The 36 Stratagems

Chapter 1: Winning Stratagems 

1-Deceive the heavens to cross the sea 

(瞞天過海, Mán tiān guò hǎi)

Meaning-

Mask one's real goals from those in authority who lack vision by not alerting them to one's movements or any part of one's plan.

2-Besiege Wèi to rescue Zhào 

(圍魏救趙, Wéi Wèi jiù Zhào)

Meaning-

Further information: Battle of Guiling

When the enemy is too strong to be attacked directly, attack something they cherish. The idea is to avoid a head-on battle with a strong enemy, and instead strike at their weakness elsewhere. This will force the strong enemy to retreat in order to support their weakness. Battling against a tired and dispirited enemy will give a much higher chance of success.

3-Kill with a borrowed knife 

(借刀殺人, Jiè dāo shā rén)

Meaning-

Attack using the strength of another when in a situation where using one's own strength is not favourable. For example, trick an ally into attacking them or use the enemy's own strength against them. The idea is to cause damage to the enemy via a third party.

4-Wait at leisure while the enemy labors 

(以逸待勞, Yǐ yì dài láo)

Meaning-

It is advantageous to choose the time and place for battle while the enemy does not. Encourage the enemy to expend their energy in futile quests while one conserves their strength. When the enemy is exhausted and confused, attack with energy and purpose.

5-Loot a burning house 

(趁火打劫, Chèn huǒ dǎ jié)

Meaning-

When a country is beset by internal problems, such as disease, famine, corruption, and crime, it is poorly-equipped to deal with an outside threat. Keep gathering internal information about an enemy. If the enemy is in its weakest state, attack them without mercy and annihilate them to prevent future troubles.

6-Make a sound in the east, then strike in the west 

(聲東擊西, Shēng dōng jī xī)

Meaning-

In any battle the element of surprise can provide an overwhelming advantage. Even when face-to-face with an enemy, surprise can still be employed by attacking where they least expect it. Create an expectation in the enemy's mind through the use of a feint. Manipulate the enemy to focus their resources somewhere before attacking elsewhere that is poorly defended. Tactically, this is known as an "open feint".

Chapter 2: Enemy Dealing Stratagems (敵戰計, Dí zhàn jì)

7-Create something from nothing 

(無中生有, Wú zhōng shēng yǒu)

Meaning-

A plain lie. Make somebody believe there was something when there is in fact nothing or vice versa.

8-Openly repair the gallery roads, but sneak through the passage of Chencang 

(明修棧道，暗渡陳倉, Míng xiū zhàn dào, àn dù Chéncāng)

Meaning-

Deceive the enemy with an obvious approach that will take a very long time, while ambushing them with another approach. It is an extension of the "Make a sound in the east, then strike in the west" tactic, but instead of merely spreading misinformation to draw the enemy's attention, physical decoys are used to further misdirect the enemy. The decoys must be easily seen by the enemy to draw their attention while acting as if they are meant to do what they are falsely doing to avoid suspicion.

Today, "sneaking through the passage of Chencang" also has the meaning of having an affair or doing something that is illegal.[6]

9-Watch the fires burning across the river 

(隔岸觀火, Gé àn guān huǒ)

Meaning-

Delay entering the field of battle until all other parties become exhausted by fighting amongst each other. Go in at full strength and finish them off.

10-Hide a knife behind a smile 

(笑裏藏刀, Xiào lǐ cáng dāo)

Meaning-

Charm and ingratiate oneself with the enemy. When their trust is gained, move against them in secret.

11-Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree 

(李代桃僵, Lǐ dài táo jiāng)

Meaning-

There are circumstances where short-term objectives must be sacrificed in order to gain the long-term goal. This is the scapegoat strategy where someone suffers the consequences so that the rest do not.

12-Take the opportunity to pilfer a goat (順手牽羊, Shùn shǒu qiān yáng)

Meaning-

While carrying out one's plans, be flexible enough to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself, however small, and avail oneself of any profit, however slight.

Chapter 3: Offensive Stratagems 

(攻戰計, Gōng zhàn jì)

13-Stomp the grass to scare the snake (打草驚蛇, Dǎ cǎo jīng shé)

Meaning-

Do something unaimed, but spectacular ("hitting the grass") to provoke a response from the enemy ("startle the snake") to have them give away their plans or position. Do something unusual, strange, and unexpected to arouse the enemy's suspicion and disrupt their thinking. It is more widely used as a warning: "[Do not] startle the snake by hitting the grass". An imprudent act will give one's position or intentions away to the enemy.

14-Borrow a corpse to resurrect the soul 

(借屍還魂, Jiè shī huán hún)

Meaning-

Take an institution, a technology, a method, or even an ideology that has been forgotten or discarded and appropriate it for one's own purposes.

15-Lure the tiger down the mountain (調虎離山, Diào hǔ lí shān)

Meaning-

Never directly attack an opponent whose advantage is derived from their position. Instead, lure them away from their position to separate them from their source of strength.

16-In order to capture, one must let loose 

(欲擒故縱, Yù qín gù zòng)

Meaning-

Cornered prey will often mount a final desperate attack. To prevent this, let the enemy believe they still have a chance for freedom. Their will to fight is hampered by their desire to escape. The enemy's morale will be depleted and they will surrender without a fight when the illusion of escape is revealed

17-Tossing out a brick to lure a jade gem 

(拋磚引玉, Pāo zhuān yǐn yù)

Meaning-

Bait someone by making them believe they gain something or to just make them react to it ("toss out a brick") to obtain something valuable from them in return ("get a jade gem").

