No Dove, A Tempest

Like others, you may
Have thought poetry simple,
Being sometimes short,
But no, that is mistaken,
Discounting shots to the heart.

A poem is more than
Words on a page, it is breath
From somewhere foreign
A rare exhale from strange worlds
In which standard rules vanish.

No soft-spoken dove
Fluttering gently about,
More intense tempest
Uprooting structures revered
By mortals who love safety.

The poet, a rebel
Stirring the atmosphere meant
To hold, control us,
Shouts: Awake! Breathe deep! Join life!
Change tumbles from written lines.

I wrote the poem earlier in my “Brain Dump Notebook.” If you do not already possess one of these, I suggest you get one for your ideas that come without notice. Mine is a cheap notebook. I also have a sketchbook for more artistic designs, but being mostly a writer, I use it seldom.

I have mentioned I believe all humans are creative. As a prompt, I would like to suggest you contemplate the following questions: What is the meaning and purpose of my life? Why am I here? Answer the questions best you can and consider how you can create an experience that fulfills what you answer. If you need to make changes, make the course corrections you must to move toward those things that have the most meaning.

When we create, there is the need to inject love into our work so that we may be about making the world a better place for all humans and other beings who are influenced by our creation. We should avoid causing harm in any way.

I am grateful:

I finished reading, Origen by Dan Brown. I highly recommend it, and on a scale of 1-5, I give it a 10.
I played throw the toy, and go fetch it, to throw it again, with the dogs for about an hour.
I have walked a lot today. I hurt, but that is the way of it.
Levenger, I have nothing else to say.
I have a tremendous collection of books, today I searched for one because Amazon keeps advertising it at me. I knew I had it. FOUND IT!
Paid some bills. Always good when there is a way to do that.
Started reading, The Whispering Room by Dean Koontz. Candy reading at its most superb.

I hope you are engaging your imagination on a regular basis and creating what you may. It is crucial that we bring new ideas, new thoughts, new designs, into being. We must clarify meaning and love in the world. You are precious and priceless. What you make matters.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you found something worth your thought and time. There is a follow button, or if you prefer, just come back soon. This world would not be what it is today were it not for individuals with creative minds that strive to reach beyond the ordinary boundaries. Be the one to pioneer, to discover, to create the next great thing. You have it in you.

As you traverse the earth during your days, be awake, be aware, never let yourself be so distracted you fail to notice what you must. Take care, be safe, and God Bless You, Everyday, Everyway, Always and Forever.

Manifesto (Read at Your Own Risk)

Seriously,
Has there not been enough hate,
Murder, war, death
In the name of causes which
Instead of leading to love
Cause decimation, ruin,
Destroy friendships, marriages,
Childhoods, countries, resources,
Make paupers of everyone.

I am not convinced
Anyone rightfully spits
Upon another
Or roughs someone up a bit
Or impugns character with
No intimate knowledge of
The conditions under which
A person must struggle to
Continue a given life.

Spouting prejudice
Yet denying it exists
Due to history
Even of oppression is
Only fueling the fire
Burning civilization
Down, the inferno needs no
Encouragement, hungry,
It devours all decency.

This current age is
One where eradication
Of poverty can
Occur, possibilities
Of universal schooling
For all earth’s denizens are
Real, if differences can
Be laid aside, equality
Given with loving freedom.

There is no justification
For condemnation of individuals
Based on a stereotype, creed, religious
Persuasion, skin tone, sexual orientation,
Body image, or any choice or difference.
People are beautiful, so worthy of love,
Understanding, opportunity, growth,
Tenderness, kindness, generosity,
Love is the purpose; love is the reason,
Love is the freedom; love is humanity,
It must be claimed and shared
For, after all, love is destiny.

I am a Christian, those of you who read regularly know this. I struggle with thoughts of damnation, doubt. The only privilege from my profession is that Christ bled for me that I might be redeemed as I am. Today I was accused of religious privilege. I do not even begin to know what that means. My faith is not only a blessing, but it is also a torment. Too much information, sorry.

As a prompt, explore a topic you feel strongly about, then create something from that exploration. A leading question might be, who am I and who do others think I am and should I take action to reconcile the viewpoints if they are opposed.

I am grateful:

My son, Alex, called this evening.
Even though I have cried a lot today, I was able to write this.
There is a song called, “We All Bleed The Same.”
The house looks decent, oh, just don’t view Mom’s room, it is still hard to go in there.
I made up my medications for the next three weeks, such fun.
I straightened out the covers and made up the bed.
Even though the mass is growing, my dog, Hope, is still here.

Tomorrow is Saturday; if you have the day off get out in nature, or town, awhile. A change of environment can lift the spirits and feed your creative genius. If you cannot get out, spend some time listening to music you love. Life is a challenge and if we can add joy to it, we should.

I hope you are reading this year. We learn so much from the creations and opinions of others. This gigantic world is full of information, and though no one can know it all, we can at least indulge in a little of the ocean.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I am so glad you took time to read my musings. If you would like, click the follow button, if not, please come back again. Never let one person have such power over you that they destroy your day or your life. You are worthy of love and respect. All of us are precious. Employ your creativity as much as possible and try to keep a smile on your face. Most people are good, but be aware, be careful, and trust your gut. I hope you remain safe from danger and enjoy all the happiness you can hold. God Bless You, Everyday, Everyway, Forever and Always.

Come, Listen, Treasure

Sometimes it is hard
This rigorous adulting
More downtime would be
Greatly appreciated
To jettison those troubles
Clubbing a body to pulp
But there are only few hours.

Listening closely, hearing
Those words actually spoken
Gauging each carefully so
No misunderstandings or
Mistakes compound problems of
Complex communication
Slows the perceived progression
Of moments hurrying to
Escape the grip imagined
Into existence by those
Who believe control belongs
In power, money, prestige.

