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Articles by Alize Henry
Why the Children?
Young people are amazing. The respectable, honest, and kind ones and the bullying and blatantly disrespectful ones. Either way, I am amazed at our youth, here on this earth. With each new era, it seems the people we will more likely have to depend on are the ones we most likely will fear. From the point of the bullies and the disrespectful ones, the elderly do not stand a chance of surviving. Who do they think the elderly are? I sometimes ponder that question.
Wisdom Calls Us to Act Responsibly
“Every action we take today writes the story our children will inherit tomorrow.” Lately, I can’t help but notice that the wicked seem to outnumber the righteous. People act in ways that are not only criminal but also deeply wrong — unconcerned with the consequences. Worse, they’re surrounded by enablers: souls so mired in their own wrongdoing that calling it out in others would mean condemning themselves. There was a time when adults in our communities taught the young the right way to live.
Poetic Journeys Through the Seasons
The world turns on a wheel of seasons, each with its own unique light, its own specific sigh. We mark our lives not just by calendars, but by the scent of blooming April soil, the heavy, sensual heat of August, the crisp surrender of autumn, and the silent introspection of December. In this collection, I invite you to walk with me through a full year’s cycle. These poems are love letters to the months that shape us, a chronicle of moments both fleeting and eternal.
A Crisis of Misplaced Priorities
We’re often told to fear distant threats — the “golden eagle” circling overhead, representing outsiders deemed dangerous. Yet for many true citizens of this country, the real danger is a “grizzly bear” rampaging through our very homes. While national debates rage about immigration, a more insidious menace operates in plain sight: organized harassers and criminals who prey on the law-abiding with shocking impunity. I am a survivor.
Uncovering the True Threats to Liberty That Justice Continues to Ignore
We’re often told to fear the distant threat, the “golden eagle” circling overhead, representing those deemed outsiders or threats from afar. Yet, for many true citizens of this country, the real danger is a “grizzly bear” rampaging through our very homes. While national debates rage about immigration, a more insidious menace operates in plain sight: organized harassers and criminals who prey on the law-abiding with shocking impunity. I am a survivor.
A King’s Choice
After completing an amphitheater, built for his people in one of the largest cities in his country, the resourceful king was honored with a private party, celebrating his generosity. The event was held in one of the Sultan’s seaside villas. Upon their first encounter, the Sultan’s daughter noticed the illuminating flecks of light flash in his wide, seductive eyes. She felt a shiver of recognition. The king, in that moment, fell hard for her.
Hiding Scars or Revealing Wounds?
We curate & disseminate outstanding stories from diverse domains to create synergy. Inquiries: https://digitalmehmet.com/ Subscribe to our content marketing strategy: https://drmehmetyildiz.substack.com/ It’s easier to expose our scars than to reveal our wounds. Scars show what we’ve survived. They are the evidence of healing — remnants of past pain that signal, “I made it through.” Whether from scrapes, surgeries, or infections, scars declare that pain was once present, and survival followed.
Cacophony in the Silence
At the edge of darkness, where dreams don’t exist, Where plans and goals dissolve into a hopeless abyss. Hearts abandon friendships, golden memories disposed, And loneliness prowls, seeking to steal souls. Loneliness, a shadow that stretches long, A deafening silence, where whispers never throng. It winds like mist through the mind’s worn halls, Leaving echoes of laughter in fractured walls. In hollow chambers, it spins its veil, A shroud of sorrow where hope grows pale.
Offering Support
“Another Reading Spree!” ~Justiss Goode Alize Henry · Follow Published in Balanced Growth · 4 min read · -- Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash Justiss Goode | F😄M is a great support in helping to get our work recognized and enjoyed — by offering a reading spree. Title Submissions WANTED: Nominations for 2024 “Best of Medium Stories this Year” Have you read or written a story that really deserves to shine?
Dear Life
While I’m grateful for your well-meaning efforts to guide me forward, I must confess that I am presently overwhelmed by a deep depression. Tasks that were once simple now feel insurmountable. The doorknob feels as though it’s a hundred feet high, requiring ladders and scaffolding to even reach the outside world. It’s real — this depression — when simple tasks become unconquerable undertakings. Many of the joys I once knew now feel like inconceivable tasks.
