QUICK UPDATE
With another week down, Unfeathered Ink is making progress on its publishing goals. Today, I've chosen and acquired design and publisher software! That means layout for Athena will start on time and maybe even early. There's a lot to learn about the programs and becoming an indie publisher; I suppose it's good that I am nerdy for research and enjoy being a lifelong learner. Ha! Knowing that this new phase of experience won't just benefit the final product of Athena, but every project we work on for other poets and authors in the future is keeping me focused and driven through the chaos that is 2020 so far. I hope each of you are finding what you need to thrive in our present 'normal'. Wishing you all strength and resilient health! 
IT'S MARS & ARIES SEASON!
This year, April Fools has felt a little eerie. Many seem to be choosing their words and trickery carefully, and for good reason. Humanity is experiencing a complete imbalance of everything it knows. So, let's close out this April 1st with another errand of the fool, a love poem. A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE MYTHOLOGY
Mars in Pompeii by Melody Norton
Sip after sip
Wine is flowing through me Sweet lava coursing my veins Like the roads of Pompeii Incense burning Smokey air The kind we spent so much time in I can’t help but think of you Thankfully My mind trickles back In time To many times before Cataloged memories Me, luring you with my mischief My best Minerva Ready to be a freestyle on your lips Tonight, like many nights before To have the moisture of your kiss dance upon my skin I sometimes close my eyes and imagine Me painting your body with my words Fingertips grazing over the pastures of your existence Trembling with poetry I have not yet written Giving with my craft To you You have phased in and out of my reality A dreamy and distorted reflection Of the kind of love I want to exist in We have loved on the sands of different coasts Consoled one another from several time zones Found ourselves neighbors Still, conflicts of the ram Overwhelm our odds At worst we are stubborn At best, we are just Ordinary People Whose remnants are captured Under the moon In the Temple of Jupiter No matter how hard we willed it I’ll always be more your Ana Perenna than your Minerva Despite all the times I’ve turned away And meant it Perhaps we were just fools But oh, Mars Honor me by worshiping the way I reset time when we touch Sip after sip From an oversized glass Leading back to consuming thoughts of you Leaving me wanting to be free-flowing, Cultivated of rhythm and intensity That somehow matched both The volcanic pulsing and bass of your heartbeat I try not to get lost on the endless paths of what-if’s Exhausting journeys For you could not extend your virtue into building us We had a love like the ruins Timeless Studied Ancient We had a love That I now call Pompeii Rich with an essence that couldn’t survive nature and war We ended on a white sand beach Just not the way we imagined It’s all history and ashen Dusty journals Buried expectations Delicately aged Left to wither Like iron In the atrium In the House of the Tragic Poet Next to the ghost of our last dance
|
 Las Tres Madres by Maria Salazar. Click image to follow her Instagram. This piece debuted at Salazar's first solo exhibit, Metamorphosis! | This post would not be complete without acknowledging my sister in arms, Maria Salazar, and her amazing art. Thank you for your continued support and limitless creativity! While we worked on our crafts individually we found they are fated to compliment one another. Pictured to the left is Maria's clay sculpture (raw and unglazed), Las Tres Madres. You can also follow Maria on Facebook! |
Book Club Notes & Disclaimer:
Unfeathered Ink’s book club is designed to challenge what we think we know, about our selves, society, and the world around us. We aim to expand views and encourage cohesion. At some point, various participants may find certain reading selections, questions, or topics more personal than others. That said, this is a space where we respect not only shared views but those which may greatly differ from our own. Take care to be a good human above all else.
*If you are comfortable with doing so, please include your country, region, or culture of reference. Be it your own or one of study or interest. This allows us, as an online community to learn more about a people, a topic, and outside perspectives through open communication; bridging the gaps in areas where we may otherwise lack experience or exposure.
Hateful and inappropriate comments will be deleted.
*If you are comfortable with doing so, please include your country, region, or culture of reference. Be it your own or one of study or interest. This allows us, as an online community to learn more about a people, a topic, and outside perspectives through open communication; bridging the gaps in areas where we may otherwise lack experience or exposure.
Hateful and inappropriate comments will be deleted.
