A leader proclaims:
mankind’s proclivity for fakery;
its propensity for violence
and prosthetics to happiness;
the attempts to prolong life,
while prompting change,
unseeing prospective growth
uncaring of progressive efforts;
its focus on self promotion;
blurriness for natural produce;
As the good leader proclaims
the foolhardiness in process
public protests ensue.
The edges had waned with the years. Within, was her younger self laughing to a long-lost joke, her arm around his waist and his arm enveloping her shoulder. Behind them loomed their college cafeteria; just the sight reminded her of weak mornings and strong coffees.
Life—priorities and perceptions—had evolved with adulthood. Old ideals had drained as the monsoon gives way to dry weather.
Yet the photo remained. Jerry and Jo had been the thickest of friends and the slimmest of couples. Throughout college they’d kept everyone guessing their relationship.
Now, Jerry and Jo are just a cherished memory.
It’s that time of year again — when we learn to forgive ourselves and each other for all the negativity we’ve inflicted on our world. Battles go on at our borders, fires rage on in our forests, and famine sweeps off our country folk. Tomorrow would be the same—our environment, our reality, and our lives will all remain the same—but now’s not the time to worry. Now’s the time to wish all joy to the world.
Today we celebrate our love for humankind, forgetting the hatred and the jealousy that shroud us during the rest of the year. Today, we wish each other—today I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Tomorrow would bring normality back into our lives, but until then, I raise my glass to you.
Karen tore her eyes away from the new couple. It was time for her to go home. She couldn’t move, though—acceptance was too difficult. They’d been friends since childhood. Together they’d built sand castles, gone camping, and even spent days at school evaluating boys. Life had been simple then.
Throughout college, Karen didn’t realise she and her friend had fallen for the same person. When at last Kevin reciprocated her best friend’s love instead of hers, Karen was crestfallen.
Though happy for Richard and Kevin, she couldn’t forgive herself for falling in love with a man who loved another man.
