The Nobody with the Chance to be a Hero to Somebody

listen to ‘The Nobody with the Chance to be a Hero to Somebody’ on Audioboo

Contained with—

         In jury duty

Pain emanates

         From routes

Un honed

Armor-piercing.

Ear-shattering

A small incision

Just below

The line of sight…

Obstinate jailer

Pacing up a floor routine

Dangling freedom

About—watching as salvation

Steals from his unsteadiness—

Easily seen, and playable if so deemed—

His naivety

Ignorance…you’re the biggest thing to cross his page

                  A full context ad, in a world where the best

                  Has always been a passing byline or two

                  Sweat billows upon each the points…”don’t screw this up, don’t be that guy, just play it cool, wait for the cavalry to return, and take this guy away…”

                           “HEY…doesn’t it seem strange…”

“Ignore him…just trying to get in your head…stay focused….don’t be the fool…don’t be tricked”

                           “I’m innocent…I’m being set up…and you’re the patsy…the perfect nobody…not my words…but I’m sure the one’s you’ve thought over and over again…and guess what….they know it too….you’ll get a call…very soon if I’m close here…it’ll say something to the effect of….”

         “Shut UP…damn it….I said be quiet…”

Pools freely flow

Drainage ditches rutting down the carotid, spreading quickly beneath the uniform…

                           “Well…hey…I get it…really…I do…this is the break you’ve been praying for…dreaming of…ain’t it at least the tiniest bit odd though…that a bolo goes out…a vague description…White Male…Late 20’s to mid 40’s…no hair color…no additional features…kind of odd too, isn’t it…how such a major criminal I am…and they can’t or don’t even include the fact I have shoulder length hair and an extremely full beard…perhaps it’s just me…but I think those descriptions would’ve been added…don’t you…you seem like a fairly intelligent guy…kind of makes you wonder at least right?  

         “Just you…just shut up…let me think…no more out of you…”

                           “Hey, I get it…don’t let ethics or something so minor as due diligence get in the way now…no, and then, what are the odds…that the bolo goes out at 3:00pm from…. and at 3:30 I’m getting picked up here…when we’re at least 2 hours away from….”

Instigating morality from a robust crypt

         Options are limited; yet trip the switch we often must

                  Demand more information, additional data to bolster the claim…if not, then why…please…some details must be obtained…some conveniences have to be explained….

Open ended…. the way every story…ever play…finishes…when you cut away…

A Transitional tale

I thought I'd give the Triplet form that Roger's made famous over at his blog, Chasing Tao, a go of it today.  Please visit Roger's site for a much more profound use of the form and see all the wonderful examples he has on display.  This piece is intended to be looked at three-fold, photograph, Verse, Video.  Thanks.

I wanted to try

I wanted to make

This world a better place

         Yes, I understood, to do that, I would have to travel dark and terrible tunnels

         Of course, I knew, that to succeed, others must fail, others would surely fall.

“Life changing,” is what the recruiter spelled in that initial meeting...

         and I bought the bait…excited to do so at that, to be a hero, to change the world, to let freedom ring, through the valleys of atrocity, to the shores of oppression…we cheered when each flag fell, when power was returned

but, no one ever said how life changing this all would be

Pulsing

Throbs of

Stabbing

Distraught

         Each and every morning—when loud sounds stir-

Unsure of surroundings—of mission—of faces of family and friends-

Unaware—the war’s been won—finding fist formed, trembling, in a half-sleeping hand, staring down at a woman that loves you unrequited…

Snapping, at pin-tinged words—that provoke a bouquet of chastising gleams, from those who always told others how well they knew who you are and what kind of man rests inside—yet that was a different lifetime entirely—and now, all you want, is

For someone to save you

From those seeds planted

Deep within…seeds that continue to green, despite all the psychological weedkillers stirred about...

                  All you need is to see the flag, unfurled and proudly traveling it’s fabric’s length—spanning much, much further distances than a mere cloth could possibly transmit- and you salute, every time, regardless of where or when...

