Defense Mechanisms
Even the most
beautiful of buds
with silken petals
in alluring shades
have sharp thorns
to protect them
but how
do we learn
to ease up
on the thorns
and let in
the sunlight
of love and hope?
creative writing
Gideon’s Challenge
The Stranger
Words hit like
sledgehammer fists
crushing
in their impact
as they speak
hatred that is dark
sticky and cloying
insidious grasp
a whisper awakened
that you
are not welcome
and forever
undeserving
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
First Aide to the Soul
Teardrops fall
each one minuscule
a drop
in the bucket of life
to be collected
and stored
for us to wade in
when times are
not so difficult
not so stressful
and far easier
They are the balm
to our bruises and burns
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Bee’s Bell
Little pockets
to hide within
just dip down low
and climb right in
the colorful walls
are soft as silk
while delicate fuzz
will tickle a bit
when seeking
sweet nectar deep
within the bell
and dusted
in pollen
we’ll bid farewell
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Promise
Tucked beneath
green leaves
lies cool waters
waiting
patient and quiet
waiting for me
to slip in and sink
and let myself be
surrounded
as I’m pulled deep
into an embrace
soft and gentle
that promises
peace
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Weekly Creativity Prompt – In Case You Need It
Prompt: “Pull three cards, and use them combined with the last text that you sent (or received) on your phone to tell us a (true or fictional) story.” (I cheated and drew more than three cards.)
There was once a powerful king (‘L Imperatore) who ruled over a vast kingdom with a wise and just hand. He took his responsibilities to his people seriously, and took care to ensure all under his rule flourished and were well cared for.
One day, this king got in an intense dispute with his best friend, another king that ruled a neighboring kingdom. The truce between their kingdoms was broken during this argument, and war broke out. Many died in the battles that ensued, as they lashed out at each other and tore down the strong and thriving society that they had built between them (La Torre de Babele).
One day when he was lying in bed with his wife, he was speaking with her about these troubles and how everything was falling apart and seemed to be slipping through his fingers. The previous queen (his mother) had advised him that he had married well, and told him that there would come a time when his wife would become invaluable, that she carried within her great wisdom he would one day need (La Papessa). He had been young and reckless at the tome and scoffed at her words, but on this night as they lie abed, he spoke with her from the heart and she spoke to him of temperance and patience (La Temperanza).
In their discussion, she had him look back upon his time with his friend and consider how things had gone wrong. What had the turning point been that lead them to the violent dispute they now found themselves in with their neighbor? What could he have done differently? (Il Guidizio)
With her wisdom and guidance, he was able to see how useless the argument with his friend truly is and he reached out to his old friend to begin the path towards setting aside their differences and moving on in a new direction in which they could grow together once more (La Morte).
