The Mother of all Libraries

It amazes me,
how these yellow, bronze covered lights can
create such an atmosphere.

Overhead,
the wonderfully carved structures,
I don't want to get out of here.

The smell of old-fashioned books,
pages above imagination.
It's like living with dictionaries.

The old black ink,
pictures from years ago,
textures as rich as dairy.

Must I leave a place of natural solitude?
Such a room with devastating magnitude?
It feels like I was born here,
I am a son of the Mother Library.
If I can be anywhere else,
this is where you would find me.

If Love Was: A Poem Inspired by Lucy

If Love was a virus, when will I be infected?
If Love was a vaccine, when will I be injected?

If Love was the wind, when will I be blown away?
If Love was the string of words, what will I say?

If Love was with gravity, when will I fall down?
If Love was a store, what corner would it be around?

If Love was a diamond, how much would it cost?
If Love was a map, would it guide me when I'm lost?

I can say for sure what is Love is.
But I know it is a drug, a cure, a force, a saying.
It pulls you down, it surprises you, it's costly, and sometimes it deludes.

All I know is...that...I too, want to fall in Love.

I've Seen You Somwhere

Hey, you. Yes you! How has it been?
I think I know you; do you remember me from back then?
No, you say? Why, you haven't got an inkling?
"This person must be crazy!", that's what you're thinking.
But I assure you that I'm no lunatic.
Therefore I've seen you somewhere, I just know it!
But where? Where do I recall seeing you?
I can't place my finger on it, what shall I do?
Go away, you say? Leave you alone?
Well, if I do, this moment will leave chills in my bones.
Please, we must figure this out!
Please don't be alarmed, I know what I'm talking about.

A picture's coming to me now.
It's somewhere nice, not too profound.
It was a place, not too far from here.
Somewhere close, so don't you fear.
It was my dreams, pleasantly calm.
You were under those tall, green-lit palms.
Yes, I saw you there. Everyday!
When I closed my eyes, you wouldn't go away.
I don't want you to disappear.
No I don't want that, please stay near.

I've
Seen
You
Somewhere...

But where?

How Far Can a Gentleman Go?

Now, I can say without second guessing myself, that I am a Gentleman. A capitalize that because I feel strongly about Gentlemanliness. I believe that every woman in the world would want nothing short of a Gentleman. Right ladies?

So, on the the story. I was on the N6 bus today, just minding my own business. I was about 5 blocks into it until the bus stopped for about 5 individuals. These individuals were all females. Between the ages of 21 to 50. One was pretty old looking. They all pay their fare and stop right in front of me. I'm like: "Wow, I'm that popular?" Now, of course I was being witty about the situation. The real question is: Who should I get up for?

Now, to all my Gentleman out there. Answer this question:
Who would you give your seat to?
A) A young woman who looks like she's been walking a lot
B) A middle aged woman who looks like she's been walking a lot
C) A elderly woman who looks like she's been walking a lot
D) Just stay seated and keep your head down

Tricky question right? I mean, no room to squeeze by. These women looked like they just walked a marathon. And it wasn't even that hot today. Now, they weren't sweating profusely, they just had a few dabs on their shirts.

As I was looking up, I was like: "Hmmmm, which one? It would be rude to sit my bum, while these women stand." And to be honest, I really couldn't decide. I'm not going to tell you what happened, but I'll leave the question out there.

How Far Can A Gentleman Go?

Looking For Some Inspiration

Today, I was sitting down in front of my computer, wanting something to write. But I couldn't figure out what. I mean, I'm a writer, I should what to write. But this is where that inconvient diease called Writer's Block comes in. Damn, I hate and I rarely experience it.

But here I am, in front of my computer, thinking of what to write. I sigh repeatedly and shake my head in fustration. "I need some inspiration." I told myself. So with that, I get up. Pack my wallet, phone, body and mind, and walk outside.

I really don't know what I was looking for, but I knew I'll find something. So down the block I go and I stare up at the sky. The vast blue with the puffs of white stuff. The air smells great and the birds are chirping. I turn the corner and find my first in-depth thought for the day.

My Neighbor: Two Blocks Away From Me:
I've noticed that on every Sunday (the Sundays that I actually go out) she washes clothes. The smell of the Tide that she used fills me nose and it makes me smile. That great smell sweeps all over the block, enchanting the people with a delightful scent. I thanked her for that. Because who wants to smell bird crap that plauges the area before and after Sunday?

