Salinye

Thinas, I liked this. It reminded me of a Dar Williams song. I don't know if you're familiar with her. She's classified as folk, I think. Anyway, her stuff is Excellent, and she puts on a great concert too. I'm pasting the lyrics to one of her songs, I think you might like it. It has a similiar feel. Although, the words alone don't have as profound a meaning until you hear it. :0) Enjoy, and thank you for sharing!! The Great Unknown Dar Williams Once upon a time there was a nuclear family, And we lived in a family time, And we'd unite in a family way. And off in the ancient mountain, They were splitting every nucleus. They said, "Don't be alarmed, Just don't try this at home." And they were the mystery that made the world run And we had the power, 'cause they were the sun And we called them our heroes, and the future had come. They said, "Look at the light we're giving you, And the darkness we're saving you from." Soon they were bringing it into our showroom, And they'd unveil it with it's title, Bring your family, bring your family, It's the great unknown. You can look, but you can't fathom, It's the Great Unknown. I'm no ordinary princess, I was born in the Cold War, And my team is the Rockets, Go team, it's a dangerous time And I dream of the moon and building lunar clone colonies. And I build my peace with strength, That's the best weapon you've got. Oh, I am the brainchild, I am the mortar, With a plastic trophy and an eating disorder, And vision as big as a great big wall, And they tell me that I'll move forward For the good of us all, And the good of nuclear families all. And they think I think I am important. I know I never was, no, I wasn't. No, I never, and how could I be? It's the great unknown. Now we've built it, now it's ticking, It's the great unknown. And I am your children, I am millions And I wanted to sell out, I wanted to try, But the sky got too low And the ocean got too high. And I tried to take God into my own hands Am I too late? Is it over? Have I sacrificed my family to the great unknown? There's a war between my conscience and the great unknown. So I walked out into the gamma fields Out in Mercury, Nevada. Where I stood in circle, And that circle started to pray. And the wind at the nuclear test sites Floats the data of the radiation. From the underground testing, Cross the line, you'll get arrested. And we came from all over in a silent appeal As the drill comes down like a presidential seal. And we stand for the living, and we stand for the dead, And we looked out to see your enemies, And we see that you're looking all at us instead. And you think I am being disruptive? But no, I'm running home, I'm running, 'Cause I'm trying to put the atom back together. It's the great unknown. I'm just trying to put the atom back together. It's the great unknown.

I like the point of what you wrote. :0) It was free style which often means NO form but brings out some raw emotion that you can take and put into form. :0) Great way to get the thoughts out first. :0) ~Salinye

Tattered~ Another heart felt poem! Thank you for sharing. I hope it wasn't written about how you are currently feeling. However, if it is, please accept this BIG HUG from me. :0) Also, I only see one correction needed, opportunity was mispelled. :0) (yeah yeah don't look at my most recent poem posted it's a gramatical night mare lol) I look forward to reading more! ~Salinye Fixed any spelling I saw, anything I missed? - Peredhil

Sinedra Sat upon a rock on a hill that over looked the distant town of Eldora. The leaves of the trees were just starting to bloom, and the nights were finally turning warm again. Her heart ached just to see the woods she used to retreat to for solace. It had been two years since she had been here. Two long years since Phalion had taken her away. Magically....evilly....She wondered if he had reason to return here, or if this was just a random stop on their journeys. Either way, it didn’t matter. She wouldn't get to stay. She had long since let go of illusions of a knight in shining armor coming to save her from the curse she was under. There was once, when she had a small sliver of hope. During their travels, they had encountered a lone ranger, and he asked to travel at their side, something about safety in numbers. She of course was forbidden in anyway to reveal the curse she was under. Most assumed she was Phalion's slave by choice or deed some even thought her a concubine. She was disgusted at the mere thought. Phalion reveled in mistreating her in front of brave would-be champions. He was especially awful to her any time they were joined by some poor stranger who was unlucky enough to travel a ways with them. Phalion did his best to goad the strangers into a fight over her honor. He lived to see the shock upon the men's face when she would leap to the side of her abuser and physically defend him. If they lived they usually walked away more disgusted with her than they were with the mage. They didn't understand, and how could they. Either she defended Phalion or she died. It was that simple. This ranger, Himlin, he was different. He had a keen sense of his surroundings, and knew that something was amiss. He tired quickly of how Phalion treated her. One night, he spoke quietly to her, asking her to leave with him. Oh how she had wanted to run away with that ranger. Her heart cried out to him wanting to explain. When she tried to open her mouth, to beg for help, that all too familiar paralysis overcame her, and all she could do was run away and weep. Himlin knew. He knew she was captive, and he foolishly tried to save her. The next night, when Phalion had grabbed her harshly for making a snide remark under her breath, Himlin could stand it no more, and struck the dark lord over the back of his head with the flat of his sword. Phalion staggered, but it was she who screamed in agony and dropped to the earth bleeding from the back of her head. The ranger was so stunned, so taken off guard by this that he didn't even see the murderous blow coming. When she awoke, the ranger was dead at her side. She vowed never again to let an innocent person know of her entrapment. The rangeress had long since forgotten the touch of a tender hand, and was slowly losing her will for life. It was only being amongst the trees and the animals that brought her some sanity. She looked over her shoulder and saw the dark lord sitting by the fire. She was not permitted to leave shouting range from him. She pulled her knees to her chest on the rock, and leaned her chin on them, staring at the horizon through the forest. Oh Mighty Frai'Shalla, please please deliver me from these strange bonds. She prayed as she always did, begging for freedom.

