Straighten Out

Societal concerns

Image: Pixabay

[Inspired by current events and Straight Outta Compton*]

Back in the ‘80s came a rhapsody at rap city
Straight out of Compton.
Some black dudes introduced a new musicality;
They were inspired from their frustration,
Fighting strong with words
Wrapped in rhythmic chords.

Today their message from then still holds true
Though it’s not just them vs. the men in blue.
There’s more to it than injustices done by one homogenized group;
It’s really all about every one of us that makes this a vicious loop–
To a degree we all contribute our own social and mental ills;
We’re all paying the same big bills.

The list is long,
But it’s time we see all what’s wrong.
Face up to the fact that history can’t be undone,
But we dwell on it and create a rerun
As long as we stay with the same script.
The only difference is another rendition of rehashed bulls_ _ _.

Haves and have-nots are alike,
So one has a bigger bike.
Create your own success story
Instead of living in envy.
The root of all evil is not money,
It’s the lack of self-accountability.

Funny how it really is simple,
Just be responsible.
It is an individual call
But it starts within us all
To make a dent.
To our system that needs a bad re-invent.

*Straight Outta Compton is a movie about how rap music revolutionized the Hip-Hop culture.

Rule the Bully

overcome bullying

Image: Pixabay

Stand tall and stand your ground;
No reason to physically fight to win a round.
Use your will and head;
Assert yourself instead.
Calmly and constructively,
Build yourself and focus on your passion;
In time you’ll be out of this situation.

Disarm the bully with your charm,
Confuse the bully with a laugh,
Fear not the bully,
As the bully is just as human as you and me.
Also hurting, but showing it violently;
Bullies are formed from feelings of inferiority.
Don’t get sucked into their negativity.

If it calls to blow the whistle,
Do it because it proves your full control.
Be strong, be steady,
All is temporary.
Life is not stationary.

There will be highs and there will be lows,
Deafen your ears to those who offend,
Make yourself your true friend.
Never give up in your defense,
You will yet make a difference.

Green All Day

Image: Pixabay

Image: Pixabay

Have you boiled your brisket?
Got your cabbage patched?
Peeled and sliced those potatoes?

Then get to it!
Don’t look for a poem here
This is just a little greeting
To say . . . .

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Seven Still Standing – Republican Debate #4

There were seven still standing on the “big boys’” stage last night: John Kasich, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, and Jeb Bush. Barbed remarks and witty comebacks were exchanged among the presidential candidates. Many of them have sharpened their tongues, but they all agree that every one of them is better than the Democratic alternative. Hands down. Issues discussed included jobs and growth, gun control, national security, tax reform, and the growing national debt. There was a bit of digression regarding Ted Cruz’s citizenship and his qualification to run for the presidency. Rubio eventually brought the debate back on track. Summarized below are some of what the candidates would do if elected President.
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In Memory of David Bowie 1/8/47-1/10/16

By Photobra|Adam Bielawski (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Photobra|Adam Bielawski (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

 [Prose composed of David Bowie’s songs.]

Ashes to Ashes, my Heroes, Major Tom, Ziggy Stardust, and Halloween Jack, will no longer be Dancing in the Street. The Man Who Sold the World deserves more Golden Years. I want to Scream Like a Baby. I feel like a Panic in Detroit Without You, Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud. You who defended China Girl and built a Suffragette City with Diamond Dogs Looking for Water. I’m Deranged, Little Wonder. Let’s Dance to Fame and the Young Americans. I can Rebel Rebel all I want but you won’t rise like Lazarus. I will have to make Changes. I shall not lean on the Weeping Wall and wallow in Sorrow. From Across the Universe, can you see if there is Life on Mars? Can You Hear Me? You’ll make a great New Killer Star, the Prettiest Star. I shall Move On to look for another Modern Love.

Hello, World

Although I started blogging in late April 2015, I didn’t go through the Blogging 101 course, which I am taking now. This is my first assignment–to introduce myself. Please go to the About page to learn more about my blog.

As some of you may already know, my purpose is to hone my writing skills and eventually make you aware of my finished writing products. Time is a challenge for me though, so be patient.  Thanks!

Volendam & Marken*

Windmills, wooden shoes,
Cheese, ferry boats, and cold beer,
See the Netherlands!
ferry

*Marken and Volendam are less than 12 miles NE of Amsterdam.

©2015 Karina Pinella