tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73956587255148296372024-03-05T11:36:07.523-08:00Fluent FreedomAlex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-62755328885445596972015-07-22T22:41:00.002-07:002015-07-26T01:18:02.600-07:00My Boy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Coming home is the hardest part<br />
I always used to look forward to walking through the door<br />
hearing the thud of his tail on the floor<br />
Seeing his face light up when he saw mine<br />
almost as if he was waiting by the door the whole time<br />
<br />
Leaving home is the hardest part<br />
I miss my goodbye kisses<br />
I miss the old man's antics<br />
The way he would roll over on his back<br />
his toy in his mouth<br />
radiating happiness<br />
The way he would talk to you when he barked<br />
I could talk to him about anything<br />
He would always listen<br />
Yes, I will miss that old fart<br />
Never thought I'd say it<br />
but I'm even going to miss his farts...<br />
<br />
Being at home is the hardest part<br />
He could barely get up or walk toward the end<br />
but I'll be damned if he didn't follow me around every room<br />
everywhere I went<br />
inside or outside, rain or shine<br />
He was my light & my shadow for 14 years<br />
Being at home is the hardest part<br />
Home was wherever I was with him<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br />
<br />
Even the great ones have to go<br />
I know, some will say, "He was just a dog"<br />
but Buddy was so much more than that to me<br />
Growing up, he was like the brother I never had<br />
As we both got older, he was like my child<br />
I was a proud dad, still am<br />
<br />
That dog made me a better man<br />
He taught me a lot about unconditional love & loyalty<br />
About never growing up<br />
never giving up on the life you love<br />
He fought time until the very end<br />
seemingly ignoring the arthritis & nerve damage that wrecked his hips<br />
Simply not paying attention to the congestive heart failure<br />
All he cared about was fetching the ball in the yard<br />
or bringing back the stick in the water<br />
All he cared about was pleasing his family, his best friend<br />
That feeling was mutual<br />
I would do anything for that guy<br />
He probably would've lived for me forever<br />
pretended like he was fine<br />
But I knew he was hurting<br />
& I couldn't stand to see him suffer any longer<br />
The hardest thing I've ever done was say goodbye<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br />
<br />
I laid down beside him on the floor at the vet's<br />
& I could start to feel the anesthetic take effect<br />
I looked in his eyes & remembered how he would always look at me<br />
always watching out, making sure I was taken care of<br />
I rubbed behind his ears & remembered how scared he would get<br />
every time he heard the vacuum turn on<br />
He was the biggest scaredy cat<br />
He was even scared <i>of </i>cats<br />
I scratched his stomach & remembered the time<br />
when he jumped up on the kitchen counter<br />
& ate a whole family-sized Hawaiian pizza from Papa Murphy's<br />
Needless to say, he slept in the garage that night<br />
I'm still impressed... can't believe he did that<br />
My hand moved down his back, then along his tail<br />
I massaged his bony hind legs<br />
He sure did log a lot of miles on those things<br />
He was just as competitive as I am<br />
We both took our playing very seriously<br />
We'd be out in the backyard for hours<br />
me hitting the baseball & him bringing it back<br />
That guy was an athlete<br />
He could literally catch anything<br />
The best hand-eye...<br />
I mean, mouth-eye coordination<br />
I've ever seen<br />
<br />
All these memories came flooding back to me<br />
& it was about then that I leaned down & hugged him<br />
hanging on for dear life<br />
It was about then that the vet took off her stethoscope<br />
"He's gone"<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br />
<br />
The memories of him slid down my cheeks for weeks<br />
It took awhile<br />
but now I look back, think of him<br />
& smile<br />
They are happy tears now<br />
I found solace the moment I realized he lived a long, happy life<br />
I knew he knew that he was loved<br />
<br />
He was a special soul<br />
He was a blast when he was younger<br />
& just as much fun when he was old<br />
His happy-go-lucky, fun-loving, playful personality<br />
captured the hearts of everyone who ever met him<br />
He always put a smile on my face<br />
no matter what was going on in life<br />
no matter what anxieties or burdens dominated my mind<br />
no matter what was on my plate<br />
<br />
He was a one-of-a-kind kind of guy<br />
Looking back, there were times in my life<br />
that I simply wouldn't have made it<br />
if not for him always by my side<br />
Looking back, I can honestly say<br />
that I needed him as much as he needed me<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br />
<br />
Rest in peace, my Buddy boy<br />
I'll never forget all that you did for me<br />
I'll always cherish the memories<br />
You were a blessing & my best friend<br />
<br />
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Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-2376616872564267162015-04-09T14:45:00.000-07:002015-09-28T23:55:37.472-07:00A Drop in the Ocean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The ride up was arduous -<br />
a royal (& literal) pain in the ass.<br />
His legs & lungs burned,<br />
gravity & momentum worked against him...<br />
But he kept his head down,<br />
kept pedaling, one breath at a time,<br />
& he eventually reached the apex of his efforts,<br />
the summit of his struggles.<br />
<br />
A break in the trees revealed a sparkling sea beyond the bluff.<br />
The reflecting sunshine gleamed in his eyes<br />
as he looked out at a sailboat journeying onward,<br />
toward a horizon of infinite possibility.<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br />
<br />
The bike ride up was daunting & exhausting,<br />
but the struggle was worth the view from the top.<br />
The immensity of the sea<br />
shrunk all of his worries & problems<br />
down to actual size.<br />
Once he took the time to reflect & respect the summit he had climbed,<br />
once he realized how small his place was in this brutal,<br />
yet beautiful world,<br />
& that we're all in this together...<br />
it was all downhill from there. </div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-68978636455401683092015-03-23T10:34:00.001-07:002015-09-28T23:50:20.534-07:00iAdmit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I turn into Gollum when I can't find my phone.</div>
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"Where is it? </div>
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Where has it gone? </div>
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The precious is lost!"</div>
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I get freaky like Frodo.</div>
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Seriously, I'm only half kidding.</div>
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It's pathetic how powerless I am </div>
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when my phone is out of my sight.</div>
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A panic comes over me when it isn't in my hand, </div>
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in my pocket or on my nightstand.</div>
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I can barely think,</div>
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can barely breathe.</div>
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It's even more ridiculous how relieved I am </div>
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when I eventually find it. </div>
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It's pitiful how powerful </div>
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this device's vise is on my mind.</div>
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It reminds me to think sometimes, </div>
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then causes me not to.</div>
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I rely on my phone to make me invisible</div>
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in waiting rooms & on buses. </div>
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(Isn't it ironic how a device with so many connecting capabilities</div>
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can inevitably leave one feeling so disconnected?) </div>
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I'm attached;</div>
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without it, I'm lacking, I feel naked.</div>
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This is definitely an obsession I must confront. </div>
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If I don't establish some degree of moderation, </div>
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I honestly believe this touch screen will leave me out of touch with reality. </div>
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I'll be blind to the world beyond my news feed </div>
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& deaf to the people within my vicinity. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But, you know, I can't lie...</div>
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I know I can't let it go.</div>
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I know what must be done,</div>
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but I also know this battle of dependency will never truly be won. </div>
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I must confront this obsession of mine... at some point in time.</div>
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The words of a procrastinating prophet always ring true.</div>
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<br /></div>
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- Sent from my iPhone </div>
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Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-50128659921735181342014-11-05T15:13:00.001-08:002015-09-28T23:52:21.070-07:00Yard Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I often get reflective when thinking about perspective... </div>
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<br /></div>
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They say the grass is always greener on the other side.</div>
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What the clichés don't say, though,</div>
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is that the grass on your side wouldn't be so damn brown</div>
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if you just took the time to water it.</div>
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The best way to get what you want </div>
