A poem from 11/19/2001

Waves break upon the craggy shore,
spewing their misty entrails out into the cool air
while the sun melts in a westerly fashion, overtaking the sea,
hiding yet again from those who don't believe in the precious moment of Now.

A mind flits and flutters like gulls on the shore,
fighting for nourishment in order to feed the moment, and
gain strength for the next.

The splashing of waves echoes in the ears of awakened souls, and
those seeking to be so enlightened; revealing past and future of time standing still,
of motionless bodies, and minds holding reign in the kingdom of eternity.


And just a couple of months later...

My eyes open to the morning sun peeking through my shades,
Wiping away the night I stretch with anticipation of the present.
While inspiration waits for my entrance into the bright afternoon,
my senses peak with dawn's light.

The beginning an end

A chance to smile again, to weep for the suffering, and
push forward with the movement of freedom.

All five senses fuse to form the mighty receptor; lightning veins
coursing through the body capable of welcoming in passion and beauty
in order to fuel our reason for being.

Allow for intoxication of the Now, no other spirit can boast this high.

Moving with the ease of confidence and the anticipation of peace,
I follow my dreams
The sun emits its most powerful rays of light
and heat, while folks live each moment in darkness,
Look up to find what we tread on each moment, the Earth--
our reason for living.

While the sun and moon trade places in the orange horizon,
our ideals remain constant
Even if clouds cloak the brilliance of the sun,
or the majesty of the moon,
be sure there is a light that shines for all.

Somewhere, while you weep in depression,
Light makes its way across the universe.

A Rebuttal

Someone chose to comment on this blog about the "art" of achieving ones' dreams. I fully agree with the fact that one must be 100% committed to the task at hand. What I found comical was the fact that socialism was being categorized as an excuse. Socialism is a way of life that seeks out the answers to all of the social inequalities that exist in our society. One must be human conscious to explore the foundations of socialism. My passion for anarchy and progress is fueled by the iniquity of the American culture at present. I choose to blog about the topics to open up a discussion of said inequalities. The pursit of my professorship is another path that may lead to more possibilities of this discussion. Socialism puts everyone on the same playing field. For too long humans have been embroiled in the competition of life. We have spent our entire lives looking out for our own immediate security and the procurement of that goal by whichever means possible. In the meantime, classes of people and entire cultures suffer mightily due to this egoistic and insular way of life. My dream is to profess about experiences and life, about history and cultures. Socialism binds people while capitalism pits them against one another. Why not find the beauty of the pursuit of our dreams together rather than solely for yourself?

Chasing Our Dreams

We all heard about following a dream while growing up. "What do YOU want to be when you grow up?" is all we heard in our youth. But why must we stop asking ourselves this question on a daily basis? If we did not grow up to be firemen and nurses or doctors and astronauts who is to say that we should stop chasing dreams? My dream for the past 4 years has been to pursue a PhD degree with the hopes of becoming a college professor. Those of you who know me also know that it has been quite frustrating applying and, consequently, waiting to be rejected. And as the last of this rounds' rejection letters trickle in, I focus even harder on my dreams.

I had been chasing the professor dream because I feel I have many experiences and things to teach to students. Yet, perhaps, that is not to be my fate. The bureaucracy of this whole process has proved cynical. Because my GRE scores are not up to snuff, I don't qualify for admission. How about the person? How about my dedication and passion for cultures and education? If we all stay positive then positivity will reign throughout our lives. I feel I have things to say and if it is not meant to be in the lecture hall then, perhaps, through articles and essays.

This whole rant is meant for those of us that have given up the pursuit of dreams. If we have done so then we have given up the pursuit of happiness. Everyone's dreams are different and as long as happiness is the goal, all are justifiable. Always ask yourself if your dreams are being taken into consideration with everything that you do. A more dream-oriented society makes for a progressive one which could lead to more socialistic tendencies within our competitive culture.

Where is the Reaction against the War?

