I Gave Up A Million Dollars..

Okay so it wasn't cash in my hand or anything, but I did have the promise of the amount at some point in the future. You'll have to keep reading to find out how though.

I’m sure all of you have heard of UPS at some point. What you might not know is that they pay very well. One of the most important positions they have is that of package car delivery driver. This is the guy you’ve all seen, walking into stores and malls bringing packages with them. You’ve noticed him as he strides up to you or your neighbors door, sets down a package, knocking once and sets off for his car immediately afterward. These guys are legit. They work almost non-stop for up to 12 hours in a day, being hyper-vigilant every second of their driving and moving with utmost haste (while still following safety protocols) at each stop. These people are the rockstars of the package shipping world. And I was one of them.

One of the things you may not know about this position is that it is very difficult to obtain entry from off the street. UPS encourages and attempts to hire delivery drivers from inside the company exclusively. It’s an important position and they prefer to reward their current employees with this honor and opportunity as opposed to taking a chance on a random person off the street. This is completely understandable, I have heard it quoted by managers that it is far easier to retain employees than to hire and train new ones. After realizing that, you’ll also realize that it was quite a big deal when they called me up and asked me to apply for the position. Yes, they asked me to apply. Through an interesting set of circumstances I had applied to be a part-time package handler for UPS. This is the guy who sorts the packages and loads them into the package cars for delivery. I had a scheduled appointment to take a tour of the facility to see if I would still be interested in that position, life interfered and I ended up missing the tour completely and I put UPS out of my mind. After approximately a week, I received a call from one of the UPS area hiring personnel, he inquired as to whether I was still interested in the package handler position and I replied that I may be. He then proceeded to ask if I would be interested in being a driver, to which I responded something along the lines of “what’s that?” This UPS HR person then described the job in a few words and then told me I should fill out the proper application section on the website to be a driver and he would switch the interview focus to the driver position. He then asked when I could interview! The interview went pretty well, at least from my perspective, and I was called and offered the position of delivery driver a few days later.

At the time I was jumping for joy, what I heard was fairly simple work, regular full time hours, and a yearly salary that would quickly reach over $100,000! This was a dream come true. I could already see the two motorcycles, new car, and nice apartment in my near future.

And then reality hit. I attended a week long training seminar in a nearby town. The man training my class briefly told us his story. He was a veteran for the UPS company, he started working at 21 and worked his entire career at UPS until retirement. He clearly had more than his essential amount of fund. He drove a not inexpensive Mercedes Benz. He had everything that he was telling us the company could offer us. And here he was, back at the company after retirement, because all the money and success he told us of could not satisfy him or leave him fulfilled. And he was telling us we could have this too. I became rather introspective at this point. Wondering what had prompted me to leap at this chance without much forethought or planning. I was now in a position that I was being told was the best thing to ever happen to me, but the person telling me this was obviously so unfulfilled that he couldn’t even stand being without something in his life to continue filling his time after he retired. This is what my fate was?

I completed my training, acing some portions, barely passing others, I was pretty average for their normal trainee. And all this time, the trainer was telling me over and over how amazing this opportunity was and how much money I was going to make in this position. He speculated that with our pay we could easily be millionaires by the time was reached retirement. However, I began to feel as if the trade-off was rather severe. I calculated in my head the average number of weekly hours the trainer worked; he worked more than half his waking hours during the 30+ year period of his career. More than half of his life he spent at work. Not home with his family. Not out enjoying the trips and experiences and items all that money could provide. Not enriching himself or bettering his community. Just working. During the course of training, our trainer began to imprint upon us how much time we would be spending at our jobs, even explaining how we should show up a half-to-whole hour before our shift to get everything ready (wait, I thought the big idea with us wanting these jobs was supposed to be all the money and now you’re saying we’re going to spend even more time every day at work unpaid??) 50+ hours per week, at work by 8:30am, not getting home ‘til after 6:30pm and more likely after 7:30, vacation that I could take if I can convince all 17 drivers with seniority to let me have a particular period, 35 years of working the majority of my waking hours so I could retire feeling as unfulfilled as our trainer did. This was all starting to sound a little bit like a sentence, not an opportunity.

