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Articles by Dean Traylor
Sometimes A Crappy Day
I'd seen gray snow, I'd seen brown, mushy snow on the highway. I'd seen yellow snow too, but this was the first time I had seen pink snow. The sight of it turned my stomach. The crimson stain had grown into a shadow, an outline, like an island. The spatter from the blow had left a telltale bloody trail leading away from the gaping wound in the victim's head.
Always Losing
More stories from Dean Traylor and writers in Poets and other communities.
Anza Vista: The Small San Francisco Community that Hosts a Big Skateboarding Event.
The community of Anza Vista is relatively small, even for San Francisco’s standards. It comprises more than a dozen residential streets and is cordoned off in a rectangular grid between four major boulevards. Much of it is boxed in by other residential neighborhoods such as Jordan Park, North of the Pan Handle, and Inner Richmond. Seemingly, it appears to be quaint.
Torrance’s Delthorne Neighborhood and the Article That Caused a Conflict
More than a decade ago, a real estate firm hired writers from the defunct Helium writing platform to write brief descriptive articles about several neighborhoods throughout the United States. The job was lucrative. At 300 word maximum, these articles required a minimal study of Google maps and just a brief description of the places. And at $20 to $30 dollars per profile one could knock out three to four of these articles in a day.
Cardiac Hill
with every fiber in my body screaming is still on. It keeps me going. One foot after one foot For one inch after one inch who gave in and now to pick them up. I can't do that. And I muster that last strand And see the view: from where I came on the side of the road. to keep going. there was nothing
Haunted House by the Freeway
The one by the freeway. to look away, it reels me in keeps the light from and it still haunts of a meaty and thrashing my face! Only to return me Sometime I see that house. by her fat and boorish soul. But that place haunts me. no matter how far I run away still reeling in that little red house waiting for the next kid like me,
What is a No-Brainer?
Does This Question Really Need to Be Answered? What is a no-brainer? Now, here’s a question that should not require much of an explanation. In fact, it needs very little effort to answer it. The “no-brainer” term is often a desired one. Details, supporting information, or research – in general – need not apply. In other words, a person will not have to work hard to find an answer or to debate a decision when this term is applied to a given task.
The Bathroom Collage (or The Day My Bathroom Spoke to Me)
I loved you to death. I smothered you with remarks of kindness. I gave you what you did not need and expected it to be reciprocated. I overstepped boundaries while never enforcing my own. You couldn't breathe without me asphyxiating you with my presence. There was a massive fear of being without you that I somehow overcame. It took sudden clarity and passive time to announce my departure.
Silent Cry | Poets
Waking up in a feeble reality, I'm hoping for progression for me... So I close my eyes and just wish to live inside my dreams... Chamomile is what relaxes me when my anxiety gets the best of me... Feeling blue, and I forget to love myself. I wonder why you never stop loving me; I wonder what it is that you see inside me... You push my fears aside so that I can move along... Sometimes I feel lost or far from my destiny... Through the Anguish of the fallen Leaves, you continue to water me...
Just a Girl on the Side
Happy to Have You Sheryl shifted in the hard plastic chair. The pleasantries were over and the business of report cards and progress reports concluded without any great surprise. A glance to her watch told her there were two minutes left until she had to vacate the chair for the next parent. Okay, Mom, she thought to herself. Time for the hard part. She took in a long breath, then asked the question.
Difference between ADD and ADHD
Two Terms with the Same Meaning? One of the most confusing and complex classification for a condition affecting students has to be the ADD/ADHD label. Over a short span of time (20 or more years) the criteria and the name itself has gone under numerous changes.
Unconditional Love (Dedicated to My Two Sons)
When I was down, When I let the words you pulled me out And when you faltered need not be asked. and my world is a better place I’ll always be there, like you were. I’ll always be there.
A Substitute's Foe
I see your eyes trained on me. as I walk down the aisle toward into me, trying to I can tell by that sly smile on your ruby red cheeks that You lean over and whisper something to your peers. faces. And I know I'm in You know there's a simple rule about me: I'm here today, Once, I may be in your life. "Once" is all you have to give And that once means hell. you know the score. This is your time to make them proud. up for all those doing time the appropriate "here!" or "Yes!" from your peers.