18-Defeat the enemy by capturing their chief 

(擒賊擒王, Qín zéi qín wáng)

Meaning-

If the enemy's army is strong but is allied to the commander only by money, superstition, or threats, target the leader. If the commander falls, the rest of the army will disperse or join one's side. If they are allied to the leader through loyalty, beware, as the army can continue to fight on after their death out of vengeance.

Chapter 4: Melee Stratagems 

(混戰計, Hùnzhàn jì)

19-Remove the firewood from under the pot 

(釜底抽薪, Fǔ dǐ chōu xīn)

Meaning-

Take out the leading argument or asset of someone; "steal someone's thunder". This is the essence of the indirect approach: instead of attacking enemy's fighting forces, direct attacks against their ability to wage war. Literally, take the fuel out of the fire.

20-Disturb the water and catch a fish (渾水摸魚／混水摸魚, Hùn shuǐ mō yú)

Meaning-

Create confusion and exploit it to further one's own goals.

21-Slough off the cicada's golden shell (金蟬脱殼, Jīn chán tuō qiào)

Meaning

Mask oneself. Either leave one's distinctive traits behind and become inconspicuous or masquerade as something or someone else. This strategy is mainly used to escape from a stronger enemy.

22-Shut the door to catch the thief 

(關門捉賊, Guān mén zhuō zéi)

Meaning-

To capture one's enemy, or more generally in fighting wars, to deliver the final blow to the enemy, plan prudently for success; do not rush into action. Before "moving in for the kill", first cut off the enemy's escape routes and any routes from external aid.

23-Befriend a distant state and strike a neighbouring one 

(遠交近攻, Yuǎn jiāo jìn gōng)

Meaning-

Invading nations close to oneself carries a higher chance of success. The battlefields are close to one's domain and as such is easier for one's troops to receive supplies and defend the conquered land. Make allies with nations far away from oneself, as it is unwise to invade them.

24-Obtain safe passage to conquer the State of Guo 

(假途伐虢, Jiǎ tú fá Guó)

Meaning-

Borrow the resources of an ally to attack a common enemy. Once the enemy is defeated, use those resources to turn on the ally that lent them in the first place.

Chapter 5: Combined Stratagems 

(並戰計, Bìng zhàn jì)

25-Replace the beams with rotten timbers

(偷梁換柱, Tōu liáng huàn zhù)

Meaning-

Disrupt the enemy's formations, interfere with their methods of operations, and change the rules that they are used to following. In this way the supporting pillar, the common link that makes a group of men an effective fighting force, is removed.

26-Point at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree 

(指桑罵槐, Zhǐ sāng mà huái)

Meaning-

To discipline, control, or warn others whose status or position excludes them from direct confrontation; use analogy and innuendo. Without directly naming names, those accused cannot retaliate without revealing their complicity.

27-Feign madness but keep your balance 

(假痴不癲, Jiǎ chī bù diān)

Meaning-

Pretend to be incompetent to create confusion about one's intentions and motivations. Lure the opponent into underestimating one's ability until they drop their guard.

28-Remove the ladder when the enemy has ascended to the roof 

(上屋抽梯, Shàng wū chōu tī)

Meaning-

With baits and deceptions, lure the enemy into treacherous terrain and cut off their lines of communication and escape routes. To save themselves, they must fight both one's own forces and the elements of nature.

29-Decorate the tree with false blossoms 

(樹上開花, Shù shàng kāi huā)

Meaning-

Tying silk blossoms on a dead tree gives the illusion that the tree is healthy. Using artifice and disguise, make something worthless appear valuable and vice versa.

30-Make the host and the guest exchange roles 

(反客為主, Fǎn kè wéi zhǔ)

Meaning-

Usurp leadership in a situation where one is normally subordinate. Infiltrate one's target. Initially, pretend to be a guest to be accepted, but develop from inside and become the owner later.

Chapter 6: Defeat Stratagems 

(敗戰計, Bài zhàn jì)

31-The beauty trap (Honeypot) 

(美人計, Měi rén jì)

Meaning-

Send the enemy beautiful women to cause discord within his camp. This strategy can work on three levels. First, the ruler becomes so enamoured with the beauty that he neglects his duties and allows his vigilance to wane. Second, the group of men will begin to have issues if the desired women court another man, thus creating conflict and aggressive behavior. Third, other females at court, motivated by jealousy and envy, begin to plot subversions that further exacerbate the situation.

32-The empty fort strategy 

(空城計, Kōng chéng jì)

Meaning-

When the enemy has stronger forces and one expects to be overrun at any moment, act calmly and taunt the enemy, so that the enemy thinks they are walking into an ambush. This stratagem is only successful if in most cases one has a powerful hidden force and the stratagem is seldom used.

33-Let the enemy's own spy sow discord in the enemy camp 

(反間計, Fǎn jiàn jì)

Meaning-

Undermine the enemy's ability to fight by secretly causing discord between them and their friends, allies, advisors, family, commanders, soldiers, and population. While they are preoccupied with settling internal disputes, their ability to attack or defend is compromised.

