Verse & Rhyme

Silent thoughts take flight,
Ink weaves tales of the soul's depth,
Poetry's embrace.

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Welcome, dear reader, to the hallowed vault of verse where the might of words assumes life, and sentiments find their expression. Here, we venture into the bewitching domain of poetry, an ageless art that intertwines the strands of speech, the portrayal of images, and deep-seated emotions, forming a tapestry of human existence. Within these folios, you shall uncover a compendium of poems that traverse countless themes, from love's sweet sorrow to the splendor of nature, to the intricate enigma of the human soul.

In this charming enclave of literature, we extol the beauty and multiplicity of poetic articulation. Poetry possesses the astounding ability to eclipse boundaries, proffering comfort, stirring passion, and granting profound insights into the human plight. It entreats us to view the world through a distinctive prism, inciting introspection and contemplation. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of verse or a neophyte stepping into this captivating sphere, we aspire to inflame your imagination and foster a deeper admiration for the potency of language.

Brace for transport as you traverse the lines that lie in anticipation. Discover the rhythmic cadence, the vibrant metaphors, and the heartrending narratives that unfurl on these sheets. Let the poems reverberate within your heart and touch your soul. Permit yourself to be moved by the elegance of language, the depth of emotions, and the profound connections that can be wrought through poetry. May this voyage through the poetic landscapes present you moments of introspection, inspiration, and a renewed ardor for the artistry of words.

The Portfolio

A Melange of Arts and Letters

Featured Poem

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Behind the Veil

Featured Thematic Section

Weep Not

oh how i weep not
for that which I have lost
but unto a course of mine choosing
a measure which drew deaths gaze
and unearthly kiss
i do stagger in the the baneful light
upon knowing what was can never again be
oh how i weep not
for that which i have lost
but for the beast i fear become

by rich wermske
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shadow of a muse

echoing musings, ravings in time
a brother in sin, a sister in crime
with my reflection, I cannot be free
turning for comfort, my shadow I see
my wispy image, knowing where I've been
carries my burden, it matters not when
stepping from lighting, my mirror is neigh
leaving the worldly, traveling to die
from alley to crypt, is now where I roam
entering darkness, my soul is at home

by rich wermske

Septic Sanity

Running,
empty of hope, with my space,
too cluttered to contemplate the void,
yearning to be filled.
Satisfaction,
fulfillment capacity, a joy I can not share,
of loving myself beyond the simple pleasures,
surrounded by meaningless icons of success.
Rage,
unbridled doubt, pumped fat with fear,
narrows a tunnel before my eyes growing wide,
spirals and spins me into despair.
Pain,
in my heart, in my head,
thickly choking my willingness to try,
reaching for, grasping at remaining breath.
Payment,
for mistakes made, not knowing me,
despite not knowing myself,
beyond the tyranny of my own mind cage.
Crying,
caring, burning yearning,
unable to stop the chittering chattering,
within the rattle box between my ears.
Fear,
overwhelming abuse, double-edged sword,
desperately feeding on the septic edge of sanity,
keeping in check Reaper's unscheduled hand.


by rich wermske
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To Birth...

From your throat her name doeth flow
Through birth to death to birth you know
The streets she dump'd you wander wyld
Leaving dazed a kinder child
In search for truth but finding none
Come up empty look for one
Reason for living in a death tight grip
Flailing instead in a madness slip
In your ears our brood doeth scream
Bring blood boil and tears of steam
From birth to death to birth you know
A gutter rages behind you low
Your body died but lived again
With the gift you're damned to sin
Take the lead and give up the
Way of ways as given me
Find your own and give this gift
Though only worthy to have our lift
From birth to death to birth we find
The gift of darkness will blow their mind.

by rich wermske
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Mysterious Mind Musings

Across the vast expanse of human history, the concept of insanity has always held an odd frightening allure, a certain paradoxical attraction. It is as if, nestled within the discordant rhythms of an unhinged mind, we glimpse the very boundaries of our understanding, the line that separates known from unknown, sense from nonsense. Unsettling and elusive, insanity poses questions that are difficult to answer, yet impossible to ignore. It teases us with its inherent mystery, sparking a curiosity that asks not just about the nature of insanity, but also about the context and scope of sanity.

Peering into the mysterious mind, into the dark labyrinth of the human psyche, allows us to fathom the depths of our mental landscape. It's a harrowing journey at times, navigating the turbulent seas of the enigmatic and inscrutable. However, it is in these brave explorations that we can gain perspective. By confronting the abstruce, we create a stark contrast, a benchmark against which we can measure our own state of mind. It is in understanding insanity that we can appreciate sanity, acknowledging the vast spectrum of human cognition and acknowledging our position within it.

Whether academically, clinically, or socially defined, our understanding of sanity is, in many ways, a product of our understanding of insanity. It is by understanding the extremes that we can appreciate the middle mind. Observing the wild, uncontrollable storm allows us to appreciate the calm; witnessing the depths of the winter freeze heightens our appreciation for the warmth of spring. So too, it is with insanity and sanity - understanding one illuminates the other, offering a context that might otherwise be lost.

However, the pursuit of the enigmatic and the mysterious must be tempered with caution. There's a delicate balance between exploration and reckless abandon. Venturing too far into the realm of the unknown might lead us to lose sight of our own sanity, swept away in the undertow of the profound and the bizarre. It is necessary, therefore, to venture with careful consideration, to peer into the enigmatic without losing oneself, maintaining a tether to our own sense of stability and sanity.

In conclusion, insanity, in its enigmatic and unsettling nature, provides a unique mirror through which we can view ourselves. It allows us to reflect upon our own minds, our own sanity, offering perspective and context. It challenges us, provokes us, and ultimately helps us better understand the complex landscape of human cognition. But as we venture into these unknown territories, we must do so with prudence and mindfulness, holding fast to the grounding knowledge of our own sanity even as we explore the mysterious reaches of the mind.


by rich wermske
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Don't Read This

This work is copyright © 2023 by Richard A. Wermske. If you don't like it, you can always go read something else. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document may result in the author sending you a strong letter (probably a ß or Æ). If, on the other hand, you send the author a strong letter (like Ʃ), please include sufficient monies for the author to purchase a soda to drink while contemplating your letter mindfully.
 
While all rights are reserved, I would be exceptionally interested in any reproduction that took the form of hand-tooled leather(s), needlepoint or tapestry, genuine feather quill on parchment with ink from India, precious metal leafing, laser inscribing, certifiable smoke signals, gloss (written sign language), interpretive dance, burning bush, or any other repeatable and durable supernatural, weather, or cosmic phenomenon.

The arts and letters in this poetry section are all original, creative works by the author. No parts of these works have been copied or plagiarized from other sources or creators. It is made with all-natural, free-range diction and organic grammar, all without artificial color or flavor. I use only pesticide-free pronouns and and my artwork is entirely without substance. While my creativity is inspired by my life, any resemblance(s) to any beings(s) living, dead, or otherwise is purely coincidental; however, it could also be reader pineal gland hypoplasia or ideological dementia, and you may want to seek immediate medical attention, make lifestyle changes, and/or get a bottle of truth (ask for it by name).
 
To the best of my knowledge, no humans, animals, plants, or other entities (supernatural, governmental, corporate, or artificial) were harmed in the creation of this content. That said, Feelings, Ideas and/or Dreams may have experienced some bumps, bruises, or other trauma. And, while not probable, it is entirely possible that someone, somewhere is, was, or will be inspired to ignorant or righteous indignation, there are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average.

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.