Returning home, I had to wait a week before going in for my first day driving for the local UPS facility. Naturally I was rather trepidatious as I hadn’t had the opportunity to apply any of my training yet. I was asked to arrive at the facility an hour before my scheduled shift so I could receive an hour of (unpaid) instruction in daily pre-shift preparation. Finally, my first shift started. It happened to be the area’s first frigid day, bringing the first real snowfall of the year. After working 10 hours with only a quick 20 minute break in the middle, I was miserable. Not just because of the cold, I had worked in worse outdoor conditions; it was because I could suddenly see the reality of how each day would go for the next 30 years. Waking up with just enough time to dress and eat breakfast, going to a job which had no opportunity for personal character development for me, and offered no professional growth or career opportunities, then returning home with just enough time in the evening to throw my uniform in the wash, eat dinner, and have a few quiet minutes before retiring to start the whole cycle over again. Things looked rather bleak.

I had vacated my most recent full time position because I felt it offered little more than a barely stable paycheck. Now I was about to trade in my sense of freedom and purpose, as well as the next 30 years of my life, for the promise of stacks of money which clearly didn’t satisfy those who already possessed it. So what was I doing? That evening, after much talking with God and internal discourse, I came to a conclusion. There was no pile of money that was worth trading in 30 years of invaluable time, or even just 5. The amount of things I could accomplish, for my personal growth, for the betterment of others, for the furtherance of the Gospel, in those years was not worth losing. I turned in my resignation the following morning.

So here I am, unfettered by my potential million dollars, but alive with purpose. I realize now how much time I’ve wasted. Not because of the job, but because I’ve simply used my time for frivolous things. I was chasing larger paychecks, enjoying too frequent periods of relaxation, and under-utilizing my influence which could spread God’s Word, enhance professional relationships, and create vital connections. I’m glad I took that job, and I’m glad I quit. I now know that I have no time to waste, every day must count in some way. Whether it is spent in quiet, personal reflection of my spiritual maturation, or out in the public, drumming up those relationships which will matter professionally or eternally, every day must have something in it of worth. I realize now that money is just a means to an end, a by-product of being personally successful, not a goal to chase that eventually gives you fulfillment in the end. My minutes are now more precious to me, my days are become a most valuable treasure. My chase is at its end.

Telling Observations

Formal stuffed shirt
Bedraggled street walker
A friendly smile
A pompous mocker


Brilliant marble floors
Impressive wood trim
Fancy rickety chairs
A clock hung on a whim


Half a million here
A ten dollar check
Corporations make deals
Laymen at their beck


The ruling class
The lower middle
The gap between
One giant riddle


All milling here
Neath rich wood arch
All to gold's fife
Together march

Contentedly Complacent

Complacent


Adjective;


"showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements."


Content

Adjective;


"in a state of peaceful happiness."


Hi. My name is ----- and I am guilty of fighting too hard against complacency.


Now I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but hear me out. In my life, the one thing I have never wished to be is mundane. To be ordinary, below attention, not worthy of special mention, were my greatest fears. As a result of this mindset, I have always struggled to be more. As ungrammatical as that sentence is, it fits my situation very well. I wanted to be "more" in all areas. Notability, career accomplishments, renown, personal character, respectability, trustworthiness, mental acuity, any area of life in which it is possible to excel, I wanted to excel, and excel more than all others around me. Understandably, this led me to have a very competitive, industrious nature. This nature has been both a blessing and a curse. The area that applies here is the curse.
As someone who is constantly looking for more accomplishments in any given area of life, I have yet to be satisfied with any accomplishments of my own. While many would say: "Isn't it a good thing to never rest on your accomplishments?" Well, yes, and no. I have achieved much more than even I realize because of my diligence and perseverance. However, with complacency as my main enemy, I have also succeeded in developing an internal will to achieve more that has effectively disabled my ability to be content! As I constantly search for a better job, a higher rate of pay, more influential accomplishments, and relationships that will yield the most rewards, I find myself forgetting that God commands us to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves. Not that I should be satisfied with ordinary, but I should be striving to be extraordinary in ways that will glorify and bring honor to the name of Christ and His church, not in ways that bring honor to myself. The drive to achieve more has successfully stripped away my appreciation of now. I fail to appreciate the physical blessings in my life, the relationships which God has seen fit to bring about, and the daily workings of God's hand in my life to give me the optimum balance of trials and good fortune to bring my spiritual self to full maturity. I have striven to put as much distance between myself and complacency as possible, and in so doing, have also left an ever widening space between my soul and true contentedness.
I still do not advocate resting on one's laurels, or placing overmuch emphasis on accomplishments gone by. However, I do believe that in our rush to achieve all that of which we are capable, we must not forget that God has designed a plan which may not include financial success, public lauding, or even 3 meals in a day. I may not accomplish all of the things that I wish to accomplish in this life. I may never have the level of physical success to which I aspire. I do not believe this means that I should stop working towards a further goal each day. But. I do believe that the goals which I strive toward must be spiritual ones. I should be working towards greater spiritual maturity, increased ministerial success, and a deeper personal fellowship with the Lord of this universe. When these things are added to my life, the physical success will comes as God wills it, and never will I feel the despairing pangs of complacency. I will be aware of His blessings, and He will teach me to be content. In my drive for success, I have become complacent in my inability to be content. That attitude should be the true enemy. Our goal should not be one of earthly ambition, but of a higher calling, and a constantly renewed appreciation of the life with which we are so richly blessed.


