Reminiscence We remember, in order that we might forget. Reminiscence is a tricky one, that old time companion of loneliness, who sneaks up upon you as nostalgia fills the recesses of the heart again. Sometimes she leaves you with a smile or a laugh, but usually it's a painful twist of the heart, a deep sorrow that lingers long after her departure, a melancholia that haunts you for a while. The internal turmoil bubbles and rages, threatening to boil over as tears, but the double edged sword of hindsight steels you for the futility of such an act. This pain -- it, too, shall pass. But when Reminiscence is constantly awakened by a fleeting glimpse, an overheard word; small reminders of a past left behind... the pain and sadness do not seem as if they will ever pass for good.

Last Dance Turmoil, wrenching and Gutting its way Through the deep Recesses Of the heart - Places unknown, Untouched, Dust-covered. Twist and turn Clouds of long-buried Memories Uncovered. A deep ache seemingly Irremovable Lodges itself Firm within the soul. Pain so deep and Penetrating Even the tears Cease To flow. A forgotten past Remembered. Remembering better days When the future once held Poignant hope to trace In the clouds and stars - Now only to remain a Remnant of the past.

Ripple Perhaps she wants to feel, after all. For what feels like the millionth time to her, once again, she plays privy to another's secret. For what feels like the millionth time, once again, it isn't her. After twenty four years, it begins to wear one down. Each time, yet another layer of wall bricks around the heart, as resolve is hardened and expectations adjusted accordingly. Of course it could never be her. For the first time, this thought fills her soul with utter sadness. Loneliness she once regarded as a familiar companion becomes a contempt. A ripple, subtle and slowly, spreads across the surface of hardened emotions. Perhaps she really is just a girl who wants to feel, after all.

Passion Five months into this two-year journey, and though it isn't quite what I envisioned it to be, I am glad that I took this step, even if it means gritting my teeth and bearing this out for another one and a half years more. Sometimes it is hard to discover what is truly meaningful and important to you until you take that foolhardy plunge. As you flounder in the vast ocean of new experiences and feel the waves crash over your head, the saltiness of the sea soaking into every corner of your being, only then your soul is awakened and your eyes opened, and you go, "Ah, now I know." * I want to read, devour words and learn to craft beautiful prose that penetrates each soul who reads my creation. At the heart of every writer, whether they admit it or not, is an ego demanding an audience. I want to write, and never stop creating. Pluck words from the air, spinning them like yarn into a beautiful tapestry.

Epiphany #1 Education systems are propaganda machines for the incumbent. Damn the tyranny of the majority. Is it any wonder this country is going down the drain?