Frankie's poems / prose / personal proverbs

To begin, two pieces with a similar meanings, different visuals. Hope you like them:



Harsh words hurled at a hard-headed man will for a moment gain his attention; but his ravings will go on.

Harsh words hurled at the guileless one will accomplish their full purpose, and a
crushing of the spirit along with it.


_ _ _ _ _


An anvil on the head of leviathon* turns him away from you;
but a mere hand strikes the moth, and it will never molest anyone again.


------
* Crocodile.

Originally Posted by Frankie Jasmine

leviathon*

------
* Crocodile; alligator.

Leviathan, and more so used to describe a whale.

Dear Mixalopoulos,

Thank you for acquainting me with a modern (and perhaps Greek?) useage of the word "leviathon." I did not know about that. I like learning! In general, the meaning of "leviathon" is nonspecific, so that the term could apply to any such great sea monster or reptile. So you are correct. And, perhaps the poem maintains meaning with "whale" also!--though not quite as effectively as "crocodile," to me.

The meaning I have taken is from the ancient Hebrew meaning, specifically, the Book of Job, "leviathon," denotes:

“a wreathed animal”—apparently the crocodile. As Leviathan lifts its head above water at sunrise, its eyes flash “like the beams of dawn.” Leviathan’s scales are tightly closed, and embedded in its hide are bony plates hard to pierce with bullets, much less with swords and spears. Sharp scales on a crocodile’s belly leave the impression of “a threshing instrument” on mud banks. Its fury in water stirs up a froth like foaming ointment. And because of its size, armor, and weapons—a threatening mouth and powerful tail—Leviathan knows no fear.

Book of Job, chapter 41:1 - 34; Job is next asked about another amphibious creature, which, unlike the hippo ["behemoth"], is meat-eating and ferocious in disposition. ... it is thought that this creative marvel must be that giant among reptiles, the crocodile. ... Thus a number of Bible translations of the book of Job such as J. Smith and Moffatt use the word “crocodile” in the main text for the Hebrew word "liw-ya-than". Because of the description ... the term there applies to a mighty reptile with armor and scales and formidable teeth. The crocodile fits that description.

(Extracted from reference books of the Holy Scriptures.)

The Leviathan is mentioned six times in the Hebrew Bible, with Job 41:1-41:34 being dedicated to describing him in detail.

His snorting throws out flashes of light, his eyes are like the rays of dawn.
Firebrands stream from his mouth, sparks of fire shoot out.
Smoke pours from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over a fire of reeds.
His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from his mouth.

The dragon story sprouts from crocodilian roots, and we know that fire breathing dragons only exist in mans' imagination.

As for the Seven princes of Hell, Leviathan is portrayed as envy.

In modern Hebrew, Leviathan simply means whale.

Dear Mixalopoulos,

Please allow me to speak--it is my make-up, and I cannot help myself! The Grand Creator of the Universe spoke to Job about His magnificent creations--from billions upon billions of galaxies to those of the animal kingdom--to help Job understand how very high His own ways are compared to human ways. This magnificent Creator would not have told of His power and wisdom by referring to a "make-believe" creature such as a mythical [hence a human invention] fire-breathing dragon. Rather He uses poetry of the most beautiful kind to describe His creations, revealing His power and wisdom!

I concede, of course, that in modern Hebrew, 'leviathon' has come to mean "whale." Obviously greater linguistic scholars than you and I (although I am not a scholar at all!) have disagreed on the ancient Hebrew application of 'leviathon' in the Book of Job. So we can also disagree! I want to offer no further proofs, because I don't want to debate over a word . . . I have too much respect for you to do that. ****warm smile**** (This is only a 'poetry' thread, not a language-learning one.)

After all, these are only personal proverbs I wrote last year to express a situation that I was experiencing in life. That was my purpose in writing them; and I chose to share them publicly here for the first time. Your wish was to share knowledge about a certain word I used. I thank you for that additional information. Truly, I am appreciative! . . . So when you or others read:

"An anvil on the head of leviathon* turns him away from you;
but a mere hand strikes the moth, and it will never molest anyone again,"

I am just happy that anyone reads it at all! I am happy you bothered to read it! And whether one inteprets "leviathon" to be 'whale' (in modern Hebrew; ambiguous in ancient Hebrew) or 'crocodile,' that's okay with me too!

