Sunday, 26 February 2012

A Joyful Horror

Around the age of twelve years old, I had a dream.

I never told a soul about the dream I had because I didn’t think it was important at the time.
Besides I never understood it either, it was all very bizarre. I basically forgot it until some years ago when it came to mind. I can assure you that this is very serious, I’m not putting you on. I have been a Seventh - day Adventist since age nine when I was baptized. I didn’t even understand why I would have a dream like that. What could it mean?
I basically forgot it for many many years. However I want to share it with you today.

 In my dream I was standing on the lawn outside of my house and I was staring at the sky. I was looking intensely
at the second coming of Christ! Yes, like everything you would imagine, except it was just me by myself. All I remember is how I felt in the dream, I never felt so happy and so excited. It began as a small dark cloud that increased in size until it was visible.

Jesus was sitting on a throne in the sky with a seashore of angels around him just like how you see it in the pictures.
I remember shouting his name with all my voice, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” while smiling and laughing full of joy. I even went on my knees, raised my hands towards the sky and just adored my savior as he was coming closer and closer to earth. I even saw how he looked! He looked just like how he is portrayed in the pictures with white robe, long hair, golden crown on his head, bright  lights and the whole works.Wow! You just dont get it, he was sitting on his throne and the throne was moving in the sky! Right. Unbelievable, eh!

However, what happened next really disturbed me- immediately the atmosphere changed! As I was looking towards heaven adoring my savior, the figure sitting on the throne suddenly turned into the devil as without warning. Have you ever seen Jack in the box? It was like Jack in the box! My Jesus popped and transformed into the most ugly monster Ive ever seen!The figure made a terrifying squeal- that woke me up instantly. I remember laying in bed as firm as a rock. I didn’t even open my eyes right away. I was stiff scared.

I am not going to tell you what I believe the dream means but I will say thing are not what they appear to be- it was an illusion .However  I will admit I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't real because I thought I was going to Heaven. I got over it almost instantly.I hope that God will help you to understand what he wants you to understand if it is that you are destined to read this. You cant blame me for having a dream, especially one like that. My job is done. God bless you all!

Mythical_Poet
A true story. (Extremely serious, no joke)

How to Drive Stick Shift

How to Drive Stick Shift

It was my time and I panicked! This was two years ago. At first I maintained focus by trying not to get nervous, but failed. As the car raced so did my heart with each aching moment. Sweating heavily I moved pass the Clarendon main up Spur tree before demanding a stop. Unconfident and uncomfortable I only wished the nightmare would end so I pulled over and shortened the journey.

You may be new at driving but it is always good to learn this skill that will be important for success in the future.  Contrary to popular belief, driving is not difficult. Imagine having the knowledge to transport yourself anywhere you want without help. Imagine the fun and freedom, the energy and excitement of showing your skill to friends and family.

Additionally, driving stick shift is an art which requires skill, patience and timeliness. In an area free from obstruction you can observe these steps that will prepare you to be a good driver.

1.       Know the parts of the standard vehicle.
It is recommended that before doing anything you are familiar with the car; and this entails knowing the correct position of the gears, various switches, mechanical indicators and other controls. You must know how to hold the steering wheel, the position of the pedals and other technical operations. You will also realize that knowledge of the clutch and its theory, engine, brakes, wheels and fuel systems will be useful in properly operating the vehicle. Therefore the first thing to do is  know and study the parts of the standard vehicle.

2.      Switch on the ignition and select gear.
Secondly, after knowing the parts, ensure that you are comfortable by adjusting your seat. Be completely relaxed and see that all doors are closed with maximum visibility in front, behind and to the sides of the vehicle. Next, remember to wear a seatbelt. For emphasis you don’t want to start the car while in gear so ensure the gear lever is in neutral position. Finally switch on the engine by turning a key. Now, gently but firmly depress the clutch pedal all the way down. Select first gear. Hold it! If you move your left foot, that is it. Relax.  You have just selected gear.

