Early eve and the Sun hath rised
It sank upon the rock Son's eyes
He only smelt the leaf wife's Girl
But still he loved her waifen curl
Stationed so, he inched his way
Across the ocean in a day
He reached his lass to find her gone
She knew he left that on eves' morn
The leaf wife's girl had come to go
She could not, does not love him so
The rock son's eyes lift to the night
He stared down in the bright sun light
His heart did break, his tears did dry
Sugar sweet into the the sky.
My strange attempt at a Lewis Carroll inspired poem. I think I'll call it Nonsensical Juxtapositions.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Jabberwocky"
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
did gyre and gimble in the wabe.
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
the frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the maxome foe he sought-
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood a while in thought.
As in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came.
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack.
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"Has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Calloh! Callay!
He chortled in his joy.
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
This is Lewis Carroll's poem titled "Jabberwocky", and I think it is the weirdest thing I've ever read. I love Alice in Wonderworld; I have about four different copies kicking around. I also love the original Disney movie (the Cheshire Cat is my favourite). I always loved when he was humming some random tune and he just says, "And the mome raths outgraaaabe!" I dig that part.
So after reading this tidbit of poetry, I can now see where that phrase came from. I can also see that Lewis Carroll was a strange individual. I tend to believe that he was addicted to Opium. I want to try and write some randomness like this, but I don't think it would nearly as interesting. Maybe my last post will be my attempt at some strange, drug-induced haze of a poem.
did gyre and gimble in the wabe.
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
the frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the maxome foe he sought-
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood a while in thought.
As in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came.
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack.
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"Has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Calloh! Callay!
He chortled in his joy.
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
This is Lewis Carroll's poem titled "Jabberwocky", and I think it is the weirdest thing I've ever read. I love Alice in Wonderworld; I have about four different copies kicking around. I also love the original Disney movie (the Cheshire Cat is my favourite). I always loved when he was humming some random tune and he just says, "And the mome raths outgraaaabe!" I dig that part.
So after reading this tidbit of poetry, I can now see where that phrase came from. I can also see that Lewis Carroll was a strange individual. I tend to believe that he was addicted to Opium. I want to try and write some randomness like this, but I don't think it would nearly as interesting. Maybe my last post will be my attempt at some strange, drug-induced haze of a poem.
On how much I hate the statement, "Women wear make-up for Men."
Oh boy, don't even get me started. I hate this statement.
Make-up can indeed be seen and used as a corrective material. There is nothing wrong with covering your imperfections or enhancing your best features. I think that whatever you can do to make yourself feel more confident and love yourself more, do it. But do it for you, not because you feel like you have to.
For me, make-up isn't a form of self-correction, but rather self-expression. I show my mood and my creativity through by what I do on my eyes, or my face. It's one way for me to show my talent and my personality. Putting make-up on in the morning is one of my favourite parts of my day. I get to sit down and experiment with new colour combinations or shapes or shadings. I am blank canvas everyday. It's wonderful.
But anyone who thinks for one second that I wear make-up because I think I have to in order to impress men (or anyone else for that matter) is sorely mistaken. I do not wear make-up because I think I look ugly without it. I wear make-up because it's a form of art to me, and it's an easy way for me to express myself daily. I have no problem going out without make-up. The day before yesterday I put my naked face on YouTube because I was too lazy to doll myself up for a three minute video. Today I didn't wear any make-up to school because I felt like going bare.
I'm sure that there are some women who wear make-up everyday because they think they look funny or ugly without it. But even then, that is their prerogative. Men (and women) who are pretentious enough to believe that all women wear make-up for the sake of the opposite sex should re-evalute their opinion. Because I know a whole lot of women who are confident with or without their face on; and who will be ready to jump on anyone who questions their make-up motives.
Make-up can indeed be seen and used as a corrective material. There is nothing wrong with covering your imperfections or enhancing your best features. I think that whatever you can do to make yourself feel more confident and love yourself more, do it. But do it for you, not because you feel like you have to.
