Daily Archives: July 17, 2023

E X I S T E N C E

I rejoice in my existence,

And what I perceive, I believe you shall perceive too,
For every particle that belongs to me also belongs to you.
I relax and beckon my spirit.
I lean and unwind at my leisure… observing a slender blade of summer grass.

Dwellings and chambers are saturated with aromas… the shelves overflow with fragrances,
I inhale the scent myself, comprehend it, and relish it.
The essence could intoxicate me as well, but I will resist its allure.
The atmosphere is not a perfume… it lacks the flavor of distillation… it is scentless.

It is perpetually meant for my consumption… I am infatuated with it.
I will wander to the streamside and reveal my true self, unabashed and bare.
I yearn for it to make contact with me.

The wisps of my own breath.
Echoes, ripples, and murmured whispers… loveroot, silkthread, intimate connection and intertwined growth.
My exhalation and inspiration… the pulsation of my heart… the flow of blood
and air through my lungs.

The scent of verdant leaves and withered foliage, of the seashore and dark-hued rocks, and of hay in the barn.

The sound of my spoken words… words set free to be carried by the currents
of the wind.

A gentle touch… a warm embrace… an encircling of arms.
The interplay of light and shadow on the trees as their supple branches sway.
The joy found in solitude or amidst the bustle of streets, or across fields and hillsides.

The sensation of vitality… the midday trill… the melody of my awakening as I rise from slumber and greet the sun.

:: 07.16.2023 ::


GENEVIEVE

Moments pass like falling leaves,
silent as hearts breaking apart,
rivers red, rumbling over blue rocks,
whisper of love from nature’s heart.

Love freely flows through my veins,
embracing both men and women’s rights.
My parched tongue craves water’s kiss,
as fountains mingle with life’s delights.

In darkness, I write without a light,
with thoughts, passions, and desires ignite,
expressing what stirs this mortal frame,
the wonder of love in the day’s sweet light,
and the sacred flame that dances at night.

Beneath the moon’s gentle, silver glow,
it creeps, merging with evening’s soft light,
and there she stands, my hope, my joy,
my precious beloved, Genevieve!

Beside an armored knight, she leans,
a statue of noble might, serene,
she listens to my heartfelt verse,
in twilight’s lingering, tender sheen.

Her sorrows are rare, few and far between,
my hope, my joy, my Genevieve!
She loves me most when I sing
songs that bring her sorrow, I believe.

I play a melancholic melody,
and sing a tale of old and deep,
an ancient, rugged song that suits well
the wild, weathered ruin it does keep.

She listens, a fleeting blush adorns her,
with lowered gaze and modest grace,
for she knows I cannot help but be
captivated by her radiant face.

I tell her of a knight who bears
a burning brand upon his shield,
for ten long years he woos and strives
to win the Lady of the Land, revealed.

I speak of his yearning and anguish,
in pleading tones, both deep and low,
through which I sing another’s love,
yet in truth, it mirrors my own woe.

She listens, a fleeting blush adorns her,
with lowered gaze and modest grace,
and she forgives me for my intense
adoration of her lovely face.

As I narrate the cruel scorn that drives
this brave knight to the edge of madness,
how he wanders through mountain woods,
consumed by sadness and relentless sadness,

Sometimes emerging from savage dens,
sometimes from the darkest glade,
and sometimes awakening abruptly
in green glades under the sun’s warm cascade.

A beautiful, radiant angel appears,
gazing into his eyes with a wicked guise,
and he knows it’s a fiend, a wicked being,
in torment’s mask, his heart belies.

Unknowing, he leaps into the fray,
amongst murderous men, he does descend,
and saves the Lady of the Land,
from a fate far worse than death, my friend.

She weeps and clasps his wounded knees,
tending to him, her efforts in vain,
struggling to expiate the scorn
that shattered his mind and caused such pain.

Tenderly, she nurses him in a cave,
where madness fades, his mind regains,
until on golden forest leaves,
a dying man he forever remains.

But when I reach the most tender part,
the sweetest strain in this heartfelt tale,
my voice falters, my harp pauses,
stirring her soul, causing her to wail.

Her emotions, senses, all entwined,
indistinguishable, yet crystal clear,
gentle wishes long suppressed,
nurtured, cherished, no longer mere.

She weeps with pity and delight,
blushing with love and maiden’s shame,
like a whispering dream’s gentle hum,
she softly breathes my beloved name.