*laughs taking the mic back* Here we go.... You think I'm a pawn in this game of chess? More like the queen, so bow down and confess, Confess you're impressed-Impressed I'm still here, Still takin' the mic instead of runnin' off in fear. Clean your boots? I must add an interjection. Listening to me is like getting an infection My rhymes will consume you and penetrate Into your soul, you try to run, but it's too late. Before your composure you can regain My lyrics have already taken control of your brain. So now you walk around like an undead zombie Your thoughts more hollow then a model for Ambercrombie So you wanna escape, you better move faster Bolt now, lest you find yourself calling me master. *laughs at her own ghetto shpeal and hands the mic back*

LOL Thanks for all the Smilies! I am willing to share my thought process. I really did sit down just to let the words flow free form style. What ended up being written is a vague description of my life before I met my husband. Although, not entirely. Hmmm how to explain. I think most of the drowning, and helpless feelings portrayed in these "all consuming waters of abuse" referenced much of my home life, adolescence, child hood, whatever you wish to call it. I believe that I found my own way to the surface, but my husband taught me how to swim and even enjoy an occassional dive. Does that make sense? He was the first person that truly loved me unconditionally, and that really changed my life. :0) His love opened my eyes to so much beauty in life that I had missed before. Not because I was a negative person or down or anything like that. I just was so surrounded by the trees I couldn't see the forest. Again, am I making any sense? I'm trying to explain without going into too much detail, because I don't want it to seem I swim in a pool of pity due to the past, because I truly don't. However, on the flip side of the coin, I think it's not a part of me, yet I sit down to write and this is what surfaces. :0) I guess I'm just grateful for two things. One, recognizing the ocean (the one depicted in the poem) for what it is, and two, instead of running to dry land forever instead learning to swim. (cope and move on in a positive manner.) ANY of that make sense? *looks at the time* It's far too late for me to try thinking lol. OH, I also think it had a bit of a subconcious connection to the fact that I have a healthy fear of the ocean. Love and admire the ocean, but definately have a fear of it too. :0) Well there you have it. Perhaps I'll edit this explanation in the morning when I read it and can't make any sense of it! lol Anyway, thanks for the comment, I appreciate that you could interpret some of my meanings. :0) ~Salinye

OOC: I was in the mood to write, so I sat down deciding to write free form style letting whatever escape. This is what turned out. I have an explanation of sorts, but I'll see what you think first. Remember it was written free style, so I'm sure it's in DIRE need of editing. :0) Did you know you saved me? I was lost, so lost. Swimming in the ocean of life. Did I say swimming? I meant drowning. Sinking to the bottom of a life I didn't understand. With all my might I fought against the current of hostilities. Kicked to free my legs from the seaweed like vines of discouragement. Held my breath against the all-consuming waters of abuse that threatened to consume me. Looking upwards, the salty residue of contention stinging my eyes I could see the lit surface of the water beckoning me to win the fight. Stretching my arm upward I reached for acceptance, and understanding, air. I was tired, and my reach fell short of my goal. I wasn't going to win this fight alone. Suddenly the glass like surface of the water rippled its protest As your hand descended into the violent pits and clasped my hand. You fingers entwined with mine pulling me upward, gently bringing me to new heights. For a moment, as the seaweed regretfully let go of my ankles I dared to hope, to envision, to love and be loved. It was only as my face was freed from its watery prison To be kissed by the sunlight and my nostrils deeply inhaled The warm breeze of unconditional love did I truly see- There is a life outside of the ocean.

