A teacher asked me, "What was your earliest memory of loss?"
I had no answer for her. Much of my childhood stays blocked and dark, concealed in the recesses of my mind. A function of the PTSD, you see.
I think of it as black mold in my brain: dangerous, unsafe, unstable. Gargoyles warning me away from the residual ripples of fear, powerlessness, shame. A compass spinning wildly, entreating me go any direction but there.
"Here be monsters," says a spiderweb hiss. "Enter here and be doomed."
An Americana bodhisattva reminds me about little demons on temple doors. "Get past what scares you," he sings in a growling drawl.
I draw breath and move onward, towards the sacred ground
where the healing lives.
About the Creator
David Muñoz
I'm a recovering artist in Austin, Texas. Stoic student, mystic, writer, poet, guitarist, father, brother, son, friend. I am an eternal soul living a human experience. Part of that experience is working through my stuff by making art.
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If India and Pakistan went nuclear, what would be the impact?
Tensions in Kashmir, fueled by the repeal of Article 370, lead to increased violence and Pakistan's involvement in supporting militant groups. China sees an opportunity to establish supremacy at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 🗳️🔥 Pakistan and China launch a two-front attack on India, with Pakistan invading from the west and China from the east. India, prepared for this scenario, goes on the offensive against Pakistan while defending the LAC. 👊🇮🇳 Despite initial setbacks, India pushes back against Pakistan using its superior military strength. China, realizing the situation is not in its favor, withdraws support, leaving Pakistan alone. 🏃♂️🇨🇳 Faced with a losing conventional war, Pakistan's military leadership convinces interim Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar to prepare for a nuclear strike against India. ☢️💣 Pakistan's options for launching nuclear weapons are limited due to India's naval presence and air superiority. The Shaheen 2 medium-range ballistic missile becomes Pakistan's primary choice. 🚀 India detects Pakistan's nuclear preparations and readies its missile defense systems, including the Pradyumna Ballistic Missile Interceptor (PAD) and Ashwin Ballistic Missile Interceptor (AAD). 🕵️♂️🛡️ As a last resort, Pakistan launches a nuclear attack targeting New Delhi and other strategic locations along the India-Pakistan border. India's missile defense systems intercept many of the missiles, but some still reach their targets. ☢️💥 In retaliation, India launches a devastating nuclear counterattack, targeting Pakistan's major cities and military installations. Pakistan's leadership is wiped out, and its nuclear launch sites are destroyed. 😠💀 The nuclear exchange leaves both countries devastated, with millions of casualties and widespread destruction. India, though severely impacted, retains more of its command structure and military capabilities. 🏴☠️🤐 In the aftermath, India focuses on securing Kashmir, reinforcing its defenses against China, and managing the diplomatic consequences of the nuclear war. 🔒💼
By Infographics Showabout 15 hours ago in Poets
Tales of the Aurora Borealis
Who knew a solar storm could be so beautiful? Purples, reds, and greens shimmering in our skies like dancing ribbons. Hypnotic and enchanting, the Northern Lights have had us humans in complete awe for centuries. Which got me thinking, what did our ancestors think of the Aurora Borealis?
By Rosie J. Sargent4 days ago in FYI
Comments (3)
So unique and expertly crafted. The idea and description of 'a black mould in my brain' was so well done. You really succeeded in creating a tone that made this poem very memorable.
Oooo, this was so profound! Loved your take on this!
Vividly written poem with a hopeful ending.