Miller's Clown
For no one knows the pain you feel. The sound of laughter is your tragedy. For it's the only thing you live for. For when the laughter dies, so do you. They'll know you with your little red nose. But they ignore you on the streets When your mask is clear And the make-up and paint You live for one moment then fade away until another town and
Coffee Shop
I stare at the dismal grey wall, unrefined— uneven in many spaces. The builder may have been having a bad day. This was not the creation of someone who cared; who took the time to feel the room for what it needed.
No Captions | Poets
Running through the weed patch, laughing, I listened for the others as they ran all around me. Who knew there was such a gold mine, or rather, field, right here outside the city limits? Jay Jay had stopped somewhere up ahead, and I could hear him with his “Blessed Mother Mary’s.” While Will and Trina were giggling together somewhere behind me, Suzie was just ahead of me, just as giddy as I was, looking over her shoulder like she wanted to ask me a question.
Hear my Plea and Teleport me
for this place is spotty. to be somebody. I want to boldly go where no man has gone befo’e. and places to know. I want to seek a new life And please, don’t give me mundane; for there’s so much I want to see.
Don’t Forgive Me
than to heal the wounds and keeps me down for days. To get that curse out of my soul. To get you out and there I hope it stays. For when you see me like I never will
Desert Life | Poets
I've exhausted myself in constructing my tower to heaven. To reach the ever blissful Empyrean but it's always out of reach. It's a rabbit hole I'm spiraling into. You're my obsession because you're the desired perfection. The reassurance I could never give myself. The validation I could never find no matter how much I look. I kept digging but kept creating false earth. I tried leaping towards the fire but it would not have me. The rejection is what I fear the most.
Beth I See
from the corner of my eyes. She was the same Beth with the bluest eyes ever and the softest lips around. passing each other in the halls away from all the guests. Us being as one. we thought were so important, then. losing her on the dance-floor When she finally got tired of waiting for an answer but never got to tell her. There she is. After all these years. A family of her own. Nor does she notice I see her there the love of her life was right there, As for me?
What is non-Euclidean Geometry
In the evolution of math, established beliefs and understanding of analytical thinking will always be challenged. And, in many cases, those new ways of thinking about math will eventually replace, modify, or give birth to a new way of understanding this discipline. Non-Euclidean geometry is one example.
What I Gave You
was my heart and soul. In return you tore them in two. if I had the chance, and cast them in armor. let the likes of you deep into my skin and bones. the life I built for you mend them as one. I must move on from this You couldn’t give yours in return, or see the light. So why should I give it up, again? Not to you. Not to you.
Who am I? What am I?
This book popped up everywhere on my Facebook feed, every few adverts were about this book and how addictive, funny and dark it was. I was grabbed by obviously, the bright colours, the promise of something addictive to read and the basic premise of a twisted and horrific version of The Parent Trap with some minor changes. Now, books that make these promises often do not live up to expectation - but this one definitely did.
Buzzed (A Memory of a Girl)
as the four walls close in and rusts my shield of tin. Then it's some Wild Turkey. I'm all alone again. when she takes the thrill with her arsenic and lace. A six pack will do. rather than memories of her. Liquid Gods can you help me? as I grow cold in this lonely sea. as memories of her won't clear.
Don’t Understand Why She Holds On
why someone would hold on like she does. He treated her like crap. He ignored all her Broke off all their dates. Yet, she proclaimed him to be the one she loved best. She gave him everything she had to offer. In return, he walked away. Still, he was the sunshine that shone brightly in her day. He lied to her could get away with it all. for all his mistakes. that one could bare. He finally put an end to it, he could give her.
MMR Vaccination and Autism Unfounded
Actress Jenny McCarthy and the rest of the anti-vaccination movement members (AVM) may not like to hear this particular fact: no evidence exists to verify the link between MMR vaccines and autism. In fact, in the minds of many scientists, researchers and special educators, this accusation has been proven wrong and many have moved on to other possible causes. Genetics and environmental factors are being sought as possible causes while the MMR/autism link has been rightfully discarded.
