20 Final Post For Now

Looking through the last 19 posts, I found I've posted very little about myself. I think that just goes with my style. For some reason I've never really liked writing about myself. Although I have managed to become comfortable enough to post two posts about myself. Through this blog I discovered that I've written quite a few things of the last few years and my writing style has also changed dramatically. I've also learned to be braver and put my writing out there even if I'm not sure if other people will think its good. But through posting my writing I've become motivated to write better so I can share things that I know someone will like. Through writing my personal narrative, I've also learned how to better write about myself and someday I might even learn to like it. I enjoyed this blog assignment.

19 A Poem I started

Once a warrior fair of hair
travled the land in search of a foe to vanquish,
his armor shone bright,
and his sword flashed in the sunlight,
and all the fair madians in the land loved him,
and all bowed in respect before him,
or so he wished,
for he was only a young lowly kitchen boy,
who washed the dishes of the king,
or so he whished,
but he was only the sir dishwasher of the Baron of Midwythe.
The lowliest of low was the scullery boy,
for even his master was only lowest of the pride.

Life was dull and glum,
and the boy's only hope lay in his dreams,
but one day things changed,
as oft they do on warm spring days

18 My Not Quite Iambic Pentameter Poem

My face agaisnt the window pressed I stare
As darkness o'er the city streets doth creep.
Then rain pours down and then a candlw falres,
And mist begins to rise and indoors seep.

In quiet gloomy dark I sit alone
A flooroard creakes somewhere for down below
The books against the wall are all I've known
The shadows from the candlw dance and flow

One might the loneliness of quiet feel
The silence there is one that can't be broken
To disapate the folds of night I cannot will
The words I said as if not spoken

But in the deepening comfort of the night
My dearest cat is all I need tonight

17 A Poem About Myself

Song of Myself

I Celebrate Myself with stories,

of wealth untold,

swords of steel,

legends,

old and new.

I am the one who dives deep into fantasy,

and the world around me.

I see dark storm clouds racing across the sky,

I feel the wind in my hair,

I hear the song of a brook,

the rain on the roof,

I think of stories of possibilities,

that only I can think,

because there is only one Me.

There is only one of You.

16 Another Poem

The End of Imagination

The castle lies empty and forlorn,

atop the lone hill,

a glass coffin gleams,

still full,

once splendid,

the ballroom is now deserted,

swathed in cobwebs and gloom,

the yellow road is crumbling,

and weeds push through the stones,

a red hood lies torn on the forest floor,

a bright slash against the snow,

a glass slipper is broken,

shattered where it has fallen,

all is still in the world begotten by magic,

now long forgotten by laughter,

this is the world killed with fantasy,

when imagination has gone.

15 Personal Narrative Final

Besides Cloud

"Boys are stupid," the blonde girl said tilting her head.
"Yeah," the brown haired girl agreed.
"They're dirty and gross."
"They pick their nose."
"They're not so bad," Becky protested, glancing across the room at her best friend Henry.
"They are too." the blond said with a sniff.
"Maybe they're in loooove," a black haired girl sing songed.
"We are not!"
"Am too."
"Am not!"
"Totally in love," the blond said snickering.
Becky looked close to tears, but she pushed her glasses up, a determined look in her eyes.
I shifted in my seat. I didn't know much about boys, but I did know I didn't like that blonde girl and her minions.
"We're just friends!"
The other girls started giggling.
I crammed the rest of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich into my mouth and headed for the door. I hated bullies. Although I wanted to say something, I knew it was better to keep out of their way. Keep your head down and don't say or do anything to get their attention was my motto.
I sighed as the cool air hit me and the sun warmed the top of my head. I took a deep breath of fresh air, letting the noise of recess wash over me. Kids ran across the playground screaming while a group of girls chanted to a game of double dutch. Boy's whooped from the swing set and several kids giggled as they tried to walk on their hands, falling over more often than not.

“Cheer up!” Cloud said, his ethereal body bobbing gently up and down. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. Although I knew he was imaginary, he never failed to make me happy.

“Let's go for a walk!”

