Life

anti-bullying as world-building
We’ve all been teased at one point or another in our lives. In the same way, we have all probably done some teasing of our own—both bullied and bully, a relentlessly self-perpetuating cycle. One which seems to defy most attempts to stop it. What can we do to end the cruelty that frequently defines our experiences growing up, making friends, building careers, or navigating the salty waters of the internet? I’ve pondered this question for decades, attempting to articulate the profoundly personal. That which I know does not exist in a vacuum yet feels so isolated and singular. I know better, though, and seek the systemic. I seek the birdcage, as Marilyn Frye has called it, and see bullying as one of the many bars comprising its enclosure.
By kp2 years ago in Writers
The shadow of Lost Son of a billionaire.
In the dusty dusk of 2003, Kitgum, a small town in Uganda, held its breath. The sun, weary from a day's labour, began its descent, casting long shadows on the rugged terrain. Among these shadows, young Isaac Pitkomi heir to the Pitkomi’s fortune, embarked on his usual journey home from school, 100 kilometers away.
By Christopher Otika Kilama2 years ago in Writers
Am I a writer?. Top Story - November 2023.
“Am I a writer?” I ask myself this question often. Too often. Why do I second guess myself on something I love doing and have done since the age of 10, for what reason? I have no idea. There is no real point in asking if I’m a writer or not because the truth is I have never stopped writing for most of my life. Perhaps what I’m really asking is if I’m good enough to call myself a writer. I know I am comparing myself to the writers I look up to and for that reason I feel I cannot call myself a writer. But as these thoughts go through my head I cannot help but continue my writing journey, writing is part of my life and something I have needed to do my whole life.
By Lily2 years ago in Writers
"Resolute Reflections: Turning the Page on Lost Love"
"After a lengthy hiatus, I found myself flipping through the pages of my long-neglected diary. Your name, meticulously inscribed on almost every page, greeted me. Reading those words was a bittersweet experience, as I reflected on all the unspoken thoughts, unrevealed emotions, and abandoned intentions I had meant to share with you—lost to the passage of time.
By Ellys Spary2 years ago in Writers
Tim in the world of Halloween
Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between the hills, there lived a curious little boy named Tim. Halloween was his favorite time of the year, and he couldn’t wait to explore the mysterious world of spooks and goblins. Little did he know, this Halloween was going to be unlike any other.
By Ninprut2 years ago in Writers
To My Younger Self
Where to begin... Well, for starters, living and existing hard and will always be hard. It's a never-ending cycle of amazing highs and horrific lows. Sometimes those lows got too close to the edge for you and well...you somehow pulled through every time.
By Angel Adagio2 years ago in Writers
My Rescue Cat Now Demands a Boyfriend
Houdini has a list of complaints. Unbelievable. I am in the kitchen minding my own business, making my morning coffee when she jumps up to the counter and stares at me. The usual.
By Rene Volpi 2 years ago in Writers
The Charmed Tradition of Luna:
Some time ago in an unusual little town named Harmonyville, there carried on with an unprecedented young lady named Luna. Luna was known all through the town for her limitless creative mind and her propensity for giving pleasure to people around her. She was continuously looking for experience and diversion, and one bright morning, she awakened with a splendid thought that would change the town until the end of time.
By Alex Kimutai Koech2 years ago in Writers
Navigating Heartbreak: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing
It’s a feeling that’s all too familiar: the sting of heartbreak. It’s something that we all experience at some point in our lives, but it can be difficult to navigate. The pain and sadness that comes with heartbreak can be overwhelming and it can be hard to know how to move forward. But, with the right guidance and support, heartbreak can also be a journey of self-discovery and healing. The Pain of Heartbreak is a difficult thing to go through, no matter your age or the situation. It can be an incredibly painful and isolating experience. It can feel like you’re the only one in the world who is struggling and that no one can understand what you’re going through. It can be hard to see past the pain and sadness and it can be difficult to imagine ever feeling happy again. But, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Heartbreak is a part of life and it’s something that we all go through at some point. It’s a normal feeling and it’s okay to feel sad and overwhelmed. It’s also important to remember that the pain of heartbreak won’t last forever.
