Wack Attack

It is all out of wack
I'm having an attack

What should I do
I feel like such a fool

Disorganized
And not prioritized

This is an irritation
A dispiriting indication

A look of ineffectual force
With time it gets worse

Weakness in all limbs
Inaction at whims

Sluggish in motion
Quirky commotion

Anxiety confides within
Can't even grin

Face the music
In need of an analgesic

The pain unbearable
The feeling of terrible

Slumped in my bed
Like I'm ill-fed

Popped some pills
To cure the ills

What is the ailment
That breaks the firmament?

Mangled migraines
Oh what pains

Like a dagger
Makes me stagger

Agitating, pulsating
Back and forth debating

Sharply fierce
A spear to pierce

Then slowly but surely
Numbing eerily

Excedrin does its job
Breaking the weave and bob

A light at the end
On a path to mend

Like heaven sent
No more hell-bent

It was all out of wack
Such a stirring attack.

Fight of Opportunity

To get to that door
The gates of thy fruit
Through hard labor
And pesky persistence

Only to receive
Not a hearty handshake
Of good fortune
Nor acceptance deserved

Rather at that point
Slammed in your face
This door of opportunity
Before a step convenes

What sorrow must be
The fruits of thy labor
Turned to sour despair
And much angst

Like a dark joke
Directed at one
As others laugh
You cower in silence

Invited to dinner
To eat the scraps
Even dogs disdain
Swallowing wallowing

I could go down
Such a path
After being scratched
From the lineup

But that is not me
Nor should it be you
Times are assuredly tough
Though it is not the end

Though I fell discouraged
Off the ground I go
Dust off the dirt
Move forward soundly

Packed with better tools
Stronger skills
Fiery vengeance
Directed energy

Absolutely with gumption
I shall win definite
I'll break open that door
And take my opportunity

With help from on High
A heart of pure gold
Mind of steel might
I am ready to fight

That is the course
I shall pursue
You should as well
Ready that battle armor

Times are tough
Indeed lamentable
But not pitiful enough
Nor time to be inept

Improve one's agility
Work on your resolve
This fight within in us
Shall succeed courageously

In the end
Through those dark days
You shall look back
Marvel at that slight

Can't get there
If you don't try
Time to go
It is our fight!

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Have a problem gambling? Are you addicted, craving the need to pull that lever or bet that extra grand you do not have? If this is you, I suggest that you get help. Though this type of addiction does not harm the body like drugs or alcohol, its effects are just as detrimental. Like those typical addictions, gambling harms relationships between you and your loved ones. It also alters behavior, skewing your sense of reality. In the end, you may end up broken and in despair. I find this very dear to me because of the people around me who have "fallen off the wagon" so to speak because of this very addiction.

Funny thing is, I did not know this week was dedicated to that cause (or even know there was such a cause) until I played the Mega Millions lottery (jackpot of $212 million; one of the few times I do in a year or two) and received the following message with my quick pick numbers:


Notice that the service announcement is on a lottery ticket. Though I understand playing the lottery is not as harmful as being at the blackjack table, it is still a form of gambling. Some people play the lottery every week or even twice a week, which I would contend is addiction. However that is not what is amusing.

It is quirky that a "gambling association" supports the inhibition of "gambling addiction" though it is the very reason they are in business. This hearkens me back to other "service announcements" by groups or organizations used as PR tactics to brighten their business's image while not really putting an effort toward fixing the intended problem. Examples include Phillip Morris printing pamphlets on their cigarette boxes on getting help for smoking addiction and cessation, a Vegas casino (unfortunately I forgot their name) providing a hot-line for gambling addiction, and Exxon promoting their "green" technologies as a move to promote efficient energy, thereby helping to decrease oil addition.

What odd humor?! To think that they can sweep dust under the rug over the consumer. What do you think?