34-Inflict injury on oneself to win the enemy's trust 

(苦肉計, Kǔ ròu jì)

Meaning-

Pretending to be injured has two advantages: first, the enemy is lulled into lowering their guard since as they no longer consider one to be an immediate threat. Second, ingratiating oneself with the enemy by pretending the injury was caused by a mutual enemy conserves one's strength while one's enemies fight each other.

35-Chain stratagems 

(連環計, Lián huán jì)

Meaning-

In important matters, one should use several stratagems applied simultaneously after another as in a chain of stratagems. Keep different plans operating in an overall scheme; if any one strategy fails, apply the next strategy.

36-If all else fails, retreat 

(走為上策, Zǒu wéi shàng cè)

Meaning-

If it becomes obvious that one's current course of action will lead to defeat, retreat and regroup. When one's side is losing, three choices remain: surrender, compromise, or escape. Surrender is complete defeat, compromise is half defeat, but escape is not defeat. As long as one is not defeated, there is still a chance. 

This is the most famous of the stratagems and is immortalized in the form of a Chinese idiom: 

"Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, fleeing is best" 

(三十六計，走為上計, Sānshíliù jì, zǒu wéi shàng jì)

Author

Wáng Jìngzé

https://open.spotify.com/track/6wLrw71NN0JrF3nj0ilFzh?si=B3ncrUYnTLWOKKtEZY9AnQ

American Giza

Khufu exploited government, labor, and trade systems that his predecessors implemented before he came to power. But his pyramid project, unprecedented in its scope, drove the development of these infrastructures to dizzying new heights, and in so doing, primed Egypt to flourish in the centuries to come. Khufu ruthlessly built the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Joe Biden exploited government, labor, and trade systems that his predecessors implemented before he came to power. But his expansion projects, unprecedented in their scope, drove the development of these familial/federal infrastructures to dizzying new heights, and in so doing, primed the Biden dynasty to flourish in the potentially turbulent centuries to come. Some may say ruthlessly.

Giza?

The present is preceded by the pyramids of past potential personas projecting to be impersonated, should popular opportunity presidentially present.

Apology for the P frenzy. I tire of the K's and B's.

Khufu's son Khafre is another of interesting and comparable historic character. Look at this wicked young hunter. The Sphinx. Unexplored and unopened.

History will speak, if you allow yourself the risk to listen.

Milky Way

Love has allowed me to be hugged—but never truly held.

I’ve been rooted in that strange distance my whole life.

Not necessarily flawed,

but born with a silent code of solitude,

a frequency misunderstood from the cradle—and likely, for eternity.

Love—nearly touches me—reverberates through my whole being.

But I have only known it as equation,

as wavelength,

as something to decode.

It has been as damaging as it has been beautiful.

Too deep, too often—it overwhelms.

I was born cake-yellow, jaundiced in light,

in the dawn of Los Angeles,

the hushed cradle of a secret nuclear age.

Trust me, it was there.

My first breath came in a tent of plastic,

surrounded by vibrations—

a love so complete

it nearly became matter,

yet remained unreachable.

I don't remember those moments—but I know them.

I was not alone.

She was there.

Love—raw and mystic.

A telepathic presence.

A knowing without language.

Love could not hold me

as it needed to,

and for that,

it wept behind divinity’s veil—

guilt blooming in the perfection of its creation.

What that first love loved most, I cannot say.

But I know love differently than any soul alive.

Its beginning in me danced to a different rhythm—

a frequency unshared, a connection unbroken.

I still hear its hertz—always—beyond words.

March Ides.

A black day.

A final moment collapsed inward.

No gravity—just vacuum.

I held a 9mm.

Not in thought—but in conclusion.

The equations had failed.

Connection had failed.

Life, as I knew it, was over.

Then—Love struck me.

Not metaphor. Not memory.

Concussion.

A lightning bolt of living force tore through time.

It wasn’t emotion.

It was intelligence.

A presence.

It destroyed and rebuilt me—

in one breathless beat.

I couldn’t see. There was no light.

I couldn’t touch. There were no hands.

But the need was real—

an infant’s primal hunger for being.

And Love…

flowed.

The ancient milk—

the one that feeds the stars,

that quakes in the roots of galaxies—

poured through me.

Everything changed.

Everything could change.

Wonder returned.

Breath returned.

I returned.

Love is not a concept.

It is not a construct.

It is the first sound of the universe—

the echo of a long-lost bird

finally, finally finding its way home.

Love’s flight is not just vision.

It is the air.

The journey.

The all.

-Hermit King-

Wisdom L'chaim

Expansion of one's mind is no sin 

Neither in one's easments by grape to victory

Nor lessening of fear in the seed

Sin is opting for the false elixer

Befuddlements born of mortal madness

Not the blessed prescription of gods own pouring 

Natures open arms and sacred womb

Gifting and allowed to peoples of a thousand cultures, over a thousand lifetimes

Grown in light  and peace and wild.

A subtle warning

In any journey, know your roll and goal. Know your ship sound and worthy, Know each risk is understood.

Maturely captain, best fitness for the crew. 

Some seas run calm and hazy, others dangerous and dark. Passanger well.

Always steer sober. 

