Author, Ronald Jump “Look, Listen and Learn”

 

Northern California Author, Ron Jump has written Fiction/Non-fiction stories off and on for the better part of his life. It is moments from his past that inspire his writing. He is the fourth child in a family of five, his mother and father have both moved on to greater planes. The story you read today is based on a memory etched in his soul from days gone by.

 

“Look, Listen and Learn”

by Ronald Jump

 

     This morning I am in Awe over the mystical state of being that has plagued the interior of my body. I stand here with a roller coaster inside me designed to thrill a blind man to sight. The one statement my father delivered to me when his father passed on from this planet called earth stands in my mind for review. The memory I have, is a moment in time, long, long ago. I witnessed my greatest mentor and father, sobbing like he’d just had the life literally torn right out of him. When I saw this I began to hurt like him with feeling of emotion unprecedented, it was unlike any other emotion I’ve felt in my existence. I asked my father what was wrong, he gazed into my eyes and said with a mighty tremble in his voice, son I love you more than the life I can ever lead. There is one thing about life I know to be truth, he took my hand and pressed it against his chest to feel his heart beating oh so heavily and went on to say with tears flowing through eyes.

     Son the one thing in life I can teach to you about our lives on earth is the very importance the heart beat you feel when you become sad for others. He went on to say as our eyes linked together, Son, your little heart in your young body it designed to grow not only with your body but within your mind as well. When you become sad it is because we are delivered messages into our hearts like a mail box. I don’t now how but when you feel sad you begin to understand why you have a mind, then you discover why we have hands and feet, son. His voice was what I know now to be humble and more sincere than I had ever heard out of his usually stern voice. He paused and began to speak to me very clearly saying, Ronnie, your mother and I love each and every one of your brothers and sisters the same. Because of that, your mother and I have to be very strong inside and we have to think before acting out what you know as punishment.

Son, my job as your father carry’s so much weight, at times is unbearable. When your heart aches, it sends a message up to your brain, then your brain sends a message to your eyes and tears begin to flow and we cry. When you cry, and feel your mouth is wide open, this is called sobbing or as your mother would say, screaming and crying. At this point of time he began to calm down and go on to say. Son, we cry to let bad feelings go away but, you will always remember the feeling. Whether it is good or bad, is how we determine what is right and what is wrong by the feeling we get from the heart.

     At that time I was just past 18 and well on my way of being out of the house to begin my journey through the universe of our place here on earth. My father asked me for a Hug, I thought I was to old for that and he said, never are you to old to accept a hug from some one you love. This is Gods idea of passing your love into another. My father was blessed with a very special way to communicate what he knew to be truth, because of the things he would tell me about the work he was doing, it made good sense, and I understood him very well.

     At this point of time I was getting antsy and he knew. He say’s OK son, here it is in a nut shell.

     Think of your heart as a mailbox, your mind as a machine creating a pattern that turns into an idea. The idea turns into something we can see with our eyes. It becomes something real, a creation of feeling we once had in our heart. This is what some folks call, “full circle”. This is the thing that sets one apart from the other, its what makes you different from any other.

     He releases me to finish up by saying these few words;

     Look, Listen and learn!  Trust your heart-felt feelings, take time to listen to that initial feeling when you’re deciding the best way to handle the situation at hand. Your Feet will take you where you need to go in life and your hand’s will create, help and repair allowing you to physically love those who are dear to you.

     From the heart comes truth –From the mind decision – From the feet destination – Finally, from the hand comes creation.

To follow your heart is never to regret” ___ My beloved Father, John Gerald Jump

A Legacy is what an individual leaves behind for the earth as all human kind to remember.

What will yours be?

 

© 2011

 

 

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Feature Author, Elizabeth E. Castillo – The Poet And His Guitar

 

Author, Elizabeth E. Castillo

Elizabeth E. Castillo is a feature writer journalist/short story writer/poet and blogger whose mission is to share creatively through pen pushing.  She is a keen observer of beautiful things and a born-artist.  This writer comes from a country of tropical paradise, the Philippines in Asia.

