Daily Journal: 3 people

If I had to invite 3 people to the dinner table to talk to I would have to say Paul the Apostle, Socrates, and Albert Einstein

I would invite Paul in order to learn more about Jesus and what he did. I would love to hear first hand accounts of what he did while here on earth and who the man was who is my savior.

I would invite Socrates in order to learn more about ancient greek philosphy and discover the roots of modern western civilization and how and why the idea of democracy and freedom originally came about.

I would invite Einstein to open my mind to the modern age of science, and discover new ways of looking at ever day things in my life today.

Assonance Poem

Loss

The soul quakes, when the heart aches.

Their is no love, when you've killed the dove.

The tree is bare, in your forlorn stare.

I can't stand the night, whilst I'm in flight.

For what we had, I am glad.

For what would have been, now only could have been.

I believed it strong, but I was wrong.

To you I gave, what I should have saved.

I remember, last December.

This Christmas last, is in the past.

I dry my tears, for another year

I make my life, forget my strife

I must move on, to prove I'm strong

Daily Journal: Scared

Tornado

It was a cool crisp fall evening and me and my parents were on our way home from the Burnsville Center. A light rain patters on our windshield as we drive down forty two and pass through modern suburbia. It seems awfully dark for 5 o'clock in the middle of the Summer but I chalk it up to being a cloudy day. A police car flies past us with its sirens blaring and its lights flashing. Suddenly a blinding light fills the car and it is as if the sky has been torn asunder. Our vehicle shakes violently as the thunder reverberates through the streets. I look up into the sky and it looks green and decayed as the clouds roil and boil like a thick stew. The low dull drone of the tornado sirens begins to echo through the sky as it moans out its forlorn baritone across the city. The officer has pulled over on the side of the road ahead and he is directing everyone off of the road. I look up at the sky and what I see has been an imaged burned into my mind for my whole life. I saw a funnel cloud forming above us in the sky. It was a furious looking cloud that was hanging low and then began to turn. From their I remember going to Carmike movie theatre and taking cover. The rest of the evening was a blur. That is why that night was the scariest night I have ever had.

Wordle: Football

Earlieat Childhood Memory

Disney World

My earliest childhood memory would have to be of my families trip to Disney World. I must have been five or six years old at the time and obviously I can't remember every detail but I do have some vivid memories, especially of some of the crazier rides. I'd have to say my favorite memory of that trip was going on space mountain with my older cousin Michelle and my grandma. Yes... My grandma. So those of you who don't know space mountain, its a roller coaster ride that starts off with you shooting through a tunnel, and then out into a big black room that lights up and flashes as you go through, as if traveling through space. Now I only saw the first big drop, after which I closed my eyes tight and held on to my grandma for dear life. All I remember is my Cousin having a great time and my poor grandmother yelling in Czech as we went whirling around. That trip was fun, and I had a blast. We made alot of good memories that trip, but the memory of me, my grandma, and my cousin going on space mountain is by far the most vivid one.