Honor and duty, you plod along, until you get your next directive, hoped for, under the guise of a civilian blanket, one that cannot keep your turning body warm at night—

you pray that a new assignment will take you far from this strangest land of all—

you’ve always done what’s been told—

As all good soldiers do—

         But at ease, is something you fear you no longer can do

Obviously not a celebratory piece, just not how my minds wired lately, but still wanted to take part in the Memorial Day celebration over at D’Verse, and thought an artistically, I hope, filtered informational piece about the tragedies of our nation’s heroes suffer upon their return home, how they leave their family as Person A but if they are so lucky to come back at all, they almost always return as Person Z, whether they speak of the differences or not, they see it, and in some way or another, they know things are not how they vaguely remember things, that something has changed. 

I know several people, that have served and they’ve all been very candid about their re-acclamation.  Each of them speaks as to how the world does seem reshaped, yet they just don’t know how or why.   They all seem to be transitioning adequately, yet do speak of having to seek counseling, wake up in cold sweats, unknowing where they are, and yes, nightmares always seem to part of the conversation. 

The one that has the hardest time is one that’s just returned home this past year after 10 years of deployment, and he’s told me that while the beer tastes much better being back home, he does feel like he’s still having to look over his shoulder at all times, amongst many other tragic aftertastes.  The worst though, has to be his 12 year old son, treating him as if he’s just another stranger, polite, yet distanced.  He says how he would look forward to getting new photos, and how he’d use them to help stay grounded while away, but when he first reached out to hug him, the child merely said hello and went to shake his hand.  His doctor says it might take some time, for all parties to readjust. And they all are fine with that, or so they say.  But I believe them, yet I wonder, should transitioning adequately be okay at all. 

My personal feeling is that the Governments of this world truly need to get their priorities in shape.  They need to come up with better solutions than simply sending their youth out into combat, where whether a single shot is ever fired or not, they become altered. 

Protecting one’s greatest assets, life and freedom, should always be the main priority, and obviously military operations will be a part in this defense, yet it would be nice if the system at hand is altered somewhat more than it already is, to help our brave heroes transition as seamlessly as possible, without fear of what may be next. 

Obviously you tread into neuroscience, and the mind is a funny beast, very difficult to pin down in entirety, but more science, more research, as I’ve heard it is, should continuously to be, done. 

The families of those who do not return, as well as of those of wounded veterans, which I use the term wounded in it’s broadest scope, need to be taken care of better than perhaps they already are.  The heroes should be remembered and praised for their courage and their unselfish acts of sacrifice, for it all is a sacrifice, is it not? 

Obviously I didn’t do this conversation justice, as there’s just so much more territory to go down. Yet I feel I got down the gist of the message I wanted to get out, and only hope it has been adequately displayed.  So, this is just something a bit heavier to mull over as we all eat our fruit salads and barbeque this afternoon.  As Decoration Day, as this holiday was originally named, is supposed to be for remembering those servicemen and women that have died.  But death, is that not such a subjective term, and in such, I think our definitions should be expanded somewhat.  

                              Mama by Godsmack

12

Music, whether loud or quiet, subtle or strong accompanies everyone on their individual journeys.  Like faithful pets, your songs attune themselves to your consciousness, thus ears transform, to that of those, verily trained.

Subtleness of bass-lines undercut the stagnancy of atmospheric current

I.              Lion of Nemea- STEP ONE

When presented an impossible task, one must extend themselves beyond familiar zones of comfort, acknowledging alternative paths to solvency.  One must accept that the Gods are watching.  Finally, one must be prepared to overcome the obstacles set forth by the divine, and must be humble enough to accept assistance in those circumstances that demand as such.

II.           Hydra of Lerna- STEP TWO

The Hero must be cognizant of the realization that deathblows do not guarantee the heart’s beating to cease.  For our enemies will cast poison unto the air as they persist in thrashing the fluidity of momentum.  One must act instinctively, accept the aid of lesser men and adapt to regenerative tactics of the prey.  The hero must not stand in wonder of situational absurdity.  That which is a constant, may double in resolve, multiplying with each severed blow.  The test of the true warrior is the ability to combine the strengths and the weaknesses of one’s enemies, into one’s own, combinatory subsets of possibility.  Those very traits that thwart your every assail, may be the very characteristics inherently linked to your own victory and subsequent parade.