"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am in, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians Chapter 4, verses 11 through 13. King James Bible.


-

Desperation's Reach

Asking me to take your hand

Not even realizing you're already out of reach

Not wanting to hear a word I say

You're not in church you say so why preach

The words I cannot utter

Held captive by a heart that is weak

It seems only my life blood can escape

From that prison of thoughts with a leak

I don't know what more to do

To make you see the gulf we must bridge

If only you would respond with acceptance

Instead of quiet hardness and umbrage

~

Hollow Living

Ecclesiastes chapter 1, verses 1 and 2

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

That's what The Lord himself said

None of this is gonna matter once you wind up dead

Try to tell me all these fairy tales livin up inside your head

Make your pathway better but it's really mud in which you tread

I'm not bein negative I'm just quotin what I read

It's by our own devices to hell's doorway we are led

Voices around us all

All tellin us we livin good

Not that our living should be clean

Instead we'll just look through a hood

Tie die colored so we don't see

Your view is life misunderstood

Tellin me to make the best of it

Love them through their flaws

Don't you talk that moral code

Or apply those holy laws

You just might go an offend em

And expose the truth about their cause

It's self delusion called complacency

Leading them to deaths cold jaws

Voices around us all

All tellin us we livin good

Not that our living should be clean

Instead we'll just look through a hood

Tie die colored so we don't see

Your view is life misunderstood

I'm not saying that you can't relax

Or dress up lookin nice

Or compliment a situation

When things just roll like dice

Just keep in mind it's all a front

And you will realize

What truly matters that you do and say

Before you're put on ice

Voices around us all

All tellin us we livin good

Not that our living should be clean

Instead we'll just look through a hood

Tie die colored so we don't see

Your view is life misunderstood. 

Sputtering

Completely and utterly futile
My thoughts on where to begin
My life has come to a standstill
Those who say nay are thinking they win
I cannot find that avenue I seek
That channel I find lacking
The canal through which would sail
My craft with success packing
I have no place to point my aim
No finish line oer which to cross
And when I grab alongside hand
It turns into, yet again, a loss
Dawdling still I find my lot
Alone, no help in this plight
No soaring plans to take me up
Sans partner in yet untested flight

     -

Eight year old kings and thirty year old children

The Second Book of the Chronicles, King James Bible

     Chapter 34

     Verse 1: 

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years

     2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

     3. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

Josiah was all of eight years old when he ascended the throne, becoming king of all Judah and Jerusalem. He didn't have the assistance of David, his biological father, at that most crucial point in his life. 

     I have heard it said that the maturity level and level of intelligence was higher in those days, and I am inclined to agree with that musing. However, even at an advanced level, what EIGHT YEAR OLD would be ready to lead an entire nation??? 

It's nuts. 

Crazy talk.

     But that's kinda my point. At eight years old, Josiah ascends the throne. He is following King Amon. A disgusting, wicked, ungodly ruler. The worst example a young child could have for a leadership role. King Amon was so bad that it was actually his own servants that eventually assassinated him because of his ever growing list of trespasses! 

