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#moderation
“Everything in moderation,” Henri’s mom said with a grin, serving the banal advice with red Kool-Aid and unfiltered cigarettes.
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Apr 18, 2025
Apr 18, 2025 at 2:03 PM UTC
Banal advice
The boy-king wanted to incinerate A fell and meretricious thryrus. His grandfather would venerate The same staff, terrified of curses. His mother’d slandered the drunk god, But regretting feckless blasphemy She counseled them to spare the rod, Until they heard the divine decree. Once the summoned prophet had appeared, Blind, and clad in a frayed, goatskin cloak, The monarch sputtered “It’s cursed, weird, And wrong, burn it down to ash and smoke!” The former monarch begged, “Appease Bromius with primeval rite, A lord who smites his enemies A lord too terrible to fight.” The daughter next, “His worshipers Run mad, and slaughter their own kin, Even children. The god massacres Those who dispute his origin” The prophet lifted up the staff And tore the ivy from its tip. “Rites, massacres, don’t make me laugh, And immolation’s sponsorship.” He swung the staff to test its heft, And said, “I need a walking stick, The drunkard has no bacchics left, ****** the goatish lunatic.” At this, the grandfather turned pale, And the repentant mother winced. Matched severity cannot avail If fear and butchery convinced. A proverb soothes the quondam king And the dowager, “He frightens you, But moderation in each thing, And that in moderation too.”
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Nov 1, 2021
Nov 1, 2021 at 3:33 PM UTC
Thyrsus
"Why do people do impure things?" Because what is pure is disputed. Impurity often takes the form of beauty or passion that enlivens my life Placing the special in heart That was once an empty lot. "So why is it called impure?" Because beauty and passion, like other things, can cross the line of moderation And can take the forms of Betterment away if carried Into excess. Thus, it is not so much that There is impurity as there is extremism. This can shape a life into one That has stopped or not begun Any search for the depths of life. It is not so much that there May be impurity But the lack of connections Between souls and neighbors Which form a community That takes responsibility For their own spiritual, mental, Physical, and material betterment.
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Jan 20, 2021
Jan 20, 2021 at 5:23 PM UTC
Why?
Certain obligations will remain, with a backyard reborn in Eden. I can only hope I can separate good from ignorance. Now, in my acceptance of defeat, I have proven myself better alone, and stronger, but with an open heart, and open mind.
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Nov 19, 2020
Nov 19, 2020 at 9:40 AM UTC
Moderation
In life's darkest, coldest histories, only those told first tongue, empower courage in the knowing emparted, as if we were there. Our best effort brought us here, some how. We feel we must stand up for our self, eh, what about my self? There's a burr, eh? A dullness revealing fractured christline constructs and the core, where courage is stored in true chain breaking known thought processes, so secret you may not be allowed to know, like when we were kids with no internet and no adults would tells us how adultery functions with usury and political magicians to enslave us according to sortings in standardized tests. Conceal weakness with signs of power, make believe, show believers believable e-visons as evident possibles, so the power, small though it be, the power of the people, who hold no truths self evident, id est evincing and convincing us, these rights are right, for those who use us right, words, true, make free the ready writer to presume reading truth makes free thinking go wild, like con funsion making sunlight... in the past hear it... this little light of mine no chain nor twisted trifold cord can quench, a word to the wise is leaven enough for the whole ****** loaf. Shew, see, we can wield power, if we can believe the king, is where the kingdom is, and any child who asks her pooka can know, the kingdom is where I always behold the face of God, angel-baby... or we can imagine, we have this power to create entire othernesses, similar to our self, our logos and these pre-loaded breathing algorithims of in and outs, ups and downs, twisting and sooming assumed id-intities are mea nd we wander, meander, flow in the trough of a spiraling wave pulling the rain back to the sea, so each water weness we imagine may be re used, for goodness knows what, universal solvency was one water function ac cused of causing, aitiatic tic tic time bomb Jerry-rigged, Rubic cubed trigger, gay blades shaved the iron legs, y'know **** Deus is punishing truth, the true power of any pun ish bin ein Berliner mit Arizona Prickly Pear jelly, laughing into funk-tion-ality the oddities of beings not me, in my meanderings through optional doors inside the narrow way, ala the way to Petra, we've seen the way similar in every fractal way to the tracks of tears cuttin crevases through pressure packed dust that must have piled suddenly high, for, when it flowed as the red mud that stopped right there at the edge of the Sedona manifestation of oddities. Check it out. Google Earth it. **** Deus wannabe, meet my old friend from the foundery in Arkansas, E Pluribis Unem Massey crazy now, there is a man by that name, with a .jr, a link forgotten, save the memory that may be in the water, we used to wash the grime of burning iron into the river to rust into louisiana to feed the phyto plankton past the delta grease of seeping poison insolvent in the universe, save for fire fire can burnishit tic make it bright, reflecting mirrors for the smoke choking the me who can't see, how Wattie Piper virus was passed on to EPluribis Massey, Jr., but it must have been some variation on the living words, like: I think I can, and the congregation responds: as a man thinks, in his heart, so is he. As the waters all flow to the sea, take no thought for tomorrow, take it as granted, today.
