A Wise Conversation

Choose wisely.
How?
Become wise.
Again, how?
Study. Listen. Pay attention. Grow.

What if one chooses incorrectly?
Be patient. Use what you learn and what you're being taught.
So, if you take your time, you won't make mistakes?
No one is perfect. Experiences teach those who are willing to learn as well.

How will I know if I'm right?
Choices may be gray. We all get to where we're meant to be, sooner or later.

So, choose wisely? This will be a challenge.
Pray. Be clear.
Clarity is always good.

Batman vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice - A Worthy Review

WARNING! This review may contain a few spoilers! I'll let you know when.

If you are a fan of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Justice League, GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!! Fans will understand how important this movie will be to the upcoming titles as we progress through the DC Cinematic Universe.

Here's the short and sweet response to the movie: Fans who have read Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, Superman: DoomsDay, and the Infinite Crisis Trilogy will see the perspective in which Zach Snyder offers in this introduction into the Justice League.  This movie is an origin story.  It gives lots of information and clues that link the Dark Knight Trilogy, Man of Steel and what will be the summer blockbuster Suicide Squad.  Wonder Woman is awesome and fans will leave the theater wanting more.

Forget the critics and see this movie: Yes, the movie is long...but you might wish it were longer once you've seen it. Yes, it spends a lot of time developing the discourse between Batman and Superman.  Yes, it may get confusing (if you're not paying attention)...so when you see the movie, pay attention.

The title of the movie is "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" not just "Batman vs. Superman".  Although the fight is being played up in the media, it is not truly what the film is about.  The film's purpose is to show how Batman and Superman are very different, yet have similarities that ultimately bring them together.  Their conflict stems from a misunderstanding and the manipulation of Lex Luther only adds to the rocky start to their relationship.

"Dawn of Justice" refers to how the Justice League is formed in the DC Cinematic Universe.  So, if you think about the entire title, you will see that the fight between these two men will ultimately lead to the beginning of something awesome that Earth will need as it faces the ultimate villain, Darkseid.  If you don't know who he is...just know he's like the ultimate evil in the universe.

Some critics attempt to compare The Avengers to this movie -- which is like comparing science fiction to realistic fiction.  It's not a fair comparison.  The DC universe and the Marvel universe are DIFFERENT.  They are TWO SEPARATE universes.  The Watchmen and the Dark Knight Triology have all presented the DC comic stories like, "what if these things happened in "real life?" DC has dark storylines and twisted villains who do terrible, torturous things to people and heroes.  People die in the DC universe -- they die tragically at times.  Marvel is more entertaining, fantasy, humor etc -- yes, people may die there too, but it's generally not as dark.

SPOILERS: Yes, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg are in the film, but only for a short period of time and only Flash speaks/interacts with the main cast.  This might be upsetting but as more films are released, fans will see how this movie plays a huge role in the development of the Justice League movie franchise.  Wonder Woman shows that she is a formidable opponent for DoomsDay.  Her lasso comes out of nowhere which is weird but other than that, she's awesome.

This movie is loosely based on Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, Superman: DoomsDay, and the Infinite Crisis Trilogy; so if you haven't read any of those, you may not understand a few things in the movie.  The movie does jump around a little -- from Bruce Wayne's dreams to visions or visits from the Flash (Infinite Crisis).  Luckily, with a little patience, all will be revealed with each upcoming movie.  Superman, with the help of Batman, dies at the end of DoomsDay and something similar happens at the end of this movie.  It has yet to be revealed that Batman assisted in faking the death of Superman but, like in the comic, he wont be dead for long.  There are no end credits scenes so don't wait.

In all, future films will prove the importance of this initial installment of the Justice League movies and the DC Cinematic Universe.

Randomly Working Things Out

I erase more than I published,

Overzealous editing-- 

I am in constant revision.

More often than I would like to admit,

My eyes rest upon the power button;

It's become easier to avoid it altogether.

I tense to project my presence,

Rattling cages and the trainers;

Little do they know, I'm holding back.

Can being random be purposeful?

Being random can be purposeful;

It may be how one navigates through the clouds.

A watch winds up faster than it runs;

It reminds me of anger, frustration, anticipation, excitement -- stress, good and bad, if that's possible;

Building up quickly yet, it takes time to work it all out.