Do you agree with the substance of my proverbs--? But you do not have to comment!!! And please do not feel put on the spot! Remember: I know you are the moderator who is always looking out for me! (And, of course, others too!)

On another thread, I posed these words as each very different. Thanks to Maviii, who asked me how each word is different for me. This was the result:


Alone is when I'm by myself.
Aloneness is what I feel when I have been by myself too much.
Lone is when I stand out for something different from all the rest.
Lonely is what I am when my husband has been away from home too much.
Lonesome is when no one is around, and I feel sorry for myself.
The Lone Ranger is what I become when my husband is staying around the house too much! . . . [Hi-ho, Silver!! And I'm outta there!]

Sometimes revolution comes in small packages.
It is not always political.
It is not always world-altering.
It is not always a "tsunami."
Sometimes it is just a little wave
Breaking on the shore that
Reminds you . . .
Inner conviction to change
Works.

-- Frankie Jasmine --
-- February 27, 2012 --

very handsome poet!!

Thank you!

EMBER OF LIFE
by Frankie Jasmine


Inside of me is a spark, flickering up,
Then sometimes settling down to a mere ember.
It threatens or gives hope of a great conflagration!

Why do I keep losing it?
It's almost a part of me, and yet it slips just past my grasp.
I want to grab hold of it, run with it, set fire to my life!
Then light up the world with it, share it, give it, hide it, expose it, control it!
Still . . . it is just barely out of my reach.
Why?

Yet, I can feel it there, taunting me to grasp it and run!!
Oh, how I want to reach it, own it!
How I want the power and very life of it!!
How I wish to possess it and never, ever lose it again!!!

[rSr7DJ5F36E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSr7DJ5F36E&feature=player_embedded[/video]


The Man

The man is sincere, unselfconscious,
A Turkish troubadour, his voice following
Every note into a new life.
His eyes are on the future.
His heart is in the land.
His soul is for the people.
The man child knows not
That the aura of his face sings
A song louder, different from
The lyrics of his lips.
He is unaware his visage cries
In every language,
"Kiss!"


Frankie Jasmine
May 21, 2012

LONELY CORNER

Tonight I am in my Lonely Corner. It is not a Lonesome Corner . . . because that would mean I was waiting for someone. The Lonely Corner is a place I can go to be by myself; like a wounded dog. I can trail off to a Lonely Corner, lick my wounds, and help myself get better. It is a healing place. But a lonely place.

Tonight I want to solve the problems of just a little world. The people I've hurt, disappointed, let down, I want to create beautiful poetry, lovely writing to prove that I am in tune with them. Even though they have been left feeling I don't understand, and I cannot help. Within myself, I know I can help.

There are things to think about. Sometimes I feel that words contain the power to lift someone from the depths of despair. Or remind them that they are not flying so high as they think--that a crash is coming, and they're unaware. Maybe it's not my business. But I think so, because I love them. I love. I do not always know if I am loved back.

Sometimes I may appear fragile. But I am strong. I may appear weak. But I feel within me the mightiness of Samson. I may look negligible. But I feel inside the power of a near-nuclear reaction--not for destruction, but for positive giving power, healing sayings, uplifting of spirits. How can this be?

Do I think too much of myself? Or have I been so non-productive during the day, that the things I might be capable of doing nearly overwhelm me at night?

Wherein is my power? Do I even have it? Will I follow-through and use it to create something that will really benefit someone else? Or several someone elses?

All I know is, I feel a change a comin' . . . and it feels very, very real. What will I accomplish? Something? or Nothing? . . . Somehow, settling for Nothing does not feel like an option; and it is not an option I like.

A change is coming . . . How will my life change from here on? What wonder will happen? Or what disappointment will come if the wonder fails? I don't know. But it's comin'. And I'm getting on board. I am licking my wounds, becoming stronger than before, and my mojo's in gear. I feel a change is coming.

I've been here before. And, oh! Life became sweet! . . . What will it be this time? Something small--or just as big? Change is exciting. And change is frightening. Will I let down or fail the Thing Coming? I don't think so.

What will it be? What form will it take? I am excited to find out . . . when my last wounds are healed . . . and that power comes upon me that says: YOUR LIFE IS GONNA CHANGE! I won't be fighting it. I'll be fighting FOR it.


