Tribute to Princess Luna

A Lyric for Princess Luna

My beloved stellar Princess

Enthroned in the nighttime sky

I send my heartfelt love to You

Who dwell amid stars on high

Your magic gives me solace

In my time of solitude

Dear Princess who once knew loneliness

Before Your life was renewed

In You I find my peace,

My hope and inspiration

The Moon that makes the night

And all life a celebration

When my life runs out

And my name and acts are gone

The love my heart enshrines for You

Shall emerge and will live on

It then becomes a blissful cloud

Of heavenly joy and peace

And it will float in space for You

When Your nocturnal duties cease

Then after a thousand years

On that cloud You can find Your rest

I’ll do for You as You did for me

We, by each other, forever blessed.

(c) Mike Babbish 2015

Ad for The Rabbit-Man

Hello Dear Readers,

Below I have a general description for my upcoming book The Rabbit-Man. The tentative release date is March 2016. Many people ask me what the story is about, so I have included the paragraph below as a preview for the book.

S.T. Ranger, known as the Rabbit-Man, enjoyed his pleasant life in The Garden until it was drastically changed. After he finds himself in a cutthroat environment known as a Metroscape, the Rabbit-Man must survive the hardships he encounters as well as evade a mysterious enemy whose presence is signaled by a strange blue aura. The engaging story of the Rabbit-Man is one that involves overcoming not only external difficulties, but also internal turmoil. Will the Rabbit-Man have what it takes to overcome the unforgiving trials he meets, or will he ultimately succumb to despair? Find out as you journey with him and his friends in an unforgettable story filled with dangerous creatures, hideous enemies, spectacular characters, and events that will leave the reader’s mind buzzing.

Here is one possible cover for the book featuring characters from the story.

This image is also a possible cover for the book, featuring characters from climatic scenes that take place in an arena known as The Grand Coliseum. The Rabbit-Man can be seen at the center-bottom of the image alongside his friend Mr. One as they face numerous foes with the help of some friends.

The Rabbit-Man will be available through Dorrance Publishing and will be sold on their online bookstore, as well as other retailers. The Dorrance Bookstore can be accessed via the link below.

http://dorrancebookstore.com  

As always thank you for reading and following my blog. I hope you enjoy The Rabbit-Man should you decide to purchase and read the book when it is available!

Mike Babbish

The Blue Demon

Far out in the universe there was a tormented soul that became so pressured by stressful and unappealing events that his entire form became blue in color. This reflected the bitter melancholy that existed within his entire being. This soul became so engulfed by feelings of depression and despair until it morphed itself into a formidable demon. The original name of this sad specimen is no longer known. But with time he became known as the Blue Demon, a terror to people whose lives were influenced by depression, sadness, and anxiety. These dreadful emotions will typically drag a person’s spirit down and cause immense pain, but the Blue Demon discovered a way to use these feelings to empower himself. He learned how to absorb power and energy from other people who were suffering from incredible sadness, and the deeper their torment the more powerful it made him.

Eventually the Blue Demon became a very significant spirit in the universe. Few dared to cross him, and the few who did were devoured and destroyed by the champion of melancholic pain. He possessed the bodies and souls of many people from many different worlds over the course of time. This dark but enigmatic spirit eventually came to possess a strong body with dark blue skin and massive rams horns on the forehead. His skin was a deep dark blue that reflected the depressive emotions that empowered him. He had large wings on his back that covered those before him in a very long shadow. He could change himself into a fine blue haze if he wished, and often did this when he first tormented his hapless victims. Those who encountered him were always frightened and confused, and this immediately gave him a distinct advantage. The nails of his fingers were like long claws, and he could emit scorching blue fire that disintegrated matter whenever he wished. Those who did not fall into deep depression or despair were generally not vulnerable to the Blue Demon, but those who did suffer from these things could very easily be taken to a Hell that would make better known descriptions seem mild. What was fire and bodily torture compared to the torments of a person’s own mind? The Blue Demon made sport of showing it to numerous people.

His fire was formidable, his wings were dreadful, the tail that trailed behind him added a sinister touch to the appearance of this fiend, but perhaps the worst of his characteristics were his sadistic smile and shrill laughter. These accompanied yellow eyes of blazing malice within the deep blue face. Any victim of the demon would never forget the dreadful experience.

Time and again the Blue Demon tortured many souls. Those who suffered trauma, anxiety, doubt, or despair were his most common prey. There was, however, an exceptional victim of the Blue Demon who actually made an attempt to resist the hideous enemy. The Rabbit-Man S.T. Ranger encountered the fiend in his homeland known as The Garden. The Blue Demon was especially eager to capture the Rabbit-Man and possess him, which would increase his already great power. The Rabbit-Man was an odd target for the Blue Demon, because he did not have any special powers or incredible strength. He was a man in a rabbit suit that lived a simple life, yet his soul contained something that the Blue Demon really wanted.