Life lessons usually come through hard work,

Working with my hands allows my thoughts to move freely;

Thinking clearly shouldn't be an after-thought.

"I am Perfection" Says My Ego

I'm Imperfection.  No, that's not...Right?
Imperfection, I am. Yes, that's Right.

Is it right to stand beside my light?
I want to admire the fire before it leaves;
It is inevitable.

I'm Imperfection.  No, that's not...Right?
Imperfection, I am. Yes, that's Right.

Is it right to stand to the right of my light?
I wanted to admire the fire but I was Left when
I stood right, so the next time 
I'll use my Left to make things Right;
It is inevitable. 

I'm Imperfection.  No, that's not...Right? 
Imperfection, I am. Yes, that's Right.

Is it right stand to the right of my light?
I need to see the heights it flies before it flies away;
It is inevitable.

I'm Imperfection.  No, that's not...Right?
Imperfection, I am.  Yes, that's Right.

Is it right to stand to the right of my light?
I needed to see how I flew such heights;
I went left to be Right and stand by the fire
I created when I flew to such heights;
It is inevitable to be Left when you want to see Right;
It's easy to get caught up in Flight, that's why... 

I'm Imperfection.  No, that's not...Right?
I'm Perfection, I am.  Yes, that's Right.

Hindsight #380

With you, 

I feared the unknown;

Little did I know it was there,

In which you sought solitude.

You were drawn to it;

It's where you still find adventure.

It's where you feel alive. 

Without you,

I fear not knowing;

Little did I know,

So, I decided to learn.

I'm drawn to unknown;

It's where I now find adventure,

Solitude is a coveted companion,

She speaks fondly of you.

Moving From Point A to Point B

We are here for one reason: to find out why we are here.
To do that, we need to prepare for a journey; but to where?
And how do we prepare to go to an unknown place? 
How do we plot a course to discover our true purpose?

Those who believe Faith in a Higher Power is the key,
might suggest, "in order to know where to go, we need to
know where our ancestors have been."  Everyone comes from
a time and place that seem to be so far in the past, 
they are irrelevant.  Studying history, the
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,
provides us with tools we may use for 
navigation, decision-making and protection.

Those who believe Experience is the best teacher might
suggest, "in order to know where to go, we need to know
where we don't want to go."  Some of us lack the 
intuition to know where not to go; but, we should work to 
be aware of our surroundings, so we can differentiate between
a good space that is conducive to our growth, or a
space that drains our positive energy.

Those who believe that we are all connected might suggest 
that in order to to where to go, we need companionship.  
They share statements like, "A family that prays together, 
stays together" and "Great minds think alike" in an effort to 
promote a supportive environment throughout the journey.

We are here for one reason: to find out why we are here.
To do that, we need to prepare for a journey, to an unknown 
place the set out on that journey; This is how we discover 
our true purpose.  
We need  Faith, Experiences and Companionship;
because when moving from Point A to Point B, 
no one ever said it would be a straight line.

Matter of Fact: An Ideal Relationship

"You matter to me.  Everything I am right now is because of you."

"It's not worth it anymore.  The conversation has not changed enough over the past few months.  I've given all I've known to give."

"Sometimes I just want to grab you and shake you!"

"If we were something you wanted, you would make time for me, for us."

"What I do, I do for us.  How can we have more, live better, if we are in the same place we were when we started?  I'm working for us."

"You work for yourself.  That's your focus.  WE are not a priority to you.  I know I'm not."

"Everything you've been able to buy to add to our comfort level, it would not have been possible if I didn't work more.  You're enjoying the spoils but are not appreciating my efforts."

"I buy those things to pass the time.  Yes, you provide but I don't need all that.  I wanted more of you."

"I find it hard to believe that you do not recognize that you can go shopping whenever you want, that we can plan a trip and go without hesitation, that we have properties, assets, wealth..."

"Money isn't everything."

"You know my plan.  I shared this with you from the beginning.  Things won't be this way forever.  I actually have a cutoff date.  Once that date arrives, my time will be less structured and we will be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor, of our sacrifice.  If you can't wait two months, then I'm at a loss for what else I can say to you."

"You should want to fight for us.  Fight for me."