For me, make-up isn't a form of self-correction, but rather self-expression. I show my mood and my creativity through by what I do on my eyes, or my face. It's one way for me to show my talent and my personality. Putting make-up on in the morning is one of my favourite parts of my day. I get to sit down and experiment with new colour combinations or shapes or shadings. I am blank canvas everyday. It's wonderful.
But anyone who thinks for one second that I wear make-up because I think I have to in order to impress men (or anyone else for that matter) is sorely mistaken. I do not wear make-up because I think I look ugly without it. I wear make-up because it's a form of art to me, and it's an easy way for me to express myself daily. I have no problem going out without make-up. The day before yesterday I put my naked face on YouTube because I was too lazy to doll myself up for a three minute video. Today I didn't wear any make-up to school because I felt like going bare.
I'm sure that there are some women who wear make-up everyday because they think they look funny or ugly without it. But even then, that is their prerogative. Men (and women) who are pretentious enough to believe that all women wear make-up for the sake of the opposite sex should re-evalute their opinion. Because I know a whole lot of women who are confident with or without their face on; and who will be ready to jump on anyone who questions their make-up motives.
My Affinity with Cats
Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved cats. In my 18 years of life, I have never had a pet that wasn't a cat. I got Cloudy, my first girl cat, when I was about 7 or 8. After that, I had Cocoa, another girl cat who we had until I was about 10. Now, I have two boy cats, Teddy and Tiger. But my love of cats is more than just a pet/owner deal. I feel like the cat is my spirit animal (if you believe in such things).
As you've probably established by now, I love anything comic book superhero/supervillian related. My number one character from any comic book or comic book movie ever in history is Catwoman. Her whole independent female anti-hero story is absolutely captivating to me. Whether it's the 1980's Catwoman clothed in purple and green or the Michelle Pfeiffer latex coated Cat, I'm in love. I remember watching Batman Returns for the first time. I must have been only 6 or so, since I was still going to my old babysitter's (the very place I first witnessed the Bat and the Cat). The day that I went home after watching it, I called my brother a 'bastard'. I had no idea what it meant, I just knew that Catwoman grumbled it under her breath after Batman pushed her off a building. Needless to say, I got in big trouble (soap doesn't taste very good....) lol
The union of women and cats is something that I don't think I'll ever quite get over. This is definitely the main reason why I'm getting a comic book style Catwoman graphic tattooed on my forearm. Of all the 'cool' tattoo ideas that I've had, that's the one that I feel would stay with me. I mean, most things that fascinate us as children quickly become either boring or routine as we mature. The fact that the Catwoman has stayed with me all these years makes me trust in myself, even when my Dad says I'll hate it when I'm older.
I think that the older I get, the more I will appreciate the symbolism behind the cat-woman. She's fierce and independent, yet also nurturing and docile when she wants to be. You can have her, but you'll never own her.
"My world is just shades of gray, Batman. That's why you'll never really understand me." ~Catwoman
As you've probably established by now, I love anything comic book superhero/supervillian related. My number one character from any comic book or comic book movie ever in history is Catwoman. Her whole independent female anti-hero story is absolutely captivating to me. Whether it's the 1980's Catwoman clothed in purple and green or the Michelle Pfeiffer latex coated Cat, I'm in love. I remember watching Batman Returns for the first time. I must have been only 6 or so, since I was still going to my old babysitter's (the very place I first witnessed the Bat and the Cat). The day that I went home after watching it, I called my brother a 'bastard'. I had no idea what it meant, I just knew that Catwoman grumbled it under her breath after Batman pushed her off a building. Needless to say, I got in big trouble (soap doesn't taste very good....) lol
The union of women and cats is something that I don't think I'll ever quite get over. This is definitely the main reason why I'm getting a comic book style Catwoman graphic tattooed on my forearm. Of all the 'cool' tattoo ideas that I've had, that's the one that I feel would stay with me. I mean, most things that fascinate us as children quickly become either boring or routine as we mature. The fact that the Catwoman has stayed with me all these years makes me trust in myself, even when my Dad says I'll hate it when I'm older.