I nodded and started off across the playground, the rocks crunching beneath my tennis shoes. I stooped and scooped up a heart shaped stone, rubbing its smooth surface between my fingers. It smelled kind of salty and I knew from experience that it would taste a little salty too.

“Oooh.” Cloud leaned in closer. A boy brushed against me as he ran by. I stumbled and Cloud frowned.

“I'm alright,” I said, pocketing the heart. We started on our way again, this time towards the trailers. Beyond it was the big kid playground. Kindergarteners weren't allowed on it, but I liked to watch the rush of colors and plan for the day I would be able to play there. The swinging honey combs looked especially fun. It would be easy to pretend there was lava beneath when I needed to cross it to save Cloud. One day, I would be knight of the playground.

A boy I recognized from my ward caught my eye. He was sitting on the steps of one of trailers, his face in his hands. I started to walk past him, but Cloud sidled in front of me.

“You should ask him if he wants to be your friend.”

I frowned and glanced back at the boy. His curly black hair waved gently in the wind. He did look a little sad. I took a step forward then hesitated. What would the other girls think? I glanced at his face again.

“Go on,” Cloud urged.

Finally I nodded. He probably would say no anyway. I slowly walked up to him.

The boy looked up.

I stuck out my hand. “Do you want to be my friend?”

For a second he looked startled, then a big smile broke across his pale face. “Yes!”

He took my hand and I helped him up.

“Have you ever heard of The Lord of the Rings?”

I nodded. “I guess, but I've never seen it before.”

The boy looked a little disappointed.

“I do have some pretty rings at home though.”

He smiled “Cool! Can I see them sometime?”

“Yeah, I guess,” I said returning his smile.

“Lets pretend we're from Middle Earth! I'll be Legolas and you'll be Gimli! We can use the playground for battles!”

I nodded but glanced at Cloud.

Cloud gave me a reassuring smile. “Go on. I'll wait for you at home.”

I jumped off the school bus and rushed to the side yard.

Cloud was waiting for me with several of his friends. “Well, how was it?”

“It was great! I haven't ever had this much fun at school before! He said he's coming over next week to see the rings! Isn't that great!”

“It is,” Cloud agreed. “You two will be great friends.”

I nodded. “I guess boy's aren't so bad after all.”

14 My Cat Poem

Here's a poem I wrote a wile back for my cat

To my Cat

My cat is the king in his own palace,
a noble in his home,
and the moon in the night sky.

He is like a panther,
a shadow stealthily stalking it's prey,
quick as the lightning that plays across the sky.

He is like an avenging angel,
a gleaming sword seeking justice,
and as swift as the river.

He is the pillow I rest my head on,
a fluffly grey blanket striped in black,
the stars softly golowing,
and the silk of the richest clothing.

My cat is like chocolate,
sweet as sugar,
but bitter as a thorn in your side.
He is the salt in my life.

13 scene for my personal narrative

"Boys are stupid," the blonde girl said tilting her head.
"Yeah," the brown haired girl agreed.
"They're dirty and gross."
"They pick their nose."
"They're not so bad," Becky protested, glancing across the room at her best friend Henry.
"They are too." the blond said with a sniff.
"Maybe they;re in loooove," a black haired girl sing songed.
"We are not!"
"Am too."
"Am not!"
"Totally in love," the blond said snickering.
Becky looked close to tears, but she pushed her glasses up, a determined look in her eyes.
I shifted in my seat. I didn't know much about boys, but I did know I didn't like that blonde girl and her friends.
"We're just friends!"
The other girls started giggling.
I crammed the rest of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich into my mouth and headed for the door. I hated bullies. Although I wanted to say something, I knew it was better to keep out of their way. Keep your head down and don't say or do anything to get their attention was my motto.
I sighed as the cool air hit me and the sun warmed the top of my head.