"What do you think I've been doing?  I'm not the one who talks about leaving.  I'm the one talking about how we can be better, together."

"You just don't get it."

"Help me to understand.  I want you to be happy with us.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  Things will change in two months."

"You may be alone by then."

"I feel like I'm alone already.

"If you don't want to fight for me, then why am I here."

"I'm here because I love you.  I thought you were here for the same reason.  I can't tell you why you're here, why you should stay.  You have to know that for yourself.  Not once have I ever said I didn't want us.  I've only expressed how I need you in my life, how I want us to have forever, how your love is the theme music to my life.  Everything I do, I do for you, for us."

"I do love you..."

"You should...sometimes I just want to grab you and shake you."

"Maybe you should..."

"If I grab you I'm not shaking you."

"We'll see..."

When Love Isn't Enough

Listening becomes a chore
Giving is used as a weapon
The fighting becomes dirty
When Love Isn't Enough

Words becomes short
Conversations disappear
Butterflies fail to flutter
When Love Isn't Enough

A gentle touch is not welcome
Emotion is a memory
Confusion and Anger win
When Love Isn't Enough

Let's Do It

Let's do Something we never knew was Possible,
Leave Doubt where it is so the Positive is Probable;
Step aside and let Impatience be jettisoned, 
Or quickly pass us by as we work to be Ready.

Let's do Something we always knew was Possible,
Serving as examples of how to work for More;
Setting the bar for excellence,
And becoming a living example of What's Next.

Let's do Something we purposefully connect to our Dreams,
Building the foundation for the Unthinkable;
Relinquishing Personal Ambition for our Destiny,
Yet remaining who we are, individually, is the Spice of our Life.

Let's do Something.
Let's do it.
Let's Be...Together.

Approaching Dessert #937

I graze the top...slowly, without any design in mind.
Gently, I assess the surface, as I am looking for the
Tastiest place to begin...

I move around the sides, counter-clockwise circular motions,
Because it feels right to me, which is all that matters, for now;
I have to be comfortable with my technique before I try 
Something new -- when I find the
Tastiest place to begin...

I dive in, but not too deep, but deep enough to make an impression.
Slowly, moving out and about the area I've entered, looking for 
Ways to even the surface out again, 
As I plot my next plunge because I've found the 
Tastiest place to begin...

Until I begin looking for the best way to end...the last course.

Writer's Block #324

It's not supposed to be this...hard...
I mean, ink should flow on paper
But this...is the normal, stay between the lines
Rule that has my creativity so stagnant?

It's shouldn't be this...hard...
I mean, biting my nails, then,
Wondering why I can't scratch my scalp
Or that itch on my back that distracts me from reality;
Why is my creativity so stagnant?

It can't be this...hard...
No jokes about something she said,
Because her voice isn't the one I'm hoping to capture;
I've been searching for a character for so long that now,
My story isn't as clear as the day I thought of sharing
My creativity...is stagnant...

One Day It Will All Make Sense

I was so used to being misunderstood that when I finally met you I didn't understand what I was thinking; Feeling like I had waited a lifetime, I wasted a lifetime trying to make my lifeline pair with a few deadlines - flat lines...

I was so used to only hearing my own voice that when I finally heard you whisper in my ear I didn't understand how you knew the lyrics to my heart's theme music; Accusing me of opposing sincerity,  my adversity was that I was severely impeded by my lack of clarity but here I see what I've been hearing throughout my lifetime, there's more to life - flat lines...

I was so used to being me; a mister.
Under stood Wonder
under My Thunder was
Light flashing
Heights grasping
Sight blindly
I
began to see
you
begin to see
Me be
Imperfect.

I was so used to being misunderstood that when I finally stood...I didn't know if I could... but I knew I would
For you
Who understood.

Except from "Becoming More"

Running towards an open door with her eyes closed tightly, she felt the heat against her palms.  Sweat racing down her face, she dared not to rub any away for the moisture may be another layer of protection.  Soon, the smoke strangled her to her knees, as cheers and taunts collided in the cedar scented air.  After taking one last deep breath, she lunged forward, with arms outstretched for a member of this peculiar audience.

As the air began to move through her lungs more smoothly, a smile grew upon her face. Another challenge completed.  One step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a fireman.