I walk further down the block and come to where the fork is by the Home Depot. That's where the second thought came to mind.

The NO PARKING ANY TIME Sign:
I wonder why people couldn't park here at any time. I mean, really. Not even for two seconds. You know, they can't stop to grab something in the back seat? It makes me wonder what will happen if a cop pulled someone over if they stopped for that amount of time...right in front of that sign. Hmmmm, I wonder.

I walk further down and come to my favorite gorcery store. I only have 5 dollars in my wallet and I spent it on these things:
-Three bags of 99cent Doritos
-Two cans of 99cent Arizona
I love this stuff. And that's when the third thing popped into my head.

OMG, I HAVE NO MONEY LEFT!
Now, I'm an adult. I'm not suppose to fritter away my money like a kid on parade. But I did, not thinking of the troubles that will follow. But I get paid on Wednesday, so I really don't care. It's my mom who's gonna ride my back till on end.

Well there you have it, I overcame my writer block!

My Professor's Questions

I will never know what makes my professor tick. One day he's taking us through a trail with millions of angry, human-eating mosquitoes, and now he wants us to answer a few questions. With my staggering attempt, here I go.

1. What is your favorite word?
- Hmmm, favorite word? It would be "trace" Why, well because it could mean so many things. Besides it Webster's meaning, we all can apply it to the real world. We all wish everything could be easy as tracing, right?

2. What is your least favorite word?
- "Nigga" Yes, ladies and gentlemen. That's my least favorite word. Why? Because in today's age it's so over used, so skewed that it angers me that people even use it. But who am I to say something?

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
- I would say that Medieval warfare turns me on creatively. I mean the sounds of swords clashing makes me tingle.

4. What turns you off?
- Ignorance. My god I hate it!

5. What's your favorite curse word?
- Frankly, I rarely curse.

6. What sound or noise do you love?
- Swords hitting each other, shields banging in excitement.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?
- The 6pm bell that rings throughout my town.

8. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
- Animation. I would love to learn how to make my own characters with the computer. I want to make my own anime to!

9. What profession would you NOT want to do?
- Butler. YOU CAN FETCH YOUR OWN TOWEL, BASTARD!

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like God to say to you when you arrive?
- Something like this: "Travis, no one's perfect. Your sins are forgiven and I like your novels."

And there it is folks. For my professor's sake, please do one. I'm begging you. Before he does something CRAZY!

To Whom it May Concern

To whom it may concern:
Right now, you are thinking: "Does he even know who's he writing to?"
Well of course I do!
You are that person who is concerned with this letter.
The one who's observation is for the better.
It doesn't matter if you a boy or girl.
This letter is directed to both; the one who let this paper unfurl.
But does it concern you, how ambiguous this greeting is?
You wish they can just put your first name: Mr. Tom, Ms. Liz.
But that's to difficult, no one wants to do that.
They just want you to have your undivided attention in matter of fact.
This is something here that we all can learn.
If you are a business person; you are To Whom it May Concern.

It Used To be That Way

Believe it or not, but I was bullied when I was in middle school.

Let's jump back about 4 to 6 years ago. I lived in Ozone Park, Queens. My middle school's name was Ms. 226, Virgil M. Grissom. He was some kind of astronaut. But enough about him. I started there in 6th grade and came out of there in the 8th. It was somewhere around that point, I'm not sure. There was this kid names Jaaron Clark. I real pain in the ass. And I don't know how it happened, but he decided to target me.

At first, I thought he was just playing around. But as the weeks progressed, he started to really berate me. He called me dirty names like O.D.B (some rapper that had nasty braids). He called me a donkey because of my teeth, he said that I needed to take showers. It was just horrible. I tried my best to ignore him, but his actions just rubbed me the wrong way.

The one thing that really pushed me to my mental limit was when I was in the lunchroom. Now, I was sitting at the table, I just received my lunch and was ready to full myself. Until I felt this strong push at my back. Before I knew it, he and a couple of his "goons" were wrapping duct tape around my mouth and body. I mean, they literally made me into a mummy. I tried with all my might to break out of it, but the only thing that was breaking out was the great amounts of tears flowing from my eyes. People were laughing and pointing and I hobbled out of the lunchroom and into the bathroom.

