VGdvJ4dawCFvviBWdpToeN97dB1xjO_f2WToBiODwWyBZv_AUZpzMAOd00bqBEjNq_VTkIy81SvP4_yNS7OZv4zF_nE6je-7-l5uFVa93kAh5QkfB5tvpPiSE/s400/Fens+Cropped.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NOTE: You can now hear me reading this story on <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/FantasyFaireRadioSL/tales-of-the-fairelands-2020-4-lamented-fens-seeking-company-by-caledonia-skytower/" target="_blank">MixCloud</a></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seeking Company</i></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Is this seat taken?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I dropped to the rough wooden planks without waiting for an
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew better than to believe
the voices that mutter in the gloom of 3 am; the wolves that lurk in the dark
beyond the edge of your bed, or under it, their panting breath summoning every
doubt and fear from the hidden depths inside you. Their province is the pitch
where "false" and "true" are hard to distinguish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I escaped outside to a land that was gloom itself, which
perfectly matched my mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I'd
left the wolves to gnaw and shred the blankets, while I sought what air and
light I could. There was precious little of that - a weak moon and a greenish
glowing of perpetual pre-dawn. A trio of skeletons sat at the end of a
forbidden pier, fishing lines ending empty above the brown muck of the water.
One was drinking. I could sympathize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They seemed like company, albeit undemanding company, frozen in the
timeless moments of their demise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn't expecting a reply. Imagine the surprise when one of
them spoke. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>"You're welcome, of course, but I wouldn't recommend
staying long," his empty sockets in a locked gaze beyond the end of his
fishing pole.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I don't know," I replied, "this seems an
ideal spot just now."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"We thought so too," said the one closest to the
sign that clearly read "No Fishing" despite its wear and age.
"But it turns out that wolves aren't the only things that lurk in the
dark."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How had he known about my lupine demons?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'd stay away from the edge, if I were you," he
added.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I peered into the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The murk made it hard to guess what lay beneath the surface: secrets
with teeth, pulsations of the horrific, the corpses of intentions. I shifted
back a few inches.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"This doesn't work either," said the third, his
mouth still wide open to the dust-dry bottle he held aloft, "after the
initial thrill, you discover that there are more devils looming in green glass
than are found in all of that brown water."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew drink was not the answer either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air held a tinge of the foul, but I
breathed slowly in and out anyhow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I don't know what to do. I feel so inadequate, scared,
and ready to burst into tears because I just don't ... "</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You are not alone!" interrupted the first skeleton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed taken aback by his own outburst,
though I am not sure how I perceived that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was more of a feeling, a sense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I apologize," he continued gently, "but you
see these houses around us, behind the shutters and curtains - out of sight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each one contains a living soul who sleeps
surrounded by their own doubts. Fear oozes out in the darkness and take on
forms that expands it beyond its actual importance. It manipulates the dark to
make you think that you are helpless, weak, a victim."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It lies!" exclaimed the skeleton with the bottle.
"Truth sleeps. Truth is smart. It knows that rest is necessary to thrive.
Lies never sleep. Lies are stupid and predictable. They never really change,
they just mutter the same things over and over, until they convince you that
what is false is actually true."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was some comfort in the thought that I wasn't alone -
that everyone wrestles with what is vulnerable and uncertain in their own
natures. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"What can I do?" I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Don't listen!" said the skeleton by the sign.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I laughed weakly, "Easier said than done."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Look, it's not easy. We did what was easy and look
what happened to us?" the first skeleton suggested, "We lost more
than our lives, we lost all possibilities and opportunity. Now we are stuck
here with the last really bad decision we ever made. Don't be like us. We are
not good company for you. You don't belong with us."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked at each of them, locked in a last moment, stuck here
on this dock in this looming land.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Just keep going," he continued, "move
forward, even when your steps are so small you can't measure them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your mind, your soul moving
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seek the light."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood, taking in what they had said and regarding them
thoughtfully.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Seek the light, and never forget about darkness, and
lies."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Do what you have to," the drinking one added,
"light a candle, light a match. Better still, be the light for someone
else in their darkness. Always keep moving."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You are never alone, not ever," they concluded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned, taking a single step away from where I'd sat. On
the very edges of the foggy horizon, an ever so slight gleaming heralded the
return of the light, and the re-emergence of the well-rested truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
##</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>(written for Fantasy Faire 2020)</b></i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-36099091578386066762020-02-28T08:11:00.000-08:002020-02-28T08:11:14.688-08:00*NEW POEM* - The Nature of Change<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ahTa9deWXnFwYMpkwu6fx09zdeDUF47piyYf2Y-xPkdbkGjWDb_FRj94oykgFOv41cdecxce_EPwpbbETYP0hyphenhyphenrItb8i4DCnKluGBoQF12zmdI895SS8aoaP9hlpoOIpZ35TT70YRZ0/s1600/NGC3314+crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="1024" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ahTa9deWXnFwYMpkwu6fx09zdeDUF47piyYf2Y-xPkdbkGjWDb_FRj94oykgFOv41cdecxce_EPwpbbETYP0hyphenhyphenrItb8i4DCnKluGBoQF12zmdI895SS8aoaP9hlpoOIpZ35TT70YRZ0/s400/NGC3314+crop.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Public Domain from hubblesite.org - Galaxy Pair NGC 3314</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Change Whisperer</i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">© 2020 by Judith Cullen</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Smelling it,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the wafting air of change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The weave apparent,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
watching it form and shift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Noticing when, even</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
well established patterns adjust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes anticipating,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
pushing the new arrangement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Seeming alone in seeing,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
movement of time, circumstance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
These efforts making</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
little sense to anyone else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Limited remains</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
perpetual, steadfast, abiding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Only that unseen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
has the chance of constancy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Without, the weave</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
is in constant motion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A pattern changes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
informing, precipitating more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Another counters</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
impacted by the changing one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shifts rippling all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
like pulsing butterfly wings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
No knowing why,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
how, or where the ripples began.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Only reality, difference,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the tide washing of change</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