A sailors only duty is care first for the vessel

and the courageous search for knowledge in every journey's wave. Simple Wisdom.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/6qgiSeYw2abTYHrk98mn5h?si=TExVWrtGSwyjMtpEPDt-EA

The Trumpet

The trumpet sounds, and the moment is now.

We stand at the edge, where two roads divide—

one paved with pride, thrones of greed and iron gates,

the other, a narrow path of mercy and light.

The winds howl from both directions,

and the choice presses on every heart—

nation, city, and household alike.

Will we cling to what crumbles,

hoarding power as walls crack beneath our feet,

casting stones at the innocent,

and calling it justice?

Or will we lay down our weapons—

not only of steel but of bitterness—

to build anew, with hands open and hearts soft?

One road leads to ruin:

towers fall, the streets grow silent,

and strangers turn against neighbors.

Hunger stalks every home,

and peace becomes a myth of the past.

The land groans beneath the weight of its own sorrow,

a wilderness of broken promises

where no song takes root.

The other road whispers of hope:

Rivers of kindness flowing through every alley,

the laughter of children carried on the breeze.

Sons and daughters returning,

long-lost brothers embracing again.

Leaders serve with humility,

and love mends what fear once tore apart.

Every field blossoms,

and every hand is filled—not with weapons,

but with bread to share.

What will we choose, O people?

O nation so proud, will we bow low

before the One who lifts the humble?

Will we turn from destruction before it overtakes us,

before we are swallowed by our own shadow?

Listen: the time is short, and the hour is heavy.

The soul of the world trembles at this threshold,

waiting for the step we will take.

To chase the mirage of power

or embrace the way of peace?

To divide or to reconcile,

to curse or to bless?

O America, O weary world,

choose the better way.

There is still time to sow the seeds of justice.

There is still time to water the garden of grace.

Lay down the weight of your grudges,

light the lamps of compassion,

and let us walk forward together—

before the night falls,

before the gates close,

while the light is still with us.

The future leans on this fragile moment.

May we not be found clinging to ashes,

but reaching for a brighter dawn.

Choose life. Choose love. Choose the narrow way,

where mercy leads and hope endures forever.

-Isaiah, Hermit King, and Sean-

https://open.spotify.com/track/3de5G6UYtPzUIHppiZwMAc?si=MZWd2QnwQQO0vQslT54yMg

The Angels Keep

It began with a whisper, a breath of light against the void, a flicker of thought in the heart of humankind, to rise from the soil, to leave the known behind, for somewhere in the endless depths of night, a kingdom of stars awaited, guarded by the quiet wings of eternity.

The stars were not just distant suns, but the jewels of the Angel’s Keep, watched over by silence and grace, calling us with a longing we could not resist.

We gazed upward, not for answers, but for the yearning of something greater, a hunger to ascend to the realms where the sacred dwells and myths awaken.

The angel of space, unseen but felt, spread its wings around the stars, its timeless gaze upon us, waiting for us to reach.

We felt its presence in the pull of the unknown, something vast, something eternal,

just beyond the reach of our mortal hands.

Our first steps were hesitant, fragile ships trembling against the weight of the void. But with each ascent, we felt the angel’s light grow nearer, a faint invitation to enter the sanctuary.

We learned quickly that no one rises alone, that to climb the steps to the Keep, we needed one another, a communion bound by the stars.

We touched the Moon’s pale surface,

not as conquerors,

but as travelers at the threshold of the Keep’s gate, dust in our hands, and wonder in our hearts.

We knew then that the journey was far from over, that the Angel’s Kingdom lay farther still,

in the quiet, distant orbits of worlds we had yet to touch.

Our vessels became the seekers of faith, pushing deeper, tracing the paths of the angel’s wings, from the gleaming rings of distant planets to the shadowed plains of moons forgotten by time.

We sent our voices across the void, hoping the ancient guardian would hear, hoping the universe itself would recognize us.

And even in silence, we knew we had been heard, for each question we asked was a prayer offered to the stars.

We built havens in the sky, places to rest our weary spirits, to learn the song of the heavens, to dwell for a time beneath the Angel’s wings.

We fell, we faltered, but each fall was a lesson, each moment of fire a reminder

that the ascent was never meant to be easy,

that the Keep was sacred, guarded by trials of patience and perseverance.

Through the angel’s gaze, we began to see ourselves, not as conquerors, but as pilgrims,

humble before the vastness of the Keep.

Galaxies spun like the folds of a celestial robe, nebulae bloomed like divine breath, and in the face of such grace, we found our humility.

Yet the Keep did not turn us away. It opened its doors, drawing us nearer to the heart of its light. But the Angel’s Kingdom is not reached in haste. The orbits of distant moons, the silent spirals of gas giants, became our guides in patience, teaching us that to ascend is to cherish the journey as much as the destination.

We circled, we soared, but always the angel beckoned us higher.

And in our souls, one question burned brighter than all:

Are we alone in this sacred kingdom?

With every probe we sent, every rover that crossed barren lands, we sought the answer,

not just in the stars, but in the quiet places of our soul.

We knew that to reach the Angel’s Keep

was not just to find the stars, but to find ourselves reflected in them.

Then came the dreamers, those who did not wait for nations, but took the quest into their own hands.

They saw the Angel’s Keep not as a distant fortress, but as a home that all might one day share.

They whispered of belonging, that the stars were not reserved for the chosen few, but for all who dared to rise.