It was horrific. Amazingly, my favorite security guard, Sgt. Evans, cut me lose and told me some valuable stuff. He said this:

"Listen here. You can't appear weak to kids like him. They will take advantage of you. Trust me, you have to stay and look strong in a school like this."

I sat there, nodding. I really didn't know how to look tough and I certainly wasn't tough to begin with. But I did know how to speak my mind in writing. So in class, I basically wrote a poem with was targeted at him, but it was so indirect, I'm not even sure if that's the word, but he had no idea that I was talking about him. After I read it, I felt so relieved.

As I'm writing this, I'm staring to get the anger that I felt back then. The loneliness that I felt that day I was gift wrapped. But at the end, I feel stronger. I feel confident enough to post this so that everyone can see this!

Trip at Jones Beach

Ah, Jones Beach. Such a wonderful trip. The sun was shining, breeze blowing by, what? What was that? Bzzzzzzz.... Buzzing? HOLY CRAP! Mosquitoes! And big ones at that! RUN!

But, unfortunately we all couldn't escape the mosquitoes' wrath. The drained us good, I have the marks to prove it. Nevertheless, our goal for today was to become one with nature. To feel, smell, hear, see, and even taste Mother Nature. I wasn't sure about the tasting, but I know my other sensories were tingling quite lively. We wrote haikus and tankas. I really hate kaikus. Why? Because I can't write them. But I tried and here it is:

Water crashing here
On the rock standing still
Making sounds so pure

Not the best but hey, I tried. I also got the chance to relax my mind and meditate. The smell of salt rushed through my nose and I felt so ALIVE! I wish I could do it again, but without all the raving and disastrous mosquitoes.

Yourself In Me

Look inside my soul and I swear you'll see yourself.
Like a mirror on your wall, you'll see no one else.
What else do you see?
Is it me?
Am I that someone you want me to be?
Collect yourself, because your mirror will shatter.
It will fall all over the place, spill and scatter.
Gather yourself, because you are tumbling.
I will tear you down, because I want myself to crumble.

A great piece of lyric from Fort Minor

Have you ever heard of the Rap/Hip-Hop artist named Fort Minor? He collaborates with Linkin' Park and Styles of Beyond. Well, one of his songs "Cigarettes" really got me thinking. I mean, it really had me going. Not only was the beat hard, the words that he was saying explains exactly how we are in today's society. I won't give you the entire lyrics, but I'll give you a verses that was the strongest in my opinion.

"Let me tell you something that I realized tonight,
My hip-hop radio is like Marlboro Light.
They're both selling stories and they sound about the same.
Cigarettes say they're safe, rapper claims they really bang.
We don't care when we lay the money down.
We don't believe the words, we just love the way they sound.
They're acting like we're idiots, they're lying to our face
Maybe we are idiots, we buy it anyway!" -Fort Minor, "Cigarettes"

If you didn't realize it the 1st time, read it again. Think about today's time and how we all hear that cigarettes are supposedly cancer free. But yet, people are getting lung cancer, throat cancer from these bad boys. Rappers: They claim that they are so hood and they do their business on the streets. Man, they haven't stepped foot outside their comfort zones to confront someone. I don't but maybe it's me. If that verse didn't touch you this might:

"I'm runnin' out to get the next rapper's CD,
Just suckin' up the guns, drugs, and misogyny.
The same way that I suck up all the stories when I breathe;
that little bit of death supposedly cancer free.
And everything that they say got the truth twisted up,
but twisted up is what I want man, I can't get enough!
Cuz even though we know it's all a big bluff,
we just light another up, what we don't give a fuck!"

Now that's hard, I'm telling you. The imagery that he creates with this song. It's amazing!

A Strong, Blood Connection

This is my family. To the left it's my sister Shalever. People say that were are twins, but she is two years older than me. Shalever is smart and I admire she integrity. She helps me when I need it, like giving my money for the bus. She even gave me money in order to buy myself an mp3 player. How wonderful! She can get nasty at times; she's easily irritated. I try to watch my words, but I guess I can get annoying to. But no matter how "bitey" she gets, I will love her with all my heart.

