“Where were you?” “I feel like I’ve heard those words a hundred times but it always comes out the same gut wrenching way.” “Tears welled up in their eyes, broken heart laid bare, throats hoarse from screaming, begging to know … Read More
Fear and courage
Fear is a liar. It tells you that pain is permanent, that loss defines you, that the flames that touch your life are meant to burn you forever. Fear whispers that it’s easier to push people away than to let … Read More
Inevitable
There was a man in my unit who used to keep a tally. Every time someone went down, he marked a line on the stock of his rifle. Said it helped him remember. Said it gave the dead weight. But … Read More
King of Bones
“Throughout mythology, Kings were created through destruction.” “Their thrones were made of skulls and bones, of people that said Kings crushed to take their position.” “In order for the King to ascend, others had to suffer down the line. Whether … Read More
Poverty’s King
♫ Everyone wants to be alone, Until they are alone. ♫ That which is given, mi amigos, cannot be taken back. A man once had a beautiful daughter. He gave her everything, even the horse her mother loved. ‘Take it, … Read More
Seventeen Muscles
It takes less effort to smile than it does to frown. Seventeen muscles move together when you smile, seventeen small signals to the world of your happiness. But a frown? That takes forty-three muscles. Forty-three reminders that sadness is heavier … Read More
“The Experiment of Emotion”
Emotions. They are the most powerful force in the human condition. Stronger than logic. Stronger than reason. Stronger than science itself. They drive men to greatness… and just as often, they drag them into ruin. I’ve spent my life studying … Read More
Judas at My Side, Babel Before Me
Even Christ had Judas. Even Christ felt the sting of a kiss that burned like a blade. And still the cross was carried. And still the crown was won. So I too walk with betrayal at my side. Nero. Lucien. … Read More
Canis Canem Edit
Night after night, I heard the sirens of Deathrow going on lockdown. All hell breaking loose while I sat back and contemplated the next big move. The next meaningful step is what mattered to me while the dogs below fought … Read More