Waking up from sleep Still in the ill state of slumbering Anticipating bliss but sunk in pain Wondering ‘why wake up?’ Another day of working out To become the real biggie But being forced to do the smalls Subconsciously waking up to breaking up Happiness kept at bay As if joy is kept at arms length Seeking inspiration to glide against the tempest Only to realize this is hell on earth The living projection from hell The world being lived in So twisted that what’s left in it ain’t right Hell on Earth
Chorus
Hell on earth What an experience!
The perception of reality Look at all directions That’s a pointer(2ce)
Verse 2 Lost in time Sought for the time machine to bring me back Only to realize I was in the past, present and future My predicament was Not Obviously Waiting The Ascertained Generation of Existence Likened to flying kites back in the day And the present AI activity Expressed Excruciation marking the pinnacle of adversity The hell of the poor The paradise of the rich Making pain to create gain That’s the contradiction The programmed nature of man The Defined Attainment of Time Embraced Tantamount to the Hell on Earth ordeal.
Chorus Hell on earth What an Experience!
The perception of reality Look at all directions That’s a pointer (2ce)
Verse 3 In the train of thoughts emanates a dynamic release of flaws Depicted by overwhelming concerns Put forward amazing challenges Death and life polarized the essence Judgmental in the first place Biased at the end Consequential absurdities Tantamount to retributions Worried About Revolution as panacea to war Thought of projecting bullet bars from mars But outpaced by the mind-blowing speed of light years cars Heaven the next option But its 12 Pearly Gates an obstruction Couldn’t believe the vision Blamed it on pseudo information But it became crystal clear The fact emerging Then it was true The hell on earth situation
Chorus Hell on earth What an experience!
The perception of reality Look at all directions That’s the pointer (2ce)
Flutter of an Eye
The "Flutter of your Eye" on the day you passed away
Reminds us of a "Butterfly as it gently flies away"
And as we see the grazing deer we know that you are near
We long to hear your voice and see your smile again
And know we will again someday and will hold on to the
memories until then.
We will always remember that day and the
~"Flutter of your Eye" as you drifted away~
Sending our everlasting love and hugs up to you and
We want you to know we are thinking of you!
Your Spirit
Your touch, your voice, your warm embrace
The bright smile that lights up your beautiful face
These memories of you we hold on to and remember each year
Especially when your birthday is here.
We take comfort in the love that you gave us and
We know "Your Spirit" always surrounds us!
Sisters
My parents blessed me with two "Sisters" to share my love with in life
There for each other through thick and through thin
I couldn't imagine my life without them
The bond that we have is as strong as our faith
We wouldn't have it any other way
As we grow old together through the years
Through happy and sad times, up and down times
Holding hands through laughter and tears
I thank my parents and the Lord above for
My two "Sisters" that I adore and love!
Take Me With You
"Take me with you" whatever you do
I will always be a part of you
In the good times, bad times, happy and sad times
"Take me with you" down the road
I will be by your side wherever you go
Part of me lives in you since I've gone away
"Take me with you" I'm there to stay
Salute a Soldier
“Salute a Soldier” and show your support for
The sacrifices made even lives were cut short
They will always stand tall even after the fall
“Bravery of a Soldier” will be remembered by all!
“Salute a Soldier”
It’s the right thing to do
For all that’s been given for freedom for you!
“Flutter of an Eye is a short collection of poems written by Tammy Spears in homage to her mother, who recently passed away in 2007 from lung cancer. The chronology order of the poems reflects the last two stages of the grievance process: depression, and acceptance. The first arrangement of poems reflects memories of the poet’s mother and the poet’s future without her. Towards the end of the book, the poet reflects on the blessings she has in this life. Flutter of an Eye is meant to help and inspire those who have lost a loved one.” — The New England Book Critic
My name is Tammy Spears and I am the author of the inspirational poetry book “Flutter of an Eye”. My poetry book has been published through iUniverse of Bloomington, Indiana. My poem “Flutter of an Eye” has also been published in Upon Arrival-Interlude by Eber & Wein Publishing. Various poems have also been published in the 2021 monthly editions of Neighbors of Bowling Green and Franklin Kentucky Magazines.