Fires in December
Our souls do not meet by accident, they recognize one another from a place beyond time, much like the eternal dance of the sun and the moon. Within every sacred presence, we experience the sacred space of a cosmic eclipse, where two distinct spirits blend into a single, harmonious frequency of light and shadow. Our sacred soul unions are not just a part of our life, but are a mirror reflection of the divine beauty and light within our own sacred hearts.
The Cold Breath of Nightly Mist
and there is nothing to see can’t see the curves of the bay or the mountains near. and snuffs out the city lights. The din of the streets through an open patch of fog --let’s us know it’s here. and breaths frost upon the streets. and the grass on the lawn weeps. But, through all of this, and shrouded in the thick mist, for the waves will speak. knows its place in nature --second to the sea. nor will it try to smother the crash of those waves. Is not shrouded in coldness. It still lives and breathes.
Tattoos and Restaurant
on an aged and withered arm. The ancient lady so prim and proper the wrinkles and flab that bounce and wiggle as she works a spoon of soup with her dainty, little hand. that's inked into the skin. Trying to fry the butterfly Or Trying to burn off of ladies on his calf and neck. They come in, but they wear their thirst and desire on the canvas of their skin. They may be old But they let the ink speak to show who they really are. And hope the world in this see what they want them to see.
The Real World
take away my ideals and force me to learn. of the evils of books, to avoid the reality of life. "It’s all there," they say, "Why try questioning it? Why try improving it?" while they take their place All the while, me, the one who wasted his life in pursuit, those fools kept talking about. Now I know it.
Nothing, A Fable
Down on his luck and desperate, a man journeyed to the farthest corner of the globe in search of advice from the Wise Man in the Hall of Wisdom. He had heard that the Wise Man had the key to a portal to a perfect world where he didn't have to struggle with the daily grind of life and all its failures. The man had known only hardship and pain with a few moments of inspiration and joy sprinkled in it.
American Culture In America?
This is a question many Americans ponder. And surprisingly, the term "American Culture" simply does not exist in the lexicon of some of the very people this notion refers to. If one would ask Americans what they think "culture" means, they would probably say that it sounds foreign, exotic or it's something that refers to other societies around the globe. It may even sound ridiculous to some.
Snow in South Central
But not from some drive-by And my brothers and sister So out I go, in the middle of the night to gather some of that magic white stuff, while my brothers and sister and the all the kids in the hood go out to play for the first time Is it snow? Man, it's cold! That gets me trippin'! Not in the 'burbs or some rich man's place? I've got to gather this up! Stow it in the fridge! Ain't nobody gonna believe it at school.
The Time Traveler
when all my failures, to change the course I took in those dark days. I'd steer it with the knowledge and guide me to choices But what’s the use? Those days are gone. Life is better now because of that So what’s left for me is to look forward
Scene Painting Techniques for the Theater
Creating a New World on the Cheap Putting on a play doesn’t require one to spend extravagant amounts of money or use the highest form of technology. Sometimes, limited resources or a clever use of paint can create the ideal and compelling setting on the stage. Often overlooked, paint that’s used – and how it’s used – can be a major factor in creating a mood, tone, or atmosphere for a play.
Writers Block | Poets
Trying to fill the emptiness deep inside, ready to congeal and become something in the form But the pen never reaches the paper. The words are not ready The sentence is still jumbled. So the blank sheet of paper
Where Evil Lurks
Don't have to look or down the street. It can be that man Or it can be that one You just have to see it before it sees you.
Beer Makes Friends
Moments of Craft in “The Dream Hotel” by Laila Lalami Moments of Craft is a series of essays where I share examples of excellent writing in books I read. The Dream Hotel is an incredible literary sci-fi novel with literary fiction inclinations, like deep character work. I’m an MFA grad, and I try to pay attention to moments of excellent craft in every book I read.
