get all poems workin, get semantic search workin, get thoughts section working
This commit is contained in:
14
src/posts/poetry/afternoon.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/afternoon.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-01-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
title: Afternoon
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I spent three quarters
|
||||
On a whole cookie
|
||||
To hear its half-baked
|
||||
Two cents.
|
||||
27
src/posts/poetry/asphyxiate.md
Normal file
27
src/posts/poetry/asphyxiate.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-03-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Friendship
|
||||
- Toxic
|
||||
title: Asphyxiate
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I stopped myself
|
||||
To take a breather,
|
||||
|
||||
But I took it far too late.
|
||||
|
||||
My reluctant lungs
|
||||
Could hardly handle
|
||||
|
||||
The second-hand sadness
|
||||
Yours create.
|
||||
|
||||
Each blessing that falls
|
||||
Into your hand
|
||||
|
||||
Soon meets its match
|
||||
And asphyxiates.
|
||||
40
src/posts/poetry/atmospheres.md
Normal file
40
src/posts/poetry/atmospheres.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-12-11 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Instrospective
|
||||
title: Atmospheres
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Your soul walks the plank
|
||||
Once your journey begins.
|
||||
It first could only sink,
|
||||
But soon learned to swim.
|
||||
|
||||
You picked up the pace
|
||||
At the sight of life's fins,
|
||||
Headlong and headstrong
|
||||
Until your head spins.
|
||||
|
||||
Your childhood caught up
|
||||
And took you back under
|
||||
|
||||
To remind you
|
||||
Of the depths
|
||||
Your soul sunk
|
||||
While you were younger.
|
||||
|
||||
The atmosphere was heavy already,
|
||||
But now the pressure's compounded.
|
||||
|
||||
The soul remembers
|
||||
Its early cries for help
|
||||
And cries again
|
||||
To find its fears unfounded.
|
||||
|
||||
We need others
|
||||
To lift us
|
||||
Once our siren
|
||||
Has sounded.
|
||||
48
src/posts/poetry/bad-behavior.md
Normal file
48
src/posts/poetry/bad-behavior.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-08-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Nostalgia
|
||||
- Doubt
|
||||
- Habits
|
||||
- Smoking
|
||||
- Chattanooga
|
||||
title: Bad Behavior
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Do you happen to have
|
||||
A cigarette I could bum?
|
||||
Just to hold in my hand
|
||||
To help reminisce some
|
||||
|
||||
To bring me back to a time
|
||||
When I had it all together
|
||||
And the worst of my worries
|
||||
Was exploring Minecraft's Nether.
|
||||
|
||||
In fact, could I please
|
||||
Borrow your lighter as well?
|
||||
I won't actually smoke it;
|
||||
I promise to not inhale.
|
||||
|
||||
Just the act of smoking
|
||||
Puts my mind at ease
|
||||
And places it in Bear Creek
|
||||
Enjoying the summer's breeze.
|
||||
|
||||
But I've come this far already,
|
||||
So I think I'll take just a puff
|
||||
With one good hit of nicotine
|
||||
I'm sure I'll find to be enough.
|
||||
|
||||
I'll savor its flavor
|
||||
Of late-night party favors
|
||||
And quick, justified breaks
|
||||
Between writing papers.
|
||||
|
||||
And just like back then,
|
||||
It seems I still need a Savior
|
||||
And a few more cigarettes
|
||||
Before I break this bad behavior.
|
||||
25
src/posts/poetry/booming-voice.md
Normal file
25
src/posts/poetry/booming-voice.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2012-01-11 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
- Creation
|
||||
title: Booming Voice
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Silent explosions amidst the stars.
|
||||
Booming voices that created Mars.
|
||||
Yet Earth only his finger is placed
|
||||
And filled it with creatures the devil faced.
|
||||
|
||||
All of creation has now withered
|
||||
Thanks to the one who now slithers.
|
||||
But a complex plan has been made,
|
||||
And ages later death is slayed.
|
||||
|
||||
God is never seen yet is all-seeing
|
||||
Of all the actions of human beings.
|
||||
His guiding voice amidst speeding cars
|
||||
Now leads our souls beyond the stars.
|
||||
33
src/posts/poetry/catch-up.md
Normal file
33
src/posts/poetry/catch-up.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-01-09 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Metaphor
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
title: Catch Up
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
To your disbelief,
|
||||
This moment passed.
|
||||
You chased it down,
|
||||
But it runs too fast.
|
||||
|
||||
It's one step ahead
|
||||
In the wrong direction
|
||||
Until you're lost
|
||||
In imperfection.
|
||||
|
||||
==
|
||||
|
||||
To your relief,
|
||||
This moment passed.
|
||||
But you couldn't run
|
||||
From its aftermath.
|
||||
|
||||
You sought out shelter
|
||||
But had to keep moving
|
||||
After planting the flowers
|
||||
You'd never see blooming.
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/celestial-stare.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/celestial-stare.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-01-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
title: Celestial Stare
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
God and I locked eyes,
|
||||
But it's hard to look into the face of whom you fear.
|
||||
So instead, I gazed at the throne beneath Him;
|
||||
The ulterior motive for my wicked heart to draw near.
|
||||
|
||||
God himself broke the stare as well,
|
||||
For it's hard to look into the face of a disappointing son.
|
||||
So instead, he gazed at Jesus within me
|
||||
Who's changing my heart 'til we hold staring contests for fun.
|
||||
20
src/posts/poetry/closets.md
Normal file
20
src/posts/poetry/closets.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-02-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Night
|
||||
- Secrets
|
||||
title: Closets
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Have you a fear of the dark
|
||||
As I have of the light?
|
||||
I'm afraid of what tomorrow
|
||||
Will reveal of tonight.
|
||||
|
||||
A new skeleton is forged,
|
||||
Tucked away from your sight.
|
||||
But I'm running out of doors
|
||||
That I may keep locked tight.
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/congenealogy.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/congenealogy.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-02-15 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
- Faith
|
||||
- Conviction
|
||||
title: Congenealogy
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I can tell by your withering leaves
|
||||
And dwindling fruits,
|
||||
Your outstretched branch
|
||||
Has lost touch with its roots.
|
||||
|
||||
You have overextended
|
||||
To give wind its due chase,
|
||||
But the rush that you seek
|
||||
Will destroy you posthaste.
|
||||
37
src/posts/poetry/contingency.md
Normal file
37
src/posts/poetry/contingency.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2021-03-16 08:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christian
|
||||
title: Contingency
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Told at a young age
|
||||
That you're totally
|
||||
Depraved,
|
||||
|
||||
Yet still a nominee
|
||||
To receive
|
||||
Eternity.
|
||||
|
||||
O, hallelujah,
|
||||
You hypochondriac.
|
||||
|
||||
O, hippocampus,
|
||||
Remember what you lack.
|
||||
|
||||
Told at a young age
|
||||
You'll be called up
|
||||
On stage.
|
||||
|
||||
If you don't like your task,
|
||||
Just ask that this cup
|
||||
Might pass.
|
||||
|
||||
O, Adonai,
|
||||
Save the spotlight for me.
|
||||
|
||||
On you, we rely
|
||||
To believe we're worthy.
|
||||
47
src/posts/poetry/daydreaming-thomas.md
Normal file
47
src/posts/poetry/daydreaming-thomas.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-04-15 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Love
|
||||
- Consciousness
|
||||
title: Daydreaming Thomas
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I sort of spaced out
|
||||
Into an ethereal dream
|
||||
|
||||
While she fell back
|
||||
Into her usual routine
|
||||
|
||||
Of noticing
|
||||
Amidst the material
|
||||
|
||||
That
|
||||
|
||||
Which my eyes have never seen.
|
||||
|
||||
She ponders for a bit in confusion
|
||||
The possible reasons for my doubt,
|
||||
But it's the subject of possibility
|
||||
The inexplicable mind can't figure out
|
||||
|
||||
As I soar above the tops of buildings
|
||||
And dive into the Atlantic ocean
|
||||
With uncanny buoyancy I believed
|
||||
As just another preconceived notion
|
||||
|
||||
Until I cast that fact
|
||||
Into the back
|
||||
Of the recycle bin
|
||||
|
||||
After I break
|
||||
The REM cycle
|
||||
And consciousness
|
||||
clocks back in.
|
||||
|
||||
And still you ask
|
||||
Why I've yet
|
||||
To fall in love again?
|
||||
18
src/posts/poetry/despondent.md
Normal file
18
src/posts/poetry/despondent.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-05-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Doubt
|
||||
- Atrophy
|
||||
title: Despondent
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The holy spirit
|
||||
Filled your lungs
|
||||
At one point.
|
||||
|
||||
Now it’s either
|
||||
American
|
||||
Or rolled joints.
|
||||
26
src/posts/poetry/down-like-me.md
Normal file
26
src/posts/poetry/down-like-me.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-24 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Religion
|
||||
title: Down
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I wish that you were down like me.
|
||||
|
||||
To both clown around
|
||||
And fall apart at the seams.
|
||||
|
||||
To take life by the horns
|
||||
As you shout "C'est la vie!"
|
||||
|
||||
To melt in its fire
|
||||
Then break the mold as you leave.
|
||||
|
||||
To cut through the crap
|
||||
To see if the world bleeds
|
||||
|
||||
And once we find it doesn't,
|
||||
Figure out how it still stings.
|
||||
16
src/posts/poetry/dreams-spill.md
Normal file
16
src/posts/poetry/dreams-spill.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2011-01-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Dreams
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: Dreams Spill
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
When you wake up,
|
||||
Be sure to lay still
|
||||
Lest your dreams spill
|
||||
Out like a cup
|
||||
From a drink offering.
|
||||
25
src/posts/poetry/elephants.md
Normal file
25
src/posts/poetry/elephants.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-09-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
- Silence
|
||||
title: Elephants
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Silence speaks louder than words
|
||||
At a decibel too loud to be heard
|
||||
As an abrupt disruption of nothin'
|
||||
For our conversation consumption.
|
||||
|
||||
Its presence is chilling
|
||||
And instant buzz-killing
|
||||
Yet still we act
|
||||
As if it's not there.
|
||||
|
||||
Our tongues are untied
|
||||
As the silence subsides
|
||||
Yet still its message
|
||||
Hangs heavy in the air.
|
||||
34
src/posts/poetry/enmity-amnesiac.md
Normal file
34
src/posts/poetry/enmity-amnesiac.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-15 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: Enmity Amnesiac
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Don't worry!
|
||||
I've got your back.
|
||||
I'm an enmity
|
||||
Amnesiac.
|
||||
|
||||
Each stab of yours
|
||||
Only lowers my standards;
|
||||
You can't trust a kid
|
||||
To mind their manners.
|
||||
|
||||
Until I found my standards
|
||||
Couldn't go any lower.
|
||||
The thermometer couldn't measure
|
||||
The sheer coldness of your shoulder.
|
||||
|
||||
Your rain turns into sleet
|
||||
Each time you protest my parade
|
||||
By singing along to hate speech
|
||||
And calling it a serenade.
|
||||
|
||||
You'll still find in me forgiveness;
|
||||
You'll only lack a lot of trust.
|
||||
I believe in endless second chances
|
||||
To break the chains of the unjust.
|
||||
46
src/posts/poetry/fear-and-trembling.md
Normal file
46
src/posts/poetry/fear-and-trembling.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-01 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
title: Fear And Trembling
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Where did you go?
|
||||
|
||||
I was told to follow, and so I followed,
|
||||
But now it seems that I'm all alone.
|
||||
|
||||
Our footsteps have been washed away.
|
||||
Leaving me without proof, or a path back home.
|
||||
|
||||
I looked away for just one moment,
|
||||
Which is all it took for you to disappear.
|
||||
|
||||
Were you just an imaginary friend
|
||||
Whom I outgrew over the years?
|
||||
|
||||
You had my back.
|
||||
|
||||
But maybe you were only
|
||||
Fulfilling a maintenance request.
|
||||
|
||||
Because a wall was built.
|
||||
|
||||
It does its job, and you've done yours,
|
||||
So now the carpenter has left.
|
||||
|
||||
Are you a social psychosis
|
||||
Which we invent
|
||||
In our times of need?
|
||||
|
||||
A necessary neurosis
|
||||
In order to cope with
|
||||
The imperfect lives we lead?
|
||||
|
||||
Even now,
|
||||
While I shiver as the air thins and grows colder,
|
||||
I swear,
|
||||
I can feel your hand now resting on my shoulder.