     So that's it. Amon is dead. Eight year old Josiah is heir to the throne and is rewarded with the crown. The leadership of a country torn by idol worship, pagan practices, and a virtual civil war when the people assassinate those who assassinated the previous king!

     Yeah. I would have failed. I don't think I can honestly say I know of any people who would have been able to take that and run with it. Well, not without running themselves and the country into the ground. But Josiah did. He ran with it. Verse three says that he ACTIVELY sought after God and His ways! He had NO ONE to show him how to behave, how to conduct himself, how to run AN ENTIRE NATION. And yet he did it. Not bemoaning his father's earthly absence, but instead turning to the One who always is available to show us the way we should go. And he didn't just casually ask, he did "seek" God's will and then purged out that in the nation which was contrary to God's purpose and will! Josiah is truly an amazing instance of reliance on God's direction alone no matter what the challenge may be.

     This is the point I wish to make today.

I taught myself to shave.

I crafted the inspirational messages that drove me to excel in sports and physical fitness.

I drove myself to be a competent writer.

I taught myself how to conduct myself as a guy.

I had no one person who showed me how to develop into the man I should be.

     And yet I am expected to be a man.

Confident.

Mature.

Strong.

Wise.

Spiritual.

     But with no one to show me, I have an excuse to mess up, right?

Wrong.

     I can spout all I want about the challenges I face, about the inequality of other people having an instructor on how to stay strong for those around them, to make life decisions, to stand tall as a self assured individual, but when it comes down to it, all that is required is for me to follow God. Josiah was eight. EIGHT. I will be twenty four years old this year. I can moan and complain all I want about the leadership I lacked, but that does not excuse me from the responsibilities I still have. Josiah was tasked with leading a nation with no older, wiser source of guidance, and he responded the only way he should have, he turned to the Lord. Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." I have access to the ultimate guide, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ultimate guidebook, the Holy Bible. I have no excuse. I'm not even tasked with running a single city, much less a whole nation, just my own life. And still I look for excuses, blaming those in my life who were not there instead of taking responsibility, forgiving those who were absent, and taking control of my choices and life decisions to live my life honorably and in spiritual victory.

     I'm not discounting the pain. I'm not saying the struggle doesn't matter. I'm saying there is healing in God's grace for the hurt we go through, and there is help in His Holy Word to tell us how not to be crushed under our worldly weights. 

     Don't believe the lie. Don't perpetuate the cycle. Our world is full of men who continue to say they don't know how to lead because they've never been led. Give your life to the Lord, let Him lead you. And I promise, He will turn you into a leader. Whether it's of your house, your family, your church, your city, or countless numbers in a government position or mighty church revival, God will let you lead once you learn how to follow.

     So stand up guys. Not even just the older ones. Come on twenty-somethings. Your youth is not to be wasted. Give the youngers something to follow. Break the cycle. I for one don't want to raise a bunch of "I dunnos" who are incapable of making an eternal difference in this world. Be the change you wanted to see in the generation before you. Their time is coming to an end, it's our turn now. Be the man you always wanted to have as an example, and be the example for the one's coming up next.

To Love Is To Have Lost

Valentine's Day.
Singleness Awareness Day.
That Stupid Holiday To Make Single People Feel Bad.
The 14th Of February.
Thursday.
Just Another Day.

