The crisp breeze flits over the goosebumps raised along his arms, startling him out of his reverie.
He does not dare move; she's still mulling over his proposal.
He had gently taken her hand and led her to the swing set in her backyard; a familiar setting for two lifelong friends.
Under starry skies of past, here is where they sat consoling one another after dates gone terribly wrong; and here is where, once the pain subdued, they had laughed off their foolish prospective suitors.
Here, they progressively and tentatively brought down their guard, giving voice to secrets too burdening to shoulder on their own.
And here, is where he finally admitted to himself that his heart beat slightly faster when he caught a whiff of her floral perfume, or when she teasingly brushed away the strand of shaggy hair from his eyes.
He fears he'll go crazy if she doesn't peck away at the bubble of silence that she holds full command of.
His stomach spams with expectation. He was wise in skipping lunch. He can visualize himself bent over her mother's pruned rose bushes.
She gingerly turns to him; her hazel eyes giving away something - but, what?
Her full lips part - and her answer fills the air.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
A leap and a wink
Since first hearing them, born of the mouth of an old soul encountered on one of her voyages across the globe, the words had haunted her.
"If you surrender yourself to fate, there exists a strong probability that you'll walk right into a massive cosmic hug - have faith and leap."
She was instantly drawn to the poetic imagery and mysticism the phrase conveyed. It resonated in her as a coming home of sorts.
In that instant, she had made a promise to herself - if she were to forego all rationale and inch closer to this portal, be it for a momentary escape, she would wholly surrender. In her clutch, was plenty of faith - what lacked was a reaffirmation of her current convictions and future paths. That which was also noticeably missing was the willingness to let go; to trust her instincts implicitly and wink at the universe in mutual understanding.
With fervor, ignoring all trepidation, she leaps.
---
For what appears to be an eternity, time, as she's come to define it, stands remarkably still. A dull, hollow sound buzzes near, giving the impression that she is cupping a seashell to her ear, partaking in its most intimate tales bubbling from the depths of the sea. Bursts of energy (she can't place their source) swirl in her proximity. She has the feeling she's interrupted something, like walking in on a party in full swing. Nonetheless, she feels welcomed - and at home.
An obvious stranger to these surroundings, she gives way to intuition. She turns her face in the direction of the warm stars surrounding her, feeling her cheeks tingle as if they were projecting their own fiery beams. Curling up in the pillowy velvet sky that envelops her in its infinity, she detects a serenity that had escaped her until now. Smiling gloriously through exultant tears that cool her flushed cheeks, she relishes in this unexpectedly effortless celestial encounter.
Instinctively, she begins to move about - ungainly gestures give way to a fluid ballet-like sequence of movements. She squeals in delight, feeling weightless, carefree.
Her ethereal dance is intercepted by a rubber-like wave that catches her floating body, and playfully tosses her back and forth between two unidentified fields of resistance. Earthly preoccupations that had weighed her down are but a speck now, leaving their imprint behind every time her body is caught; like beads of sweat, they promptly evaporate into the dense air.
---
Overcome by an internal peace that radiates from every pore of her body and soothes her every thought, she discerns it's time to walk away. The mind shift back into the reality awaiting her is easier than anticipated. Chagrined, she bids a silent farewell and self-assuredly, winks into the vastness.
It winks back, sealing the reciprocal pact. And unaffectedly, as if parting from a dear friend whose impending return lessens the distance, resumes its play.
"If you surrender yourself to fate, there exists a strong probability that you'll walk right into a massive cosmic hug - have faith and leap."
She was instantly drawn to the poetic imagery and mysticism the phrase conveyed. It resonated in her as a coming home of sorts.
In that instant, she had made a promise to herself - if she were to forego all rationale and inch closer to this portal, be it for a momentary escape, she would wholly surrender. In her clutch, was plenty of faith - what lacked was a reaffirmation of her current convictions and future paths. That which was also noticeably missing was the willingness to let go; to trust her instincts implicitly and wink at the universe in mutual understanding.
With fervor, ignoring all trepidation, she leaps.
---
For what appears to be an eternity, time, as she's come to define it, stands remarkably still. A dull, hollow sound buzzes near, giving the impression that she is cupping a seashell to her ear, partaking in its most intimate tales bubbling from the depths of the sea. Bursts of energy (she can't place their source) swirl in her proximity. She has the feeling she's interrupted something, like walking in on a party in full swing. Nonetheless, she feels welcomed - and at home.
An obvious stranger to these surroundings, she gives way to intuition. She turns her face in the direction of the warm stars surrounding her, feeling her cheeks tingle as if they were projecting their own fiery beams. Curling up in the pillowy velvet sky that envelops her in its infinity, she detects a serenity that had escaped her until now. Smiling gloriously through exultant tears that cool her flushed cheeks, she relishes in this unexpectedly effortless celestial encounter.
Instinctively, she begins to move about - ungainly gestures give way to a fluid ballet-like sequence of movements. She squeals in delight, feeling weightless, carefree.
Her ethereal dance is intercepted by a rubber-like wave that catches her floating body, and playfully tosses her back and forth between two unidentified fields of resistance. Earthly preoccupations that had weighed her down are but a speck now, leaving their imprint behind every time her body is caught; like beads of sweat, they promptly evaporate into the dense air.
---
Overcome by an internal peace that radiates from every pore of her body and soothes her every thought, she discerns it's time to walk away. The mind shift back into the reality awaiting her is easier than anticipated. Chagrined, she bids a silent farewell and self-assuredly, winks into the vastness.
