RUN FREE

 

My dog runs in her sleep.

 

Her little paws flipping up and down as she’s lying there. Eyes closed. Breathing deep.

 

She must be asleep.

 

And yet she runs.

 

It doesn’t appear to be a sprint but maybe a simple graceful jaunt. A jog. A trot.

 

And where could she be going? I wonder.

 

Could it be our neighborhood park next door? Could it be her going after a chew toy we threw down the hall? A run on the beach? She never seemed to like the water much.

 

Maybe she’s recalling the time when she’s ready for dinner and she jets to and fro between her momma and me hoping to get one of our attention. Barking loudly.

 

For it’s true besides the flipping paws, every once in awhile she’ll eek out this little muffled huff. High pitched. So faint. It’s actually sort of cute, but at the same time it’s somewhat sad.

 

She’s trying to communicate something to someone, and she’s also moving along in stride.

 

I will listen, I tell her.

 

Whatever your little high-pitched huff is trying to say I will see if I can decipher. Wherever you want to run to, I can run with you. The beach? The park? For a stuffed animal?

 

I will go along.

 

With you.

 

As we run. As we jaunt. As we attempt to get someone’s attention.

 

In our dreams. 

 

James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in San Diego, and can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org.

 

 

I MISS THE SMELL OF JASMINE

Well now everything dies baby that's a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty
And meet me tonight in Atlantic City
        - Bruce Springsteen

 

I miss the smell of jasmine. That lilting fragrance that used to meet me at the end of my porch as I left for the day, and faithfully greeted me as I returned home after some time away. The unmistakable scent from those lovely white mini-petals that bloomed at regular intervals, I think, whenever they wanted.

 

I had this plush row of jasmine shrubs that decorated one part of my white picket fence, atop of the porch, near the number of my home address. Often I wouldn't even notice whether the shrubs were in bloom or not, but there would be that fragrance. It would bypass my conscious mind, as I walked by, and yet it would linger on ... until it would register in me. That scent. That white vine. That beauty.

 

It would remain. For a time.

 

I miss the smell of jasmine.

 

For the days would come, when droughts thrashed Southern California greenery and scenery, and governors mandated that the public "kill your lawn" for the higher good, and the water sprinklers broke down, and my own preoccupations distracted me towards other needs. Yes, my focus was pulled away from the garden. Away from my care-taking responsibilities. Away from the jasmine that used to welcome me.

 

A negligent guardian, a sloppy steward, I failed.

 

I let it go.

 

Not just the jasmine. Not just the lawn, but the roses and the passion flowers and the vines.

 

I let it die.

 

And I am so sorry.

 

When I first considered purchasing the property, one of the main selling points was the magic of the flowers, trees, shrubs and landscape out front. I remember the friend who joined me in my home search, stopped me at one point when I wasn't sold on the house and exclaimed, "Look at the garden!"

 

Over the years, every once in awhile a different flower would appear out of nowhere. And it would be beautiful and wondrous and magical. Hummingbirds would congregate to partake in the nectar and the magic. Butterflies would visit for a time as they saw fit. And nature spirits, fairies and gnomes must have loved this playground, full of vibrant life.

 

I miss the smell of jasmine.

 

As the regret turns to grief, and then to tears, and then to heartfelt apologies, I find myself taking a new view on this garden. This morning I chose to meditate out on the patio rather than in my bedroom. I've taken to more regularly watering the plants and palms and even calling for some expert help in ensuring their health. I have planned for a date with the wife so we can share a meal out on the patio, perhaps with a tiki torch or two.

 

I have reminded myself that the original magic of that garden was actually planted by another, by a former tenant, and not by me or my wife. I have dedicated time now, every other day, in tending to this garden, in clearing away any weeds and overgrowth, so that soil will be made ready again ... for another sowing of a new seed. It can be a home for a magic that we ourselves can plant and watch grow.

 

Again.

 

I have missed the smell of jasmine.