Graduated with a Bachelor Of Science degree in Business Administration, Majoring in Management and another course in Computer Programming.  Currently she works as an Online English Instructor for Koreans and a freelance writer.   Once Elizabeth was a news correspondent for a local community newspaper and a feature writer for a private company’s corporate magazine.  Started writing and exhibiting her poetic prowess when she was just in her elementary days – an era when she was still this shy, unassuming lass.  She is an arts and nature lover and an admitted “frustrated photographer”.  Her favorite authors are the likes of Stephen King, John Grisham and Paolo Coelho.  Elizabeth self-publishes her poetry in an e-zine called  Poetic Lizzu which currently has 3 released issues.


The Poet and His Guitar

He gathers what he needs
Heads down to the green fields
With an overcast sky above him
The sun smiling at a distant horizon.
Humming breeze, chirping birds on the trees
One said “good day” to him
This little blue robin sitting on a small branch.

Armed with a guitar on one hand
With a mighty pen and paper on the other
Chose a soft spot and sat down underneath an oak tree
Begins to breathe in, breathe out
And feel the beauty spread before his naked eyes.
This is what he hoped for
A solemn sanctuary away from the maddening crowd
A haven you could only reach inside your dreams.

His fragile fingers begin strumming the chords on his guitar
Remembering the sweet echoes of his distant past
Together with the birds singing at the background
Beautiful memories go in rhythm with his strum.

He imagined a vast ocean, a beach with pure white sand
A low tide as he sat by the sea shore
With seagulls flying above him.
Memoirs of his younger years
Came flooding in through his mind
As he search for his shadow
Hidden beneath the limelight of his soul,
Overwhelmed with wonderful thoughts
He began scribbling on his notes.

Wrote a poem for his future love
Though they haven’t crossed each others paths yet
He believes one fateful day they’ll surely meet
And this masterpiece will be his first gift to her.
The poet is a great dreamer
Although some couldn’t appreciate his being different
Made a vow that no matter what, he’ll still be in love with his poems
As long as he can strum his guitar too
For his music goes hand in hand with the words he creates
Truly the words dance with his music’s beat.

Elizabeth E. Castillo

© 2010

Posted in Authors, Fatures/Reviews, Fiction, Poetry, Poetry/Prose, Starlight Review, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Quiet Choices

“When you notice something clearly and see it vividly, it then becomes sacred.”

~ Allen Ginsberg

Quiet Break Water by Kristine Kenyon.jpg


Quiet Choices


Quiet…

are the breakwaters before me

comforting in the moment

the solace I seek…


Yet serving me they are,

as the waves of change are sure to come

the breakwaters warn me …


Granting me

the opportunity to stay or go,

a choice I have in life… daily ~



Kristine Kenyon

© Nov. 1, 2011

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Eric L. Burt – Featuring “One”

Features/Reviews

One

Written by Eric L. Burt

 

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One hand clasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what’s true,

One life can make a difference,

You see, it’s up to you!

 

Eric L. Burt was born a Gemini in the city of Newark, New Jersey. Like most artists, Eric went through times of real struggle. In 2003 out of his struggles came some of the most wonderful poetry. As he began to write, one poem lead to another, and then another.

Today, Eric is working on a compilation of poetry and prose. He will soon be publishing his first book entitled, “Inside the Soul of Me”. His book was born out of some of his finest works.

Like so many other artists, Eric speaks from his heart. As you read his heart can be felt in and through his words. Much like the piece featured here, It’s evident Eric has an abundance of both heart and soul. Please show Eric a little love by leaving a comment to let him know what you thought of his work, his profile can also be found Flexwriters Creative Network (FCN) under Eric Burt.

Thank you for reading!