3.      Release the hand brake lever and move off
Thirdly, after gear selection, you have to release the hand brake lever to move the car. This may be safe or dangerous depending on the land elevation. On hilly slopes the car will run back so use your right foot on the break. Remember that your left foot has not moved. Slowly give a little gas by gently pressing the accelerator pedal until you get a steady rev. It is important that you don’t press too hard. Next remove the left foot off clutch pedal slowly. Somewhere between the up and down of clutch the car begins to move. Do not remove your leg of the clutch rapidly when moving. Give the car some time to gain momentum. As the car begins to move you can now remove your foot of the clutch completely. The car has moved off

4.      In traffic
Now, after moving off, you don’t want to remain in first gear. This is dangerous for your car’s engine. Therefore after picking up some speed you must listen to the engine to know it is time for second gear. Of course there are other ways, but, you are a beginner. At about 20 km/h you must change gear. You do this in the same way you moved off only more quickly! Press the clutch pedal down, shift the gear into second and come off the clutch gently giving some gas. The road is clear so repeat the same procedure for third, fourth and fifth gear. However when the road is congested, it is impossible to change to higher gear. According to Cliff Hylton, author of Jamaican Drivers Guide , he says, “Because of congestion, never try to cut pass other vehicles, but give appropriate signals and watch traffic lights carefully”(25).He continues, “Knowing how to drive will depend on mastering road craft in traffic because it’s inevitable”(23).

5.      Ascending and descending hills
Driving in Jamaica, you will encounter many hills and valleys and you must know how to deal with them. You are moving in gear four (speed gear), you see a hill, what now?  Gear down to second or first in the same sequence for gearing up Remember to do this way ahead to avoid stalling the car. According to Cliff Hylton, author and experienced driver ,  “most hill difficulties are nearly always caused by bad driving which involves changing down too late”(22).After the peak of the hill you are now descending you must remain in low gear to have control of the car. The lower gear acts as a brake (because of compression) so will reduce the need to continually press the brake pedal.

6.      Moving on a hill-
Most beginners get frustrated with this procedure. The right balance of clutch and gas will give you the best result.  Therefore the best reaction is a smooth movement without any jerks. On a steep hill after starting the engine, depress the clutch pedal and select first gear. Now give a little gas until you get a steady rev and hold it. Next gently release foot from clutch and listen for the engine to change. You should hear a rattling sound. Once you hear the sound release the handbrake. At this point the car is either perfectly still or slowly moving forward all depending on the level of the clutch. Finally, give little gas for momentum before removing foot form clutch.

7.      Slowing down and stopping.
You cannot keep driving forever as the unnecessary traffic and pedestrians will prevent this from happening. Slowing down the standard vehicle is very simple. Gentle press the brake pedal and the car will slow down! Press it too long and too hard and you will stop the car without best results. To stop the car you have to release the accelerator pedal, depress the footbrake firmly and smoothly, when the speed is reduced considerably, depress the clutch pedal and keep it down, until the car is brought to a standstill. You may then apply the handbrake, move the gear lever into neutral, release the clutch pedal gently and switch of the engine.

Everybody fails the first time. You could hear a pin drop as he looked at me shaking his head in disbelief. Therefore before driving try to know as much and never get into a car without an experienced driver beside you for safety. Ensure the car is properly insured and fit. Finally, practice will make you perfect so good luck with your driving and remember defensive driving.

Martin Semugeshi, Feature Writer
 October 27, 2010
Draft 1

Crabbed Age and Youth- Essay Crtique

The subject of youth and ‘crabbed’ age is very interesting to me. Foremost, as intimidating as the passage appeared because of the length of material it was well received. I personally believe that the young and old in society should not separate because there is much that the two groups can learn from each other.

As a young person, I say this in an unbiased and unproud way, who doesn’t want to be young? Youth is the prime of life and emotion. I believe Harrison was greatly in love with youth because she talks so much of youth almost as if she wants to be young once again.

What fascinates her so much to the young?

Crabbed Age and Youth cannot live together:  "Youth is full of pleasure, Age is full of care"…These are the opening line of a poem by William Shakespeare that bares the same tile. This idea espoused by Shakespeare is one that Harrison only partly supports. She believes that for the most part youths are egotistical pleasure seekers and the aged are altruistic, caring beings. But also dispel the idea that both can’t co-exist in spite of the differences of opinion and lifestyle. She believes there is an artificial barrier created between the two which believe the two cannot meet on common grounds. Youth, I do adore thee; O, my Love, my Love is young!  Age, I do defy thee:  O, sweet shepherd, hide thee!  For me thinks thou stay'st too long. (Shakespeare).