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/fool-yourself.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/fool-yourself.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-01-15 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Lies
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: Fool Yourself
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You knew that they were joking,
|
||||
But over time, the lies took root.
|
||||
It's a belief you couldn't shake
|
||||
Without their "fate" becoming Truth.
|
||||
|
||||
You are as they say,
|
||||
And they've said quite a lot.
|
||||
The more you fight against it,
|
||||
The more that must be fought.
|
||||
13
src/posts/poetry/foolish-heart.md
Normal file
13
src/posts/poetry/foolish-heart.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-04-28 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Love
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
title: Foolish Heart
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
How redundant.
|
||||
35
src/posts/poetry/fraudulent-charges.md
Normal file
35
src/posts/poetry/fraudulent-charges.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-04-29 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: Fraudulent Charges
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
His fear of the unforeseen arose,
|
||||
Which he thought t'was vanquished long ago.
|
||||
Alas,
|
||||
He found his faith in illusion:
|
||||
A financial foundation
|
||||
To cope with confusion.
|
||||
|
||||
Words and the wind
|
||||
Could now freely hold sway
|
||||
With the worst of his worries
|
||||
The most willing to stay:
|
||||
|
||||
"Worthless are you,
|
||||
Workaholic Anonymous!
|
||||
Heartless are you
|
||||
To become autonomous!"
|
||||
|
||||
They raged until
|
||||
He raised himself
|
||||
Back up from the ground.
|
||||
|
||||
"I hear you, wind.
|
||||
I hear you, words."
|
||||
Until he heard
|
||||
Only sound.
|
||||
22
src/posts/poetry/get-a-grip.md
Normal file
22
src/posts/poetry/get-a-grip.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-01-21 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
- Worry
|
||||
title: Get A Grip
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The future doesn't need me yet,
|
||||
yet,
|
||||
Yet I wish I was there now,
|
||||
now,
|
||||
Now the past will not forget,
|
||||
get,
|
||||
Get a grip if you know how,
|
||||
How,
|
||||
How?
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/good-lord-good-friday.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/good-lord-good-friday.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-04-19 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christian
|
||||
title: Good Lord, Good Friday
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The priests cried, "Prophesy!"
|
||||
After Jesus confessed his plan.
|
||||
"Who gave this man the right
|
||||
To sit at God’s right hand?"
|
||||
|
||||
The crowd cried, "Crucify!"
|
||||
After Pilate met the King of Jews.
|
||||
"What has this man done
|
||||
To deserve such abuse?"
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--12.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--12.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-02-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
- Terror
|
||||
title: Haiku 12
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
It still trickles down
|
||||
Long after the winds swept through.
|
||||
Tears outlive terror.
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--13.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--13.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
title: Haiku 13
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
When you tell a lie,
|
||||
You tell the truth about you
|
||||
And your character.
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--14.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--14.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-02-05 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Walking
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
title: Haiku 14
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
He walks a long ways.
|
||||
He would have ran, but running
|
||||
Is conspicuous.
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--3.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--3.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2012-02-22 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
- Wind
|
||||
title: Haiku 3
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
We're in a hurry.
|
||||
Now by watching us humans,
|
||||
The cold wind is too.
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--4.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--4.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2013-03-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
title: Haiku 4
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I wish I could draw.
|
||||
Picture's worth a thousand words;
|
||||
This has just fourteen.
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--7.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/haiku--7.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-09-26 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
- Silence
|
||||
title: Haiku 7
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You may interchange
|
||||
My middle name with either
|
||||
Silence or solace
|
||||
16
src/posts/poetry/haiku--8.md
Normal file
16
src/posts/poetry/haiku--8.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-09-26 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Haiku
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
- Grounds
|
||||
- Covenant
|
||||
title: Haiku 8
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
It is all folly!
|
||||
The grass withers, flowers fade,
|
||||
But the weeds still grow.
|
||||
51
src/posts/poetry/homie.md
Normal file
51
src/posts/poetry/homie.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-05-15 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Love
|
||||
- Friendship
|
||||
- Covenant
|
||||
- Nostalgia
|
||||
title: Homie
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
After we had passed around our time
|
||||
Like a handout from a middle school teacher
|
||||
Which left us as curiously disinterested
|
||||
As the typical middle school kid-creature,
|
||||
|
||||
I had begun to realize we all had fun
|
||||
While I analyzed the past
|
||||
That I hold beneath my beanie.
|
||||
|
||||
With the help of Aladdin's nameless genie,
|
||||
Tupac, and the also-immortal Houdini,
|
||||
I relived the photos we claim
|
||||
Frame us as fresh as a French Martini.
|
||||
|
||||
And if you don't believe me,
|
||||
Well, I'd be quite surprised,
|
||||
|
||||
Considering the retina-rays,
|
||||
Which flashed such a look
|
||||
From behind your eyes
|
||||
|
||||
To broadcast the current thought
|
||||
That's now crossing your mind
|
||||
Which you'd otherwise only tell
|
||||
To your roommate, pet, and/or the Lord divine.
|
||||
|
||||
You remember the fun we had, too.
|
||||
|
||||
Well, besides the homework, and exams,
|
||||
And the whole "Hell freezing over"
|
||||
Which couldn't stop our professor's plans
|
||||
|
||||
To take down our GPA's
|
||||
And No-School snow days.
|
||||
|
||||
Comradery through common enemy.
|
||||
Tomfoolery as tedium's remedy.
|
||||
30
src/posts/poetry/how-to-learn.md
Normal file
30
src/posts/poetry/how-to-learn.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-11-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: How To Learn
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Knowledge is a splatter of color
|
||||
Across the canvas of your brain
|
||||
To gradually form a masterpiece
|
||||
With every splatter you gain.
|
||||
|
||||
But these splats are not simply skills and facts,
|
||||
Else you're left with but reds and blues.
|
||||
For hidden within every facet of life,
|
||||
Will you find colors of every shade and hue.
|
||||
|
||||
But an expansive canvas is required
|
||||
If you're to create a work of art.
|
||||
For only to those with a humble mind
|
||||
Will life have knowledge to impart.
|
||||
|
||||
Look at matters from a new perspective,
|
||||
See the colors others have to show.
|
||||
Close up not your mind to wisdom;
|
||||
It's hard to learn if you think you know.
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/how-to-tell-a-good-joke.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/how-to-tell-a-good-joke.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-05-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: How To Tell A Good Joke
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
If you promise not to tell, I have heard a good rumor:
|
||||
Wisdom walks hand in hand with good humor.
|
||||
|
||||
If you're sworn to secrecy, then let it be known:
|
||||
Let not a word spoken compel nature to groan.
|
||||
|
||||
If words of wisdom you believe you can afford,
|
||||
Then lend me your ear: Your tongue is a sword.
|
||||
|
||||
If your lips are sealed, then read from this scroll:
|
||||
What comes out of your mouth reveals your soul.
|
||||
45
src/posts/poetry/ill-with-want.md
Normal file
45
src/posts/poetry/ill-with-want.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2013-04-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Ill With Want
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I could travel across the land
|
||||
Searching far and wide,
|
||||
But the grass will still seem greener
|
||||
On the other side.
|
||||
|
||||
I could be surrounded by people who love me
|
||||
Yet still feel I don't belong.
|
||||
I could think I'm a terrible person
|
||||
Despite how often told I'm wrong.
|
||||
|
||||
I could accomplish several amazing feats
|
||||
Yet still believe I'm inadequate.
|
||||
I could try my best to be nice
|
||||
Yet still remain the Devil's Advocate.
|
||||
|
||||
I could conquer all of Earth
|
||||
Yet still wish for Jupiter and Mars.
|
||||
I could conquer the milky way
|
||||
Yet still wish upon other stars.
|
||||
|
||||
Cause there's an endless wave of want in the air
|
||||
So what I want I can never obtain.
|
||||
Every attempt leaves a feeling of despair
|
||||
As I'm reminded of my ball and chain.
|
||||
|
||||
They say that Jesus is the answer
|
||||
And I know that I am God's child.
|
||||
Why, then, during my best days
|
||||
Can I sometimes find no reason to smile?
|
||||
|
||||
This is the impossible riddle of Life
|
||||
That happens to plague all of our minds.
|
||||
There is no answer that will suffice
|
||||
Until we're in heaven, body and mind refined.
|
||||
32
src/posts/poetry/in-retrospect.md
Normal file
32
src/posts/poetry/in-retrospect.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-03-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Clever
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
title: In Retrospect
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Countless information's unaccounted for
|
||||
The second the moment has passed.
|
||||
|
||||
The details you do retain are blurred
|
||||
And the retention itself won't last.
|
||||
|
||||
The data chosen to be collected
|
||||
Is picked by your values and beliefs.
|
||||
|
||||
Who's to know
|
||||
If the changed past guarantees
|
||||
The desired outcome's
|
||||
Probability to increase?
|
||||
|
||||
(And what of
|
||||
The endless repercussions it's released?)
|
||||
|
||||
In essence,
|
||||
To put it bluntly,
|
||||
Hindsight
|
||||
Is not 20/20.
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/inept.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/inept.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-07-08 16:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: Inept
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You can call it unfair.
|
||||
Is that your final decision?
|
||||
|
||||
Inaction is still an act
|
||||
Oft' deserving derision.
|
||||
|
||||
You can say it's no use.
|
||||
Is that all you can teach?
|
||||
|
||||
The complacent are useful
|
||||
To their ongoing siege.
