Fall Leaves and Cool Breeze

 

Cozy up with our November collection 2023!

We have 13 original pieces this month for you to read.

So grab a cup of tea or coffee or for those who prefer boba, a warm cozy blanket and enjoy all of the abstract ideas and a few flash fiction.

Make sure to read the entire collection before you choose your favorites.

Leave helpful, kind feedback for the writers this month.

Your comments are due December 13.

Please leave your comments on the Canvas Discussion board.

If you are a November writer you do not have to write comments.

We Aren't Evil People--Tabatha

 

Oftentimes I wonder if I am on the right side of history. In a time of turmoil and

constant controversy, I consider no one to be an entirely “good” person. Every individual

has their own motivations and hidden desires. Whatever side we select eventually dictates

how society perceives us. We can be villainous or we can be saviors: This raises the

question, are we evil people if we want power? There is no proper way of accumulating it;

no one knows the key.

Occasionally, I witness myself picturing how different my life would be if I were

considerably more confident and assertive. I examine our global leaders and listen to how

they address the people. Their charisma is undoubtedly on point and pushes a person to

want to accomplish everything they ask. How do they retain this power? Is it more

demanding to control after obtaining it? Are they evil? Scholars define the term “evil” as

“morally reprehensible.” However, such a statement can solely be subjective. I don’t

believe one is a relatively evil person if one chooses to use their current standing and work

to achieve a higher level.

In addition, when we see others reaching those standards, we then reveal how we are

envious at heart. Humans are naturally selfish and egotistical beings. We all can

acknowledge that we desire what is most promising for ourselves. Thus, when we see a

powerful person, we would destroy ourselves to be in their position.

Equally effective in obtaining power, the friendships we value may assist in our success.

Although one person may cherish companionship, it is easier for some to make an enemy

than to keep a friend. Since my youth, I have witnessed these habits in people. Oftentimes,

connections are initiated only if one knows of the benefits they will receive. Accordingly, it

made me recognize that we all are guilty of this matter.

When I begin to question my current belief system, it drives me to a convoluted state of

mind. It appears as an endless abyss of “what if,” and “why.” Whenever I find myself

attached to this headspace, I turn to my writing and books. I receive closure from

investigating history and understanding that, at the end of the day, there will invariably be

an eventual consensus. Whether we appreciate it or not, history does repeat itself. Despite

the technological advancements and refinement of society, there are still numerous issues

present that can be compared to a circumstance decades ago.

Looking back at previous leaders, dynasties, and functioning societies, reminds me that at

one point these leaders were conducting at their finest. However, it is the books that rarely

explain what leads to dysfunction and miscommunication. The unanswered inquiries that I

maintain can also be the same as other inquisitive individuals. Nevertheless, if these people

undergoing power and its dynamics would share their knowledge, who knows what insights

we may receive? How do they base their decisions? Do they ask what is right or wrong?

Unfortunately, no matter how greatly we discover as a collective, there will naturally be a

disconnect between what one person thinks is correct and what society deems as right.

Focusing on being right or wrong all my life has made me feel like I need to fit into one

political box and I do not think that is a possibility anymore. Furthermore, I think there is

no longer a necessity for strings to be attached to all of your actions. Our morals as a

society continue changing and adjusting to the times. I would rather be content in my

individuality and discover my acuity of right and wrong. I will continue learning,

experiencing, and living. I will stand by my assertions as a young person yet nevertheless be

open to the opposing sides of the world. No one is an evil person; they are just living the

human experience.

Sources:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/concept-evil/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evil

"The Collector"--Jenny

 

Confusion--Mark

 

     To correctly encapsulate the meaning of Confusion, stated directly from the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “the quality of state of being confused.” Now if you didn’t know what the actual root of the word meant, you would be confused. Confuse means, “being perplexed or disconcerted” To put into simple terms, being unaware or unclear of what is going on. When you think of confusion, you may believe it entails multiple degrees of it, ranging from low amounts to high amounts of it. Either way, a soft disconnect has ruptured the brain that temporarily changes the way we think. Confusion could also act as a catalyst that can infuse different emotions, like happiness, anxiousness, and even determination.. The inability to comprehend a situation can invoke feelings that are positive, and also so negative to its varying degrees. You could have said something that can upset someone and they block you, or get mad at you. Are they still my friend? Is their view on me tainted? Am I thinking too much? I didn’t need them anyways! This is a prime example of the various amounts of thought processes that can come from confusion. 

