Colden Vortex

"A winter's day, in a deep and dark December"
(With thanks to Paul Simon)

Cold as brittle as icicles hanging from branches and eaves 

Bitter and breathtaking, it turns exhalation into frozen mist 
and exultation into gasping pain.  

The popping and crackling of ice-laden branches, the syncopated snapping of logs and lit kindling;
the sharp tang of pine, incense of wood smoke, sweet, acrid, and ozone.  

The wind, like lashes on exposed skin, whips inflamed flesh into white and red weals, freezing tears in squinting eyes.  

Blue and grey skies, frost-bitten toes,
grey-blue fingers,  inflamed dripping nose;
running like a cataract over an ice-slicked slope. 

The Polar vortex eddies and roils through the town.  

Ronda R. Scott-Marak
 © 29 December 2017 

Finis “…I’ll Cry if I Want To”

(with thanks to Q, Lesley, and the lyricists)

I don’t go to parties;

I am no longer a Party Member:

I am not a Republican,

I am not a Democrat,

I am not a Socialist, a Tory, or Labour.

I am not an Independent, a Libertarian, or an Anarchist.

I am not a Progressive;
I walk in lock-step with no one.

I do not take any side except my own.

I am a questioner, a delver, a free-thinker.
I believe in fact and not innuendo.

I am a Compassionate and a Realist.

You do not want me on your jury.

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 8 December 2017

Dam’s Burst

(With thanks to Mr Sondheim)

The sun comes up
I’m still thinking; no rest, no sleep.

The ability of forethought, to think clearly,
to find solutions, is both terrifying and comforting.

Knowing answers is no blessing
when no one’s asked the questions.

Questioning has no benefits
when considering the conundrum of existence.

I’m still waiting; it’s like ‘I’m losing my mind’.

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 1 November 2017

Big Bang

Chemical reaction
or psychic spark,

Intentional manifestation or physical science;
Theory or legend?

Indisputable fact or hypothesis?

Does it matter?

Once there was vastness; now there are solar systems.

Whether this was creation or causation
is of less significance than the astounding magnitude of existence.

Does our knowledge of science negate the possibilities?
What caused the spark of life to ignite?

Mayhap what is termed magic is a so far unidentified and misunderstood philosophy;
or perhaps the unknown used what we’d call quantum physics as a tool?

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 1 October 2017

Introspection

(on New Year 5778)

Quietude, melody,

Harmony, nuach,

Nigun,

Meditation, nusach,

Poetry, discourse,

Contemplation, reflection,

Rapport, warmth,

Goodwill, remembrance, Ruach, catharsis,

Individuality, existentialism, congregation,

Interfamiliarity, unity, fellowship

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 27 September 2017

Tashlich

(With thanks to Rabbi Jason Fenster for the inspiration)

I am but an atom in a sea of humanity, a single spark of the world’s heart;
I can not heal her on my own.

My actions are slow; I have stones in my shoes.

Pebbles as small as grains of sand wear away my good intentions,
my aims of learning, charity and deeds of loving-kindness:

Anger, Frustration, Envy, Despair, Sadness, Helplessness, Bitterness, Pride;
all are grit eroding my shields.

I need to stop and rest, empty my mind of distractions, remove my shoes.

Let all the gravel life has put in my path turn to grassy trails that lead to the water’s edge.

Let me open my heart and hands to cast my sins and sorrows upon the waters,
like breadcrumbs for the birds; only then can I walk again with purpose.

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 21 September 2017

Earth, Wind, Water, Fire

Mother Earth trembles
while the Anemoi blow widespread, circular patterns;
the Okeanides drop floods from the sky as the waves pound at fragile earth.

Hephaestus erupts in flame and heat, raining down fire;
burning everything in his wake.

Here we sit, asleep in our own worlds, in our own personal space;
praying for it all to stop and hiding our heads in quicksand.

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 7 September 2017