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/inner-peace.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/inner-peace.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-10-29 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: Inner Peace
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
What's the point of looking forward
|
||||
If the future crumbles upon arrival?
|
||||
There's no such thing as heartache;
|
||||
The mind creates it for survival.
|
||||
|
||||
Once you dash your expectations,
|
||||
You'll be untethered from the lie
|
||||
That your inner peace depends upon
|
||||
The fleeting forces from outside.
|
||||
39
src/posts/poetry/inside-insight.md
Normal file
39
src/posts/poetry/inside-insight.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-02-23 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
- Worry
|
||||
title: Inside Insight
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I pine not
|
||||
For grass or trees.
|
||||
This pane of glass
|
||||
Looks fine to me.
|
||||
|
||||
Ever present
|
||||
Is every present
|
||||
Presented as the moments pass.
|
||||
|
||||
Where last is first
|
||||
And first to class.
|
||||
First to thirst
|
||||
For half-full glass.
|
||||
|
||||
Fully free
|
||||
To see worry
|
||||
As irrational
|
||||
Impossibility.
|
||||
|
||||
For the soul you hold
|
||||
Can be sold for gold;
|
||||
You otherwise can't lose control.
|
||||
|
||||
Might lose a limb.
|
||||
Might lose a friend.
|
||||
Might loss matter
|
||||
When your matters end?
|
||||
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Neuroscience
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
title: Judge Judy
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
With each passing moment,
|
||||
|
||||
36
src/posts/poetry/jungle-ghosts.md
Normal file
36
src/posts/poetry/jungle-ghosts.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2021-10-19 15:30:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- realtalk
|
||||
- advice
|
||||
- relationships
|
||||
title: Jungle Ghosts
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You claimed to keep us
|
||||
In your heart.
|
||||
Are you surprised
|
||||
To find it scarred?
|
||||
What better way
|
||||
To leave our mark?
|
||||
|
||||
For our hearts were shattered,
|
||||
You natural disaster,
|
||||
In your endless search
|
||||
For the greenest pasture.
|
||||
|
||||
Learn to tend the fields
|
||||
Already in your care.
|
||||
It takes some time to yield
|
||||
The produce growing there.
|
||||
|
||||
The city will sustain you
|
||||
Wherever you may roam,
|
||||
|
||||
But what wonders
|
||||
Will you build
|
||||
Without a place
|
||||
To call your home?
|
||||
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Chess
|
||||
- Lessons
|
||||
title: King's Pin
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You placed my king
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ date: 2014-10-27 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
title: Klepto Couches
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
My home houses countless couches.
|
||||
|
||||
30
src/posts/poetry/lawncare.md
Normal file
30
src/posts/poetry/lawncare.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-09-20 16:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Neighbors
|
||||
- Shame
|
||||
title: Lawncare
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The neighbors watched
|
||||
Our grass grow
|
||||
As they gossiped about
|
||||
Us riffraff.
|
||||
|
||||
We tried our best
|
||||
To lay low,
|
||||
But still felt the scorn
|
||||
In each laugh.
|
||||
|
||||
Even our own
|
||||
Brought a sense of shame
|
||||
With no one to blame
|
||||
On our behalf.
|
||||
|
||||
Parsimony
|
||||
Parts the lonely
|
||||
Until one has
|
||||
The last half.
|
||||
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Grounds
|
||||
- Covenant
|
||||
title: Leafblower
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You're the girl sitting on the park bench.
|
||||
|
||||
20
src/posts/poetry/looking-good.md
Normal file
20
src/posts/poetry/looking-good.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-07-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
- Short
|
||||
title: Looking Good
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
When things
|
||||
Are looking good,
|
||||
You tend
|
||||
To your mirror.
|
||||
|
||||
But the clarity
|
||||
You seek,
|
||||
You'll find
|
||||
To be inferior.
|
||||
49
src/posts/poetry/loose-change.md
Normal file
49
src/posts/poetry/loose-change.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-10-16 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Life
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: Loose Change
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You've gotta stay loose
|
||||
|
||||
Like change
|
||||
|
||||
Before you're torn
|
||||
When the goods exchange
|
||||
|
||||
For the better
|
||||
|
||||
For the worse.
|
||||
|
||||
To be used
|
||||
To the best
|
||||
Is a curse.
|
||||
|
||||
This might not make sense
|
||||
Or cents
|
||||
Or millions,
|
||||
|
||||
But hindsight's a pretense
|
||||
At the expense
|
||||
Of resilience.
|
||||
|
||||
Take the tumble
|
||||
|
||||
For the worst
|
||||
Is much better
|
||||
Than whatever
|
||||
Your temptors
|
||||
Purport.
|
||||
|
||||
I can change
|
||||
Thanks to change.
|
||||
|
||||
Otherwise,
|
||||
Remain
|
||||
|
||||
And sell short.
|
||||
49
src/posts/poetry/lost-connection.md
Normal file
49
src/posts/poetry/lost-connection.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-11-02 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
title: Lost Connection
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
We live
|
||||
Well enough alone,
|
||||
So we left ourselves
|
||||
Alone.
|
||||
|
||||
Our words
|
||||
Might suggest otherwise,
|
||||
But our actions
|
||||
Are what's shown.
|
||||
|
||||
We share
|
||||
Electromagnetic waves
|
||||
|
||||
But it might take
|
||||
A million years
|
||||
|
||||
For massless particles
|
||||
At the speed-of-light
|
||||
To connect us to our peers.
|
||||
|
||||
We curse
|
||||
Our WiFi connection
|
||||
The moment
|
||||
We lose reception,
|
||||
|
||||
But it takes some time,
|
||||
And a few Doing Fine's
|
||||
Before loneliness
|
||||
Gets your attention.
|
||||
|
||||
We cognitively
|
||||
Know this well,
|
||||
Yet our bodies
|
||||
Still cannot tell.
|
||||
|
||||
The modern man
|
||||
In a tribeless land;
|
||||
Evolution
|
||||
Is confused as hell.
|
||||
24
src/posts/poetry/make-your-move.md
Normal file
24
src/posts/poetry/make-your-move.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-06-22 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: Make Your Move
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Men are meant to move
|
||||
Lest we wither and waste away
|
||||
As we wade out in the ocean
|
||||
In need of a crescent wave.
|
||||
|
||||
If you refuse to be moved,
|
||||
You will sink like a stone.
|
||||
But if you catch a wave,
|
||||
You'll see you're not alone.
|
||||
|
||||
For we are all mostly water,
|
||||
Each cell gasping for fresh air.
|
||||
So why not splash into a wave?
|
||||
We are waiting for you there.
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/makeup.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/makeup.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-06-20 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Love
|
||||
title: Makeup
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I'm not too good with faces,
|
||||
But I've faced you for so long.
|
||||
I know when your hair changes
|
||||
And how much makeup you've put on.
|
||||
|
||||
When we're under too much pressure,
|
||||
We protect each other from harm.
|
||||
For our bond will never sever
|
||||
As we weather each other's storm.
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/mental.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/mental.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-13 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Religion
|
||||
title: Mental
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Mistakes are meant to be made
|
||||
And mended.
|
||||
|
||||
Miracles mistake the mundane
|
||||
For transcendence.
|
||||
|
||||
Brains were built to buffer
|
||||
The sadness
|
||||
|
||||
Until it makes up miracles
|
||||
From madness.
|
||||
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ date: 2019-10-26 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
title: Of Molecules And Men
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
May we lose
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Grounds
|
||||
- Covenant
|
||||
title: Monday Morning Shift
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
These plants look beautiful, but not at this location.
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Worry
|
||||
- Self-conscious
|
||||
title: Morning Commute
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
A few minutes into my morning commute
|
||||
|
||||
23
src/posts/poetry/mother-mary.md
Normal file
23
src/posts/poetry/mother-mary.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-06-16 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
title: Mother Mary (John 2:5)
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
O, mother Mary,
|
||||
Is your heart full of regret?
|
||||
|
||||
You let him know
|
||||
The wine's run out,
|
||||
But his time's not come just yet.
|
||||
|
||||
Or, mother Mary,
|
||||
Is your heart now full of joy?
|
||||
|
||||
"He let me know
|
||||
What will be done,
|
||||
So servants, obey my boy."
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/nervous-city.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/nervous-city.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-04-21 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Self-conscious
|
||||
title: Nervous City
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You peered into my presence
|
||||
Without my permission.
|
||||
I happened to take notice,
|
||||
Which gives form to superstition.
|
||||
|
||||
Now my thoughts follow laws
|
||||
That only I can enforce;
|
||||
If you continue to trespass,
|
||||
I'll steer you back on course.
|
||||
29
src/posts/poetry/new-student.md
Normal file
29
src/posts/poetry/new-student.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2012-03-15 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- School
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: New Student
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Please present yourself to the class
|
||||
By sharing none of your secret past
|
||||
|
||||
Tell us your residence, your aspirations,
|
||||
Your chosen major's concentration,
|
||||
And maybe some more background knowledge
|
||||
As to why you're attending this specific college.
|
||||
|
||||
But anything more is unnecessary
|
||||
I mean, who cares your birthday's in February?
|
||||
|
||||
We learn not by the things you say
|
||||
But by the image you portray
|
||||
From the way you walk, talk, and stare
|
||||
And the ridiculous length of your untamed hair
|
||||
|
||||
Learning any more is unnecessary
|
||||
Learning any more is a little too scary
|
||||
29
src/posts/poetry/new-year-s-retribution.md
Normal file
29
src/posts/poetry/new-year-s-retribution.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-01-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: New Year's Retribution
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Our past predicts how prone we are
|
||||
To repeat our mistakes in the present.
|
||||
New Year resolutions are made
|
||||
To prove ourselves convalescent.
|
||||
|
||||
Never again shall we regress
|
||||
Back to our frail and Fallen state.
|
||||
Instead, transform into super humans
|
||||
Gaining skills and losing weight.
|
||||
|
||||
Only then will we be pleased
|
||||
With who we see in the mirror.
|
||||
On the contrary, oft' we find
|
||||
What harms us, we hold dearer.
|
||||
|
||||
And so the cycle repeats itself
|
||||
As our resolutions are broken.
|
||||
Still, I vow to write more next year
|
||||
Despite what has just been spoken!
|
||||
29
src/posts/poetry/nonsilent-violence.md
Normal file
29
src/posts/poetry/nonsilent-violence.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-08-10 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: Nonsilent Violence
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
When you speak,
|
||||
Our ears must listen,
|
||||
Whether or not
|
||||
Our mind attends.
|
||||
|
||||
Your vocal cords
|
||||
Disturb the air
|
||||
Which strike more drums
|
||||
Than you might intend.
|
||||
|
||||
So I walked away
|
||||
In search of Quiet,
|
||||
But my mind was troubled
|
||||
By the sounds it made.
|
||||
|
||||
I echoed them
|
||||
Into the air
|
||||
And saw each branch
|
||||
Throwing their shade.
|
||||
22
src/posts/poetry/note-to-self.md
Normal file
22
src/posts/poetry/note-to-self.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-01-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: Note To Self
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Take a few bets
|
||||
That can't be won.
|
||||
|
||||
Accomplish a task
|
||||
That can't be done.
|
||||
|
||||
Face the fears
|
||||
That can't be outrun.
|
||||
|
||||
Be a guiding light
|
||||
When we've lost sight
|
||||
Of the sun.
|
||||
22
src/posts/poetry/nothing-to-lose.md
Normal file
22
src/posts/poetry/nothing-to-lose.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-06-28 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Faith
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
- Friendship
|
||||
title: Nothing To Lose
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You can't be let go
|
||||
Once you've clung to the truth.
|
||||
With your treasures in heaven,
|
||||
You've got nothing to lose.
|
||||
|
||||
Now free to live out your life
|
||||
With nothing to prove
|
||||
Save for the love in your heart
|
||||
You long to share with your crew.
|
||||
30
src/posts/poetry/one-of-six.md
Normal file
30
src/posts/poetry/one-of-six.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-12 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: One of Six (or Sick of Six)
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Every now and then, I detach
|
||||
From the talking and the laughing.
|
||||
|
||||
My skull splits in two
|
||||
So that my right hemisphere
|
||||
Can peer into the left:
|
||||
|
||||
It finds my younger self, sobbing,
|
||||
For he cannot speak up
|
||||
And air his grievances
|
||||
Lest he inconveniences
|
||||
A heavily burdened family.
|
||||
|
||||
The grief drips down his bronchial tubes
|
||||
And festers.
|
||||
|
||||
We thought we would grow out of it.
|
||||
|
||||
But the grief grew
|
||||
As we watched its roots wrap around our ribs.