I think that the older I get, the more I will appreciate the symbolism behind the cat-woman. She's fierce and independent, yet also nurturing and docile when she wants to be. You can have her, but you'll never own her.
"My world is just shades of gray, Batman. That's why you'll never really understand me." ~Catwoman
"Slanderers do not hurt me because they do not hit me." ~Socrates
I like this quote a lot. It showed up yesterday in my feed on Twitter, and it really made me feel something. I think that's what all good quotes are supposed to do. In all of our walks of life, there are going to be people who we don't get along and people who just plain don't like us. And sometimes it can be very hard to accept that no matter how hard you try, you can't please everyone.
I feel especially drawn to this quote because of the YouTube videos that I do in my spare time. Putting yourself out there on the internet is quite frightening. Again, some people (strangers for the most part) aren't going to like to work you're doing. Some strangers, aptly named 'trolls', don't really like anybody, and merely cut people down for entertainments sake. It hurts when an anonymous person is trying to lower your self-esteem from a computer screen for no particular reason. But that's the hard lesson; they are just some anonymous person. In the grand scheme of your life, they aren't even a blip on the radar. In the here and now, you feel hurt and wonder why? What did I do to deserve this?
The answer is nothing. That person that is trying to bring you down and throw shadows onto your light is dealing with their own demons. You possess something that they wish they had, and instead of being proactive and looking into themselves for answers and guidance, they are lashing out in anger. Their hatred has nothing to do with you, but is a self-reflection onto themselves.
In the end, you just need to sit back and realize that you can't please everyone. As long as you are being yourself and are comfortable in your own skin, the rest will follow.
"Slanderers do no hurt me because they do not hit me." ~Socrates
I feel especially drawn to this quote because of the YouTube videos that I do in my spare time. Putting yourself out there on the internet is quite frightening. Again, some people (strangers for the most part) aren't going to like to work you're doing. Some strangers, aptly named 'trolls', don't really like anybody, and merely cut people down for entertainments sake. It hurts when an anonymous person is trying to lower your self-esteem from a computer screen for no particular reason. But that's the hard lesson; they are just some anonymous person. In the grand scheme of your life, they aren't even a blip on the radar. In the here and now, you feel hurt and wonder why? What did I do to deserve this?
The answer is nothing. That person that is trying to bring you down and throw shadows onto your light is dealing with their own demons. You possess something that they wish they had, and instead of being proactive and looking into themselves for answers and guidance, they are lashing out in anger. Their hatred has nothing to do with you, but is a self-reflection onto themselves.
In the end, you just need to sit back and realize that you can't please everyone. As long as you are being yourself and are comfortable in your own skin, the rest will follow.
"Slanderers do no hurt me because they do not hit me." ~Socrates
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My Definition of a Friend
How do you define friendship? Because sometimes I think we can forget what it really means to be and to have a great friend. I can't think of one person who hasn't been hurt, betrayed or deserted by someone who they thought of as a friend. We all have those friends on Facebook who we never really connected with. Yet they are still our friend.
Personally, I think friendship is unconditional. If a friend's love for you is true, you shouldn't be able to do anything that would make them not love you anymore, right? I mean, that's how it is with or pets, and our family members. Your cat doesn't care if you haven't showered yet, or if you've had a bad day and are grouchy. They love you all the same. Your mother doesn't hold a past arguement over your head forever to make you feel awful. These are unconditional friendships, and these are the ones that really last.
I have lots of friends. Friends from work, school, YouTube, and friends from my years ago that I still see once in a blue moon. It may sound bizarre, but I've never even met some of my best friends. Take my friends Kimi and Algie. I met them both through YouTube (we all make videos). They both live in Decatur, Georgia; and I would do anything for either of them if they needed me. Johanna is another example. She lives just outside of Berlin in Germany. The closest we've gotten to meeting is video-chatting on Skype, and sending each other huge long emails and the occasional care package. She is someone who will listen to me when I'm feeling crappy, and not just because I'm sitting next to her and she has to. She really cares, even though she lives half way around the world. It would be so easy for her to just shut me out. It's not like I can really touch her, you know? But still, she wants to listen and to talk. Unconditionally. That's what a true friend is to me.