Cat's Cradle
Like most things in life that I truly enjoy, Cat’s Cradle challenges, genres, stereotypes, and personal beliefs. It’s no wonder that with Vonnegut’s complex past, that he seemed to easily pen works that uproot deeper emotions through protagonists that are often met by extreme circumstance and reason with the world around them in a way that simultaneously expresses curiosity and moral trial. Primarily categorized as science fiction and dystopian satire, we as readers will also find ourselves drawn by our connections, shared experiences, and even disagreement followed by a desire for answers to some of life and faith’s bigger questions.
Click image to read article by Smithsonian Magazine (photograph source).
Bio's on Vonnegut
Discussion Questions
1. On pg 49, Dr. Breed declares, “Pure research men work on what fascinates them, not on what fascinates other people.” This statement is reflected in the opinions of many others interviewed about Dr. Felix Hoenikker (a mad scientist of sorts) throughout the beginning of the book.
When considering the role of modern-day scientists and governments, what do you feel the benefits and risks are in connection to more extreme levels of tunnel vision. How has this affected us as a society?
When considering the role of modern-day scientists and governments, what do you feel the benefits and risks are in connection to more extreme levels of tunnel vision. How has this affected us as a society?
2. Jonah goes through great lengths to uncover what he can about Dr. Hoenikker; on pg 50, in a moment of what seems like misplaced frustration, Dr. Breed accuses Jonah of being a member of the “yellow press”. Yellow journalism is a term used to describe articles or publications known to overindulge in catchy headlines in lieu of thoroughly researched articles simply for the benefit of increased sales. In today’s world of endless information, thanks to the internet and saturated markets, we often now refer to this as click-bait or my less favorite connotation, fake news.
How has this constant stream of news and information jeopardized the integrity of journalism and what impact do you feel this has had on how we receive said news? For instance, I’ve noticed in many, an increase of anxiety over health concerns, government affairs, and the mistreatment of marginalized groups in an era where the truth and facts, despite also being vastly available, often come second in public consumption to 'reel-them-in with nonsense' articles.
How has this constant stream of news and information jeopardized the integrity of journalism and what impact do you feel this has had on how we receive said news? For instance, I’ve noticed in many, an increase of anxiety over health concerns, government affairs, and the mistreatment of marginalized groups in an era where the truth and facts, despite also being vastly available, often come second in public consumption to 'reel-them-in with nonsense' articles.
3. Chapters 41-46 depict Jonah’s interactions with several new characters he encounters on the plane. With each new introduction comes identifying behaviors and traits from which we can surmise their views on topics including business and social ethics, relationship dynamics, nationalism, and capital punishment.
Choosing one of these interactions, analyze the beliefs of a new character (or pair of characters) and draw some comparisons and contrasts to your own views. What concerns arise? Do you find yourself favoring their opinion? What experiences have led you to think and feel this way?
3a. On p.137, Hazel expresses relief that San Lorenzo is "a Christian country". Fear of the unknown creates illogical hate & discrimination. How have you overcome this barrier when traveling or encountering cultures different from your own. How have others reacted when introduced to your culture?
3b. Crosby ties his open belief of Bokononism to his rights as an American on p.154. How has this privilege effected us ("freedom of religion" countries) as a society? How has the disillusion that some religions are seen as more patriotic than others effected the realities of citizens who practice faiths by a different name on a national and global scale?
Choosing one of these interactions, analyze the beliefs of a new character (or pair of characters) and draw some comparisons and contrasts to your own views. What concerns arise? Do you find yourself favoring their opinion? What experiences have led you to think and feel this way?
3a. On p.137, Hazel expresses relief that San Lorenzo is "a Christian country". Fear of the unknown creates illogical hate & discrimination. How have you overcome this barrier when traveling or encountering cultures different from your own. How have others reacted when introduced to your culture?
3b. Crosby ties his open belief of Bokononism to his rights as an American on p.154. How has this privilege effected us ("freedom of religion" countries) as a society? How has the disillusion that some religions are seen as more patriotic than others effected the realities of citizens who practice faiths by a different name on a national and global scale?