Sense Of Time Poem: Christmas

Christmas

Red, Green, White

Tinsel, Evergreens, and Snow

The Bitter Cold, and the Cozy Fires

The Sounds of Children Shouting for Joy and families Laughing Heartily

Smells like Cinnamon and Ham

Tastes like Christmas cookies and Egg Nogg

Christmas is a time for families to be together



Daily Journal: Empire of Japan

I am Samurai

        A woman walks out into the cold night air. Her hands are shaking from what just happened… I walk up slowly. The crunch of snow beneath my feet echoes in my ears as I slowly remove my katana from its scabbard. She notices me and looks as if shes about to scream, when one of my men grabs her tight and holds a hand over her mouth. He pulls her aside and I continue my slow advance towards the house. We have been tracking these raiders for many leagues, and now is our chance to strike. Our men have this hill surrounded, and my troupe of samurai are dispatching with the rest of the rebels in their camps. They are drunk and lazy after their conquest of the town below. The leader of these dogs is holed up in the governors house atop this hill. We enter the main hall and my men quickly dispatch of the two guards at the door. Our blades are sharp and slice through these heathens easily. I hear a scream pierce the silence from upstairs. I make my way quickly and quietly up the steps. The scene of the governors room is one of butchery and horror. He lies dead upon his bed, stabbed countless times. I turn my attention to the room of his daughter where the sounds of a scuffle and a woman's screams are emanating. I see the bandit leader standing above the governess. I thrust my blade deep into his back. His blood pours over my hand like the sake spilled in celebration at my wedding last spring. As he falls I see my wife lying down in a beautiful green field before me, as cherry blossoms dance lightly in the wind. The image quickly fades as the young governess before me shouts and recoils in fear. I reach my hand out, and she retreats further into the corner and curls herself into a ball. I sometimes forget what I am. I remove my demon's face and pull off my helmet and set them on the floor. I pull her up and carry her in my arms down the steps to her mother waiting with my men outside. She weeps and takes her daughter from me. She falls to the ground with her as they embrace, both of them with tears of joy, and sadness stream across their faces. The governor's wife bows her head and thanks me as I gather my men and we make our way down the hill. I long for a chance to return to my home and be with my family. My wife writes me that we have a son born this fall. I want to be their to see him grow up and teach him the ways of our people. I look back over my shoulder up the hill and see the figures still holding onto each other... As long as men such as this can be allowed to roam the land my work shall not be done. I replace my face and place my helm upon my head. I am Samurai.



Parts of Speech Poem: Weight Room

The Weight-Room

Hard and Heavy

Working and Sweating

The Equalizer

Daily Journal: Free Write

I don't really know what to write about for this journal. It's our first without a prompt. I guess I could talk about my week but that'd be uninteresting.

It's eye popping to see the turmoil in the Middle East. I am very supportive of the people if they want to strive for a more democratic state. I just hope that those in power treat the populace well. Reports have come out of the military in Egypt using the same tactics of oppression and violence that president Mubarak used while he was in power. It's disheartening to see a people unified, who overcame a common goal, only to be put back in "their place" by those who fill the power vacuum. To see the populist sentiment spread to other countries in the middle east shows you the power of the democratic ideal, as well as the influence social networking can have on a nation. I am pleased to see that the people in this region are ready to throw off their shackles and persure democracy. The only question left to be answered is who will fill the seat of the new presidency. With the Muslim Brotherhood wanting to establish itself as a political party in Egypt, many believe a presidential candidate won't be far behind, and with past elections as examples, some in the west are wary of how fair this elections will be.

CINQUAIN about a Dog

Dog

Rover

Caught a squirrel

In our enormous yard

And brought it back to me with fleas

Poor Dog



Daily Journal: Waking Up

War

I wake up and try to take a deep breath, but the deeper the breath the more severe the pain. The ground is hard beneath my back, and I feel a dull pain in my arm… I slowly pull myself up from the muck. I can feel the rumble of artillery falling around me as I make my way to the lip of the shell hole. I look about and see nothing but dust and dirt as the earth heaves into the sky. Like a roiling ocean it sprays its contents into the air with each successive eruption. Suddenly it is soundless. I drag myself up once more and begin to hobble... to where I cannot say... I look at my arm and notice the shell fragment protruding from it, it has cut into my side as well, puncturing my lung. I wince with pain as I pull my arm away from my side, and drag out the sharp piece of metal. I pray that I die soon.... I have seen wounds such as this, and have seen the men writhing in pain, while slowly dying from infection. I sit by on the stump of an old oak tree. I take out my flask and take a long swig of whiskey... It slowly starts to dull the pain. I look around at the field in which I sit. This war.... what is the point of it all?



Metaphor:Football and War

Football

People don't realise the many similarities between football and war
We draw up battle plans and execute with a cold efficiency
My job is to take a human being and attempt to break them down physically and mentally play after play
Like troop formations we change our own formations and attack from every feasible angle
On any given play my job is either to drop back and protect my QB like defensive lines in an army protecting their HQ or I need to charge forward and destroy my enemy by any means necessary. I use my size and strength while the army uses troops tanks and planes.
In military band of brothers it takes a special bond to go to battle with the man next you and think nothing of your own  safety...
In football you throw your body time and again at your opponents. You must have a special bond between you on the guys next to you, forged from hours of blood sweat and tears, in order to ignore the pain and suffering and go once more into the breach.

Daily Journal: Best Freind

One of my best friends is Max Apple. From the Summer heat and two a days to our time on the football field, through winter lifting and hanging out, to spring break and early summer. We go through everything together. We have countless stories of our exploits. From the time we spent riding our bikes around town to when I got my first car and we were the big shots on the block. What I think makes max one of my best friends is the fact that, over time, we have become almost like brothers. We know each other extremely well and are able to tell what were feeling. We've gone on dates with our girlfriends together, hung out together bled together and fought together. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side if I knew I had to go into battle because I know Max would be willing to go that extra mile with me.