where nothing happens</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in complete isolation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You'd think evidence</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
would come with acceptance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But even a Whisperer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
forgets where to focus,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
seeing the change at the expense</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
of savoring the moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The good time opiate,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
engenders forgetfulness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The desire for joy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
encourages holding on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hardwired, perhaps, from </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
a much slower world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The Whisperer creates</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
a cherished box of treasure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in her heart,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
for those joys gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Endeavoring once again</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
to embrace this moment. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The only thing that is forever</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
is the constancy change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The only thing that lingers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
are our hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
##</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-86427984300332450482020-02-08T00:13:00.000-08:002020-02-08T00:13:14.991-08:00*NEW POEM - Waiting for MagicIt's been a while! I have been diving deep in that other major creative realm of mine, the visual. A few poems cropped up in my head. It's hard to think when they do that. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWM0CSEx1R6GDrZlbNEWGF_qvF2BkuMDV5-4w80Z0loTsVg2zEqh0P7Y12o6IsDO3tvpEBdrdjn6I7qtUXZ8Q4SYE4A6YWkyv-3_448anJ7w9f1T4W9RVuZGWzs9IK7gIE2uv8bF70eo/s1600/Jack+and+the+Beanstalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWM0CSEx1R6GDrZlbNEWGF_qvF2BkuMDV5-4w80Z0loTsVg2zEqh0P7Y12o6IsDO3tvpEBdrdjn6I7qtUXZ8Q4SYE4A6YWkyv-3_448anJ7w9f1T4W9RVuZGWzs9IK7gIE2uv8bF70eo/s400/Jack+and+the+Beanstalk.jpg" width="266" /></a>Here's one for fun. Enjoy! ~ jdc<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beans in the Yard</span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">by Judith Cullen</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">© 2020</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They got dropped there on Christmas Day,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The casserole gratefully rescued;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The food still good, still edible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I should have raked them back then,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">whisked them away - disposed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was curious. What would happen?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Do not step on the beans!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eight weeks later, they are still there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No giants are roaming the streets,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Harp music does not waft downstairs,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the front porch is entirely bereft - </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">no burnished fowl or its progeny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">squatting in fabled expectation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was </span>diligent<span style="font-family: inherit;">. I looked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe the barbecue sauce blocked</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
all the enchanted potentialities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
Perhaps onions carefully diced are</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
an antidote to storybook creations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
Some have turned black, while others</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
grow mushier from rain, snow, and frosts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
Surely one of them might have been magic!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
I should have raked them away,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
whisked them into the trash.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
But I was curious. I wanted to know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
##</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-90260360593927913792019-10-15T12:29:00.000-07:002019-10-15T12:29:01.510-07:00SHOW OF HANDS - A New Poem<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, seriously . . . a show of hands: how many of you can relate to this?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirvcIcHQXEMs068lorHYUb6ZsebmG7xfrzmi4N4XAOVKBMtxy4VRrLWfuTixrGA1KqFhEH06jcmbrgy7qLUDOM7cDDll1NjLOkWA7SeRtU5S0h5T9PJmFWtiML0pye6IqsPLuvT-r9WU/s1600/volunteer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1170" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirvcIcHQXEMs068lorHYUb6ZsebmG7xfrzmi4N4XAOVKBMtxy4VRrLWfuTixrGA1KqFhEH06jcmbrgy7qLUDOM7cDDll1NjLOkWA7SeRtU5S0h5T9PJmFWtiML0pye6IqsPLuvT-r9WU/s400/volunteer.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tough-Talk Monday Morning</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>by Judith Cullen</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">© 2019</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The alarm is the first to speak up,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
klaxon of<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Monday's dawn arrival.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Could another 30 minutes be stolen?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The voice of commuting cars nearby</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">confirm time will not, cannot wait.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to stomp my foot, to rage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want all the little things to inflate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to insulate against things that matter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the things that hurt, wound, frustrate:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">despair, anger, and disappointment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My aged inner voice says, "grow up!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">wild, childish passions of the weekend</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">are banished, rinsed away in the froth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of cooling lavender scented soapsuds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then standing, fully rational and adult</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I face the chill air of a brand new week.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
##</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-13620889779682771352019-10-08T11:54:00.000-07:002019-10-08T11:54:03.835-07:00*NEW POEM* On the Inevitability of Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU3A_y_Az2ZwEDeEk-GSa24mBW5LlVqP6yqADc73fIaiuxT5XIQ5nFQeEFX_apsTYKKOpwo0Un4V0hNGYxpon7Au6eYQ1HiRmJgCFOeKgsCvcz5B65KVXnS7TwpZtYhOszNf3_hk51xA/s1600/Neighbor+Tree+FINAL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1019" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU3A_y_Az2ZwEDeEk-GSa24mBW5LlVqP6yqADc73fIaiuxT5XIQ5nFQeEFX_apsTYKKOpwo0Un4V0hNGYxpon7Au6eYQ1HiRmJgCFOeKgsCvcz5B65KVXnS7TwpZtYhOszNf3_hk51xA/s400/Neighbor+Tree+FINAL.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gone Back to School</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
© 2019</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As if there were books involved,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
pencils and pens, sharp and new,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
backpacks crisp from purchase.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Though decades have passed since </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
our feet trod the waxy floors,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the reality of autumn is here, and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
we have all gone back to school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The carefree mists of summer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
have all evaporated in entire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
No more pretext of long days,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
no more buoyant assumptions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
as the world seems endlessly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in bloom and perpetual growing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We have all gone back to school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The evidence is all too apparent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
as the leaves turn and air cools;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
time to toughen up and focus,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
time to get serious about things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Allowances for fooling and folly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
