#SoCS: FOMO

The Fear of Missing Out… Like the cat who watches his owner eat chicken and wonders why the hell he’s not getting a portion of the succulent meat. *Cat Gibbs notes this comment and walks away in a huff.* Humans experience FOMO from early in life. When five-year old Billy can’t go to his best buddy’s birthday party because he’s sick in bed, or 10 year old Susie is missing out on a slumber party with friends because mom andRead more

Be Who You Are

Cheers to being who you are! The title of this post comes from a Sunday sermon, but I’m not here to impose Jesus upon you – although, what I’m about to say not only comes from who I am, but also from my spiritual heart. Many of you know who I am to some degree – Biker chick (both Harley and bicycle); cat lover; animal lover; beer and chocolate taste-tester; lover of outdoors and all things Star Trek and NCIS;Read more

Breathless

What do I ask that is not envisioned The heart of my own spirit fails to speak Words that leave the tongue in indecision A desire within the realm of the weak Why do I question what can be conceived By the response of the one called ruler Is boldness permitted in time of need Or possibly found oddly peculiar A spirit groans at the lack of command Intercedes with courage in muted gaze An understanding of the mighty handRead more

The Drumbeat

It echoes from soul to soul Long ago, yesterday, here and now The drumbeat Eternal through time Continuing through ages In myth and unknowing A pounding of words Washing of mind Untruths repeated The drumbeat quickens Spreading fear, doubt Deleting intelligence, validity The people accept It must be true Heard over and over and over again It is loud and voracious Eating sanity Drowning out awareness The drumbeat cares not Of its intent and repercussions It embraces darkness No turningRead more

SoCS: Prose from the Pod

Brush me right there On the belly square Along the soft, creamy hair If you naively dare I’m going to stay right here Not to be cavalier, but… Don’t go near Queenie dear She’s up to something, I fear I command the brush, I say It is the pampering day Hold the hairspray Human, do not walk away In the shadows I shall hide With knowledge, abide In safety simplified From Ziva’s brand of homicide Brush me, brush me now!Read more

Indivisible, One Nation

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country. In its original form it read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” On Friday, July 3rd, there were fireworks at Mount Rushmore inRead more

I am white

I am white. I don’t know what it’s like To fear Discrimination, bigotry, name-calling, death under a knee I am white Brought up in a white community With white friends I don’t know what it’s like To feel how you feel To live your existence To have a history of constant oppression and special rules Fighting, protesting for survival I am white I have been privileged In ways I still don’t understand My fear is different and now feels likeRead more

Rain on Fleshy Cheeks

Stop Inhale life Exhale sadness Draw in the earthiness of rain It cleanses pavement Soaks into human joy Stop Inhale life Exhale fear Feel the moist tears from heaven On our fleshy cheeks Tears of peace Flooding hearts with calm Stop Inhale life Exhale doubt Allow the rain to wash it Away to the gutter, the sewer Positive thoughts form a puddle In which to stomp and play Stop Inhale life Exhale the unimportant Let go of frivolous everything FindRead more

The Root of Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all theRead more

Between the Cotton Sheets

Her muffled, fearful yelp woke him. “Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked as his hand fell softly across the ivory of her shoulder. “Did you have a nightmare?” “Yes, it was awful. I was living in a house with snakes.” “Really? That sounds incredibly creepy.” Margo rolled over onto her right side, toward her love, the angst of a slithery dream still fresh on her face. “It was so weird, as if living with snakes was normal. They were everywhere –Read more

Fear and Tribalism

Who among us doesn’t have the fear emotion? Fear of spiders, swimming in the ocean (sharks!), angry clowns, scary movies, speaking to a large group, dark basements, being alone, etc. I have a fear of June bugs, leeches and failure in critical situations. Who among us doesn’t equate ourselves with a tribe? Tribe of artists, philanthropists, religious leaders, doctors, lawyers, athletes, TV enthusiasts (couch potatoes), chocolatiers, sommeliers, etc. I am in the tribe of government employees, as well as theRead more

Worry

Questions, always questions Will I? Can I? What if? Thick as grandma’s gravy Murky as dog-day waters It hangs in the air like a dense fog that fails to lift Doubts, always doubts I won’t I can’t If will happen Never positive in thought Believing in armageddon It drags its victims along through a pool of coagulated sludge Fear, always fear I submit I cringe A chill rises Tomorrow is at the forefront Yesterday still concerns It lurks in an inkyRead more