A poem We don’t own shit.Give me a sandwich todayand I’ll give it back to you, the next- we don’t own shit.We don’t own money.We don’t own ideas.We can’t spell out our thoughts without borrowing language.Remember their face? Barely.Salt in water, dissolving. The taste of success fades.So too, the fear of failure. The factory ofContinue reading “Law of ownership”
Tag Archives: life
Construction in Progress
A poem The old grammar schoolin the centre of townher bricks came tumbling downas felled treesconcrete rising rapidly from the rubblequick growing silver birches which burst the suburban bubblethey nest new neighboursoutside the windowtheir worry perches squeaking at dawnin some unknown avian song“they don’t belong”said Mr Quo, to Mrs Quo, reciprocated “first, this, then that.Continue reading “Construction in Progress”
State of (Word)Play
Poetic political commentary – freedom of expression, in free verse We learn the difference between right and wrongin childhoodSo, if a child couldjudge uswould they sit us on the naughty step?We know the difference between right and wrongSo, in Hong Kongprotestors are now terrorists?Is this right, oris this what terror is?I support their resistanceThey mustContinue reading “State of (Word)Play”
Titanomachy
An Earth poem for our modern times, inspired by Greek Mythology We the Titans reign,In Gaia’s Garden,Blood of Earthen vein,Through our bodies, flow,Mother, sowed our seeds,Fathered by the Sky,Uranus breeds,Greed in privilege,Fertile soil womb,Who bore and birthed,Held and weaned till bloom,Nurtures our nature,Mother, who gave life, Must bear the burden,Forever the strife,Of her kin atContinue reading “Titanomachy”
Above and Below
Quadrille poem Small hours,Lipgloss smudged,She staggered on pointsOnlookers judged -But, couldn’t be her,For a day,Or, even see her,In any other way,Broken tongue,Eyeliner smeared,Cleopatraesque,The corners teared,Desperate silence,Cries without sound,Below the watery oculus- She drowned. © Darius the Mate Written for dVerse. What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, let meContinue reading “Above and Below”
Yogic Yarn
Micro poem with video Family ties and yogic knots,Brotherly love and headstands,One with the wildflowers, Offering support without hands. Freshly home in the UK, catching up on some yoga and yarns with my (not so) little brother. © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, letContinue reading “Yogic Yarn”
Home
Tanka Bittersweet goodbyes…Pages turn with the seasonsWinter kisses SummerTechnicolour brushed dreamscape- We fly into the sunset. Not far from home now. You can read a bit more about my thoughts and feelings on going home, here. I’ve arrived in Changi, Singapore, from Hobart, Tasmania, via Sydney, Australia, ready and braced to catch my final flightContinue reading “Home”
The Final Days
Thinking & Feeling So, after more than two years, the time has finally come – I’m going home. Home being, to no home… well, not entirely true; to my parents home, actually – gratefully – but not really my home, not anymore, and it hasn’t been for some time. That said, “home” will always beContinue reading “The Final Days”
Backpacker Barbecue Guide
For traveling Australia What do backpackers eat? I know, I know, it’s the question which keeps you up at night. Oh, it’s not? I wish you told me that earlier. Anyway… To those who have never experienced the van life, they may imagine a scraggly type, in boho genie pants, ornate with Thai motif, sharingContinue reading “Backpacker Barbecue Guide”
Grumps
A poem in free verse A knock in three,I rise for thee,but, barely see, through the cigarettes,which went down for breakfast, two more worries at the door;I’ve been dreading this day,the Grandchildren come to play, One more second of peace before… Shrieking! uninvited joy,through the musty corridors,and into the high walled garden,the plants suffer,where attentionsContinue reading “Grumps”
Judgement
A poem in free verse Duality; life and death,A new journey beckons me from the Duat,The strength to inhale each breath becomes onerous,The Kingdom of Osiris awaits, Judgement awaits.Who dictates my life,But for my own heart, Balanced against the feather of Ma’at,Judge away,For I am free of sin,Ready to address my assessors,A simple man,Who splitContinue reading “Judgement”
The Fall
A poem in free verse I cannot stretch my mind to find the cure,In as far,As I cannot stretch enough my muscles,I can’t even carry my own weight,Lest attempt the burden and trouble,That I drag on my heels,These sinews are strained,Uncooperative, stubborn, fickle,Beaten up and corrupted from years of abuse,For excess, or success,Battling hurdles inContinue reading “The Fall”
Plagued
Tanka Buried emotions,Mass casualties of a plague,In a shallow grave – The burden of humankind,Below the surface, rotting. Original poem by © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, let me know what you think in the comments, and of course, give me a follow for more – nice!Continue reading “Plagued”
Popcorn
Haiku Buttery popcorn – Melts into the crisp vistas Azureous bowl. Original poem by © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, let me know what you think in the comments, and of course, give me a follow for more – nice! https://nicecissist.blog Exploring mental and physical