The book was written in memory of my beautiful Mother, Diana Hullings, who passed away at a young age of 61 from lung cancer. (“MOTHER” is a poem in my book). My mother was and still is my inspiration in life and I wanted to dedicate my book of poetry in her memory to share with family and friends to be inspired as well.
My book of poetry contains inspirational poems of love for a Mother and a Mother’s love, blessings in life, love of family, love to share, God’s gifts and blessings, honoring the military, life experiences, seasons of change, memories of a loved one, reminiscing and cherishing precious time, and love of a child and spouse.
I also have material to publish my second book of inspirational poems that will be titled “Fluttering On”. The meaning of the title of the sequel is that my mother is “Fluttering On” with us as we are “Fluttering On” without her.
We only have “one life” to live, so make an “Impact” while you can, “Reach for Hope” when in need, “Come Together” and “Lend a Hand” to make a difference, “Cherish the Memories”, “Precious Time” and all of “Life’s Blessings” God sends your way “Year After Year”. Won’t you “Take me With You” on The “Walk” of life’s journey? (All of the quotes are inspirational poems in my published poetry book).
The one message I would like to convey to my readers is to Cherish Life and the many Blessings God sends your way! “Dream”-“Dream”-“Dream” you can make your dreams a Reality! This was taken from one of my poems in the book called “Dream”.
My advice to aspiring authors would be to pursue your writing as an author if it is a passion and make your “Dream” come to light!
+
WALKING Water
Support my feet
Looks like Liquid
feels like street
I'm Heart filled Dreaming
I could go Home
But Bring Here Heaven
just now on loan
LOVE lift my thought
Above Being tried
As STEPS ON Liquid
are not denied
WALKING Water
Support my feet
Looks like Liquid
feels like street
............
by John Edward Culp Saturday Morning February 18, 2017
The Survivor
The once healthy cell
Has been invaded like hell
The once healthy hair
Has fallen throughout this fair
Like drifting wood in the river afloat
Winter snow on the ground, melt it connotes
Sunlight cascading to the forest floor
Feeling uncertain, thus, you close the door
The strength you have to surpass them all
Unwavering faith will not falter His call
You fought the illness uncalled for
You’re the greatest survivor of them all.
Life
If life is like picking the right song
Choose the one that bangs the gong
To the rhythm of the beat that is in bloom
Like the windy beat of air in a lagoon
Swiftly flowing, the rhythm in your ear
That’s how smooth you want life to appear
Like trees laid into the sunny rays
Field of dancing flowers full of grace
If life is like picking the right song
Choose your band and favorite song
Trials in reality you cannot shun
Yet after the rain the sun will surely shine
Facade
When I met you decades ago
We were young, free and on the go
Uncaring for whatever it might be
My heart throbs for you endlessly
You got my heart from the start
Yet treated me wrong from the day we start
You tricked me with all the lies
It was long enough for me to realized
What we had were all facade
Made most of my days gloomy and sad
My brain unquestionably says No!
But my heart undoubtedly says Go!
Behind the hidden memories
Lies all the troubles and worries
A painful yesterday
Is now a memory far away
Too many years have been wasted
With all the trials busted
Facing all challenges to pursue
Until one day... I’m so over you
Youth of Yesteryears
Those were the budding days
So young & carefree with your ways
All you do is play the race
Until the beaming sun hides its rays
Those were the youthful times
When life doesn’t have to rhyme
When folks’ counsels do not matter
Never sorry for a dreadful scatter
Those were the blossoming years
Shedding pointless tears
Dwelling on wasted years
For some worthless fears
Those were the years gone by
Treasured mem’ries long gone by
Old secret mem’ries gone by
Reminiscing will give you a little cry
Jazira Munding Ismael aka Jazira Mi
A published poet, photo enthusiast, and an aspiring novelist, she is a registered writer/author with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Philippines. Her passion for writing awakened her curiosity to explore genres like romance, and fantasy, mystery and dystopia.
Her poetry collection entitled “Poems of Life” speaks for itself as life’s intertwined roads are filled with wonders, challenges, both highs and lows. She also has a booklet on marriage vows called “I Do”, both of which, were published by 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing, Philippines.
