Author: markmkane

Happy Father’s Day

/ markmkane / 5 Comments

A1

Father’s Day is once upon us again and I for one always look forward to this day.  Why you may ask?  It’s because I cherish the homemade cards that my children give to me.  Their words of appreciation and love are truly priceless and beats any material gifts that I receive.   a7

Being a father is by far one of the “BEST” jobs that I have.  When I’m not disciplining my children for something bad they may have done, I’m their adult buddy.

That’s my excuse for going to the toy store and perusing shelves of toys to my heart’s content.  It’s my chance to purchase awesome “action figures” (I call them that because calling them “boy” dolls are totally not cool at all).

I also am afforded the opportunities to do things like hip hop dancing, playing video games, being up on the most current social media app, learning how to navigate my phone, all the stuff that kids nowadays do.

Don’t let my “over the hill” appearance fool you; inside this battle-worn body is a goofy kid that’s willing to make a fool of himself as well.  There are even times when my kids join in my tomfoolery; more often than not, my kids are slightly embarrassed at some of the mischievous things I tend to do in public just for a laugh.  My wife often says that she has not two but three kids and the “oldest” one is the most immature.

Aside from all the fun things that I get to do with my kids as a dad, I’m also there to provide guidance and strength in crucial moments in their life.  I’m a father first and my family is my world…my everything.

I try my best to be the best father I can be and I can honestly say that it’s not that hard to do.  I had a good role model in my father; he took a vested interest in my well-being, gave sound advice and made me into the person I am today.  A4My father’s quiet strength, extensive knowledge, vast experiences, quirky sense of humor, gentle kindness and champion against all forms of danger belied his gruff, stern exterior.  No amount of thanks will ever be enough for what he’s done in my life.

Yeah moms are given all the honor and glory that they rightfully deserve but give dads the same as well.  So this Father’s Day, if you’re fortunate enough to still have your father around, spend time with him and cherish it with all of your heart.  If you’re a father, be with your kids and love them for all their worth.  Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there!!!

The Love From A Pet

/ markmkane / 3 Comments

Having a family pet

is truly a blessing from the start,

they give their all, and more, to you

warms the bottom of your heart

 

Their warm and gentle eyes,

soft fur and cheerful grin,

their playfulness and compassion unbound

stirs feelings from within

 

They’re comforting to the soul

keeping you from a tailspin,

they’re there with you throughout it all

in it through thick and thin

 

To have a family pet, you see,

is to have a friend for life,

they’re there to provide strong stability

through all the stress and strife

 

The love a pet shares

is unconditionally all to you,

it becomes the greatest gift of all

to the end their hearts be true

 

So if you’re given the chance

get a loving pet by your side,

experience all their wondrous joy 

and hang on for an awesome thrill ride

How Do I Define Myself

/ markmkane / 4 Comments

A1

How do I define myself?

It’s not through

exquisite jewelry,

expensive cars,

a spacious mansion,

a lavish lifestyle

or money

How do I define myself?

By leading a simple life of

love,

laughter,

hugs,

smiles,

hope,

and joy

How do I define myself?

Through years and years

of knowledge and experience,

filled with trials and tribulations,

both good and bad

shared with family,

friends,

acquaintances,

myself

How do I define my life?

By sharing a smile,

offering a helping hand,

lending an ear,

being with loved ones,

enjoying everything around me,

taking nothing for granted,

simply living for now.

A2

The Love Of A Child

/ markmkane / 2 Comments

The love from a child

is most meaningful to see

What comes from their soul

is beautiful and carefree

Their love is unconditional

straight from the start

It’s unwavering and bountiful

warm the cockles of your heart

Their innocence, their laughter

their unabashed delight

Their huge, beaming smile

a pure treasure at first sight

The emotions you get from a child

sensations so pure and true

They wear their heart on their sleeve

on full display for you

So when a child comes to you

and gives you their all

Accept it post haste

be at that child’s beck and call

B1

 

Writing Haikus

/ markmkane / 9 Comments

1A

Writing is a gift

Your words convey true feelings

Inspire everyone

 

1C

Your stories bring hope

Share them with everyone now

Invigorate dreams

 

1B

Writing’s a journey

Embrace the path everyday

Always love your craft

When Your Dream Becomes Reality

/ markmkane / 3 Comments

Dream

When your dream becomes reality,

a sense of self-accomplishment,

unbridled joy,

boastful pride,

all come together

in one harmonious fashion

When your dream becomes reality,

the endless hard work,

excruciating trials,

never-ending tribulations,

were all the catalyst

in creating your character

When your dream becomes reality,

new found worries arise

trepidation,

dismay,

the fear of never achieving

another goal again

But you’ve been down this road

you never gave up

against all odds,

all naysayers,

you prevailed,

you believed in yourself

and in doing so

that is

When your dream becomes reality.