somehow have faded from view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We have all gone back to school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The kids went back weeks ago,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
trading hot grass for punctilious</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
bells and buzzers signaling cycles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Transitions through lingering warmth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We held out to the last second,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
before succumbing to the ultimatum.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We are all now back to school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The dewed grass not yet frosted,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
still we tightly button up our coats,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
sober up, diligent and on target.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Summer abandoning our spirits for good,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
there is no choice but to bravely step</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
grasp the decay, the separation, accepting</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
that nature renders few viable options.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The school of adult responsibility</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
triumphs once again,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and we are back in it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
##</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-12947952810330892272019-09-13T10:45:00.000-07:002019-09-13T10:56:39.947-07:00IN DEDICATION to "Calendar Girls"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSOTA7z0doFkKOsVV-c9tlqCjwzDf0DXByn6JvC3Ba40guG5EWdNjC04hvDvCqe-CyPjlYCaMKoqek8J7d_1JaIqUf25c4UGjJB8nehrGqKnhjWm-Nn3uH90_iuBkO2__thF63tcJUPE/s1600/autumn-leaves-and-lake-in-kyoto-japan_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSOTA7z0doFkKOsVV-c9tlqCjwzDf0DXByn6JvC3Ba40guG5EWdNjC04hvDvCqe-CyPjlYCaMKoqek8J7d_1JaIqUf25c4UGjJB8nehrGqKnhjWm-Nn3uH90_iuBkO2__thF63tcJUPE/s400/autumn-leaves-and-lake-in-kyoto-japan_800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like the Trees</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">by Judith Cullen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">© 2019</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is happening now, the first bright accents</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">tipping the leaves, portents of change.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Undeniable inevitability calling forth,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">trumpeting the arrival of Autumn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Soon the trees will be ablaze with Fall:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">red, orange, golden and ranges in between.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They've lived the innocence of Spring blossoms,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">endured the long labors of Summer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now they vibrantly erupt, a brilliant flare</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">inconsiderate of the looming Winter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One glorious, joy-affirming exultation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">before the great sleep that comes to all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my Autumn, I will be like the trees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I shall courageously dress myself in flame, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tossing the years of happiness and sorrow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">around me proudly - a shawl of experiences.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not for me the dull dimming of the day,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">consignment to a faded ghost of endurance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I shall burn bright at the waning, in celebration,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">then crumble to dust with the satisfied sigh of life.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
***<br />
<br />
This poem is dedicated to the cast, crew and staff of Tacoma Little Theatre's 2019 production of Tim Firth's <i><b>Calendar Girls</b></i>, directed by Vicki Webb.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-76497040745344440642019-06-08T21:16:00.001-07:002019-06-08T21:16:29.084-07:00POEM: A Brand New View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIxsMDMBMtVEKnmOVVUGVmr7_WVokKX8zOZ-YB8gSPgwcFnXxgpfwvcFyHQfHEXQfmQi1Ry086zY4Wgfrxe3WrWCCt9dYCXrTugg3-_BzpS1PUh2VNb1eekOaa8crPkJBrxoAVqEOoXQ/s1600/Mona+Lisa+Hands+Revised.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="720" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIxsMDMBMtVEKnmOVVUGVmr7_WVokKX8zOZ-YB8gSPgwcFnXxgpfwvcFyHQfHEXQfmQi1Ry086zY4Wgfrxe3WrWCCt9dYCXrTugg3-_BzpS1PUh2VNb1eekOaa8crPkJBrxoAVqEOoXQ/s400/Mona+Lisa+Hands+Revised.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally from the Inside</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
© 2019</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Quite ordinary, this couple:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
she was not a breathtaking beauty,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
he was not ruggedly handsome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Not dressed all in the mode,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
shoes showing some common wear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They were not blushing youths,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
but had not reached the middle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There they were, resplendent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in their normality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Little things gave them away;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
how they dropped off the prescription</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
together, speaking casually.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Their rapport steady, not constant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A gesture by way of direction,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the closeness of their walking,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
a momentary grasped hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It was an effortless, comfortable,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
apparent easiness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I watched them as they passed,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
conscious of so many years when</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
such a presence would make me ache.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Looking upon such manifest</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
reflections of companionship,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I would have felt outside it,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
as one who is barred entry,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
inexplicably excluded from an</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Eden</st1:city></st1:place>
they cannot remember.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Yet, for the very first time,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I saw this affinity with a new view;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the inside of their coupling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
She ignores that ratty t-shirt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He never openly corrects her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Their imperfections accommodated;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
their humanity embraced, forgiven.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Averageness sublimely simple,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
commonness ravishing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I saw myself capable of this beauty,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
this rumpled, worn allurement finally</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
somehow within my own grasp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It could really be my hand,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
my voice fondly familiar,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
my choice to accept, love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
to enfold and absolve someone;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
and as a consequence exploring</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
a path of loving myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">##</span></i></b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-24405038155375121672019-04-06T07:45:00.002-07:002019-04-06T07:45:46.508-07:00ANOTHER READING - Tuesday, April 9th<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hear ye! Hear ye! Fans of my <i>Irish Tales</i> ...</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPrKs8kUPt28c3ugdWq1cylX16GUVG31Whx7jKlVwfYivPp0DhJYLuZRW5ewG_BFT4LKNz7vpxcp70-BMzHs8jXVpLe_AZCrhA3leNCnLB1i5HYjFt0GCc7CPGkuk2B_B5rC4RARmM5o/s1600/Two+Houses+Preview+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="650" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPrKs8kUPt28c3ugdWq1cylX16GUVG31Whx7jKlVwfYivPp0DhJYLuZRW5ewG_BFT4LKNz7vpxcp70-BMzHs8jXVpLe_AZCrhA3leNCnLB1i5HYjFt0GCc7CPGkuk2B_B5rC4RARmM5o/s320/Two+Houses+Preview+copy.png" width="320" /></a>I'll be reading "Two Houses" from<i><b> A Trio of Irish Tales II</b></i> this week, live online, Tuesday April 9th from 7-8:30pm pacific time. It is one of the most complicated short stories I have ever written - in many ways a climax of an emotional four year journey that preceded it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In "Two Houses" a young American couple on their