 

And yet, after the loss and the letting go, there comes a new day. The sun will rise, as will the opportunities. And there can be a return ... to a garden evergreen, to an effervescent scent of beauty and to the lingering memories of magic that will live forever more. 

 

James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in San Diego, and can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org.

 

 

 

LET'S BE LIKE THE BIRDS

The birds outside our front door gather routinely, when the coast is clear, when the time is right, and when the birdseed is scattered across the porch for them.
 
I don't do it every day, but I will a few times a week. I take three handfuls of seed and spread it out for them.

And that's when the action really picks up.

After awhile, the news gets around - word of beak - and soon there are up to a dozen beautiful birds enjoying a feast right before our eyes. They swoop in, get some grub, stay for a time, and then bolt away. Some of the birds also feed from the small birdhouse, but as that only serves as many as three at a time, the seating is limited. Still others will stay in waiting in the nearby tree on the far side of the garden, before they get their chance to swoop in.

It's a beautiful sight.

Let's be like the birds.

These birds must have some communication system that lets the other birds know about the feast aplenty here. How else would all these birds find their way to this locale at the right time?

I guess the initial "early bird" could do its own form of "smacking," loud enough for other fine feathered friends to hear. Or perhaps there is some hormone that is released when one of their own is chowing down. I like to believe that they all have some special chirping system that alerts the rest of the clan of the day's harvest.

Perhaps this is why when I see a lone bird picking away at this gigantic mound of birdseed, I never see him looking over his shoulder to guard his most recent find. (Granted their shoulders are so freaking small.) Not once have I noticed that the lone bird's chirps dissuade any other birds from finding this gold mine, as never has this chirp been translated as "Nothing to see here. Move along. It's all good." And finally, it must be pointed out that not one bird - not one - has been found to pocket seeds uneaten or bring his own Tupperware to gather up all this extra seed for himself, and himself only.

This is why I say we would be wise to look towards these birds.

Let us take what we need, and leave the rest.

Let us know there can be enough for all.

Let us put out the call to friends, family, countrywomen and countrymen, alerting them of the harvest available to everyone.

Let us remember the tune "Proud Mary" where "people on the river are happy to give."

Let us live in abundance and prosperity - not just so we get more and more, but so that we embrace a world where everyone's needs are met.

Let us be like the birds...
 

James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in San Diego, and can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org.

 

 

 

JIM'S FAKE NEWS WRAPUP FOR THE WEEK

 

Not to be outdone by the mainstream media, here is the news brought to you by Jim.

1. End of Media

 

In a surprise move, all news media outlets have been disbanded for lack of journalistic ethics. The Columbia School of Journalism was quoted as saying, "Finally." Such mainstream media will be replaced by everyone calling a trusted loved one and saying, "Hey what's up?" Sports will still replay highlights of games. And the Weather will be replaced with people going outside and looking up.

 

2. Miami Dolphins Dynasty Begins

 

With a routing of the defending NFC champion San Fransisco 49ers today, 43-17, the Miami Dolphins set the stage for winning the rest of their games this season, gliding through the playoffs, and holding the Lombardi Trophy in early February 2021. Coach Brian Flores sees a bright future. "Today is just the beginning. I see us taking the next few seasons as only the second, third, fourth and fifth teams to ever go undefeated," Flores said. "Anything to bring back some great sports memories for Jim."

 

3. Unity Breaks Out In the Streets

 

A local band of people marching in the street, holding signs, heading towards the freeway entrance, suddenly realized two things: 1. "Oh crap, the freeway has a bunch of fast cars on it." 2. "Everyone deep down truly wants the same thing, and if only we heeded the messages from all the great minds and souls from antiquity, all the way through MLK and Mandela, we could wake up to that unified state ... and then instead of walking onto the freeway, we could walk onto Rumi's 'Field' where we all could meet as one."

 

4. Writer's Books Go Viral Overnight

 

I'm happy to announce that all 8 of my books, presently available on Amazon, have sold out, making it the first time one author's books constituted the top 1 through 8 on the best-sellers list. Best news for this poet - it all happened before I had to die.