     I used to always hang out with my best friend, back in sophomore year. Our interests were aligned and we would always enjoy the presence of each other. During the summer, he would completely stop communicating to me out of the blue. What? Why? I started spamming messages like “are you ok?” “What happened?” No response. I lifted the covers out of my bed and trotted towards my mirror. Anxious thoughts filled my brain because I was confused about what happened. He would always respond to me, I would always respond to him; surely I didn’t do anything. Junior year arrived and I was talking to my friend group, to where in the corner of my eye I saw him. I dropped the milk in my hands, “What happened to him?” I exclaimed. (You may be asking why I dropped the milk out of hands, I couldn't tell you, but maybe I could, but you’ll never know.) He wasn’t joyful like he used to be, and he looked really depressed and had low energy. My confusion eventually lead to guilt, because I was contemplating that I caused this new version of him, one that was void of light, one that shined away the things he used to love. Instead of socializing with his friend group like he used to, he was sitting at the bench, not even on his phone or reading a book, he was laying his head down and had a saddened look on his face. I kept beating myself over it, “I had to have caused this.” I uttered to myself that whole morning. Ever since that day we had never spoken again and I have completely moved on from the guilt I had filled myself with, but even to this day I am still confused about what happened. I constantly wonder what went on during that summer for him to have changed completely. It's possible he just stopped liking me, but that wouldn’t explain his overall mood change and loss of joy. Right? You tell me? 

     The Human psyche is very difficult to understand as there is a plethora of emotions that can be computed and why it happens. But one feeling that is prominent with most feelings you receive is confusion. You know it's actually funny, a quote I found from a professor from Chaffey College states “uncertainty is the most stressful thing.” I mean yea, of course it is, why would it not. We all have the desire for certainty as it is simply a part of human nature. You will never not be interested in something that is unknown to you. The mental anguish and instability attaches to our mind when we enter the unknown, whether it be positive; making us ecstatic, or negative; down right fearfulness. Ultimately, the feeling of confusion can often get very confusing, but it should be accepted with open arms as it is a very valuable human feeling that can lead to many things either comprehendible or not. Confusion shouldn’t be seen as a negative thing, but as a way to grow and to learn and to explore the world on a deeper level. We use it everyday in our lives, thus making us take it for granted. When my friend stopped hanging out with me and completely changed, at first I was upset, but then I realized this was a crucial moment for self reflection and growth that I can explore further. Fullfillment and accomplishment can’t happen, unless one has accepted the unknown.

Confidence--Chisom

 

Time--Damian

It was a cool autumn afternoon. There was a small breeze outside as I glanced through

the window every few seconds after falling out of the hypnosis from my teacher’s entracing

dialogue. A leaf blew by and I wondered, this week is lasting way too long. My teacher caught

me lacking, and I had to play once more. As my fingers raced across the keys and the final

notes of moonlight sonata, the chord reverberated throughout the room, and died out as quickly

as my piano career. That day was my last day I ever had a piano lesson, as I was beginning to

become busy with high school. On that day, I had a whole week of work planned ahead, and I

was dying for it to end. On the car ride home, I thought to myself, “time passes really quickly,

and if I view this from a different perspective, it may help me.” I decided to try a trick, where I

would snap my fingers and forget about the snap. When I would remember the snap again, I

would reminisce about how time flies so fast. That day was during August of my sophomore

year. I have remembered that day, the day I snapped for over a year now, and the time span

only ever increases.

Time is relative, according to Einstein. If an observer moves faster than the speed of light, time

slows down, and vice versa. Even in a non physics setting, time can still be viewed as relative.

For a five year old, time passes slower than my friend getting ready for school. For a fifty year

old, time could go as fast as the speed of light. Time is all based on the observer. So, why does

it that people view time differently? There are several theories as to why time is viewed

differently, but the most common one has to do with age. At a younger age, a smaller increment

of time will be a larger portion of one’s life than compared to an older person. For example, one

year will be one-fifth of a five year old’s life. For a twelve year old, one year is only one-twelfth of

their life. This makes the year less meaningful, and possibly why time passes faster. Another

theory is that time passes faster when you live a life of more repetition. Have you ever had a

weekend where you did so many things, and it felt as if it would never end? Have you ever had

the most boring and routine week and it ended in a snap? All of these perspectives help

demonstrate how time is relative to the observer. With the fact that time flies faster when we get

older, it makes us want to invest that time as best as possible, and make the most use of it. As

humans, do we really use all that time that well? Ever since I was a child, I have wondered why

people would hunker down for five, ten, fifteen, over twenty years just to master a craft or focus

on a single thing. I wondered if they were missing out on life and all it has to offer. At this

moment, I realized that time is just like money. The more you invest, the more you get out.