My Mom

Most may never know that my thoughts are initially negative with any situation. I'm attracted to the worse case scenarios when deliberating issues and oftentimes I'm stubborn to change my point of view. My temper isn't the best...in fact, I have a horrible temper--one that takes me from zero to a thousand in less than three seconds! Sure, I may not always say the right things. Some have even said that I'm rude (picture that...me? rude? Ha!). But if you know me, you know that I say what I mean and I mean what I say. So, most times, when I open my mouth, my mom comes out.

As a young man, I recognized that I was Blessed with the gift of observation. I watched the world around me and learned quickly what to do and what not to do from others. I still do this today. There are also times where I will throw caution to the wind, roll the dice, and let the chips fall where they may. I enjoy this reckless behavior...because it's all calculated. I grew up with an affinity with numbers and math. My dad always said that my mom was a wiz with numbers and that was all the encouragement I needed. But, I turned out to be an English teacher, so figure that one out. I teach with passion and I tie my experiences into the examples I give my kids to help relate the lessons to real life. Most can't believe what I've experienced, but it seems to work with my students. And when I'm in class, getting those kids ready to learn and I open my mouth, I know my mom comes out.

My sister and I are very close. Life's circumstances allowed God's plan to work wonders on us, as we have always been each other's best friends (I think...I mean she's mine so...wouldn't I be hers?). But just because we are best friends, doesn't mean we have always gotten along. There were arguments, fights, scratches on my face that left scars for weeks and kids at school teased me that I was attacked by a bear because we lived in the country (Sherif, bka Button - Chester High Class of '95 had lots of jokes), bullying, brainwashing, mind games and all the love siblings could share (Sarcasm is a gift). There were also times when we were all we had, looking out for each other, being strong for each other, loving each other and most importantly, teaching each other how to be strong. Within most of these times, when we opened our mouths, our mom would come out.

As I grew older and began to put some pieces together in my life that had been broken, either by my own accord or by the choices of others, I would think back to my mother singing in the choir. I would think of her praying and I would think of not only how she cared for me, but for some reason, I'd think about the mistakes she had admitted she made. I would look then, and I continue to look now, at how she navigated through her adversities. I look to those moments to find strength, courage and a little extra push to carry on. I look at how she grew in her Faith and how she uses her gifts to help others. And when I think on these things, I know that she is Blessed and I know that my family is Blessed to have her in our lives. So, today, when I open my mouth, it feels good to know that my mom comes out.

Only When You Let Go

She let him go, whispering, "I love you..." as the wind brushed her bangs over her eyes.  Brown, with a pinkish tint, her eyes gazed across the horizon as he drifted away.  As the distance between them increased, her heart became the bass drum that caused her lungs to severely contract.  Grabbing her chest, an attempt to plead with him to turn around was met with an inability to coerce oxygen into her body.  She fell slowly to her knees--her left hand digging into the sand; her right hand pressing aggressively upon her sternum and her head reluctantly fell parallel to the earth benefit her.

She let him go, whispering, "I love you..." as the wind brushed her bangs over her eyes.  After a time, she rose to her feet, clinching the life she would always remember and welcoming the one on the horizon.  As the distance between them decreased, her heart became the bass drum that caused her lungs to contract quickly. Grabbing her chest, an attempt to say his name was met with a rush of adrenaline, moving their bodies closer and closer.  She leaped into his arms, her left arm on his shoulder and her right on his cheek, and her head purposefully moved closer to the love before her.

Forward

When pieces like this one come out, it's like a feeling that 
flows out of me.  Words just build upon themselves until 
it is finished...If it doesn't make sense to you, no worries, 
one day it will all make sense.  
Until then, keep pressing forward...

The path before me has been illuminated,
spanning miles and miles into the horizon of dreams,
the panoramic view of my pacing of the starting line;
No fog, but clouds escorted by a gentle breeze
outline the heights of my sight in all directions;
as I continue to inspect my cargo, checking fuel gauges,
and the space between where I am and where I need to be is revealed;
My purpose is clear.  My vision is set...forward.