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is to put in the effort</div>
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& to care about what you already have.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I often get reflective when thinking about perspective...</div>
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Reminiscing over resurfacing memories,</div>
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feelings or emotions I neglected </div>
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& pushed aside at the time when they occurred...</div>
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I've learned that materialistic tendencies </div>
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& extreme objectivity,</div>
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can skew our view of reality, </div>
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can blind us to what really matters.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, I often get too reflective when I overthink perspective...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Like an over corrective detective,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
desperately searching for the most effective,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
least subjective method.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
But who am I kidding?</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's not complicated.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It isn't a mystery.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes it's easiest</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
to just love,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
to just live.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Simplicity really is the key</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
when putting it all into perspective.</div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-17543696569136301662014-07-06T15:26:00.001-07:002014-07-06T16:10:12.767-07:00Lost & Found<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3ebEoasdnPqHANIA-bqf38Ua6RUS6NPfxemkWdmzodI9dK8I9SgBF7fsbvT12nQb7QLNT9wGGWg0rfUOmMlpDe1064__UZNtrampe_nU-hvr2x0S_h0mz6qJgXTBAAR51jplDhk3pnY/s1600/Brendy+Buddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3ebEoasdnPqHANIA-bqf38Ua6RUS6NPfxemkWdmzodI9dK8I9SgBF7fsbvT12nQb7QLNT9wGGWg0rfUOmMlpDe1064__UZNtrampe_nU-hvr2x0S_h0mz6qJgXTBAAR51jplDhk3pnY/s1600/Brendy+Buddy.JPG" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
Last night started off like any other night. It was about 6 o'clock in the evening, & my grandparents & I took our dogs for a ride up in the Blue Mountains. It's something of a tradition of ours, to escape humanity for awhile & drive around the wilderness. Everything was going according to plan - that is, until we stopped to let the dogs out. Brendy (dog on the left of the photo) took off after a deer & disappeared into a valley. She was gone, just like that. After calling her name & looking for her for over 3 hours, we started to lose hope. Grandpa tied his shirt up to a tree so she had something to come back to, & we made our way back home, empty handed. I'll never forget that car ride. None of us said anything the whole way home, we just cried. We all somehow felt responsible for what had happened.<br />
When we got back home Grandpa & I were out in the garage, sitting there in stunned silence. We agreed that we would go back up there early in the morning. But after about 10 seconds, the guilt became too much for me to take.<br />
"What the hell are we doing?"<br />
Grandpa stood up & understood exactly what I meant.<br />
"You're right," he said. "Let's go."<br />
We went in the house & Grandma was already packing stuff up for us. Somehow she knew we were going back up there. Somehow she always knows.<br />
"I'll stay here with Buddy (my old yellow lab in the photo)," she said. "You two be careful."<br />
So off we went, driving into the darkness, both of us not knowing what to expect. As we drove up the mountain the only thing we could hear was our own voices echoing in the distance.<br />
"Brendy!" Grandpa yelled. "Brendy Lou, get back he-..." He broke down. "Goddammit, Alex, why did this have to happen?" he asked between sobs. "How did we let this happen?"<br />
"Don't lose hope yet, Grandpa," I said, although I was thinking something entirely different.<br />
At about that time some deer ran across the road in front of us. I stopped the truck, afraid there were more coming. I looked up the road & saw a pair of eyes reflecting off the headlights. The eyes were running toward the truck. <i>That's not a deer</i>, I thought to myself. <i>Is it a cougar? A bear?</i> My heart began to pound in my chest.<br />
Then she came into view.<br />
"It's Brendy! Grandpa, it's Brendy!"<br />
I got out of the truck & she slowly made her way toward me, seemingly not believing what she was seeing. Neither was I. It was like looking at a ghost. I opened up the back door of the truck & without a moment's hesitation she jumped in. She crawled up to the front seat & began licking my face. Grandpa hugged her & I didn't think he was going to ever let go. Tears ran down his face, this time the happy kind.<br />
"Let's get you home, girl," he said. "I can't wait to see the look on Grandma's face."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
<br />
We found her (she found us, really) at 1:30 AM only about 100 feet away from where Grandpa left his shirt. I still can't believe we got her back. <br />
I learned a lot last night about fear, regret, & guilt, among other things. But most importantly, I realized the power of never giving up hope.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-78445718924413870742013-12-18T16:49:00.001-08:002015-08-13T01:15:07.947-07:00Hollow Masks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
sacrificing self-acceptance</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
for petty public attention</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
consistently lying to yourself</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
by the guilt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
weighed down</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
it's like borrowing character</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
from somebody else</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
those loans won't help</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
we always end up paying</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
for all the facades we build</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-76367073627149162522013-12-08T01:01:00.000-08:002015-11-10T19:11:53.070-08:00A Walk With Fate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She sat, darkness dousing the sound of her own pounding guilt.<br />The devouring sound came from a wound within -- a wounded womb.<br />She swam from day to day by way of her tears.<br />In all of her 18 years alive, she had never felt so dead.<br />The hollowed hope in her head, though, kept her afloat.<br />Some symptoms still surfaced... what would be the odds?<br />The doctor came back with the test results.</span><br />
"My God... "<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* * * * * * *</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a warm breeze at our backs as we trekked up the trail.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll never forget how the Tri-Cities looked underneath that summer sunset.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Sure, the desert can sometimes be an ugly place</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the beauty is surely there if you look for it.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The words came easy between me & my mom on that fateful hike.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually she asked if I was happy where I was at,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">& I told her that I thought I belonged.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then she suddenly stopped walking, I stopped talking.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She looked me right in the eye & said,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's time you knew...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had an abortion when I was pregnant with you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">& yet, there you were!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">& here you are.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are meant to be here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So wherever you are, that's where you're supposed to be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trust me."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would be pretending if I said that conversation didn't change me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At first, honestly, I was angry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it became clear to me, i</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t all made sense.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hearing about the abortion that should've eliminated my existence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">somehow cleared my conscience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm thankful just to be here</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">& to grow old with all my kindred souls on this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's true what they say, you know:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">blessings are often disguised as burdens.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am meant to be here</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">& I refuse to live in fear.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's my time to make the most of my time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's my time to be myself: someone no one has ever been.</span></div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-20318893543058101562013-11-25T14:59:00.000-08:002013-12-04T17:05:42.646-08:00Rippling Effect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently told a friend </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd never like a song with that word in it ever again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I quickly accepted defeat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kept nodding my head to the repeating beats...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was once a time when we were simply seeking peace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were seemingly making progress in the process of deleting it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But now we're writing it in permanent ink</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we can see the words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again & aggin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now we're just going sdrawkcab</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How did we let this happen?