LOL I loved this. Want to know what it REALLY reminded me of? Have you ever watched Disney's The LIon King? Remember Rafiki that little baboon guy? Hume a nana stuffed banana.... It reminded me of how he chants to himself lol. Nice work, thank you for the fun! ~Salinye

I haven't read this yet, but have peace of heart!! I posted my app way back on the 9th and no one has commented yet, and I don't think my app completely sucked either! (I guess that's a matter of opinion!) I also posted a writing in the stories forum and no one commented either. I'm thinking that that's just the way it is sometimes around here. :0) Don't take it as an insult! (I've had to remind myself the same thing) ~Salinye

*Takes the mic shaking her head with a smile wondering when this boy will ever learn...* So, you want this lamb back in the slaughter house? Best not consider me prey, sizin' me up- Like a cat does a mouse. That would be your first mistake, don't let it be your last. Underestimating me will get you in trouble fast. Don't mistake my meekness as weakness. I don’t cause trouble, and I’m hardly a pest, But I'm here to show, I can freestyle with the best. I not only talk the talk, but I play the part. I'm no doormat, but I'm a lady at heart. You threw me back up here, thinking I wouldn't measure What you don't know is that I perform well under pressure. So turn the heat up and throw in your best I'll try hard not to send you home cryin' like the rest. *Shyly steps back leaving the mic free still getting used to this free style Thang*

OOC: I added a bit more of her religion into this post. (Heeding Damon's warning to those with religion who do not keep up their supplication. (I'd hate for Senora's Goddess to turn ill against her..that could be BAD. :0) Tomorrow (since it's so late atm) I'll add information about her deity to my post about our char. bios. :0) ) A small smile slowly graced Senora's lips as she was awaken by mornings first rays of sun shining through the window to warm her face. The priestess of Ehlonna, when forced to sleep indoors, insisted on opening the window and pushing the bed beneath it so she could smell the wind. Having started out her life training as a ranger, she had never let go of her woodsy roots. Never did she feel more at peace then when she was among nature, free to commune with the plants and animals. She looked forward to starting their journey as she knew many of their paths would be through the hills and forests that she loved. Before starting to prepare for her day, or allowing her own wandering thoughts to ponder the mission ahead of her she sat perched within the frame of her window, closed her eyes and communed with her Goddess. She prayed in gratitude for the beauty of the day, for the safety she had been blessed with thus far, and even for the rose she had been given. Grateful that it was able to magnify the calling of it’s life by adding to the beauty of the world. She then prayed for guidance on this journey, wisdom to understand those around her, and for the blessings of continued safety. Only after an adequate time of selfless devoted worship did she leave her window seat to prepare for the day. The elf quickly washed up, did her best to secure her wild red locks back and dressed. Knowing she would need the morning for supplication to her Goddess, she had packed the night before. Glancing at her image in the mirror she noted the simple green traveling tunic that she wore with her leather breaches. Her Holy symbol was resting warmly against her skin, hidden from view beneath her tunic. She wore it beneath her clothing not out of shame or desire to deny her position, but merely out of necessity. If they were to get into battle, the least amount of loose things hanging around her neck providing an enemy with a cleric on a leash, the better. The only outward symbol of her Holy station was the blue unicorn embroidered on the left side of her tunic above her heart. Gathering her bags her emerald colored eyes swept across the room. Assuring herself that she was leaving the room as nice as she found it (nicer for the fact that she was leaving behind a lovely rosebud to dry up and add beauty) she quietly exited the room. Walking through the hallway she reached the stairs descending down one flight to the second floor. The aroma of breakfast made its way up the stair well from the first floor enticing her senses and making her stomach growl. She was about to continue down the stairs allowing her nose to be her guide when her thoughts stopped her. Turning her head she looked behind her noting the third door on the right pondering part of last nights conversation. "I'm on the second floor, third door on the right, should anyone wish to speak to me before we gather at tomorrow's dawn. I can not stay my eyes open tonight, but I am up far before the sun in the 'morrow." It was as Enos said these words that he specifically sought her gaze. Remembering the cold that had penetrated her when her thoughts were turned to him, she wondered why he would wish to speak to her. Perhaps he wished spiritual council? The very thought made Senora laugh, from what she felt from him last night, that was not likely. Taking two steps down the stairs, resolved to seek out breakfast and let the older chap seek her out if he wished, she stopped groaning inwardly. Perhaps that WAS his way of seeking her out. With a devoted sigh she turned to take the two step journey back to the top of the stairs. Ahh Ehlonna, do your faithful servants not get breakfast before we are called upon? Walking to the door to his room she dropped her bags to the floor with a humble smile and softly knocked.