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/original-intent.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/original-intent.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-08-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Fiction
|
||||
- Story
|
||||
- Mystery
|
||||
title: Original Intent
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The author read
|
||||
The words she wrote
|
||||
And swore each word
|
||||
Together spoke
|
||||
|
||||
A different message
|
||||
Than initially penned
|
||||
In a tone reminiscent
|
||||
Of a familiar friend.
|
||||
20
src/posts/poetry/out-of-sync.md
Normal file
20
src/posts/poetry/out-of-sync.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-07-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Music
|
||||
title: Out Of Sync
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I heard the song
|
||||
Held within your heart
|
||||
And gave my best
|
||||
To play its leading part.
|
||||
|
||||
But I could neither
|
||||
Determine the key,
|
||||
Nor predict
|
||||
Its syncopated beat.
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/pda.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/pda.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-05 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
title: PDA
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
If you don't mind, please keep your love away.
|
||||
For my heart breaks from this public display.
|
||||
You see, mine believes its love is lacking
|
||||
So yours reminds mine of its walls cracking.
|
||||
|
||||
But if you do mind, that is just as well;
|
||||
An out-of-reach heaven prepares you for hell
|
||||
Where you're better off carving your disdain
|
||||
Until there's only joy for another soul's gain.
|
||||
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Drinking
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
title: Perfect Situation
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
When I'm hammered,
|
||||
|
||||
23
src/posts/poetry/personify.md
Normal file
23
src/posts/poetry/personify.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-08-06 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Religion
|
||||
title: Personify
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
There was no Word.
|
||||
Only chaos
|
||||
That echoed into patterns.
|
||||
|
||||
It is the same now
|
||||
As it was back then,
|
||||
Except we patterns
|
||||
Can now think we matter.
|
||||
|
||||
For quantum tried its best
|
||||
To coalesce chaos into complexity
|
||||
And it is still hard at work
|
||||
To personify even the galaxies.
|
||||
15
src/posts/poetry/perspective.md
Normal file
15
src/posts/poetry/perspective.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-09-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Wisdom
|
||||
- Short
|
||||
title: Perspective
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I saw a side of myself
|
||||
That I never expected
|
||||
By taking a look
|
||||
From another’s perspective.
|
||||
26
src/posts/poetry/pixel-pusher.md
Normal file
26
src/posts/poetry/pixel-pusher.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-02-21 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Love
|
||||
title: Pixel Pusher
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
She paints in pixels.
|
||||
|
||||
Permanent.
|
||||
|
||||
They can be changed,
|
||||
Or erased,
|
||||
|
||||
But won't.
|
||||
|
||||
That's not the point
|
||||
Of presenting points.
|
||||
|
||||
You present the full picture.
|
||||
|
||||
Or don't.
|
||||
14
src/posts/poetry/placate.md
Normal file
14
src/posts/poetry/placate.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-09-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Mediator
|
||||
title: Placate
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
It's not my place
|
||||
To placate.
|
||||
To somewhere safe,
|
||||
I vacate.
|
||||
32
src/posts/poetry/pointed-question.md
Normal file
32
src/posts/poetry/pointed-question.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-03-09 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christian
|
||||
title: Pointed Question
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You declared,
|
||||
Again,
|
||||
|
||||
"It's either
|
||||
Us
|
||||
Or
|
||||
Them."
|
||||
|
||||
But lines
|
||||
Blur
|
||||
And
|
||||
Bend
|
||||
|
||||
When it's
|
||||
Us
|
||||
For
|
||||
Them
|
||||
|
||||
I Already
|
||||
Forgot
|
||||
|
||||
The question.
|
||||
37
src/posts/poetry/post-civil-chattanooga.md
Normal file
37
src/posts/poetry/post-civil-chattanooga.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-05-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Racism
|
||||
- History
|
||||
- Chattanooga
|
||||
title: Post Civil War Chattanooga
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
This post-civil-war-torn-town
|
||||
Gave refuge
|
||||
To the shackled and bound.
|
||||
|
||||
This town's river bubbled
|
||||
With hope from beneath
|
||||
To attract the outcast
|
||||
And mask the town's deceit.
|
||||
|
||||
Traffic soon birthed
|
||||
To industrial sound.
|
||||
|
||||
Its booming business
|
||||
Broke the backs
|
||||
Of the beaten down.
|
||||
|
||||
Jim Crow rose
|
||||
To further ostracize
|
||||
And whiteout the spots
|
||||
Missed by redlines.
|
||||
|
||||
This town's river bubbled
|
||||
With sewage from beneath.
|
||||
Today's gentrified waters
|
||||
Taste just as bittersweet.
|
||||
15
src/posts/poetry/pure.md
Normal file
15
src/posts/poetry/pure.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-01-11 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Short
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
title: Pure
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Give him your chaos,
|
||||
He'll give it a form.
|
||||
Take all that you will,
|
||||
He'll create even more.
|
||||
25
src/posts/poetry/quarter-life-crisis.md
Normal file
25
src/posts/poetry/quarter-life-crisis.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-04-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Vices
|
||||
- City
|
||||
title: Quarter-Life Crisis
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
There's nothing better
|
||||
Than a quarter-life crisis.
|
||||
|
||||
At the peak of your prime,
|
||||
Catching up on lost time,
|
||||
Fighting off vicious vices
|
||||
|
||||
By keeping yourself busy
|
||||
And taking in all of the city
|
||||
Without a care
|
||||
For what its price is.
|
||||
|
||||
So long as you're no longer
|
||||
Left to your own devices.
|
||||
36
src/posts/poetry/quenchless.md
Normal file
36
src/posts/poetry/quenchless.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2021-09-02 09:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Vices
|
||||
title: Quenchless
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The only
|
||||
Drink that quenches
|
||||
Dulls the senses
|
||||
Until
|
||||
All discretion
|
||||
Is lost.
|
||||
|
||||
What
|
||||
Enabled this dependence?
|
||||
My college attendance?
|
||||
Is that their
|
||||
Accreditation's cost?
|
||||
|
||||
Is it
|
||||
The fault of my genes?
|
||||
A man who
|
||||
Couldn't stay clean
|
||||
Then passed down
|
||||
The ~~bottles~~ battles he lost?
|
||||
|
||||
Or was it
|
||||
My lack of socializing
|
||||
That kept me subsidizing
|
||||
Charisma
|
||||
With each drink
|
||||
I came across?
|
||||
54
src/posts/poetry/recollect.md
Normal file
54
src/posts/poetry/recollect.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-09-24 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Life
|
||||
title: Recollect
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The television blared at a volume
|
||||
That I could hardly handle,
|
||||
But you were sound asleep
|
||||
As if such sounds could hold no candle
|
||||
To whatever sublime sounds
|
||||
Your subconscious wished to hear;
|
||||
So I watched the rest, and watched you rest,
|
||||
As I sipped another beer.
|
||||
|
||||
There goes another little memory
|
||||
That neither of us can share.
|
||||
If I add mine up,
|
||||
And add yours up,
|
||||
Will it be enough to care?
|
||||
|
||||
My smartphone delivered multimedia
|
||||
Directly into my eyes and ears
|
||||
Until the audiovisual stimuli
|
||||
Had me breaking out in tears;
|
||||
So I wished to share this moment
|
||||
But could only share with you a link
|
||||
And received a couple of emoticons
|
||||
To reveal what you felt and think.
|
||||
|
||||
There goes another little memory
|
||||
That neither of us can share.
|
||||
If I add mine up,
|
||||
And add yours up,
|
||||
Will it be enough to care?
|
||||
|
||||
You spoke to me at length on a subject
|
||||
That you enjoy with such a passion,
|
||||
But I zoned out a few sentences in
|
||||
And responded with the most minimal interaction
|
||||
Until I found a moment to break free
|
||||
And sought out someone who'd share the stage;
|
||||
We talked at length about cybersecurity
|
||||
But I didn't realize you were disengaged.
|
||||
|
||||
There goes another little memory
|
||||
That neither of us can share.
|
||||
If I add mine up,
|
||||
And add yours up,
|
||||
Will it be enough to care?
|
||||
18
src/posts/poetry/rose.md
Normal file
18
src/posts/poetry/rose.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-02-13 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Death
|
||||
- Lovers
|
||||
title: Rose
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I thought my heart was broken,
|
||||
Or its voice far too soft-spoken
|
||||
Until I walked past by a grave.
|
||||
|
||||
It was normally unkempt and bare,
|
||||
But today a rose sings it a prayer:
|
||||
A somber song their lover gave.
|
||||
30
src/posts/poetry/search-party.md
Normal file
30
src/posts/poetry/search-party.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2020-06-21 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Search Party
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You left to interrogate brain cells
|
||||
On the whereabouts of Miss Happiness
|
||||
And took the shot
|
||||
The moment they muttered,
|
||||
"I'm sorry, I haven't the foggiest."
|
||||
|
||||
It gave you quite the rush to see
|
||||
Each cell meet its own maker
|
||||
Which quickly borne a killing spree
|
||||
With the question as its chaser.
|
||||
|
||||
You never did find Miss Happiness,
|
||||
But you forgot why you even cared
|
||||
And mistook her for your carelessness
|
||||
Whilst so cognitively impaired.
|
||||
|
||||
All revelries meet their end, however,
|
||||
Which took with it your revelation
|
||||
Eliminating all of your leads
|
||||
In the Miss Happiness investigation.
|
||||
27
src/posts/poetry/secularization-theory.md
Normal file
27
src/posts/poetry/secularization-theory.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-06-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Selection Bias
|
||||
- Secularization
|
||||
- Religion
|
||||
title: Secularization Theory
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The infinite
|
||||
Is out of range
|
||||
Of the finite.
|
||||
|
||||
The ethereal
|
||||
Is overshadowed
|
||||
By the limelight.
|
||||
|
||||
It's expanding
|
||||
Just beyond
|
||||
Our peripheral vision.
|
||||
|
||||
Selection bias
|
||||
Negates
|
||||
The tool's precision.
|
||||
29
src/posts/poetry/signal-lost.md
Normal file
29
src/posts/poetry/signal-lost.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2017-07-20 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Falling Out
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
title: Signal Lost
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
There's no reason for us to talk
|
||||
As we discuss meteorological matters.
|
||||
Our communal cup never fills up
|
||||
For each time we lose touch, it shatters.
|
||||
|
||||
You see in me a man from before.
|
||||
I see in you but a shallow shore
|
||||
With a receding tide
|
||||
Of our friendship folklore.
|
||||
|
||||
Is there nothing more?
|
||||
|
||||
I've tired of this one-sided conversation
|
||||
So I'll retire and keep myself complacent
|
||||
With an assuming posture
|
||||
And twiddling of thumbs
|
||||
With the occasional interjection
|
||||
Of terribly clever puns.
|
||||
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Introspective
|
||||
- Silence
|
||||
title: Silent Silas
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The windows to my soul
|
||||
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/silent-sound.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/silent-sound.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2011-04-11 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- alliteration
|
||||
- silence
|
||||
title: Silent Sound
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Safely set inside this song
|
||||
Are silent sounds we passed along.
|
||||
Secret though we seek to know
|
||||
Signs of its new secret show.
|
||||
|
||||
Silence hides up in the skies
|
||||
Far from folks, cars, and lies.
|
||||
It only lives to watch us die,
|
||||
For that is when our souls arrive
|
||||
And silent sounds are synthesized.
|
||||
19
src/posts/poetry/sips-of-serum.md
Normal file
19
src/posts/poetry/sips-of-serum.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2014-11-29 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Sips of Serum
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Honesty is the best policy
|
||||
If you're considered prodigy.
|
||||
But I'm left a prodigal son
|
||||
With money and meals my idolatry.
