A sellection from first drafts
Mists of Time
Inspirational reflections dealing with the unseen...
Poems, short stories, sayings and illustrations
by
Angela K Robinson
Introduction
Time - but of course this does not make the problem go away, its only a time stealer and when I awake, the problem is still there.
Poetry is beautiful and it is one way of expressing your dreams. It can appeal to all ages. It touches the heart and spirit. It allows me to express my innermost feelings about the things and persons I care deeply about.
There is no ceiling to what you can dream of, hope for, desire or achieve.
How many of us take steps to reach our dreams - some fulfilled, some still to be accomplished, while others abandoned.
So writing can express just about everything - love, war, happiness, comedy, sadness or tragedy. There is so much in the world for ourselves and also in the lives of those around us to contemplate about - so thoughts, dreams and writing is a way of teaching with words and it is also a way of escape. Then set some goals, easy, reachable goals and find the time to follow through one at a time and that way I don't feel anxious or overwhelmed….
The African Song - thoughts
Long shadows from the night before, dip disappearing
in the east. Nestling on leaves, early morning mist, fresh and clean, breaks the
dawn in beautiful dew spangled pearls. Sunshine slanting through branches
touch every blade, every heart beat slowly awakens.
Over the horizon, rosy pink clouds tiptoe through the lightening sky.
Moving majestically, the sun sends its glow ahead, waking the bush with the
Sound of animals and whimsical songs as birds dance and flit through the air.
It's sheath of golden bronze, reaching out to kiss and charm all life.
Over wide open dry areas, rich green bush, and slow flowing rivers, the wind
hums it's timeless echoes of the African song.
Across the rustling grass lands and dense green forests, the heavens flushed
from the palest pink to deep crimson in the fierce sunset glow, covering undulating hills.
Among the balancing rocks and deep valleys, purple and black shadows gleam
in the twilight. Daylight fading into moonlight, wildlife settle and birds gather to roost.
The moon, a red disk in black velvet, shedding soft silver dust, pin pricked by tiny glittering stars.
You're it
In a movie, in a song, in a play,
There's a writer, a director, an actor,
You're it.
Imagine, imagine, imagine!
Be anyone, go anywhere, do anything.
There is no limit in the universe.
In the planetary system,
The countless stars, the numerous planets,
You can visit these worlds beyond,
Your reality, your vision, your dream.
Different cities, different countries, different nations,
Meet the people, the presidents, the rich and famous,
You are part of the beautiful people.
The world is wide, travel in style,
Walk, run, by car, train, ship or plane.
Travel any distance or only one mile.
Life is a dream, you're the superstar.
In the world there's wonder and surprise.
Why wait - to the challenge rise!
What the heck
When things go wrong at work or play,
When relationships break down and friends
go astray, then what the heck
It's been a stressful day.
I can scream, I can shout, fret, worry,
Fill my mind with doubt.
Just like a radio, I cannot hear clearly,
All I can hear is static, it's rather dreary.
Sometimes it's easier to talk and talk, but
Harder still to follow through.
Bad things in life do often happen, but more
Surprising the good things to.
But what the heck, that's you, that's me,
I'm here to stay, that's true.
A couple of pages from…
The Day and the Watchmen
By
Angela K Robinson
The fierce heat beat down on the tour group as they journeyed to the great pyramid of Giza. Kara breathed in dust and dirt along the way and was relieved when they finally reached the great tomb. A strange mood gripped her as she carefully followed the group of tourists into the mouth of the dark passage. The tunnel was narrow and only wide enough for single file. At intervals of a few feet, dim lights shone from the walls. The passage continued horizontally, the stone steps taking them deeper into the bowls of the earth.