Autumn Simile Poem

Autumn

The cold wind blows like a shifting cool stream

The leaves begin to turn color like the mysterious chameleon

They fall in bunches like the apples ripe for picking

They litter the ground like a fresh snow fall, blanketing the earth

The sun shines low like a dimmed lantern in the dark

So are the ways of the shifting of the Seasons, Summer gone to Autumn

Simile Practice

1. A calendar is like a mirror because it can show you the world.
2. A sandwich is like a person because they are all unique.
3. An ice cube is like a cookie because they both disapear when taken out of their container.
4. A knife is like a whisper because each can cut you deeply.
5. Kissing is like a careful collision because it is organized chaos.

Daily Journal: A New World

New World

Out of the dark we came into the light. We descended from the black depths and the saw the light for the first time. The year is 2127 and the world has been destroyed by a nuclear war. We few people survived in an underground shelter in the hills of Yellowstone. There was no trumpet to herald our return only the squeal of infants not used to the sunshine on their faces. We traveled far and wide in search of something, anything. This new world is dangerous and only the crafty survive. You must be careful of everything you eat and everything you drink. We are able to purify our water but when were done it reeks of chlorine and chemicals. We are able to clean our food in much the same way but it must be turned into a paste that is then drank through a straw. Life is harsh on the surface. We head east for the twin cities, fires still rage across the western plains.

Transition Poem : America

America

Brand New World

Ruff Transition

Subjugation

Unfair Taxation

Tea Tossed

Boston Lost

New Congress Talked

Militias Fought

New Freedom Won

By The Gun

Independence We Own

New Flag Flown

 

The Most Beautiful Place

In order to see the most beautiful place for me your going to have to visit Europe. Don't get me wrong, I love my country but I also love history, and if you want to visit a place steeped in both history and culture your going to have to travel to Europe. Now when in Europe some of the most amazing places to visit are the old Gothic cathedrals. The architecture and art within combined with the knowledge of the sheer manpower and force of will that went into building these structures in the name of God is simply awe inspiring. When confronted with a building that seems to scrape the sky above you that was constructed in the name of religion by thousands and then can walk up and see the most minute of details carved on the facade you really begin to see how major a role religion played in these peoples lives. The most famous of these would most likely be Notre Dame in Paris. So my perfect place would be a trip to Paris in the winter, sitting in that historic city with the clash of modern and ancient architecture wit ha gentle snow falling as a backdrop. That would be amazing.

Bucket List

1. go to the Superbowl
2. visit Rome
3. visit Paris
4. visit Berlin
5. visit London
6. spend a week in Prague
7. go on a cruise
8. get married
9. spend more time with my religion
10. go to the Rosebowl
11. see the BCS national championship game
12. learn Czech
13. expand my German
14. learn French
15. visit the Louve
16. have kids
17. help build my own home
18. learn how to work on cars
19. go hunting
20. enjoy life!

Limerick About After School

I watched a movie called shogun
Before my homework id begun
My mom had to shout
Like a big thunder cloud
I started before I had my neck rung

A Day in the Life 10 Years From Now

Its Wednesday, February 9, 2021

I roll out of bed, trying not to disturb my wife. I look at the clock, 5 o'clock sharp. I sigh, "always an early riser". Ever since my time in college football I can't help but naturally wake up at 5am. I slowly make my way downstairs. My dog sparky flops up to me and plops down by my side as I put some bread in the toaster. I open the window in front of me and feel the cool crisp are wash over me as it brings me back to life. I see the quaint suburban town before me, all the solar panels on the roofs glinting as the sun slowly rises in the distance. A car whirs by, almost without a sound. I reminisce of the days when gas powered cars ruled the pavement rumbling along spewing pollutants into the sky. Now those old things are considered antiques. These new electric cars are more efficient and friendlier to our planet anyways. I walk over to my coach and wave my hand to bring up my remote for the television. The new interface allows me to control it with just a few gestures of my hand. I bring it on as the image covers a wall of my living room. I change it to the news. Fighting still engulfs the world in the east. China fighting the Coalition of Japan... and we've still got our nose in Middle Eastern affairs. I look at the clock, time for work. I make my way to my room to tell my wife that I'm leaving. I kiss on the forehead as her eyes lull open and she focuses on my face. "I love you babe", "You too hunny" she says as she rolls back over and falls back into sleep. I grab my piece of toast and pat spaky's head as I walk into my garage. I grab my pistol from the wall and put it into its holster snug under my arm. I clip on my CIA badge and get into my car, off to work.

