SoME1SoMEwhere

Look past the glare 

Im somewhere over there

Somewhere...

Somewhere between you 

and here.

Is this where I'm 

supposed to be?

Are you somewhere 

near 

to 

ME?

If you are coME 

closer. 

I want

no

I need 

soMEthing to lean on 

perhaps your shoulder

weak I am

BE my boulder.

So we might rest

on a higher peak.

somewhere.

Every where.

any where.

Under Cover <--> Under Arrest

Your GOD given rights
Hidden.
Concealed.
Withheld.
Buried.
Choked.
With a black vail.
We refuse to relinquish YOUR rights
Because it is against OUR religion...
Your Liberty
Suppressed.
Covered.
Withheld.
Imprisoned.
Relinquish YOUR liberty.
Or WE will TAKE YOUR LIFE.
Your future
Bleak.
Blurry.
Cloudy.
Dim.
Undecided.
Unknown.
TBD.
YOUR future is in OUR hands.
Act accordingly.
Your happiness.
Dangerous.
Despised.
Malignant.
Toxic.
Unhealthy.
Your happiness is evil.
It is against OUR law.
It is against OUR religion.

The verses of a caged bird...

I lay in my cage
Both my wings
And my heart
Are broken
No beauty to see
No love left
No words to be spoken
Looking towards the sky
I see my past
I see
How low
I have fallen
Children surround me
Laughing and pointing
I chirp back weakly
A caged bird
No song to sing
A trapped soul
A desperate being
Seeking exits
I see dead ends
Seeking salvation
I see light
Seeking strength
I pray to Him
I know He is right
My wings
He can heal
My chains
He can break
Only then
Will the sun
Drive away my bleak night
Only then
Can this caged beast

Achieve flight

The Sweetest Taboo...

MEMoriEs of U linger
Ur aroma I can still sense
I'm the moth to Ur flaME
I paid the price
And unto ME U caME
We roll together
We burn together
SidebySide
We float
Among stars
Among clouds
We take our place
On wings of inspiration
We soar
Upon peaks of beauty
We chill
I desire U and U alone
They try 2 keep us apart
Little do they know
When we break up
Is when we MakEup
Words
Seldom understood
IMagEs
Unseen

Spiritual seduction...

Don't ever leave me
because if u do my heart
would skip would skip
would skip would skip
would skip
a beat...
Don't you believe me?
even if I lie to you
the truth is
I would die for you
I will die for you
if you ever leave me
to tell you the truth
sometimes I feel like
You want me to lie to you
all I want is to lay with you
I'm not lying to you
and that is the truth...
Now you won't leave me
will you?
No I don't want the truth
I want you to believe me
when I say
I want you to lay with me
even if you lie to me
I won't leave you
I won't
believe you...

My companion...

While I was living 1 day
my companion told ME to coME here
I asked "Where are we going?"
and they replied "Over there"
So we went there
and it was good
we saw things unseen
we did things
that could never be undone
we spoke words
that were unheard
and it was peace
we were just we
it was just u and ME
we were just us
and it was
it just was...
that's when I realized
I could never go back to my past
because just because
it just would not be the saME
and it was clear
oh how clear it was...

What you've done...

I was broken and u healed ME. 
When I felt pain u said u feel ME. 
I needed what u gave ME. 
I was lost until u aiMEd ME.
When I wronged u 
U never blaMEd ME. 
When I felt alone
U stayed with ME. 
I was burnt out 
but u lit my flaME. 
Although everything changes
U always stay the saME.
And just when I don't think
I could go on u encourage ME.  
When I was stuck 
U inspired ME. 
To type these words I pictured your face
and I saw ME. 
That's when I realized 
without u there would be no 
words. There would be no ME.     

What is going on...

