white noise

It’s too abstract, I know, but today, I don’t really care:

Spring and winter have skewed.
Yesterday’s budding leaves dry out,
become withered old fists,
while once-pink blossoms
freeze to their limbs.

Thirty-two souls are adrift
on the wind,

the thirty-third sinks to earth,
leaves an oily black stain.

The chill wind bites again. Now,
only winter remains.

It is dreadful that Blacksburg — a “small” town — can make headlines due to tragedy twice in less than a year. Prayers to the victims of today’s Virginia Tech shooting and their families. This end of town has been quiet and I’ve only just heard the news. It was a brighter day before I knew.

Neece and Conk (the wonder pig!) journey into Outland:

Wartoria adventuring through Zangarmarsh on her new black stallion:

And,

Tiksumi goes for a swim in Menethil Harbor:

Water walking and underwater breathing are so cool!

These screenshots are all part of the Burning Crusade expansion for World of Warcraft. Once one gets past Hellfire Peninsula and the hordes of hell boars, I think the folks at Blizzard outdid themselves, at least where the artwork is concerned. Zangarmarsh teems with oversize mushrooms and a purple-dusky ambiance which is befitting. I find the hunting-questing most fun in Zangarmarsh, too. I’m not big on getting “ganked” by a host of trash mobs every 10 yards. I could live with 20 or 30 yards, though. :P

Not that it’s front page news, or even noteworthy, but I feel a little rotten. I’ve been trying hard to keep some pretty greenery in the house to make it look, well, livelier. Jon had a plant that needed a little TLC, and though my effort has been minimal, it was holding its own. I also bought three others, after killing one last summer possibly by over-watering it. Well, Thursday I put the darlings out on the front porch to get some sun. The windows are small and limited throughout the house, and this being April and all, I thought they could use a little light and fresh air. I didn’t bring them in last night or the night before, and this morning we woke up to almost an inch of snow on the ground.

The plants are liquefying even as I write this and I’m so, so sad. I was flirting with the idea of growing tomato plants this year. The Garden Police are gonna come get me. :/

This is freshly written today, so chances are it will evolve, but it was a fun little exercise. It’s inspired by Dan, who has taught me much.

BRAGGING RITES

My successes mean nothing–
not to you,
not to the public at random.
I cannot wear them;
they are not badges,
not gold medallions,
or even a letterman’s jacket.

My successes mean nothing–
not in daylight or at twilight,
or even under the moon.
I cannot see them;
they are not diplomas,
or glimmering trophies,
not even shining reviews.

My successes appreciate
from the quiet voices of a few
as they whisper, “thank you,”
in my ear,
in those moments,
at those times,
when only I am able to hear.

5 April 2007