But, I  believe,  both youth and old age serve their purposes. No soul can be forever young as age is no guarantee either.The age of youth makes the realization of ambition possible. The young is naturally motivated through strength of body and ambition for adventure while the old is satisfied with recollections and wisdom of old age. Harrison points out that a problem arise when the old does not want to give up the “vagaries” of youth. The idea of perpetual youth creates a problem because there is no time for reflections.

Another problem is the old wanting the young to walk in their footsteps on a path, metaphorical speaking, that is always changing.. The young should be left to make their mistake the writer seems to advocate. I agree with the writer that there is an artificial divide between youth and old age, this is promulgated by jealousy by older person to one extent, and fear of becoming that way by the youth. It can be lessen if these are addressed. The essay is a work of beauty that could fit as a newspaper editorial or a magazine article in any of today’s important magazines. I believe Harrison’s style is excellent.

She closes with this, "Forget the subject...decline the crudity of class distinctions; ignore crabbed age and youth as classes and you will find that as individuals they will  and can most happily live, and even dine,  together".

Therefore, whether Youth or crabbed age it is clear that to all is given a time which is as valuable an asset if used well, because not all youth reach crabbed age.

Seminar in Advanced English Studies
Mythical_Poet
Summer 2010

Trying to be a Servant by Nelly Bly (A opinion)

It is of such critical importance what Bly wrote. Trying to be a servant is an investigation of the issues and working conditions in the past for women. It only shows the failure of the system and its hypocrisy and the seemingly apparent idea that women were little more than house slaves, not considered important, not needing of education and liberation in mind. If you were not ‘in control always’ you were not manly, you would disgrace societies expectations.

I strongly believe that society is at war because of this conflict between man and woman. The ‘strong’ men would survive and conquer while the weak men get left behind, they say. It is a culture  tied into the web of religious and societal traditions- it’s tribal! Anyone who assumes the role of a servant is weak and lacks the ability to do what they want to do, whereas those who are strong do what they will. For human beings economic freedom means everything and one is not free without material satisfaction. And since money is the controlling factor for economic freedom- it means a desperate struggle for survival.

 I appreciate the situation of the writer and the message trying to convey.History shows work conditions of the nineteenth and twentieth century’s were deplorable,for women, and men, and even still today. Particularly for women, there are issues of deeper concern regarding women treatment and rights. Bly recounts in a journalistic sense her experiences at two employment agencies which she calls ‘strange’.  Exploitation of women in society has been a contributing factor to the social downturn ethically, culturally and politically. Blys’ investigation to understand complaints of “ long-suffering mistresses, worked-out servants”(paragraph 1) was her attempt to feel the woman’s struggle in the world and the ‘demeaning’ of their dignity as she was ‘trying’ to be a servant. As a social reformist its seen why she considers such a topic of relevance.

After reading the text, I was concerned at the thought of human beings sacrificing their dignity and the painstaking efforts they put-up with, all the crap and nonsense they do to make a living. Not only to women but men as well does this rule apply that life is not fair. The truth remains corruption and unfair practices are the building blocks of any society. That woman could use their beauty to gain preference in the world of work! I equate this evil with slavery not on the terms of a forced will but the manipulation of human rights- mental slavery. Bly claims, “it was a novel insight I got of life”. As a result many women resort to prostitution and all illegal activity because of this fact. Many have given up as Bly surely did, “trying to be a servant”.

Finally,even  in the face of exploitation nobody has the right to impose will on anybody. And if it was the Bible  used for this evil subjection of women, -as in the case of Eve and her "role" in the transmission of sin- such men were sadly misinformed condemning women to unfair humility.


Mythical_Poet
2010 July

A reaction to Isabella Birds' Lake Tahoe

Like Isabella Bird I share some of the same feelings about beauty and nature. I love nature! It appears to have a voice calling you to stop and stare. Sometimes I want to just get away from trafficking and noise and crowdiness and take a trip somewhere far away. The lake must have been of great significance to Bird. Whenever  taking trips  to the country I always love to stare at the beauty of whatever I see.