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the years tears & blood have been spent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now it's a term of endearment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Only WE can say it"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite all the pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The double standards still remain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a shame...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did a little experiment to back up this vent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I heard it 75 times in <i>Magna Carta</i>*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hidden, intertwined in Jay Z's rhymes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That got me thinking...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What about Biggie?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& Jeezy?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& Weezy?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& you can't forget Yeezus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Their choice of words has an impact on us</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In all their fan's minds that word is just fine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realized I was one of them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rehearsing their verses</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again & aggin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why is it so intriguing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe it's just me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it seems like the same people who're angry it's still here</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are the ones who're actually keeping it relevant</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pathetic how accustomed we are to these racial epithets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
America, we've been conned</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The entertainment industry has altered history</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Nigga" is now an accepted part of our lexicon<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">* </span><i style="text-align: left;">Magna Carta</i><span style="text-align: left;"> is Jay Z's 12th studio album. To this date, 1,060,000 copies have been sold in the United States. </span></div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-33009031537822230462013-10-22T11:59:00.001-07:002013-11-17T00:25:36.618-08:00FriENDship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">She was my first kiss, I’ll never
forget</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">We were playing house out in the woods
with the other kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">She was “Mom,” I was “Dad”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It was the best acceptable excuse we
had<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">We were only seven, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">but even then, there was an inevitable
attraction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Some of us are simply bound on a
collision course with one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I moved away in the 4<sup>th</sup>
grade, but our friendship remained<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Seems like the hardships only brought
us closer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I remember coming back for the funeral<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">We cried & cried & cried &
cried<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I remember wiping the tears off her
face when her dad died<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">An accidental suicide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I remember hugging her & not
wanting to let go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I remember thinking things wouldn’t
quite be the same after that day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">& they never were<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Next thing we knew, we weren’t kids
anymore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">High school graduation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">That last true summer vacation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I moved back to Dayton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">& we both started a harvest job
with the Grain Growers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">If only we had known then what was in
store…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">“I know this sounds crazy, but I think
we should start dating”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">“Oh please, you’re like my sister”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t say that, you know we’re
supposed to be together”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">& on it went<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">On & off & on, again &
again, consistent as sin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I should’ve never listened to her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The famously dangerous drug also known
as lust<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Sure crept up on us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Me, especially<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">There’s obviously a certain trust that
comes with intimacy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">What we conceal, then reveal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Tell someone how we really feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Believe me, I know that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">But apparently I was too blind to see
clearly that August night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I don’t know why I allowed myself to
be sucked in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The self-imposed pressure to impress
everybody<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Only compressed me down into a nobody<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Into somebody who only thought of
himself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Someone who disregarded the respect
she deserved<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The respect that she neglected herself
of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I made it my life’s mission to make
hers brighter</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">& yet I eventually provided the
lighter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Only made the flames burn higher &
higher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The smallest spark can start a fire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Words, actions that can’t be taken
back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The ones that connect our past with
the present<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">& change the future<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I should’ve never said that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I should’ve never done that behind
your back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">But I did<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">& I’ve had to live with it ever
since<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">From the beginning, seemingly until
the end…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">But then, just like that, &
forever was over<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">She was gone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I’ll never forgive myself for what I
did<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I’ve held this in for far too long<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I sure do miss my friend</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-69278171090263339702013-08-27T11:56:00.001-07:002013-11-11T16:43:48.959-08:00I'm No Nomad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Author's note: I recently moved to a new town. A lot of thoughts have been going through my head since I've gotten here. Here a few of them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Earlier today I went downtown,</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
found a bench, sat down, looked around,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& realized I didn't know anyone.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm a stranger, surrounded by strangers, in this strange land.</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I scurried home not long after that thought crossed my mind,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my tail tucked between my legs. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seemingly on a whim</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I find myself in this little town called Sequim. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It'll surely take a while to get used to this place.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A map of the Puget Sound is on the wall of my new room.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My hometown is completely out of sight,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the opposite side of the state...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The smell of the once distant ocean drifts through the window.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear of the unknown comes in waves, some stronger than others.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A barge makes its presence known in the night.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The horn blast reverberates atop the water, the sand,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& then echoes across the land on which I know reside. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's no denying: I was scared to come here. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a stick in the mud, a creature of habit -</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Change just isn't my thing. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& yet change is everything.<br />
