How the World Should Work: Recent Episodes
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“I saw machines with vacant screens”“Still humming in the dust”“Wonders made; gone, decayed”“Rendered into naught but rust”Reports might warn, but hearts, when tornThey never cease to dreamTheir darkest fate, when faced, createNew futures, yet unseen … More A Light Called Unity
Adalasia: First Entry – Sicily, August, 1943 A curious thing happened today. It’s amazing how different things are now amidst the shelling. The incessant shooting, screaming, and shouting. Hardly a week ago I was making pies for Father’s bakery, whistling cheerful tunes and thinking of boys. My every day seemed filled with that of joy … More Love & Loss
I know you see things as I do There’s nothing we need to think through Take my hand, come walk with me There’s no one here else but us, you see Underneath these sparkling stars The entire world is ours Pick a place: below, above Say the word. It’s yours, my love There’s not a … More Walk With Me
Why does cream rise to the top? A question that so many ask Might it be its color, creed? Or is there more to such a task? Irony: it’s funny, see At times it rhymes and makes much sense Homogenizing prevents rising Cream climbs ‘cause it isn’t dense It understands the law of lands That … More Rise
Liberty is everythingChoosing choice above all elsePicking paths to try and treadPower lies within yourself … More Liberty
So here’s to hoping that someday, just as Florence did so long ago, we look up — only to see those who embody values as close to the heart as that once-in-an-era, truly magnificent bloodline. … More The Noble House of Medici
It doesn’t take a day, fortnight To know what’s wrong and know what’s right It only takes some sadness, see A bit of love and empathy Understanding someone else Not just standing for yourself Realizing that, in truth I’m just me, and you’re just you We do not need to hate, or fight Whether priest … More Antoninus Pius
I wrote this book while many places were closed due to the pandemic (and before I had a baby), so I had a bit more time on my hands. I wrote after … Kate DeMaio and Fiona and the Forgotten Piano
You ask “How do I know it’s ‘me’”? It’s easy, read my poetry I’ve been the same for many years And nothings easier to read Everything is simple, see? Stop making one plus four be three Stay the knife, just embrace life Pray you find the things you need If you’re not okay – it’s … More Life: It’s Far Too Short
In the ever-evolving publishing industry, authors have more choices than ever before. One option that has gained significant traction recently is … The Hidden Gems of the Publishing World: Why Indie Publishers Might Be Your Best Bet
Not every good fright comes from phonebook-length novels. Horror poetry can deliver goosebumps and jump scares in just a few words. Spooky Season is Upon Us: An Interview with Greg Jones
I’ve always been fascinated by flying. Probably should have joined the Air Force instead of the Army! When I was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, I … An Interview with K.M. King
by Marla Miller Los Angeles author Joe Ide, a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, is delighted with the success he has enjoyed since … The Facts and Fantasy of ‘Bestselling’ Author
We’re oft afraid, think paths are laid, but never do we know what’s next. We say we know, even though, we can’t tell the font from text. There exists a rhyme to life, rhythms we don’t understand. And yet if let to devices, it will hold you, hand in hand. Never have I ever known … More Without a Crown
They’ve no master, not these starsNot “mine”, not “yours”, they’re simply “ours”Casting wishes, we, to theyFor sparkles that turn dark to day … More Spelled in Skies of Sparkling Stars
Within the World of Creativity, there are realms that are delegated to each of the arts. Each realm is there to ensure their designated art lives on.… A Court of Pen and Pain
Wonder, awe, intrigue, and thought Emotions that these stars have wrought Inspiration, its abound Without making slightest sound There’s despair, I see it blink It fastens belts on thoughts I think Grief appears, and as it nears It darkens more, this blackened ink When it seeps through And it will They will see what’s wrought … More Stars
By Bruce Buchanan Making full-time living writing fiction is living the dream—but for most authors (even ones with book deals), being a writer means … Don’t Quit Your Day Job (and Why That’s a Good Thing!)
by Sheelagh Aston It is estimated that 97% of people who start writing a novel never finish it. So, congratulations on finishing the first draft of … The Writer as a Tortoise.