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Letting Go by Stephany Borders – Featured Artist

Features/Reviews

“Letting Go”

Written by Stephany Borders

Hovering, distinctly
in its own sound
Do you hear it?
Certainty, unmistakably
spoken as loudly as
the quiet smile of
an infant, it’s

……..the letting go

He searched for friends
that would hold his thoughts
She searched for friends
that would want her thoughts

Adapting to the needs,
the expectations of the people
who comprised their lives.
Surrendering their sense
of self, the basic tenet
of who they were

Their families forgot
……..to want them

They were mirrors of each others
abilities, desires and goals.
To teach, encourage, help
to lighten the burden of life
to bring an unexpected smile

Accepting offerings of scraps
that were once, a seven course meal
filled with sumptuous
desserts of life

There were cloaks
that were worn of efficiency,
they were the problem solvers.
And, their hands soothed
the worries of others
catching the unraveling
pieces before they fell

Gazed upon, no longer seen
…………by those who shared their lives

Touted as being perfect…
Self contained, self sufficient,
The ones who held the answers
You know; the fixers.
They are the ones caught saving the day
And giving to; what ever was needed
before they are asked

Tired of the burdens
that were sewed within
the lining of the cloaks
they dropped them, confirming
the connection resounding
within their hearts

They had become invisible
to those that loved them
“Perfection” camouflaged
their greatest need
to be…Wanted

Together they sat
sipping on the bitter glass
swirling dreams with maybes

Holding tightly to each other
they satisfied their wants.
Now alone was cast out,
finally homeless

Drinking of each other
offerings of heart and soul
they found temporary peace
for the restless wanderings
of their desires, finally filled

The reality of life summons
once again, he and she
back to the needs of those
who fill the spaces and create
the… Aloneness

Surrendering to the inevitable
destiny beckons them back
to “their worlds”

Can you hear it?

In the quiet of their soul
is the relinquishing
of a solitary tear,
simultaneously
sliding, ever so quietly
down their cheeks
as they …
Let go.

© 2011

Author, Stephany Borders has been writing poetry for the last two years.  A novice poet in the beginning, she directly attributes her progress to Tarringo T. Vaughn, the Founder of Flexwriters Creative Network as well as his staff and the community of poets who so faithfully support each other there.

Poetry comes in many forms, Stephany’s favorite form is “Story Telling”.   Although it may be short and sweet, it will often be found among her works.  Stephany can be found at FCN, Facebook and Myspace. Feel free to Friend her and follow her works.


Posted in Authors, Fatures/Reviews, FCN - Flexwriters Creative Network, Poetry, Poetry/Prose, Starlight Review, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Legacy by Featured Author, Michael Holland

Features/Reviews

Legacy

Written by Michael Holland

As a boy, I used to watch my Aunt Moira
apply cream blush to the apples of her cheeks,
warming the brush, pressing it in, curious
at the ritual as she applied powder afterward,
slipping cinnamon gloss onto her lips
as she prepared for ungrateful guests
at our family’s reunion. The ritual prepared
her to smile widely and mentally, to look
ready as she crumbled,  just slightly under
mossy pressure, the weight of arguing
third cousins, the insolent criticism
of people she barely knew odious.

“When will the burgers be ready?”
“Who’s going to organize the picnic tables?”
And once again,
“When will the burgers be ready?”

“You’re stronger than you know!”
I would say admiringly, unsure of precisely
what I meant, but meaning it wholeheartedly.

My admiration multiplied as I watched Moira
do it all: make potato salad, bake a lemon
chess pie, preparing her famous marinated
eggplant, flipping those perfect burgers
on that late, hot, sticky August afternoon, causing
me to reflect on all the burger makers
that came before her: Grandma Ruth,
Aunt Allie-Beth, and Grandpa Houston. I’d
yell – “Stand tall guru!” — as she would slip
me a smile along with a coy wink, meant
for just us two, only, serving the masses:
grumpy folks who had nothing in common
except distant blood lines, and stories
of Uncle Ray, who could complete a back flip
and land on his feet at fifty-one years old
to the delight of misty children. It was in these moments,
that I’d marvel and be in awe of her salty determination
and cornflower sass, and melt into a world
of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies,
as this crystal clear memory floats into my current
consciousness of years past.

Aunt Moira passed when I was twelve years old.
We stopped going to family reunions after that,
Instead visiting my Grandma Ruth’s dairy farm
on gentle spring weekends, the smell
of cornfields palpable, but Moira’s indelible
footprints left me dazzled and speechless,
a true pioneer among women living
in moldy small towns, emerging victorious
without even a bat of a false eyelash.