Change is the only constant.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can we grow without letting go of our fears?</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With that said, I can't lie (believe me, I've tried),</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my confidence doesn't travel well.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hell, it often runs dry.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over my 22 years, I've relied on others to remind me who I am.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will miss those friends more than anything...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this isn't goodbye, it's only "til next time."</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks to them, I don't have to begin again.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm beyond fortunate; I really do have it made.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I may now be in a different place,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it's still the same face looking back at me in the mirror.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This move has made one thing clear:</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This house may or may not become my home,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I, alone, must become my own comfort zone.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happiness derives from within.</div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-91862684772347375072013-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:002013-09-12T10:30:23.101-07:00Update (Forever) in Progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He sat there,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
spinning around in a
swivel chair,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
frustrated by it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
His laptop was on the
smooth oak counter in front of him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The system update was
progressing rather slowly…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
- - - 25% complete -
- -<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He began to explore
the Web while waiting,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
quickly becoming
entangled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He signed into Facebook
to take a look<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
at the girls who
habitually post pictures – <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
not believing in
their beauty until receiving at least 15 likes,<br />
their confidence depending on the comments. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He scrolled down
through the plagiarized quotes,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the list of borrowed
song lyrics – copied & pasted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What’s the point?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
To pretend that you
have it figured out more than most?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
To make people think
on the other side of their screens,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Hey, yes! By God,
that’s it! He’s found it!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The meaning of life
in a post.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
- - - 50% complete -
- -<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p>How confusing…</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He signed out, began perusing through the links,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
looking for his
calling,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the dream,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the scheme,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the means<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in which he would
make all of his money.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
How about a
firefighter?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<s>A liar</s> A
lawyer?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Or what about a psychologist?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He began to lose
himself in the lists<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
somebody else had
devised for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He took a personality
test so someone else could tell him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
INFJ, it said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Oh, that was easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Wait… what does that
even mean?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
- - - 75% complete -
- -<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
& the search continues…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He gave up, put his
headphones on,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
put his head in
his hands in defeat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Next thing, he woke
up,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
not quite sure how
long he’d seemingly been asleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He looked up to find
that the laptop was off,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
the update
undoubtedly complete.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
His reflection was looking
back at him in the now black & empty screen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They stared at each
other for a while, analyzing, smiling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
His grandmother
opened up the door, startling them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He paused the song in
his head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“There you are,” she
said. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Why, yes, here I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I guess I’ve been
here all along.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
- - - 1<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">∞</span>% - - -</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-90150817993427907712013-06-24T13:54:00.000-07:002013-10-30T12:33:58.802-07:00Harmonious<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you think about it,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sharing music with someone else</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really means a lot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether we're willingly able to admit it or not,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we seek outside advice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about how to best live our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Music is a convenient,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
entertaining, communication medium</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that allows us to hear the rhythm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
other people live their lives to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a result we're allowed to reflect,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& consequently edit,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our own flow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We listen to music the most when we're together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& when we're alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We listen to music when we're allowed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to freely sing as shitty as we please,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when we're allowed to dance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as embarrassingly as we deem fit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We listen to music so we don't have to pretend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our favorite tune is our favorite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because it helps us relate,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
helps us feel real & genuine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When somebody else shares their music with you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they're voluntarily and vulnerably revealing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a piece of their personality.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me, that's the embodiment of friendship.</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-72841561451986608842013-05-28T11:56:00.005-07:002013-11-12T15:46:50.667-08:00Such is the Flux<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Magazine covers with the beauty queens on ‘em</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always end up in the trash<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trendy fashions transform into fads<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing lasts<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah, we can’t have the good without the bad<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, we can’t be happy without first being sad</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hide your wounded pride inside<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ride those tides<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don’t forget to smile every once in a while<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though it always seems<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like we’re rolling smoothly<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right into a rut<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, such is the flux of life<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before you start to worry<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please promise me that you’ll see<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The opportunity<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
In every difficulty<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When pressure is pushing you down<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just know it’ll come back around<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the meantime…<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hide your wounded pride inside<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ride those tides<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don’t forget to smile every once in a while<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though it always seems<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like we’re rolling smoothly<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right into a rut<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, such is the flux of life<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such is the flux of life<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Endure the downs<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Appreciate the ups<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every peak has two valleys<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Endure the downs<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Appreciate the ups<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every peak has two valleys<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
