Hardship

[M. C. Sears]

A silent room
and with each moment
a struggle within

~ acrylic on canvas, M.C.S.

[Zanelle]

Looks like something is about to blow.  I have the silent room struggle going on here too.  Why aren't I happy?

[M. C. Sears]

Dear Z, I'm sorry you're dealing with this stuff too. Sadly I'm asking myself that very question.

[JMac1949 Today]

Happy? Hmmm? Not sure that's the point of a silent room.  R&L ;-)

[Foolish Monkey]

I like silent rooms.  And within each and every moment is the human struggle. Some moments, I believe I'm getting it, that I'm in a place that couldn't possibly change.  Of course it all could come crashing around me.  Some catastrophy or news or simply the wind changes direction. 

I don't believe we are meant to be happy. Children aren't even all that happy - babies maybe but who knows what's going on in those adorable gooey brains.   I think of all states of being, happiness is the one many people believe we should be feeling but rarely is that the case.  Life is complicated and it's hard as shit, some days harder than others.  And old happiness is an emotional orgasm, a giggle, a reward for the sun peeking out after a miserable storm.  It's no reward.  It's happenstance and serendipity.  It comes and then it goes.

I'm all about contentment, which right now I'm not in the least.  I'm miserable.  Kind of.  but not.  My life is too good to be truly miserable.  I'm just bitchy kvetchy achy.  

My darling Z, you've been over and under the moon in a relatively short period of time.  You've lost your mother, you've sold a house and moved across the ocean and now you're living in a beautiful jungle.  But you're alone.  I'm glad you're writing and taking pictures and sharing.  You may not be happy but you're one healthy woman.  It will come together.  And if it doesn't, you'll find a way to make it work.

M.C., you've made beautiful images and an evocative poem.  And for that I say bless your heart because you're inspiring.  

[Zanelle]

Right now there is a stupid weed eater going on and on across the street.  Those things should be banned.  I like the silence....I know what you mean Jmac about the point of a silent room....is it meditation?  peace?  lots of different words for happiness.  Foolish Monkey...you are always so WISE!!  Thanks for the inspiring words, MC

[Zanelle]

[Jerry DeNuccio]

Deliciously ambiguous: is the struggle in the room (as a physical space), in the moment (as a shard of time), or in the observer (as a perceiving being)?  Could it be all three?  Are they mutually entailed, one setting off the others. I've known many folks who turn on a TV or radio and leave it on all day, not to watch or listen, but to create a sort of white noise to drown out the silence.  For them, it seems, silence isn't golden, but swollen, with discomfort.

[Rosigami]

I particularly like the extremely narrow vertical of your painting. It palpably constricts space and heightens the discomfort you so expertly illustrate describe in so few words. 

[Arthur James]

`

Thanks...

Annabella ( 11 )

ran up to my Home

yesterday with a Flower

Bouquet of Zinnias.

`

I'll forever Cherish 

my Granddaughters

fast pace and Radiant

Aglow . . . of course?

She requested a fee?

She needs art paint,

and paper for future

artistic projects. I

look at Zinnias and

smile forever, and

still see Her carry 

the flower bouquet.

Such a glorious and

Facial 

[Arthur James]

`

I may finish

comment

later?

`

how Ya's

spell fish

if fish has 

no eyes?

`  

F S H.

`

it go 

AWAY 

Time

`

than