0
Nov 25, 2019
Nov 25, 2019 at 1:15 PM UTC
Pondering another man's depression
In life's darkest, coldest histories, only those told first tongue, empower courage in the knowing emparted, as if we were there. Our best effort brought us here, some how. We feel we must stand up for our self, eh, what about my self? There's a burr, eh? A dullness revealing fractured christline constructs and the core, where courage is stored in true chain breaking known thought processes, so secret you may not be allowed to know, like when we were kids with no internet and no adults would tells us how adultery functions with usury and political magicians to enslave us according to sortings in standardized tests. Conceal weakness with signs of power, make believe, show believers believable e-visons as evident possibles, so the power, small though it be, the power of the people, who hold no truths self evident, id est evincing and convincing us, these rights are right, for those who use us right, words, true, make free the ready writer to presume reading truth makes free thinking go wild, like con funsion making sunlight... in the past hear it... this little light of mine no chain nor twisted trifold cord can quench, a word to the wise is leaven enough for the whole ****** loaf. Shew, see, we can wield power, if we can believe the king, is where the kingdom is, and any child who asks her pooka can know, the kingdom is where I always behold the face of God, angel-baby... or we can imagine, we have this power to create entire othernesses, similar to our self, our logos and these pre-loaded breathing algorithims of in and outs, ups and downs, twisting and sooming assumed id-intities are mea nd we wander, meander, flow in the trough of a spiraling wave pulling the rain back to the sea, so each water weness we imagine may be re used, for goodness knows what, universal solvency was one water function ac cused of causing, aitiatic tic tic time bomb Jerry-rigged, Rubic cubed trigger, gay blades shaved the iron legs, y'know **** Deus is punishing truth, the true power of any pun ish bin ein Berliner mit Arizona Prickly Pear jelly, laughing into funk-tion-ality the oddities of beings not me, in my meanderings through optional doors inside the narrow way, ala the way to Petra, we've seen the way similar in every fractal way to the tracks of tears cuttin crevases through pressure packed dust that must have piled suddenly high, for, when it flowed as the red mud that stopped right there at the edge of the Sedona manifestation of oddities. Check it out. Google Earth it. **** Deus wannabe, meet my old friend from the foundery in Arkansas, E Pluribis Unem Massey crazy now, there is a man by that name, with a .jr, a link forgotten, save the memory that may be in the water, we used to wash the grime of burning iron into the river to rust into louisiana to feed the phyto plankton past the delta grease of seeping poison insolvent in the universe, save for fire fire can burnishit tic make it bright, reflecting mirrors for the smoke choking the me who can't see, how Wattie Piper virus was passed on to EPluribis Massey, Jr., but it must have been some variation on the living words, like: I think I can, and the congregation responds: as a man thinks, in his heart, so is he. As the waters all flow to the sea, take no thought for tomorrow, take it as granted, today.
Continue reading...
102
I am what I am. The wavering question mark at the end of the nervous inquiry. I am the final drops of dandelion wine that grace your monstrous lips as you scream at me for being empty. I am the first drag of your cigarette as you blame the stars for your twisted fate. I am the silence after the collision of your fist to my cheek, the stinging of my eyes and red stained skin promising not to fade until the morning after. I am the sunflowers you left on her grave last winter, long forgotten by both you and time. I am manic love and screaming intemperance. The final burst of carelessness as you run to the cliff’s edge in an attempt to mimic Icarus. I am the intrinsic bleeding of burning star-crossed losers. I am a universe of exploding stars, unanswered questions, and questionable prayers. I am the throw of a ticking clock at five am after hours of restless insomnia. I am going 90 on the freeway at midnight with the music just as volatile. I am the shudder of anticipation. The relentless ache for more. I am Jane Doe. I am oblivion. I am freedom. I am what I am.
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Feb 2, 2019
Feb 2, 2019 at 3:56 PM UTC
identity.
I’ve never been good with moderation. Or at least my heart hasn’t. See I can handle my alcohol, And I don’t touch drugs. It’s people that trip me up. I get attached And if I let you in, Then I’ve given you a part of me That I need. I need you, so I can be me. I can’t do things by half, It’s all or nothing with me. And sweet irony strikes again. See I’m too much, And therefore not enough.
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Jul 20, 2018
Jul 20, 2018 at 1:47 PM UTC
Moderate Me
I cannot feel for you in moderation All of me desires you And I can feel the guilt already Just thinking about everything That I would discard for you Or put on hold for you Because you are worth it all There's so much beauty in the world Yet you have all of it In my eyes, God your eyes Your waist, your hands... And it's hard feeling such extremes Because when life's bad, it's bad But with you It's just so good
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Jun 23, 2018
Jun 23, 2018 at 3:48 AM UTC
All or Nothing
Pride says, "look at who you'll become!" Greed says, "look at all that you'll get" Lust says, "look at who you can use" The temptations of this unholy trinity seep in to ****** such a soul as this stubbornly wanting to give in when Humility exhorts, "this is not about you" Moderation teaches, "you do not need all this" and Love preaches "Give yourself away Deny yourself Crucify this flesh Pick up your cross" Love says "Look at the lives you can save with your very own" Love says "What can I do for you?"