She regularly lectures and critics poetry writing contests of Poetry Hub, an international online platform of aspiring poets from countries like Nigeria, India, Somalia, Zambia, and its neighboring countries. She has gained notable following on Instagram (My writing Journey- Jazira Mi) as well as in her photography world: Fotografia y Viaje Alrededor.
The end of the world is nigh. So what? This doesn’t change things. All my life I’ve been wishing to do something important, go down in history and now I know that it’ll never happen. So let the apocalypse come, who cares. Finally something really democratic. Not even the greats of the past ages are safe, everything will disappear from the face of the earth. Pardon, that’s going to disappear too. The Big Crunch, the return to the singularity: few believed that it would really happen.
I was talking about that with a female friend just yesterday.
– I don’t see why we should get desperate. In any case, each one of us would have to die sooner or later.
– You’re insensitive as usual.
– At least we’ll die together – I said, although my love is unrequited.
– You creep me out – she replied, and started chatting with her friends on Facebook.
I remained at her disposal anyway. Shortly thereafter, she ordered me to go and rent all the disaster movies I could find because she would throw a party that night.
They want to overcome the fear of death, I said to myself, by mocking it, laughing at it. It was a good guess: on my return, I find her making out with two guys in skeleton costumes.
– The best is yet to come – she says.
– I’m partying too?
– There’s always the dog.
That was one of her friends. Soon after other people dressed up as the occasion demands – gravediggers, ravens, worms and whatnot – walk in with crates of beer and any kind of commercially available drug.
Moral: there was little interest for the movies and only I and the “dog”, wearing a tombstone costume, watched them, until she left me to participate in an orgy with two skeletons, a coffin and a mausoleum towards the end of the night.
At dawn they had all sunk into comatose sleep, as in one of those music videos that stage the typical post-party morning of the latest pop star. I walked out in the garden and watched the sun rise.
I’m still here now, contemplating the sky. It won’t be long until the end.
Komm, süßer Tod!
Really, that’s what life was? We could do without it, thanks. Adieu.
Maurizio Brancaleoni has been widely published in several journals and anthologies. He has a bilingual blog where he posts literary gems, interviews and translations. The original version of “Who Cares About The End of the World” was first published in 2012 in an anthology of apocalyptic short stories.
All are welcome to attend this multi-venue literary event on Saturday April 22nd, starting at 2pm in Heritage Plaza across from the library. As it’s also Earth Day, we will begin with a group of poet laureates from the East Bay giving environmentally themed readings and then move to a selection of different downtown venues before re-congregating for the afterparty at the Sun Gallery. Several Synchronized Chaos contributors will read from their work.
This month, Synchronized Chaos’ contributing writers and artists map the inner journeys many of us embark on as creators or simply as human beings.
Christopher Bernard reviews William Kentridge’s Sibyl at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, a production evoking humanity’s continual search for answers we may never find. Jaylan Salah interviews Jim Frohna about Apple TV’s show Shrinking, which confronts mental illness in a unique way by showing a character’s search for truth and his life’s purpose. Maja Milojkovic renders internal journeys between people and within oneself through esoteric and painterly metaphors. Graciela Noemi Villaverde expresses the inner passion and turmoil of someone in the depths of romantic attraction through her dreamscape poetry.
Robiul Awal Esa celebrates his country of Bangladesh by reflecting on its founder’s creative work of statecraft. Wazed Abdullah also honors his Bangladeshi homeland by singing of its natural and human history.
Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal reflects on where our minds wander when we stare out our windows. Jerome Berglund observes everyday objects – scoreboards, prickly pear cacti, chia planters – in ways that are unique and uncanny. Noah Berlatsky finds enlightenment in a single moment: a computer chatting from an algorithm with no biological past, a tiny house with no room for hoarded objects from the past, a sailing ship, and a spiritual meditation on the present moment.
Barbara Gaiardoni superimposes words onto closeups of plants to encourage people to think and contemplate our place within nature.