     So many meanings for a simple day on the calender. For many it is a day to celebrate and indulge in the romantic affections of one whom they believe to be their one true love. For many others it is a day that pinpoints their lack of something which society today places overmuch emphasis upon. For still others it is a day for brooding, for regrets, for dark admonishment of future lack of tenderness. The original sentiment is rather vague as legend surrounds much of this holiday's factual history. However, the general idea of this day seemed, originally, to be one of sacrifice. Not of the sappy, romantic sort espoused today; rather a deep giving of ones self, up to, and including, the giving of very life for the love of another.
     Although facts on the origins of this day are, as aforementioned, rather vague, the popular legend tells us of a Christian man who gave his life in defense of his faith. It was not for another man which he died, but because of his unwillingness to betray the One whom he had pledged his life to serve.
     Now I'd like to probe the lore of the first Valentine's Day card. Saint Valentine, as he came to be called, performed marriages and shared messages of hope and love with the government's troops. This was forbidden as such romantic sentiments were thought to make men weak and ineffective in battle. As a result of this outlawed practice, Valentine was brought before Emperor Claudius II to face judgement. The emperor was impressed with Valentine's sincere expression of God's love through his services and recognized the potential usefulness of such dedication. After trying to persuade Valentine to reject his faith and join the Roman empire as a priest of their order, Claudius was then almost persuaded to believe in the Christian faith by Valentine's refusal and earnest confessions of God's love for Claudius! However, this attempt was unsuccessful and resulted in Valentine's imprisonment awaiting execution. While in prison, Valentine grew to know the jailer and his family. One of the jailer's daughters had been born with a handicap, being completely blind. Valentine, being an earnest servant of God and not wanting to see another human suffer in this life, earnestly implored God to restore the young daughter's sight. As a result of his fervent prayer, the young daughter was miraculously granted that ability which she lacked since birth. As a result of his role in this work of God, Valentine grew very close to this young woman, perhaps even reaching that celebrated moment of "falling in love".

THIS IS THE PART I WANT YOU TO SEE

On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he sent a letter to the jailer's young daughter, whom he had become romantically close to. He signed this letter "from your Valentine", and this is where we are said to have got the concept of calling the cards we send "Valentines". But my point is this: his love for her, his desire to enjoy her company, his yearning to hear her voice, see her face, feel her touch, were overshadowed by his actual act of love in allowing himself to be put to death. He could have given in to his yearnings, he had an avenue of escape. All he had to do was profess his faith in the Roman church and he would have been freed. Free to live a life of expected bliss with the woman he so desperately longed for. The modern world would say "why did he let himself die? If he truly loved her, he wouldn't let anything stop him from being with her". And they couldn't be more wrong. Valentine knew he would be committing a supremely selfish act by putting his desires above those of his God to see him serve Him till death. How would it be a loving act to put forth a selfish example for his beloved to follow? and knowing that it was God's will for him to die, would that not mean that God had a different will for his beloved to follow as well? So to betray his faith and take her to his side would be to deny her the possibility of living out the life of glorious service and joy which God had planned for her. How would that be an act of love? No, denying his own desires, putting HER well being and God's desires above his own, THIS was the ultimate act of love. Willing to do what he knew was best for his beloved, even if it meant his complete separation from her, even to his death.
     So my question for you is, is this the love you practice? Does it serve to fulfill YOUR wants and desires? Or does it look to provide a wiser, more fulfilled walk for those you profess affection for? I even hear "I just want her/him to be happy", oh really? And that's why you continue to contaminate their life with your selfish desires, unwise advice, and immoral lusts? If you cannot further their fulfillment of their ultimate goal in life, being as close to the will of the Creator as possible, then YOU DON"T BELONG IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE. I have realized this, I have yet to accept it. It's a harsh reality. But I needed to share it.

As a nursery rhyme has spoken well
The roses in life are stained blood red
As a life pierced through by thorn
A heart that to emotion will sell
It's wisdom will then be led
Till all it's tenderness is shorn

Violets that speak of the sky
Holding a pleasing, gentle hue
Having no concept of their value
So a life will swallow that lie
Not knowing their worth is due
To the ignored beyond the blue

     -Armas

Ethereal Pondering

Just thought you should know
I thought of you today
I guess thinking would be more apt
For it's not in a passing sort of way

Every fourth thought
No maybe every third
It's in every single sentence
No it shadows every single word

Attempted productivity
At work or in home
Whatever the project is
To you my thoughts will roam

My dreams at night
Freckled with you
Wether warlike wishes or fairy tale
Whatever the content your face will imbue

Now resting still
Knowing I'll awake
The first one in my head you will be
And my first thoughts you'll take

~Armas

Peter, I Know You

Breaking the surface
I must remind myself to breathe
Somehow it will be worth it
Though all is bitterness that seethes

Tide sucks me down again
I surrender to it's pull
Then I remember I'm not done
Even if my anguish capacity is full

I fight and I struggle
Pulling never close
My motivation has departed
Of all it guided most

I can't continue on
Of strength I am deplete
Sinking downward to the depths
It seems as if I'm on repeat

