Ode to a Kitten's Tale

In the grand tapestry of life, "An Ode to a Kitten's Tale" weaves a narrative as tender as it is profound. It sings the song of a diminutive kitten, a creature of innocence and resilience, grappling with the enormity of a world that seems too large, too harsh. Yet, in the heart of despair, a guardian angel descends, silent and unseen, altering the course of this small life. A benevolent soul steps forth from the shadows, cradling the kitten into a world where love is the language spoken, where kindness is the air breathed. This narrative is not merely an ode to a kitten, but a hymn to humanity itself, a call to awaken the dormant kindness within us and extend our hands to those who stand alone. It is a testament to the transformative alchemy of compassion and a reminder of our shared heartbeat with every creature that walks, flies, or crawls upon this Earth.

Ode to Honesty

A personified embodiment of Honesty as a luminous, crystalline figure emerging from or standing within a landscape of purifying elements—water, stone, and light. Honesty is a virtue we invoke often but seldom practice rigorously, and rarely without cost. It is the antidote to the corruptions that surround us—the small deceptions we tell ourselves, the larger ones we tell each other, the systems built upon deliberate falsehood. To speak truth, to live it, requires a kind of courage that goes unsung.

An ode traditionally praises something worthy of celebration: a hero, a beloved, a noble ideal. What follows is an ode to honesty itself—not as an easy virtue, but as a crystalline force, something unyielding and pure. It is an invocation of clarity in a world of shadow, a hymn to the courage required to stand in one's own truth without ornament or excuse.

 

Elegy for the Demagogue

A shabby coffin draped in wilting white lillies with seven very white mannequins (one dressed as a lether-daddy looking somber and one carrying a dystopian cross; all this in a church with the main stained-glass window shot up with bullet holes.In every culture, there comes a moment when the living must pause and give words to the silence left behind by the dead. Tradition compels us to remember, even when memory is bitter, and to mark a passing with the dignity of ceremony. An elegy, in its most familiar form, is a lament: a ritual of speech that acknowledges loss, frames a life, and offers shape to the void a death leaves in its wake.

Alchemistry

Embark on a journey through the mysterious and shadowed realms of an alchemist's mind in this haunting poetic tale. The poem unravels the story of a seeker of forbidden knowledge, driven by the thirst for power and the secrets of arcane arts. As the protagonist delves deeper into eldritch secrets, a malevolent force ensnares them, leading to a chilling descent into madness. Witness the tragic consequences of delving into ancient mysteries, revealing the dangers that lie beyond the veil of our reality.

Scaffolding Around My Mind

This poem stands as a testament to the enduring journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The poet, with the skill of a seasoned architect, constructs a vivid metaphor of a mind encased in scaffolding, always under construction. The poem invites us to consider that our understanding of the world, our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, are continually evolving, shaped by the nails of pain and joy. It challenges us to envision a future where the scaffolding is removed, and our minds are free to soar, unencumbered by the limitations of the past, the fear of failure, or the pain of loss. This poem is a call to embrace the journey of self-discovery, to recognize that we are all works in progress, and to look forward to the day when we will be free.

Ode to Guilt

"Ode to Guilt" is a profound exploration of the complex emotion of guilt. This poem delves into the origins of guilt, its role as a moral compass, and the distress it can cause when it becomes overwhelming. Drawing from various teachings, psychology, and mindfulness practices, the poem offers a path to understanding and transforming guilt. It underscores the importance of acknowledging our wrongdoings, learning from them, and using mindfulness to cultivate self-awareness and growth.

Elegy for Democracy

"Elegy for Democracy" is a deeply moving poetic lament that mourns the perceived decline of democratic values and the rise of authoritarianism. The elegy expresses profound grief and anger towards ignorance and bigotry, highlighting the struggle for rights and equality. Despite the somber tone, the poem carries an undercurrent of hope, a belief in the resurgence of democracy and the enduring spirit of freedom.

Double Vision

This sonnet stands as a testament to the beauty of diverse perspectives. The poet, like a skilled artist, paints a vivid picture of two images reflected in a mirror, each a unique representation of the same reality. The poem invites us to consider that our individual perceptions, though different, are both real and true. It challenges us to recognize that our understanding of the world is shaped by our unique perspectives, and that these differences do not diminish the truth, but rather, they enhance it. This sonnet is a call to celebrate our diverse perspectives as different sides of the same truth, each beautiful in its own way.

Information

Pragmatic Journey is Richard (rich) Wermske's life of recovery; a spiritual journey inspired by Buddhism, a career in technology and management with linux, digital security, bpm, and paralegal stuff; augmented with gaming, literature, philosophy, art and music; and compassionate kinship with all things living -- especially cats; and people with whom I share no common language.