12 Personal narrative brainstorm

Thins I could possibly  write about,

The storm that changed my life
My first and only friend in Kindergarten
Breaking rocks and jumping on the trampoline with my friend's brother
The time I really lost it
Friendship comes from unexpected places
 My first experience of injustice

11 Even More Poems

Grandma
I remember when you used to bake me cookies,
and the cheerful red apron glowed against your curly white hair,
the cup of milk you always placed  before me cold with drops of condensation
and the arm you put around me when I told you all my fears,
or when I wanted somwhere safe to go,
to bury myself in your warm embrace,
the times we talked,
and the way you patiently taught me to read.
Even though al this seems so long ago,
I will never gorget a day I spent with you,
and I just want to say I love you.

10 More Poems

The Ancient Road 

The ancient road winds through the forest,
broken and over grown,
sunlight slants through the thick foliage above,
cutting though the dusky twilight,
turning night into day,
trees whisper in the wind,
shadows dance,
a bird's song drifts through the woods,
and a child stops to gaze up at the sky,
her hair gently wafts around her upturned face
as she stands alone in a world forgotten by time.

By Coat and Scarf 

When fiery jewels fall from the trees, 

I remember the day I met you,

It wasn't unlike this very autumn day,

the sky was the clearest blue,

and your breath rose in misty plumes,

you asked me if Ii was cold,

adn gave me your coat,

while I in exchange hadned you my green scarf, 

we were children then,

and now still the very best of friends. 

9 The Mermaid

       

The Mermaid

           Legend has it that long, long ago, there was once a vibrant mermaid who lived at the bottom of a great sea. She had three beautiful children that she loved dearly and valued above everything else in the world. She spent her days playing and teaching them the ways of the sea. Where to find the best seaweed, or the prettiest pearls used to trade for human goods. Life was carefree and good. But one day, when they were  still quite small, a great sea serpent appeared, and begun terrorizing the inhabitants of the sea.

            The mermaid took care to keep her children safe in their cozy sea cave. She warned them to keep a sharp look out at all times, and never play outside when the waters were dark. They dutifully obeyed, but one day, while she was out hunting catfish, the monster found the cave. The mermaid arrived home to find her children cornered inside the cave, the monster blocking all possible ways to escape.

            In a desperate attempt to save her beloved children, she grabbed a discarded whale bone from the sandy bottom of the cave and stabbed the monster. Shrieking, it turned to face her in a swirl of bubbles, it's black eyes angry and vengeful, full of hate for everything that moved beneath the water. Although greatly outsized, she fought it, stabbing and cutting at it's hard scales as she dodged it's razor sharp teeth, and crushing coils. Finally she managed to kill the monster. But covered in deep cuts and scratches, she sank to the ground mortally wounded. As she lay dieing, she vowed she would always watch over her own children and all the other unfortunate children in the world, no matter the race. When she died shortly afterwords, she was allowed to join the stars as a forever guardian. She is up there today, always watching over and caring for lost, helpless, and imperiled children, guiding them safely home, or to a better place in life.

8 A Walk on Autumn Day

A Walk on Autumn Day
 

Silence fills the woods, 
as I stand still,
gazing up at the arched ceiling above,
leaves of gold, red, and bronze,
glow softly as many colored jewels,
beautiful as the stained glass windows of a church. 

I smile softly as a bird calls, 
it's song a sad goodbye, 
farewell to the place it once called home,
farewell to the place of wonder and ancient memories,
only to return when a season or two has gone and faded, 
when warmth again returns to this old world of trees and growth,
a world that had been since centuries old. 

The wind picks up and softly blows, 
a gentle breeze rustling the high canopy above.
Small jewels of feathery lightness gently descend and fall,
dancing with an elegance never seen before. 

How I loved this season, 
so full of magic,
so full of wonders,
a season of sad departing,
yet more splendid than all seasons before,
a promise of beauty and plenty to come after the cold hands of frost are gone. 

7 Poems

The City in the Hourglass

  Somewhere there is a city in a hourglass,
  where sand pours like rain down the roofs to the ground,
  cascading through each person's life in a shower of time,
  golden and glowing,
  filing each day with precious sunlight,
  people wade through it,
  unknowing and uncaring,
  always blind to the light shed on their plight,
  struggling through each day,
  not living,
  but breathing,
  somewhere there is a city in a hourglass,
  where no one knows time is trickling by.