Over time, I began to realize more and more how strange I probably came off to people by doing stuff like this. It would make the other person think I’m subtly acknowledging an imperfection or something. Messed up hair, wrinkled shirt, whatever. Which wasn’t at all what I was doing, but it probably appeared that way nonetheless. … More Living With OCD: The Subtle Ways it Can Govern Your Life
We are so excited to meet with one of our wonderful children’s author’s Haddessah Anne Brice, or as we like to call her, Haddie. Her children book, … Author Interview with Haddessah Anne Brice
There often comes a point during the publishing process in which you will be asked to write a #BookBlurb. Now, don’t start panicking just yet. You’ve… The Art of Writing a Book Blurb
Recently, I had the pleasure of doing an interview with author (and basically comedian) M.E. Shao. He’s a renaissance man, having achieved some … Author Interview with M.E. Shao
Today we have the chance to hear from our very own J.K. Raymond… the author of Infinite Mass, Wild Ink Publishing’s most recent YA/NA title (… The Infinitely Awesome J.K. Raymond
Driving forward in reverse Yet asking why I’ve stopped Climbing up while being down And wonder: where’s the top? Try to move by holding back Is that how I’ll progress? Or have my actions been for naught But coping, and regress Questions, they have haunted me While reason hides each day Perhaps I chose a … More Reevaluate
There is no clearer smoke and mirror Than the haze of government It does not matter what’s your stature Practice pilgrimage or lent The world should not be dictated by those who wish you in a trance Nor should you beholden to a politician’s circumstance It is so clear Our Lords, austere Are nothing more … More Aftermath
I’m so much higher in Fiber and Vitamin C You’re just a cartoon gimmick that’s lesser than me! C’s anti-oxidize and help them absorb Immune systems thank me, I bring Iron on board And how about vision and your tissue health? My Vitamin A count is brimming in wealth Your names even stupid! You’re “Spinach”, … More Kale v. Spinach: The Superfued
Let’s be honest – we all have a nerdy side to us. Whether it’s experiencing a new Star Wars movie at an IMAX theater or wreaking havoc in the latest GTA game, we all enjoy an occasional escape into the newest tech. This is all well and good, considering we live in an age where … More Pushing Boundaries: My Day at iCube
Music. Its one of our culture’s greatest creations. I think we can all agree that music can truly change the way we feel and perceive the world around us. It can be a catchy tune, somber melody, emotionally resounding lyrics or one of the many other components of a song – our moods can shift … More The Words Behind the Words
Ollie, ollie, Oliver! You always were the best It was not just the Falcor fur ‘Twas that, and all the rest You truly are so well behaved A kindness, one of kind Not like certain dog bandits I’ve met, who come to mind (RIP btw) I loved the times they’d leave, you know When to … More The Ollies
It matters not, if you agree Or if, instead, you disagree How I view you, and you view me Matters, incidentally We will not change the minds of men Nor woman, child, or their kin Unless we try to get along Where right is right, and wrong is wrong Division is no way to build … More Simplicity
Patience is a virtue
That’s what everybody says at least
But people aren’t so patient unless their own stance stands to increase
Sincerity is different
A concept we unite behind
Ironically its only seen within ourselves in our own mind
No one knows what you are thinking
No one knows what’s in your sheath
No one knows if this is heaven
Or it’s hell that lurks beneath
Only your reflection
Should be occupying thoughts at night
Not what others in the mirror
See or say or think that might
No one ever knows you
Like the way you know
Yourself, you see
Let no one tell you otherwise
As ‘writ in chapter twenty-three
Well, it’s about that time, I guess. I knew it was coming, but, like so many others, I’ve done my best to subtly brush the conversation under the carpet until it reached a tipping point. We’re gonna have to address it one of these days, much as we don’t want to. So here goes.
Transgenderism.
The first thing I want to make clear is that I support any and all personal decisions when it comes to one’s own sovereignty. I emphatically stand behind the notion that the individual should have the right to maintain full autonomy as it relates to their personal embodiment. If a female chooses to display what society would deem as “masculine” characteristics, more power to her. If a fella decides he’d rather play the “feminine” part, again, so be it. I have no qualms with this whatsoever. I believe that we should all do our own thing, and if that doesn’t spit on anyone else’s game, then who are we to judge?
However.
This is where I’m getting crossed up. Transgenderism. Correct me if I’m wrong (honestly, like maybe I misinterpreted things), but isn’t one of the main pillars of the transgender movement grounded in the notion that male and female roles shouldn’t be so clearly defined and that we’re all equal? That despite being born a male, that doesn’t mean you have to do “male things”?