Ruby
A memorial poem, for a cherished dog It’s been four years since my childhood companion passed away. I would like to share this poem I wrote for her. She deserves to be celebrated. For Ruby, Imperfectly perfect,Wrong, but just right,Long snout, bow legs, a nervous disposition,To shake without cause for fright,’Runt of the litter’,An easyContinue reading “Ruby”
The City
Tanka Light on dark waters -A network of sentience,Moving together,Individually felt,Two worlds, existing at once. Original poem by © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, let me know what you think in the comments, and of course, give me a follow for more – nice! https://nicecissist.blog Exploring mentalContinue reading “The City”
Deliberate
A poem Vicissitudes of fortune, Teased by reality, Youth wore a mask and cape, Flavour of mortality, I’m not superman, Pill of kryptonite a day, Swallowed with salt water, Gives the doctor their pay, Routine checkups, End up with a shackle, No meat on the bone, Been fed on by the jackal, Having desperate dilations,Continue reading “Deliberate”
Snapshot: Rottnest Island
Short look + read photograph collections from places I’ve loved enough to capture. Rottnest Island, WA, Australia Rottnest Island is a popular tourist destination located 18km from the Australia mainland via a short ferry ride from Fremantle, Perth. The island has over 22km of cycling tracks, which link spectacular pristine beaches – kick back andContinue reading “Snapshot: Rottnest Island”
Words of Winedom
Tanka Questioning your worth – When you feel the odd one out, Don’t sell yourself short,In the end, there’s only you,Choose people as you would wine. Original poem by © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, let me know what youContinue reading “Words of Winedom”
Wildlife
Wild and Free Versed The wildlife, don’t run in front of my wild-life, My wild wife, will give YOU trouble and strife,A cockney jingle, opposite words mingle,Leave this line single, Just because I can, Thoughtless cognition – a juxtaposition, My wild-life,Don’t run in front of my bees and honey, Keep that disposition sunny!For things willContinue reading “Wildlife”
Gumtrees
Haibun Van rolling to a gentle stop, not in a hurry, handbrake on, door opens – met by zesty breeze. A new place – small town Tasmania – refreshing. Quaint – with its colonial architecture, painted and preserved with double edged pride – it could be rural England, except, we don’t have mountains like these,Continue reading “Gumtrees”
Drawing Circles
What if life isn’t a linear pathway to death? Most of us non god fearing folk imagine ourselves on a line, from A – B, birth to death. In the depths of the night, sleepless notions draw in and out like the tide, frothing up all the man made crap people throw away. I thinkContinue reading “Drawing Circles”
Reclaims
Haiku Naked tree crooked -Old man walks by with hunched back,Lays flat in the earth. Original poem by © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. Reach out, let me know what you think in the comments, and of course, give me a follow for more – nice! https://nicecissist.blog Exploring mentalContinue reading “Reclaims”
No children, no problems
Selfish, or selfless? World population is growing unsustainably. As of time of writing, world population is almost 7.9 billion. I’m rounding up, as based on data released by the UN, there’s 250 births every minute – that’s more than 4 a second – and 131.4 million a year, we’ll be there in a blink. ThatContinue reading “No children, no problems”
Goodbye Avery. Hello Mate.
What’s in an original idea – and how far does creative ownership go? Avery Mann, as some of you might have noticed, is a play on Everyman. When I started this blog, I was a little nervous putting myself out there. I felt more comfortable going incognito, so I chose a pseudonym. The meaning behindContinue reading “Goodbye Avery. Hello Mate.”
Feathered
Wind captures wings, Lifts up to see the things, That most people only see, In photographs and on tv, Metal birds up in the sky, When dreaming high… Means more than just sleeping on planes… Counting clouds beyond the windowpane. Wind captures wings, Fly the nest to see the things, Above cerulean reflections of theContinue reading “Feathered”
Eliza
Young life, ember burning bright, So jealous was the night, That it choked out your flame, Families sit in darkness, A long and barren starkness, Lives that will never be the same. Original poem by © Darius the Mate What is life without community? I would love to connect with other nicecissists out there. SeeingContinue reading “Eliza”
Six weeks of summer
Those six weeks of summer, If I could have you even once anew, Then I could live a lifetime more, Savour sweetly, an everlasting haze, Of moments that came before,We waited with bated breath, School bell let go an animate ring,Precious hands gather hurriedly,As from seats we briskly spring,The school year was over,Summer holiday hadContinue reading “Six weeks of summer”
What came first, the chicken or the egg?