Chanz~ I loved this poem. I loved the raw, real sentiments within your words. As I read it a poem I have saved on my computer came to mind, I wanted to share it with you, is that alright? I did not write it, and it was written more for the comfort of parents then the children of parents, but I felt the desire to share it with you anyway. Thank you for sharing your poem, and all my hugs go out to you that you may be comforted. ~Salinye To All Parents by Edgar Guest "I'll lend you for a little time a child of Mine," He said. "For you to love the while she lives And mourn for when she's dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty two or three, But will you, till I call her back, Take care of her for Me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you, And shall her stay be brief, You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over In my search for teachers true And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love, Nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again? I fancied that I heard them say: "Dear Lord, Thy will be done! For all the joy thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may, And for the happiness we've known Forever grateful stay; But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned We'll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.

That's the best part! He wasn't a preacher at all! Just a regular Joe who was asked to give a talk at church! lol :0) I wonder if he'll be asked again. LOL :0) ~Shelby

*hugs Wyldpatienz* Yay! You took exactly from that what I hoped someone would!! Thanks for commenting! I really appreciate it and was so afraid people would think I meant to push a religious message. But I didn't. :0) Just thought that was great!! (I would have loved to have been there to see the reaction lol) ~Salinye

Friendship is like a pair of jeans. When you first get them they may not seem exactly right, however, given time as life tugs at the very fibers that bind them together- there is NOTHING better than a worn pair of jeans.

I'm picturing the old fashioned white down just past the knees skivies, (like you see on little house and the prairie) with the buttun up back side missing one button and showing some cheek. That's the ONLY way to picture "insecurity skivies!" *laughs with you* ~Salinye

You did deliver, I like it twice as much now, thank you for the detailed sharing of your thoughts. May I offer a quote I picked up somewhere in my jumbled life? (Here is where I just pretend you leapt up and said "Yes, Yes, please share your quote with me, I'm dying to hear it!! *grin*) BTW, the quote only applies when there is love involved, but I'm thinking perhaps the word love could be replaced by several good words and have as much depth and meaning. "If you tell someone you love them, they might break your heart, but if you don't tell them you love them, you might break theirs." Just to add to your torture, my friend. ~Salinye

A friend of mine's husband was asked to give a talk at Church on the topic of "The Atonement". She then told me the talk he gave and I wish to share it here in my own words, because it's just too funny. (incoming a bit of church humor) So he stands up at the pulpit, and this is how he starts. "So, today, I'd like to share a few stories I know about deer. When I was a young boy, some friends of mine and I were walking through the wilderness when we happened upon a suffering nearly dead deer. It was lying upon its side eying us. You could see the terror in the poor things eyes, but it was far too close to deaths door to do anything more than pathetically lay there and suffer. We gathered together and discussed the matter and came to the unanimous conclusion that the civilized, compassionate and kind thing to do would be to put the poor thing out of it's misery. Looking around and weighing our options, we decided that our best bet would be if we stoned him to death. So, we set about our mission of mercy and gathered all the large stones we could find. Then on the count of three, we threw them as hard as our little child arms could right onto its head. The poor thing groaned and looked at us even more terrified as we continued to try to put this creature out of its misery." He then goes into GRAVE details of how they continued injuring this deer, finally grabbing a large stone that took all of them to lift and dropping it on the deer's head. (Now at this point, please input little old ladies with blue hair in very modest dresses turning green in their pews.) His transition from this story was rather eloquent, he simply paused then ended by saying, "And now for another story about deer." "When I was a bit older I was taken hunting with my father. It was Doe season. About the second day into the trip, I got a doe within my cross hairs. Clutching the trigger nervous, I fired a shot dropping the creature. Grabbing my father I led him to where the creature was, however my excitement was cut short as I noticed small nubs upon his head. He was not a doe, infact, he was a very young buck, and he was not dead. Looking at my father, I exclaimed, "I have just shot a deer illegally! But I have to kill it! I must kill it! I could get in trouble for this!" Of course he shot the deer and took it home to file away in his mother's freezer. (Input here into your visual that any church going woman over 60 who wasn't green before was now and the previous green ones were fanning themselves trying not to be sick. Bless their hearts! Lol) Again, here came a pause and the lovely transition of, "And now for my last story about deer." "When I was grown into a young man I took a small day hike alone to think and reflect on my life. At some point I entered a clearing at the same time as a magnificent deer did. We both stopped barely into the area our eyes locked. We stood this way for minutes. (The deer obviously not used to humans or she would have fled in terror) It was magnificent, beautiful and amazing. Forever will that moment be surged into my memory. I still remember how grateful I was for that rare moment. How much I appreciated it." It was after this story that he concluded his ten minute rant on deer with the following paragraph. "...And I liken those stories unto the Atonement. When we are children we sometimes do things that are wrong and we don't realize it, and yet, the atonement is there for us. Then we grow a little older, and sometimes do things that we DO know are wrong, and yet the Atonement is still there for us. Then we grow into mature adults and have enough self-control, will power and good desires that we can fully appreciate the atonement. We can stand in awe of it and take advantage of it allowing it to become a lasting impression upon our lives." (Suddenly the little old women stopped fanning themselves, turned a little bit back to their creamy color and listened with a soft smile.) **Add disclaimer** Now, I am by NO means preaching to anyone, or trying to enforce my beliefs in any way! My soul intent on sharing these stories with you was because I was so impressed by them!! He was given this assignment, and instead of using common every day ideas and stories, he chose creative true stories from his life. This post was merely for your enjoyment. :0) Anyone who has attended church at any time, probably can appreciate the humor! **End disclaimer** In my opinion, people will remember this lesson on Atonement longer than fifty others they've heard. (That would be my guess anyway.) I guess it goes to show you that sometimes the messenger IS as important as the message!! I hope you found humor in this and enjoyed reading it!!! ~Salinye