 

5. Sky Opens Up To Reveal Giant Mirror to People's Horror and Glee

 

Taking the lead from the Fleetwood Mac song "Landslide," a giant mirror in the sky has been set up to reflect back all the love, good deeds and bullshit back at the humans of planet Earth. Early deployment Sunday night elicited such early comments: "Wow, I didn't know I was such an ass," "You know - my hair doesn't really look that bad" and "Is this what you all had to be looking at all this time?"

 

Film at 11.

 

 

James Anthony Ellis can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org.

THE FLOW

 

Today, I felt as if I were in the flow.

 

The flow. The flow?

 

What does that mean when people use that term?

 

I know what it means to me.

 

It means there were a number of experiences that appeared to be set up on my path, one leading into the other, demanding minimum effort, with the timing taking place seemingly in an orderly and graceful fashion.

 

Woohoo!

 

Since it's not every day (yet) that this takes place, I just wanted to write about it and then dive into the idea just a bit.

 

Have you ever had one of those days where things just flow, one into the other, with a hint of almost divine providence. (I had to look up that last term, but I use it anyway since it seems to ... oh I dunno ... flow...)

 

It's like everything is clicking together and right on time.

 

So here was my errand set before me:

1. Go to "Garden of Vegan" near Balboa Park by 3 pm to pick up a Pumpkin Bowl for my wife.
2. Head over to Dirty Dogs to get the pooch's nails clipped.
3. Hit the bank to deposit some cash.
4. Pick up my Protein Oats at Project Juice in Hillcrest.
5. Swing by Starbucks for a coffee (for my wife) and a venti Mango Dragon Fruit (for my addiction).

That's a lot to cover and coordinate!

 

And on top of it, by the time we called "Garden of Vegan" we found out they closed at 3 p.m. And IT WAS 2:45 pm!!!

 

"Can you make it?" asks the wife.

 

"Can I?!!!!!”

 

Always up for a timed challenge, I gave a resounding, "Yes, if I leave now" - leaving out the related thought "and if everything goes in a flow."

 

Well, to cut a long story short, I hit it.

Somehow no traffic on the 5 merge heading north onto the 163. Cool. On the drive I called in the order for the oats and we both agreed on the 3:20 pm time frame. Sounds good to me. By the time I walk into the vegan joint, it's 2:59 pm. The lovely Savannah is so sweet. Even puts a lovely note on the container. 

I head over to Hillcrest to get it all done, first bank, then doggie nail clips, and then walk across the parking lot to Project Juice.

The gent there looks at his watch and says "Wow, right at 3:20 pm." I hadn't even noticed.

 

I guess when you are in the flow, you don't have to rush, you don't have to over-monitor progress or stress over things getting done. They just happen, all in the right order and the right time.

Perhaps life without stressing, added to a focused goal and consistent action is what helps to create the flowing experience.

 

The real kicker to the errand trip - made in record time of course - was not just that sweet message on the container from Savannah, but also this funny little nudge from the Universe. 

 

As I walked back across the parking lot to pick up the pooch from Dirty Dogs, just about ready to text Jennifer that all is well, I came across this vehicle. (See photo) I just had to take a picture of the license plate and include it in my text.

• Keep breathing everyone.
• Keep focused.
• Take direct action.
• Let go of a tight constraint on timing.
• And see if you can go with it ... without stressing.

 

I'm going to give it another go tomorrow.

 

Or whenever the flow chooses me again. 

 

 

James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in San Diego, and can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org.

 

A QUIET NIGHT

 

Had this title for a month after my wife uttered the phrase "I just want a quiet night." Knew it was a poem, just had to be patient until it was ready to write itself. 