|
||||
|
||||
Spinning webs of lies
|
||||
To hide the mess inside.
|
||||
Donning the mask of Jekyll
|
||||
As I sip the serum of Hyde.
|
||||
30
src/posts/poetry/sleep-paralysis.md
Normal file
30
src/posts/poetry/sleep-paralysis.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-02-06 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Dreams
|
||||
- Late-Night
|
||||
title: Sleep Paralysis
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The brain
|
||||
Signaled
|
||||
SHUTDOWN.
|
||||
The mind
|
||||
Couldn't
|
||||
KEEP QUIET.
|
||||
The eyes
|
||||
Were left
|
||||
ALL ALONE.
|
||||
The body
|
||||
Can't run;
|
||||
CAN'T FIGHT IT.
|
||||
|
||||
Thoughts are now
|
||||
RACING
|
||||
Wheels are now
|
||||
SPINNING
|
||||
Fears turn to terror
|
||||
And ask, "Who's winning?"
|
||||
47
src/posts/poetry/spaghetti.md
Normal file
47
src/posts/poetry/spaghetti.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-03-15 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
- Conviction
|
||||
- Prayer
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
title: Spaghetti
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
A woman bowed down
|
||||
Before her plate of spaghetti
|
||||
To send God a prayer
|
||||
He's heard a thousand times already.
|
||||
|
||||
But Jesus was in such
|
||||
A mischievous mood
|
||||
That He let the woman hear
|
||||
What the Father thought of her food.
|
||||
|
||||
"There she goes again
|
||||
With her cookie-cutter request
|
||||
Full of empty words meant
|
||||
To ensure her noodles are blessed."
|
||||
|
||||
But the woman quickly answered,
|
||||
"There's no need to be so rude!
|
||||
I will gladly recant the prayer
|
||||
If I offended with my gratitude."
|
||||
|
||||
God then replied,
|
||||
Caught by surprise,
|
||||
"Sorry, it seems
|
||||
My Son played a prank!
|
||||
|
||||
When words lose their meaning,
|
||||
Good intentions are deceiving,
|
||||
So now it's uncertain
|
||||
Who's receiving your thanks.
|
||||
|
||||
People only speak to me
|
||||
Before they eat and sleep.
|
||||
Has it become impolite
|
||||
To think on your feet?"
|
||||
26
src/posts/poetry/spellchecker.md
Normal file
26
src/posts/poetry/spellchecker.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- School
|
||||
- Late-Night
|
||||
- Homework
|
||||
title: Spellchecker
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
No one should be awake
|
||||
At this time of night.
|
||||
Nothing good can come
|
||||
From what I'll try to write.
|
||||
|
||||
My vision's a bit blurred
|
||||
As I try to type
|
||||
So I'm not quite sure
|
||||
If the keys I press are right,
|
||||
But I've come this far
|
||||
So I'll press on in spite.
|
||||
|
||||
Thank you, Spellchecker.
|
||||
The overseer of my oversight.
|
||||
36
src/posts/poetry/take-a-breather.md
Normal file
36
src/posts/poetry/take-a-breather.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2021-07-30 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
title: Take A Breather
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Disasters cannot happen
|
||||
If anything is fine.
|
||||
|
||||
Lines cannot be crossed
|
||||
If you don't draw a line.
|
||||
|
||||
Wishes do come true
|
||||
If any change will do.
|
||||
|
||||
Pain loses its bite
|
||||
If you enjoy the fight.
|
||||
|
||||
This makes sense at the surface,
|
||||
But we shouldn't dull our senses.
|
||||
Our suffering serves a purpose
|
||||
So let's drop these false pretenses.
|
||||
|
||||
Sit with that sinking feeling
|
||||
Until you reach its depths
|
||||
To listen to its teachings;
|
||||
Resurface to catch your breath.
|
||||
|
||||
Then look out to the horizon
|
||||
To appreciate the view
|
||||
Of all the potential futures;
|
||||
You've a say in which comes true.
|
||||
36
src/posts/poetry/take-time.md
Normal file
36
src/posts/poetry/take-time.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2018-12-22 16:27:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Time
|
||||
- Cars
|
||||
- Advice
|
||||
- Anger
|
||||
title: Take Time
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The perma-pedestrian
|
||||
Watched in awe
|
||||
Of the passing cars.
|
||||
|
||||
Each driver longs
|
||||
To extend their life
|
||||
With Audis & Jaguars.
|
||||
|
||||
Each piston obeys
|
||||
Thermodynamic law
|
||||
Exploding every decisecond.
|
||||
|
||||
The law of inertia
|
||||
Transfers heat to our heads
|
||||
Upon braking at the intersection.
|
||||
|
||||
The human VROOMS.
|
||||
Huffs and FUMES.
|
||||
Shortcircuits- KaBOOMS!
|
||||
|
||||
The cycle repeats
|
||||
Until there remains
|
||||
No more lives to lose.
|
||||
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Thought Experiment
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Love is a free fall
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ tags:
|
||||
- Speech
|
||||
- Verbal Abuse
|
||||
title: Unintentional Internalization
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Our skin's as thick
|
||||
|
||||
21
src/posts/poetry/unsettling-beliefs.md
Normal file
21
src/posts/poetry/unsettling-beliefs.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2019-07-24 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Religion
|
||||
title: Unsettling Beliefs
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Once you believe that someone can right your wrongs,
|
||||
That leaves room for war and atomic bombs.
|
||||
|
||||
Once you believe that your rewards lie in heaven,
|
||||
That leaves room for real-life to place second.
|
||||
|
||||
Once you believe that it all happens for a reason,
|
||||
That leaves room to equate all change with treason.
|
||||
|
||||
Once you believe that you're free to leave the faith,
|
||||
That leaves room for you to re-open the case.
|
||||
27
src/posts/poetry/unsolicited.md
Normal file
27
src/posts/poetry/unsolicited.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2020-02-01 12:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Unsolicited
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
you shoulda, woulda
|
||||
— or could ya shuddup?
|
||||
i didn't, but isn't
|
||||
that tangent fucked up?
|
||||
just listen & envision;
|
||||
decisions are tough.
|
||||
the rocks in my shoes
|
||||
are to you only dust.
|
||||
|
||||
i did what i've done
|
||||
and i did it with love;
|
||||
if that doesn't do,
|
||||
don't tell me what does;
|
||||
for advice without end
|
||||
advises you to give up.
|
||||
but i've learned to let live
|
||||
to let you keep this up.
|
||||
34
src/posts/poetry/verbal-blunder.md
Normal file
34
src/posts/poetry/verbal-blunder.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2012-11-05 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Humor
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
- Silence
|
||||
title: Verbal Blunder
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
No!
|
||||
That was simply a slip of the tongue.
|
||||
Is it too late for me to play along?
|
||||
|
||||
I fear I'm no longer as mysterious,
|
||||
As wise, and as fearless
|
||||
As I've implied myself to be.
|
||||
|
||||
I've revealed my true colors.
|
||||
I'll soon be discovered;
|
||||
This shall show my sheer stupidity!
|
||||
|
||||
'Tis time to hang up my hat and accept this mistake
|
||||
Since it seems I don't quite have what it takes
|
||||
To fool these fools how non-foolish I am.
|
||||
If only things had gone according to plan,
|
||||
|
||||
For I have heard it said:
|
||||
He who knows, does not speak.
|
||||
He who speaks, does not know.
|
||||
I had taken this to heart
|
||||
And so my heart I would never show.
|
||||
31
src/posts/poetry/wanderlust.md
Normal file
31
src/posts/poetry/wanderlust.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-09-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Fate
|
||||
- Christianity
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Wanderlust
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Do you still claim for there to be
|
||||
No chance of a random possibility
|
||||
Because our God planned out eternity?
|
||||
But what good does that do
|
||||
For the likes of me?
|
||||
|
||||
If you don't know the hand you're dealt
|
||||
And faithfulness determines not your wealth,
|
||||
Then why not loosen up your bible belt?
|
||||
We can only ascertain
|
||||
Our ascent
|
||||
To heaven or hell.
|
||||
|
||||
The rain falls down on the wicked and the just.
|
||||
We pack our bags and pray to God in whom we trust.
|
||||
Our plans fall through as we return to dust
|
||||
And beg our God
|
||||
To cure
|
||||
Our wanderlust.
|
||||
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ date: 2013-05-10 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Realtalk
|
||||
title: Who Am I?
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Am I the clothes on my back
|
||||
|
||||
31
src/posts/poetry/you-are.md
Normal file
31
src/posts/poetry/you-are.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- Poetry
|
||||
date: 2015-10-25 00:00:00 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Relationships
|
||||
- Clever
|
||||
- New Years
|
||||
title: You Are
|
||||
layout: poetry
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
You're the rest of a phrase
|
||||
On the tip of my tongue.
|
||||
You're the forgotten hook
|
||||
To a song I'd once sung.
|
||||
|
||||
You're the key to a lock
|
||||
Hanging just out of reach.
|
||||
You're the part of the lesson
|
||||
Our professors couldn't teach.
|
||||
|
||||
You're the tough decision
|
||||
My mind could never make.
|
||||
You're the perfect chord
|
||||
I would find by mistake.
|
||||
|
||||
You're the trivial problems
|
||||
And their pseudo-solution.
|
||||
You're the broken promise
|
||||
Of my New Year's Resolution.
|
||||
43
src/posts/thoughts/altered-states-of-consciousness.md
Normal file
43
src/posts/thoughts/altered-states-of-consciousness.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- blog
|
||||
date: 2019-03-04 23:04:08 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Consciousness
|
||||
title: Altered States Of Consciousness
|
||||
year: 2019
|
||||
layout: thoughts
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
I've been obsessed with neuroscience as of late. What follows are just a few points I found remarkable in my reading of <a href="https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/altered-states-consciousness">Altered States of Consciousness - Experiences Out of Time and Self</a> by Marc Wittmann.
|
||||
|
||||
In a life or death situation, it's quite blurry whether people truly experience time in slow motion, or if they only remember their emotionally-charged event that way. It's a difficult phenomenon to replicate in a laboratory setting for obvious reasons. Witmann's theory, however, is that precisely this "perception of bodily processes is connected to time consciousness". Their mind is fully-engaged and recording every detail of these precious moments. [p.11]
|
||||
|
||||
"Subjective time can be quantified [...] only by comparison with external factors." [p.19] As Whittmann explores later, this gives credence to the idea that the mind-body keeps track of time through the act of keeping tabs on itself. In Computer Science lingo, it "pings" for a response from the different areas of the body, which is part of the puzzle to produce subjective time.
|
||||
|
||||
With substance withdrawal, "one lives unhappily in the present, and one's relationship to the present is heightened." [p.22] There's a drastic overestimation of the passing of time.
|
||||
|
||||
The mystical is experienced by focusing primarily on the now, foregoing the past and future. On this subject, Wittmann also includes a dope Epicurus quote: "While we exist, death is not present, and when death is present we no longer exist."
|
||||
|
||||
Yet, don't be too obsessed with the present. Instead, the ideal "present" attitude is an "individual who is not predominantly oriented toward the past (unable to let go), toward the present (impulsively reward-oriented), or toward the future (purely deadline-oriented), but rather who can switch freely between time orientations, who can exercise temporal freedom." [p.43]
|
||||
|
||||
<img src="/imgs/urimpression.png" />
|
||||
|
||||
Protention: What we expect to experience.
|
||||
Urimpression: What we experience now.
|
||||
Retention: Memories not quite in the past; still held in the now.