What is the solution to this? Well, apparently, if what popular culture is telling me is true, it’s to shift into the other role. To become a female. Isn’t that defeating the point, though? If you don’t like the fact that certain expectations are placed upon males and females, wouldn’t it be easier to try and change those expectations rather than changing your own physiological self? In other words, why are we trans-ing ourselves when we could instead be re-writing the rules of the entire game? Because I hate to say it, but if you start a battle with Mother Nature, she tends to come out on top, and good luck with whatever it is you’ve created for yourself down there. And you best not be mad when someone comes up on it and has a wtf moment – that’s all I’m saying.
I think the point here is that this battle is being fought on the wrong front. Rather than trying to augment our societal expectations and predispositions, we are literally transforming our bodies to fit into the societal molds that we’ve been dogmatically conditioned into pursuing.
That isn’t how it’s supposed to work. We shouldn’t change ourselves to fit the system. We should change the system to fit ourselves.
I spent an hour in high tower
And looked across the way
I wondered how the people now there
Think, or what they’d say
Has the King done all the things
He promised for the land?
Or are the rings of songs he sings
On him, his court, his Hand?
Are the fields, the crops they yield
Well tended under He?
Or when it’s peeled, the outer shield
Is famine what we’ll see?
Is it ever right endeavor?
Which path shall we take?
The one we’re on will soon be gone
And all is what’s at stake
Guard it well, and when you tell
Say every word aloud
When such a force sets on its course
The King will hear the crowd
There is a cost to Winter’s frost
Not always is it best
To resurrect a cause or sect
‘Tis naught a time for jest
They say that starts all have an end
But fret not, love, we’ll meet again
I’ve found you in each every life
All I need do is search for light
We’ve lived these lives, both rich and poor
We’ve persevered through every door
Each time is different, but when it’s done
Our souls have joined and become one
Cast aside the fears, the doubt
This is what life is about
Lock them away, high on the shelf
My Light, we’ve conquered time itself
So what if I stole millions? Who cares I faked my death?
That makes a man a psychopath? Pleb please, don’t waste your breath
Just because I’m more corrupt than Kremlin KGBs
Does not mean I am capable of nuking family trees
Judge and jury: this I say – just take one look at me!
Winning smile, fancy suit, that Hallmark family!
Pay no mind to this “behavior” they accuse me of up there
Ignore my beady Manson eyes. My only guilt? Red hair.
You’re telling me that you don’t visit your sick mom each night?
Holding big ass sketchy tarps? Like, that’s a common sight
I swear you people just can’t stand my money and prestige
Or that you’re not a king like me; a Hills-Have-Eyes-town liege
Face the facts: I’m a free man. And State’s shit, so by the way
Weak questions, weaker case, no prep? Just call me “White OJ”!
Somewhere in the trees tonight
Though hidden, sits an owl
I hear it through the window, ask
“Whose spirit guides you now?”
“Memory is not a haven”
“When darkened, is the past”
“Safety lies ahead for they”
“Who fight until their last”
Words he spoke, this owl outside
Intent, I listened in
I gave them much consideration
Now heed them, I begin
I keep the candle burning bright
My quill remains in ink
To this owl, I owe my thanks
For changing how I think
A raven sits outside this hour
Teardrops turn from sweet to sour
Dark descends, though they don’t cower
In this dead of night
A little horse may have no fear
But naught is there a farmhouse near
Clock strikes twelve; midnight we hear
As bells chime in respite
‘Tis a valley; pit, to some
Housing their clock’s pendulum
No Romeo to save one from
The shadow poised to fright
No end exists to this sidewalk
‘Twas built with pen, and ink, and chalk
Path laid by word’s righteous talk
To aide internal plight
Hearts tell tales of roads not taken
Death won’t stop so pray, awaken
Naught to see, for there’s a stake in
That which guides our sight
Nod to They for inspiration
Places gone, minds mold creation
Still, they rise in narration
Here with us, tonight
“I is best guard dog around you, okay?”
Alright, I’ll listen to that
“I protect people from bad things today”
Sure thing. But you aren’t a cat.
“I know. But she’s not got paws just like me”
Yes she does. Just look, they’re right there
“Sure. But they are not mine, don’t you see?”
“I bet these could rip up a bear!”
Alright Pip, get up now
“We going outside?”