Happy Easter. A special day to remember the Easter bunny died for our sins, so we get to eat chocolate, or something. I’m not religious. I do like chocolate eggs though. I don’t get why people still use the old saying; What came first, the chicken or the egg? Isn’t it a bit like religionContinue reading “What came first, the chicken or the egg?”
Nostalgia, it’s a hell of a drug
Whose that pokemon? Its Snorlax! Man, this dude has it figured out. I wish I could sleep like this guy. He’s got the work/life balance down. Shame, I’m more Electrode. Self-destructing. Don’t worry, for those who missed out or couldn’t care less, this post isn’t all about Pokemon. It’s about nostalgia. A celebration of childhood,Continue reading “Nostalgia, it’s a hell of a drug”
What’s the worlds strongest compliment?
When, “looking good hun”, just won’t cut it. I noticed how women sometimes compliment other women by saying they look like a celebrity. I wonder what it’s like to be famous. One side effect is the advancement of an acute sense of UV exposure. I see why celebrities are called stars. There isn’t a glowContinue reading “What’s the worlds strongest compliment?”
Information – how much, is too much?
We live in a society where almost any question can be answered with a few twitches of a finger. Did you know? The Great Pyramid of Giza, completed in around 2560 BCE, originally stood at 146.5 metres in height, and was incredibly, the tallest man made structure in the world for more than a whoppingContinue reading “Information – how much, is too much?”
Polarity
Time goes so fast when you’re having fun,So slow when you’re in pain,I try in vain, To sustain,A smile,The rain,Falls as frigid tears on my windowsill,To feel,The things that cannot heal,Only fester,And rot,A hot,Putrid smell,Of spoilt fruits,Pollutes,My pallet,So I cannot taste the joy of the earth,I birth,A flood,The pane,That holds back the night,Shatters,As I fight,ToContinue reading “Polarity”
Tip to save time, priority check rhyme
There’s far too much to think about, To fraternise with drama, I’d rather sit and ponder, a little longer, whilst I figure out my dharma, I’m not here to make friends, If I make friends, It’s a bonus, Place less emphasis on what people think, And let what you think of people be the onus.Continue reading “Tip to save time, priority check rhyme”
Friendships made, friendships lost.
A poem I wrote for a friend, who was feeling hurt, whilst finding it difficult to navigate a challenging friendship. Friendships made, friendships lost. Can be thrown away, but at what cost? Many years to form, so quickly gone. So little time I mourn, the friendships done. I don’t need you, if you don’t needContinue reading “Friendships made, friendships lost.”
Happy chemicals
As covered in my post The dopamine epidemic – dopamine is the feel good chemical, important in influencing motivation. When we experience a taste, touch, sound, or a visual, dopamine travels as a neurotransmitter in the brain, making us feel a pleasurable sensation. It helps us form habits, for better or for worse. Having properlyContinue reading “Happy chemicals”
The peace paradigm
Childhood, a finger tip away, to jump and laugh, dream and play. I can almost touch it, yet today, never further, or more astray. Long summer days, they never ended,games came so easy, imagined, pretended. This fortunate generation, no innocence lost, drenched in mud and fire, grateful for the youth, far from the lethal mire.Continue reading “The peace paradigm”
The dopamine epidemic
As touched on in my post Musings, metrics and mentors, d.o.s.e is an acronym for the four main happiness chemicals – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. The better we know how we work, the better we know when and why were likely to feel these happiness chemicals, and how to influence them. Ever felt thatContinue reading “The dopamine epidemic”
Poems for mourning
A poem for an elderly loved ones passing. Time is a constant, in the end it gets the best of us all, feel sorrow not, you’ll walk, but first you’ll learn to crawl. So, grieve now my child, shed all and be rid of your tears, for I have lived life to the full andContinue reading “Poems for mourning”
Take to the sea
Fruitful endeavours make for positive reflections, Take the first step and self aspire, push yourself in the right direction, Hardships overcome are the foundations of stronger institutions, Give a little more for a more fulfilling contribution, Broadening knowledge by not simply accepting preconceived notions, There may be lands beyond the sea, but first we mustContinue reading “Take to the sea”
Moments
Life is but a moment, would you really remember the day, unless dated and stated and filed away. A flicker in time, so brief is the way that we bounce through existence, not long do we stay. But we aren’t created vacant, there’s ways to be immortalised. We are sentient beings, can think and philosophise.Continue reading “Moments”
The awareness of things
The Japanese have a phrase which most clearly expresses the melancholic feeling I get when I think about how beautiful the human experience is and yet, how brief. Mono no aware 物の哀れ, もののあはれ – with the closest translation being “the pathos of things”. This emotion, so powerful and yet so subtle, for better or forContinue reading “The awareness of things”
nicecissist 