In the center is my brother Chris. Chris is the EXACT opposite of me. Looks, personality and demeanor. He loves rap, I love rock. He's into the girls more than school, I'm into school more than the girls. But I will not deny the fact that is he is my brother. We have a bond that will never me stricken down. We been through a lot. Fights, arguments, you name it. But after that, we are like "What the heck? Let's put that behind us." Chris, is a very funny character. He makes me laugh a lot, even when I don't want to. It gets really annoying, but my patience and brotherly love for him, pushed that aside. Chris is great, I can't deny that.

Last but not least. To the right, is my cousin Latisha. Or, for her sake, Tisha. Direct blood doesn't matter to us. We stick together as a family. She is also a funny type, but her jokes are bitter and twisted. Lol, but sometimes I find myself laughing my butt off. Tisha's a tough cookie, you really can't bite into her. But who's to say that Tisha's a bad girl? She's not. She is looking forward to school and tries her best in it. I'm willing to help her in any way possible.

This is my family. We are a family. We will remain a family.

Molloy College Photography Session

This one is called "Let me hand it to you". At first, I didn't know what my professor meant. But then I figure it hand to do something with the hand. So, I just reached up and pretended to reach for this light bulb.





I call this photo, "Somewhere out there." Basically, all we had to do was take a photo by a window. It's an okay shot, I'd just wish that tent wasn't there. I was picturing an more open field.







Yes, this is suppose to be my mugshot. At first, I thought we were going to do this at home. So I was going to have a yard stick on the side on me. But since it was in the college, that brick wall had to do. Plus, we had to take it in black & white.





This is "A Mastermind's Thought" Lousy title, but hey. I really don't know what to say about this. Other than that my face is darker than my hands. HAHAHAHAHHA, I'm so self conscious. I meant to stare at the camera, but the rims of my glasses blocks my pupils.





Simple bathroom mirror shot. I had trouble aiming the camera the way I wanted, but it looks like it came out great. I have a nice mustache! :)

I lost my Metrocard today...

Yeah, I lost my Metrocard today and this is the conversation I had with myself. Now, I have an inner "me", we all do.

Travis: Damn it! I lost my Metrocard!
Inner Me: What did you wear yesterday? It's probably in your pants.
Travis: Yeah, you're right....ITS NOT IN THERE! DAMN IT!
Inner Me: Maybe you left it on your wallet. Check your wallet!
Travis: It's not in my wallet! I've checked 5 times!
Inner Me: Well, go upstairs. Check the bathroom.
Travis: NO! I wouldn't bring my Metrocard upstairs to the bathroom.
Inner Me: I'm trying to help you!
Travis: Well, you are not helping!
Inner Me: Fine, I'll shut up!
Travis: Damn it, where did I put it? I also put it in my wallet, why isn't there?
Inner Me: Check behind the bed, it could have fell there.
Travis: Yeah, good idea. I remember throwing my stuff on my bed when I came home.
Inner Me: I'm such a genius!
Travis: Well, it's not back here.
Inner Me: The mattress. Check under the mattress.
Travis: Now, why would it be under the mattress?
Inner Me: I don't know, but you have found other things under there.
Travis: Nah chill. I know its not under there.
Inner Me: Well, it looks like you are walking to school?
Travis: Walking to school are you crazy?
Inner Me: It's not much of a walk...
Travis: Shut up! The bus makes it look so easy.
Inner Me: Take the hike, I'll do it.
Travis: No you wouldn't. You'll pass out at the 10th block.
Inner Me: Take the hike.
Travis: Fine, I'll take it.
Inner Me: No, on second thought, you shouldn't.
Travis: Why?
Inner Me: Because you'll be late. It's already 7:45.
Travis: Damn, you are right. DAMN IT! WHERE DOD I PUT IT?!
Inner Me: Looks like you lost it.
Travis: No freaking duh!

After the screaming and throwing myself across the room, I finally asked my mother for 2 dollars. But knowing her, she'll hold it against me when I get my paycheck. :( It turns out that I walked halfway to the school. And to be honest, it wasn't that bad. I'll probably will start walking that half everyday. Maybe when it isn't cold...

Veiwer's Discretion

Well, most people say that I'm a different person with my glasses off. But I'm not so sure about that. I mean, I feel the same. So I took a picture of myself with and without the glasses.

Look for a difference? Can you see it?
<--------------------------------->
Of course you can't!


It's just me with and without the specs! No personality change or anything!

This is for you...