By Lakhan2 years ago in Writers
Ana & Jack
There was a certain dispute that came across the land. Some was for war and some was for peace. To every part there seem to be a different opinion. And the younger was against the older. And the communities feuded. Many people were in an uproar. But not Jack, Jack was smooth like butter and he was cunning. His family was a military family. He grew up idolizing generals and military heroes. His whole life was set before him and he was ready to start his life on the brigade. And then there was Ana, Ana was lovely and Ana was beautiful and she was promised at a young age to choose from many suitors. Ana was picture perfect and a wonderful attitude about life. She grew up in fair conditions and she was infatuated with smarts and looks and cleverness. It so happened that Jack was stationed in the reserve in Ana's city. Jack was serious about his job and he did not want to jeopardized his career, his family honor and his livelihood. He would wear his uniform constantly and would not loosen up for nobody. And after several months, just when he was about to get his promotion. And he was set on an assignment near Ana's family. And after a few times the two met eye to eye, Jack brushed her off because he was afraid of love. Yet Ana kept coming and she was clever to him. First she would talk sweet to him and he would gently smile with the troops. Then she would come near asking many questions about what troops do and Ana made a joke and had the officers laughing. And when Jack overheard the joke, he threw off his hat and roll laughing and he asked his officers for whom made the joke. However they forgot about Ana. And when she appeared again interested in the officers, Jack was busy doing something. And Ana made a joke again and had the whole troop laughing. And one of them called Jack and Jack came laughing throwing his helmet in the air. And Ana shocked, she caught the helmet. "You might not wanna do that stud. Throw your helmet in a frenzy. You might hurt somebody," Ana said. "Well look out. Cause that was the funniest joke I ever heard and you. Wait a minute you are that funny. You are that cute. You are that beautiful with all that sass." Jack said. And Ana signed and Jack slowly drew closer. "Not in my wildest dreams did I think you would be so much. Hey what's your name." The officers came and pull Jack away and told him that's the woman with the jokes and beauty, Ana. And they pulled Jack away saying his name. Ana in excitement rushed back home and told her parents she met someone and that he was the love of her life and his name. Sometime later, Ana's parents hired men to chopped trees in the back woods. And Ana was curious and chatting with her friends. And her friends were curious about the woodmen so they asked Ana if they could look. And low and behold her friends begged, pleaded and forced Ana to look while Ana was explaining that her heart is for only one man. As she was saying this and about to say his name. She looked unwillingly and one of the men came near. He had no shirt on, medium built and sweating from the labor and her friends thought he was coming toward them. And Ana scarely close her eyes and turn. And he walked slowly and stood behind her. It was Jack and he called her name gently. Ana slightly ignored and then he said his name and reminded her of her joke. "Ana you can look at me. I want you. It's Jack Ana. I did this job for you," exclaimed Jack. Ana turned ever so gently and exclaimed "Heyyyyyy Jack. Woooo Jack." And Jack fell to his knees and kiss Ana's hands and begged her to get married. And Ana told her friends to get her parents. And her parents saw the two and knew they were in loved.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Five Nights at Freddy's
"Five Nights at Freddy's," in the world of horror games, is a notorious name known for its anxiety-evoking and startling elements. The talented Scott Cawthon developed this series, thrilling gamers with unnerving lore and chilling animatronic creatures. It's now taking the plunge from game to movie. "Five Nights at Freddy's: The Movie" isn't simply another game-turned-film; it's a cinematic event that keeps viewers nervously excited.
