High School Shooting

it is Morning
I am late
you had to change
again

anger and frustration
causes an exchange
words
fire back and forth
a struggle 
now inane

inside our driving cocoon
silence ...
only interupted by the
electricity of sullen moods

upon arrival
you are quick
the stifled quiet accented
by the slaming of your door

at work
half-filled mug
in hand and
heart talking loud

I admit I’m tired
over-worked
and less than appreciated
life has become a rush …

a hurry
a busy
inflected with
forced smiles
along with complicated decisions
and often verbal wrestling
the world of me and you

the vibration of my cell
interrupts this morning muse
the LCD panel flashes
the unexpected word
School

racing from the office
rib cage echoing
thuds
the car drives itself
 there is no place left to park

the only sound remembered
is the slamming of my door

I am here to wait
with the many other wait - ers
too

the insignificance of early morning
has now
embraced my soul
only sounds of gunshot
reverberate

and i realize
this truth ...
if only i could once more
hear
the slamming of your door

To Be or Not To Be

I am learning Spanish.  After two short months, I have an understanding of how complex and demanding the process of absorbing the nuances of an additional language is for a person fluent in another tongue (in this case ME).  Yesterday, I studied the verb “to be” with my friend who happens “to be” at least three years ahead of me with his Spanish language development.  After our lesson, I mastered the phrase:  Dime otra vez por favor (Tell me again please).

For a moment, reflect with me about the subject and verb:  I am (estoy).  In Spanish, if I always am, then I should use “soy”.  But, if I will be, I use “estaré” unless I always will be then the choice is “sere”.  If I used to be,  I would say “estaba” unless I always “used to be” then “era” is the proper selection.  These verb tenses complícate further if I am talking about my friend (tu), then I should change “estoy” to “estás”.  But, if I am addressing you (the readers of my blog) the choice is the plural “estais”.   This “is” a minimal presentation that a fluent six year-old could verbally demonstrate for you (vosotros). 

Following the above mentioned study session, I have decided that the next time I "am" annoyed when I call a customer service representative with a technical question (typically from another country and probably bi-lingual in a few languages) instead, I “will be” in awe.

Mai Zetterling: The Uncompromiser

"I want very strongly to do things I believe in.  I can't do jobs for the money, I just can't do it.  I can only do things in my own way and and my own terms."   (Zetterling)

"It takes a lot of strength to break up a life you've been pursuing and start something else from scratch ... Also, I had come to a point in my life where I said no more compromise, thank you, and this makes you feel very strong as well."  (Zetterling)