Ode to the Football Field

Football Field

The grass so familiar

The smells more like home

Where the battles of my life I've won

Where I compete tooth and nail with my adversaries

Where the crowd cheers me onward

Where I stand with my brothers, shoulder to shoulder

The Friday night lights shining down on me

My community watching my every move

Spotlight, Limelight

We Must Protect This House!

An Embarassing Moment

When I was a little boy there was a time that I mistook someone else for my Mother. It was at Disney World in Orlando Florida and we were waiting in lien for an attraction. It was a pretty long day and I was getting tired. I walked up to a lady who I presumed was my mom and put my arm around her waist and laid my head on her shoulder. She said excuse me young man, but are you alright? Boy did I get a start. I of course quickly apologised and told the woman that I thought she was my mom. Of course my mother was standing a few feet away laughing hysterically. So that's one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.... at least of the ones I want to share!

Why did I take this class?

I took this class because I enjoy writing. I like to express my ideas and thoughts and write what I feel. I also want to get better at writing. I am not the best writer when it comes to assigned work and I know that the only way to get better at something is to practice it and so I took a writing class to hopefully do something I enjoy and improve my craft.

Auto-Bio Poem

Sean

Massive, Friendly, Caring, Religious

Son of Jan

Lover of Family, God, Brittni, Freedom

Who Feels at home on the field

Who Needs time to be alone

Who Gives all that he can

Who Fears failing those he cares about

Who Would like to see a day of peace

Resident of Eagan

Duchek

Story Prompt: Lion and Zebra

I feel the sweat trickle down my back streaming into cool pools beneath my tunic. I slowly remove my helmet clearing my vision. The Beast returns to stalking its original prey and circles slowly. I see fear in the poor creatures eyes, it knows even better than I what is to come. The Lion pounces on the animal... it is no more. I can't help but wonder, out here, in this foreign land. Who is the Lion and who is the Zebra? I bend down and fill my water flask in the oasis as the Lion happily enjoys its meal. I wash the blood from my chain and pull it back over my body. This war is not my war. They told me it was for God... if God really knew what was happening here he would rather not be offered the sacrifice.

Daily Lyrics Assignment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCWdCKPtnYE

"The Times They Are A Changing"
Bob Dylan

1. I chose this song because I like the sound of it and the emotions it makes me feel. I first heard it in the movie Watchmen which is now one of my favorite movies.

2. It's describing a great change happening and begging people not to cling to their old ways and fight the process but to work through it. Written during the 1960's it became an anti establishmentary song. "An anthem for the hippie movement"

3. The structure is normal? It seems to have a rhyming pattern every few lines.

4. The tone sounds almost sad and remorseful but at the same time pleading. The person singing has accepted whats happening and is trying to tell people around them to do the same.

5. The lesson is that you either accept the changes and adapt or you are going to be left by the wayside.

6. To try and get people in power and the "authority figures" in our lives to understand that the young people in this country are changing and they need to accept that.

Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesies with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is

Two A Days Haiku

Blood Sweat Tears and Pain

Summer Sun Blistering Over

Whistle, Run, Work to Win

Thank You Note

Dear Mom and Dad,


I know I may not always be the best son. I'm defiant moody and often get upset with you guys. I know you guys love me and care about me and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your support. You have always been there for me no matter what. I know I've made many mistakes in the past but you are always there to comfort me and help me work through it. I know many  parents just get upset and push their kids away but you guys stop, listen to me, and help me through my problems.

I know this college recruiting process has been a pretty big stress on the family but I know that without you guys there every step of the way I never would have been able to make it through. From waking me up at 6:30 in the morning to get to lifting in the summer, to coming to all my games, without your guys support I would have never been able to accomplish my goals and become the man I am today.

Thank You

Memorable Events

I may only be 18 years old but my life has seen some pretty crazy events. I've been to Europe and seen where my father grew up. I've played in the state section finals game. Ive been on mission trips to New Orleans and Chicago. I've have met so many people that you wouldn't believe the number of stories I have. I have seen kids living in poverty and families in disarray. I have built houses and fed starving children. My life is a crazy story of a bunch of events.