By Velrisa Ann2 years ago in Writers
The Love of a Father
There was a certain well to do woman. She worked hard for everything she got. Even when she was young her father taught her to work hard and fight for life. She took the lessons of her father, Alfred carefully. Alfred was raised by farmers and he could not educate himself because he had to work for his family as an only child. Alfred loved the outdoors and he loved walking at night and looking at the stars. In fact when his daughter, Annie Alice was little he would take her on walks first carrying her on his back then walking besides her holding her hand. He would show her the stars and told her she is one of them. Alfred met Annie Alice's mother when he became owner of the family farm. Her mother was a little older than him and she was loving and pretty and fun as he remember. They were engaged but ambition and tragedy maud their relationship. They however had a relationship long enough to produce Annie Alice who did not know much about her mother and only her father who dedicated his life to her. Alfred was her father first and her friend second. And occasionally he would say to her proudly that he loved her. It happened over almost a lifetime of saving, Alfred was able to afford college education for Annie Alice. Annie Alice was proud like her father and said she would work for her education but Alfred said "I want you to be better than me. The farm is here to stay and doing well but I promised myself you will be great. You will do things I never achieved. You will be the woman I always knew. Take the money Annie. It was always yours. I want you to have a better life." Annie Alice broke down and cried and she took the money from her father. It happened that as she worked that Summer over the farm that she met a man named Jacobs. Annie Alice loved Jacobs and the two quickly fell in love. Annie Alice was sneaking out and seeing the love of her life many times. And it was the perfect night. The trees were in full bloom. The sky was lited with every star. And the moon was legendary in the sky. And Jacobs and Annie Alice were under the biggest oak tree being playful and cuddingly when suddenly Jacobs kiss gently Annie Alice. And she immediately liked and over and over and over again. And they made love under the giant oak tree. And it happened that Annie Alice stood all night with Jacobs. Alfred searched all night for his beloved daughter, Annie Alice. And he travelled almost till morning and he was crying and disturbed. He went with his farm workers. And they endlessly looked for Annie Alice. Then when he came home, she was there. Alfred had a heated discussion with Annie Alice and Annie Alice lied to her father because she was sore afraid of his response. Later on when she met with Jacobs, she told the love of her life that she could not see him anymore. And Jacobs begged her and she explained that her father was worried and that she promised him to never do it again. Months later, Annie Alice is sicked just before the semester, she is throwing up and unable to control her appetite. And her father took her to the doctor and the doctor after exhausting out sound reason discovers that she is pregnant. Alfred is angry and frustrated and has a sudden argument with Annie Alice. And Annie Alice admitted to seeing Jacobs and she said that she gave him up for her father. Alfred tells Annie Alice, "Annie I love you. I don't want you to be like me. Let me take this child. And I will give him back when you finished college." And Annie Alice agreed. as months passes and Annie Alice has the child. She continues her studies far from home and ever so often checking with her father and the child. Annie Alice eventually finished college after several years and she becomes envelope in her career. She becomes a successful lawyer and has a fame firm in the big city. The years have distanced her from her child and she is engulf with the work being a major partner. After so many years working and being successful, her father's family called her. She finds out her father, Alfred is very sicked. So she takes a trip to Georgia and when she arrived at the hospital. She sees her father, Alfred holding hands with a woman. The woman did not notice Annie Alice until the nurse came in and she smiled at Annie Alice. Annie Alice asked her father about the woman. And her father Alfred reminded her of the night she did not show up and how he was praying and crying for her. Annie Alice exclaimed sorrowfully that she was sorry for that. And her father Alfred said that he forgave her. And he said bluntly "Annie Alice that's your mother. That's your mother Gayle. I know its been long. I know its been hard but she came back." Annie Alice responded "Dad I thought she was dead. I thought she was dead. You let her leave. You let her go.....I don't know if I can take it right now." Her father Alfred said "I raised Boyle. I raised your son and I raised you. We were young like you. We were naïve. Why do you think I sought you college." And the nurse came with a young man. Alfred said "There he is. There is my boy. Boyle." And the young man Boyle responded and smiled gently. Annie Alice asked the nurse if she knew where that woman was who was with her father, Alfred. The nurse said she is right here waiting outside the door. Annie Alice exclaimed while hugging and being emotional "Mom I waited for you. Mom I wished upon the star for you. Mom." And her mother held Annie Alice and she cried and told her "You don't have to call me Mom. Gayle. I love you sweetheart. I miss you. Your father is a good man. All I asked is for your forgiveness. Don't be like me You got a good young man. Boyle is smart and all I ask you to do is be the mother I never was." Annie Alice slowly pick herself up and tell her mother that she forgive her. Annie Alice call for son Boyle and she hug him and her father and Gayle, her mother wraps her arms around Annie Alice.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers