The Curse of Nostalgia [Notebook]

Only a long walk would've brought me there;
gathering lines and half-forgotten rhymes, along the way.
What had I learned today?:

You've got to be careful with time,
never to slip back too far
into illusions, fully formed
although, remade.

There, upon the path,
I'd stumbled,
in making new memories;

turning left
and abiding to my right,

with History all around me.

`x~William~~~ copyright~ o6/30/o9

June 30, 2009 :

I sit in one of the dives At Jone's Beach Uncertain and Celebratory As the clever hopes lift me above The low dishonest decade: Waves of empathy and compassion Circulate over the brilliant And darkened sandboxes of the earth, Obsessing over private lives; The unmentionable gossip of death Offends the June night. Accurate court-reporting can Unearth the whole, bloody, offense From Luther until now--Post-haste!-- That has driven a culture mad, Finding Lindsey Lohan lacking, What beauties imago made A psychopathic god: I and a million Iraqis know What all schoolchildren learn, Those to whom evil is done Do evil in return. However, those Millions were occupied. Exiled George knew All that a whisper can say About Democracy And what Good People do. The withering rubbish they spout To an all-too silent grave; Analyzed, by Generations of Boomers The enlightenment driven away, The habit-forming Vonnegut, Along with a Mismanagement of the Budget: We must suffer them In other more stately guises Again. Into this Swiss-like air Where blind skyscrapers reach Their full height to proclaim The strength of Collective Soul, Each wordsmith pours their vain Competitive excuse: But who can live for long In an Cabana's dream; Out of the mirror they stare, With Michael Jackson faces And the international String Quartet, bids us all farewell! Faces along the bar Cling to their sweaty pints: The lights must be lit on the porch, The music must speak for them All, All the tongue-waggers conspire To make this Arsenal-punter's abode Assume The furniture of home; Lest we should see where we stand, Lost in a hallowed wood, Children dreaming, Soft dreams of armies at Night Who've never been coddled or shunned. The militant clowns Important Persons shout Is not so crude as our wish: What mad Newman wrote About Alfred Is true of the satiric heart; so, What me worry?, aye, For the error bred in the bone Of each woman and each man who Craves marriage, along with Gay People have, Not universal love But to be loved as you would a Divorce Lawyer. From the Conservative Jive Into the eternal life The dense commuters come, (Paying the bitched fare-hike) Repeating their morning vow; 'I will be true to the conductor, I'll concentrate more upon savings,' And helpless governors wake To resume their Sanford-like games: Who can release them now, Who can reach them when they're 6,ooo friggin' Miles away! Who can speak for these idiots!!!!!? All I have is a voice And, blessed is this 'Cause I'm losing it. The romantic lie upon beach towels, Naked. Of the sensual man-in-the-grey-felt-hat, And the lie of Atlas Whose statues grope the breasts of Megan Fox: There is no such thing as the next Day, And no one exists on a pill-box; Hunger allows tummy-rumbles To the People or the Coppers; We must love one another or Fly!. Defenseless under the sunscreen Our world in stupor lies; Yet, quite speckled, everywhere, Ironic points of confusion Flash out wherever TMZ Exchange their messages: May I, composed like them Of Eros and Erections, Beleaguered by the same Newer words and desperate prose, Show an affirming flame. [thanks, Auden] x,William H. Balzac. 6/30/09

Cinema Salad Days :

When we've gotten to the end
it'll be very easy to say,
these sure did hold up well

Maybe, a bit grainy,
in the subtle shifts
as the There and Then
throttles itself
lurching,
Forever into
the Here and Now

We see the beanstalk
amongst the cabbages
lifting its lofty head
above all the rest

The smile,
ever a cock-Eyed optimist
taking in all of the Orders,
knowingly

Who was it, by God,
behind the camera,
hands quite shaken. Could be drink;

however, we all seem so happy,
as in a holiday
Sunset now and the Chinese lamps are lit
and

the gatherings remain
with Love.

