American Partisan I

The memory is clear, the time distant.
Voices fade as my vision dims.
Precious moment are sealed away for one last look.
I am prepared.
It was a time of great upheaval and sacrifice. We lost our way, but found home through blood, toil and tears. And to reclaim what was rightfully ours was a declaration of war. Of battle we won and lost. Of those fallen, and the Angels of Divine Mercy that guided the wounded to heaven.
When the sun scorched the satellites and earth, food became scarce, water precious. The neos thought after forced starvation we would capitulate. Even their provisions were mixed with poison.
But of the miles trodden, the lead spilled, it was her, by faith or providence that assured victory.
He was but a vessel for her intention. And yet, it was his strategy and force of will which allowed the partisans to victory. Always burdened by its cause and tragically, the burden was never lifted.
To hear her speak, but it wasn't in words. Pure thought that caressed your consciousness. Like a soft summer breeze. It was like a lover whispering to you.
We smashed through armies like a scythe through wheat. We advanced like a fire through straw. Napoleon would be proud.

James Bond is a Time Lord

Notice the coincidence between James Bond and Doctor Who.
Both started airing approximately the same time. Both British, very proper. Very empire.
The character of the Time Lord transforms into another host. So does Bond!
Sean Connery was the first. Proper, distinguished and sarcastic. But the demands of a secret agent are relentless. So he morphed into other forms. The basic trait was there: strong, courageous, intelligent, intuitive, womanizer and a bit a a rebel. Of course, he remained loyal to the crown. And to the core, fanatically loyal to the cause.
Like any hero, he has his flaws.
Namely, women. Deep down he is a wounded warrior. He has experience true love, but it is always fleeting. It has been within his grasp, but those lucky gals always had a way of dying.
And you knew that it hurt him deeply. But like a good agent, he kept his emotions underneath an icy steel veneer.
I rather like the current incarnation, Daniel Craig. One more movie until he transmutes into another incarnation.
Let us hope that the next one is as formidable as the current.
Rule, Britannia!

How We Build Things

If one considers the craftsmanship of USA made goods, some conclusions come to mind. There was a spirit, a voice imbued into our products. From automobiles to toys, the US built quality. It may have not have been the finest, or exotic, but it was made to last and easy to maintain.
Take automobiles before 1970. They may not rival Europe's precision, but that was not the intention. The goal was to create a dependable car easy to maintain. In other words, easy enough for routine care by the owner.
Now the argument is that new cars are more reliable, safe and are more fuel efficient. Which is true. Know that the old models were manufactured when a gallon of gas was twenty cents a gallon.
It is easy to wax poetic about these cars. There is a romantic charm about them. Endearing even. And yes folks, people used to work on their cars. You popped open the hood and starting to look and listen. These were days when you would change your own oil, change spark-plugs, filters and fluids. Most of it was learned by others, some of it was intuitive. Imagine doing that now? We wouldn't dare, other than checking the fluids (which now are pre-warned by a computer system). It was far from perfect, but the bonds from driver to car were deeper.

Music as our Salvation

Music fills my heart with terrible longing. It can be exquisite and brings tranquility and peace to one's soul. It can also induce anger and action. We need music. At least I do.
Which brings me to this challenge. How do you define music? What does it do to you? How do you respond?
It is not a simple matter of listing artists, acts and bands. Consider the source. What draws you to the beats, melodies, progressions and voice?
Do you go through phases? Classic for a week or month, metal for sometime, then switch to bluegrass?
Are there times when you feel manipulated by the composer?
Just asking.

A tribute to the week...

The rise and shine each and everyday, preparing for work, some would never dare. Going through motions to appear to be alive. Just enough effort but never to strive.
Quiet to relax, slow to move. There is no resistance, no performance, an easy groove.
The TV is on playing to cats, who disregard the noise by sleeping.
As I type these words there is something amiss. Something else I should be writing instead.
Understand that a writer is constantly writing in our heads. The words travel seamlessly, flowing from one thought to the next. And I try to catch those thoughts with a net. Since thought is pure energy and without form, it is a perilous job indeed.
Sometimes the characters get rather assertive and want more time.
"Bring me to life!" they cry out, as in a way they are real. Created from some deep recess of mind and thought, sort of a gift from the collective unconscious.
When it flows, it pours like rain. Then are days of pressing and stress.
Writing is an art, craft and talent, but hard to gauge. One can paint and others see the work immediately. Another can play a guitar, piano or any musical instrument and others can hear. But with writing, it is between the writer and page. A solo act for a solo act.
And here I am reaching out to you.
Truly wanting for to enjoy what you read. The process from word to the next. Not knowing what to expect. Hoping for a miracle, a revelation, even enlightenment.
Stories have shaped and changed the world.
Books have moved armies, moved peoples from one place to the next.
I only ask that my stories reach those, my audience, whoever you may be.
And that my words touch you in some way.
Be it laughter, a smile or a tear.
This is my gift, may it last.

Old Debts

Logline:
A retired hitman must reconcile with his bloody past when a dead mobster rises from the grave to exact revenge on the descendants of his killers, which includes his estranged daughter.

Imagine the classic Universal monster movies infused with organized crime films.

The script is complete, now under edit.

Soon to be optioned.

ciao for now

Autumn leaves fall towards the eventuality of winter. We reap the harvest that was sown in spring. Summer's sun kissed the soil and Gaia's children. Days grow shorter. Nights lengthen. It is the way of things, and have been celebrated, mourned, feared and rejoiced for ages beyond our collective memory.   The poet's voice once the foundation of our tribal hopes and tears has been muted.
Technology has robbed part of our humanity. Dependence on its ease has depleted instinct and natural resource. Imagine being lost in a dense wood without a smart-phone to point the way. Could you do it? Question this to yourself. Be honest.
I have chosen exile for too long. My shadow guides me through the dreamworld, humbling my ego, and the fears that bind me. Now that the chains are shattered and the shackles broken, I am free. Free from the tyranny of fear and restraint. Free from superstition and mindless routine. Free from plagues of doubt and worry. I call out to the glory of the divine to fill my heart with love and courage. I scream to the heavens to fill my soul with mission and purpose. I cry to myself- to be true to my calling, my gift, my imprint onto the world.
Shall this be the winter of my discontent? Destroy the illusions that have encased me into mediocrity? Yes, the revolution starts now, within.
I cast out the demons that have misguided my intentions. I become a champion for myself.
A champion for true freedom and endless liberty.
It is within us all.
I declare these words for us all.
I am a voice of many. I am a poet, a singer of songs. I shall enlighten the world with my words. This may be bold and proud, but is my declaration.
If I stand alone, so be it.
But join me if you can. Reconcile with your shadow, integrate that part of you as whole. As it is.
I will speak for us with words, using stories, fables and verse.
This is my Gift. My purpose.
So shall it be.