The sense of awe and wonder experienced by bird is not a new concept to my experiences. There is something about traveling that just excites you and makes you see the world differently than you are use to. A subtle truth is told and revealed behind hidden mountains and water bodies with fauna and flora like a natural mystic flowing through the air according to- Bob Marley-if you listen carefully and you will hear.. To me traveling is a passion I want to embrace for the rest of my life.

After reading Isabella bird I see the connection to literature and the romantic period of America. The romantic period is basically the era where feelings and nature were prominent over society. An understanding of romanticism will help you understand the significance of her attraction to nature and the sentiments it held for society.

The style of writing exposes her perspective and passion for her subject matter. She strikes me as a sincere lover of nature. Some questions that came to mind were like her feminine role and the similarity of nature to woman. What are the qualities that distinguish men from women and such.


Another issue for me was Birds’ health. Was she attracted to nature because of her condition? Nature has certain medicinal properties good for the body soul and spirit. Her sense of expressive freedom of the fauna and fern only sparked my imagination. I greatly enjoyed the piece. Oh, I saw a picture of Lake Tahoe on the internet and it’s beautiful. It reminds me of Lake Michigan when I visited the United States some five years ago. I will never ever forget that experience. Hope to go back soon.

Mythical_Poet, critique

Reaction to A Bitter Complaint of the Ungentle Reader

The writer talks about the unnecessary expectations placed on readings.
The writer is especially critical of readers who squabble for philosophizing and debating the meaning of what the writer intended. And even more dangerous are readers who try to induce interpretations that are not intended by the writer. Reading to the writer is a natural aesthetic form like eating is, almost like second nature to those who read, it is done out of enjoyment. Not out of the sense of purpose or feeling that they should be reading more.

The writer is critical of readers as institution or body of    consumers. It is not the writer’s right to make the writing so that the readers get the most out of it. The writer’s first right is to himself and to the proclivity he has for writing. Although the eating analogy the writers cite does have its limitation and should not be overstretched, readers do have the option to pick what they want to read and  what proportion, and even how they read.

Aloud, fast or slow. What the readers should get from reading should be personal and fulfilling to them. Reading is not a public vocation. What the ungentle readers have failed to grasp is reading from the fun of it, out of appreciation and association, rather than to apprehended and interrogate everything that is written. Reading should not be forced.

For many times mat readers by-pass the straightforward statement and instead place their own bearing on the work. The writer, I believe, writes for the individual audience and not usually for public discourse.. The writer gets pleasure for creating his work and then sharing it. He is using his gift of writing and words. The readers read for enjoyment, not from any agenda of disseminating the writer’s intention. For the ungentle reader who wants to know the meaning of every line and how to make the most of it, it is probably advisable that they pick out what they find applicable to them. Benefits at time can be very personal, what benefits you may not benefit another.


Although I agree that the writer does not need premature dissenters and self gratiating zealots masquerading as readers but whose main focus is to re-interpret the writer’s work some relationship between writers and readers are necessary. Although the writer should not be judged and his work dismissed for lack of understanding, the writer must be true to his gift and himself. The writer should not lie. Writers should not create pseudo work of art that underestimates the intelligence of the readers. But instead the writer must be true to himself and similarly the readers must be interested in reading and not do it because of some obligation or it will be just as effective as force feeding; it is repulsive.

Mythical_Poet
Summer 2010

My Writing Process (Expository)

MY WRITING PROCESS

Don't be fooled, all writers are liars. We know how to formulate stories and we break all the rules in our craft, even the ones we set. Add to that, good writers know how to steal, yes. We live in a world of words where anything we see resembles a buffet that all it takes is a clever brain with a pens stroke to rearrange any letter, word or group of words to suit our purposes and sinister schemes- remember what I said from the start.

 But you can trust me. In all, my best work is complete when I know not what to write. I do not have a library of 'good stuff '  but I can actually sense when a project is good and when it is poorly written. A lost note is lost forever, never quite comes out the same way, a piece of my mind I may never see again.

Its how I make sense of the world and my experiences with it. If this note was to be deleted somehow, could I  duplicate the content once more in it?