As static buzzes in and around my head

Tossing and turning and tossing in bed

As heartache howls to the faraway moon

Harmonies crash in songs out of tune

As sunburns crack sores openly bared

Feet trapped in quicksand, minds racing scared

I long for the key to unlock bondage chains

I long for soothing touch to alleviate the pains

I long for open doors that lead to expanse

I long for the eloquence of the effortless dance

I long for transcendence, flying high above the fight

I long for the peace of a quiet night

 

I long for the peace of a quiet night

The plateau of wonder beyond wrong and right

The illuminated sparkle linking people together

Originating from the faraway forever

The open field where we all can gather there

Cradling, like baby girl, gently brushing her hair

The silence shimmering in everlasting light

At home in the haven of the quiet night 

 

In the knowing that battles and wars will be waged

And the bitter will fulfill their destiny rage

And players will act out selfish on the world's stage

On and on, over and over, every single age

In the knowing limelight lovers will present a two-face

And the news will drool over scenarios, worst-case

I can remain here, near and dear, longing for the truth

Never really needing any broadcast-blast outer proof

I can long for sunsets and sunrises that remind this soul

I can long for fractured parts to become complete and whole

I can long for the vistas that reveal the most glorious sight

And embrace, at the depth, the peace of a quiet night

 

A quiet night

 

James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in San Diego. His website is www.LegacyProductions.org. 

A TWIST OF FATE

 

The people came to the planet, as it was time to seed Mother Earth. Each bright baby soul, a divine spark of the Undefinable Source, arrived in order to learn of creation and manifestation in three-dimensional realities. 

 

What a trip.

 

A long journey without distance ... into the density of time and space.

 

In this green garden, these were simple times for the simple minded.

 

To help these new souls navigate this new dream landscape, the Grand Angels gave them truths to live by, and basic divine principles that could help guide their way on chosen path.

 

Building upon the ethereal principles, they would carve out an existence in physical form. The Wheel ... helpful. Harnessing fire ... be careful. And expanding upon the garden with vegetables of their own growing. Beautiful.

 

The divine principles included the wheel of cause and effect, the healing power of love and the least understood of all - “You will get what you wish for.”

 

At first this concept excited the people. “We get what we wish for!” They imagined such feasts and pleasures and riches. All they needed to do was wish for it and it would come to be.

 

So on they went making wish upon wish upon wish, their eyes glossing over with glee about such abundance.

 

But after some time the people grew despondent as their dreams were not coming true.

 

The message from on high: “In due time.” Since the people were new to “time,” they had no fricken clue what that meant. For the truth was they were born into the density of 3 dimensions in order to study - in the slowest of motion - creation as it unfolded step by step.

 

What better way to learn about creation, creativity and manifestation than to slow it way down in order to be observed in precision.

 

Previously accustomed to turning a thought into reality within an instant, this took the new earthly souls some time to get used to.

 

But they pressed on. And though they found that indeed the seeds they were planting - either in the actual garden or in their family and community - would bear its fruit ultimately, there were so many experiences that appeared completely unwanted.

 

“But wait,” said the people, “we heard we would get what we wished for. Why are we receiving such negative experiences?”

 

The Angels knew it was time to let the people in on what the people were missing.

 

“When we said, ‘You will get what you wished for,’ you did not consider the full reach of this principle. It is an absolute without any opposite or discriminatory nature.”

 

This was confusing to the simple minded. For they did not know that they would - according to the unyielding law - get everything that they wished for ... others.

 

What does this mean?

 

Basically whatever the people hoped would happen to their enemies would happen to them. Whatever wish created out of resentment, jealousy or enmity would be granted to the wisher ... for him or her. A wish for defeat would manifest their defeat. A wish for blessing would result in their own blessing. A wish for someone’s death would result in their death ... on many levels, some seen and some unseen.

Those who awoke to the breadth of this principle would ultimately suffer no more, at their own hands, as the tangled web of discord slowly was unwound. And peace came upon those with eyes who could see their brothers and sisters as they really were...

 

... All a part of this creation they were creating. 

 

 

James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in San Diego, on his 9,000th life. He can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org.