Yes we are, so put on your coat
Let’s find you a bear and see if you can scare
The bear into the woods like you hope
“Uh, wait, just hold on”
Is there something wrong?
“I think I just broke a paw-nail”
You’ve got others though, right?
To put up a fight
Protect us from what’s on the trail?
“Yeah, about that” said the cat
As it waltzed to the sink
“I’m not so sure she could bemuse”
“A bear that’s out there might make anyone scare”
“And broke paw-nails are hard to use”
Then with a smile, the cat would beguile
It jumped to the table, and winked
“But if you take me, I’ll protect her for free”
“The pup will be fine, ‘least I think’”
“See? I will guard”
“It won’t be that hard”
“I’ll growl at them and I will blink”
“‘Cause if I don’t scare”
“At least the dumb bear”
“Will see that I’m cute, don’t you think?”
Hmm, now I say
I guess creatures all pray
Maybe yes, they might think that you’re cute
But do not forget
That these creatures, they let
A thing like you can become mute
So if you’ve a voice
There’s not really a choice
Speak up, regardless of paws
If these cats can scare
Everyone. Everywhere.
Can speak, no matter their cause
Sand through the toes
A pier, standing tall
If it’s not on a social
Did it happen at all?
If you don’t share everything
You must be a recluse
If life is fun, clearly
You must put it on loose
Don’t get caught up thinking
Through thick, or through thin
“Influencer” lifestyles
Are how people win
Sometimes it’s the small thing
Just a walk. Or a chat
That makes for fun living
It’s as simple as that
I know you’re independent And I know that’s what I said but Then our journey started I’m so sorry, guess I lied I know that you can open Your own doors, but now I’m holding This one for you, so forgive me But hey, at least I tried That’s just how my mother raised me … More Blossom
An Angel spreads its righteous wings Its deeds – one of a kind Under a halo hides from view A plagued, Angelic mind Though such beauty, glamour, glee That spread throughout its course Its thoughts are fettered; grandeur, grief And feelings of remorse Reminded, alas, by Angelic plight Not even Saints amongst them, hide For … More Winged Shadows
Every time a letter rhymes “E” tries to behold Even though its ego has Eventually grown old Everybody gets it, bro “E” can rhyme with all Ever think your poop don’t stink? “E” helps you, trust me, ya’ll
Careful now, it’s letter C C’s how we got the cats Canine claws, we cannot trust ‘Cause dogs are more for that Cold they are, yet posed as friends Calculated, yes Clawing out our souls, nine lives, whilst standing on your Chest
Alas! Aha! A time has come, announcing number two Allow me to present A sequel All written just for you Alpha bets, they do come first Although the risk is high And here we go, oh don’t you know As Odes, the time is nigh!
Beaver Beaver, building buildings Blocking river’s way Bumble-Tuna could no soon-a Break his barricade Brackish water, somewhat salty Brewed around that day Broke the building ‘twas his fault, he Brought floods to Tuna Bay
Its been a minute since I’ve written a thought piece. And by a minute, I mean more like probably over a year. That’s okay though, because we all know that life is a collection of strange happenings which generally have no explanation whatsoever insofar as timing, appropriateness, and/or reasoning. So who cares? Point is, you … More You Sexy Thing
I sleep over here; I sleep over thereYou tell me sleep where? I really don’t careI place paws on your mouth as I snooze on your lapBe silent, my servant! It’s time for my nap We both know you need me to keep yourself wholeSo stop your complaining and fill my food bowlOh. While you’re … More Kneel in Reverence, For I Am A Generous Dog
I write these words, I write them now, and yet I do not know just how they may interpret, may be read, but either way – at least they’re said. There are some things, some things that, yes, I’ll need to say but then digress. So if I seem to be verbose please do forgive … More Sovereignty
Profiles Such lovely things They narrow ways that we may think Exacerbate what we want known Yet throw throw away unknowns, we know Avatars They are our guise Providing all the tales and lies Use them knowing, use them wise For candid truth, they can’t disguise If pictures say a thousand words Then why do … More Catfish
Three men sat down, they all wore crowns Around a fire, they all met Each had one goal in their mind But each would argue how to get Get the goal they all dreamed of A world of laughter, fun, and love Each had pure intentions, see It was their methods; disagreed It was when … More Three Wise Men
A lighthouse stands to guide these lands It overlooks the gulf, the sea Built to be a beacon, yes Yet casts no light for you nor me Dynasties: they are not made They’re earned through blood, through patience, grit And though our lighthouse claims to guide It stands complacent; never lit Life is not a … More Create