(Opinion: Personal)
Personally, I think friendship is unconditional. If a friend's love for you is true, you shouldn't be able to do anything that would make them not love you anymore, right? I mean, that's how it is with or pets, and our family members. Your cat doesn't care if you haven't showered yet, or if you've had a bad day and are grouchy. They love you all the same. Your mother doesn't hold a past arguement over your head forever to make you feel awful. These are unconditional friendships, and these are the ones that really last.
I have lots of friends. Friends from work, school, YouTube, and friends from my years ago that I still see once in a blue moon. It may sound bizarre, but I've never even met some of my best friends. Take my friends Kimi and Algie. I met them both through YouTube (we all make videos). They both live in Decatur, Georgia; and I would do anything for either of them if they needed me. Johanna is another example. She lives just outside of Berlin in Germany. The closest we've gotten to meeting is video-chatting on Skype, and sending each other huge long emails and the occasional care package. She is someone who will listen to me when I'm feeling crappy, and not just because I'm sitting next to her and she has to. She really cares, even though she lives half way around the world. It would be so easy for her to just shut me out. It's not like I can really touch her, you know? But still, she wants to listen and to talk. Unconditionally. That's what a true friend is to me.
(Opinion: Personal)
Music Review: New Single "The Stand" - Mother Mother
Today, Mother Mother released their newest single, titled The Stand. For those who don't know, Mother Mother is a four piece Canadian alternative indie-rock group. Their debut album 'Touch Up' was an instant hit with those who were willing to do a little digging for it. This band is not a particularly well known group, but their sound is folksy yet cutting edge.
This new single is different from anything else the group as put out, but it still has that certain MM charm that I fell in love with. For anyone who's put one or both of the MM albums on repeat, this single is a must-have.
Mother Mother's new album 'Eureka' drops on March 15th, 2011. 'The Stand' has given me a great prelude; I'll be first in line for the new album.
(Opinion: Review)
This new single is different from anything else the group as put out, but it still has that certain MM charm that I fell in love with. For anyone who's put one or both of the MM albums on repeat, this single is a must-have.
Mother Mother's new album 'Eureka' drops on March 15th, 2011. 'The Stand' has given me a great prelude; I'll be first in line for the new album.
(Opinion: Review)
Monday, January 17, 2011
My thoughts on the 'new' Zodiac
I am quite interested in astrology and signs of the zodiac. I think it's a fun hobby and you'd be suprised what you can learn about yourself and others. The other night my twitter started to blow up with news of this 13th sign and a new zodiac chart. The new sign is Ophiuchus, or Serpentarius, and it the only 'real man' in the zodiac.
Since Ophiuchus has made his appearence, there has been nothing but chaos errupting from the astrological community. The 13th sign means that all of the other signs have shifted in position. This means that the sun passes through each constellation at a different time of the year. For most people, myself included, this means that the sun is in a different zodiac on your birthday. So, while I was once a Capricorn, I am now considered in this new zodiac to be a Sagittarius. I will include the dates of each sign on this new chart here:
Since Ophiuchus has made his appearence, there has been nothing but chaos errupting from the astrological community. The 13th sign means that all of the other signs have shifted in position. This means that the sun passes through each constellation at a different time of the year. For most people, myself included, this means that the sun is in a different zodiac on your birthday. So, while I was once a Capricorn, I am now considered in this new zodiac to be a Sagittarius. I will include the dates of each sign on this new chart here:
Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18- May 13
Taurus: May 13- June 21
Gemini: June 21- July 20
Cancer: July 20- Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10- Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16- Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30- Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23- Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29- Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18- May 13
Taurus: May 13- June 21
Gemini: June 21- July 20
Cancer: July 20- Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10- Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16- Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30- Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23- Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29- Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20
So, you see the dilemma: people who have lived their entire lives as a Virgo or an Aquarius are now suddenly informed that they are to consider themselves a Leo or a Cap. For many, this information was of absolutely now consequence to them. But for some, myself included, this new development means a change in their outlook.
