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/ IN350 Global Haiku Tradition Dr. Randy Brooks Spring 2005 |
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Northern Ontario is the closest I have personally been to perfection. So pure are the waters that given the right circumstances one can see thirty feet straight down in Lake Sturgeon. Having been there various occasions, and seeing its beauty go unscathed despite years, I can attest that every time I have peered down the bay from the docks on a sunny day I can see rocks and healthy fish enjoying their lives in the clearest of waters. People respect this purity, and it is for this reason it is not compromised. This respect is deep and rarely spoken of, but the rewards are the most precious sites anyone might comprehend on this earth. Large blue-gray rocks jut out of the lake, almost at ninety degrees, some shallower angles; all with large patches of lush green moss. To look into the sky on a clear night is to witness all the stars, with clear vision, as if ones own eyes were cleared of dust, and were allowed to truly see for the first time. satellite only sign of modern technology |
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Sylvia is a fiery girl, and if the mood should strike her, she can burst into flames of anger. Sweet as she is, when provoked, she has the bite of a viper. Today Sylvia went to the library and came back in a storm cloud. She had lost her purse, having placed it on the roof of her car rushing to the library to meet someone. Instead of getting sad or tearful, she erupted: yelling and cursing as if she were going to decapitate me. Backing out her white Mitsubishi, she stated that surely the purse flew from her car and onto the ground, finding its way into the hands of some passerby. However, no good Samaritan, whoever took it, attempted to contact Sylvia, which only made her more angry, as she raged up and down the roughly paved driveway, her blond hair flailing about with her arms in a fit of unbridled maelstrom. The funny thing about Sylvia is that as hot tempered as she can be when something angers her, she can revert to her calm, "normal" self just as quickly as when she left it. After fifteen minutes of pulling her hair and yelling, "I don't know what I'm gonna do, some body took it!" she was calmly asking what I would like for dinner, with a beautiful white smile capped on either side of her full lips by plump rosy cheeks.
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Seeing things realistically is valued in this American culture. However, optimism is rarely viewed as a strong suit. Is it paradoxical to live with both these aspects of character and not be lying to one side of ones self? I believe so, I have met such character. Honesty and integrity in the face of admitted hardships and harsh realities create such character. Such character breeds a willingness to accept, as well as act upon injustice, and kindness alike. Ryan McCarroll acts in such a way, as to never be blinded by the pains of living, but never let optimism blind him to harsh realities under his very nose. Out of such terrible adversity I have seen this man strive, act and accomplish more in his short years than many have in entire lifetimes. Perhaps few concrete accolades, but with proper pride, humble accord, and incredible kindness this young man has endured life threatening injuries, debilitating and traumatic and overcome with incredible speed and resolve. Kindness exudes from this person in ways unknown to myself, genuine and uncompromising kindness However, more than this is the brilliance with which this individual has lived, never dying, truly, but always living, harmonizing with everything put in his path. Life is lived by this young man, fully and unmistakably real.
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©2005 Randy Brooks, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois || all rights reserved for original authors