I know the end will come
Yet soon enough not
All floating pretty dreams
Each single one forgot

"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

Post 22 of 27- Charity, Explained

Charity, Explained

I've finally found
One whom they fit
Those unused words
On my mind sit

I tried so long
To keep my space
But in my heart
You reserved place

My care for you
Is all I feel
And so your heart
I leave to heal

Words can't explain
How deep it goes
Feelings mine
Create fresh woe

For your own good
E'en tho it's true
I haven't said
That I love you

~Armas

Post 21 of 27- High On Life

If I ever become a published writer I may have to give Starbucks a share just because of the sheer number of pieces inspired inside it's air conditioned comfort I use in place of a writing studio.

High On Life

Glowing red embers
As the man takes a hit
Blowing smoke clouds
Bright flame lights the tip
Pause to grab his drink
Slowly take a sip

A cough interrupts
Fit of hacking so severe
The very essence inhaled
Creating peace and calm
Both feelings held dear
And yet causing pain
To draw itself ever near

Taking in that which feels
So enlightening and warm
A plethora of addictions
All powerful inside our form
Causing euphoria to breed
And all pain of ours to scorn

So in we continue our drag
Taking shots of all of life
Pretending we do not hasten
End of peace and dawn of strife
For every piece of us becalmed
A future part with struggle rife

Surrounding us red embers
As one we take our hit
The smoke of life our vision clouds
As we extinguish life's bright tip
Hasten to that one last drink
Our life ends with a knowing sip

~Armas

Part 20 of 27- Hope Unclaimed Until Real Change

All of these cool people
Na they're all just really lames
The degradation of this culture
Canny fully be explained
Until the morals of our leaders
And their absences are blamed
I'm not saying its all theirs
This wicked nation we've become
I'm just saying that the few
Have stopped their ears to the some
Gone forever are those days
When this great nation spoke as one
I'm not one to sit and moan
But our plight's got me confused
Some still trying other methods
But salvation comes only when infused
Not with our greatest hopes or dreams
But the blood of a man enthused
Not because of this world's gain
Or any of our earthly treasure
But from his great Infilling
God's presence without measure
So I'll spread Him and bring hope
While you golf and take your leisure

~Armas

Part 19 of 27- The End Of Beginning

I'm not there yet
But someday I will be
I haven't arrived
But someday you'll see
Not any longer
Rooted here like a tree
But head held up
From the world truly free
I'm still working
The life offered as a fee
The only form
Of payment made for me
So precious He
Holds my life upon it's knee
It doesn't matter
Whether or not you agree
My potential
With Him is wider than the sea
So you run
And live life frantic as a bee
I'll just sit
And sip this cup of tea
For I know
My end is simply continuity

~Armas

Post 18 of 27- Construction: Ongoing

Okay I am officially declaring failure. It is now six days into August and I am only on post 18. I apologize :( Thank you so much to everyone who kept up with my posts though! Watching the hit counter shoot up has been awesome, knowing that all of you are enjoying my artwork is such a great feeling, even if you can't express that enjoyment through a comment or follow (hint hint). I am going to finish out the  postings they'll just be very late. School starts soon and with my two jobs and volunteer work, finding time to get online for reasons other than homework is going to be interesting. It feels like summer was barely even here! Ah well, life keeps going. This one is short because my brain wouldn't focus on just one topic today but I may lengthen it later. Enjoy!!! :)


Construction: Ongoing

Concrete walls goin up again
Manipulation's what you'll get from him
Not playin anymore it's serious
Those other barriers seem so thin
Not playin with you now
This is not another careless whim
Can't afford to let in your little words
Like tiny fangs into my shin
So that softness is now buried
It's ever lost now deep within

     -Armas

Post 17 of 27- A Date With Fate

One-two-three-break
I think this might be a big mistake
These talents and skills
All mine to take
And use however
I feel is right for all's sake

But how do I know
Do I rear back and let go
Or should I tame this beast
And culture it's flow
I've got one chance
It seems all too easy to blow

I can pierce your sad rants
Make them sound like dog pants
Stack my rhymes with yours
The quality scants
My lyrics tango
While yours learn to dance

Maybe it's not my place
To show others how to trace
The genius of all those past
Imitating grace
While we remain
Poor substitutes of fancy lace

Perhaps I'll stay humble
Not worry about whether I fumble
For on this artful path
I'll sometime stumble
Maybe I'll keep still
And bear up without grumble

I suppose I'll have to wait
One day I'll know what is my fate
I'll figure out this road
And set upon a gait
I just wish it was now
Not at a later date

~Armas

Oh, by the way, you guys already got me over 1,300 views!!! You're so awesome!!! Thank you for support! Feel free to drop me a line or comment below and follow my blog!!!