Leaves under my feet

My feet gently brush the earth below my feet,
yet the air is filled with a crispy crunch,
so delightful and sweet, 
for it is the sound of jewels under my feet. 
 

6 Echoes of the Sea - a story I wrote

Echoes of the Sea

by Akira Adrastea

           Rain poured from the sky. It soaked the ground and streamed across the bus stop roof to the ground, thrumming loudly. The boy looked up at the black mass of clouds. They swirled slowly, shifting like a live animal. In the distance, a call sounded, mournful and long. It vibrated through the air and resounded deep 
inside his soul. He could feel the creature's emotions like his own, but a glimpse of freedom was all he got, then it was gone, like a scrap of wind slipping through his fingers.

            Jake sighed. Sky Leviathans were creature of wonder and mystery. They had been his father's life study before he was born, and he dreamed of following in his footsteps, but university was expensive and only the richest of families could afford to give their children a good education.

            It looked like he would never be anything more than a clerk. Still, he reminded himself, trying to keep a sense of optimism, it hadn't been too bad for his father. Except, I want to be free, he thought, his eyes fixing on a patch of blue in the gray. Free to leave this tiny town in the middle of nowhere, to travel the world and explore the far reaches of civilization. Once his dream had been just to see a city, but now it was much much more. And even more unattainable he thought bitterly.

            A cool wind brushed his face and his anger vanished. He felt himself settle back into his usual resignation. Things were the way they should be for this son of a cleric. He just sometimes wished they weren't.

            His mother's voice sounded in his head. “Leave the foundation of this country alone. We are all who we are for a reason. You aren't the man who can change it with one swift stroke. But change does happen little by little. Become a good man and the world will become a little better.”

            Jake clenched his hands into a fist. He would become a good man even though sometimes he felt like it wouldn't be enough.

            A soft whining reached his ears. He glanced around quickly, trying to pinpoint the noise. A moment later, a high keening pierced the air and a small figure floated out of the trees.

            His heart instantly went out to the creature. Its cry had filled him with indescribable loneliness and despair.

            When it saw him, it froze and Jake knelt down, ignoring the cold water which instantly soaked into his pants.

            “Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you,” he called softly. He held out his hand. For a moment, the creature was still, then it keened again and glided toward him.

            Jake gasped as it came out of the rain and he finally got a good look at it. The baby leviathan stared back at him with mournful blue eyes the color of a washed out sea. It cried again and he reached out gently to touch its wrinkly body, which was surprisingly smooth and soft.

            The leviathan leaned into him and he hugged it, wrapping his arms around the small mammal. Somehow the little creature had been separated from its mother and was now all alone in the world.

            It made another noise, but this time it sounded more like its fellow creatures who had flown across the sky minutes ago, except mixed with the purr of a cat.

            When Jake finally pulled away, the leviathan continued to press its face against him, so Jake rested a hand on the creature's head. The small body vibrated. He smiled. Who would have thought he would ever meet a sky leviathan, much less a baby one?

            A loud screech broke the monotone of the rain and Jake jerked away in surprise as a bus skidded to a stop. The door thudded open to let him in. It was the last bus to Astoria that day. He hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the leviathan which had slipped back into the shadows and was watching him with sad, pleading eyes. He looked back at the bus. His clerical exam was at 7:00. If he missed it, he would have to wait another year.

            “Are you getting in or not? I have a time to keep,” the driver said, an annoyed expression flashing across his face.

            This snapped Jake out of his trance. He stepped back and the bus driver closed the door and rolled his eyes. Jake barely caught the muttered curse at teenage boys before the vehicle rumbled away, the mirrors on the sides rattling.

            He turned back to the leviathan who had returned to his side and buried it's nose in his hand.

            He smiled and stroked its head. Maybe his mother was right about changing the world a little bit at a time, but somehow he now knew it wasn't the right road for him. It never had been, really. He would change the world with his studies, just like his father had wanted to. This would be his life's work. It was what he was always meant to do. He had just needed a push in the right direction.