honeymoon find their ties to Irish heritage are far more insistent than just a
simple perusal of genealogies. As the past disturbs their future, Mark and Cate
must unravel the mystery of two houses that suffered very different fates, but
that are somehow connected.</div>
<br /><br />
<b>Interested?</b> Send me a Personal message on facebook, of comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SimplyCreativeJudithCullen/" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and I will send you the link to listen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-38774815188941541502019-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:002019-06-08T21:18:46.921-07:00POEM: Priorities Are Important, in Love.<i><b>This one, for fun ...</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rM1W6tLxxkm4u6rpAxjP8-1d5r8X3vBb3yXKAqpemMlI4a08GSTVQViT270NKvq0zAi5RnpsSTsKeHMg_jBn2K0YadEdkoJRhaKusZq1r-IPaOl3ut4T51wnPdznJg3aN6bkD-rBq-Q/s1600/Dance+Strip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="1024" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rM1W6tLxxkm4u6rpAxjP8-1d5r8X3vBb3yXKAqpemMlI4a08GSTVQViT270NKvq0zAi5RnpsSTsKeHMg_jBn2K0YadEdkoJRhaKusZq1r-IPaOl3ut4T51wnPdznJg3aN6bkD-rBq-Q/s400/Dance+Strip.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">How Do I Love Thee?</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
© 2019</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Sitting together on the hardwood</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the box slid carefully in my direction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Cautious question, and "just open it!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I lift the lid, part the tissue, and sigh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They lay in a cushioned delicacy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
dark as midnight, and gleaming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I raise one in amazement, and watch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
my aghast reflection shining back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Tips of golden accent wink at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I cannot help but slide them on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
"Absolutely perfect" a joyous exclamation,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
as they begin to sashay on their own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A well executed tango slide, follows </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the clockwork rhythm of a cha cha.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A skittering of The Charleston </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
and squeals of delight before . . .</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A smile pleased, and uncertain, then</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
shiny new heels click across wood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
One hand to hand, and one to cheek,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
a reassuring kiss, "Darling, I will always </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
love You more than my shoes."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
##<br />
<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_MD1GgpNF6cB62q1n5Wc1f8N5cJ-bQNR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b> to listen to me reading this poem</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-3780936208654925712019-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:002019-02-05T13:55:57.881-08:00POEM: Everyone Has Their Own Little Phenomenons . .. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgYZdbMCQJjiZx0dDpTi_gCo37W3LY8Enb8nJtgUE4yYw5_zDfOXSHbGkxonjsyFYz6MNYQ8DCquHqKWgLIdxrbBd0nxCfkimv6Dag484tRy9vd0bKEDqLlZyJ8uQuM6I5Ark0uLFhU8/s1600/Peter_Newell_-_Through_the_looking_glass_and_what_Alice_found_there_1902_-_page_166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1030" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgYZdbMCQJjiZx0dDpTi_gCo37W3LY8Enb8nJtgUE4yYw5_zDfOXSHbGkxonjsyFYz6MNYQ8DCquHqKWgLIdxrbBd0nxCfkimv6Dag484tRy9vd0bKEDqLlZyJ8uQuM6I5Ark0uLFhU8/s400/Peter_Newell_-_Through_the_looking_glass_and_what_Alice_found_there_1902_-_page_166.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Domain<br />
Peter Newell illustration from 1902</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . here's mine!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My White Knights<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2019</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How could I fail to love them all,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
clad in shining good intentions, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
loyalty, truth, and studied courtliness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They bow with dignity, holding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a hand when steadying is needed, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a door when access is required.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a perceived threat draws near</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
they lock arms, eyeing each warily,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
stepping into the breach before me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It is touching, in its way, being</div>
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the recipient: beloved and dearest,</div>
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held high at gracious arms length.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel a certain felicitous luck</div>
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attracting such quality consideration,</div>
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a relief after the disappointments.</div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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At some point or another I form</div>
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a passion for each one of them,</div>
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before tossing the snowy kerchief.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Their steadfastness impenetrable,</div>
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their civility and charm invulnerable.</div>
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Not one sullied chink in their armor.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The faces change over time, </div>
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ranks waxing and waning, developing</div>
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enduring ecstasies for other women.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm touched, receiving such adoration, yet</div>
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long just once for the shine to be fogged</div>
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with longing and keen desire ...</div>
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<br /></div>
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for something more than platonic regard,</div>
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from just one of these best of men, </div>
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guarding my steps, protecting my heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So I remain on my pedestal, flattered,</div>
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grateful, immaculate, vestal, tinged</div>
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with the faintest hues of longing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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##</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>It is important to note that the term "White Knight" has taken on a number of differing interpretations over the years. In the case of this poem, the definition used is consistent with Alice's White Knight in Lewis Carroll's <i>Through the Looking Glass</i>.</b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-74468182543976923642019-01-29T15:36:00.000-08:002019-01-29T15:46:13.073-08:00OH THAT INSISTENT CRESCENT MOON! ~ New Poem<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKxNhMjLe0I-Yj4tTFdgszS7z7IF5GHLhFk5Qagp4BRx_fJM96l89VvSg48VZgYV-IR3dPAef_FvN3tg0UXwXToG9-V1IyuWbrmhHuu779cipYyf_EMQISUlgThCBIGUigWLNHxU801A/s1600/fantasy-art-winter-moon-background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKxNhMjLe0I-Yj4tTFdgszS7z7IF5GHLhFk5Qagp4BRx_fJM96l89VvSg48VZgYV-IR3dPAef_FvN3tg0UXwXToG9-V1IyuWbrmhHuu779cipYyf_EMQISUlgThCBIGUigWLNHxU801A/s400/fantasy-art-winter-moon-background.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantasy Art Winter Moon, Public Domain, <a href="https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=121109&picture=fantasy-art-winter-moon-background" target="_blank">publicdomainpictures.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Lunacy</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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by Judith Cullen</div>
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© 2019</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">The
poem was waiting when I awoke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">curtains
reflecting the night's depth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">a