It’s been a minute since I wrote a pweem of pweematry That’s just because The place I was Was one that does A funny little thing: to search for purpose, see For stories aren’t all boring They can make a mouse of man And yes, sometimes With the right lines They turn “cannot” into “can” … More Why Dogs Are The Secrets Of Success
If you wish to join this fight Then dig inside your mind tonight Look for every piece of glass That can sand into better class Search for every rock and stone And do not leave your kind alone Stay with them through thick and thin Through every miracle and sin The shades of grey, the … More Unwarrant War
I drove in thought, as tend I do On whim, I paused as I passed through Pulled aside and spent the day Atop the bluffs, where my dog played And though he is not with me now I felt him there, some way, somehow The moss, a feel of fur it had The breeze, sound … More Cherish
A one way mirror, it must be As others see more clear than me A gaze to my left A glance to my right I know not which to join or fight Perhaps this path? To there, or here? To follow roads paved yesteryear? Misguided bones rest on false thrones Offering uncertainties Dogmas close once … More Clouded Reflections
A one way mirror, it must be For them, it’s clearer seen than me I look to my left I look to my right I know not where to walk tonight Should I take this path? Should I go there? Feign the footsteps of who dare? Nothings known on a false throne Uncertainty is all … More Reflections
It’s been awhile Yes awhile Since I wrote a poem But that’s because Yes it’s because I haven’t been alone I got a dog And like a frog I jumped into a thing And now free time Has been declined For Pips a pong to ping I made that up Just like her sup The … More Okay Back, Honeymoon’s Over
Hello pretty Pip! I think its time I wrote a pweem So although my friends all know ‘twas coming This won’t be as it seems Never mind, okay I lied That’s exactly what this is It’s just a pweem, with glamour, gleam Were she a drink, she’s fizz Welcome to the world, my girl … More Hello, Pip!
I’m moving soon Skipping town To go a way where dues are paid To build a life One not of strife But one where someone, well, they’ll be laid To Florida It’s where I gah I have not much of money, yet But I’ll tell you Oh yes, it’s true I’m sitting on a novel, … More TBPH
My job as of late It’s one I don’t hate In fact, I like it a lot Its to renovate Every inch, every gate A sweet house that my friend had just got Well when I consigned My name to dotted line I said yes, of course I will try To give you my best … More The Lonely Ladders
An Ode to the Letter “A” A picture says a thousand words At least that’s what they say Although they can’t describe a thing As well as letter “A” “A” means that there’s others As if there’s two or three And if there was just only one “A” would become “the” An Ode to the Letter “B” … More An Ode to the Alphabet
Committed, so deep in it I will die before I quit it Its both Dark and light my mind’s mitosis, but you all already know this All these Ideas pouring out, overwhelming my head’s funnel My Hands are moving so damn much I’m thirty-five with carpal tunnel And I Experiment with rhythms I play around … More Committed
I want to do an exercise. An exercise on open-mindedness, and whether or not our species is capable of un-conditioning their minds from the dogmatic stranglehold that “society” has upon them. So here goes. Picture yourself sitting in a chair in your living room. You’re there all by yourself, with nothing whatsoever to do. No … More An Honest Plea
What can a person do when raised by words on different page? I’ve said it once before and once again it I will say My father was the devil, but my mother was a saint They made half a demon, half an angel, when they mixed my DNA Knowing this is how I keep the … More One Shot
The world I wish for is not real It has no commercial appeal Built upon a land that feels Not what spins on those black reels All measured by one simple way What’s deep inside, and not portrayed Opinions mean no more to me Than living life emotion-free Knowing someone costs a lot Its time … More The World I wish
Sitting there atop the couch, gazing out for half the day Waiting for the sight of me, the sound of gravel Pulling into my driveway All the barking, loud commotion I hear him as I’m getting out Open doors bring so much motion, as he runs and spins about Hopping up onto my knees, its … More The Little Things
Always there, no matter what Happy, joyful, till the end There are no words to say how much I miss you Baxter, my best friend Side by side since just a pup When I was down, you brought me up I never would have gotten through The things I did, if not for you Others … More My Best Friend