Artifact

Artifact: (n) an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.dictionary with letter A

Can it be an artifact if nobody’s interested in it?

As a writer, performer and general journeyman in the human stream of consciousness, I often become so self-absorbed with the value of my work and message that I fail to recognize whether it has any intrinsic worth.

I had a dream last night where I was confronted by my own inadequacy. I realize that some people would think that was a nightmare, but it was so enriching to my soul that I nearly wept.

The message in this night vision was simple: “You’re not as good as you think you are.”

Even though this revelation might make some people disconsolate or tear at the very fiber of their being, I found it relieving.

I’ve always had a deep sense of purpose in what I do, thinking that every drop of sweat that careens from my talent and drips to the earth needs to be infused with inspiration.

What a crock.

I am mortal–and therefore destined to die, but granted, in the meantime, an opportunity to leave behind some artifacts of my feelings, beliefs and attitudes. I know these will need to be sifted by future travelers, who will evaluate my work based on the current trends.

In other words, some things are going to last because they should and some things are going to pass away because likewise, they’re meant for the trash.

I am not discouraged by this.

I want my life to be an artifact. If people decide to reject my craft, I still want them to say, “But you know, he was a pretty cool, content guy.”

For when all the artifacts are collected, human beings still want to put a face on blessing.

I just want to make sure my face is sparkling with a countenance of joy.

 

Donate Button

Thank you for enjoying Words from Dic(tionary) —  J.R. Practix

America

dictionary with letter A

America: ( n) a landmass in the Western Hemisphere that consists of the continents of North and South America joined by the Isthmus of Panama.

  • Is it an idea?
  • Is it a connecting tissue of continents?
  • Is it a clumping of exceptional people culled from the available humanity on Earth?
  • Is it a democratic form of government?
  • Is it a slogan?
  • Is it a political rallying cry?
  • Is it divinely inspired?
  • Is it a passing fancy?
  • Is it a big bully to the rest of the world?
  • Is it a savior to the oppressed souls of the planet?
  • Is it an emerging reality, lacking complete definition?
  • Is it a dream?
  • Is it a nightmare?
  • Is it a reason for God to continue to have hope in His heart?
  • Is it united?
  • Is it just states?
  • Is it a purposeful action?
  • Is it a location for capitalism to flourish?
  • Is it still welcoming the teeming poor?
  • Is it symbolic?
  • Is it literal?
  • Is it full of itself or is it full of promise?
  • Is it blessed by God or is it cursed by Allah?

America.

It is a land where I am allowed to ask these questions, post them on the Internet without fear of having my door broken down, being hauled off to jail and questioned in a steamy room by men with cigar-and-liquor breath.

Wow.

God bless America.

 

Amazon

dictionary with letter A

Amazon: (n) a river in South America that flows more than 4,150 miles through Peru, Colombia and Brazil into the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of water flow, it is the largest river in the world.

Yeah, okay.

The Amazon’s a river. Gotcha.

But when I hear the word “Amazon,” I think about that tribe of women running around dominating their atmosphere and surroundings–extra tall, extra beautiful, mythical in nature and the dream of every red-blooded man because they will not be encompassed.

Why a dream? Because deep within the male of our species is the notion that he, individually–and he alone–holds the secret key to every woman’s pleasure.

The times I have seen TV shows or movies portraying these women, unlike my male counterparts, I am completely terrified and would like to run into a corner and suck my thumb.

They are gorgeous, powerful and willing to do anything necessary to keep their autonomy from being subjugated by hairier Homo Sapiens.

So even though I know the Amazon is a river in South America, the image of these domineering, dominating ladies has overtaken my mind and turned the word into a combination of a cartoon and a frightening nightmare.

What would I do if I met an Amazon woman? How would I handle myself in that situation? How would I establish my macho presence?

I would pee my pants … and then surrender.