Book Review: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Well, well, well. I’m a little sad to say that it’s been a while since we were last here, talking the good talk about books. But, you know what they say: Better late than never. So, let’s get down to it, shall we?

Autumnal Adventure

There was a time when I was studying in Japan that a group of my friends went on an excursion to Mitake Mountain. There were five of us though I was only really close to two of them. We all have those friends who we label as “friends” when, in actually, they’re just acquaintances.

The Autumnal excursion was ripe with beautiful overlooks, memorable experiences, and a gorgeous shrine that stood at the top of it all. This shrine was known for worship of animals where pet owners could purchase little protection charms for cats or dogs. Of course, I bought one for my own pooch and it dangles from my phone to this day. Every step I take is followed by a small chiming of the little bell ringing, reminding me of the day, the adventure, the friends, and the views.

Blueberry Deception

There’s something weird about the way scents permeate the air; the way they can tickle the senses and stimulate the memory banks of the brain. It’s weird, and some so utterly lovely.

A Tune

There will come a time,

When daisy’s dance

and blades of wind

Will cut through the sky,

Singing a tune

Only you can hear.

A New Year

A new day
A new year
The world is upon us
The possibilities endless.

We all lie in wait
With promises galore
And a sea of wishes
Upon our very tongues.

A cheerful symphony
Of laughter
Of cries
Of a
5
4
3
2
1

HAPPY
NEW
YEAR

And may this one be filled
With dancing stars
And smiling moons
And a sunrise to
Greet every beautiful day
And sorrowful storm
To bring upon a year
Of new beginnings.

The past now just that
A past of memories
And growth.
A year to never forget
As we bid it farewell.

Goodbye 2020
A year of
Riots,
Politics,
And a horseman run
Rampant.

Hello 2021
May you usher us into
Wisdom,
Health,
And understanding.

Rock Bottom

Falling down a rabbit hole

Watching from afar,

No way to intervene.

They tumble and they stumble,

I wish this wasn’t it

Rock bottom never seemed so scary

Until you watch another come

so close

Their eyes squeezed shut

The obsidian abyss

Encompassing

Mere light a fantasy

high above their head

Hope now shattered.

Happy Holidays

This time last year, I was spending Christmas in Japan with a wonderful host family who were kind, adventurous, funny, and just an all around joy to be with. Since then, I think we can all agree that much has happened in the world from COVID to Politics to movements that need to happen. We’ve come a long way from where we once stood a year ago and while it’s difficult to see past all the misfortune and sadness that has gripped us these last few months, take today and focus on all the good that has happened, no matter the size of it.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday, spending it with loved ones whether they be family or friends. This year has been a hard one, but we’re getting through it one step at a time so take today to breathe, relax, and collect yourself. Enjoy the day and look back on all the amazing things you’ve accomplished in life. Take joy in the ones you hold dear.

Happy Holidays!

A Call

I love the way you call me from high above the starry sky.

Jealousy

A green beast.

An angry beast.

A large, hideous beast.

What’s this thing that

presses from the inside out?

Suffocating,

stomping on the lungs.

It knocks out all the

oxygen, and it fills the

bags full of a mist.

A thick,

slimey,

green mist

that comes out in clumps

with every breath.

How does one stop

the beast from rampaging?

How does one stop

the beast from taking over?

This beast,

this hideous beast,

with the name

Jealousy.

Steam

I toss my gaze to the window, squinting the tired blear from my eyes. Old street lamps sit along the sidewalk, their lights stretching to enter this dark room. I curl my body forward, sitting up and removing the arm of my unknown night guest. My fingers curl around a large T-shirt; theirs or mine, I’ve not a clue.

My Keurig whirs to life in the kitchen and my senses awaken as my tired limbs carry me towards the machine. The scent of heavenly coffee drifts to my nose, wrapping around my fogged brain; I hold the filled mug close to my face, watching as the steam rises, telling the secrets of last night.