A force within me begins to build,
churning within as gears spin and time becomes an ally of hope,
Rest assures me that my preparation has not been in vain;
No fog, yet the exhilaration of victory fills my ears
blotting out any pleas for pause,
as I secure all that I hold dear, latches are fastened and knots tightened,
and the search for the end becomes an adventure of a new life;
My dream is near.  My heart and mind are moving...forward.

As the beginning becomes the past,
the wind breaks across the top of my head, then presses down my face,
rude and unapologetic, creating a contrast between present and destiny;
No fog, just resistance to my persistence
and I thought my relentless intentions
would not be tested, the only one that could best this quest is
The Almighty, Heavenly Father...is this His way of telling me no?
Is this a hint or clue that what I've wanted is not what He has prepared?
Or is this a test of obedience to what He has for me?
My spirit is filling.  My life is being led...forward.

A Pause

Having nothing after something is a curse, 
profane experience so I have a hard time 
wishing for you...thinking of you...
Dreaming for you to arrive like the sunset,
Make early mornings a distant future to the
Nights we would never forget.

Having nothing after something is a curse,
profane experience so I look to the time,
Clocking the ticks, seconds of eternity clicks;
Dreaming of you as your arrival rivals the horizon,
Shining so bright my heart needs a visor...

Having nothing after something is a curse,
profane experience so I wait for the time,
When wishes becomes shushes and now 
My smile's a little crooked because you take me there--
Where mornings and nights confuse shades and heights,
Lights shining through darkness making waves in the ways
We have come to know reality...and all I can do is pause...

Having nothing after something is a curse,
profane experience...sealed with a kiss...

The Path I'd Traveled

I traveled this far to YOU because I needed to,
Get some things off my chest as best I knew,
For the days to months I've gazed,
Away, also made it hard for me to breathe,
Tightening like barbed wire; 
Hours I've spent gently pulling and tugging for 
Air; so when I decided to travel this far because 
I needed to get some things off my chest
As best I knew, I slowly lifted
Those tightening barbed wires,
Tilting my head and bending my knees,
As I lifted these things over my head
Only to rest them upon my shoulders,
To alleviate pressure on my chest.

As I traveled to YOU I continued to gaze
Away, my breath began to shorten as my stride;
Each step gradually slower as my back 
Remained titled from the burdens on my shoulders,
I continued to hold them because it was better than the
Tightening of barbed wire;
Hours I've spent purposefully moving forward for
Air; so when I decided to travel this far because
I needed to get some things off my chest
As best I knew, I reluctantly dropped my lifted burdens;
Rolling my shoulders and bending my back,
I released the burdens I'd held so high,
Only to rest them upon the path I had traveled,
To alleviate the pressure on my chest.

As I traveled to YOU, I continued to gaze
Away, my breath flowed like the gentle breeze, I moved, 
As Best I knew... 

Contemplating Home

He asked, "do you know what you're doing there?"
Fair question, no subliminal yet it held the suggestion;
Was I moving in the right direction? Contemplate...
Sometimes you find home when you move far away.

She asked, "do you know where you're going?
Talent can only take you so far."
Among the stars is where I'm destined to dwell--Contemplate...
Sometimes you find home when you venture far away.

He asked, "what are you here for?"
Fair question, no subliminal yet it held the suggestion;
Was I stagnant, a fragment, needing to be completed?
Was I in search of a purpose that was sent to find me?
Contrary.
Have I been moving in the right direction? Contemplate...
Sometimes you find home when you feel out of place.

She asked, "why are you here? Talent can only
Take you so far."
Among the clouds is where we are; Contemplate...
Sometimes you find home when you build in your space.

Outside Looking In - Log Entry #58

Her: What are you doing?
Why are you making that face?
Him: This is my sexy face.
Her: Get a new one...

Her: How do you like the food?
Him: I appreciate the effort. You
did a great job. I do prefer grilled
over baked though.
Her: We'll see when I cook again.
Him: What did I say?

Him: I'm thinking of taking a trip
to have time to myself.
Her: Who you going with?
Him: No one.
Her: So, you expect me to believe that?
Maybe you need to take some time
to figure out if you want to be here!
Him: *speechless*

Her: I don't want you to wait for me.
Him: If I can't wait for the
Love of Life then what else is there?
Her: What if you're wrong?
Him: Love is never wrong...