What interest did the Blue Demon have in the Rabbit-Man? Could this unlikely victim of the Blue Demon have any hope of resisting this foul enemy? Would anyone ever be able to stop the Blue Demon’s reign of terror and exploitation?

             Soon, these questions will be answered…

Heart in the Darkness

Throughout this past month the media has been on fire with news of a tragic attack and a history-making Supreme Court decision. I have been hearing so much about these topics and the connotations that both imply, as well as a plethora of peoples’ opinions on the matters and the aftereffects of these events. One of these stories is unspeakably tragic, and the other is inspiring.

The first news-headlining event of the past month was a troubled man’s shooting of a primarily African-American Church in South Carolina. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this horrendous crime. I know it goes without saying, but nevertheless, I will emphasis the sheer inhumanity of this event. Nothing can justify such actions in any way, shape, or form.

After news of this tragic event broke, there was an outcry instigated by the mainstream media. Please don’t misunderstand me and think that I’m saying these events should not be covered by the news or that the impact of such events should be trivialized. That’s not my intent at all. I will also state I believe that racism, although mostly overcome in the United States, is still a problem and this tragedy is evidence of that. However, I would also like to offer my perspective on what the real issue in this incident is, and how it could possibly be addressed.

The instinctive reaction by many people I have noticed in the past several weeks since this occurrence has been people lashing out against the symbol of the Confederate battle flag.  I can understand why some people might have a dislike for this symbol in light if these events, but at the same time I wonder if attacking the Confederate flag is really the appropriate response to this situation. I understand this is a controversial issue, and I firmly believe everyone has a right to his or her opinion on the matter. Still I feel obligated to share my perspective because I believe it would be helpful in bringing about a possible solution to the issues at the heart of the matter, rather than simply generate even greater resentment and conflict between people.

The Confederate flag is a symbol, as all flags are. But this flag in particular may have different meanings to different people. When viewing someone using this flag, the perspective of the person should be taken into account before jumping to any conclusions. Yes, the Confederate States of America used this flag during the U.S. Civil War, and yes it’s true the Confederate states were in favor of keeping slavery legal in their territories. Slavery is indeed an immoral crime against humanity and it is a blight on the character of all humankind- of all races that ever practiced it. Nothing can justify this institution, plain and simple.

That being said, the meanings and associations of symbols can change with time. Would you believe the Swastika is actually a Hindu symbol of peace and harmony, and has been so for thousands of years? It was, and in many places in the Middle and Far East it still is. Yet nearly all people in the West will have a very different association for this symbol. Why? Because they see it in a different context than what it was originally created for. Now, back to the Confederate flag. Despite the associations of the flag in historical times, there are many people in the Southern United States who view this flag simply as a symbol of their region- no more and no less. These people are not necessarily racists, and many African Americans even identify with the Confederate flag for this reason. Is it right or fair to jump to the conclusion that someone is racist or hateful just because they use this flag? I don’t believe so, at least not on that basis alone. If we all make an effort to understand people and why they do what they do rather than jump to the easiest and simplest, even if erroneous, conclusion we would all get along better.

Getting back to the point, and the central issue of the tragic event regarding the man shooting at a church congregation. It is a known fact that this disturbed young man was indeed a radical racist with intent to do harm to innocent people that he did not even know. This is unjustifiable. But why did he do this? I can hear the response now, “He was racist! That’s why! He was a hater and he had a Confederate flag and he was crazy and now people are dead!” Yes he was crazy and he was a racist, but why? I doubt the Confederate flag by itself indoctrinated this man into having such a radical worldview that he would murder people. No, instead I believe that his attitudes came from mental illness- and this is the issue at the core of this event.

What insecurities did this person have that made him so hateful and resentful to people he did not even know? Who were the people- people, not a simple flag, but other human beings- that influenced him to think this way? These are the things we should be asking, and these are the issues we should be addressing. If he was a poor Southerner, did he have access to legitimate education that would teach him that race is essentially a social construct? No, he probably did not. Did he have an upbringing that taught him proper human values that transcend any barriers of “race”? Again, probably not. Did he have many things in his life that made him feel insecure about himself? Did people call him “white trash” throughout his life and make him feel like he was less than nothing? Did all of the aggravation of this situation get bottled up inside him until it came out in the horrific act of murder he committed? These are possibilities, and even likelihoods.

Again, please don’t misunderstand me and think I’m trying to defend this man or justify his actions. I am not. Instead, I’m trying to offer a solution that might help prevent the insanity that manifested in this man. Our education system must address mental health, and take simple preventive measures that can go a long way. For example, teaching simple breathing and meditation exercises at the beginning of each school day may help with this. We as a society must prevent ourselves from getting infected with this insanity. I truly believe things like racism come from insecurities within an individual. Eliminate these insecurities, and you will be surprised how well a person can do for themselves and others. Enhance these insecurities, and you will create a monster.