Michael W. Holland received his B.A. in Humanities from Michigan State University with emphases in English, Psychology, and Music. Michael only began writing four years ago when an outpouring of words occurred, calling him to let them out.

He began in a writer’s group based on the A.W. A. method created by Pat Schneider. So grateful to have found this passion, Michael realizes now that writing is indeed a gift. He’s taken classes in the M.A. program for Creative Writing at San Francisco State University in Poetry. It was an honor to be accepted into their program.

Michael has two poems published, “Blow By Blow” and “Living Past Doubts”. “Legacy” which is featured here today is his third, e-published work. The author notes that he is always grateful for those who read his work and he appreciates it when the reader takes with him a piece of his work that speaks to their heart.

Michael Can be found creating poetry at All Poetry and Flexwriters Creative Network (FCN), he enjoys writing challenges and interaction with other writers in his genre. You can friend him at FCN, Facebook.

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It was All About the Flying, Poetry by Katherine Wyatt

Poetry

Indigo Radiance by Kristine Kenyon“Indigo Radiance” photo by Kristine Kenyon

“It Was All About The Flying

at first the door seemed open and it all seemed so very clear
the walk was pleasant and mysteries unraveled trough time
it was Indigo and shadows and inquiries that drew me near
fascinations and lessons as melodies mixed with rhyme

we walked the road awhile under dark night and sunshine
listening in awe inspired by the blue and self reflections wide-eyed
moving closer to truth and writing a history in blood earned in kind
leaning on spirit lifting up winds through time-worn secrets like spies

that touch of quintessential essence dripping into mine
digging deep history and sailing on wings of sharing
teachings from ancient tongues and glories buried shine
flew for a moment in the sunlight lifting up the caring

and the razor’s edge came close and then came the daring
bound and gagged but free birdin’ it is all about the flying
the cloaks of sorrows and the shadow lands that we are wearing
one day removed by the light and gone the days of sighing

bound and gagged but free birdin’ it is all about the flying
one day removed by the light and gone the days of sighing
it was Indigo and shadows and inquiries that drew me near
at first the door seemed open and it all seemed so very clear

(c) Katherine Wyatt 2010

Trinity

Poetry by: Katherine Wyatt

Author of “The Core of the Essence”

by Publish America

Host of Tinity’s Muse at FCN

This poem was Inspired by a Starlight Poetry Circle challenge

Subscribe to Katherine’s WordPress blog

Posted in Art and Photgraphy, Authors, FCN - Flexwriters Creative Network, Katherine Wyatt, Poetry, Poetry Challenges, Poetry/Prose, Starlight Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

News Flash – Author and Artist, Katharine Hemingway

Poetry/Prose

Opulence Drift

Written by Katharine Hemingway

Is running in our Poetry/Prose section. This really is a must read!

Katharine Hemingway Author and Artist has been privileged to show her work in many Art exhibits, Kubus Hannover Gallery in Germany as well as in Wexford, Ireland and Undercover Pages, International Hand Made Artist Book Exhibition at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwsyth. Katharine comes from a long line of artists, she is self-taught in both poetry and art. She has published a book of poetry now available titled CENTRE OF THE SPHERE. To order her book or her art email orders@katharinehemingway.co.uk Katharine Hemingway can also be found Facebook and Myspace. Feel free to friend her and enjoy her latest paintings as well as her poetry and prose.

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Magic by Tarringo T. Vaughn

Articles/Essay’s

M A G I C

by Tarringo T. Vaughn

I walk through this world in awe.

Tattooed sidewalks of flawed granite smothered by footprints of graffiti connecting generations of magicians give off the aroma of something amazing. There are days I wonder how we came to be. There are days I try to imagine who made the sky the perfect shade of blue on gray days of rain and who made the ocean waves the elegant force of gentle rage. I wonder how flowers came to be the scent of comfort and the symbols passion, comfort and sadness and how emotion became that great potion of transient tears connecting all of us through the many languages we communicate. Every since I was a little boy I’ve admired and been held in a sensual but rugged curiosity of how this all came to be. Maybe this existence is nothing but an illusion but an illusion from what? Is our reality really a dream or just a discovery of all the possibilities…out there?