This, comprehending silence
Lack of constantly striving
Sharing a word openly
Can move giant obstacles
Offering gifts of kindness,
Gratitude, compassion, love,
Destroying suspicion, hate.

Listen, watch, taste, smell,
Feel all the world, life offers
Richness begins here.

Yeah, I was going to kick back. My life, it does not happen that way, unless I ignore the consistent need to create. My mind churns things out all the time. I do have to shut it out sometimes just to get things done. Anyway, this took me over, demanded I wrote it and was not content in the notebook. Honestly, I do not know why I write in the journal at all.

So, as a prompt, explore the art of listening and see where that leads you. Be aware the more you write, the more writing will claim and consume you. Creativity is like a raptor, once it has its claws in you, it will never release you.

I am grateful:

I can create.
My teachers encouraged me to find my voice.
I vacuumed a little, still have more to do

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. It is my pleasure to provide something to entertain and hopefully inspire or encourage you. You may click the follow button, or come back as you like. Remember you are the only individual that can offer your gifts, qualities to the world. Take good care of yourself and be careful and aware when you make your daily rounds. All God’s Best to You, Now and Always.

Endure

Endure despite all
The problems and obstacles
Let purpose endow
Conviction with energy
Needed to focus power
On those things achievable
By a diligent effort
Reroute when thrown off right course
Create survival motives
Keep going even after
Being beaten so badly
Giving up seems an option
Know the wait is rewarded
Failure is only teardrops
Watering the stubborn soil
Which must yield fruit, sweet success
Be positive, cheer tired hearts
Let passion flow unhampered
Use love to create bridges
Able to provide future
Safe passage to destinies
Building a saner, safer
World of opportunity
Where every person becomes
Full measure of potential
Claimed by grace and justified
According to Christ’s plan for
Whosoever will accept
Life is deeper than surface
It is all given for love
Creativity fashions
Abilities, gifts, talent
Tools to revive hope deferred
Whispering softly, “Endure!”

Gratitude List:

This poem was a blessing.
The hot dogs were tasty.
I got the kitchen and mail somewhat under control.
I am finally getting used to low temperatures in the house.
I have the prescriptions I need to allow me to function.
I have learned that being content is better than being miserable.
The Fiskars came out of the dishwasher looking as if they are okay.

I would like for you to go back to the poem, read it carefully, and notice that I did not use pronouns. I also omitted most punctuation, but that is only to call attention to the line breaks without the artificial direction punctuation imposes.

As a prompt, create work that does not include proper nouns or pronouns. It is not as easy as it may appear. If you are working in the visual arts, create something without referring to a proper noun or pronoun.

I made two entries today; I may kick back a bit. I hope you will explore other posts on Haphazard Creative. I try to make them informative and entertaining. If you like, click the follow button, or come back whenever you will. I want you to know I appreciate you taking time to read. Writing is my thing, and it is good to have an audience. I hope my work inspires and encourages you. Each of us needs all the positive reinforcement we can get. Be careful as you go about your day. Be aware, things happen, and sometimes we can prevent them merely by knowing what is around us. God Bless and Keep You, Always!

Smithereen Repair Technician

I have to keep it,
The mind arranged, strict in line,
Or else it goes to
Those unwanted places where
I lose myself, becoming
A prisoner I abhor.

I choose to be creative,
A person of images,
Made up of shining ideas,
But it is a persona
I buy by trading my soul,
Its price rich, it cost dear.

Words entrance and romance me,
I think I am free, but it
Is an illusion cast by
The fact I refuse to quit,
I survive, never give up,
Still, days try to destroy me.

I did not have a dollar
To purchase you a sweet rhyme,
Seems writing poems does little
Toward paying the bills, but hey,
It is okay, I can create
Something out of nothing, yet.

I have been doing that trick
So long I could compete with
David Copperfield, oh say,
Do you remember him, still?
There was a time I tried to
Become a magician, nope.

I think I am wandering
I wonder if you will follow,
There are dirt roads, highways, streets,
With hidden music, buried treats,
A jewelry box of sparkling gems,
Trips to work out at the gym.

I guess I will tie this up
Make raw ends meet and let you
Go away in pieces, peace,
Because such tragedy
It would be for you to be
Caught in my menagerie.

I am grateful:

I went to the meal at church and prayer meeting.
I can read.
I can maybe write.
I gave three throws away.
I have some fantastic ink pens.
I got a haircut Sunday.
My shower was hot.
I kinda like that poem out of nowhere, but then they all are, just that one is tricky.
The random card I pulled for the picture had good ones.
Doing this has lifted my spirits. I hope it makes you happy too.

Especially when things are incredibly rough for me, I count my blessings. It always amazes me what I have and things I have done. If you have not tried it, set aside at least one day per week that you make a list of thankfulness, some do it on Thursday. Thankful Thursday helps you see what the week has brought you and sends you into the weekend with a renewed sense of how fortunate you are.

For a prompt, the poem above is a one-off, I wrote it here without thinking it out or knowing where it would go, you do something similar. Put yourself on the spot to create something out of nothing. That is actually what all original art is, an instance of the imagination run wild.

I want to encourage you to consider whether you are true to your creativity. Do you allow your imagination to take over and carry you to wherever it will? Do you read extensively to feed your mind with ideas that challenge you and then percolate into new creations? Do you get enough downtime? Do you go places where life embraces you and engenders love in your heart?

Thank you so much for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you gained something from the experience. There is a follow button you may make use of, or just come back as you can. Do try to employ your creativity as often as possible, it works for more than just arts and writing.

While you are out in our crazy world, take care. Share your love at every opportunity. God Bless and Keep You, Always.