|
||||
Together, all three influence how the others are perceived. [p.48]
|
||||
|
||||
<a href="/imgs/time_chart.jpg"><img src="/imgs/time_chart.jpg" /></a>
|
||||
|
||||
<img src="/imgs/necker_cube.svg" style="background: #efefef" />
|
||||
|
||||
The "experienced moment" is best illustrated by the time it takes for the mind to switch perspective of the "necker cube" optical illusion.
|
||||
|
||||
Whittmann also presents a good bit of evidence that mindfulness meditation gives rise to time expansion, along with improved working memory. The theory is that if you are more aware of the moment, you remember more of your experienced moments, and thusly subjective time expands. [p.55] Most notably, experienced meditators can hold a perspective of the Necker Cube for longer, and were found to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4294119/">feel that the past few weeks/months passed more slowly compared to a control group</a>.
|
||||
|
||||
The mystical experience of "Timelessness" might perhaps be the experience of pure _urimpression_, untouched by preconceptions. Neither protention nor retention remains. No guide for the past or future. The self dissipates. [p.72]
|
||||
|
||||
"Boredom actually means that we find ourselves boring. It's the intensive self-reference: we are bored with ourselves. We are tired of ourselves." [p.85]
|
||||
|
||||
"There is no sense organ for time. Subjective time as a sense of self is a physically and emotionally felt wholeness of our entire self through time."[p.85] We can see this most clearly in studies of schizophrenia. The patients are "stuck" in the present. This disruption of perceived temporal flow collapses the self into "fragments of now." [p.99] Their "functional moment" lengthens. Their "experienced moment" is lost.
|
||||
25
src/posts/thoughts/how-to-not-get-hacked.md
Normal file
25
src/posts/thoughts/how-to-not-get-hacked.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- blog
|
||||
date: 2019-03-10 23:04:08 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Privacy
|
||||
title: How To Not Get Hacked
|
||||
year: 2019
|
||||
draft: true
|
||||
layout: thoughts
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Alright, it's near the end of 2019. We've had plenty of time to figure out how to get rid of passwords. But we haven't. They're still here. So it's about time we admit that they're here to stay, and that we must better acquaint ourselves with them.
|
||||
|
||||
I'm here to make the case for _you_ to change a few of your digital habits. You will no longer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Password_fatigue" target="_blank">release an exasperated sigh</a> when you see the dreaded "Sign Up" button for Yet Another Website. Your friends will no longer need to spend 15 minutes wrestling with your foggy memory to figure out your WiFi password, or perhaps your Netflix credentials, you dirty account-sharing lawbreakers. You will no longer need to hit the "Forgot Password" button for every site you only use once in a blue moon. Your hair will grow back and its color regain vibrancy. Your friends will respect you, and your enemies will fear you. Some of your friends will also fear you, but that's okay. They were always afraid.
|
||||
|
||||
Most importantly: You will no longer get hacked.
|
||||
|
||||
And no, I don't mean the kind where a friend posts a dumb status on your Facebook wall while you went to the bathroom. I mean the kind where you get a scary email that someone in Romania tried to access your Pinterest account at 2am EST. The kind where your computer starts to slow down and opens weird windows at random intervals. The kind where thousands of dollars were charged to your bank account, and you have to replace your credit card after proving the charges weren't made by you.
|
||||
|
||||
## Password Managers
|
||||
|
||||
## Footnotes
|
||||
|
||||
<span id="ref0">[0]</span> test
|
||||
119
src/posts/thoughts/not-so-random.md
Normal file
119
src/posts/thoughts/not-so-random.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,119 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- blog
|
||||
date: 2019-03-10 23:04:08 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
title: Lol, Aren't I So Random?
|
||||
year: 2019
|
||||
layout: thoughts
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
How random do you think you are?<a href="#ref0">[0]</a>
|
||||
|
||||
On the surface, randomness seems pretty straight-forward. But it gets messy pretty quick once you try to pin down what it actually _is_. But before we dive down that <a href="#philosophy">philosophical rabbit hole</a>, let us first take a gander at this little t-shirt:
|
||||
|
||||
<a href="/imgs/illegal_rsa_shirt.jpg"><img src="/imgs/illegal_rsa_shirt.jpg" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" /></a>
|
||||
|
||||
### A Bit Too Cryptic
|
||||
|
||||
It used to be illegal to wear this shirt outside of the States. The math which we now depend on for logging into our bank accounts and securely processing credit card numbers was thought of as a military weapon. Why is that? Simply because it ensures that no outside parties can eavesdrop on your conversations. All of the information is _encrypted_, which means it looks like random gibberish in transit. The recipient, however, can _decrypt_ it to reveal what was written.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src='/imgs/cryption_graph.png' style='display:block; margin: 0 auto;' /><span style="font-size: x-small;">A real-world example of military-grade encryption put to good use.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
The usefulness of such technology in a military setting should be obvious. Conversely, it is obviously in our militant government's best interests that only they can use this technology - everyone else, both citizen and enemy, should ideally not have the ability to encrypt their messages. This way their communications can be intercepted, and any espionage may be thwarted. None of this technology is new; mankind has been utilizing encryption for as long as our written record can remember<a href="#ref1">[1]</a>. The only difference with the situation today is that our communications are nearly instantaneous, and the encryption is much tougher to break.
|
||||
|
||||
### A Bit Too Random
|
||||
|
||||
Alright, so maybe all of that is going a bit overboard. Let's say we're just developing a game. For the intro scene, you want the protagonist to feel absolutely helpless as she's surrounded by a torrent of randomly-placed enemies. Which of these distributions seem to pull that off the best?
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src='/imgs/50_random.png' style='display:block; margin: 0 auto;' />
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hmm, I think I can probably take em.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src="/imgs/50_distributed_quasirandom.png" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" />
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Welp, it was a good life while it lasted.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
Both have the same amount of red dots. A truly random distribution _could_ potentially look like the second image, but it's actually much more likely for it to have properties in the first image that seem anti-random to our pattern-seeking minds. How could those red dots cluster up like that? Paradoxically, it would seem that the first distribution is a bit _too random_. Instead, our game is in need of _evenly-distributed quasi-randomness_.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><a href="/imgs/quasi_random.gif"><img src="/imgs/quasi_random.gif" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" /></a>
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I could watch an evenly-distributed quasi-random number generator all day</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
This is almost _always_ the type of randomness you want, because it just seems so random to us. You're in a completely different ballgame, however, once you want your number generator to be so random, that no one is able to guess the next number it generates, _even if_ they already know every number its generated thus far. You probably have money or lives at stake here.
|
||||
|
||||
### Bits Byte Back
|
||||
|
||||
And so back to the military we go! One of the oldest and most commonly-known methods of encryption is called the <a href="https://www.xarg.org/tools/caesar-cipher/">Caesar Cipher</a>, named after Julius Caesar, who apparently used it for military matters. It was likely that his enemies were illiterate or would think his gibberish was a foreign language, so it was secure enough. Otherwise, it takes only 25 tries to guess the message correctly if you knew the methodology. Essentially, you'd choose a number, and then offset every letter in your message by that number. So if you chose 3, then all A's would become D's, all B's would become E's, and so on. Not only was it easy to figure out the number you offset everything by, but just like most other old-school ciphers, it quickly breaks under frequency analysis: some letters are used much more often than others in the English language, and some letters are much more likely to be found before/after certain letters (like 'u' following a 'q'). So once you see that the gibberish has a lot of H's and S's, you could try swapping those with perhaps A's, E's, or T's, and figure out the rest from there.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src="/imgs/frequency_analysis.svg" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto; background:#efefef;" />
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">After reading this, your mind will notice how many e's are in this article.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
We didn't really get too fancy with encryption until we could build machines to automate it all for us. Encryption was simply a lot of scrambling of words/letters, and making sure your recipient knows the trick to undo those operations. This then brings us to the legendary <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enigma_machine">Enigma Machine</a>, whose algorithm was first broken only due to operational errors, and was used with great success by Nazi Germany in WWII. Up until the era of the Enigma, cracking ciphers required mainly only linguistic and literary prowess. These machines and their increasingly complex algorithms took us deep into the mathematical realm as they resisted our older methods of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptanalysis">cryptanalysis</a>, like the aforementioned frequency analysis. This developed into a theory called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confusion_and_diffusion">Confusion and Diffusion</a> which details the two properties ciphers must have to be impervious to pure cryptanalysis. It should be noted that we're still using the same techniques of scrambling & substituting letters like in Ye Olden Days - machinery simply allows us to do many more complex patterns without too much work on the recipient's end to undo it.
|
||||
|
||||
### Speak 'Friend', Press Enter
|
||||
|
||||
Which finally brings us back to that t-shirt I showed you earlier! Basically, some smart dudes in the late 70's came up with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)">RSA algorithm</a>. Its security is based on the fact that it's really difficult to figure out <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factoring_problem">what two numbers constitute a very large composite number</a>.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src="/imgs/rsa_algorithm.jpg" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" />
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't worry if this looks confusing. Just know that RSA's got maths.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
This algorithm gives you a public key which you can show to everyone, and then a private key which you keep only to yourself. Now if you wanted to talk to your homie Rivest, you'd look for his public key and use it to encrypt your message to him. Rivest then receives this encrypted message, and thanks to some unique mathematical properties of RSA, his private key is able to decrypt your message!
|
||||
|
||||
With sufficiently large RSA keys, it takes literally thousands of years for computers to crack it<a href="#ref2">[2]</a>. It's not just how long it takes to crack an RSA key that makes it so groundbreaking; we've had things like the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-time_pad">One-Time Pad</a>, which is truly uncrackable. No, it's the fact that you don't need to give your intended recipient a key beforehand. Imagine that your public key is essentially your house address, and everyone on the planet can now talk to you with complete security by simply looking you up on Yellow Pages.
|
||||
|
||||
## Cracking The Code
|
||||
|
||||
Let's take a quick look at the math that makes RSA so difficult to crack. The first thing you need to know is the concept of _Entropy_. If you search for the term, you'll probably get a lot of physics-related results; but it plays a huge role in the field of cryptography as well. In physics terms, entropy is how chaotic a given system is. i.e., an event is considered to have _0 bits of entropy_ if there's no chaos; we're absolutely certain of what's going to happen next. Conversely, an event is considered to have _1 bit of entropy_ if we're 50% certain of what's going to happen next, like whether a coin will land heads or tails.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src="/imgs/entropy_alg.png" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" />
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't worry 'bout why we use this algorithm. Programmers and computers just like 1's and 0's.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
So let's say you're trying to figure out someone's password. You know it has uppercase, lowercase, and decimal characters. This means that one character in their password could be in 1 of 62 possible states (26 uppercase + 26 lowercase + 10 digits). You'd plug that number in our handy-dancy algorithm, and we get ~5.95 bits of entropy. Now let's say that you know this person's password is exactly 10 characters long. We can multiply the entropy of one character (~5.95) by the length of the password (10) to get us ~59.5 bits of entropy.
|
||||
|
||||
The importance of this number is that it allows us to easily figure out how crackable this password is. Let's check that number against this chart:
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/e3mGIFY.png"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/e3mGIFY.png" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" /></a>
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We're under the UPPER + lower + 0-9 column. Scroll down to 10 for our password length. Now to the right, you can see how much time it takes to crack, on average, depending on how many guesses the attacker can make per second.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
So if you can make 100 billion guesses per second, then on average, you can crack this password in somewhere between 33 days and 4.4 months. That's not too shabby. If you have access to the database <a href="https://haveibeenpwned.com/">(which is much more common than one might think)</a>, and they didn't use a good hashing algorithm to slow you down, then your target doesn't have much time to change their password before you can get into their account. Not only that, but people are prone to re-use passwords, so you can likely try your newly obtained username & password on different services your target might be using. Great work, black hat!