By clicking on this title you can see how the protests against the war in Vietnam was critical in shaping the culture of this nation. Our seeming lack of resistance now only emboldens the war machine and subjugates we citizens that much more. Sir Isaac Newton said in his Principia "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Well, where is the reaction to murder?

Shall We Continue to Fund the War?

Check out this website. It breaks down the defense spending during the war on Iraq and how much we taxpayers contribute to the senseless deaths on both "sides" of the war. Don't miss the explanation about why the human resources section of the federal spending pie is significant hint: (we are paying off the interest of prior military engagements). Sounds to me like America is all about its militarism,( as well as corporatism and totalitarianism), rather than the amelioration of its citizens....hmmm...sounds like something I have heard of before, Fascism.

"Get Up, Stand Up"

As Bob Marley sung in the '70's we should be fighting for our rights everyday.

check out his lyrics

Positivity, Recognition, Cooperation...all must reenter our lives. Not to make room is to accept the drudgery of the mundane. Fight the temptations that consume us. They exist to keep us in line with all the rest. Pursuing alternative methods is unacceptable in the public eye. Revolt against the norm. Time wastes away while we stand motionless amid zombies too afraid to overcome their internal fears. It has been programmed in our DNA since the inception of jealousy, envy, hubris, capitalism and greed.

Cynicism fights its way to distort our minds like a worm in our intestines. It f's with our psyche in a way that, eventually, conforms with most other Americans. This is the ultimate plan. Human depravity...Negativity...Fear. All concepts contributing to the mass inertia which makes up society. Stand up. "Beat to a different drummer."

It will be most difficult, though. Most everyone will want you to fail. "Success in another is failure in ourselves." At least, this is what they want you to think. We all belong to the same group and are all part and parcel of the human race. It is not a competition. It's a brotherhood. Religion does more harm than good by setting up dualities which, significantly, polarizes human beings. And when our own president publicly advocates Christian-based reformations against abortion, stem cell research, and gay marriage, the disillusioned masses are easily swayed. "If you accept Christ then you will achieve Heaven. If you do not, then Hell is your punishment." Should we adhere to a belief system that excludes others and does not set up a cooperative society looking to reach out to everyone? Let's change our mindset. In turn, we may seriously alter the public perception and shift more towards a mutual brotherhood of social proportions.

Oh one more thing for now. I deplore the fact that when I ask people how is everything going, the stock answer is almost always, "Same old same old." This phrase carries such a negative undertone. Most say it with a sigh. The next time somebody asks you this, try something original and honest. If things could be better then say that. An open dialogue will lead to more awareness.

"Paine-full" words of advice

"Ignorance...once dispelled...is impossible to reestablish. It is not originally a thing of itself, but it is only the absence of knowledge; and though man may be kept ignorant, he cannot be made ignorant." -- Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man

Paine's is the revolutionary voice that we are lacking in the present day. There is certainly nothing wrong or illegal about standing up for a powerful cause...even if it may go against the grain.

Welcome to my quasi-daily rant on awareness

Most of you who will be viewing this know that I am a bit of a preacher when it comes to addressing diversity, learning, and awareness. This blog is meant to share a lot of my writing, my influences, and, hopefully, your feedback. I will be posting work from my journal along with quotes from a lot of influential people in order to jump start a movement. The American culture is stagnant right now and lacking individuals who truly epitomise the American voice. I am NOT saying that I am that voice, however, I am frustrated at the state of the union, and more importantly, the state of the American culture.

At times, the rants may sound "preachy," revolutionary, anarchistic, and even naive, but I promise they will never carry a cynical tone. Let the political parties duke it out over Iraq while "we the people" voice our opinion. If governmental resolution is impossible than it is up to the American people to criticise and help solve these ongoing issues: racism, ignorance, globalization leading to unemployment, imperial war mongering, American Governmental strong-arming, and education.

Please join me on this journey of self discovery and awareness, if only for a moment in your busy day. By just addressing these issues we may be on the path of awareness which leads to a mass resolution to the iniquities of the government and the aggrandizement of the American culture.