But you see, these things I am mentioning- mental health and personal insecurities- don’t have quick, easy answers. People want quick, easy answers and the media wants to give quick, easy coverage to boost their rating. This is why it is just easier to attack a flag than actually address the core issue. This is not good. This only leads to greater conflict, and I don’t belie it’s the appropriate response.

To add to this, and this is a subject I can go on a huge rant about, but I’m not going to because it’s not the point of this article, there is something to be said about being a good winner. Please keep in mind that the man who carried out this shooting has been arrested and is in custody. Why is that not good enough? Why do we need to attack a flag that has many different meanings just because one person who used it did something bad? Please also remember, the south lost the Civil War. But there are other aspects of Southern culture that has nothing to do with racism that some people might identify with. Southern hospitality is well known, and I observed this firsthand myself when I travelled through these regions. Many Southerners- of all races- are actually some of the kindest and most polite people I’ve ever met. That’s much more than can be said for many people I’ve met in the Northern states. But hey, let’s just take their flag and desecrate it because we heard about something bad and have to overreact to prove how “righteous” we are!

No thank you, not for me.

Also, just because somebody wears or uses a Confederate flag doesn’t mean they are a “trashy” person, and we shouldn’t be jumping to these conclusions. Instead of running down people we don’t know, calling them “rednecks” and “trash,” maybe we should focus our efforts on improving life for everybody. How about it? I for one at least think it’s worth a try. “But this guy was a murderer and a really bad person! Why shouldn’t we call these people out for being the scumbags they are!” The answer to that is because doing that isn’t going to solve anything. Criticizing the Ku Klux Klan or similar organizations that actually espouse hatred is quite understandable and reasonable, but labeling an entire region of people is definitely not okay. Why? Do you remember a few paragraphs above when I mentioned some things that might have caused this murderer to go insane and develop his mental illness? You know, those things that fostered the insecurities he had? Yeah, that’s why.

On the upside, there was the Supreme Court decision that made gay marriage legal in all of the United States. Now this is something I was very happy to see, because it was positive news rather than the hate-mongering that preceded it. Of course there were many attacks on homosexuality after this, but is anyone really surprised by that. I was not, but at least in this case the law now favors those who wish to love freely and be proud of who they are. The same issue is involved in homophobia as with racism- people feeling insecure about themselves.  To all homosexual and bisexual readers out there- congratulations! I’m happy for you and hope you enjoy this momentous achievement. But also please remember- rise above the hatred. Don’t retaliate by calling the haters “inbreds” or “rednecks.” You don’t know who else you may be insulting besides the actual haters. And enhancing the insecurities of the haters will only make things worse.

Let’s be proud of who we are! Let’s just be happy and content with ourselves regardless of what others do. Lets not hate on anybody else, because that will not bring about positive change. Let’s be free, rather than letting the antagonizing of ignorant people control us.

Ask yourself- Am I building a better world?

As always, thanks for reading

Mike Babbish

Ilmari's Lament

Ilmari's Lament

Amidst the days of isolation; amidst a world confused and cold
My heart gives me a revelation; to quench the thirst my passions hold
For years I worked and sought to grow, for years I tried and failed to know
Just what it was that made man whole- in spirit, body, mind, and soul.

This I saw in deepest slumber, in dreams I dare not count the number
A woman's kind and warm affection, that which gives a man direction
To face life's unforgiving trial, with calm resolve and even a smile
This greatest of joys once I knew, before my pleasant days were through.

Fate gazed down upon my lot, the curse of bondage marred my name
Revenge a battered bondsman sought, and came to be my loved one's bane
Alone and bitter then I grew, my godlike skills might remedy
This woeful anguish i now knew, my work new hope could bring to me.

I put aside my axe and saber, and committed my time to tireless labor
To fashion for myself a wife, and bestow to barren metals life
But my eager efforts were all in vain, my sorrowful soul still scarred with pain
So as wise Vaino suggested I do, I'll move on and start life anew.

2011


This is a poem I wrote in 2011, and I decided to post it today for "throwback Thursday." It was inspired by a story from The Kalevala, a work by Elias Lonnrot from Finland and it is considered that nation's national epic. The premise is the reflections of the blacksmith Ilamri after his wife had been murdered by an abused slave. Kullervo, a famous character in Finnish literature, is sold to Ilmari and his wife, but the wife mistreats him until one night Kullervo uses his magic power to summon wild animals to kill the wife. Kullervo runs away and Ilmari is left broken-hearted. Ilmari is the world's greatest blacksmith and tries to forge a wife for himself, but his efforts fail. His brother, the sage Vaino, consoles his brother and advises him to move on.

The images did not come out as clear as I hope (they never do), but I think the poem is the better aspect of this particular work anyway. My art skills weren't as refined back then as they are now.