|
||||
|
||||
Now let's make more sense of these numbers. This 10 character password of ours could be in 1 of 839,299,365,868,340,200 possible states (i.e., 62 possible states per character, raised to the power of 10 for our password length). This means that, on average, you will need to try about half of those possibilities before you finally stumble across the correct one<a href="#ref3">[3]</a>. If you have a handful of Nvidia GTX 1080 GPU's working on the same password, then <a href="https://gist.github.com/epixoip/a83d38f412b4737e99bbef804a270c40">it can be cracked pretty much instantaneously</a> (with exceptions for databases using <a href="https://auth0.com/blog/hashing-in-action-understanding-bcrypt/">newer hashing algorithms specifically designed to thwart the parallelization of GPUs</a>).
|
||||
|
||||
To put RSA into perspective, data encrypted with 1024-bit RSA can be in 1 of ~3.2317 × 10^309 possible states. It took two years for researchers with many, many computers to <a href="https://thehackernews.com/2017/07/gnupg-libgcrypt-rsa-encryption.html">crack one of those keys</a>. For the curious, you can try out <a href="https://test.silentsilas.com/passgen/">my password generator</a> to interactively test the cracking speeds of various lengths/types of passwords. If it took a team of researchers two years to crack 1024 bits of entropy, imagine how fast you could crack it if you had the power of Big Brother in your hands!
|
||||
|
||||
### Randomness Is Tricky
|
||||
|
||||
Alright, so all this encryption stuff is cool and all. But let's tie this back in to the concept of randomness. You see, to generate keys for RSA and the like, we need to feed the key-generating algorithms strings of "randomness". It doesn't matter if you have 1024bit RSA keys if your attacker knows you always use the same numbers to generate them. In the real world, using a flawed number generator to produce keys will result in the encrypted data to not be as random as it should be; attackers can predict the output because the number generator has a few patterns that the attackers have picked up on.
|
||||
|
||||
And so to be a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptographically_secure_pseudorandom_number_generator">cryptographically-secure random number generator</a>, it only needs two properties:
|
||||
|
||||
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Uniformity</span> - each number is equally-probably to appear next. It's not more likely for a "7" to appear next compared to a "4", for instance.
|
||||
|
||||
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Independence</span> - Each number generated tells you nothing about any previous or future values. If a "7" appears, then that shouldn't mean there was definitely a "4" before it, or a non "7" number after it.
|
||||
|
||||
To determine if your number generator has these two properties, you run it through what is called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next-bit_test">Next-Bit Test</a>. You'd have your number generator spit out 1's and 0's (which is what we call bits). If an attacker knows every bit that you've generated, it passes the test if they can't determine the next bit it generates without more than 50% accuracy. They should be wrong about half the time on whether it spits out a 1 or 0.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center"><img src="/imgs/take_your_bets.png" style="display:block; margin: 0 auto;" />
|
||||
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My money is on 1; 0 hasn't been doing too well this season.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
Ideally, you wouldn't want your source of randomness to come from a number generator at all. If the attacker knows your algorithm, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_seed">which values you first inputted into that algorithm</a>, then they can determine _every single number it generates_. Instead, you'd want to rely on getting your random values from chaotic systems outside of the computer. This could be the noise generated by the fan, your exact mouse movements, the times at which you press certain keys, and so on. It's hard to get tons of random values from these sources, since they're limited by time. So in the real world, we use a hybrid method to generate keys. First you get "truly random" numbers from outside the computer, and then use those numbers to initialize your number generator. This way, it's very difficult for an attacker to know which values you started with, and you're free to generate as much randomness as your transistors desire.
|
||||
|
||||
<span id="philosophy"></span>
|
||||
|
||||
### A Completely Random Bit
|
||||
|
||||
I could go on and on about randomness. Hopefully it's apparent that we need separate words for the different types of "random" that we use in life. In fact, all of the randomness I've spoken about thus far are technically "quasi-random." They're simply larger and larger levels of complexity. There's no such thing as truly "random," at least for anything we'll come across in our day-to-day lives. I'm not a physicist, but the following is my current understanding of how quantum mechanics plays into the matter.
|
||||
|
||||
True randomness can be derived from an indeterministic system, but we've yet to prove whether such a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indeterminism">system can exist</a>. Heisenburg's <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/uncertainty-principle/media/614029/216617">Uncertainty Principle</a> is probably our best argument that quantum mechanics is an indeterministic system. It states that, at the subatomic level, "the more precisely the position of some particle is determined, the less precisely its momentum can be known, and vice versa."<a href="#ref4">[4]</a> Therefore it's impossible for us to know the state of every particle in the universe and "predict" the future. We could perhaps figure out a pretty likely future, but <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theory">chaos theory</a> throws a wrench in that plan. The implications of this Uncertainty Principle <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/God_does_not_play_dice_with_the_universe">freaked Einstein out</a>. He insisted that quantum mechanics is simply missing a local<a href="#ref5">[5]</a> hidden variable, and upon knowing that variable, we can then accurately predict quantum interactions. But it wasn't long before we hit another <a href="/imgs/epr_paradox.PNG">roadblock</a> with <a href="/imgs/bells_theorem.PNG">Bell's Theorem</a>, whereby no theory with local hidden variables can reproduce quantum mechanic's predictions. This means there's either something that can <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachyon">travel faster than the speed of light</a> to influence these particles, or the underlying laws of the universe are truly indeterministic. I won't be <a href="/writes/wanderlust/">making any bets</a> on the matter. But in the meantime, we're good to use quantum (radioactive decay in particular) to generate random bits so long as it's undetermined whether quantum mechanics is indeterministic.
|
||||
|
||||
## Footnotes
|
||||
|
||||
<p><span id="ref0">[0]</span> <a href="https://www.expunctis.com/2019/03/07/Not-so-random.html">This interactive site</a> has you repeatedly press left or right, while the computer guesses what moves you make. There's also a button to have a pseudo-random algorithm choose for you, and it will assuredly fare better than you (unless you really know your math and feed it a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Bruijn_sequence">6-gram De Bruijn sequence</a>)</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><span id="ref1">[1]</span> You can even find encryption tips in an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mlecchita_vikalpa">ancient Hindu text</a> on sexuality. It seems that all is `****` in love and war.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><span id="ref2">[2]</span> It should be noted that it's still unproven whether RSA's math is truly difficult to solve. Any day now, someone may come up with a mathemetical technique to quickly factor large numbers. Or we may develop a quantum computer with enough qubits to blow through every possible solution in a moment.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><span id="ref3">[3]</span> If you're doubtful that anyone is out there trying to crack your password in particular, then let <a href="https://hashes.org/leaks.php">this site</a> be a sobering wake-up call; It's an entire community dedicated to cracking passwords from database leaks, including the most recent & legendary <a href="https://www.troyhunt.com/the-773-million-record-collection-1-data-reach/">Collection #1</a> leak. It's very, very likely that you have credentials in one of these leaks. You can see for yourself with Troy Hunt's <a href="https://haveibeenpwned.com/">Have I Been Pwned</a> service. It's a safe site; Troy Hunt is a well-known security researcher, and this service of his is built-in to the amazing 1Password app.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><span id="ref4">[4]</span> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncertainty_principle">The Uncertainty Principle</a> - Should also be noted that this differs from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_(physics)">Observer Effect</a>, wherein the act of observation disturbs the state of the particle (since the light we must use to observe the state interacts with it). Heisenburg himself originally thought his Uncertainty Principle was the mathematical explanation of the observer effect, but it's actually a mathematical explanation of how much information can be gleaned from the particle-wave duality, which we can now experientially test.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><span id="ref5">[5]</span> Local, in this context, means it can only be influenced by its immediate surroundings. Nonlocality scares Einstein, because it means that _something_ can travel faster than the speed of light, breaking the theory of relativity. For more info, look up "Spooky Action At A Distance".</p>
|
||||
20
src/posts/thoughts/silence-is-golden.md
Normal file
20
src/posts/thoughts/silence-is-golden.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- blog
|
||||
date: 2018-07-29 23:04:08 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Introduction
|
||||
title: Silence Is Golden
|
||||
year: 2018
|
||||
layout: thoughts
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Hey there! Welcome to <a href="/writes/silent-silas/">Silent Silas</a>. I write code during the day, and poetry at night. This is my playground.
|
||||
|
||||
This section in particular is where I'll discuss my terrible opinions on life, the universe, and the <a href="https://pastebin.com/raw/QUMSr4q5">objectification of humanity</a>.
|
||||
|
||||
For the web developers out there, this was built with <a href="https://kit.svelte.dev/">SvelteKit</a> via the <a href="https://threlte.xyz/">Threlte Framework</a> so that my web experiments that rely on ThreeJS can be hosted here. It'll eventually use <a href="https://github.com/GoogleChromeLabs/sw-toolbox">Service Workers</a> so that the entirety of the site is available offline.
|
||||
|
||||
As with most computer scientists, I stand on the <a href="/imgs/cs_abstraction.jpg">shoulders of giants</a>.
|
||||
|
||||
The code is on <a href="https://github.com/Poeticode/silentsilas.com">Github</a> under the MIT license (while the poetry is under a restrictive Creative Commons license).
|
||||
85
src/posts/thoughts/the-science-of-teas.md
Normal file
85
src/posts/thoughts/the-science-of-teas.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- blog
|
||||
date: 2022-03-27 12:04:08 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- tea
|
||||
title: The Science of Tea
|
||||
year: 2022
|
||||
layout: thoughts
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Tea is filled to the brim with a rich history spanning several millenia. We have historical documents which show that tea was produced and appreciated as early as 1,100 BC in southwest China<a href="#ref1" class="footnote-link">[1]</a>. And according to legends, it's believed that in 2737 BC, the servants of the mythic emperor Shennong were boiling water to remove its impurities for him to drink. A dead leaf from a tea bush fell in, and was presented to the emperor with its brownish color gone unnoticed. The emperor took a liking to the taste, and thus tea was born.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center; padding: 16px 0px;"><a target="_blank" href="/imgs/lithograph.jpg"><img src='/imgs/lithograph.jpg' style='display:block; margin: 0 auto;' /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Photo-lithograph of the Huayang Guozhi—Bazhi, the oldest document to mention tea</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
One might think it's simply a matter of plucking leaves and steeping them in hot water, akin to the legend, but every aspect of its production and preparation is nailed down to a science to chemically and biologically alter the leaves to produce the tastiest and least-bitter cup possible. In 760 CE, Lu Yu, an orphan adopted by a Buddhist monk (and promptly ran away to join the circus), dedicated years of his life to chronicle all of his knowledge on tea believing it to be an expression of the harmony and unity of the universe.