I really enjoyed this, thank you for sharing your perspective through poetry. ~Salinye

You all know what to do. :0) I started this thread but haven't thought of my analogy yet. :0) Please, start it for me, inspire me.... ~Salinye

That poem really strips us mothers down to our insecurity skivies, doesn't it? Well done, my friend. :0) ~Salinye

Well... I'm very new here, not even a week yet. (or maybe just a week err not sure) ANYWAY...I just wanted to say that, although I recognize that there has been a problem, and agree whole heartedly that The Pen is NOT the place for debate etc threads, I do think the overall FEEL of the board is getting grossly over exaggerated. Yes, I have seen some inappropriate debates hijack some threads. (They were here before I found this board.) However, that does not taint the over all feel of the board. I disagree!! I have been met with more kindness, love and support and FUN in this last week of being here patiently awaiting my application to be accepted or denied, then I have anything negative. I have read some fabulous writing and am just starting to be allowed a small glimpse into people's lives. I am really starting to enjoy people here, and grow more and more excited at the prospect of being accepted as a member. How is it that a few minor inappropriate things are allowed to taint the entire site in the minds of some of us? I am very confident that this small set back will be corrected. Not only because the moderators are good fair people, but also because the people who come here in general are good fair people. I choose to see that the good FAR exceeds any bad here. I choose to focus on the positive instead of the negative. :0) Maybe if we all choose to set our sights on the positive and let the negative go, then this will once again rise to the great sight some of you reminisce it once was. Personally, I think it couldn't have fallen too far from its throne because as a stranger, I was welcomed and accepted. If a stranger, whose love of writing far exceeds her talent, can be so accepted, then who could not be? I guess I just wanted to say to those old timers that as a newbie, I've seen so much good here. :0) Also, to those of you who feel you may have participated in such a thread that has been discussed here, or maybe even started one. I say don't feel badly! Live and learn, yes? I for one would never hold any ill temper towards you or hold you in a negative light. My mouth and words have gotten me in trouble on more than one occasion, and I think I'd be hard pressed to find anyone here who couldn't say the same. :0) Isn't that what The Pen is about? Accepting us for our weakness as well as our strengths? I believe so. :0) So, there you have the thoughts of a new girl... ~Salinye

LOL! I was ONLY teasing! I in no way believe that quote to be reality. :0) Especially since I married my best friend and favorite person to be around. :0) ~Salinye (farthest thing from a man hater on the planet. :0))

I thought this was very well written. I like that you chose a topic that is not commonly written about. I also like that you were able to evoke sympathy for a person that generally gets none. My heart is always with victims, and often times the perps are victims themselves. There is never excuse to take anyone else's life. As Peredihl said, everyone has their hardships, however, you captured the boy well. I really envisioned the pain he felt. ~Salinye

Some of the things I have enjoyed writing the most were done spur of the moment and with little thought. Good for you, I really like it. Would love to know your thought process behind it. :0) ~Salinye