A mind devoted to negativity<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is blind to the ubiquitous beauties of reality<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don’t forget to smile every once in a while<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don’t forget to smile every once in a while<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though it always seems<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like we’re rolling smoothly<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right into a rut<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But everything will be all right<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such is the flux of life<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-88451685357373434102013-05-12T16:36:00.001-07:002013-11-12T15:47:06.738-08:00I Love My Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you more than words can say</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I guess I can try anyway...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I look to you when I'm happy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I listen to you when I'm bitter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You make it even better</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& you make it all seem not so bad</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't help but smile</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At all the good times we've had</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It hasn't all been good, though...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During those trying times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When sorrow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Overpowered the prospects of tomorrow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I won't lie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to borrow some of your courage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You've taught me patience</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& endurance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've become stronger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through your words of encouragement</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though I outweigh you now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(practically twofold)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're still the strongest person I know</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know, I've already said that you're the embodiment of good character</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I have to say it again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because I will be forever grateful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For I am most fortunate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To have innately adopted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even a few of your characteristics</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter what way I look at it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite all of my new perspectives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll never have to swallow my pride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To say that you're the most important person in my life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom, it's an absolute privilege to be your son</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-78069553744161275142013-02-12T11:50:00.000-08:002013-11-12T16:13:11.353-08:00Grandma 1 & 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even in the arms of her groom</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her eyes rested on the most attractive woman in the room<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
You see, conformity forced her to be the same<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
To live up to her name<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Society said that success for a woman<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was determined by a ring & children<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So she listened<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She ignored the innate instinct within<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She said “I do,” three times, had two kids<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, living a lie<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was never truly satisfied<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Used, abused<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was losing herself<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
One day, she gathered up enough strength to walk away<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She knew she couldn’t hide her true self anymore<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So she decided to see what she was all about<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Came out<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
& welcomed what the future had in store<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always working so damn hard just to blend in<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She went on vacation<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
That was when they met<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
A remarkable relationship ensued as a result of that cruise<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her happiness began when she accepted her sexuality<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her happiness began when she met Patsy<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was seven when I realized my grandma was a lesbian</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
That friendly woman who was always with her <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was more than just a friend<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some wanted our bond to end<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wanted to keep me away because they were gay<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“He doesn’t need to be in that environment” <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It’ll poison his mind, their life is a sin”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
What toxic logic, to discriminate because of a harmless
difference<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ironic how religion preaches love, but breeds hate<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thankfully my mom knew better than to let me grow up without
them<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma Sue taught me to always look within<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She’s wise, yet has the personality of a rebel<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
By watching her I learned how to listen<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her love for others, simply admirable<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patsy showed me the importance of curiosity<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I sure discovered a lot on those treasure hunt walks<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I called the things we found "clues"</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still do</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her dedication will always be an inspiration to me</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
There will always be opposition in regard to this
predisposition</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, popular opinion is finally catching up with morality<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least in this sense<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, it only makes sense <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
To let people be who they were meant to be<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
& to let them legally love<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
whoever they want to be with forever<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Earlier today, I heard her say<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You’ve always been my Cubman<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I want you to be my ring bearer”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
20 years after their serendipitous beginning<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
There will be a wedding<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
They’re still deciding on a date, but I couldn't wait</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to write about
it<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite all that has tried to convince them otherwise<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Their love has thrived<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma Sue, Patsy<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma 1, Grandma 2<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so, so proud of you<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-32668496731346420682013-01-11T10:46:00.000-08:002015-09-29T00:08:17.517-07:00From Father to Son<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was five when I heard those gunshots</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
echo across town</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a hot night, July of ‘96</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was cuddled up with Mom</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The bedroom window was open</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
She was singing me to sleep<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was such a peaceful song<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I remember how she flinched</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
In an instant</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I knew</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She knew</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
That a part of both of our lives</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
was gone<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
* * * * * * *</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me tell you a tale<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
About a guy who died too damn young<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I’ve heard he could’ve been a standup comedian<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Man, how I’ve lived with his demons…<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The man I remember</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
is a memory I want to forget</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