Being a resourceful inter-web, I immediately began to research the sign of the archer, wondering if I possessed any of the common Sag traits. I was suprised to find that the characteristics of a Sagittarius fit me almost better than those of the Capricorn. One of my dear friends who lives in Georgia equated this new find to being switched at birth. I agree.
The outrage that the new chart stirred up was undeniable. Many people either did not research their 'new sign' as I did, or automatically dismissed the new chart as malinformed. News began to emerge that this new zodiac alignment only affecting people born after November of 2009. This, it seems, was the backlash of those who wanted to stay the same.
To the best of my knowledge, the Babylonians who created the 12 signs of the Zodiac did indeed know about Ophiuchus, the 13th sign. They, however, ommited to include him on the basis that 12 signs were cleaner and more general. That does not mean that the 13th sign wasn't there, only that he was not included.
Therefore I think it's slightly ridiculous to act as though Ophiuchus emerged from the blackness of the universe sometime in November of '09.
On the other hand, the universe has undergone so many cosmic shifts that perhaps Ophiuchus did not join the rotation of the other 12 signs until very recently.
I find both sides of this arguement quite tiresome and full of holes. This is why I have deemed myself the first Caprittarius: my way of defying both sides of this debate on the grounds. Because in the end, who the hell knows?
(Balanced Reporting)
(Balanced Reporting)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A persuasive piece on why you shouldn't go to university.
Ever since we were little, we've been pushed to create and achieve our goals. We've been conditioned to aim high and try our best. I agree that we should all try our hardest, in every aspect of our lives. However; when it comes to school, I am of the opinion that unless you are going to become a doctor, lawyer or any other profession equivalent to them, you should not go to university.
Believe me, when I was younger I felt that university was the be-all end-all of post secondary education. I used to want to be a biochemist for Christ's sake. But the older I get, the more I've realized that there are so many more practical ways to become educated and establish a good job for yourself.
Personally, I think college or an alternative academy or institute would suit most everyones needs much better than a university. While it is very important to be educated past high school, it is NOT essential to be in post-secondary education for years upon years for a "Visual Arts" BA or a Master's in English. Your options are so limited after schooling in those areas. Teaching is the popular scape-goat it seems, but look around. How many young, fresh out of school teachers are flipping burgers or waiting tables? The teaching workforce is full of people who aren't yet able to retire, and the open spots for new teachers is limited. It's sad thinking that someone so intelligent is left in the dust in this day and age. Despite all of their accomplishments and degrees, they are utterly unable to get a job.
Isn't that the whole point of getting a post-secondary education? Getting a good job? Something you'll love and excel at? I think so. And that's why I see colleges and other institutes as a better place for most students. I see it as less time spent in classrooms and lecture halls, less money spent and a fast-track to getting where you want to be. It seems like an obvious solution to this problem.
So I urge you to reconsider whether or not university is really the right place for you. Of course it's necessary for doctors and lawyers. But for anyone else, think of where you want to be after university. Then consider if perhaps a college setting may get you there faster and in better shape.
(Persuasive Piece)
Believe me, when I was younger I felt that university was the be-all end-all of post secondary education. I used to want to be a biochemist for Christ's sake. But the older I get, the more I've realized that there are so many more practical ways to become educated and establish a good job for yourself.
Personally, I think college or an alternative academy or institute would suit most everyones needs much better than a university. While it is very important to be educated past high school, it is NOT essential to be in post-secondary education for years upon years for a "Visual Arts" BA or a Master's in English. Your options are so limited after schooling in those areas. Teaching is the popular scape-goat it seems, but look around. How many young, fresh out of school teachers are flipping burgers or waiting tables? The teaching workforce is full of people who aren't yet able to retire, and the open spots for new teachers is limited. It's sad thinking that someone so intelligent is left in the dust in this day and age. Despite all of their accomplishments and degrees, they are utterly unable to get a job.