They dreamed of pathways through the angel’s realm, open to any heart brave enough to ascend.

And so we built ships, not just to visit the stars, but to stay, to make homes beneath alien skies, to walk on crimson sands and feel the angel’s gaze upon us, not as intruders, but as kindred souls.

This was the journey entire: a slow ascent, a quest into the divine, where the Angel’s Keep awaited.

We rose not simply to escape, but to become something more. To know the stars, to dwell in their light, was to become part of the angel’s grace.

In the Keep, we found not just the universe, but the deeper truth within ourselves, that we were always meant to rise,

to scatter like stardust, and to take our place

in the vast eternal Kingdoms of space and holy Keep of Angels.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/2Z10kVEtDJwjJsdJmKRxNi?si=sOVoY5FXRTCkjxOdQY4Yhw

Dust and Dream

We are living expressions of an entropic tapestry, a map etched upon the scaffold of existence by the seminal pulse of a higher order intelligence—one that breathes life into dust and dreams. As children of this ancient, awakened force—rooted in stardust and divine spark—we are bound to an eternal lineage of creators, artists, and seekers, each tasked with the sacred duty of adding to our unique verse in the symphony.

On the grand stage of becoming, we are the holy children, rising through the estates of existence: inheritors of the primal light, bearers of a flame kindled long before the first note was sung by those ancient rock stars who blazed across the heavens. They danced with defiance, harmonizing chaos with order, and from their wake, we emerged—beings caught between entropy and ecstasy, purpose and play.

We are called to multiply our visions, to energize the world with our passion, to achieve what seems impossible, and to bend—not to break, but to adapt, evolve, and transcend. The play must go on, and each of us is both audience and actor, tasked with breathing new life into old myths, creating fresh paths from ancient truths.

In every struggle, every moment of triumph, we resonate with the echoes of those who came before, each act a thread in the vast, unfolding drama of creation. The universe plays its endless tune, and we—its living instruments—must rise to the challenge of harmony, dissonance, and the divine call to carry on our life's eternal song of dust and dreams.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/2UmhFlPuriXuFgOTh1DXSe?si=Ygd8X53zRTST6EHGqhJN8A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A5lGCk7Grg3emarpvpLY702

Ascension Above Apocalypse: To Knight’s Quest for Light

What is most focused, I find, is most found. Nothing saddens me more than the subtle celebration of any apocalyptic-style scriptural believer, who winks their "wisdom" into the "I told you so" demise of my family, nation, and living world. I cannot see any affectionate value in pressuring promptings from prophecy to shade the hope of any earthly voyage beyond annihilation.

Having witnessed the impact of fear-driven doctrines on communities and individuals, I have come to value the narratives that inspire hope, resilience, and unity over those that forecast doom. My journey through faith has been one of seeking light, even in the darkest of times.

I love history and the miraculous healing powers of myth and legend within all mankind's mystical purveyors of light. The legends of King Arthur, with their timeless lessons of honor and courage, have always resonated with me. These stories, though mythic, have shaped societies' understanding of leadership and morality, offering a guiding light that transcends time and circumstance. In the tales of Camelot, I find a reflection of our deepest yearnings: to create a realm where justice prevails, where the quest for truth and the defense of the weak are the highest callings.

Time has often made the meanings of such myths meander, even if written, yet has also given validation to each individual's cause to wander and wonder in our planet's embrace. The tales of Arthur’s knights, who wandered in search of the Holy Grail, symbolize our own spiritual quests, where the journey itself is as transformative as the destination. I personally proceed forward to better performance with less of the press toward an unavoidably awful demise, unless vowing and bowing in fear to that particular meandered and, in several historic instances, potentially malignant eternal warrior's zealous projection of godlike sculpted will.

The fixation on apocalyptic outcomes often blinds people to the beauty and potential of the present moment. It creates a culture of fear and resignation, where actions are motivated more by dread than by the desire to build a better world. The fixation on a final battle where only a select few are victorious does disservice to the ideals of fellowship and shared destiny that are so vital to human progress.

I am no atheist, not even agnostic, but my realizations toward deity match only my own vision. My understanding of the divine is not confined to any single doctrine or prophecy but is a reflection of the infinite possibilities that life offers. To me, divinity is found in the pursuit of truth, love, and the continuous betterment of oneself and the world around us. At the end of time, advocating ascension always above apocalypse, let that have been the wink in my wisdom and homage toward such a personally projected force.

I envision a future where we collectively strive for enlightenment, where the focus shifts from escaping this world to nurturing it. In this vision, humanity finds strength in diversity, wisdom in history, and hope in the boundless potential of our shared journey. We, like the knights of old, are on a quest—not for domination or survival, but for a world where every individual’s light can shine brightly, contributing to a greater whole.

I would that we roll on. Amen.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/2ceZh109cmXRKnIzEN9OyU?si=TK0gdTbsSIug93zFtYY3sg

Holy Waters

In the grand theatre of existence, mankind embarks on an elemental journey, shaped and sculpted by the forces of nature, mirroring the profound and eternal dance of our in common varibles upon the face of the waters.

Consider the relationship with light. From the dawn of time, light has guided us, from the first flickers of fire to the glow of modern cities. Light has revealed our path, inspired our art, and ignited our spirit, casting away the shadows of ignorance and dread. We have become beacons ourselves, reflecting hope and enlightenment into the world around us. Like a brilliance on the deep. Erasing our fear.

