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Showing posts from January, 2023

The Grand Legacy of the Flavian Amphitheater

The Roman Colosseum , originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, stands as an enduring symbol of the architectural ingenuity and cultural complexity of ancient Rome. Commissioned around 70–72 CE by Emperor Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty, the structure was intended as a grand gift to the Roman public. It was constructed in the heart of Rome, occupying the site of a drained artificial lake that previously belonged to Emperor Nero's decadent Golden House. By replacing a tyrant's private pleasure garden with a massive public arena, the Flavian emperors strategically sought to regain the loyalty and favor of the Roman citizens after years of civil unrest. The completion of this monumental venue required immense resources, engineering precision, and a vast workforce. Thousands of enslaved laborers performed the grueling physical tasks of quarrying and transporting materials, while skilled Roman artisans executed the intricate structural designs. Emperor Titus, Vespa...
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Sounds Like Paradise

  The last note the pianist played… Momentarily hangs in the air. Last sip of Bourbon and Cola— Cigarette smoke dancing clumsily… Up from the charcoal-colored ashtray. Tonight is ours to share and enjoy!   Sitting across from you is… Better than I ever imagined. Our souls—drawn together like magnets, Positive and negative— Electric Charge. Taking your hand into mine…   My love, an eternal flame, Burns bright and hot, Igniting my soul with passion, Telling my fortune, And writing it into the stars— An ethereal plan.   I loved the idea of you… Before we ever met. Our love was meant to be. Kismet brought us together. I found my perfect lover… In the Universe.   If I live for eternity, My heart will always be yours— Forever bound to you… By cords of love entwined, Strong cords that cannot be broken… By anybody.   Eternity with you… Forever basking in the warmth… Of your embrace— Laughi...
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Life That Matters

Like the ringing of a bell, A beautiful, fading lifeforce. Once young and smooth— Now, withered, and nearing death— Breath fading and strength failing— Live and die with honor.   Learning life’s lessons requires… A mind open to learning new ideas. Take responsibility for the road you’re on. Open your mind wide enough to realize… Everything good has a price and a consequence, And evildoers (sometimes) reap harsh punishments.   Terrible things happen, Whether you’re good or evil. Sometimes, good things win the day. How we respond to stress… Determines our level of success. Our actions make a difference!   Continue to strive for a just outcome! Justice is sometimes our only hope. Your character is most important. Striving for justice builds character, And sometimes justice wins the day! But we do not live in a just world!   Do your best in life, But do not expect a reward— Other than the reward of doing well. ...
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Her Name Used to be Levi

  She told me her name used to be Levi. From the depths of her soul, She’s a woman who loves, A woman who lives vigorously, And expresses herself with an heroic voice.   Her name is Crystal now. She has a right to be her true self. In the past, voices of hatred and malice… Kept her in the closet— Afraid to be herself.   Tis bigotry to say someone cannot be themselves. For what right does anybody have… To force another to submit to hatred? Guaranteed the right to pursue happiness, Be yourself, be happy, and do what is right!   Crystal’s smile makes me smile. She is truly herself these days. She inspired me to believe in myself and my dreams. I am stronger for having met her. She is genuine, brave, and strong.   Transgender issues are matters… Of freedom, decency, and compassion. A lesson I learned from Crystal long ago: “Love yourself and be true to your character, For we exist on a wonderful stage.” Did Yo...
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Before You

  Before you were my lover, My life was a tear-inducing mess. A sorrowful heart… Comes more easily to me… Than a hateful demeanor.   When we first met, My life had been a disappointment. Unexpected it was… My failure! Success had escaped me.   When first I saw you… Radiance! Perfectly proportioned! Lips of a God! Your smile was warmth on a freezing day!   We met, because… Fate had deemed it so. It was your sweetness, Like warm honey, That drew me in. My life has never been the same. A good thing! It is that success comes… From unexpected places… At unexpected times.   Together we are strong! Unbreakable! Indestructible! Adhered by Love, The world is ours! Did You Know? The battle for marriage equality in the United States has been a significant civil rights movement that has evolved over several decades. It primarily centers around the legal recognition of same-sex marriages and the fight against d...
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Oliver and the Witch

  (Witch I) First, you go… Then, I’ll go. Tis Magic! Power. Possibilities.   (Oliver I) Don’t want to… Please. You’re just trying to trick me! Get me to jump into… Darkness.   (Witch II) You wouldn’t be trapped. Liberated. New-found power! Bringing the forces of… The universe into subjection!   (Oliver II) How long? Would I live forever? This power… Is it pure… Light.   (Witch III) Yes, you can live forever! Riches upon riches! Power upon power! On bended knee… The world awaits!   (Oliver III) Fear… Weighs my heart… Forever down. An anchor! Too heavy to release!   (Witch IV) Heavy weight falls… With Gravity. Let your spirit and mind… Fall. Let go!   (Oliver IV) Why me? Power for me. Mistake! I’m corruptible! Unworthy! Did You Know? Witchcraft is an ancient practice, often associated with a variety of spiritual, magical, and mystical traditi...
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Monsters Roaming the City

What was that? Did you hear that? Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Make sure the door is locked.   I’ll check the windows. Oh, my God! There it is! It looks… Hungry.   Listen to me… We must stop. Now… We can only pray. “God, help!   Okay, they fly… Spit poison… I don’t know what else… But they’re not… Invincible.   I know how to kill it… I promise you… There will be… A tomorrow. You must trust me.  Did You Know? In the summer of 1950, a small town in Pennsylvania found itself at the center of a bizarre phenomenon that stirred the imaginations of residents and became the stuff of local legend. The town of Flatwoods was relatively quiet, nestled among the rolling hills and lush forests, but one fateful evening would change that forever. It began on September 12, 1952, when a group of boys playing in the woods reported seeing a strange light in the sky. Intrigued and a bit frightened, they ran home and shared their ...
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Golden You A poem by Charles Anthony Hood

I want you to know… I love you more than anything. The first time… I saw you—walking on the ledge, I told myself… That if you fell, Angels from heaven Would catch you.   I see you now, As radiant as ever— Beautiful skin and hair. When we touch, The electricity from you Sends Morse code down my spine. The message is L.O.V.E. You are a spark!   Before you, I existed as a worm, Crawling through the mud. No flowers— No smiles— No coffee together— You say I am clingy… Maybe.   But you are too nice, And I want to protect you. This world is… Hard, Unsympathetic, and… Unforgiving. One mistake can crush… The soul of a man. Our gay love, No longer a secret Whispered in the closet. Our flag is planted, A rainbow shimmering in the sun; We proudly declare— “Love is love!” And we feel!   Homosexuality— A history recorded. They said Gay people were… Abnormal, An Abomination, And disgu...
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