III.         Cerynitis STEP THREE

Heroes must display patience and poise.  They must respect the swiftness at which challenges develop.  It is paramount to hold one’s eagerness in check, for the hero who pursues their beast, despite the magnitude of distance, will either find their opponent in restless slumber or realize that patience outlasts haste, in every intellectual game of skill or chance.  The Champion must also acknowledge that there are forces in this universe that may, and most likely will, convene upon your methods and reasoning, for or against one’s own behalf.  He/she should remain humble and speak words of truth, to which the divinity may interject, perhaps absolving you of any sins that may have been accrued through competition.

IV.          The Boar of Mount Erymanthos STEP FOUR

Although primitive rage may mask the appearance of casual unwind, the champion must act accordingly.  Certainly a feat performed can win accolades from the wandering eye, yet accepting that your pursuers are but misjudged in stateliness, will perhaps, prevent a vengeance bubbling beneath retreating limbs.  As for the challenge in itself, a hero must use every accommodation at their dispose.  Nature is a fine weapon when skilled minds design the trap or ploy.

V.            Stable Boy STEP FIVE

Time limits often cloud the path.  A hero shouldn’t allow pride, of person, of lineage, to hinder his/her completion of the task at hand.

VI.          The Birds of Lake Stymphalia STEP SIX

Bronzed beaks and feathers metallic sharp, deadly from above, poisonous from below.  Favored by the God of War, the ramifications that surround victory, must weigh the Hero’s heart for sure.  Sometimes it’s best to not concern oneself with aftermaths and situations yet to arrive.  The willingness of useful assistance is reinforced, and distraction then becomes the Hero’s master plan.  To distract your opponent, is to concoct a paralytic effect, from which point plucking is as easy as the skill of aim aligned, from eye to hand, from hand to bow, from bow to arrow, from arrow to target.

VII.       Cretan Bull STEP SEVEN

Proud papa wrecks havoc amongst the shadows of villagers, damned to it’s every pass through underdeveloped and unfortunate of lands.  Wild animals are not meant for capture; yet a beast must be safely deterred from inhabiting certain plots of earth.  The Hero must swallow his pride, or else unique difficulties certainly may arise.  Do not be disappointed if your homage to the Gods is shunned aside, never answered, despite your level of devoutness and pools of tears collected since your prayer began. 

VIII.     The Mares of Diomedes  STEP EIGHT

Gruesome tales unknown, Podagras, Lampon, Xanthos and Deinos, wild mares uncontrollable by man, were released from their golden manger, unleashing their madness upon humanity.  The Hero must do his research and not accept the easiest solution simply because it is the path of least resistance.  If things look too easy, they typically are either traps or conceal the workings of much larger forces currently in-waiting, roving the shadows, until opportunity arises.  Researching is a key to keeping surprise at bay; otherwise your missions will be pointless, and therefore increasing difficulty to complete, as you are also allowing the possibility for senseless damage to occur, to yourself or those innocents you are warded to protect.  If the Hero encounters beasts that devour flesh, using intellect over brute force, will teach you to tie the mouth shut, disabling the beasts ability to feast.

IX.          The Girdle of Hypolyta STEP NINE

All is not what appears.  Friends that turn without warning are often chameleons or devils in disguise.  Best act swiftly, setting sail at soonest tide.

X.            The Cattle of Geryon STEP TEN

Watchdogs must become blind for the quest divine.  The Hero must remember what useful tools they’ve amassed throughout each of their trials, tribulations and from the experience life itself has imparted upon one’s soul.

After completing the tasks you’ve been told, be prepared for stipulations and fine print.  This will occur incrementally, and when it does, doubling intensity under a cloud, one you will not notice until the smoke has risen to the sky, thus making the hero’s quest improbable to perfect.

XI.          The Apples of the Hesperides STEP ELEVEN

The Hero, nearing his journey’s end, must consider every option available.  He/she may have to accept the advice of shape-shifters or accept direction from those variably invisible to the eye.  The Hero must resort to trickery of his/her own, making promises he/she rationally cannot keep, all to hold up the world and increase the likelihood of a successful journey.  Or perhaps another lesson:  in order for the Hero to obtain the “apple” of his quest, he/she must have the will power to overcome temptation and seduction, while simultaneously utilizing these traits to their own advantage.