beckoning glow through many folds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">of
lunar transit shifting soundlessly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">from
one to the other window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">What if
I cast back the drapes, letting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">the moonlight
shine on my skin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">as it drinks
its way across the stars;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">elixir
of imagination, natural magic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">conveyed
in airborne beams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">What if
I moved beyond the confines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">of this
definition, and that certitude;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">allowing
myself to drift without limits,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">absorbing
the languid enchantment of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">a clear
winter sky at three in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><b>##</b></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-85447638828111812932019-01-12T03:08:00.001-08:002019-01-12T03:22:37.561-08:00SOMETIMES Poetry Becomes Real . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been trying to get out of the habit of commenting on my work - somehow explaining it in advance. The work should speak for itself, yes? But I do want to say that this poem <i><b>was </b></i>inspired by a real devil of a week, and a real late afternoon nap where I dreamed like I had not in well over a week. In that magical dreamworld, two dear friends came to me . . . </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65uDn_HjtkLvSaYPlh1md3-bIwtaXdM9FwHjskFqFRuAItIgfG0s7Tmqn-TZ-1E7Z6LPINKEF56yiy_VBAALo-TZAZSaG5iv1xihJY6tuhw4nt3oLceqIUNkSvaJpzH5YpYjePKjGcck/s1600/sunset-1537031197ZUN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="615" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65uDn_HjtkLvSaYPlh1md3-bIwtaXdM9FwHjskFqFRuAItIgfG0s7Tmqn-TZ-1E7Z6LPINKEF56yiy_VBAALo-TZAZSaG5iv1xihJY6tuhw4nt3oLceqIUNkSvaJpzH5YpYjePKjGcck/s400/sunset-1537031197ZUN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dream Therapy</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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by Judith Cullen</div>
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© 2019</div>
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<br /></div>
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Dragging the week behind,</div>
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doubt, fear, sorrow, and pain</div>
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thudding at each labored stair,</div>
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an accumulation of fighting</div>
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weighting every step, till I drop.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Subsiding into dreams, expecting</div>
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more monotone wanderings - </div>
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tears unexplained, unshed and</div>
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more steps, more labors till</div>
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somehow the fog would clear.</div>
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<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Instead, you stand waiting</div>
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calm, smiling, patient, present,</div>
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navy clad in the light rain.</div>
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No comment or condoling; </div>
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"I am here for you" unspoken.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Defining my steps limitations, </div>
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you guide them onward instead</div>
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till somehow, there you were too.</div>
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We three now joined outside of,</div>
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defying: time, distance, and pain.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The pines moist and pungent.</div>
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Colors vivid, varied, and joyous.</div>
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We walk together in laughter. </div>
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Conversation and silence easy,</div>
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energized with fellowship.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Birds create music with the wind.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The rain cleanses, but does not chill.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Children pour shimmering pitchers of gold.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We wait, one for the other turning</div>
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corners to new delight, senses</div>
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filled and satisfied, and refilled,</div>
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amazed by magic that follows</div>
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pulling bright moments from mud.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Red, blue, violet, green, yellow</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
"I remember there was this time,"</div>
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Iridescent elation worn simply.</div>
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"Are you coming, my friend?"</div>
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Communion of conviviality.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Waking, all I collapsed with</div>
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has vanished with the day's sun.</div>
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Outside the window, bright pink</div>
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fringes the horizon of a gentle</div>
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star specked dusk sky.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p>One final wave from my dream.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I breathe freely once more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
##</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-23198058448581712092019-01-06T10:47:00.002-08:002019-01-12T02:57:04.674-08:00POEM: The Inverse Laws of Nature<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUtZ_-D5SNc_yXenq-DQSr1ie0LzZ-DOEjqrAzRTJJ5IqAsKAC0TRVYRvcB-zwFKn8pwc0XkDGezs6cCm9fu3ajoCBrV0rsd9OtuJ3e2xyAysLwTiu2cQJbgbRhar3O8Tcye0hhZyvcA/s1600/Isle+of+Skye.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1024" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUtZ_-D5SNc_yXenq-DQSr1ie0LzZ-DOEjqrAzRTJJ5IqAsKAC0TRVYRvcB-zwFKn8pwc0XkDGezs6cCm9fu3ajoCBrV0rsd9OtuJ3e2xyAysLwTiu2cQJbgbRhar3O8Tcye0hhZyvcA/s400/Isle+of+Skye.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inverse Laws of Nature</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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by Judith Cullen</div>
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© 2019</div>
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<br /></div>
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Nature is composed, we are taught</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
of immutable laws, immovable realities.</div>
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Change, challenge, departure are things</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
we impose using the tools of mortality:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
desire, hubris, and occasionally need.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Limited options of docile acceptance,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
or wrestling the universe into submission.</div>
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In our haste to control destiny, we miss</div>
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the perverse nature of the natural, choosing</div>
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to interpret bluntly, without nuance.</div>
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<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A being feels strong and powerful,</div>
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exercising these same clearly, free from</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
consequence, responsibility, or concern.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Theirs should be the fate of accumulation:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in grasping, inevitably losing hold.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Peeled away to their last shred,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
one who struggles believes there is</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
no more to let go of, no more to lose.</div>
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In continuance they show the strength, courage;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the essential, indomitable self.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In wishing for security, we divide</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
but cannot conquer with the obvious.</div>
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Drawing the line only calls attention to it,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
gathers dissension, invites circumvention;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