Frankie Jasmine
02-21-12


[OkJ15mN6nUc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJ15mN6nUc&feature=related[/video]

Such crisp, clear lyrics . . . Bring it on. Bring on a change . . . It's been a long time comin' . . .

The following posts are poems/prose dedicated to BARIŞ AKARSU . . .







BARIŞ


One evening I walked a lonesome path.
The pale moon shone in the aftermath
Of the sun's bright light of day.

Wispy clouds floated across the moon
And all too soon made difficult my steps,
So I could not find the way.

Still I stood, and shivered even though it was warm.
Was man or beast around to bring me into harm?
Being alert, my eyes stayed opened wide!

Stiff as a statue--I came to feel the breath of a light and lovely breeze.
My heart grew quiet, and my mind became at ease.
From the moon, all shadows moved aside.

But my mind and eyes remained awake--watching, ever alert.
The blanket of sky began to shine with tiny pinpoints of stars,
Covering over the Earth.

The celestial lights nonetheless stayed dim.
So, planted in my place, I remained right there looking
For brighter light, hopeful to be guided home again.

Suddenly! Across the heavens came a white and shining light.
It dazzled me with its long, long trail, growing increasingly bright!
Akin, I felt, to its power. And its beauty pierced my heart.

Long and longer it arched until I thought it surely would touch the ground!
But at last! Intensely it flashed! and disappeared without a sound.
Affixed, I stared at where it had been. Now we were apart.

That light so bright, its power and speed, were burned into my mind.
I found that I could tread the way with no fear of things behind.
Confidently I marched until my home was lying just ahead.

I could not forget it--neither did I wish to—ever in all my life.
Its splendor endowed me with courage to face things threatening me with strife.
Bright visions and dreams and hopes anew circled inside my head.

Surely others had seen it and been amazed, just as I also was.
Yet nothing could take away the thought I had that I'd found a secret love!
The experience--intense and profound--seemed meant for only me.

Over and over it played--a dream of ecstasy and warmth.
I tingled all over with the greatness of it, and held it in my arms.
Full of joy and life and ease
It became a person who loved!
Speaking aloud without a doubt,
I claimed, "I know his name . . . is PEACE*."



Agape, from Frankie Jasmine
11-22-09

_ _ _ _ _

*BARIS, in Turkish, means "peace." (AKARSU means "river.")

. . .

NEVER AND FOREVER

Never did your astounding music directly reach my ears.
Never did your beautiful countenance directly grace my eyes.
Never did your enormous energy on stage directly electrify me.
Never did your hand touch my shoulder
. . . Or your lovely hair breeze across my face.
Never did your laughter directly vibrate through every cell of my body.
Never did your love for everyone directly caress my heart.
But I miss you.
I miss you.
I miss you.



Frankie Jasmine
12-12-2009

. . .




"WHO IS HE?"


Face.
Hair.
Songs.
Tarik.
Goodness.
Smiles.
Energy.
Music.
Humility.
Kindness.
Love.
Peace.
River.
Hatice.
Talented.
Uniqueness.
Strength.
Conviction.
Goodness.
Generosity.
Expansiveness.
Life.
Exuberance.
Excellence.
Beauty.
Magnetism.
Eyes.
Tenacity.
Tenderness.
Individuality.
Affectionate.
Heartfelt.
Outspokenness.
Liveliness.
Seas.
Sailing.
Fishing.
Guitar.
Style.
Warmth.
Hugs.
Friendliness.
Fullness.
Loyalty.
Trueness.
Honesty.
Powerfulness.
Firey.
Shining.
Star.
Earthy.
Intelligent.
Discerning.
Relaxed.
Happy.
Laughing.
Sparkling.
Encompassing.
Close.
Fantasmic.
Light.
Weighty.
Thoughtful.
Son.
Brother.
Friend.
Lasting.


These and other things are what I love and appreciate about OUR BARIS AKARSU, lovely man, lovely heart, lovely life. There is so much more to say, so much more to add . . .

REST WELL IN PEACE, MY BROTHER . . . I WILL SEE YOU IN PARADISE.


by Frankie Jasmine
09-27-2009

. . .

720 HD:

[oXpmYHn63ok]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXpmYHn63ok&list=UU5UDuj7ymwdSqDKxoXq43uw& feature=player_detailpage#t=2s[/video]

. . .