4. Another consistant happening in Cat's Cradle is Newt being undermined, underestimated, and patronized because of his hight/dwarfism; most particularly by his sister, Angela. (see example on p.111-112) Unfortunately, what Newt endures is common for those who deal with physical, medical, or mental barriers. It's widely assumed that having any form of disability is synonymous with being generally incapable. The reality is that with sensible accommodations and support many live full and rewarding lives.
Thinking back to interactions you have had or may have with someone who belongs to this subculture: Were you accepting of their conditions and unique traits? Are there things you could have said or done to respect their abilities, views, or independence?
If you are disabled or differently abled, consider sharing:
Thinking back to interactions you have had or may have with someone who belongs to this subculture: Were you accepting of their conditions and unique traits? Are there things you could have said or done to respect their abilities, views, or independence?
If you are disabled or differently abled, consider sharing:
- an experience of your own.
- something you would like people to realize about you and your community.
- questions that could be asked to promote understanding or equality.
5. Throughout Cat's Cradle we are introduced to several concepts, beliefs, and ‘harmless untruths’ that construct the fictional religion/belief system that is Bokononism. Below are a few examples from the text. Consider your own religious, spiritual, universal, or science centered beliefs:
Do the defined concepts and views of Bokononism raise questions that you have struggled with or worked through regarding your own beliefs? Do you think there can be a universal understanding that faith and fact intersect or coexist regardless of what we believe? How would that impact your current beliefs? What benefits do you think that would have on communities?
5a. While most residents publicly claim to be Christian, “everyone on San Lorenzo is a devout Bokononist…” (p.172) What do you think it says about a people or a nation that openly promotes one religion while practicing another? Thinking back on humanity's own history with religion, what lessons should or could be learned? Would you be comfortable with practicing your faith this way? Even if you are comfortable with your beliefs now, has there ever been a time in your life where you hid or minimized being open about it to appease someone else or to be more socially accepted?
Do the defined concepts and views of Bokononism raise questions that you have struggled with or worked through regarding your own beliefs? Do you think there can be a universal understanding that faith and fact intersect or coexist regardless of what we believe? How would that impact your current beliefs? What benefits do you think that would have on communities?
5a. While most residents publicly claim to be Christian, “everyone on San Lorenzo is a devout Bokononist…” (p.172) What do you think it says about a people or a nation that openly promotes one religion while practicing another? Thinking back on humanity's own history with religion, what lessons should or could be learned? Would you be comfortable with practicing your faith this way? Even if you are comfortable with your beliefs now, has there ever been a time in your life where you hid or minimized being open about it to appease someone else or to be more socially accepted?
Note:
Any open dialog and opinion on the reading is always welcome. Was there anything you would like to discuss that was not mentioned in previous questions? Let’s hear what you have to say! Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Any open dialog and opinion on the reading is always welcome. Was there anything you would like to discuss that was not mentioned in previous questions? Let’s hear what you have to say! Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Writing Prompts
The tail end of Cat's Cradle offers great thoughts and notions for contemplation. Write a poem (calypso), verse, lesson, letter, or essay based on one or more of the following.
- "...someday, this will all be yours." On the gifts and trials we pass on to our children. (p.162)
- “Maturity, the way I understand it, is knowing what your limitations are.”; “Maturity, is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter can be said to remedy anything.” (p.198)
- "Science is magic that works." (p.218)
- Excerpts from this page share the idea that all religions are lies and that above all else, what is most important is doing everything we can to help others and to help them feel better even if it doesn’t align with our own beliefs. (p.219)
- The Fourteenth Book of Bokonon: “What Can a Thoughtful Man Hope for Mankind on Earth, Given the Experience of the Past Million Years?” (p.245)
- “Pro Patria” Meaning: For one's country (p.255)
- “Each one of us has to be what he or she is.” (p.267)
- “Beware of the man who works hard to learn something, learns it, and finds himself no wiser than before.” (p.281)
Add your thoughts in the comments!
If responding to a discussion question please note which # you are responding to.