It winks back, sealing the reciprocal pact. And unaffectedly, as if parting from a dear friend whose impending return lessens the distance, resumes its play.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy Birthday, Anne
“It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Anne Frank.
As many of us continue to process the senseless act of violence that transpired at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Wednesday, let's give pause and reflect on the fact that today - Friday, June 12 - would have been Anne Frank's 80th birthday.
To commemorate this occasion, a play by Janet Langhart Cohen about a fictional meeting between Anne and Emmet Till, was scheduled to be read at the museum yesterday. In honor of the heroic slain officer, Stephen Tyrone Johns, the museum closed its doors yesterday and the play reading has been postponed.
“I have often been downcast, but never in despair; I regard our hiding as a dangerous adventure, romantic and interesting at the same time. In my diary I treat all the privations as amusing. I have made up my mind now to lead a different life from other girls and, later on, different from ordinary housewives. My start has been so very full of interest, and that is the sole reason why I have to laugh at the humorous side of the most dangerous moments.” Anne Frank.
Yesterday's fatal shooting reinforces the very essence and purpose of the Holocaust Museum, and all other institutions whose mission is to educate the masses on the intolerance and cruelty that mankind is all-too capable of. Listening to the voices from the past is but one way of arming ourselves with the tools needed to counter the hate-mongering that is inexplicably cultivated in much of the evil walking around in our society.
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." Anne Frank.
In the wake of the shooting at the museum, certain media outlets have been dissecting the shooter's hateful diatribes, repeatedly reading his words on the air. For today, choose to fill your heart and spirit with Anne's timeless words - her legacy (and that of countless others) is the one worth remembering.
Happy Birthday, Anne.
Note: If you find yourself in Amsterdam, I can't recommend enough paying a visit to the Anne Frank House. I've been to the house (turned museum) on a couple of visits and can assure you that it is a profoundly chilling experience that will remain with you for time to come.
As many of us continue to process the senseless act of violence that transpired at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Wednesday, let's give pause and reflect on the fact that today - Friday, June 12 - would have been Anne Frank's 80th birthday.
To commemorate this occasion, a play by Janet Langhart Cohen about a fictional meeting between Anne and Emmet Till, was scheduled to be read at the museum yesterday. In honor of the heroic slain officer, Stephen Tyrone Johns, the museum closed its doors yesterday and the play reading has been postponed.
“I have often been downcast, but never in despair; I regard our hiding as a dangerous adventure, romantic and interesting at the same time. In my diary I treat all the privations as amusing. I have made up my mind now to lead a different life from other girls and, later on, different from ordinary housewives. My start has been so very full of interest, and that is the sole reason why I have to laugh at the humorous side of the most dangerous moments.” Anne Frank.
Yesterday's fatal shooting reinforces the very essence and purpose of the Holocaust Museum, and all other institutions whose mission is to educate the masses on the intolerance and cruelty that mankind is all-too capable of. Listening to the voices from the past is but one way of arming ourselves with the tools needed to counter the hate-mongering that is inexplicably cultivated in much of the evil walking around in our society.
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." Anne Frank.
In the wake of the shooting at the museum, certain media outlets have been dissecting the shooter's hateful diatribes, repeatedly reading his words on the air. For today, choose to fill your heart and spirit with Anne's timeless words - her legacy (and that of countless others) is the one worth remembering.
Happy Birthday, Anne.
Note: If you find yourself in Amsterdam, I can't recommend enough paying a visit to the Anne Frank House. I've been to the house (turned museum) on a couple of visits and can assure you that it is a profoundly chilling experience that will remain with you for time to come.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
If Heaven exists...
If you're like me and watch 'Inside the Actor's Studio', hosted by the inimitable James Lipton, you may agree that the most anticipated segment of the program occurs at the end, when Lipton unleashes an adapted version of the Proust Questionnaire on the guest du jour. This rapid-fire Q&A often proves to reveal more than the hour long interview that preceded it.
Why should Method actors get all the fun? Here's my shot at the questionnaire. The answers are likely to vary with my mood(s), so I'm adapting an off-the-cuff attitude. Play along, and please share your answers, too!
1. What is your favorite word? Tranquility. (At least for today, this is the word.)
2. What is your least favorite word? War.
3. What turns you on? Life. Beauty in all its forms: art, music, literature. My family. My friends.
4. What turns you off ? Ignorance. Indifference. Intolerance. Injustice.
5. What sound or noise do you love? Laughter. Comfortable silences. 'I Love You' from a loved one.
6. What sound or noise do you hate? The sound of pain.
7. What is your favorite curse word? F*ck.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Medicine.
9. What profession would you not like to do? Anything in the realm of Politics.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Not so fast - We've got another little job for you down there."
Why should Method actors get all the fun? Here's my shot at the questionnaire. The answers are likely to vary with my mood(s), so I'm adapting an off-the-cuff attitude. Play along, and please share your answers, too!
1. What is your favorite word? Tranquility. (At least for today, this is the word.)
2. What is your least favorite word? War.
3. What turns you on? Life. Beauty in all its forms: art, music, literature. My family. My friends.
4. What turns you off ? Ignorance. Indifference. Intolerance. Injustice.
5. What sound or noise do you love? Laughter. Comfortable silences. 'I Love You' from a loved one.
6. What sound or noise do you hate? The sound of pain.
7. What is your favorite curse word? F*ck.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Medicine.
9. What profession would you not like to do? Anything in the realm of Politics.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Not so fast - We've got another little job for you down there."
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