Those people who invest so much time get to enjoy their life, do the things they love at a high

skill level, and they get to enjoy the life they have prepared so much for. Those who live day by

day and do not invest, fall into the time trap of repetition and routine, and their time passes in a

snap.

So, what is it you can get from reading this long and monotonous jumble of words? Time is

ticking away as we grow older, and our time will come to a close at some point. LIke money,

time is a currency. Reflect on your life and ask yourself if you have spent your time well.

Whether you have or have not, that time is gone, and can never be obtained again. Explore and

grab upon new opportunities. Taking on new challenges and exploring will make your time much

more memorable. Another thought is to actually enjoy the time period of life you are currently

living in. People almost never live in the present moment, as they always are thinking about

what is ahead or what they have left behind. Time is limited, so enjoy the moment wherever you are at, 

especially if your time is coming to a close. 

Well, I think my time here is over. 

The Importance of Gratefulness--Sadaf

 

The day is like any other day on this Monday night, November 13, 2023. My usual schedule consists of waking up, going to school, coming home, starting homework, going to taekwondo, going back home, and finishing homework. The night drive from taekwondo is usually one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s peaceful, the moon is out with a cool breeze, I just got a good workout in, and it's one of the only times I take a break during the day when my mind is completely clear. This small moment was taken away from me and was replaced by something horrid. I couldn’t even make it to taekwondo in the first place. Taking it back, it was agreed that my grandma would take me that day when usually my mom would take me. So we leave the house on time and drive to taekwondo, it is now nighttime. We reached the bright headlight where I would usually turn to go to school, Victoria Street, but it was green so we kept driving forward until a bright light came to the car at a high speed and hit us on the side, the light was the only thing I saw until it went dark. The car was flipping before I could process what was happening and we landed upside down with every part of the car broken or shattered. While we were still in shock, my grandma and I found a way to get out of the car with the help of construction workers and security guards nearby. It was dark and cold, it was not like the peaceful view I was used to seeing at this time, the sky looked bleak. There was blood all over me and tiny pieces of glass on the black rocky street as well as in my hair. I realized that I had no shoes on and I lost them in the car and realized I could not stand on the dirt side of the road so I just stood there asking my grandma if she was okay. There were multiple people around me, none of them with familiar faces except my grandma who was freaking out and I had to calm down. All of a sudden I see blue and red lights everywhere accompanied by deafening sirens around me. I immediately called my parents telling them what happened to pick me up. While I was on the phone I also had to talk to the cops, as well as the paramedics on behalf of my grandma and me, since she is unable to speak English and kept jumbling her words. I sent her to the paramedic's car for a checkup and was answering the cop's questions until I saw my dad from far away. The second I saw him I melted, I had never felt so much relief and thankfulness seeing him. He brought me my shoes and although still shocked I felt calmer and even started joking with the cops. Once we wrapped everything up at the scene I finally went home while my grandma was taken to the hospital for a check-up. On the way back home I was processing what just happened and am currently still processing what happened (it's still not fully processed). I saw the rest of my family and hugged them as tight as I could. The rest of the night consisted of worrying about my grandma until I received news that she was okay later that night. 

The next day I realized that both my grandma and I could’ve died considering how bad the crash was, but instead, we came out with no serious injuries. Everything that I had been working towards and consumed my time with would have been for nothing. Some of that time could have been spent with my family and loved ones, or at least something more enjoyable than constantly studying or doing my homework to get ahead in class. Time wasn’t the only thing that I misused and took for granted, I also took my body for granted. We all do daily tasks quickly without even thinking about it. After the accident my whole body hurts and tasks such as putting on my backpack have become strenuous. It’s even difficult to look down or move my neck and head. I soon realized how lucky I was to have a healthy body that makes doing things easy.  

Looking back on my high school years, I already have so much regret. I wish I prioritized more people over my work. I wish I had gone to more parties instead of turning them down to study and get ahead. I wish I had more fun and had more experiences. I wish I had done more things to make me happy. I wish I put myself first. And I wish more people would realize this before high school ends, or at least at some point in their lives. But instead of thinking about “should haves” I decided to take it as a lesson and attempt to change my future actions, as well as my mindset. I intend to spend more quality time with my friends and family and do more things I enjoy. Although this may be the effect of the accident, I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude for everything around me whether it is people, actions, objects, words, and myself. I hope this overall feeling does not go away. We all have at least one good thing in our lives and instead of focusing and spending time with the things that truly matter many individuals, not all, immerse their time in the darker side of their life until it fills their mind. If not that they busy and distract themselves with other things such as excessive amounts of work whether it is with school or things outside of school. Realize what is truly important and in front of you, continue to work hard but make sure it does not take away from the parts of your life that matter and genuinely makes you happy. Although the event that occurred was terrible it made me realize multiple things that I believe are better to realize sooner than later. Life can change in a second, you never know what will happen in the next second, minute, hours, days, or years and it is important to cherish the now. But it is also due to the unfortunate events in our lives that help us mature and appreciate life itself.

