A lonely heart can make you beg.
A lonely heart can make you cry.
A lonely heart can twist and turn you,
Wringing every feeling dry.
A lonely heart welcomes the dead.
A lonely heart obscures the light.
A lonely heart wallows in darkness,
Cursing everything in sight.
* Quiet *
Hey readers and readettes, Maria and I are working on a new children’s book called A Bumpy Journey, about a hapless rock searching for his purpose in life. Today I’m posting the unfinished version of page 5, where poor and pebbly Bumpy is being sent on his way (yet again!). Look out for A Bumpy Journey sometime in late-2018. Until then, I’ll be posting more teasers for your viewing pleasure. Have a rockin’ day! – Quiet Riley
When will I surrender,
not as a villain,
but as a pious man?
When will I give in,
not to avoid stress,
but to contribute?
When will I bow down,
not to exercise weakness,
but to express humility?
When will I let go,
not to forget the past,
but to seize the moment?
When . . .
( Poem by Quiet Riley / Artwork by Ai Jing )
The fridge keeps eggs from rotting
and fruits from turning black.
It keeps eclairs from growing hairs
and throws the ants off track.
But most importantly,
it keeps our moments intact.
* Quiet 2018 *
Burning scarlet red
before a sky of blue.
The phoenix tree inspires,
turning ashes into gold.
– Quiet 2018 –
Setting: A ma and pa coffee shop in San Fran, California
Friend #1: Hey friend, where are you off to?
Friend #2: The Arctic Circle. I’m adopting a polar bear for a pet.
Friend #1: A polar bear?!? Are you crazy?
Friend #2: What? Is there something wrong with polar bears?
Friend #1: Of course! Don’t you know they’re huge? An adult can reach up to 10 feet in height and weigh over 1,000 pounds.
Friend #2: You’re right. It’ll never fit in my Kia.
Friend #1: Not only that, but polar bears are quite dangerous. Their teeth and claws are sharper than samurai swords.
Friend #2: Hey friend, thanks for letting me know. My in-laws are staying for two weeks and I wouldn’t want…(he pauses for a moment, then shakes his head). Can you recommend something else?
Friend #1: How about a Diamondback Rattlesnake? They’re much smaller than polar bears and easier to take care of. You can hop on the Interstate and pick one up in a jiffy.
Friend #2: A rattlesnake? That’s…that’s the greatest idea ever! The wife just delivered our first and you know how newborns love those sounds they make.
Barista #4: Cinnamon chai latte!
Friend #1: Ah, my drink is ready. Happy travels, friend.
Dream what I am
Dream not what I will become
The fish does not dare follow a bird’s shadow
Quiet 2018