|
||||
|
||||
<figure>
|
||||
<blockquote>A Thousand mountains will greet my departing friend,<br />
|
||||
When the spring teas blossom again. <br />
|
||||
With such breadth and wisdom, <br />
|
||||
Serenely picking tea— <br />
|
||||
Through morning mists <br />
|
||||
Or crimson evening clouds— <br />
|
||||
His solitary journey is my envy. <br />
|
||||
We rendezvous at a remote mountain temple, <br />
|
||||
Where we enjoy tea by a clear pebble fountain. <br />
|
||||
In that silent night, <br />
|
||||
Lit only by candlelight, <br />
|
||||
I struck a marble bell— <br />
|
||||
Its chime carrying me <br />
|
||||
A hidden man <br />
|
||||
Deep into thoughts of ages past.</blockquote>
|
||||
<figcaption>—Huangfu Zeng (~700 CE) , <cite>"The Day I Saw Lu Yu off to Pick Tea"</cite></figcaption>
|
||||
</figure>
|
||||
|
||||
## Types of Tea
|
||||
|
||||
The most crucial aspect of harvesting tea, and what differentiates a green tea from a red tea (which is what the West calls black tea<a href="#ref2" class="footnote-link">[2]</a>, but will be refered to here as red tea from henceforth), is how long the leaves are oxidized. When the tea leaves are plucked and exposed to oxygen, their cell walls break down and gradually blacken in color. Through this process, the bitter polyphenols, catechins, are converted into less bitter polyphenols, tannins, which are richer and astringent, often giving a malty or fruity taste.<a href="#ref3" class="footnote-link">[3]</a>
|
||||
|
||||
Once the leaves reach the desired level of oxidization, they are heated up to stop the oxidization process, usually by steaming or roasting which has its own impact on how the tea will taste. Japanese green teas are generally steamed, which helps retain its green hue and vegetal taste, while Chinese green teas are roasted imparting a toasty flavor and a more yellow hue. Red teas are gently dried in the sun to reach the highest levels of oxidization without it going stale. A fun outlier is lapsang souchong, a chinese red tea roasted over a fire of pine, resulting in a very smoky aroma and taste.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center; padding: 16px 0px;"><a target="_blank" href="/imgs/tea_process.png"><img src='/imgs/tea_process.png' style='display:block; margin: 0 auto;' /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">There are quite a lot of steps before tea makes it to your cup.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://wendigotea.com/products/bigfoot-tea">Red</a> teas are the most oxidized (80% - 95% oxidized). They are rolled upon plucking to damage them, speeding up the oxidization process. They can have the widest range of flavor, as less bitter catechins remain to mask the flavors picked up from their environment.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://wendigotea.com/products/wendigo-green-tea">Green</a> teas are the least oxidized (1% - 3% oxidized), and are heated up immediately after they're plucked. They taste vegetal and grassy, and are steeped at a lower water temperature to extract less of the bitter catechins.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://wendigotea.com/products/king-dragon-oolong">Oolong</a> teas have the broadest range of oxidization (10% to 80% oxidized). Consequently, their flavor widely varies. A less oxidized oolong will taste more vegetal and floral like a green tea, while one on the higher end of oxidization might be rich and malty like a red tea.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://wendigotea.com/products/skunk-ape-aged-oolong">Black</a> tea (again, not what the West calls black tea) brings an entirely new element to the mix. It's not determined by its level of oxidization, but whether the leaves are fermented. Microbes break down compounds in the leaves, altering their flavor profile. There are two different methods to age the tea. Raw black tea refers to the traditional method where you simply stow the tea away to slowly ferment over the years, peaking at roughly 50 years before the leaves begin to degrade. Ripe black tea refers to a new technique discovered in 1973, where the leaves are stored in large piles in a humid environment and splashed with water, turning them every other day for up to a month. They're then stowed away like a raw black tea, but peak in quality in only 20 years. These fermented teas tend to have a musty smell and taste earthier as the years go by. They are the aged wines of tea, and can be just as expensive.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center; padding: 16px 0px;"><a target="_blank" href="/imgs/black_tea.png"><img src='/imgs/black_tea.png' style='display:block; margin: 0 auto;' /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Pu-erh is fermented tea from Yunnan, China</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
CTC tea, or bagged tea, is what you'll find at your grocery store. They are crushed, teared, and curled by machinery into small pellets. It was invented in 1930 to meet the increasing demand for tea in a global economy. They tend to use low quality leaves, which are then stressed and heavily damaged by the CTC process, and take months before they land on a store's shelf, resulting in unavoidable bitterness that mask the more desirable flavors.
|
||||
|
||||
## Other Factors
|
||||
|
||||
Which season the tea is harvested plays a significant role in their quality. With a spring harvest, the leaves have weathered through winter and pick up a lot more flavors from their environment. With a late-spring/summer harvest, the tea plants grow rapidly, but have less time to capture as much flavor. For autumn harvests, the plants are dying as winter approaches and are the least desirable.
|
||||
|
||||
Sunlight exposure has its own chemical reaction that influences the taste of the tea. Exposure during growth lowers the amount of full/creamy-tasting amino acids. Gyokuro, the highest grade of Japanese green tea, must be harvested in the spring and partially shaded during growth.
|
||||
|
||||
There will also be differences in tea by their location, due to the climate they're grown in and which varietal of tea plant species they are. For example, teas grown in India generally produce a stronger red tea than those grown in the various provinces of China. There's even a relatively new varietal grown in Kenya called Purple Tea, named for their vibrant purple leaves.
|
||||
|
||||
And of course, the tea to water ratio, steeping time, and water temperature<a href="#ref4" class="footnote-link">[4]</a> are integral to getting the perfect cup of tea. Red teas are tougher due to their high oxidization and thus can be steeped at a boiling temperature for 3-5 minutes, extracting the most out of the leaves. Oolong can generally handle 190 - 200f, with green tea the most sensitive at 170 - 180f. If they're steeped for too long, more of the bitter catechins will be extracted and take over. This is also why it's important to be sure to filter out any small particulates of the leaves to prevent oversteeping. High quality leaves will have less "dust" you need to filter out due to their freshness and tenderness; the leaves turn more brittle as time passes.
|
||||
|
||||
## Gongfu Cha
|
||||
|
||||
To get the most out of your finest red or black tea, you can also try your hand at gongfu cha. It essentially means skillful brewing of tea, and is an artform in itself. Instead of the traditional Western method of brewing a teaspoon of tea in a cup's worth of water for a few minutes, you brew ~1.5 teaspoons of tea in half a cup of water and let it steep for only a few seconds<a href="#ref5" class="footnote-link">[5]</a>. This first steep opens up the leaves to bring out more flavor, but the liquor will be weak and unimpressive. It's only used to warm up your teaware before finally pouring it out. You then heat up the water again and steep the leaves for ~10 seconds, adding 10 to 15 seconds with each subsequential steep. You will be able to taste the different flavor profiles of the tea with every steep until you tire out the leaves and the strength of the flavors weaken.
|
||||
|
||||
<p style="text-align: center; padding: 16px 0px;"><a target="_blank" href="/imgs/gongfu.png"><img src='/imgs/gongfu.png' style='display:block; margin: 0 auto;' /></a><span style="font-size: small;">A slotted tray for gongfu cha, to capture the first discarded pour and any accidental spills.</span></p>
|
||||
|
||||
There's a lot more to be said on the production and preparation of tea, but hopefully this whets your appetite to dive into the world of loose leaf teas! If you're interested in giving it a try, I use this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://wendigotea.com/collections/teaware/products/lucidity-brew-in-cup-with-stainless-infuser-lid-12-oz">single-serve cup infuser</a> on a daily basis.
|
||||
|
||||
## Footnotes
|
||||
|
||||
<p class="footnote"><a href="#" id="ref1" class="footnote-link">[1]</a> Found in the Huayang Guozhi—Bazhi - A local gazetter from ~350AD in southwest China consisting of biographies of various rulers, including King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty and his 1066 BC expedition against eight principalities, whereby tea was used as tribute offerings.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p class="footnote"><a href="#" id="ref2" class="footnote-link">[2]</a> The East classified their teas by the color of the liquid after it's brewed. It's thought that a simple mistranslation between western and eastern traders resulted in the West believing the distinction was based on the color of the leaves. To add to the confusion, red teas in the West are now associated with rooibos tea. And finally, there's debate on how oolong got its name (literally "black dragon"), but it's likely referring to the color and shape of the leaves, breaking the usual system of classification.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p class="footnote"><a href="#" id="ref3" class="footnote-link">[3]</a> Heavier polyphenols, known as tannins, taste less bitter than lighter ones like catechins. The reason for this is still a mystery to this day!</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p class="footnote"><a href="#" id="ref4" class="footnote-link">[4]</a> It's also very important to use clean purified/spring water. You will notice a night and day difference in taste using filtered water versus unfiltered tap water. The hardness of tap water will simply make it taste funky.</p>
|
||||
|
||||
<p class="footnote"><a href="#" id="ref5" class="footnote-link">[5]</a> The ratio of tea to water actually varies by the shape of the tea leaves and whether it's compressed (which is common for fermented teas as they are stored this way), but these measurements should get you in the right ballpark. Ideally you should use a scale to measure the tea's weight, as teaspoons are unreliable to determine how much tea is in your cup.</p>
|
||||
35
src/posts/thoughts/whispers-in-the-wind.md
Normal file
35
src/posts/thoughts/whispers-in-the-wind.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
categories:
|
||||
- blog
|
||||
date: 2018-08-06 23:04:08 +0000
|
||||
tags:
|
||||
- Privacy
|
||||
- Surveillance State
|
||||
title: Whispers in the Wind
|
||||
year: 2018
|
||||
layout: thoughts
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
<div id="fingerprint" style="font-size: xx-small; padding-bottom: 20px;">
|
||||
</div>
|
||||
The information above is just a small snippet of your browser's fingerprint. It's the data that websites can collect about the device you're using. (They're also able to <span id="geolocation" style="color: #3cdc3c;cursor: pointer;">access your GPS</span> if you're silly enough to let them.)
|
||||
|
||||
At first glance, the data looks pretty innocuous. Who cares if people know what browser you're using, or what plugins you've installed? Is it the end of the world if they know that you're a Mac user?
|
||||
|
||||
Well, individually, the data _is_ indeed innocuous. The original purpose in giving site owners this information is so that they can adapt their application to better suit the device it's run on. My homepage animations, for instance, adapt to the size of the screen and whether it's run on a mobile or desktop device.
|
||||
|
||||
#### United, I am. Divided, Unknown.
|
||||
|
||||
Once you put all of the information together, however, there's a potential for misuse. It's very easy to be the only person on the digital planet running that exact version of browser on that exact OS with those exact plugins/fonts installed, et cetera.
|
||||
|
||||
Using this information, it's possible to <span id="uuid" style="color: #3cdc3c; cursor:pointer; overflow-wrap: break-word;">derive a Unique User Identification Number</span>[0] and use it to track you across the internet, regardless of where you're connecting from.
|
||||
|
||||
An advertisement network will check if they have this identification number. If they do, then that means that they already have a list of sites the user has previously visited, along with any other data they've determined about the user. This is then used to display ads relevant to your assumed interests.
|
||||
|
||||
This type of invasive tracking, on the other hand, is also used to flag suspicious activity with your online accounts. I'm sure you've encountered sites that require you to click a link in your email to verify that a new device was indeed you. This is a great and highly effective service to thwart malicious login attempts[1].
|
||||
|
||||
But it's hard to know what goes on behind the curtains. Those sites providing these security services could also be using that same personal information in many other ways. The EU's <a href="https://www.eugdpr.org/">GDPR</a> is supposed to ensure companies are transparent about what's done with such information, but it's difficult to enforce and easy to evade.
|
||||
|
||||
[0]: You put all the information together and run it through a 'hashing algorithm'. The same information will always result in the same string of numbers and letters. A slight change in this information (like if the user updates their browser) will result in a vastly different string, so additional work has to be done for this tracking to be effective.
|
||||
<br />
|
||||
A much more effective way to thwart malicious login attempts is to use a password manager so that you don't reuse passwords and/or use easy-to-guess passwords. But that's a post for another day.
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user