I see raindrops falling on my head
as I look up at my ceiling while
I lay in my bed.
Whoa. Wait. Stop rhyming.
I have questions.
Am I losing my mind?
Why am I asking you?
Have you lost your mind?
Probably not.
Can you feel ME?
Or are you too busy feeling
yourself?
Is anything real?
I'm real
real confused.
How long can this go on?
Even the word forever
is only 7 letters long.
And then that ends.
Like the last 3 letters in frie-n-d-s.
WAIT. WHOA. STOP RHYMING.
I was never invited to the party.
So I'm not gonna invite you.
All my friENDS will be there.
But not you
you're gonna be all
alone.
And MiserablE
just like ME.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Would you?
Whoa. I'm not rhyming. Wait.
I asked you a question?
Do you know the answer?
Can you please repeat the question?

I won't fight it any longer...

So this is the end?
What happened to ME?
I used to have pride.
I used to respect myself.
I used to respect the
s p a c e
that was between us.
But that was just
what I used to do.
That was just who
I used to be.
SoMEone else is here now.
And he's a BEtter person than I can ever BE.
He caME and fought with ME.
His weapon was kindness.
I was fighting but in reality
I was defenseless.
Now although my heart is filled with love.
He continues to attack.
He is relentless.
Now although I want to surrender.
I don't have the strength.
I am hopeless.
His message was siMplE.
It is siMplE.
"Although they don't care about u
U must care about them"
"If they don't slap you
turn the other cheek anyway."
So with my cheek turned.
I go forth. A new man.
Too weak to fight back.

Not yours but ours...

Have you ever rode a tricycle
in the fast lane of the expressway?
Have you ever played Russian roulette
with a fully automatic weapon?
I sense you have.
I sense you know
I have.
Have you
ever looked in the mirror
in search of your reflection
and walked away still searching?
I know you.
Have you
swallowed your pride
and then choked on the the inside?
Repeat after ME.
"Yes I have."
I know I have
felt pain
stood in the rain and went down the drain.
But so have you
so what you felt was not yours alone
it belonged to us
it was ours.

a shorty...

I am no poet so let me be brief/
come rain/come shine/I have no sleep/
And no I don't weep/no long story/
I wont go deep/the reason I wont slumber/
its because with closed eyes I whisper to myself...
"Ummm I wonder..."

Just a brief PSA...

I thank the 44 for the inspiration:


By our side.


Change is on my side
yes she is...

I lay bewildered
on her beaches...

she is Sandy.
Divine. I describe her features.

She is on my side yes
she is.

Change is on your side
yes she is...

Her beauty could never
be filtered...
Her worth will never be measured...

she is LIFE.
Flawless. I describe her features.

He is on our side...
I believe he is...

His mercy has no limits.
He is strength. No weakness.

He is the Almighty.
Wherever I look, I see his features.

THE OVERLOOKED, UNDER APPRECIATED, JOHN ADAMS

John Adams
*****

Rarely does cable TV produce programming worth mentioning. Unfortunately most of what it is aired on cable these days revolves around a monotonous abundance of reality TV shows. Thankfully HBO still produces programming that is bearable and even entertaining. In the case of "John Adams" they have outdone themselves. The seven part miniseries, based on the best selling biography by David McCullough chronicles the extraordinary exploits of our second commander in chief, the most stubborn of our founding fathers John Adams portrayed by the tremendously talented Paul Giamatti, who literally brought Adams to life . Although the book chronicles every aspect of his life the mini series wisely introduces us to Adams right before he represents the British soldiers who were responsible for the Boston Massacre, then we are shown just how his efforts not only within the colonies but also in Europe were instrumental in bringing about America's independence. The series successfully explains why Adams contributions to American Independence were overlooked and how this tormented Adams as he seeked the recognition that to this day he is still deprived of. On the other hand we meet the founding fathers Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin played masterfully by David Morse, Stephen Dillane, and Tom Wilkinson, who make us understand why these men are as celebrated as they are. The producers which includes Tom Hanks should be commended for the way they were able to bring together such an extraordinary cast and breath life into McCullough's award winning prose. Finally Tom Hooper, the director of the series should be awarded for his awe inspiring direction of the cast as well as his unconventional approach of filming a story that could have easily been bogged down by a conservative point of view . Instead his camera never sits still and makes the viewer an active participant rather than an observer. This miniseries should definitely not suffer the same fate as John Adams, and be over looked in anyway.