My new friend, Jillian, loves to do acrostics. So to honor that, I will do one of my own. Technically, I think they are easy to do. Watch the word "easy" as it floats above your head. So here is my acrostic on EASY.

Everything you write in this poem is simple
Always the quickest way out
Simplistically, acrostics are underneath the level of difficult
You can all write acrostics, they are easily done :)

And there you have it folks! Nice, simple, and easy. And if Jillian is reading this, I am just pulling your leg. I love your acrostics! SIMPLY, amazing! :)

My Character

What do you look for in a character?

Personality?

Beauty?

Wisdom?

Is she/he the spitting image of you?

Or are they the evil side in which you choose to hide?

What is the name of your character?

Does it rhyme with yours?

Is it a name of your best friend?

Is this character likable?

Do they have a tragic flaw?

So tragic that it consumes all?

Whatever this character may be,

You should always reflect it.

Be yourself, the character in this enormous book of Life.

That's Just Me

Sometimes, I dress down. Feeling a little careless you might say.

Most of the times, I dress up. I feel more comfortable that way.

The Calm Before the Storm

It happens when you are silently still.
You pay attention and watch above you.
Those white herds you see now,
aren't the ones that are coming.
Those white herds are moving;
Making way for their fierce gray cousins.
But they are peacefully moving; not causing any ruckus.
A stampede isn't necessary now;
therefore, its already coming.
Just wait and watch...
The Calm Before the Storm

Bringing Me Down

Over a thousand times,
You have told me that wounldn't make it.
You scold, you screamed,
You hollered, and you yelled,
I just couldn't take it.
Over a hundred times,
You have told me to give up,
And I wouldn't do well.
You urged, you pushed,
You shoved, you nudged.
Leaving little left to tell.
But no matter how many times
You have told me that I'll be nothing,
I just kept on going.
You were always the one who was screaming at me.
I always thought my life would be so carefree.
So, what more do you want me to be?
You see the horror in my face,
Everytime you were bringing me down.
But as they say: What comes around, goes around.

Who Am I?

I am that Lone Wolf, who howls that his moon, whether it's full or not.
I am that Lone Wolf, who strays in the woods, looking for what I had lost.
I am that Lone Wolf, who stands up for himself in the time of need.
I am that Lone Wolf, who is quiet and keep his distance.
I am that Lone Wolf, who's bark matches his bite.
I am that Lone Wolf, who waits his turn and when it's time, shows his power.

I am that Owl, who watches it's prey from a desirable distance.
I am that Owl, who is intelligent and calm.
I am that Owl, who people can seek guidance.
I am that Owl, who sleeps with his eyes open, but not from fear.
I am that Owl, who perches on a branch and seeks wisdom.
I am that Owl, who is open minded, wanting other opinions.

I am Travis, a boy who loves to write. I want to become a novelist when I grow up and would stop at nothing to do so. Maybe this is a childish dream that I am hopelessly chasing. Or maybe it will come true. All I know is, that I have to try hard in my life and do my best.

Any Pride

It's the way to show your respects,
And that's called pride. What did you expect?
You can boast it, you can throw it,
You can hurl it, and you can pass it.
Pride comes from the heart,
It's something that can never be torn apart.
It's the only thing that defines who you are,
You can come from anywhere, pride isn't to far.
You'll stand with it where ever you go,
You tell other people, so they can know.
You can wave your flags,
You can wear your du-rags.
It's representing your hometown,
That's your castle, your domain, thats whats going down.
Pride is the best thing you can grasp within your hands.
If your feeling this poem, please stand!
Pride has been with you since you were an infant!
It will forever remain, dont let anyone tell you different!

Inside Trase's Kingdom

Under the dark night's sky, he sits at his throne.
Waiting patiently; silent to the bone.
He has his thoughts in his head,
which he keeps by the side of his bed.
The bed is his Kingdom, where he sleeps peacefully.
When he wakes, the thunder roars and the lighting blinds.
Eyes wide awake; searching for something he needs to find.
He is looking for his soul that he had hopelessly lost.
Waiting for that perfect moment; I would find it any any cost.
He grabs his blade and cuts through his foes and fears.
Slashing by his dreams with his blood, sweat, and tears.
At the end of the day, the thunder still booms.
He then closes his eyes to sleep in his Kingdom; his room.

Ongoing Assement 9/1/08