"The Devil's Muse"--Chidera

Long ago, the kingdom of heaven and the chasmic depths of hell were

linked with mankind on the planet once known as Gaia. There was constant

war between the two entities. One fought for supremacy, while the other

fought for sanctity. Humans, caught in the middle, had their livelihoods

unstabilized. A warrior angel by the name of Saecizril sought to put a

permanent end to the conflict and liberate the people of Gaia.

Saecizril, whose deep slumber had come to a sudden halt, sprung out of

bed to the sounds of the morning choir, signaling for his requested

presence by the Heavenly Deity. He cleansed himself and dressed in his

daily attire: a graceful white tunic with golden accents. Soon after, he left to

attend to his duties as an acclaimed worshiper of the deity.

The deity’s dwelling resembled that of a bountiful garden filled with an

abundance of plant life endowed with the gift of vitality. On a raised throne

in the center of the garden, Saecizril met with the deity.

"O' Lord Zal’Alkain! What a glorious day. How honored I am to be in the

presence of your blessed aura!" he exclaimed.

“Oh Saecizril. Must you flatter me so?” Zal’Alkain jested but quickly shifted

to a serious tone. “Saecizril. I must make a request. You are my most

renowned Seraphim, but as you’ve seen, humanity descends into darkness

more and more as each day of this treacherous war passes. Hell’s creatures

continue to infect the minds of pure humans like parasites. Saecizril, I ask

that you become a Power, a warrior. Execute the demons that plague Gaia."

Saecizril was unnerved by this request, as Powers are ranked lower than

Seraphims. Though Saecizril wouldn’t dare refuse a request by the divine

ruler, “O’Lord Zal'Alkain, How esteemed I am to be granted this

opportunity. I will do it," he said.

The following day, Saecizril was awakened by the choir. This time,

signaling for his departure to Gaia. His attire now consisted of a blood-red

robe with gold-plated armor and a polished sword holstered at his hip.

Before leaving, Saecizril said a quick prayer, asking for Zal’Alkain’s

protection. "Amen," he concluded. Saecizril descended from the heavens

towards Gaia to fulfill his duty.

While on Gaia, Saecizril could truly see the damage the demons had done

to the human species. Humans were enveloped in death, destruction, and

chaos.

“Those callous creatures, do they have no soul? How could they treat God’s

creatures in such a way?” Saecizril scorned. “By the Lord Zal’Alkain’s

command, I will rid this planet of you evil spirits.” He unholstered his

sword, clenched his fist, and plunged into battle.

The demons Saecizril observed varied in appearance. Some were tall, short,

pale, dark, winged, or clawed.

“Nothing but ghastly creatures, regardless of their outward forms.” Saecizril

jeered.

With swift and calculated slashes of his sword, he decimated a plethora of

fiends. He traversed the land and seas, exterminating any demons he

encountered. Much to his surprise, the demons weren’t fighting back. As he

sank the sword into their cores, they looked fixedly at him with woe in their

eyes.

A demon with jet-black shoulder-length hair said to Saecizril, “O’Child.

How I pity you so.” before sinking into eternal rest.

Saecizril saw this as a ploy. “Foul creature. I will not fall for your cunning

words.”

Months had passed since the angel had become a warrior. Saecizril was

awakened to another day of bloodshed.

He was greeted with a letter before his departure that read, “The world is

healing, warrior Saecizril. Your killing of those malignant spirits is

progressively mitigating the suffering of mankind. I commend you,

warrior.” Zal’Alkain praised him in his writing.

Saecizril, now filled with the utmost confidence, knowing he is the reason

for humanity’s recovery, got ready and set off for Gaia.

On Gaia, the air felt warm. Saecizril hadn’t seen any demons upon arrival.