Philip Butera writes of his creative process, search for inspiration, and the loneliness of art-making. Scott Thomas Outlar’s poems also explore psychological questing, artistic creation, and his soul’s evolution. Jerry Durick writes of individual identity from three different perspectives. Ivan Jenson alludes with humor to how intimately intertwined technology has become to the processes of finding and creating ourselves.
Stephen Jarrell Williams sends up a post-apocalyptic fantasy sequence about holding onto one’s truth and identity in hopes of recreating a better world. Roodly Laurore speaks to finding hope in the midst of desolation and violence in Haiti.
David Woodward evokes through surrealist poetry the history of broken treaties and legal stratagems used to remove Indigenous people from their lands. Clive Gresswell peers into the underbelly of modern British society, unearthing poverty and decay. Faroq Faisal laments human greed and environmental destruction. Michael Ceraolo satirizes power relations of all sorts, political and professional.
Chimezie Ihekuna’s song lyrics relate how he remains open to the possible need to question everything he’s been taught. Henry Bladon’s humor probes the meaning of life and death and explores the limits of nihilism.
Nilufar Ruxillayeva reflects on how the path to happiness can be different for each person.
Mehreen Ahmed reminds us that our bodies and psyches need recharging as much as our devices. Mahbub Alam finds renewal through peaceful retreats to nature, imagining himself loved and encouraged within his sacred space. Don Bormon wishes he could bring happiness to the world like the sun as it returns at the end of winter.
Some people’s work looks into how we grow as we pass through different stages of life and common experiences.
Richard Simac’s story of male self-discovery and bonding during puberty echoes with references to the garden of Eden and the maturation of humanity.
Shelby Stephenson reviews Stephen E. Smith’s poetry collection Beguiled by the Frailties of those Who Precede Us, a book of poems addressing family relationships and the pain caused by prejudice and racism. Z.I. Mahmud examines Alexander Pope’s famous poem that satirizes his society’s expectations for high-class women.
Duane Vorhees speaks of physical and cultural evolution, how we are all inevitably shaped by our pasts. J.J. Campbell shares how he relives memories for comfort and excitement amid the slow passage of present-day time. Norman J. Olson, in a letter to a friend of his on the occasion of the passing of poet Steven Richmond, reflects on what it means to have had a lifetime of literary success.
John Grochalski illustrates the world-weariness of a returning traveler and points out how many people share that feeling looking at today’s American society.
Linda Gunther captures place and time while recollecting a high school romance, tied to her past while tiptoeing into adulthood.
Abigail George’s essay probes the journey of heartbreak, compounded by the sense that her past partner viewed their whole relationship as a mistake. We see how grief elongates time and heightens perceptions as the narrator processes strong emotions and seeks to reclaim herself, drawing on literature and history as touchstones.
Chris Butler explores another type of heartbreak in a different way, through a horror tale of a mother and daughter’s doomed search for connection. Az Emina Krehic writes of the slow fade of memories of a departed person, another source of grief.
Other contributors illumine care, connection and compassion for others as a pathway towards spiritual growth, how relating to others changes us.
Taylor Dibbert’s speaker devotes himself to care for a sick dog, while Mesfakus Salahin illuminates the gentle renewing power of love, and John Culp finds peace in the natural rhythm of a long-term relationship.
Cheryl Snell crafts moments of tenderness between fragile, mortal humans, as Ann Christine Tabaka celebrates love shining through a dark wilderness of broken souls and bodies.
Finally, some art and writing turns outside the human psyche to explore the world.
Russell Streur chronicles haiku poetry’s 1950’s cultural moment in the United States while questioning whether anyone could truly create authentic haiku in languages other than the traditional Japanese.
Mark Young’s poems consist of sentences that make sense individually and fit together structurally, if not content-wise. Michael Barbeito’s photographs are lush, complex renderings of scenes with several layers of detail. Maurizio Brancaleoni’s drawings focus on line, shape, shading and color.
Channie Greenberg’s natural and artistic representations of birds illustrate how beauty can be found in both nature and in human-crafted artwork. In the same way, Daniel De Culla juxtaposes images of dogs and statues, clowns and Santa Claus, the real and the crafted.
This issue encompasses a variety of human thoughts, quests, and journeys, and we hope it inspires you to ask and seek answers to your own questions.