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Apr 24, 2018
Apr 24, 2018 at 11:45 AM UTC
A Discourse of Values
I don't value I treasure. I either tiptoe or run. No need for me to measure, My thoughts aren't feathers, they're tons. My worries, they aren't waves, They're frightening hurricanes, I don't hurt for hours, I always hurt for days. I do not try to bandage, I only aim to heal. I don't admire lightly, I see endless appeal. Moderation's not my friend, Maybe I'm all or none, But at least there is no question, I don't like, I love.
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Oct 13, 2017
Oct 13, 2017 at 4:15 PM UTC
No Question
I'm Jekyll Alcohol is Hyde Is that not the parable? The moral of the story? I am not compelled, I don't need the drink. But a few too many, And its a self destructive streak. Is that alcoholism? Is that abuse? The first step is knowing, And its been quite some time. So I stick with few or none, Hoping to be just fine. But do be wary, For that few too many. Because you'll lose it all if you do.
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Sep 10, 2017
Sep 10, 2017 at 1:55 PM UTC
Jekyll and Hyde
You should… eat in moderation work in moderation befriend in moderation love in moderation live in moderation You do TOO much of the above, You might end up being… Unhealthy Burned out Hurt and disappointed Heartbroken and Broke and swim in debts. But, always love with your full heart For love knows no rules.
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Jul 19, 2017
Jul 19, 2017 at 7:19 PM UTC
Moderation
Keeping a vision ever since A feeling to aim for Living in that vision Longing for it every day Catching shooting stars Eating aeroplanes Blowing candles on a cake Wishing the same wish in every possible way Put oneself through obstacles In hopes of a worthy exchange Working towards that dream That forms whenever eyes are closed *That one thing... That moves... Slowly... Peacefully... Gentle and carefree Happy and soothing* A sweet life in moderation.
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Jul 8, 2016
Jul 8, 2016 at 10:26 AM UTC
Vita Dolce Moderato
I want to live a life in between, A destination somewhere from here and there, Where the grass is green on both sides if you only stand on the fence. I want to live a life of moderation, Where the rain doesn’t fall in torrents but in mists, and the sun rather warms than burns. Where I never drink too much, and wake sore, with no memories. And yet I’m there with the rest, the best, drinking with friends. I want to live in a world where my life is mine And that we are never too late or too early but just on time, Live in a world where my favourite song will still move me as much the first time as the thousandth. I want to live in a world between, and yet looking back at my words I don’t know if I would be happy. So I’ll be content in this world of in-moderation. Where we love like it’s the end, and we listen like we’ve never heard before, and we live like everyday is our last. Though I will never have my perfect world, I am happy in imperfection
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Apr 15, 2015
Apr 15, 2015 at 3:27 AM UTC
Between
Moderation Is for drinks and painful pleasures For cancer causing goods For guarding against the chaos of Violence and dangerous behaviors But do not cut the chord Do not drop discord For the sake of comfort For in her eternal and cosmic glories In her spatial and endless stories The raptures and wonders Are made for wrapping us up And letting us go Collapsing into the new dimensions Of our various art forms
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Mar 16, 2015
Mar 16, 2015 at 9:05 AM UTC
Moderation
ITS CEASELESS BLINDNESS IS ITS POWER, IT HOISTS ITS POWER BY THE HOUR, NO OUGHT IF DWELLING, FORT, OR TOWER, THE EAGLE EYES GLARE THROUGH ITS GRIM TERRORS, ITS LUCK IS POOR, THUS IT ENCOUNTERS, ENDLESS PROBLEMS, ENEMIES, ERRORS, WHEN TIME HAS COME TO FACE THE BEARERS, IT GOES, DEFENDS WHAT IT SEES FAIRER, THE CIVIL PRAY FOR PEACE FROM BATTLES, IT FIGHTS TO TAKE WHAT IT CAN HANDLE, ULTIMATE FORCES USED AS RAFFLES, YET MAN IS STRONG, STRENGTH IS IMPERIL, INTEL IS THE ORAL, THAT LEADS TO HIS QUARREL, THE PLACE WHERE HE KEEPS HIS BOWS AND ARROWS, TO WHERE THE SHIELD AND SWORD HANG BY THE MARROW, THOUGH IT’S LIFE IS HARD, ROUGH AND NARROW, ITS TRUE LIGHT NOUGHT BE EQUAL TO ITS DARKEST SHADOWS…
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Sep 22, 2014
Sep 22, 2014 at 2:42 PM UTC
The Righteous
I probably need some lessons in moderation because if i'm gonna give you my attention you're gonna deal with all of it or none at all and if I'm not drinking to get wasted my sober *** will stay home and pack a couple bowls cause I'm a ******* *** head smoke. **** everyday. wait, what?
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May 12, 2014
May 12, 2014 at 9:23 AM UTC
4/25/14