This Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

I have a picture of this German soldier in my cubicle at

work. I look at it everyday. I can tell this was taken during World War II either in Europe or on the Eastern Front in Russia. I know nothing about this soldier other than the fact that his face tells a story. What was he thinking when the photographer took this picture? Was he advancing or retreating? Was he thinking about his family back home? Was he thinking about his wife or his girlfriend? Was he thinking about his kids? Was he thinking of the things he had seen in war? Was he thinking of the horrible things he had done in war? Was he secretly hoping that the war would end so he could go home to his family? I wonder everyday whether or not this soldier survived the war. What happened to him? I will probably never know the answer to that question but I have to wonder. I feel so sad for this soldier when I see his face of despair. He had probably been fighting for years and was just trying to stay alive. I keep this picture in my work cubicle to remind me how lucky I am to be alive and living in a free country. I keep this picture in my cubicle to remind me on a daily basis that I need to be grateful for everything in my life every second of every day.

Yes, I Like Haikus

I was first introduced to haikus in my senior year of high school. A haiku is a type of Japanese poetry. I really enjoyed writing haikus back then and I continue to like it today. I usually only write them when I'm in a relationship or when I want to crack myself up.

For those who aren't aware, the traditional haiku has three lines consisting of syllables in the following pattern: 5-7-5.

Here are some old haikus I wrote about a girl I had a relationship with in the past.

i see long black hair
dark eyes are like the ocean
skin is smooth like glass

i see a flower
i see a flower and i
think about her face

the day will come when
my heart will be sad again
because she is gone

like gentle rain
falling down upon my lips
her lips of sugar

will she remember
my sweet kiss upon her face?
i will not forget

the pain in my soul
as saturday approaches
is so deep, so deep

the touch of her hand
on my arm is like heaven
to feel it again...

The Knights' Code

Be always ready with your armor on, except when you are taking your rest at night
Defend the poor, and help them that cannot defend themselves
Do nothing to hurt or offend anyone else
Be prepared to fight in the defense of your country
At whatever you are working, try to win honor and name for honesty
Never break your promise
Maintain the honor of your country with your life
Rather die honest than live shamelessly
Chivalry requireth that youth should be trained to perform the most laborious and humble offices with cheerfulness and grace; and to do good unto others.