It's been awhile sorry...Presenting Righteous Kill

Righteous Kill

** 1/2

Well the classic that was 'Heat' has come and gone. The performances, the story-line, the direction, everything just blew us away literally. However it was the presence of Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, that made the film what it was. We all drooled at the prospect of seeing these two giants share the screen for an encore. So when trailers for 'Righteous Kill' first emerged fans of the cinema knew that something special was brewing. 'Righteous Kill' is the story of two veteran NY police detectives played by DeNiro and Pacino respectively who must use all their wits to track a poetic vigilante serial killer. What appears to be a routine investigation turns out to be a quandary that baffles the two seen it all done it all detectives. Is the killer someone who just stays one step ahead or is the deadly scribe right under their noses? The film was made with all the right intentions however unlike 'Heat' its predecessor, something just does not feel right. Jon Avnet the film's director, despite a valiant attempt cannot attain a balance between the light comedy and the disturbed psychological elements that are present in Russell Gewirtz's seen it before heard it before script. What keeps the film afloat are the dedicated performances of the two films legends who play off of each other effortlessly. And despite the fact that both men do not bring the "heat" like they did earlier in their careers their on screen pairing is still a significant one.

BEST PICTURE OF 1980? (a small disclaimer...)

Ordinary People

***

Robert Redford’s grand opus entitled “Ordinary People” is about just that ordinary people. Which is why it was so remarkable that a film about really ordinary people could make such a significant impact when it was first released. Well I might have over exaggerated a bit. After all we are all a bit extraordinary. The story of the film revolves around a family who are suffering a tragic loss. After a freakish boating accident Buck Jarrett, brother of Conrad Jarrett and son of Calvin and Beth Jarrett passes away. The Jarrett’s each deal with the tragedy in their own way. Calvin attempts to remain upbeat; Beth bottles up her grief in order to save “face”. And Conrad who at first believes that it was his fault Buck died, attempts suicide, is placed in a facility and then is released supposedly after he has been “cured”. However Conrad still feels out of place and at the suggestion of his previous doctor is told to see therapist Tyrone Berger to help him readjust. Once he begins going to therapy he realizes that he was not really at fault at all, and that despite his parent’s efforts certain things cannot be dusted under the rug. The moving performances of Tim Hutton, as the troubled Conrad and Mary Tyler Moore as his cold-hearted mother Beth, gives the viewer a reason to forgive Redford’s passive direction. Though the film remains an ordinary one mainly due to Redford’s abilities as a director, the entire cast resuscitates a film that desperately needed CPR.

THE WILD AND CRAZY 80'S!

LADYHAWKE

**

The 1980’s were strange years. So it’s no surprise that a film like “Ladyhawke” was made during this era. Films such as “Ladyhawke” that deal with fantasy, love, playful mischief, and action were the norm during this decade. “Ladyhawke” tells the story of two lovers who have been cursed by a jealous Archbishop. But all that changes when a petty thief and a grief stricken priest help the two lovebirds (no pun intended) reverse the curse so that they could live in joyful bliss. Even though the film’s premise and screenplay are quite charming and well thought out, the film is full of clichés. The music is synthetic and cheesy, and the visual effects are archaic by today’s standard. Nonetheless the film still manages to amuse. Thanks to the cast consisting of Mathew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer (whatever happened to him?) who remain enthused throughout the entire film. Richard Donner who had directed the original ”Superman” film starring Marlon Brando, also sticks to his guns and wisely chooses not to over saturate the film with too many “special” effects. So if you don’t mind taking a trip back to the crazy 80’s this is the film for you.

I think I love this movie...