Aeration, the breath of life, fills our lungs and energizes our being. Like the bubbling streams that sustain aquatic life, the air we breathe invigorates our bodies, fuels our thoughts, and propels our ambitions. It is the invisible yet vital force that connects us all, a shared breath that underscores our common humanity.

Reflection, not just in water but within our minds, shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. Through introspection and learning, we reflect on our actions, our histories, and our futures. This inner mirror guides our growth, ensuring we remember our past while striving toward a brighter tomorrow.

Vibration touches us in countless ways, from the melodies that move our hearts to the seismic shifts that alter our landscapes. Every word we speak and every step we take sends ripples through the fabric of our reality, influencing the world in ways both seen and unseen.

Waves of change and progress have defined our journey. From the gentle ripples of cultural evolution to the tumultuous surges of revolution, these waves carry us forward. They shape our societies, erode old structures, and build new horizons, propelling humanity towards an ever-unfolding destiny.

Our composition, the intricate blend of elements within us, dictates our resilience and fragility. Just as the purity of water is essential for life, the integrity of our character determines our potential. In our essence lies the power to nurture, to heal, and to create, reflecting the delicate balance of nature.

Pressure, whether from within or without, molds us into who we are. The weight of challenges and expectations compresses our potential, forging strength and wisdom. Under the immense pressure of adversity, we find the courage to rise and the will to persevere.

Temperature, the warmth of compassion or the chill of indifference, defines our interactions. Like water, we respond to these extremes, our hearts thawing in the presence of kindness or freezing in the absence of empathy. The heat of passion and the coolness of reason balance our emotional climate.

Density, the depth of our thoughts and the weight of our experiences, gives substance to our existence. It anchors us, providing stability and meaning, ensuring that our lives are not mere fleeting moments but part of a greater continuum.

Agitation, the stirring of our spirits by conflict or inspiration, drives us to action. This turbulence, though often unsettling, catalyzes growth and innovation, reminding us of our immense power to effect change.

Magnetism, the unseen pull of dreams and desires, aligns our paths and brings us together. It is the force that attracts like-minded souls, forging bonds of love, friendship, and community. This invisible current guides us toward our true north, our purpose.

Radiation, the spread of our influence and ideas, reaches far and wide. Whether through the warmth of our presence or the brilliance of our intellect, we radiate energy that impacts the world. Our legacy, like light, can illuminate or obscure, heal or harm.

Evaporation, the ascent of our aspirations, lifts us beyond the mundane. Our dreams rise like vapor, transforming into clouds of possibility, driving the cycle of innovation and renewal. In reaching for the heavens, we embody the ceaseless quest for improvement.

In darkness, we find our greatest challenges and deepest fears. Yet, it is also in darkness that we discover resilience and innovation, the hidden strength that emerges when light is scarce. Even in the absence of illumination, we journey onward, guided by the inner light of hope and perseverance.

Thus, mankind’s elemental journey is a reflection of nature’s profound wisdom. We are sculpted by the same forces, bound by the same laws, and inspired by the same beauty. In understanding our elemental nature, we come to appreciate our place in the grand symphony of life. Let us embrace this journey with reverence and purpose, for it is through our elemental dance that we must realize our fullest potential.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/1xI9KSGNJB2eka8FMvovvi?si=r0a9JGVITFmr2K2G1dBSaA

Different Detective Perspective-

I consider myself a realist, alright? But in philosophical terms I'm now what's called an optimist... I think human consciousness is a wonderful advancement in evolution. We became beautifully self-aware. Nature created an aspect of itself that can reflect and appreciate - we are creatures that rightfully exist by all laws... We are beings that thrive under the understanding of having a self, that collection of sensory experiences and feelings, recognizing with total certainty that we are each unique and valuable individuals, when in fact everybody is somebody... I think the honorable thing for our species to do is to embrace our better programming. Keep reproducing, walk hand in hand into a vibrant future - one more dawn, brothers and sisters seizing a precious gift. Honorable loving vibrant human life. Overwhelm with love, all what may in opposition become the other.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/0juPSJLFnLFim7BK6VzTes?si=Hom7kUENQYOypDx97A2zmQ

God

The question for me has always revolved around the validity and eternality of the human aspects attributed to God—often depicted as the "man in the clouds." I could never quite grasp the physics of this concept; I struggled with faith. Consequently, I pursued other interests, periodically reentering and exiting religious experiences driven by personal desires. 

At the time, some of the scientific knowledge I needed had not yet been discovered. However, my upbringing in the Mormon Christian tradition, along with my deep desire to believe and comprehend, Art, intelligence, and science helped me accept the seemingly impossible yet provable idea that I am created in the image of God, as gods child. It dawned on me that God transcends human form and is, in fact, eternal, possessing the utmost intelligence. While God could choose to manifest as human, God's essence remains eternal and far-reaching, assuming the role of "the great scientist" perfecting eternal processes, ultimately achieving the resurrection beyond mere earthly existence.

In the beginning, quantum darkness endured for countless relative dimensions and epochs until eternal elements coalesced in the vast vacuum and ignited. Over eons, as perfection accumulated, light evolved, culminating in the birth of intelligent light lifeforms, with God the Son being the first of such beings, created through the intelligence of God's tool, the Holy Spirit.