We live inside a journey of invention.

I have come to realize that it is our minds that are magic. The processes of intelligence we exhibit is fascinating. There have been those who have cured by mixing science with healing and those who have built tombs with hands of genetic precision. There have been those who have written the history of future mankind with metaphors perfectly intertwined into the masterpiece of translation and there have been those who have imagined the technology of imagery and brilliance. But what is my magic on this wonderland? Sometimes I think it is my vision as I can see things others may ignore to see but most times I feel it is my interpretation as through my poetic understanding I am able to become a witness outside my own stanzas of existence because as poets we can be anywhere at any time; we can be many places at once and turn simple objects into complex fountains of description. We can fool the eyes with hidden meaning and hold them blindfolded with clarity. We invent through our pens and with the wordplay of endless thoughts and observations. The many questions of this world are the answers we create through the written language of magic.

***

Tarringo T. Vaughn lives in Massachusetts. His work is widely published via the internet. He’s the Founder of The Flexwriters of Poetry and SOE (Soldiers of Expression). He is the CEO of Flexwriters Creative Network- FCN and Flexwriters Online Magazine. A published Author, Beyond Rainbows and Yellow Brick Roads, American Publishing © 2010.  You can contact Tarringo at: tarringo@flexwritersonline.net

This essay,“MAGICFrom Public Journal © 2010

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Feature of the Week: Author, Katherine Wyatt

Features/Reviews

Starlight Review Feature of the Week is Author, Katherine Wyatt

I have read Katherine Wyatt’s book, THE CORE OF THE ESSENCE.

I was amazed at the depth and light in this book.  I found some of the most breathtaking poetry, she’s a writer of ethereal proportions.  Having acquired her Masters Degree in World Religions and Humanities.  I’m thrilled to feature Katherine and share with all of you a taste from her book, THE CORE OF THE ESSENCE.

“Poetry really is the art of ones soul.   As word emerges from within and allows itself to flow, like paint on a canvas so is word to paper.”  -Quote by Kristine Kenyon

Like art, this is how I view her writing.

Katherine, otherwise known as “Trinity” in some writing circles was born in Pennsylvania. As she tells us on the jacket of her new book, she came from a long line of artists and writers dating back into the 1500′s.  Her Mother was a cartoonist, whose work has been published all over the world and her father, a writer, wrote in the corporate world. He started his career in newspaper journalism as a young man.  It’s wonderful to follow in such creativity.

Ms. Wyatt’s book was published this month by Publish America and is available for purchase in soft back now on their site by clicking their link.

“Look within yourself if you want to meet me”

- Katherine Wyatt

 

WITHIN

by Katherine Wyatt

 

I am the sound of the wind rustling through feathers

As the eagle soars between mountain peaks

I am the space between the last breaths of the dying

As they leave life behind for the next and grow weak

I am the gray that floats in the fog when changes arrive

Holding the potential for new choices; neither black or white

I am the eye of the storm where it is quiet and I set the its course

Yet having no motion I am the measure of the hurricane’s great force

I am the silence that the birds sing to in the night

I am the blood coursing in their veins and the will that gives them flight

I am the homeless woman on the corner whose eyes you look through

I am the dark and the light that revolve within you

I am the proton, electron and neutron at play

The saints in their glory and the one who betrayed

I am without bounds and wear time as a cloak

With my hand I spin the cosmos with one brief stroke

I am a bug on a leaf on the bamboo tree

Look within yourself if you wish to meet me

 

~ * ~

 

When I read “Within” a sense of warmth cam over me. It was almost as if I could hear the quietness, the stillness within the poetry, giving me a revealing eye into the soul of the poetess as she reflects within. Her words here have made an imprint on me.

This Review by: Kristine Kenyon

Notes about the Author:  Katherine Wyatt, aka Trinity runs a forum at FCN called The Muse every other Wednesday.  You can be inspired by her there. She has an extensive portfolio of work and it can be found in various places on the web. She can be found as Trinity at www.wordmachinist.com, www.flexwriterscreativenetwork.net – My[____] and Facebook as well.  And, last but not least you can find her here at katherinewyatt.wordpress -

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