At last they arrived. It took some time for her eyes to adjust and then she looked around in awe. They were in an enormous burial chamber. Seeing the hieroglyphics that adorned the walls and then the sarcophagus made her gasp with wonder. Kara closed her eyes momentarily and was transported to a mystical age where the sun shone brilliantly over open plains and golden sands. She could see the sacred Nile flowing majestically through wide fertile valleys and thick groves of palm trees. Solemn and silent, she caught a glimpse of the distant outlines of smaller pyramids across the desert sands. Inside the chamber she could feel the spirits of the long dead Egyptian Pharaohs, who once ruled their mighty empires, laid to rest in the heart of this pyramid. After a while the group returned the way they had come. Walking into the sunshine, adjusting their eyes to the sudden glare of day light.
Little did Kara Munroe realise, her dream holiday in the age old land of antiquities would change her life forever. Saving every penny for the last three years made it all worthwhile. Working the evening reception twice a week besides her regular job as secretary for a London Solicitor, Shepherd & Shepherd, was not an easy task. Ever since leaving high school Kara dreamt of visiting Egypt. In Cairo, she caught her first glimpse of the pyramids.
A few days later, the same group visited the great temple of Abu Simbel. Four huge statues of Ramses the Great stood guard at the entrance. Every pillar and on all the inside walls, every act of worship of the god-kings, gods and goddesses were pictured, immersed in mystery and ritual. Centuries of secrets dwelt within these walls. With her emotions deeply stirred, Kara reached out and gently touched one of the statues. Instantly she felt a sense of pre-destiny fill her. Struck dumb with amazement, hidden secrets long since forgotten were embedded in her heart and spirit. The last leg of her holiday took her to Alexandria home to a fabulous museum and the world's greatest library.
White marble and glorious, the hotel stood out high on the kopje against the skyline catching the last coppery rays of sunlight. That evening after checking into the hotel, Kara took a long shower then walked down to the veranda. Below she could see part of the city. Across the terrace, the evening sun moved slowly. The golden disk scattered crimson and golden colours across the sky painting the river Nile red as it dropped slowly into calm lapping waters. It was a land of exquisite surprises.
Dinner was excellent and the wine made from red grape tasted heady. Kara sat there enjoying the beauty laid out before her. It was growing late, she yawned. Although tired, reluctantly went back to her room and was soon fast asleep.
The weather fine and sunny on Monday morning, already the bright sun was high, the air exhilarating and warm. After a quick shower, she dressed in a white cotton summer dress, patterned with tiny blue and yellow flowers. Kara grabbed her bag, hat and camera then went down the wide and spacious corridor to the terrace. A waiter dressed in a white uniform with red band across the waist, a red cap with black tassels approached her. He carried a silver tray loaded with a glass jug filled with water and ice cubes, and a glass. He took her breakfast order. Other guests were enjoying their food and she greeted them with a smile and wave as she waited. Across the way, the streets were already buzzing with customers and tourists.
Finishing the delicious breakfast of, fish, warm bread rolls, chunks of cheese, a silver plate of dates and fresh fruit, a tray of tea, she made her way to the market. Leaving the market place, she turned down a gravel road, the road continued until she came to some gardens. Streams of clear water ran down into a small river, alive with different coloured fish. Ducks and geese paddled the clear waters. Coconut trees and date palms dotted the banks, reeds alive with butterflies and bees grew on either side. She could see vineyards where vines were heavy with ripening grapes. Not very far from the vineyard, a vegetable garden grew, planted with pumpkins, melons, beans, onions, leaks and garlic. In the distance she saw fields of corn waving in the sunlight.
Kara spent the morning taking pictures, finally returning to the hotel. The heat was fierce and poured down. She was glad to be back at the hotel under the shade of the thatched roof. Following a light lunch, retired to her room for an afternoon nap. At four o'clock she took a short walk to the library.
The three story building was old and beautiful. It's foundations steeped in consecrated history. The library stood on a slight incline, surrounded by an acre of rolling lawns. Tall palms heavy with ripening dates swayed gently in the cooling breeze. Here and there aromatic cedars grew towering over the benches dotted around the garden. Along the ground and paths, lovely blossoms grew suspended on their delicate stems, their sweet smelling sent mingled damp air. A veranda almost circling the building centered a wrought iron stair case which wound itself to the front of the heavy ornamental double cedar wooden door.