That thunderous knock on the door<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Let me in! I just want to see my son!”</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The welling tears in her eyes, my mom<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Telling me to hide</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
He was only twenty-five</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don’t remember much<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I meet him through their stories<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Apparently, he was everyone’s friend<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
People gravitated toward him<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ironic</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
that he was the only one<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Who brought himself down<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ironic</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
that he brought others up<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
But practically put himself in the ground<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My dad met his end because of $200 worth of meth<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know the name of the man who shot him<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know they still haven’t caught him<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
* * * * * * *</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I’ve met a lot of the people he was close with<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
It’s the same thing, every time<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
They gasp when I walk in the room</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes even begin to cry<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes I cry without even knowing why<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It took me awhile to see</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have such a hard time missing him</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because he still walks with me<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
He still talks to me<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My angel tells me to confront my demons</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tells me to be different</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This time I'm listening</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-48693728709464149852012-06-12T11:54:00.001-07:002021-04-27T15:59:53.899-07:00Shards of What Was<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Through the
wall he could hear the contained, clangorous sound of his sister vomiting into
a pan; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">through the
window, he could hear his dad’s truck peel out the driveway & on down the cul-de-sac. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">She cried
herself sick; he left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The sounds entered through different ears & collided in his brain with such force <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">that an
explosion of frustration overtook him in the form of clenched fists &
teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The remnants
of the blast was evident in his emerald eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">as he sat in
the chair at his desk, alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">He wanted to
move away from it all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">but he knew
that wouldn’t help anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">No, nothing
can help when help is not wanted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Is she
okay?” he asked his mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“She’ll be
all right. Did he leave?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“What does
it matter? The damage has been done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">He was
wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 18px;">* * * * * * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">She tended
her frantic daughter, calmed her, then retired to her bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">She looked
at the pictures on the walls of a once-shared room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 18px;">* * * * * * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">He returned
to his desk, put his head in his hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Moments
later, another explosion:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">this one was
outside of his head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">He pushed
away from the desk, ran toward his mother,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">but he was
too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Shattered
glass covered the beige carpet in a thin layer,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">like virgin
snow on an unsuspecting desert. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Tears &
blood mixed in with the shards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">She was not
herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Rage poured
out in stuttering breaths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Blood
trickled down her arms,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">the trails
coiling around like a double helix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The images
and memories were woven into her being, her DNA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">She did not
want them there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">For a few
moments she sat cross-legged atop her own destruction,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">head bobbing
with the sobbing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">She then
took notice of the blood,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">took notice
of her son standing in the doorway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The memories
had been painfully removed from their frames,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">from their
glass borders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Maybe now
she will finally let them go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Clean this
up, I’ll get some band aids,” was all he could utter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">On his way
out the house, he shut his sister’s door,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">sheltering
her from the images of her own home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * * * *</div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The ending
of an end is just another beginning.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-79453249466565717382012-05-29T11:59:00.003-07:002021-04-27T16:00:15.975-07:00Our Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
How
rude it is to keep beauty waiting</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I
guess I’m hesitant to get lost in amazing</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * * * *</div></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">It
seems strange, this waiting game</div></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I
know you will change me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
and
I know it will be for the better<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I
shouldn’t be afraid of progress<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I
shouldn’t overthink<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
something,
someone<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
that
is permanently imprinted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
into
my thought process<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
These
thoughts and feelings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
will
eventually evolve into actions<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I’ve
become complacent in my patience, though<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
and
I guess the answer to this lovely riddle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
is
a question:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
What
are we waiting for?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
It’s
time we realized it’s our time.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-26221638727026798112012-05-22T11:42:00.001-07:002013-11-21T16:43:11.850-08:00An Unusual Acquaintance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
On a highway day drive in April,
I befriended a June bug<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got off to a tumultuous
beginning<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I flicked him out the driver window,
but he stuck around for the ride<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tested him, he responded, I
respected<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He calmly clung to the rearview
mirror<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we began to reveal a bit
about our pasts<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said his kind gets a bad rap,
are considered pests<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But they didn't seem that bad to
me<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said he had a bad batch with
his woman, needed a new start<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I’m glad you’re headed elsewhere” he said<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Because that’s exactly where I’m
headed”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He mentioned something about the ubiquitous eyes above<o:p></o:p><br />
Something about the crows grubbing on his grubs</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He told me his woman didn’t
trust him anymore</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She said he could no longer protect</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“How can I fend off a crow?” he
helplessly wondered aloud<br />
“It’s beyond my control”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It’s beyond your control” <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He told me his name was Jim<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jim the June bug, has quite the
jingle<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
We easily kept the conversation moving
along for a bit<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was a quick witted little
fellow<o:p></o:p><br />
I wished we could have more time<br />
But “I only have a year to live,” he
said </div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I don’t have time to waste any of mine”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He reminded me of the beauty of sometimes winging it<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went along for a while – at