a sharp relief opposite of intention.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So nature fools us, or we the fools play.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The rules are not as clear as they seem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Trying to command them, underestimating</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the non-linear cyclical spirit, it remains</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
elusively just beyond comprehension.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Might does not ultimately conquer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Simple contains the strength of endurance.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Separation invites connection, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
to those who cannot value segregation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nature flips the glass, and laws filter </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
through the gap of eternity,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
ignoring the ambitions of the moment</div>
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with a consciousness fixed only on infinity.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">##</span></b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-26293114313470202392019-01-02T10:24:00.003-08:002019-01-12T02:56:55.281-08:00FIRST POEM OF THE NEW YEAR: "Welcome to the Light" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDOKiUuw0ByuyG8OtaXAypCt9hp9Kqpc9e1OwRHoLaLTbznpLkb5QyisYas8OTUhPQuFbM8A5NQ3nGmABkWpRWJk1e3Ta8KaziZOx6NPCp1AuAyOcU-9GQA3ndd5f6DLXGqcPKgIygcw/s1600/dark-clouds-1500384891aVZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1024" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDOKiUuw0ByuyG8OtaXAypCt9hp9Kqpc9e1OwRHoLaLTbznpLkb5QyisYas8OTUhPQuFbM8A5NQ3nGmABkWpRWJk1e3Ta8KaziZOx6NPCp1AuAyOcU-9GQA3ndd5f6DLXGqcPKgIygcw/s400/dark-clouds-1500384891aVZ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come to the Light</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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by Judith Cullen</div>
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©2019<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
"Come to the light," they implored.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
While I, blackened fog, lurked uncertain,</div>
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wrapped in blankets of complacencies,</div>
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familiarities, and chilling sufficiency leading</div>
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to the same inexorable cycling.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Reaching out from beneath the comforter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
hands touch mine, "Come to the light,"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
they repeat in chorus, "We miss you, join us."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They cannot pull me bodily from my gloom,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the impulse must be my own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Ignoring the pain of despondency I strain</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
rising slowly, creaking, moaning to fall back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
"Come to the light," enticing voices murmur.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Brain aching, soul heavy and heaving</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I take one weary step, then another.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Seeking, finding I look about at faces,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
evidence of clouding, in degrees, like mine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Concerted in alliance, a collective shining.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Light was not destination, but confederation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
"Welcome to the light."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
##</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-5790739964488736092018-10-29T14:54:00.000-07:002018-10-30T14:46:28.895-07:00HALLOWEEN STORIES! Bring Them On!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz32C7MrMDTjlgh4FuijWF0lJpbbocDUkFt13R1os3hwG-hLQnciJxjnx8zc8ca7-w8fSjiW8UxWFH-S_MeiXYnAWF3LHw6p0lt8KquqAFED0Yln06X-LphePBmRjeaW1KrKPILxiqgA/s1600/Ghost+of+the+Bridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="1024" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz32C7MrMDTjlgh4FuijWF0lJpbbocDUkFt13R1os3hwG-hLQnciJxjnx8zc8ca7-w8fSjiW8UxWFH-S_MeiXYnAWF3LHw6p0lt8KquqAFED0Yln06X-LphePBmRjeaW1KrKPILxiqgA/s400/Ghost+of+the+Bridge.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "georgia";">It's always a good time for a story, but never so much as when the weather
chills, and people become inclined to gather 'round the fire - singly or in
groups - and enjoy ghostly tales of spookiness.</span><span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia";"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Another of my short stories has been translated into video
form. This one is, conveniently, a ghost story based on an actual
legendary haunt from Luxembourger lore – the </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Stierches-geescht.</span></em></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<em><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia";">Ghost of the Bridge</span></b></em><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> will release this afternoon, and will be available for
viewing either at </span></span></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/297398536" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-size-adjust: 100%; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #2baadf; font-family: "georgia";">https://vimeo.com/297398536</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> or at </span></span><a href="https://www.slartist.com/browse-dw-videos-1-date.html" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-size-adjust: 100%; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #2baadf; font-family: "georgia";">SLArtist-Designing
Worlds</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, Episode DW382.
It’s my third year writing for their Halloween Special. Last year was an
adaptation of </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://www.slartist.com/designing-worlds-dw350a-designing-worlds-presents-the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow_3768fc40a.html" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2baadf;">The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow</span></a> </span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">that turned out to be very popular, and the previous year one
of the stories from my Irish canon, </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #2baadf;"><a href="https://www.slartist.com/designing-worlds-special-edition-november-3-2016-trailer_04c0d4380.html" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">In
the Mist.</a></span></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #2baadf;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia";">Oh, AND if you haven't yet seen <i><a href="https://www.slartist.com/arrivals-departures_75755882c.html" target="_blank">Arrivals & Departures</a></i>, it's another of my stories that you can enjoy in video form. Not spook-a-licious, though.<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white; color: #202020;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white; color: #202020;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Submitted here for your Halloween week enjoyment. They
are not</span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> It’s
the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, </span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">but they are something that I am proud to share.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white; color: #202020;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Okay, so nothing published this year. Yet it has been a
very fertile year for writing, so publications can't be that far away!</span></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-3938696384727990912018-08-29T10:51:00.000-07:002018-10-29T16:00:53.430-07:00NEW POEM: Straight Up Without Explanation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdyxhrNNi3kWhP0yIZ32vCGmjwQPUU89HvKpbeTbXnY55iu97bLn0Hi4HSuxK5fkeyAF5547FTrD5HQDvsy9TUHY4mX-R8nUlVGyq05-lNBwamf_VBvm2zLZvsQYJ9fdVEJ2AhBaxePc/s1600/Our+Hands+Rev.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="601" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdyxhrNNi3kWhP0yIZ32vCGmjwQPUU89HvKpbeTbXnY55iu97bLn0Hi4HSuxK5fkeyAF5547FTrD5HQDvsy9TUHY4mX-R8nUlVGyq05-lNBwamf_VBvm2zLZvsQYJ9fdVEJ2AhBaxePc/s320/Our+Hands+Rev.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hubris </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2018</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't try and explain, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to those trying on </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
life like a new suit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full of knowledge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bursting, seeing what <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
is right so very clearly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from their new shoes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't fuss or worry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In six months all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will change to new</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
