The State of Philosophy on the Internet

1. Sometimes the Internet and modern media technology are responsible for explosions of new talent. There’s no doubt in my mind we’ve been treated to a bunch of exceptional chess players and some great photographers because of our increasingly digital life. I have reasons to suspect that despite access to a number of terrific resources, …

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April 19, 2012 – 5:22 am | By ashok | Posted in academia, education, movies | Tagged | Comments (2)

Smiles

Not even polite, meaningless words. On these bright, clear days she’s outside. Moving as if at a playground. No wave, no “hi,” certainly no “how are you.” Only a forced, slight smile when I wave and ask how she is. Attention might be a game. It might always be “I’m interested.” But sometimes my grandfather …

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April 18, 2012 – 3:08 pm | By ashok | Posted in writing | Comments (0)

“Talking much about oneself can also be a means to conceal oneself.”

Shouldn’t logos give us insight? After all, even with “ye shall know them by their fruits,” we can say speech is a deed of sorts. And why “talking much?” Can’t a few words alone deceive? The emphasis needs to be on “talking much about oneself.” The deception may involve others, but they have to care …

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April 18, 2012 – 4:10 am | By ashok | Posted in nietzsche, philosophy | Comments (1)

I am a princess from another planet

for Emelie. Thanks to Svetlana Chmakova for inspiration. Left the pink tiara on Mars, the glittery shoes near Alpha Centauri. Brought fairy wings to Earth – yeah, they don’t seem to work anymore. Other women are acknowledged. One I know atop an office building chats lively, frequently with many. Her life, a blur of light …

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April 16, 2012 – 1:55 pm | By ashok | Posted in writing | Comments (3)

Emily Dickinson, “As willing lid o’er weary eye” (1050)

As willing lid o’er weary eye (1050) Emily Dickinson As willing lid o’er weary eye The Evening on the Day leans Till of all our nature’s House Remains but Balcony Comment: “The Evening on the Day” leaning looks like it forms a human eye. It does not, unless we assume Day has been looking at …

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April 14, 2012 – 1:26 pm | By ashok | Posted in dickinson, poetry | Comments (0)

Lie

“Imagination and fiction make up more than three quarters of our real life.” – Simone Weil “Lie!” The shout tore through walls, bricks flying out the back of the house. Some struck cars, smashing windows, denting steel. Others killed passer-by. Pools of blood in the streets. In a corner of the house a spider wrapped …

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April 10, 2012 – 2:37 am | By ashok | Posted in writing | Comments (4)

Happy Easter (and a Life Update)

Owe a few of you an accounting of what’s going on: Waiting to get some edits back. This is really important. The edits are going to tell me what is and isn’t going to fly when I’m questioned for the purposes of graduating. I’m kinda on edge a bit, eager to get back to work …

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April 8, 2012 – 7:37 pm | By ashok | Posted in personal | Comments (5)

Club

Neon lights, loud tunes: What could grow here? Sidewalk weeds? Shy, out of sight, eyed.

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April 6, 2012 – 4:09 am | By ashok | Posted in writing | Tagged | Comments (1)

Progression

We matched our steps in dance precise. His lead lacked flaws, I followed quick. The music flowed like wine. The shine was blinding. Sweat, a lifetime’s work? A friend who glided perfect once, divorced. Her dull porcelain cup in hand. Some talk of law and bills. Not the stars’ motion, only ours.

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April 5, 2012 – 3:02 am | By ashok | Posted in writing | Comments (1)

Dream Logic

It seemed to make sense. We were together, holding hands under the moon and stars, when you started talking about cat food and I responded all too knowingly. “We can’t really feed the cat dog food,” you said, and I said we were feeding the cat the dog. With no surprise or urgency, you breathed …

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April 4, 2012 – 4:17 am | By ashok | Posted in love, writing | Comments (1)