God knows I dont like cluster, I need my own space sometimes. I dislike to be invaded because lack of freedom suppresses my emotional state. I know we live in a bossy world.. but to be told what to do all the time is out of the question. I dont like to usurp authority over people unnecessarily- I guess im a wanderer.

I do not know how I write or where it comes from because there is no method to the madness. I am sometimes surprised at what I produce on paper, mos times its beyond my comprehension- I cant retrace the steps of my work. I say madness because the act of writing to me is a kind of mental illness almost like you hearing your own words mocking and criticizing you over and over and over in your head after a conversation with someone.I just take it as it comes without question.

The writing itself seems to dictate its own direction and path as I progress with my pen for the toughest part is the beginning. However once I see the first words, the writing generally finishes itself so naturally most times. I sometimes hold soft internal and external conversations with myself trying to make sense of what I want to convey. I even do that when Im not trying to write. I dont believe any writer sets out on a mission to 'auto-correct'- they just write and then make sense after.

The writers mind is like a confused mess of unsorted garbage locked away in space before he fleshes out his thoughts on paper. Only he has the key to free himself from that confused state. To say what cant be said in a clearest way possible is the challenge. Almost like how God separated darkness from light and then put things in order. But like the creator, who when he finished his work was pleased, mos writers are perfectionist who will not rest until satisfied with their work. Some writers are lazy. They will think it, but they wont take time to express it- give up too easy. I had to overcome this, I fight it everyday! They envision the end product but get discouraged in the process. They hit rock bottom falling asleep at the wheel of writers block and crash into a dump with no hope of getting out- this is the writers curse. The writers can be an unstable atom, if not careful.

Because sometimes the magic is nowhere to be found and you get really depressed. Other times it flows like a river in an almost endless cycle of joy. However its hard to hear myself in noisy areas so quiet places are more suitable for me. It can take a long period to complete a writing project at times. But if its inspired (meaning I dont exert effort) it can only take a few minutes. These occasions are rear, I understand them even less than writing with a purpose, however, I think it has to do with mood.To me writing is easier than speaking it is an act of  poetic  self justice, a sweet release from reality with a touch of comfort


And while writing is not something I practice everyday because you will run into a ditch I promise, it does help my thought processing and emotional states.There is a natural high you get from expressing the honesty of your feelings and ideas in a creative manner. To me creativity is almost like worship- it lifts you up!The feeling of satisfaction I get from a job well done is comparable to a famous singer hitting a high note full of mystical expression. Its like a good piece of music from your favorite artiste that you listen and sing over and over and over imagining desperately you were the composer.And though I certainly am not the best, I know for a fact Im not the worst. This is perhaps one of few  things I can do well and  all because of an inhibition to speaking much.


Mythical_Poet
2012

Reaction to On Advertisement for Marriage

Even though I read the works of various women, the possibility of sharing Perkins' view is very much limited because I am not a woman. I do not get the impression that she is anti-marriage. She, to me, is just a very cautious woman who does not want to be hurt by men hence is very careful about the marriage topic.Why should anyone not take the opportunity to get to know someone as dear and important as ones partner? I agree that people should take time in selection of partners and ensure that one thinks before one act. Generally, the writing is very good, she is a talented woman, and her arguments are deep and thought provoking.There is no ‘prejudice’ or harm in carefully and patiently making yourself known to someone before diving into the sea of marriage

The text also displays fairness in a balanced expression on both sides. She tells no lie. She takes mostly a feministic approach. We need to carefully analyze the context of the era in which she lived, her experience and her feministic approach before criticizing.Interestingly, the medium of communication used in those days was ‘writing of letters’, she advocates for expression.

Marriage is something sacred that God created. It is not some flirtatious act of infatuation it is suppose to be a lifetime commitment. Taking the seriousness into consideration careful planning is important. Its better you decide not to get married and live how you want to live than to enter into a marriage uncertain. But even this has its consequences.

I was shocked when reading her biography that Perkins committed suicide. It just popped up, I didn’t expect it! However, it does bring speculation as to issues she may have been dealing with and how her writing is reflective of her course. After being aware of this, I saw her writing in a different light- but this is only my opinion. I sense that she was sad, very sad. People commit suicide everyday for various reasons; and in the case of Perkin, perhaps she gave up on life and took matters into her own hands

Mythical_Poet