least a mile – in silence<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The comfortable kind, though<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kind only two true friends
could enjoy<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well,” he said<br />
"This is the end"<br />
"I guess I'll be going"<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wished him the best of
luck<br />
He did the same to me<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a flick of his wings he was
gone<br />
Now I don't know if he gracefully caught a draft<br />
Or if he crashed his ass right into the pavement<br />
Ether way, Glenn H. Curtiss* would be proud<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come to think of it, I was proud
of him, too<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hoped his new start was the
right one<br />
In a place where the grass is green<br />
The lady bugs are pretty</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the crows, a
little less dense<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Curtiss' "Flight of the June Bug" in 1908 was the first pre-announced flight in America. </div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-53552953617452054052012-05-09T15:57:00.000-07:002013-11-12T16:14:18.232-08:00This College Town<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see movement,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
living in this college town<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
People coming home, going, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
people trying to get out<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
We’re all here to go somewhere else, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
persevering the present to propel our futures<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ubiquitous buses roar across town, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
filling the silence of day, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
protruding the silence of night<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silence is such a profound sound<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Living in a college town, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
introductions go amiss<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
First impressions are so very valuable in this land of
strangers<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silence is such a profound sound, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
especially when it follows such a simple question<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What’s your name again?”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“. . . uhm . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
. . . uhm . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
. . . . . . . . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Living in a college town, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don’t feel the same<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I can’t even say my own name<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
It’s easy to lose yourself in the campus crowds<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Straight A’s fail to sway my dismay</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Success will never be<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
enough to make up for the faults<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are the words of a pessimistic perfectionist<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are the words of a stuttering perfectionist<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, though, as I look out the bay windows,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize all the negativity is just me<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
You find out a lot about yourself – through success, through
failure – <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
living in this college town<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here, you have to get on a bus to go anywhere, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you have to step outside <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
your comfort zone to hitch a ride<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will reach my destination<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I do, I won’t need to say my name – <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
everyone who I want to know will already know it<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you feel as if you’ve lost your way,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
press replay, because you’ve done it all before<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And you can do it again<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Listen to the voice within<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn from who you’ve been<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fight hard for who you want to become<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
This starts for me right here, right now,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
in this college town <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-34873061820930847122012-04-24T00:09:00.001-07:002021-04-27T15:58:53.995-07:00Thunderstorm Thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The smell of burning fields fills up the night</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aromas ignite the darkness</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Sky shows its might</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Strike after strike</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Illuminating my room with strobing hues of blue</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bullets of rain ricochets off the windows</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The metallic ting interrupted by electric eruptions</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fierce bolts of lightning light</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reveals clandestine outlines of black clouds</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Neon arms reach down</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I ignore the time</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I turn off the lights</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Open all the curtains</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to sit back and enjoy the show</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I often forget that I have a front row seat</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I often forget that I'm merely a wondering witness </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">of this wonderful world</span></div></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZiC9cPFcP5NnZII79e8xdUF69JkdNsaYarWbAchx57QiH6xV9UBW0heFofpZRLG0R6vQu7vMvp-VDHAx52Uu04ke0grBggpFg_dWi-rCIuOIWHKfpIBT24BChkpVcCvv35dkHMYrrbo/s1600/Pullman+lightning+storm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZiC9cPFcP5NnZII79e8xdUF69JkdNsaYarWbAchx57QiH6xV9UBW0heFofpZRLG0R6vQu7vMvp-VDHAx52Uu04ke0grBggpFg_dWi-rCIuOIWHKfpIBT24BChkpVcCvv35dkHMYrrbo/s400/Pullman+lightning+storm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Washington State University Lightning Storm - Pullman, Washington. A lightning storm forks over Washington State University. Ryan McGinty Photography Copyrighted. All rights reserved.</span>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-90050978834401658322012-01-19T22:51:00.000-08:002013-11-12T15:50:58.918-08:00All Jokes Aside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Relationships are like tectonic plates:</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes they shift,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
and when they do,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
it shakes the ground beneath you.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Realize that this is just a simile, though,</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
because you can’t be at fault<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
for settling in the fault zone.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
It’s only human that we fall in love,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
but when we do,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
where exactly are we falling from?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
A relationship<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
shouldn't be a leap of faith,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
it should be a grasp of the right hands. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The lovely mystery</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
is sometimes hard to understand. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
My answer to my relationship riddle<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
is not ground-breaking, <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's just me.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
As silly as it sounds,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
we’re all looking for someone who we can be comfortable with being silly around. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-10594986308240779512011-11-29T12:36:00.000-08:002015-09-28T23:46:20.396-07:00An Enlightening Darkness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
"<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." ~ Nelson Mandela</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">* * * * * * *</span></span></div>
<br />
The dimming candles are flickering light fixtures</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shadows dance across the walls</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Only the brave acknowledge the mixture</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The thought tosses & turns in my mind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I roll over in bed, close my eyes</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
& lose sight of courage<br />
<br />
* * * * * * * </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I awake to darkness<br />