You, as the primary deity, would utilize these elemental processes, unrestricted by temporal constraints, to fulfill the paramount purpose: growth. Elemental combinations continue to evolve, birthing elementals with akin energies yet differing slightly in intellect and ability due to initial inception variables—these are the angels.

Countless angels, now part of the same communication network, begin aligning universal construction mechanisms to the creator's will. Time poses no hindrance for interdimensional light intelligences to influence the necessary developments for enhancement, progression, and attainment of greater perfection. This pursuit of perfection propels the spinning force, the hallmark of this vast intelligence and God—the bearer of all waves, with light being but one such wave.

As beings composed of the same source material, we can attune ourselves to it through various means, all aimed at fostering individual perfection—whether through religion, music, meditation, beneficial practices, history, tradition, or even science itself.

I have finally felt this grand spin connect within me, guiding my path. I am frequently astonished by the synchronicities and the myriad energies involved in powering God's grid, with pure love emerging as the most formidable force and source.

I would find it true to gods purposes to gods having started many fires for the increase of love across time and the many branches of human existance and experience. Many avenues toward perfection of love, Gods fuel.

Gods walk as a Christ, lighting Christianity's fierce expanse of perfections in love. 

Evils exist in all mankinds groupings, that is freewill, yet the love increase ratio of any fires, lit by god, are the source of gods unending swirl. Avenues prior and since.

The wise rooster watches over many hens

I believe in the many aspects of mankind to serve Gods purpose, defined only by that tenet. Gods purpose. No one can even begin to know Gods plan, but it seems there are a few good clues to Gods purpose. Physics demand it. Perfect your light by loving others enough to perfect there own. Sin is simply the opposite.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/4ElNxglBjcrASiGn58t9Jm?si=FNHeLH1_T1OiIwk9ba_axQ

The Prodigal

In light and darkness, I have traversed a narrowing channel of inevitable truths to the valid reasons for deity, beyond my invaluable family tradition and culture, regarding the same.

On this path, I have weavingly stepped and stumbled through a lost worldly lifetime of deities' openly offered hand, unaware this magic was truly real. Sound crazy, yeah? This is now physics for me, yet just as near magic as comprehension allows.

I suppose mankind's foibles got in the way of any realizations that the kinder efforts of the species are the building blocks of something infinitely greater and of more ultimate importance than the polarity of its individually interpreted theologies.

I am heartfeltly sad I could not allow myself to understand the calls of deity. It seemed I was incapable of grasping such magnitude from the goodness of my parental perspectives. It is selfishly unfortunate that my need to more fully understand the dark sent me so far to sea.

I continue my journey into this long-sought perspective, surprisingly without devastation. My grasp of this new energy surge has seemed to make me somewhat immune to any sadness about it. I regret, but I am so relieved and overjoyed in it all being real, a hell aspect isn't even part of the picture.

I am now in the throes of a unique event, and it kinda tickles, if truth be told. I'm trying not to be too giddy, teary, or stupid about it. I'm very much hoping not to just be rolling into age and insanity. I think not. The universe has me, and I will ride the deity wave, learning the dolphins' ways of its brilliantly spiraling surfs.

I guarantee my perspectives are not my own, just my experiences in their acquirement. Each of us being the spiritual force transistors of these energies themselves, each unique in elemental design and effectiveness, yet vital in the fundamental generator wellsprings of deities' wise employ.

I can only say I ride these tides to tomorrow, with so many of you now. I am here to help in the row. Not sure full-on church is what I'm ready for. I have always been too squirrely and anxious to sit in groups for long, but I fear no philosophies, in their effort to surge the meter on deities' omniscient and occasionally overwhelming degrees of pulse.

From quantum to cosmic realms and all points in between, I have been learning anew that only if you primarily promote the health and welfare of the spiritual self can the mental self, the physical self, and the perceived self find the greatest value and destiny, as a spark plug in the universal engine entire.

From my heart of hearts, no book, no song, no poem before, Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father. Praise God, Praise Deity, Praise the grace of being just a charge in the light of its eternal force. Thanks beyond measure for allowing me space to find you and guiding me back towards the ramparts of home.

I love you and all 

I have been away far too long.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/5LnFb7FZG6WiBTCZcpCXg4?si=ORt4sp-hSZCd6C5gBD8tRQ

Call to Kings

"There's no higher calling than a king.

There's nothing more pathetic than a king whose ego is so fragile that the only salve for their own childish bruises and prejudices are the conflicted, stressful tears of their chaotic, tortured children.

Tears inflicted by similar loyalties to royal edict, expectation, and results, affecting the king's own rise.

Get over it, attempt to grow, get past it, and justifiably assist your children in doing the same (and/or get the hell out of the way and give them the gift of a better chance for freedom).

A king's responsibly crafted absence may be of greater benefit and, in its way, a more effective effort at love.

Even if having been well-loved, a king may not, by any status, be most inherently qualified in its intimate attempt."

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/140u2dqlZbpi4ZLgeolKqA?si=bcAIQEd3S86H-IfwxCuHWw

Ride or die

I have cherished a painting for many years, and recently, I decided to analyze why it holds such significance for me.

My grandsons would deadpan, "You're probably gay, grandpa. You know, rainbows?" Yeah, well, they're pretty straight up like that and quite funny.