The Drunkard and the Patron
“I’m so drunk,” the drunkard finally said. He had downed his fifth whiskey on the rocks and had been rambling about something ever since the third. Most people ignored him. Others occasionally nodded their heads, pretending to listen. It was the only way they could relieve themselves of the pain of listening to some kid who turned 21 the other day, and finally discovered that he can walk into a bar and order as many drinks possible. “Let me tell you,” the newbie guy kept saying. “Let me tell you.
Two Paths on a Starry, Starry Night
The Silence of the Lambs I was on stage with Metallica, but, damn it, they turned my amp down because I hadn't learned to actually play "Last Caress." "Last Caress" is a Misfits song made famous by Metallica covering it. Great song.
Waves in California
Moments of Craft in “The Dream Hotel” by Laila Lalami Moments of Craft is a series of essays where I share examples of excellent writing in books I read. The Dream Hotel is an incredible literary sci-fi novel with literary fiction inclinations, like deep character work. I’m an MFA grad, and I try to pay attention to moments of excellent craft in every book I read.
Doctor of Dinosaurs
There was a time when you knew me better than anyone else. We couldn’t be separated, and I couldn’t imagine life without you. I still remember every detail of your face. I still remember every different smile you had. I remember the softness in your voice and the scent of your skin as you held me close. I still remember those summer nights when it was so warm we could sleep outside and count the stars. You had loved me then. At least, I thought you did.
Being Punk | Poets
of love and the bloody rod. that rips a man with its claw. the ways of your school, seriously, you think I'm a tool? because I don't need you and your red, white and blue I won't take orders from you. and freedom from you I seek
Who I Am On a Day Like This
On a day like this - when the weight of the world on your fragile self, to battle through it with all the might I can muster. On a day like this -when the stress of life I wish I was the Flash so, I can run as fast as I can Yet, on a Day like this, I know who I am, despite who I want to be. it’s not who I want to be. that will get me
I Search, Never Found
and the rewards to be reaped But she eluded me. Whether she was the one Whether she was the girl It never worked out the way it should. But not the one I chased. That one is long gone with the man she wants. Does she fit the bill? Will I ever be able to tell?
The Barrier
the locals know nothing about. It runs through their backyards and separates them from the rest of And barricaded by a row of eucalyptus trees. But those in their multi-million dollar homes know very little about this primitive dirt road only a few yards away. Separating them from two worlds only a few steps away. by those that live near. And the creeks diverted to if they care to look. if they care to know. and not through that walls them in
Looking Back: A New Giant Squid Discovered in the Indian Ocean
The Discovery of a new giant squid The deep, dark and cold depths of the ocean are proving to be a treasure trove of life. In 2010, the websites, Our Amazing Planet.com and its sister site LiveScience.com reported that a new species of large squid had been discovered near an underwater mountain range in the Indian Ocean. Scientists on one of several six-week expeditions to this region collected a specimen that was measured at 70 centimeters (30 inches) long. The body is long and slender.
IQ Tests in California’s Public Education and its Challenges
Throughout California, educators have been stumped by what appears to be a very simple question: Should intelligence tests be used in California? The answer is not as simple as it appears. IQ (Intelligence Quotient) testing has had limited legal ramifications in California, yet it has been used in many cases to justify the placement of a student in a special education program.
Turn the Page
Now you know I’m not one to tell tales, but you would not believe what I saw at the Piggly Wiggly this morning. Yes ma’am, I am telling you the gospel truth and no lies. It was Masie Adams, back in town from who knows where, and let me tell you, she was a sight. Thank goodness her mama passed before she lived to see her daughter all trolloped up like a truck stop hooker in broad daylight.
Coming out of my Shell
Hey it's Bixi. You're red lip coffee sipping bestie and adventurous poetess. I've been writing poetry since I was a kid. Something else I enjoyed writing as a kid, tall tales. I loved how exaggerated they could be. How big my imagination could get and I always wanted them to be really funny. As a teenager I'd take little notebooks and fill these notebooks with humorous short stories. In these stories the main characters and all other characters where friends and people I knew.
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