`x~William copyright 6/28/o9

Well Read :

My degenerative eyes
scan the horizon.

Troubled words
waver to and fro
like dust motes,

half-quotes,

and, lapsed Catholics.

My syntax
no longer bothers me. Every
thing
is taken in
stride.

The bills
are paid
now

with closed eyes.

`x~William-copyright 06*27*09

Neda :

For one brief moment
the veil was lifted
and, no more cudgels
were blocking your sight;
no more, chanting,
shatter the night.

Falling, from the shoulders,
you were surely
rising; reaching,

unseen,
by Our eyes.

"Be not afraid,"
spoke a familiar voice:
Older,
Wiser,
Courage...

....Swift in flight,
forever, now.

Look!
One,
white dove,
Reborn,
to a song


of


Freedom.

**`x~William~Copyright~6*24*09.

Well. That's Hopeful! :)

Aquarius

---

Your focus drifts from yourself to others -- possibly to the world as a whole! Your great mental energy should help you figure out some new way to make a real difference in others' lives.

Seasonal :

Now,
there's some new grass up,
where there used to be dirt.

The Old tree,
in front,
tells a new tale;
leaning,
in its top-most branches,
and,
budding further away
from its Winter lashings.

Later,
I sit in my tee-shirt sleeves,
praising the warmth on my face;
writing of the ripples upon water,
or,
the stories, within circles,
within
trees.

`x~William. copyright~06/17/09.

"Poetic Analysis" :

Note:
Sometimes, you just have to let go.

**

"Poetic Analysis" :

I am the stone in my father's shoe;

the tall-boy
in the study

being crowded out
by the Elephant
in


The Living room.


~Love as always,

William. copyright~6/16/09. 3:58PM.

Reflections (Notebook):

It's all a matter of language and place:
each ripple of the water
leaves traces
as they fade,
inevitably,
from the surface.

So many skiffs have traversed the shore,
seeking companions;
stargazers, with compass in hand.

Each day,
truly is a journey.

The landlubber sees beauty in this.



`x~William. copyright~6/12/09

Audio/Video: "The Geography of Positive Regard [Notebook] :

You may have to turn up the volume...just a bit.
[I swear, I did not intentionally set out to sound like an English Gentleman on Masterpiece Theater: "Re-GaaaaaaaRD!" ~lol!

Super Hero #2 :

If I told you,
You're a superhero,
would you believe me?

You're not the "Oh-oh-oh,"
zeros
in a comic book balloon.


[No, you're so much more valuable than this;
and, quite frankly, the betterment of society is at stake!]

Each one of you have the power to change the world;
your journey begins,
not in some far-off-place,
but here, on solid ground.

Carry goodness in your heart and mind,
and justice will see you through.

We need superheroes today,
the old ones say.

Believe, my children...

...Believe.

`x~William. copyright-May 11,2009. 3:17PM.

......^_^.......

~x~William. 05/10/09....11:04AM

The Geography of Positive Regard [Notebook]

Beyond his door-step, is where he'd find whatever the world had to offer him. It wasn't time for fear, or the thrusting out of perspired palms.

In keeping with ideals, hard fought, his vision carried losses, only the strong-willed could see.

On his walks, the inclement land renewed itself,
and the old trees sheltered him.
Many years of schoolyard antics
buzzed his awareness,
turning insects into object lessons,
along brooks and rivers,--

the leaf fall, was reward and punishment--
while the hammer's swing, echoed the promise of home.

"Don't touch that it'll burn your hand!,"
was the first indication someone would save him.
The healing would come in teaspoons,
shared sugar bowls, and moderate drinking.
He'd never take his friends for granted. The long-haul, beyond his door

whispered
words

all too big
to hold.

When giving it all, regardless of rain, the smallness of towns expand,
the minor keys
become swallowed by fate;

and, the childhood he remembers,
arrives illuminated:

a constant

and consistent

sunlight,

unseen.