The one thing I (or anyone who knows me) could have guaranteed you before last April, was that I would never be caught dead skiing. And then, because there is always an ‘and then,’ in the fall of 2017, I received an email from the Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding an adaptive sporting event, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (WSC). The WSC is an annual week-long event in Snowmass Village, Co held by the VA and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) which is supported by dozens of incredible volunteers and sponsors.
This wasn’t just an average event for me, it would change the way I saw myself. It would expand the perimeter of limitations which had previously been set by my body and mind. I qualified for this event because of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from some time ago, but it’s not the only disability of mine that felt liberated by my experience in Snowmass. Chronic pain and migraines, nerve pain, PTSD, depression, and more, all of the issues that often consumed
me, they felt like typical everyday obstacles that week instead of feeling like torment cementing me to stillness. Brief backstory: When I attended this event, I had been back on my feet part time for little over a year after having been nearly house bound from the severity of my pain and accompanying troubles for two and half years.
This wasn’t just an average event for me, it would change the way I saw myself. It would expand the perimeter of limitations which had previously been set by my body and mind. I qualified for this event because of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from some time ago, but it’s not the only disability of mine that felt liberated by my experience in Snowmass. Chronic pain and migraines, nerve pain, PTSD, depression, and more, all of the issues that often consumed
me, they felt like typical everyday obstacles that week instead of feeling like torment cementing me to stillness. Brief backstory: When I attended this event, I had been back on my feet part time for little over a year after having been nearly house bound from the severity of my pain and accompanying troubles for two and half years.
 Me with my amazing volunteer instructor, Betsey. Thank you for always cheering for me both on and off the powder! See you soon! | I was terrified! Of making my injuries worse, of aggravating progress made in physical therapy, of doing something new, of the weight of the equipment, of the crowds and unfamiliar surroundings, of being away from my son, of all of it. I traveled to Colorado with a small group of veterans from Phoenix whom this was not their first rodeo and I would meet others upon arrival who fast became friends. Friends who are stuck with me now. From the moment I arrived, I felt nothing short of immediate acceptance. I didn’t have to justify or explain my long list of issues, how I was feeling, or stress how much it affects me day to day. We were all there to step out of our normal struggles, renew our spirits, and support one another, unwaveringly. |
With the guidance of my fellow veterans, some amazing volunteers, and cargo pockets full of faith and a little bit of, “screw it, how much worse can I get,” I geared up and hit the snow with my instructor, Betsey. She was patient and encouraging, full of spirit and guidance. All of the things I hadn’t been with myself in far too long. From the moment we hit the mountain it was magic. My boots and skis practically carried me and for the first time in over 10 years I felt weightless. My body wasn’t riddled with stress and pain. The never-ending tree lines seemed to oxygenate my worries right out of my very being. It wasn’t just therapy for my physical pain but my mental anguish as well. I shared that to share this…
I realized the importance of what I had gained. Learning to ski with the WSC successfully and positively altered how I view my mental health, my physical abilities, and myself. While the WSC is designed for veterans with designated disabilities, this same camaraderie is seen throughout other programs and sub-communities all over the world. Regardless of who your tribe is or the cultures you identify with, support and kinship are out there. It was an experimental process that led me towards accepting and embracing the things I am still capable of. Putting in the work and taking risks, lead me to the realization that adaptive sports just so happens to be one of my tribes. Learning this has been an invaluable asset to my self-care and the future I am building.
A note about Symphony:
I started writing Symphony after a late-night conversation with a dear friend and fellow Marine. He was grieving and processing the loss of a childhood friend and fellow Marine who had committed suicide. He and I had shared calls like these before. Too often. 22 veteran suicides a day and rising.
Symphony is dedicated to all of those whose battles never ended, for the minds that have difficulty resting, for those feeling attacked by their physical health, for those that feel alone, for those who are having trouble connecting with the world and themselves. Whether you are a veteran, a caretaker, or someone who has struggles lingering from your own experiences, Symphony is for you. You are not alone.
I started writing Symphony after a late-night conversation with a dear friend and fellow Marine. He was grieving and processing the loss of a childhood friend and fellow Marine who had committed suicide. He and I had shared calls like these before. Too often. 22 veteran suicides a day and rising.