He checked the areas that were most concentrated with humans, like

villages, but found no demons. It wasn’t until he traversed the oceans that

he found a single, solitary demon on a barren island. Saecizril descended

upon the demon with his sword brandished. There was a sharp clang! Then

clatter. To the angel’s surprise, the demon also had a sword, which they

used to deflect his attack. The demon, who appeared to be female, had long

white hair, deep gray skin, black-feathered wings, ruby irises, and was

dressed in a long red robe.

“Listen to me, warrior," she said. Her voice was cold, but compassionate.

"For I know that you do not understand what you are doing."

“I will listen no more to what you have to say, demon. I will not fall victim to

your unscrupulous methods of manipulation,” Saecizril retorted.

“Listen to me," she commanded, her tone sharp and unyielding. “Your eyes

deceive you. The world you see is not reality. Your mind’s eye is a plaything,

reducing the land of humans to destruction. Do you not see, warrior?”

“Demon, I have told you, and I will tell you again; your fictitious tale will not

delude me,” he sneered. “Surrender, and I will grant you a painless

departure."

“Saecizril. I wish to preserve humanity just as you do."

Terror-stricken, Saecizril responded, “Demon, how do you know my name?

Who are you?” The initial fear he felt at the sound of his name directed his

attention away from the second piece of her statement. Saecizril, in a

cynical tone, responded, “Your kind only seeks to reign supreme over

humans. You show no care or consideration for their suffering. It is the

angels who protect humans from your evildoings.”

“I am no demon, and you are no angel,” she answered.

“You fiend, what are you speaking of? Do you suffer from delusions of

grandeur? What do y--?"Saecizril was abruptly cut off.

“Allow me to introduce myself. Maybe then you will understand. I am

Xaliaera, a Dominion of the heavens. My role as a Dominion is to make what

is unjust, just. I am ruled by the gracious god of our paradise, Emphyrean.”

Saecizril rubbed his temples, unsettled by Xaliaera’s assertion. “Emphyrean?

Xaliaera, you are mistaken. The kingdom of heaven is ruled by--”

Looking towards the clouds, Xaliaera professed, “Zal’Alkain does not rule

the beautiful kingdom in our skies.” She contended, after shifting her gaze

to the ground, “Zal’Alkain is the god of the underworld, the overlord of

hell."

Saecizril was utterly exasperated at this proclamation. “Y-you are a teller of

lies, demon. I will entertain this nonsense no longer!” He charged towards

his sword, which was lying on the ground a distance away, but he was met

by the cold hands of Xaliaera on his face.

“I will open your eyes, devil. I will force you to see.” She covered Saecizril’s

eyes and recited a prayer. “Our merciful god, Emphyrean, open his eyes.”

Saecizril’s body ran cold, and his vision blurred. Then, heat. Intense,

scorching, blazing heat. He was in the underworld, though not physically.

Everything was in flames. The heaven he once knew was a falsehood. On

the flaming throne built of skulls and bones, he saw Zal’Alkain, the god he

once thought hospitable. Xaliaera removed her hands from his eyes.

Saecizril felt sick to his stomach and dropped to his knees. “How could I be

so blind?” He thought. He looked at Xaliaera, whose appearance was no

longer that of a demon. Her hair was golden, her skin was auburn, her

wings bright, and her irises aureate. He was astonished by her radiance but

was overwhelmed by fear. He rushed to the edge of the island to look at

himself.

“Ah!” He yelled. His skin was ash, his hair the color of blood, his wings

resembled a bat, devoid of the beautiful white feathers, his sclera black, and

his irises red. “What a horrid creature I have become,” he wept, his face in

his palms.

“You poor soul.” Xaliaera kneeled down to the crestfallen demon and

embraced him from behind. “Saecizril, do not blame yourself for the angels

brought to death by your hand. This phantasm enacted by Zal’Alkain upon

you was his way of garnering power and exterminating heavenly entities to

reign supreme. You are good-hearted, demon or not.” Xaliaera weakened

her embrace of the weeping demon. “I hope you forgive me, Saecizril; I

can’t allow this to go any further.”

Saecizril lifted his tear-coated face from his hands. "Xaliaera...?" Before he

could utter another word, he felt the sharp blade of the angel’s sword travel

through his chest.

Through her teary eyes, she looked at Saecizril. “This feeling of clarity is

only temporary. As long as you are alive, Zal’Alkain will control you. I will

deliver you from this world of pain.”

With one last whimper, Saecizril collapsed into Xaliaera’s embrace.

The Devil’s Muse.

Sources:

https://robesworld.com/do-angels-wear-robes/?expand_article=1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_of_God#:~:text=In%20Isaiah%206%2C%20

Isaiah%20sees,and%20with%20two%20they%20flew