Inside the old stone floors shone, weathered and rubbed smooth by the passage of time. The interior and stone walls imbued with an energy of serenity and peacefulness that seemed to come alive. Each of the shelves reached from floor to ceiling, filled with books of knowledge on every subject. Famous people and scholars from all over the world travel here for study and research. Although the books, parchments and scrolls were extremely old, they were kept in good condition and had to be handled with care.
The beauty and the emotion present made Kara pause for a while. Then almost reverently she continued under the archways stopping briefly at each section, until she found what she was looking for. Suddenly she heard rustling and whispering noises, when she looked round there was no one there. She was completely alone. Continuing her walk, all was quiet again. Not many patrons were about at this hour in the afternoon, those that were, were sedately browsing the shelves or seated at oblong polished cedar tables.
Her curiosity aroused, she hid herself in a darker corner and waited. Nothing happened. It must have been a figment of my imagination', she thought rather disappointed as she stepped through another archway finding the shelves she needed. Selecting two very old leather bound books, made herself comfortable at one of the tables and in the silent surroundings, worked until late afternoon. Putting the books away at six-thirty, began on her way out. Going back through the archways she heard the same rustling and whispering noises, but still could not see anyone.
For the rest of the week, she spent delightful afternoons working peacefully through her research and projects. Her mornings filled with the wonder of walking through the city and markets, meeting people and tasting their traditional delicacies. In the afternoons, day after day she would hear these whisperings sounds growing louder with each passing day. Carefully she searched her surroundings but was unable to find the source. Thoroughly intrigued, Kara was convinced something strange was going on in that library.
Saturday dorned bright and sunny. Already she could feel the heat as she leisurely finished her breakfast and walked slowly down the road. Deep in thought Kara experienced a sudden stab of sadness at the thought that this would be the last visit to the library. Once inside the heavy ornamental door, she paused for a moment, drinking in every thing she saw, wishing she could stay a few more weeks longer. A cold shiver shook her body then she continued walking as usual through the passages. Past the seventh archway, the commotion grew even greater. The rustling and whispering became louder and louder as if a large group of people were speaking quietly.
Feeling slightly nervous, Kara stopped in her tracks, looking around to see if anyone else could hear it. But the atmosphere in the library was quiet as usual and studious, patrons were sitting at their tables. Her heart beating just a little faster, she whispered just above the sounds, 'there's no way I'm alone'. Feeling a little more than afraid and slightly annoyed she called out, 'Come on, show yourselves. Who are you?' But all went completely quiet again. Exasperatedly Kara muttered, 'Now what!'
After a few moments silence, she saw lights appear, one, then two, three, four, five, six then seven a few feet in front of her. She stood by silently while the lights manifested into luminous beings. They shone with the ethereal brightness of the full moon. Dressed in dark robes, they looked like hooded monks. Their manner was stable and dignified, beings from another world radiating mystery and power. Struck dumb, Kara could not utter a sound but stared wide eyed at this unbelievable sight. At last she found her voice, 'who are you?' One of them began to speak in a soft melodious voice, 'We are the watchmen and guardians of mankind and of the universe. We have come back from the four corners of the earth, from the mists of time because the hour for modern man is grave'. Frozen with expectancy, her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth and her feet to the floor, she waited. These were the watchmen who throughout the centuries would only appear when they believed that the world was becoming too destructive, too irrational, too disrespectful, and it's own survival at stake.
The fact that the guardians appeared to her, meant that dark and ominous days were ahead. She did not know any of this but felt that these entities possessed a true and recognized wisdom. They had been watching as mankind lead their lives, played out their destines, and could not see, that all was about to come crashing down.
The first guardian continued, 'You may not be aware of this but we have been watching……… We have seen your studies, your research through many ancient texts, including biblical prophecies. We have seen you search out hidden books. Our laws state we must come to aid when terrestrial worlds lose their reason and sense of reality ……'.
...to be continued