Isn't that the whole point of getting a post-secondary education? Getting a good job? Something you'll love and excel at? I think so. And that's why I see colleges and other institutes as a better place for most students. I see it as less time spent in classrooms and lecture halls, less money spent and a fast-track to getting where you want to be. It seems like an obvious solution to this problem.
So I urge you to reconsider whether or not university is really the right place for you. Of course it's necessary for doctors and lawyers. But for anyone else, think of where you want to be after university. Then consider if perhaps a college setting may get you there faster and in better shape.
(Persuasive Piece)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Short Story
The night is hot as hell, but I'm used to it by now. I've made this long, straight journey from Vegas to one of the small, outlying townships for quite sometime.
"Next year," I say to myself in the darkness. "Next year I'll move into the city for good."
The problem is, I've been saying that same thing to myself almost everytime I make this tedious journey home from my well-paying job as a bartender in a suave Casino-Hotel.
Nobody plans on being a bartender. I mean, sure some people go to school for it, but I don't think they ever really plan to do it for the rest of their lives. I know I didn't. I figured it would be a part-time deal that would help me get enough money to go to a good college. The Land of Sin, it seems, had a different plan in mind for me.
The money was so good that I almost entirely forgot about what it was supposed to be for. School became a hazy memory in the recesses of my mind, like something from a half-remembered dream.
So here I am, almost thirty years old and still making the same commute to the job I've had for ten years. The hours used to be my favourite part of the aptly named bartending 'night-life'. Sleeping all day and working all night was perfect for a young girl. Every year though, it seems like the hours my job have required me to keep become more and more difficult.
It's almost impossible to hold a relationship with someone working a day job, which is almost everyone in the small area that I live in. In fact, all I can do at night in such a small town is drive to work, to a city lit up like a blanket of stars. A city where nobody ever sleeps.
That's why I'm here, now. A long drive home from a long night of work. My shift tonight, like most nights, started at nine o'clock. The digital clock in my sleek car reads 3:48 a.m. I've only been on the road for close to an hour, and I've got miles to go before I sleep. Miles to go...
My body snaps back into reality as I realize that my eyes had slipped shut. That is the danger of driving such a straight and constant path. If you aren't careful, the seductive mountain-scape in the distance can lull you into a dream without your consent. Not that there's anybody on the road, but you never really know; do you?
I run my hand across my forehead, and I feel beads of sweat. Is it because of the heaviness of the air? Or the fact that I nearly fell asleep at the wheel of car doing close to 100 miles per hour? I ease off the gas, just a bit.
That's when I see it. If I hadn't just laid off the gas, I would have had less than no chance. But my slightly reduced speed gave me the slightest of advantages.
My mind can't even process it. It's as if the black mass in the middle of my lane wasn't there until moments before I was. My headlights did nothing to warn me of the impending danger. It's now or never.
I press both of my feet against the brake and jerk the wheel so far right that I hear a pop in my shoulder. The car leaves the road. I can feel every bump in the uneven, rocky soil. Then something happens that I did not except.
There were no guardrails. No reason for it. But my car, seeming to act of it's own accord, somersaults forward. I squeeze my eyes shut. All I can hear is the crunch of metal and the sound of smashed glass. My seatbelt holds me in, but then the airbag ejects and I can feel my nose caving in under it's pressure. I taste blood and smell burning rubber. Then, almost as quickly as it began, the senseless violence ends.
The darkness grows and seems to mix with the red swimming in front of my eyes. I fall unconscious.
I am roused by a scent in the air. It chills my blood and sets my heart in rapid beats, although the sound of my heart is strangely weak. I smell gas. The immobility that I felt moments ago leaves my muscles, and I scramble to escape. The window is smashed and I manage to pull myself through the broken glass and jagged metal.