[AkbfEsjaJoE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkbfEsjaJoE[/video]



BARIS AKARSU WEB SITESI DIARY - FRIDAY NIGHT - JUNE 6, 2009


POWER! Those letters need to be as tall as BARIS himself! Tonight I have watched BARIS'S LIVE CONCERT DVD*.
NEVER HAVE I SEEN SUCH P-O-W-E-R ! He had so much power that I am TIRED! I could only watch HALF OF THE DVD!
HIS ENERGY has worn me out! THE DVD demonstrated the MAGNITUDE OF THIS QUALITY IN BARIS.
I think every cell of his being was SUPER-CHARGED. I am overwhelmed and nearly speechless.
Never on any You-Tube videos have I seen the BIG-NESS OF THIS MAN. The DVD captured his DISTINCTIVE POWER!
And I was unable to watch it on the big screen TV!--My DVD player wasn't working. I ONLY WATCHED IT ON MY LAPTOP!

Why didn't someone warn me of the DYNAMISM of BARIS? (That is not an accusation; it is a rhetorical question!)
Most of you have seen it for yourselves. I have not. I think if I had been in the crowd at his concert, I would have FAINTED for lack of strength.
Have you ever felt that way?? To see him in real life, maybe I could not haven taken it.
SO MUCH ENERGY BURSTING FORTH FROM ONE PERSON IS BEYOND NORMAL--AND YET HE HAD IT!
Now I see how he carried on a tradition from the other BARIS MANCO, whose voice was smooth and soothing, but what the people needed;
And CEM KARACA with his musical phrasing and drama . . .

Now, for the people, is BARIS AKARSU, FULL OF POWER AND STRENGTH IN HIS ART OF SINGING--JUST WHAT WAS NEEDED AT THE RIGHT TIME.
HIS WORK IS NOT GONE. IT IS HERE FOR US TO ENJOY. PERHAPS SOME PEOPLE ARE REJUVENATED BY IT. . .
I am sorry . . . but for this poor little American girl who had no idea what she was in for, I am wiped out!
If I were standing, my knees would be shaking.
There were times when the hair on my arms was standing straight up!
Do you know this feeling?--A REACTION TO PERFECTION AND BEAUTY IN PERFORMANCE.
TO SAY IT IN THE AMERICAN WAY . . . I AM JUST BLOWN AWAY ! ! !


Frankie Jasmine
06-06-09

_ _ _ _ _

* The BARIS AKARSU LIVE CONCERT DVD is not available on You Tube. "Gün Olur" posted above is a fan video with various B.A. footage, including some concerts. Posted prior to this is BARIS'S official "Mavi" music video.

. . .





BIR ASLAN GIBI

Bir aslan gibi . . .
Senin scalarin,
Senin kuwetin,
Senin cesaretin,
Senin kabiliyetin,
Senin hünerin.

Bir kedi yavrusu gibi . . .
Senin şirinligin,
Senin sevimliligin,
Senin nezaketin,
Senin iyiligin,
Senin tatlı gülümsemen.

Bir aslan gibi ve
Bir kedi yavrusu gibi . . .
Her zaman
Beni büyüleyeceksin.



by Frankie Jasmine
April 22, 2010

With great thanks to my B.A.G. friend for Turkish spelling/grammatical corrections . . .



LIKE A LION

Like a lion . . .
Your mane,
Your power,
Your courage,
Your talent,
Your art.

Like a kitten . . .
Your sweetness,
Your charm,
Your gentleness,
Your goodness,
Your sweet smile.

Like a lion
And like a kitten . . .
You fascinate me
Always.

Frankie Jasmine
April 22, 2010

. . .



World sorrow pains his heart,
Palm beats his chest, wings beat wind.
Tears fall by the saz.


Frankie Jasmine
January 27, 2012


.............
The physicality of Tarkan's performance inspired this haiku, which I dedicate to my ATL friend, Paul Orhan.

The following music-video by Tarkan, called "Uyan" in Turkish ["Wake Up!" in English], was posted by Paul Orhan:


[k4d2SHALpeM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4d2SHALpeM[/video]

. . .

Frankie I have a story for you

An elderly man in Louisiana
owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back. It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice -- picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over. He grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end.

One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"

The old man frowned, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked."

Holding the bucket up he said, "I'm here to feed the alligator."

Moral: Some old men can still think fast...