fashions, discoveries.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All will be the correct,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
proper garb for the</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
very righteous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember those days,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
if you possibly can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recall, acknowledge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that incredibly necessary</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
energy of the young - </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it must be self-assured,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
if a bit eagerly intense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have been</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
where they will go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know the trials</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of loves broken, dreams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that change and drift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You've learned the journey </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
is the actual mark.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't try and tell them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don't want to know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Owning their path,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
let them learn about it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as we all must do:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
one mysterious, injudicious</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
step at a time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turning the other way,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
look at the very elderly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
with wonder and ask</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"what will I learn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
about now when I too</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
stand in that place, shod</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in those decaying shoes?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Laugh at yourself, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
accepting that the hubris</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of any, every age is</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that we do not know </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
what we do not know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what is more,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we do not want to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
##</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-40360798912567588022018-08-23T18:31:00.002-07:002018-08-23T18:31:57.735-07:00IN A LIGHTER MOOD: "Signs & Portents*And now, for something slightly different ...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBVTrtbcdpR6t2Gldmop7aMd5Q1P1K3CFcV0K1qtqwG7DFneS8wtI9hHybR5SY7SGquXJrYNODz4BH1uZQZfMCPIHqsAvsdsmaohuXPm3YypUO0m0iqZ3-F9JPCTfYAY-0fkLWYfJFVw/s1600/Milky+Way+rawpixel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="1024" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBVTrtbcdpR6t2Gldmop7aMd5Q1P1K3CFcV0K1qtqwG7DFneS8wtI9hHybR5SY7SGquXJrYNODz4BH1uZQZfMCPIHqsAvsdsmaohuXPm3YypUO0m0iqZ3-F9JPCTfYAY-0fkLWYfJFVw/s400/Milky+Way+rawpixel.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
The Milky Way galaxy with the constellations Cassiopeia and
Cepheus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Original from NASA. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel. Public Domain.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Signs and Portents</span></b></i><b style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2018</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cracks and lines in the pavement</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
have no actual orthopedic import.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stomp as you will, sidewalks are not</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
an avenue for parental retribution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just because Mom hollered out the window</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Stop it!" in 1972, and the snow ceased,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does not mean she controls the weather.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So you can put that telephone down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, it began to rain that summer day</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
while you worked with your friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is not lucky, like a jade Buddha.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You certainly may not rub his tummy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a seemingly random universe,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
teetering between control and chaos,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we grasp for meaning where we can,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
hoping for a hand hold on surety.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether it actually exists or not</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we find comfort in the occasional,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
embracing cosmic import in the</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
fortuitous fidelity of coincidence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
##</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-72257096997648205482018-08-18T00:06:00.002-07:002018-08-18T10:56:05.222-07:00NEW POEM: It Took a While, But I am LearningThere's a beauty in being at ease with someone - of NOT feeling the necessity to be connected every moment. Seriously, I was not a big dater in my youth - being notable for a different type of popularity: being well-known and respected. (*makes "gacking" teenager sounds*) At a time when my contemporaries were bumbling through the early trials and errors of couple-ness, I was planning the dances and special events they would attend. I'm still kind of that way.<br />
<br />
So I learned how to "be" with someone late. Really late. I won't call it "love" because I am too old for that presumption. But it does still have some of the trappings - getting excited when you see them after several days, knowing all the correct buttons to push for fun, comfort, or calm. Knowing someone well enough to know when to just "let be" without carrying that residue with you afterwards.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for the lesson that relationships, good ones, are not about two halves making a whole - they are about two complete persons keeping each other in balance. And for however long they are destined to last, they are to be treasured.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDfQY1tdV-wF91EUiCE3vVG88Z2SqZ4oWitjROe2AUnMM3tNymLMoRA6LwEhIcVKiWTvaBT93tVCsoUcOGn4Z3PeS3Tq7QAkXUJlqdMvBouqVKcoXCwQbJy43cF-9Y5NdSDnvDXm3AGw/s1600/Beautiful-art-watercolor-wallpaper-hd-desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDfQY1tdV-wF91EUiCE3vVG88Z2SqZ4oWitjROe2AUnMM3tNymLMoRA6LwEhIcVKiWTvaBT93tVCsoUcOGn4Z3PeS3Tq7QAkXUJlqdMvBouqVKcoXCwQbJy43cF-9Y5NdSDnvDXm3AGw/s400/Beautiful-art-watercolor-wallpaper-hd-desktop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping Company</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Judith Cullen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© 2018</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wisps of ivory lace, black trunks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all seemed so frantic before you, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the crazed heady rushing,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
near desperate uncertainty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The compelling, the potent,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
overwhelming exhilaration.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gentle caress, your finger on my arm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The stark difference still jolts,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of two who drifted together,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
slow moving magnetic forces,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
two planets easing into</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
soothing conjunctive orbit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soft chat: my laugh to your smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where was all the impetuous,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the irresponsible precipitance?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The unspoken compulsion: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
offering vulnerability </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to safeguard affinity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing wink, and happy sigh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So different from all others</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
where need held a whip hand.</div>
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Truth cannot be bought</div>
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at the price of intemperance,</div>
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facts will not be rushed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As companionship accrues, free</div>
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beyond any expectation, conscription.</div>
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Terms remain unsubscribed,</div>