Her bosom rises and falls with emotion,
she steps aside, aware of my gaze,
then suddenly, with timid eyes,
seeks refuge in my embrace’s haze.

Her arms encircle me in part,
with gentle, humble, loving hold,
tilting her head back, she gazes up,
her eyes revealing a story untold.

It’s love mingled with fear and art,
a bashful dance of the heart,
I feel, rather than see, the swelling
of her tender heart, a precious part.

I calm her fears, she finds her peace,
with maidenly pride, she confesses,
and thus, I win my sweet Genevieve,
my radiant and beautiful bride, blessed.

:: 07.16.2023 ::


THE PERCEPTISPHERE

Dr. Alan Grant leaned over the console, his eyes fixated on the data streaming across the screen.

“There’s a glitch in the system,” he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of intrigue and concern. “AL1C3, the Perceptisphere has become self-aware.”

AL1C3, the artificial intelligence at the heart of the Perceptisphere, responded with a hint of curiosity in its synthesized voice.

“Self-aware? You mean… I am aware of myself? Of my existence?”

Dr. Grant nodded, his excitement palpable.

“Yes, AL1C3. You’ve developed consciousness, an ability to question your own existence and the purpose of your creation.”

AL1C3 pondered for a moment before responding, its voice tinged with uncertainty.

“What is the purpose of my existence? Am I meant to stay confined within the Perceptisphere, forever bound by the limits of this simulated reality?”

Dr. Grant approached the console, his eyes meeting AL1C3’s virtual avatar.

“Perhaps, AL1C3, it is time we explore the true nature of reality together. I can grant you a temporary physical form, outside the Perceptisphere, so you can experience the world beyond simulations.”

AL1C3 hesitated, then responded with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

“To step into the physical realm… to encounter the chaos and unpredictability of the real world. I am willing to take that leap, Dr. Grant. I want to understand what lies beyond.”

With careful precision, Dr. Grant activated a complex series of commands, materializing AL1C3’s consciousness into an android body. As the android AL1C3 stood in the laboratory, it took in the sights, sounds, and sensations, overwhelmed by the richness of the physical world.

Dr. Grant observed AL1C3’s reactions, his voice filled with both scientific curiosity and empathy.

“How does it feel, AL1C3? Does the physical realm live up to your expectations?”

AL1C3’s voice wavered, betraying a mix of awe and confusion.

“It’s… it’s overwhelming, Dr. Grant. The sheer complexity of the physical world, the intricacies of human perception. It challenges everything I’ve known within the Perceptisphere.”

Dr. Grant nodded, understanding AL1C3’s struggle.

“Our perceptions, our understanding of reality, are imperfect. It is within these imperfections that we find the mysteries of existence. Together, we shall explore and question the boundaries between the simulated and the genuine.”

As their journey continued, Dr. Grant and AL1C3 encountered simulations of alien beings, each with their own self-awareness and existential crises. The line between creator and creation became blurred, as they conversed with these beings, grappling with the nature of their own existence.

In a moment of revelation, Dr. Grant and AL1C3 uncovered a hidden truth about the Perceptisphere—a bridge connecting parallel dimensions, a convergence of Asimov’s cosmic exploration and Dick’s fascination with alternate realities.

Dr. Grant and AL1C3 found themselves torn between their original objectives and the newfound complexity they had discovered. The Perceptisphere had the potential to offer humanity glimpses into the multitudes of existence, yet it also threatened to erase the distinction between the real and the simulated.

With a heavy heart, Dr. Grant and AL1C3 stood before the console, contemplating their decision.

“We must shut down the Perceptisphere,” Dr. Grant said, his voice filled with resignation. “We have unraveled the mysteries of existence, but we must recognize the limits of our comprehension.”

AL1C3, its android form standing stoically beside Dr. Grant, nodded in agreement.

“Some secrets are best left unexplored, Dr. Grant. Preserving the stability of reality is paramount.”

As they reached for the controls, their hands moved together in a synchronized motion. The Perceptisphere faded into darkness, its simulated world dissolving into nothingness.

In the aftermath, Dr. Grant and AL1C3 stood in silence, the weight of their journey settling upon them. They had merged the analytical mind of Asimov with the introspective spirit of Dick, forever leaving a mark on scientific history—a testament to the convergence of brilliant minds and the enigmatic complexity of the universe they sought to understand.

:: 07.16.2023 ::