I Think I Love My Wife
***

I think that ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ has been berated long enough. This delightful comedy directed by and starring Chris Rock, does just what it intends to do, it entertains and amuses it’s audience. This is a story about a Richard Cooper played by Rock, who is contemplating cheating on his wife with a former acquaintance. Based on an older movie entitled ‘Chloe In the Afternoon’ Rock’s version lets married men around the world know that they are not alone when they consider stepping outside that marriage that seems to have lost that spark. Of course Rock’s comedic abilities allow us to laugh at the act of adultery, but he is very careful not to resort to slapstick. And for that he should be applauded. The cast lead by the charming Kerry Washington as Cooper’s old “friend” and Cooper’s scheming co-worker played by Steve Buscemi, turn in performances that are just right. Another reason why this film is a joy to watch is because it stays true to itself. Make no mistake about it this is a comedy. This film never attempts to explore guilt or adultery. Instead it presents these concepts in manner so that the audience could laugh at the people who think about committing adultery. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.

The classic tale of a Fugitive...

I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG

*****

At times we as moviegoers tend to categorize films made before 1970 as dated. Most people cannot seem to appreciate or relate to these films. Certain movies however are truly ageless, 'I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang' most certainly falls into that category. Director Mervyn LeRoy, must be given credit for truthfully visualising this tragic tale, however Paul Muni carries this film well into the next stratosophere. Muni skillfully portrays a man chasing his dreams during a time when others were living out their worst nightmares. However it seems that at every turn he is knocked down and given no other choice but to live his life as a hopeless vagabond. As far as the plot is concerned that is all that should be revealed to someone who hasn't actually seen the film. What can be revealed regarding the plot however is that it will remind avid movie fans that certain stories remain edgy, honest, and simply a joy to watch regardless of when they were made.

Things we found in the fire...

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE
***
One man struggles with an addiction. One woman struggles with reality. They both are in desperate need of somesort of relief. The film "Things We Lost in the Fire" tells the story of these two wayward people. Halle Berry stars as Audrey Burke, a woman who has recently lost her husband, the love of her life, and the father of her two children. The violent death of her husband portrayed by David Duchovny also adversely affects Benicio Del Toro's character Jerry Sunborne, a heroin addict who has no one to lean on now that his best friend has died. During his lifetime Duchovny's character had tried to convince his wife that Sunborne is a good man who got a bad break. Berry's character on the other hand believes her husband's childhood friend is a loser who is using her husband to get another fix. When Duchovny's character is brutally murdered, his wife slowly comes to the realization that Sunborne is the only man she could really lean on as the difficulties of raising two children on her own become too much to bear. Sunborne on the other hand needs a reason to remain sober. Yet what they don't know is that they still need time to acclimate to each other and life with out their closest companion. Berry and Del Toro both turn in sublime performances, the rest of the cast however are lost in the background. Unfortunately Director Susanne Bier fails to captivate her audience, yet she does earn an E for effort because she motivates her two stars and they do not let her down. In addition to that Duchovny's character does not seem to have any personality flaws, and that is why it is difficult to relate to him. The way he meets his death is also quite unbelievable, although not improbable. Nonetheless the film is quite endearing which is why it will have staying power.

Love, Lust, Caution

Lust, Caution
****

Director Ang Lee’s latest effort Lust, Caution is truly a visually seductive film. The film takes place during WWII when the Japanese occupied Shanghai. Tensions were high among the Chinese, who at that time were a divided nation. Those Chinese who were well off were recruited by the Japanese and placed in positions of power. Others were subjugated to Japanese rule. Lust, Caution introduces us to a group of drama students that join an underground network of Chinese nationalist spies who seek to eliminate the Chinese traitors who work for the Japanese. Among these spies is a young actress who uses her talent and her beauty to capture her audience. She is chosen by the other members of the resistance movement to infiltrate the residence of Mr. Yee, portrayed by Tony Leung. After being introduced to Yee and his wife, as the wife of a prominent Chinese exporter she prepares for the most demanding role of her young life: the mistress of the distrustful and very dangerous Mr. Yee. Without a doubt Lee exhibits all of the skills that earned him his Best director Oscar. His fluid camera movements accentuate the superb performances turned in by the entire cast especially by Leung and the newcomer Wei Tang, whose performance as his mistress, in this film is so captivating that it seems as though she were a much more seasoned performer. This is probably why she was chosen from among 10,000 other actors for the role. Excellant performances, passionate direction, and a story that truly seduces are just some of the reasons why this film should be considered one of the best foreign films of 2007.