Make It to the Other Side
Make It to the Other Side Can anyone make it to the other side? If I call you, will you come to me or hide? Are you ready to help me save my life? If I raise my hand in the crowd, Or call your name clearly and loud, Will you answer and stand by me, Or walk away, hoping not to see? You all ignore me — pretending to be so nice, But I see your masked vitriol and spite. What happens if I run out of options to survive? Is there anyone who still loves me, still alive?
This Journey
I sat on the back patio, looking up into the cerulean brilliance of the mid-morning sky. The vast, still expanse of azure blue mesmerized me with its enthralling wonder. The quiet solitude brought to mind the long-ago days when children were safe in the protection of a family. Questions from my childhood, still unanswered, sprang up, aching to be resolved. Even in this era of abounding knowledge, the Information Age, the Universe has not yet answered: Why are we here?
So, You Don't Want to Be Alone?
Socializing for the aging generation is becoming less active and less sought-after. Many of us hold back from a lack of trust or getting into superficial relationships. A bit of caution and sound judgment come with maturity. Experience has taught us much and memory serves up flash-backs to help keep us mindful, though not fearful. Keeping in touch with friends and family are important and valued treasures.
Can You Keep Your Focus Clear...
Within our ways of thinking, the truth can seem distorted and warped, a bit off-kilter. With so many changes and new events happening all around, life can be challenging to try and remain in a state of composed assurance. It is unbelievable the debased things individuals have done - forever - that we know nothing about; especially when we discover others' normal may seem odd, bizarre, and 'plain-old-crazy'.
Layers
Some days I am fine as wine and winning, On other days, I am so afraid I might be sinning. Sulking in solitude, yet crowded, seeking my own help, I cry for unknown reasons and am ashamed of myself. I pull off more layers, looking deeply into me, Seeking if I am okay or how soon I will be. At times, life's amusing; I try not to be sad, Without hope, I would mostly get mad. Feeling I can do more with this life, Yearning to be good enough or alright.
Pretend It's Not Happening ...
"Is freedom anything else than the right to live as we wish? Nothing else." ~Epictetus "If you don't like what you see, don't look." I used to tell my children this when we were out somewhere, and they wanted to sneer at things they thought were ugly or unacceptable. What do we tell the children today? Multitudes of ugly unnatural things are happening right before our eyes. We know it shouldn't be happening, yet we are overwhelmed with the gruesome reality of it all.
Anger's Empowering Shield In the Face of Fear
Fear directs us into vulnerability and powerlessness. Yet it has rewards when utilized respectfully and properly towards a righteous goal.
I Dream of Freedom
Do we truly live in "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for All"? "You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom." ~ Malcolm X Jacob Tooley fought in two wars and went on five tours. When he returned to the US, he was met with hostility and bigotry. Realizing he felt more peaceful and freer in lands far from his home, Jacob decided to retire...
"What IS Freedom?"
By Alize Henry The Right to Choose One's Own Way Photo by Nidheesh Kavalan on Unsplash Here we go again, trying to give definitions to words that have multiple meanings and none of them define the word correctly. How does it feel to be free? Are you free? How many of you truly know freedom? Many of us think we are free. LOL...
Spiritual Queries or Clarity of Spirit
We oddly encounter spiritual anomalies, each moment an experience, standing solidly on a precipice despite the fearlessness of yesterday. Apprehensively, we face the judgments of tomorrow, while situated firmly within today. A...
Asking For Help To Get the Job Done
A drabble is a short work of fiction of precisely one hundred words. The purpose of the drabble is brevity, testing the author's ability to express interesting and meaningful ideas in a confined space. The random word chosen from the list is Empathy.
Drabbles, drabbles, everywhere!
A drabble is a short work of fiction of precisely one hundred words. The purpose of the drabble is brevity, testing the author’s ability to express interesting and meaningful ideas in a confined space. I’ve discovered drabbles, and I love the concept of writing them from random words. I have set myself…
Women Warriors… Princesses Pt. 4
Balthazar, the dragon rider, faces an array of riveting dilemmas. Part 4 This drabble responds to one of Grim Flandango’s daily word prompts (duvet). Balthazar, the dragon rider, a solitary warrior — thrived in solitude, eschewing the company of others. He neither followed commands nor issued demands. His companion, Lunara, the silverback dragon, was his antithesis in temperament. Balthazar’s demeanor was a velvet duvet compared to her thistle-filled covering behavior.