`x~William~copyright: 04/02/09.

Friends & Favorites Award: [more! More! MOre! MORe! MORE!]

I'm a big-time reader. I love reading and writing with a passion. Every two weeks I check two books out of the library. I read the blogs in my Google Reader (sometimes, I comment..sometimes, I don't; however, if I don't comment that doesn't mean I wasn't interested or captured by what I'd read. There have been times I've been rushed off the computer and I've gone back to the site and re-read...And, then, left a comment. It's those blogs I return to, again and again and again..those are my favorites!)

I have lot's of favorite blogs. Lots! So many, in fact, this post would probably take up all of the space provided by Blogger, were I to give it the old College try, listing blogs, as if they were the Forbes 500 [w/o, the Drug cartel, of course]

When I think of blogger's who I'd love to meet, or blogger's I'd love to have as a friend, the list narrows down a bit; (yes,...Lil Bit's on that list. Thanks for the Award, s/h) and, several writers leap to mind. I smile, while thinking of them; thinking of the way they challenged my expectations and helped me see life from a different perspective; thinking, how very fine the writing itself is; and, with a step away, how the images or words made me say to myself, "That's just perfect..just right."

It is to these I set my sight upon first, as I travel this "Matrix" [Lil Bit's word], this Universe, of blogs....the list, ever expanding, grows with each journey of reading.



The "Favorite" Award:

Newest Favorites:

These peeps I've found on my travels. They are like stars. Some are poets, others make me smile, and think at same time.

Number One :

Amy Venezia

"My Bedroom Blog."

If you're Single, (like me) you'll love this blog. Amy has a sense of humor and a spirit that shines each week. Friday's have turned into a day to step-back, before I step out, take a little trip over to Amy's, and read what she's happy about. Reading her, (trust me) will make you happy...You may be looking for love; however, if you read Amy you'll find a compatriot. She's wise, witty, and I'd give my wisdom-teeth to share a Moca (at Starbucks) w/ her.

note: I just realized all my favorites & friends are Women.

**

Number Two:

Single Girl

"Sex, Lies, and Dating In The City"

In the Universe of blogs, there are many venues! Some peeps are not available in my Google Reader; however, this does not stop me from reading (or, venturing into other spaces.) Single Girl is a New Yorker. She's got the goods on Online Dating and she'll tell you (women & men) exactly what can happen when wandering the (sometimes) shark invested waters of the dating experience. With humor, and honesty, she pursues relationships and finds the value in the journey. As a reader, you are welcomed to share your own views, insights, and advice.
She is a valuable resource.

You'll find her blog at onsugar.com ... Single Girl is the sugar in my coffee.

`x~William.

[To Be Continued].....What are you reading??

**

So now, after a bit of absence, let me continue:

Number Three:

Shania

"My Thoughts"

Sometimes, our lives call back to us. Even as we grow, and reach further, beyond the conflicts of youth, the past seems all- too- ready to speak. It comes from a deep place, those stories of our lives; in fiction, the lives referred to are "characters," invented with shades of truth and experience.

Shania's blog is pristine in it's raw moments. She's delved into the trials we all can empathize with, and articulates her experience without sentimentality; gems, of reality, shining upon the page. Recognition, for the reader, builds, with each post read.

This blog is an evolving memoir...

...As such, it requires a commitment to read each part/post and stay with each episode..

Shania's "thoughts" are powerful, well stated, and provocative. Her Journey, from Cali To
Canada, is another new "favorite."

***
Onward, more "favorites"!

***

Number Four:

Sarah

"Sarah's Blogtastic Adventures"

>> Life is an adventure. We chart the course, sometimes, without a map, bumping into situations that give meaning to the day-to-day. Sarah, in her "blogtastic" way, travels the road less traveled and gives smiling testimony to what Magazine Editors call, "Personal Essay" ...She comes across as the kind of person you'd love to sit and chat with , over a flaky croissant. The voice of reason shines with humor. Her life and love of John Denver (yes, I'm a fan of "you fill up my senses ('hummmmm') like a night in the forest") are given their due.

