9.29.2008

Santa sings 80's love song

The streetlight always delays changing from red to green on the left side. The businessmen men -who have been made late to work by both the elevators in their condos and the subway crowd- push hastily past me in order to be the first to cross the street. I never pay attention to anything in particular in the street since I always have my nose buried in a text book or note portfolio. Today's no different, I need to review for the quiz in class.

Cell phone chatter fills the atmosphere along with the scent of morning cappuccinos.

"Oh you did" "I'm on my way to the office, will probably be there in about twenty minutes" "Oh really..."

'Now I see you standing with brown leaves all around and snow in your hair'

The voice singing the familiar lyrics isn't one that would belong to a sucked on rock star, the voice belongs to sucked on old man. He doesn't lack hair, it's all over his face and head and he really does look like the dirty -full of lice- homeless version of Santa Clause. Perhaps this is him in disguise, he's probably just observing my every move in order to find an excuse so he can remove me from his 'nice' list and place me on the 'naughty' list.

Santa sits at the doorstep of an old fashion tavern. He sings with his eyes closed, slowly and peacefully but loudly. I don't think he wants to be heard, I think he just wants to hear himself. I take a second look at him and realize his resemblance to Santa is not all that strong. Except for the hair he looks nothing like Santa, he is a semi-thin man with very sun burnt face which wears a very peaceful expression. Like most people in his situation he is very pathetic.

'Now you're telling me you're not nostalgic...Then give me another word for it...'

I should really get back to reviewing my notes; I should really be paying attention to the street light; I should really take my eyes off this old man, yet I can't help but look at him. I'm wondering what he is singing about, what made him want to sing that song out loud? Perhaps he is merely insane like the people say, or perhaps he is honestly pained. Who could she be? She who haunts him...An ex-wife? The memory of a high school sweetheart? No. He's most likely just one of the band's oldest fans. There are no tears rolling down his filthy cheeks, his face is still peaceful and his eyes remain closed. Maybe I should give him a dollar...

'Yes we both know what memories can bring...'

But since the red light turned green as I turned my head I think I'll just be going.

Haiku

Haiku 1
Selflessness involves
The important lack of opinion
Willingness to die
Archetype: Hero

Haiku 2
The crops are failing
Crying of the innocent
Burning at the stake
Archetype: Scapegoat


Haiku 3

Not eternal life

But given infinate glory

Swimming with your soul
Archetype: The Devil

Haiku 4
Warm hands for comfort
Fierce fangs to all who seek them
Warm food awaits one
Archetype: Mother
Haiku 5
Not pure with the men
Seductive like the snake is
The apple brought man woe
Archetype: The Temptress

Haiku 6
Invisible force
Pushing from behind you
A man or a wind

9.16.2008

Talent isn't Genius


When a writer wins the prize or the recognition he/she
starts to get the feeling of accomplishment and greatness. They have the talent, and because of that talent they got the recognition. Is their talent really what the writer should rely on? Any writer with talent can take a familiar plot and personalize that plot with a creative setting and lovely descriptions and earn a decent dollar. However it takes a dedicated and active mind to come up with the original and famous plots the other 'talented writers' will someday take and 'personalize.' Arrogance sometimes follows the trophy and writers like to go off and smile in the camera's face. When it comes to giving feedback they like to come across a beginner and point out pitiful mistakes while placing themselves up on a pedestal with a gigantic grin. Never do they like to recognize the fact that the only reason they stand on that pedestal is because of their talent and not their genius. It is highly hypocritical to place yourself above others who are just starting in the art. You might just be placing yourself above someone who will someday stun the world with their genius and talent and not talent alone. Common sense it seems will be absent in the minds of our arrogant 'talented' writers, and until it arrives I wish them a good time 'personalizing' the genius works of those before them.


:]