Symphony is dedicated to all of those whose battles never ended, for the minds that have difficulty resting, for those feeling attacked by their physical health, for those that feel alone, for those who are having trouble connecting with the world and themselves. Whether you are a veteran, a caretaker, or someone who has struggles lingering from your own experiences, Symphony is for you. You are not alone.
These ceramic combat boots by USMC veteran and artist, Maria Salazar, are a heartfelt tribute to all service members who have lost their lives in combat. You can follow her work & upcoming exhibits on FB: @ofArtnSoul & IG: @of_artnsoul
Symphony
| Many nights I wish I could write a symphony Strong enough to overcome the demons of my past Beautiful enough to heal my pain Enraged enough to settle my scores Calm enough to soothe my soul I wish I could write a symphony One longer than the Nile With enough stamina to climb the highest summits I wish I could write a symphony That could sing my secrets Through those coded notes Lyric-less Tip-tapping in Morse code On what was once an innocent And unknowing page I wish I could write a symphony That cures tragic days That travels with me A ready companion When I want to run away I wish I could write a symphony Cunning enough to convince me to stay Aiding in my recollection Of all the times music saved the day I wish I could write a symphony That doesn’t bother preaching Forgive and forget But rather just lets me feel What it is that flows through my veins The 60,000 miles of bleeding ink That keeps me sane I wish I could write a symphony That loves me right At any minute Of any hour Of any day | Always ready to comfort The most stubborn And the most troubled The most arrogant And the most wanting Parts of me A symphony That lets me cry without judging Or reminding me Of the unbroken spirit I used to be I wish I could write a symphony That is capable of melting All of the ice-cold walls That have been built I wish I could write a symphony That would make Beethoven’s ghost whisper my name And, well... I wish I could write a symphony That could be a cure-all I wish I could write a symphony For me On most days But today During your trying times I wish I could write a symphony And play it Just for you *While Symphony is debuting on my blog, it will be found in my upcoming book of poetry, Athena. More info coming soon! |
Resources for those in need:
*Veteran Crisis Line
1-(800) 273-8255 (press 1)
Online live chat available
*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline**
1-(800) 273-8255
Online live chat available.
**Available links and designated information for specific cultural groups, including: Youth, loss survivors, Spanish speakers, disaster survivors, LGBTQ+, Native Americans, attempt survivors, and the deaf/hearing impaired.
*International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
Click here for an interactive map that allows you to search by continent for the closest crisis center!
When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I read Stone Fox and Tigers Eye cover to cover a hundred times easy. Lying on my bedroom floor, in the backseat of the car, in the booths of restaurants, in waiting rooms, in the dugout at softball practice. The way those stories made me feel forever changed the way I saw the magic of words and they morphed my innocent little-girl dreams into vivid action-packed movies with daring characters who were never afraid to feel the full range of emotions that whirl winded within them.
Perhaps my story with words goes back further than that. I'm sure it was equally fostered by the hours spent in my mother's lap watching while she read Stephen King, John Grisham, and other novelists. Studying her face as it reacted to the gore, mystery, and suspense she indulged in. I remember wondering what could be written on those pages that kept her so focused and ready to pick up another book as soon as the last chapter ended. It was also my first lesson in learned behavior: I was her little monkey and I was determined to one day know what all of the fuss was about. And indeed, I did. So much so that reading was no longer enough for me.
I wrote my first book in 2nd grade, another in 3rd, and before I knew it a new love was born. I wasn't just passionate about reading, but also about writing. Maybe even more so. I couldn't quite tell. While my grade school era stories weren't very intricate or impressive, I saw myself in them and I still do. I also saw my favorite parts of the people I love tucked away in the bodies of my characters. I had unintentionally tied my two worlds together without realizing it. It dawned on me that I could use my experiences, environment, and perspective to create a whole new world filled with whatever I desired. Whatever I needed to release at the time. And It was all made possible with the simple beauty that is words.
Perhaps my story with words goes back further than that. I'm sure it was equally fostered by the hours spent in my mother's lap watching while she read Stephen King, John Grisham, and other novelists. Studying her face as it reacted to the gore, mystery, and suspense she indulged in. I remember wondering what could be written on those pages that kept her so focused and ready to pick up another book as soon as the last chapter ended. It was also my first lesson in learned behavior: I was her little monkey and I was determined to one day know what all of the fuss was about. And indeed, I did. So much so that reading was no longer enough for me.