XII.       In Hades STEP TWELVE

The Hero must travel to depths uninviting.  He/she must face his or her greatest fear, venturing into darkness, which was never thought possible before.  Death is the mask that comprises the opposite symbol to life and to travel to a land of death is to depart from one’s own life, albeit temporarily.  The fear is alive and the longer one stays in such abhorrent domains, he or she will certainly forget about life itself.  It is in this place where the hero tempts the lull of the dark.  If not composed of the utmost traits, obsidian will undoubtedly surround you at every step, rendering one paralyzed by fear’s seductive touch. 

The Hero must use every ounce of the endurance they’ve accrued, to their benefit; otherwise the hero will not succeed.  He/she must be able to solve the final riddle, whilst under the overwhelming pressure of finality.   To displace an enemy from their backyard, is to disorient, to deceive each villain, in a way that confuses their own existence for that of something strange, making an unsolvable riddle, which they can no longer answer in such a condition.  Produce your courage, produce your resiliency, be the Hero and reward you will receive.

Ten plus two equals Immortality.

An Immortality that cannot be denied

Even when the sacrifice supplied is your very own.

There are links between programs and myth

There are differences, between fantasy and life

There are conundrums everywhere, everyday

There are countless Gods to thank

Yet most choose just one

And to that one, we lay thanks

As we beg to be empowered

With the gift of spiritual strength

Steel strings join the bass

Upping tempo

Rising beat.

Everyone has his or her own theme song

A soundtrack beyond control

Yet we can always choose not to listen

When we don’t like the voices heard

                   

Hero/Villain

You, my dearest enemy

For you, my kindest foe

You, my sweetest adversary

I mourn the loss of you

How many years will go-

-Before one betrays me, like I have you?

How long will this pestilence ride-

-Before I reach the grave?

Shall you be awaiting my arrival, upon your horse of sable white?

Have the posters been completed, indicating proper price?

You, my dearest rival,

In this grand charade we do

For you, my fondest opponent

The tables have turned in two,

I still weep your passing without reprieve

As long as it has been, the wound still feels fresh to me,

I lay awake some nights, when the tree shakes into the door,

Jump aside the curtains, to see what is in wait outside,

At first I was enraged,

That you had left me alone to fend,

But since I’ve grown mature,

And learned to comprehend

I understand, home is where I’ve you’ve sent you to,

Despite, home being where I’ve stole you from,

Where every blessing can be a curse

Where every curse can be a blessing

Others have come, to haunt my trail,

But their stealth, so loud, each time did fail,

Even when combining effort, their ways could not compare,

Humbled by tricks, so simple, I forget were even there

Where these others foster vigilance,

You took the time to know,

Where these others promoted violence,

You let a connection grow,

Where these others sought the hangman’s noose,

You only wanted what you deemed fair

Where these others aimed to hurt and bruise,

You only operated with respect and care

For you, my dearest enemy,

I admire all, of that you offered,

For you, my sweetest foe,

I do dare address you now,

As my most beloved friend

Time has passed much slower, than when you were on my heels,

Grass has grown much greener, with the wind cut from my sails

The chasing is still endless, but now filled, with logic incomplete,

This, to you, I must confide, I laugh myself, some days to dream,

These men, those in pursuit, the ones that took your place,

They’re sharp with a spreadsheet, but in the hunt, devoid of skill

What, for you, would’ve ate but seconds, for them, devours months,

They sense me in their crosshairs, yet I’m nowhere near their scope

While you were known for a most relentless, manner to your trade,
I remember you much different, never did I feel afraid,

Until the day I walked away, head hung so very low,

Now facing me, was a future, I could not profess to know

While my methods, rarely filled with mercy, was merciful indeed-

-On that night, in that place, when each forces –face to face-

-When it came to you, all you had to do was plead, even the simplest- -Prayer would do, but never, not even once, were you willing to secede

With heavy heart, the pain, to which I must daily wrestle,

Is knowing, that you wouldn’t have been, nearly half as cruel to me

You, my dearest enemy

For you, my kindest foe

You, my sweetest adversary

I do mourn the loss of you

You, my dearest enemy

For you my kindest foe,

You, my sweetest rival,

You brought focus to my day,

Rest assured my brother,

I’ll keep alive your memory,

As I meander through, these, my, remaining days

I’ll ensure your lineage is always well to do

Never shall I again be tested, never pushed as if you were here

Only tattered skylines, that once was blue, appear,

I lost the silver lining, when our last goodbye was through

And yet, each day, I still converse with you