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an accord of conviviality</div>
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without implicit, covert agenda -</div>
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lacking undisclosed strings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Your tranquil eyes, sparkling, flashing.</div>
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Vulnerability never a commodity,</div>
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but a state of trust achieved</div>
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with patience, understanding,</div>
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the slow revelations of layers.</div>
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Perhaps we teach each other.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You might just be my compliment,</div>
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or not, neither of us knows.</div>
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Instead we hold hands and aim</div>
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for two wholes rather than halves.</div>
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When parting comes, should it,</div>
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each will be the greater for this touch.</div>
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<br /></div>
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No plans are held for you, for us.</div>
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Today is exhilarating enough:</div>
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confidence without consequence.</div>
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Together, at ease in this moment,</div>
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with tomorrow ever discounted.</div>
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Contentedly, keeping company.</div>
<br />
##Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392241303363730207.post-21338538422015294592018-08-07T02:50:00.000-07:002018-08-17T23:49:55.225-07:00ESSAY: "Coloring Outside the Lines"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWdIwSWJqVORnAR9xOrb4q_NwCXlbEU_2OwSHCgjReNgC2pfaQB6_wkNSkiJ_Jeh-lSma0d2ww5aKNc0H9if9e3jV38pbCAMjVWxmiMFSN9gJ40OY7j_8sTQFkmvXH-sggFPqcNOo2QE/s1600/Cale+B%2526W+Strip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="1025" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWdIwSWJqVORnAR9xOrb4q_NwCXlbEU_2OwSHCgjReNgC2pfaQB6_wkNSkiJ_Jeh-lSma0d2ww5aKNc0H9if9e3jV38pbCAMjVWxmiMFSN9gJ40OY7j_8sTQFkmvXH-sggFPqcNOo2QE/s400/Cale+B%2526W+Strip.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coloring Outside the Lines</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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by Judith Cullen</div>
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© 2018</div>
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It is the same meeting someone face to face as it when you
get to know them virtually - something that happens increasingly in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems counter intuitive, but it is
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process of getting to know
someone is really the same, its just that the pitfalls are more acutely
highlighted when you get to know someone remotely, rather than in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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You are in contact with someone for the first time, and
something (or some things) about them appeals to you - strikes a chord. You
think, "I'd like to get to know this person better." In certain
circumstances, you might even think "they have something that I want. I'll
get to know them so I can learn." They were a blank page to you before, an
unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the moment of introduction
happens, the void sheet begins to transform, taking on an outline that
intrigues and interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like a
fresh coloring page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You reach for your
box of colors, and you begin.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5FTVApGFCzAzrBs9gM0-yeRJBWnCbnjjxiaqIpWxRsYuT9yj-tzC5NyktD7k96SB4WeqYDcS4g0PALQkDUP53HlMtzdQiDGDLSsNNwFqzToGC_5UQRw8vmTVbZY2f86hAgtyIfCEyiE/s1600/colorful-crayon-4211x2368_94905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="640" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5FTVApGFCzAzrBs9gM0-yeRJBWnCbnjjxiaqIpWxRsYuT9yj-tzC5NyktD7k96SB4WeqYDcS4g0PALQkDUP53HlMtzdQiDGDLSsNNwFqzToGC_5UQRw8vmTVbZY2f86hAgtyIfCEyiE/s320/colorful-crayon-4211x2368_94905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The colors you choose, and how you apply them are influenced
by several things. Circumstance certainly plays a part, the environment that
you get to know someone in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tend to
deny it, but our own desires play a big part in how we fill between the
lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are lucky, or wise, observation
will lead us to using colors that represent who someone actually is, rather
than who we want or need them to be. That takes time, diligence, and a patience
that is sometimes out of step with the pace of today's world.</div>
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<br /></div>
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How many times have we been shocked into realizing that
someone we thought we knew was not what they seemed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The immediate reaction is to assume
duplicity; that we have been tricked, lied to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe that is sometimes the case, there is plenty of betrayal in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But frequently we have mistaken
our wishes for someone else's reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We chose the colors, possibly without really paying attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we really blame someone else for that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can just feel a bit stupid, and move on.</div>
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There is someone I have known virtually for several years,
worked on projects with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This someone is
a person of significant accomplishment, as I know them through their avatar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to be careful online, of course. In
some virtual circumstances people choose to make a rigid distinction between their
avatar selves, and their corporeal self. I do not, but this person does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are legitimate choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So knowing this person has been entirely via
the image they have crafted of themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don't really know enough to color in their page accurately, even
though I may have tried to. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Over time my perception of, and interactions with, this
person have lead to frustrations, even anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, there was a cautionary voice in me that kept saying that those
reactions were the result of an incomplete awareness. This person was, and is,
real and not just a something on a screen - a character in some little drama
all my own.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Recently, by accident, I got a glimpse of the person on the
other side of the avatar, and it shocked me with its reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reaction was so totally counter to the
frustrations that had built up around our avatar relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real person had a kind face, eyes that
were friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were surrounded by
people who were clearly affectionate and, frankly, looked like they were having
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It wasn't just that this very real person looked like
someone I immediately wanted to get to know: swap recipes with, discuss
favorite books, laugh at silly jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was that I saw in them someone just like me: full of as many good intentions as
oblivious flaws, successes as failures, wisdom and lapses of judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone human.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In my mind, I am now reaching for a fresh coloring
page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breathing deeply in, I slide my
color box close and I wait - determined this time to watch and take the time to
color this new picture in with the hues that are relevant, not just the ones I
think should be there. When the frustrations return, as they inevitably will, I
will remind myself that this person who may seem quite different from me, is
actually not so different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both have
dreams of achievement, people that we cherish, and we are both entitled to our
own ways of accomplishing joy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi4EY8Sw96HLXkvYA25sxSAQGbbq07VVQvMOisQYG6roUsVkggskIHC2-HQjpNX01DTqcAXMXtuOC-PZG9BAtvXYXPLVKVvZiPMmLCaU7QTjaNC6uIAipOrL1bXVzB2F_mtpEADgIrQ8/s1600/old-crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi4EY8Sw96HLXkvYA25sxSAQGbbq07VVQvMOisQYG6roUsVkggskIHC2-HQjpNX01DTqcAXMXtuOC-PZG9BAtvXYXPLVKVvZiPMmLCaU7QTjaNC6uIAipOrL1bXVzB2F_mtpEADgIrQ8/s400/old-crayons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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##</div>
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Color Crayon Images - Public Domain</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0