>> I can only sing, with praise....

>>Go say, "hey" to Sarah. She's a goodin', as my Grandma used to say. You'll be glad you did! :)


*****

Number Five:

Christine

"Now What?"

Are you a fan of Winnie The Pooh? Do you suppress the urge to sing the Tigger song, while jumping up and down? Are factoids a curious part of your daily ritual; learning something (about something) you know a lil about, but never knew why "Dat Camel don't sneeze????"

If you answered yes to any of the above questions Christine's blog is for you. Her wit and range of research carries the day. There is a world of things out there you cannot possibly know everything about; however, if you like Trivial Pursuit(s) Christine is a one-stop-shop for giggles....and, all those moments you shook your head and said,
"I never knew that! That's so funny/strange/interesting/amazing/ridiculous/gentle, yet firm/fill-in-the-blank, cuz you're a smarty-pants now!"

Trust me, this blog is a necessary experience.
Christine is a wonderful, generous, blogger.

~~jumping up & down!

Go.....and, catch da habit!

[To be Continued....]

`x~William.

FYI : Marfan Syndrome On Discovery:

Tune in to Discovey Health on Monday, April 13, for the program Mystery Diagnosis, which will feature a segment on Marfan syndrome. This is an in-depth piece that will highlight the difficult Marfan diagnosis journey of NMF member Michael Murray and will leave viewers with important information about Marfan syndrome - what it is, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.

The NMF is grateful to Discovery Health for their interest and to the members of the Marfan community who were involved in the filming, including Michael Murray, his mom, NMF Board member Karen Murray, their family members and friends; the Kravitz family (especially Jeremy); Dr. Bruce Gelb and Dr Zvi Maron.

Please check your local listings for the time and channel Discovery Health airs Mystery Diagnosis in your area. It is also available on satellite tv.

**

The above is a copy of an e-mail, sent to me, from The Marfan Foundation. As some of you may know, I was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome when I was 15 years old. If you would like to know more about this genetic disorder, its diagnosis and treatment, you can tune into Discovery Health tonight.

**
`x~William.

Taking A Little [Musical] Break. :)

In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my Novel-in-progress. You'll find an excerpt from Part Four [see:blogroll, or Profile page]....

Have a great weekend.

PS: 4/08/09 : I'll have another "Favorite" posted tomorrow [Thursday!]....

Here's a new favorite song/Video for your entertainment!

"Click Me"



`x~William.

Wishes:

It would be music that sustained him;
long nights, and bursts
of breaking
the silence.

Somewhere,
between sunset
and sunrise
his thoughts returned
to far-away people;
solitary beings, just as relevant as he.

He pauses the song,
mid-lyric,
and reaches back with his mind;


a calm container
of wishes.




`x~William / copyright: 03/30/09.

"Don't Worry,...

...it may never happen."

In my mind's eye, I can still see her;
a shimmer of doubt,

settling itself,
upon her face,--

recalling, with forgiveness,
every fearful prognostication,

falling upon the heads of children
like me --

her old,
wise eyes,
reaching past

those words--

so perfect in their comfort--

calling her
to task:

a wooden plaque,
indelibly fixed;

a gift,
she'd bestowed upon
the living.

`x~William ~ copyright-03/21/09.

Eternal Hope :

Life

becomes busy

in Springtime:

Each word read
is plucked from another river,
embracing,
inscrutable genius.

The sky
is a restful
thought,

pillowed,

till the 'morrow.

`x~William ~copyright 03/19/09

THE Friends & Favorites AWARD:

Note: I've been doing some reading today. Ummmm, ...this is going to take a lil bit more time.

This is what the "Favorite" award looks like:


Stay tuned. ...after 12 a.m. (EST)....

`x~William.