I cry out as I drag my broken body across the desert grass. When I roll myself over onto my back, I notice the large shard of glass protruding from my stomach. I grasp it with shaking hands, and pull it from my flesh. Warmth washes over my hand, and my head starts to spin all over again.
As my mind shifts in and out of consciousness, I see the black crouching figure watching me. It's eyes glow red orange in the night; they seem to be alight with a hellish fire. A snarl rumbles deep in the creatures' throat. And then, it springs for me.
My scream rises in the early morning sky, and I know no more.
"Next year," I say to myself in the darkness. "Next year I'll move into the city for good."
The problem is, I've been saying that same thing to myself almost everytime I make this tedious journey home from my well-paying job as a bartender in a suave Casino-Hotel.
Nobody plans on being a bartender. I mean, sure some people go to school for it, but I don't think they ever really plan to do it for the rest of their lives. I know I didn't. I figured it would be a part-time deal that would help me get enough money to go to a good college. The Land of Sin, it seems, had a different plan in mind for me.
The money was so good that I almost entirely forgot about what it was supposed to be for. School became a hazy memory in the recesses of my mind, like something from a half-remembered dream.
So here I am, almost thirty years old and still making the same commute to the job I've had for ten years. The hours used to be my favourite part of the aptly named bartending 'night-life'. Sleeping all day and working all night was perfect for a young girl. Every year though, it seems like the hours my job have required me to keep become more and more difficult.
It's almost impossible to hold a relationship with someone working a day job, which is almost everyone in the small area that I live in. In fact, all I can do at night in such a small town is drive to work, to a city lit up like a blanket of stars. A city where nobody ever sleeps.
That's why I'm here, now. A long drive home from a long night of work. My shift tonight, like most nights, started at nine o'clock. The digital clock in my sleek car reads 3:48 a.m. I've only been on the road for close to an hour, and I've got miles to go before I sleep. Miles to go...
My body snaps back into reality as I realize that my eyes had slipped shut. That is the danger of driving such a straight and constant path. If you aren't careful, the seductive mountain-scape in the distance can lull you into a dream without your consent. Not that there's anybody on the road, but you never really know; do you?
I run my hand across my forehead, and I feel beads of sweat. Is it because of the heaviness of the air? Or the fact that I nearly fell asleep at the wheel of car doing close to 100 miles per hour? I ease off the gas, just a bit.
That's when I see it. If I hadn't just laid off the gas, I would have had less than no chance. But my slightly reduced speed gave me the slightest of advantages.
My mind can't even process it. It's as if the black mass in the middle of my lane wasn't there until moments before I was. My headlights did nothing to warn me of the impending danger. It's now or never.
I press both of my feet against the brake and jerk the wheel so far right that I hear a pop in my shoulder. The car leaves the road. I can feel every bump in the uneven, rocky soil. Then something happens that I did not except.
There were no guardrails. No reason for it. But my car, seeming to act of it's own accord, somersaults forward. I squeeze my eyes shut. All I can hear is the crunch of metal and the sound of smashed glass. My seatbelt holds me in, but then the airbag ejects and I can feel my nose caving in under it's pressure. I taste blood and smell burning rubber. Then, almost as quickly as it began, the senseless violence ends.
The darkness grows and seems to mix with the red swimming in front of my eyes. I fall unconscious.
I am roused by a scent in the air. It chills my blood and sets my heart in rapid beats, although the sound of my heart is strangely weak. I smell gas. The immobility that I felt moments ago leaves my muscles, and I scramble to escape. The window is smashed and I manage to pull myself through the broken glass and jagged metal.
I cry out as I drag my broken body across the desert grass. When I roll myself over onto my back, I notice the large shard of glass protruding from my stomach. I grasp it with shaking hands, and pull it from my flesh. Warmth washes over my hand, and my head starts to spin all over again.
As my mind shifts in and out of consciousness, I see the black crouching figure watching me. It's eyes glow red orange in the night; they seem to be alight with a hellish fire. A snarl rumbles deep in the creatures' throat. And then, it springs for me.
My scream rises in the early morning sky, and I know no more.
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