Post 16 of 27- Waiting On Inspiration

So bored
This dull maroon
The carpet staring at me
I suppose
It's trying to escape
The harsh glare from the light
Ugly wood
Grotesque twists
Creating a semblance of table
Homely
Receptioner sits
Chewing horselike her gum
Across me
An overstuffed hedge
A chair of pattern awfully floral
Fake green
Leaves encircle me
Faux plants to my right and left
Who knew
Among a waiting room
A dreary inspiration was here to find

Post 15 of 27- 1,200 Views!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so woefully behind on these posts Note to self: never make a writing commitment in public again. I have already written two pieces today but only one is for public viewing, it's just some random rhyming I did. Fun rhymes like this are one of the things I really enjoy doing. I think one of my next pieces will be about summer about to end..hmm...but anyway, here's a post to hold you till tonight. I plan on posting twice a day until the end of the month, that will catch me up on my posing goal! Thank you everyone once again for your continued visual appreciation of my work! Almost 1,200 views on the blog! It really does mean a lot to see that there are people out there who truly enjoy the work I enjoy so much. I'll quit rambling now and let you get to the enjoyable part :)

For Rhyme's Sake

Spittin rhymes for spittins sake
Gonna get this track all wet, Maloney lake
just because your lyrics bounce
Does not you an artist make
Just like throwin eggs into a pan
Doesn't magically create a cake
Don't think I'm hatin on your craft
I'm just tryina tell you don't be fake
It's not my pride that drives me
To be driven by one other is my take
I know you'll take this message hard
Probly hold it in and let it bake
You better let it out and let it go
Or your psyche it will break
I'm not comparing you to me
You can't compare a mower to a rake
One has power seeming unlimited
While the other just piles makes
If you stack one up on the other
The rake's courage would forsake
It's image would be ruined
It's seen effectiveness at stake
I'm sorry for my metaphors
Some people grasp them like snowflakes
And by that I mean not at all
So my point I must then remake
Undress it from its intelligent address
And present it completely nak-
Ed without those fancy trimmings
That make it look so good like Blake
But what was I sayin?
Oh yeah about those rhymes you break
I mean not like they were together
I mean they don't exactly make me ache
Maybe I should pick another topic
Off those jumbles remind me of a quake
Man these lyrics just seem to wind
Subject to subject like a snake
But hopefully their honest expression
Your creative eyes they will awake
Maybe they'll get off that verbiage milk
And have you tryin some of my steak

~Armas

Post 14 of 27- Stone Marshmallow

I'm running on very few hours of sleep and I have very little time to secure a portion more tonight so this post will be brief! This piece is less lyrical and form-rigid than most of mine, it had a lot of depth though which I think you can relate to. So I am going to head in the general direction of dreamland and you, please, enjoy :)

Stone Marshmallow

It's been poked
Prodded
Scrutinized
Searched

It hurts

Been bruised
Battered
Beaten
Torn

It hurts

Some give cry
Wall it
Stone it
Refuse entry

It hurts

Some ply
Haphazard
Unchallenged
Entry loose

It hurts

Amidst ways
Secured
Pell mell
Undecided

It hurts

One fact
Undisputed
Immutable
Indelible

It hurts

~Armas

Post 13 of 27- Inspections Wry

It's almost 2am! I really am going to get to sleep at a decent time someday. But for tonight, here is my rumblings :) Enjoy!

Inspections Wry

I need your help
I'm about to cry
These hurts of mine
Will make me die
No outward sign
Not even a sigh
I give to them
With unpitying eye
But Lord you know
From up on high
That all my game
Is just a lie
A sad facade
To mask my fie
So please come now
My end is nigh
All dreams repressed
Hope's fount run dry
Not one day more
To question why

~Armas