Quiet Storms
🩷Dear Readers, thank you all for reading, commenting, highlighting, and clapping. Also, let’s Enjoy! April is National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each year since 1996.🌺💚🦋 Glancing out on the city — I see a distant storm come to life. Moving quickly through the darkness tossing debris high.
What’s on the Minds of People?
I’ve noticed a profound desire for freedom — now trending. Excerpts from a discussion — between three perplexed friends who could not provide acceptable answers to each other’s questions and wonderings. How does it feel to be free? To have the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance. To have the right to, entitlement to, the privilege, the prerogative to live without others imposing restraints. “I feel that I am wasting away here in this stagnation!” Maddie cried.
Visceral Perceptions of Humanity’s Change
If I were a poem with the opportunity to send a message to the world… Jason Edmunds of the Poetry Club offered a Poetry prompt: If you were a poem with the opportunity to send a message to the world, or speak to humanity, what would your message be?
A Life Without Virtues?
Imagine life with only vices with no scales to balance our lives. 🌺Please stay on the page for 30 seconds or more, so the stories are counted as read. As you read, highlight, then clap, and comment — let us know you’ve been here! Deep within one’s soul exists a balance of good and evil.
A Short Humorous Journey
Clowning around in the playground of life. “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” ~ E.E. Cummings Choosey Lover… A savvy songwriter named Vic, Could think up love songs so damned quick! But each love song she wrote, We thought them a freaking joke! ’Cause the men she dates make her sick! Give Them Another Life! Friday is the day we all cheer, When the work shift finally comes near, Rushing home, just to be alone, Drink beer and watch TV on the phone.
I Had It First!
“Giving to others what is rightfully theirs constitutes justice” ~ Unknown The random word of the day is claims. Drabbles are short — 100-word stories. “Give it back! It’s mine! Stop bothering my things!” Keikei yells at her twin brother Zeke. “No! I had it first. I get to play with it this time!” “No, you don't!” Snatching it away, she forcefully claims her toy. “Mommy, Keikei won't share,” Zeke falsely accuses. “Put away those toys. It's bedtime!” Mom orders.
Just Pretend It’s Not Happening …
In case a person does not continue to “seek help” does not mean it is not “still needed.” “If you don’t like what you see, don’t look.” I used to tell my children this when we were out somewhere and they wanted to sneer at things they thought were ugly or unacceptable. What do we tell the children today? Multitudes of ugly unnatural things are happening right before our eyes. We know it shouldn’t be happening, yet we are overwhelmed with the grisly reality of it all.
Glorious World
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
Hidden Dreams
I’ve got ideas, plans, and dreams just as does everyone else, or so it seems I suspect my ideas are plagiarized and my plans may also be compromised And the plans I make are often overshadowed researched, curtailed, and even outsmarted My dreams are hidden deep inside where none see, listen, nor deride Safely they hide within my left ventricle free from the prying eyes of the skeptical They live in a space vast deep and wide uninterrupted, diligently they reside My ideas can be seen when I...
Eternal Pilgrimage
Escaping the perils of this world… Visiting in Foreverness.
Surprisingly, Death Ignores
Of living souls - into the abounding peacefulness it strides Death has legions of angels whose appointments are to take lives. Decisively ignoring souls awaiting release from Turmoil's pain While Grief and Loneliness, unhealed, remain. Daily Death visits to claim the lives for whom it is due Then passes up many living plants, animals, and humans too. That may need its comforting quiet respite in its privileges Any day is a good day for Death's untimely scheduled visits.
Saturday Morning Sax Jazz
The October monthly theme writing prompt is open-ended allowing for your unique creative interpretation.
Dearest Friend
He is now my confidant and mentor, but he was once my man Things didn't work out for us, and assuredly I understand He finds me intriguingly interesting, but we both be free from blame Yet he tolerates my vain opinions and inflammatory games Quietly listens to my complaints and tries to eradicate my fears Prays with me, consoles me, and wipes away my tears With virtuousness, he invests in me, his money, and his time Constantly expressing his love, proving my worth - a paradigm He often texts...