Burned out candles</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My room, reverberating <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With a crescendo of impending doom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Illuminated by the lunar light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">From a crescent moon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is night<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">* * * * * * *</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I awake to light</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Twisting inside through </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the foggy bay windows</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Doubt rises with the sun...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But after some time, the rays burn the haze away</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">& it all becomes clear</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My dreams from the night, now in sight</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is <b>my</b> day</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * *</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fear of failure</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To get it all right<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Is quite all right<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Fear and bravery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Day and night</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Only the brave acknowledge the mixture<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">* * * * * * *</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I step outside<br />
& look up at the sky to find<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That in the bright blue hue of noon</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The sun's shine was combined w</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ith the lunar light</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Of that same crescent moon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Make the most of those sleepless nights that turn into mornings</span><br />
Light up the darkness</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-41804579473449245332011-09-29T13:39:00.001-07:002021-04-27T15:57:14.255-07:00My Impediment and I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is so hard to accept<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">that of which I wish to suppress.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But the longer I do the further I regress...</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stutter? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">M-Me?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But truthfully, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">honestly,</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">sometimes I feel I speak so fluently, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">so clearly, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">that it’s hard for some </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">to really hear me.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stammer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">M-mysel...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I appreciate the gesture,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but I can finish that word <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">without the help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Confidence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">isn’t a common commodity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">as this rollercoaster of communication<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">corkscrews, construes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">my view<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">into seeing myself as an oddity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How can I feel the same<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">when I can’t even tell the confused man<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">who’s shaking my hand </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">my name?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Some may think I’m shy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I won’t lie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I see it, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I feel the words </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">crack in two.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I want to speak, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">believe me;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">a fluent communication<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">between me and you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It’s true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Within this stammer –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">this ruptured rhythm </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">that reluctantly </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">results in a rhyme,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">please, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">just give me some time –</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll eventually lay down the hammer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sparks on steel,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">how does it feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">to chip away self-confidence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">with every random </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">repetition...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">only resulting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">in another goddamn </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">humiliation?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">when I look at the mirror,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">when I look upon my reflection, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have to reestablish connection, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and remind myself to take pride in what I see;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">we only approach perfection by accepting our imperfections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Denotative definitions </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">are only as stated,</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">since I likely can’t say it, anyway,</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">this impediment will not define me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This silly restraint </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">will not bind me.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I can’t deny, though,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">sometimes </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wake up and wonder,</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Will it ever go away?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Doubt is reintroduced </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">throughout the day.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ironically, it is I who say:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Th-this right here </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">is a part of me,</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and I sh-should </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">probably stay.”</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No need to bury </span>yourself in dismay.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It’s not how you say something that matters, it’s what you say.</span></div>
</div>
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Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7395658725514829637.post-36356360482265028162011-09-29T13:31:00.001-07:002021-04-27T15:47:22.538-07:00Icebergs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF91NzbI-oSJemVqhe7z9s-b3wOIotV8dIg7N8kb1B1r9W5sW6DcBgWQB6z23txGmUksJ8D0NxWXMLM8OfOVmHXC4twYXrMOmVCNNzn3Tv2IU67QHzivs1OY6QqjxEvRlARnK2izwaTs/s1600/We+are+all+icebergs.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF91NzbI-oSJemVqhe7z9s-b3wOIotV8dIg7N8kb1B1r9W5sW6DcBgWQB6z23txGmUksJ8D0NxWXMLM8OfOVmHXC4twYXrMOmVCNNzn3Tv2IU67QHzivs1OY6QqjxEvRlARnK2izwaTs/s320/We+are+all+icebergs.jpg" width="234" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">We are all icebergs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Some of us float, others don't, but all of us are mostly submerged. The immensity of our submerged selves can only be guessed at by just glancing at the surface. What we don't know is only a small manifestation of what we could know. Ambiguity attracts us all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Only our apex breaks the surface of the icy waters that we douse ourselves in, and it is this emergence that we put on display for the others to see. In the Sea, waves crash against us, imbecile imposters walk atop us, the Sun blares down on us... We all have our own melting points, but the best of us have the ability to freeze, sacrifice what the icy situation dictates, and regain our cool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">We all come from a larger formation, a foundation that formed us. Eventually, though, we must break off and float about on our own. We are small in the beginning -- a single drop of water in an ocean full of drops -- but we end up gaining steam as the journey continues. Some continue to grow, others plateau off; with our height, some of us seemingly touch the sky. At our end, all of us will eventually evaporate into it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">The cause of our flux can be accredited to the escape of pressure through our various layers, and yet pressure is what ultimately holds us together. What an opposure of pressure we sometimes can be!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Throughout the daily bump & grind, some of us can't help but collide. Sometimes collisions result in a cohesive coupling, a proven pack. Other times collisions result in a ruptured recoiling that leaves us cracked. Icy water seeps in, & a part of us sinks. Only a part, though, and that part was obviously meant to go. The part of us that is meant to stay will always remain afloat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">We all seemingly appear to be mostly the same, but it is our differences that have the most impact. In fact, it is those differences -- our unique encavements, our chiseled fissures -- that grants us our identity, our shape. It's peculiar how such a random determination determines our reality, isn't it? It isn't so random, though: we definitely have some control as to what we harden ourselves into. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, we aren't really inanimate objects (especially one so cold). If we fail to animate ourselves with what we're given, though, we just might become so. The disinclination to reveal ourselves only freezes us in place, and could eventually sink us entirely. What a titanic blunder that would be.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Alex Dissinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469434538735231477noreply@blogger.com11