Dream1

I Am A Writer

/ markmkane / 3 Comments

AA1

Being a writer, professional or amateur, whether it be in screenplays, novels, short stories, poems, blogs, articles, is one of the greatest feelings to experience.  We proudly claim that title and revel in the pure joy of our creations.  We are the dreamers that have no limits and our imaginations are vastly unique.

We, as writers, follow our heart and passionately tell stories of love, inspiration, hope, despair, sadness, joy and humor; it can come from personal experience or it could be purely fictional.

Our urge to let loose our “inner voice” and send them into the world is quite courageous.  Our vulnerability is on full display.  We subject ourselves to complete and total strangers who will either love it, hate it, criticize it, berate it, praise it, be informed by it or be inspired by it.

AA.3

We learn from it, accept it and grow to become even better artists of our craft.  Regardless of the outcome, we persevere.  Writers love what they do; writing nurtures our artistic soul.  It fills a need that non-writers can’t understand.

Writers continue on with their journey because it’s never-ending.  The path will only end when our mind’s well runs dry.  But all my fellow writers know, that’ll never happen.

So to all my fellow colleagues, remember that you are a writer!  Don’t ever forget that only “you” can be the one to tell “your” stories.  You are the masters of your craft; it’s a lifestyle formed from countless hours of blood, sweat and tears with a heavy dose of passion and heart.

Write, write every day.  Follow your heart and always dream big.

AA4

 

To Change or Not To Change

/ markmkane / Leave a comment

In the past, I’ve always embraced change because I felt it made you a better person for learning how to cope and adapt.  Our brains are wired to do the same things over and over again, whether it be good or bad, tedious or fun.

It’s never an easy task to handle but it pushes you out of your comfort zone and tests your strength and mettle. I thrived in the face of change because it snapped me out of my rut. It was different, it was new and I got to think outside the box.

Currently I’ve made a life changing decision to resign from my job of 12 years to work for a non-profit organization.  I was absolutely excited for the opportunity to do something that was both rewarding and satisfying at the same time.

Now I’m counting down my final days at my current work place, feeling nostalgic in the process.  My co-workers are sad but happy that I’ll be moving on to something better.

As I wait for the unknown, I find it quite difficult to accept the change that’s about to occur.  Thoughts of doubt creep into my mind.  “Am I making a mistake?” is all that is echoing throughout my conscious.

To do something for 12 years and then starting over from scratch is a terrifying thought…especially at my age.  This is truly overwhelming for me to handle.  I’m not going to lie, I’ve had sleepless nights this past week and will probably get even more in the coming days to follow.

My therapy was to confide in my co-workers about what I’m feeling; free psychological advice from people with various life experiences.

All exude positivity which help to sort of subdue what I’m feeling.  It was helping for a moment until I asked a co-worker who I found work for the same organization (for only 6 months)that I’m off to start a new career in.

Her experience was not pleasant, more like toxic.  “WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” was my first response.  Then “OH MY GOD! DID I JUST MAKE A HUGE MISTAKE!” blared like an EMS siren in my head.

She assured me that it was 10 years ago that she had worked there and her experience wasn’t pleasant because of the type of person she is.  She insisted that my experience might not be like that, so I needn’t worry.

Too late, the seeds of doubt had been planted and could not be shaken.  When I confided in my other co-workers of her experience, they echoed the same sentiment that it might not be like that for me.

So here I am now with conflicting emotions, wondering what I will encounter in the next chapter of my life.  The battle between experiencing a great opportunity versus making a huge mistake will continue until I walk through the doors of my new job.

Until then, I just need to try and live in the moment; soak up as much good memories as I can with the friends that I’ve made and take that feeling on into the unknown.

It Always Rains When I Cry

/ markmkane / 3 Comments

C1

Lately I’ve noticed that

it always rains when I cry,

very comforting to know

I really don’t know why

Finding joy in sadness

makes no sense at all

but being in tune with one’s self

is to have the wherewithal

Knowing that you cared enough,

to give all of your heart,

emotions put on full display

for you to pick a la carte

 Empathy, compassion and love

caring traits…so tride and true,

can sometimes be our downfall

that all unbalances you

Recently I’ve notice that

it always rains when I cry,

but knowing that nature carries on

exhibits hope I can identify

 Life has its ups and downs

it shows you who you are,

embrace your journey wholeheartedly

do that and you’ll go far.

C2

My Voice…

/ markmkane / Leave a comment

My voice…

falls silent in the wind,

since you’re not around

My life went off track

will my heart

be the one to bring me down

Oh why…

why do I feel this way

when my heart had you to love

 

We had the chance,

the chance to make it right

But the love you had

was never meant for me

so I sit here,

alone…pondering

all the things I want to say

But alas…

my voice falls silent in the wind.