Re-write Your Own Stories
Anything is possible beyond the blurred lines and run-on sentences there awaits a life unknown, untold, unlived by the very person's life that it belongs to afraid to look, to see, to hear, to listen, to desire, to trust oneself to get it right this time because it failed a thousand times before - life is an ongoing journey and will allow itself to live as many times as it is lived do not fear to pursue an amazing life devoid of pitfalls spiraling downward into abysmal wills and self-doubts...
Divine Luminary Encounters
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." ~Psalms 91:11 In realms of vibration, our guardians reside Not bound by the chains of linear time With zealous spirit, they tirelessly protect, Passionate celestial beings, ever diligent and erect With fervent spirit, they steadfastly guard, Unyielding vigilance, alert, and unscarred Each time they come with graceful ease. To aid those seeking truth to seize With certainty, and conviction, they commence.
Can We Heal While Starving?
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children. ~ Nelson Mandela Loneliness, an inevitable lurking spirit of hopelessness "Unlock this door and come out of that room, Larami", a petrified grandmother called out to her distraught grandson. The child had locked himself in his room since the past Saturday night and Myra, his concerned grandmom, was afraid he may have done something too terrible to consider. "Open this door up!" she called out.
Respiteful September
In previous years, September was a highly anticipated month that never failed to exceed my expectations. I can still feel the excitement running through my veins as the days grew shorter and the nights became calm and pleasant. Morning breezes from the south carried a magical aroma of pine leaves and ripe apples, while the grass turned a rich brown and the leaves transformed into stunning shades of gold, crimson, and orange.
Fictional Shorts
By Alize Henry A compilation of fictional short stories Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash " Easy reading is damn hard writing." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne I've republished a compilation of some of my fictional short stories for your enjoyment.
A Day at the Doggie Park
By Alize Henry A day to remember or to forget Four Words Creativity - incredible, spell, topple, path Earlier this month I was requested to dog-sit my daughter's pet pup while she vacationed. Because he is spoiled and lively, I decided to take him to the doggy park. He was accustomed to going there and was very excited and began jumping at the closed window before I could get parked.
A Tale... Busta
By Alize Henry How do you know what your dog is thinking? If you ask, you may get an answer. Busta, my dog, was laying on the rug in front of the door when I came into the living room to leave for work. I asked him, "Why the long face?" Not expecting a response. More a gesture to please me than an actual question to be answered. I always disliked leaving my buddy home alone.
Eliana Awakens
By Alize Henry "{Only for the Moment-Chapter 1 Pt 10" Final part in the series "Jacque is living her life, the life she intended for her to live. She asked to move to another place because she was afraid, sad, and a child. Her request has been fulfilled, here, with you. Now you must accept all that has happened," she continued.
Why Writers Do ...
By Alize Henry "Writers are procreators infused with words, we birth and nurture as children, then present to the world to be enjoyed, accepted, and loved." ~ Àlize Henry Photo by Devaiah Mallangada Kalaiah on Unsplash As writers, we write the things that give us pleasure or cause us great concern. Writers often enjoy sharing...
So, You Think I Am Short?
By Alize Henry Tall people love to point out their height to short people. Photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash Do you get tired of hearing the same old "you are short" ridiculing jargon decade upon decade? Why is a person's shorter height important to people who are taller that they must point it out? Tall people accusing short people of height, do not seem to understand everyone cannot be tall. So, if you are tall, be grateful for what you...
Entourage
By Alize Henry Part 3 Continued from Part 2 Photo by Ciprian Boiciuc on Unsplash Marli had come down with a disease of the larynx and had developed bronchial pneumonia. She was hospitalized for an entire week. She did not return to work the remaining summer and did not return to school to graduate from high school. Fear that she may have lost her singer's voice, had quieted her. She wrote many songs about a boy she loved dearly.
Entourage
Part 4 Continued from Part 3 The car was speeding at a high speed. The minister had pushed down with his feet as he slumped into unconsciousness. The fast-moving car veered into the median and flipped over completely, landing over the median into the oncoming traffic of an eighteen-wheeler carrying heavy equipment for manufacturing collided with it. The driver saw the car drop into the lane but did not have time to even...
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