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!

Please order Tammy Spears’ Flutter of an Eye here.

            

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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.

First of all, we invite all of you to come out to our next literary gathering, the second annual Lit Hop in Hayward, CA.

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.