I wrote my first book in 2nd grade, another in 3rd, and before I knew it a new love was born. I wasn't just passionate about reading, but also about writing. Maybe even more so. I couldn't quite tell. While my grade school era stories weren't very intricate or impressive, I saw myself in them and I still do. I also saw my favorite parts of the people I love tucked away in the bodies of my characters. I had unintentionally tied my two worlds together without realizing it. It dawned on me that I could use my experiences, environment, and perspective to create a whole new world filled with whatever I desired. Whatever I needed to release at the time. And It was all made possible with the simple beauty that is words.
 | I don't consider myself verbally artistic. Never in the history of me have I had an eloquent quip at just the right moment. What I want to say during an argument normally doesn't rush to me until the moment has passed. When people speak to me about their feelings and emotions, I awkwardly freeze with discomfort. Sure, I'm snarky, sarcastic, a little off center, and I do find the way my speech often fumbles, to be a personal charm. None the less, it's writing where I discover how I really feel, what my aspirations truly are, how I'll interpret my dreams, as well as how I paint the canvas of my desires, hopes, love, hate, rage, etc. |
I suppose that my verbal genius is buried somewhere with any potential for musical talent. And while they are both something I wish I possessed, I am at ease with the fact that written word has always saved me. Saved me from my own thoughts, allowed me to creatively express myself, given me a professional edge through the years, motivated me to embrace higher education, hell, even my love of lyrics, poetry, screenwriting, and research. It all comes from my fascination with the endless ways we can manipulate words.
We all share the same words and are only separated by the diversity of intent and inflection by way of region and culture. We have the option to be nomadic with words through language, film, and music. But what helps separate us, our intent, our sentiments, the roots of our expression…is how we each manipulate words to identify what we mean, want, and think. I have spent a lot of time harboring my thoughts and the piles of pages I have written like I have everything to lose by sharing them. Now, I am on the dawn of change. Ready to turn my next page.
So, while I'll likely never pick up a guitar and fulfill my dream of turning my poetry into songs that fill my soul with sound and express the deepest caverns that hollow through me, I will continue to admire the work of so many others and humbly put my own artistic contributions out into the universe. Being thankful for what I do have, my own passionate and thoughtful relationship with words. What I have come to realize is that I have been repeatedly healed and understood by the words of others that I come across and I am only limiting myself and feeding my fear by not releasing my own out into the world. So whether they are received lovingly or with discontent, I am done hiding them in the shadows of my desk and filing cabinet. Like inevitable storms after the calm, they are coming.
We all share the same words and are only separated by the diversity of intent and inflection by way of region and culture. We have the option to be nomadic with words through language, film, and music. But what helps separate us, our intent, our sentiments, the roots of our expression…is how we each manipulate words to identify what we mean, want, and think. I have spent a lot of time harboring my thoughts and the piles of pages I have written like I have everything to lose by sharing them. Now, I am on the dawn of change. Ready to turn my next page.
So, while I'll likely never pick up a guitar and fulfill my dream of turning my poetry into songs that fill my soul with sound and express the deepest caverns that hollow through me, I will continue to admire the work of so many others and humbly put my own artistic contributions out into the universe. Being thankful for what I do have, my own passionate and thoughtful relationship with words. What I have come to realize is that I have been repeatedly healed and understood by the words of others that I come across and I am only limiting myself and feeding my fear by not releasing my own out into the world. So whether they are received lovingly or with discontent, I am done hiding them in the shadows of my desk and filing cabinet. Like inevitable storms after the calm, they are coming.
Upcoming Release:
Athena
Follow the evolution of my 1st full length poetry manuscript, Athena, book one in a five book series. Throughout my blog you can also find writing prompts, personal book club picks, and other creative inspiration.
I invite readers to join me in building acceptance over tolerance, overcoming adversities, engaging in thoughtful communication, & sharing their experiences/views.
Thank you!
- Melody Norton
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