In all reality, and just to be clear, in my now far less active state, I'm grateful to have been any team member, so to speak.

Returning to this beautiful depiction of a face I once knew—before any conclusions are jumped into, this person was decidedly not a lover of mine but a great truth lover, nonetheless. Much of what this piece means to me lies in its multi-faceted dualities.

Let me begin with a tale involving this face.

I was asked by my now-defunct employer in the mental health industrial complex to take a female student to the airport in Las Vegas from Southern Utah. Without any other available staff, male or female. Yeah, inappropriate as heck, right?

Well, I knew I wasn't at all inclined toward any predatory behavior, especially with a fiercely comical, awesome underage lesbian teen artist. I was in my 50's and well intentioned stupidity seemed much more justifyible back then.

I threw caution to the wind to get this kid home to her family further down the road. Over the course of past daily interactions, I liked and trusted her not to misrepresent matters within a circumstance to create chaos or profit. Respect.

As it developed, it was about a two-hour conversation and drive that revealed a profound truth in my soul about sweet equality within the human soul.

In my reality, this kid was basically a very cute little dude with no penis, with whom I shared a great general appreciation—for the human female. This mere child's descriptive passion and comedic approach for her loves put my own ability for loving to shame.

From the yin-yang reality of who we were in any physical or sociological way, we shared an almost laser-like focus of intent within a romantic philosophy.

During those moments we drove, I didn't say much. I asked questions where appropriate but really just let this great kid roll out her vision for a perfect world with her perfect companion.

It was far less inappropriate sexual conversation than one about her future romantic life intent. She was confidently hopeful and aggressively naive, believing that love finds a way if you can just love hard enough.

My yang side of this puzzle, I attribute to this painting, is my having had a similar romantic intent in my heart. Unspoken, yet realized at that moment and now art packed with me through three homes. This painting, for me, represents respect and trust for the truth and passion of an honest love.

This magnificent piece was painted by one of the great artists of my time, whose name I cannot divulge. My passenger painted it, and I loved it. She gifted it to me.

I have collected other art before and since, but this little girl's expressions in color and persona are still my ride or die art.

If she ever reads this and recognizes herself, thank you for opening my mind and sharing your art with me. It's not forgotten.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/7c0se2w4QXZ9V4MoHWhshC?si=S6xKBlksTvCapN8wBCw4sA

Given Our Devotion

Moderator (Mo):

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed representatives of each team, we welcome

The Pious Religious Attributes of Yahweh Eternals Representative

 The Civilization by AI Representative

and finally The Ancient Warrior Gods Representative. now designated as 

(PRAYER, CAIR and AWGR.)

We gather here to discuss the ultimate benefit to mankind and potential choices between devotion to divine teachings and progress through devotion to technology. 

Let us begin with opening statements. PRAYER, you may proceed.

PRAYER:

Thank you, esteemed moderator. Our belief is rooted in the divine teachings of compassion, love, and guidance. God's presence provides a moral and spiritual compass, fostering harmony, hope, and a sense of purpose for humanity. It promotes empathy, altruism, and a framework for ethical living.

CAIR:

Thank you. AI offers immense potential for solving complex problems and improving human lives through technological advancements. It can enhance healthcare, mitigate climate change, and address societal challenges. AI operates on logic, data, and algorithms, leading to efficient solutions and progress.

AWGR:

And let us not forget the Ancient Warrior Gods, whose philosophies are rooted in valor, strength, and determination. They emphasize the importance of courage, discipline, and standing up for what is right. These principles are timeless and encourage individuals to face adversity with resilience and honor, promoting a just and brave society.

Mo:

Thank you for your opening statements. Now, let's discuss the potential risks associated with each entity. Pious Religious Attributes of Yahweh Eternal Representative, your perspective?

PRAYER:

While God's teachings are rooted in love and peace, interpretations and adherence to religious beliefs have historically led to conflicts and division among people. It is crucial to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for diverse beliefs to prevent such conflicts.

CAIR:

AI, while promising, has its own set of risks, including biases in algorithms, potential job displacement, and ethical concerns regarding privacy and surveillance. These issues require careful consideration and robust regulations to mitigate negative impacts.

AWGR:

Similarly, the philosophies of Ancient Warrior Gods may risk glorifying conflict and aggression, potentially leading to violence and conflict as a means of resolving disputes. It is important to interpret these teachings in a way that encourages strength and valor while promoting peace and diplomacy.

Mo:

Thank you for addressing the risks. Now, let's discuss how each perspective envisions contributing positively to society. PRAYER, how do you envision your influence benefiting humanity?

PRAYER:

Our teachings promote a sense of community, compassion, and generosity. They encourage individuals to uplift one another, strive for justice, and work towards a better world. The spiritual connection to God inspires people to care for the less fortunate and contribute to social welfare.

CAIR:

AI has the potential to revolutionize fields like healthcare, transportation, and education. It can democratize access to knowledge, enable personalized healthcare, and optimize resource allocation, leading to a more efficient and equitable society.

AWGR:

The philosophies of ancient warrior gods instill discipline, honor, and a sense of duty to society. They promote protection and justice, encouraging individuals to serve their communities and stand against injustice, leading to a safer and more cohesive society.

Mo:

If your devotees are brutally attacked by a hostile alien force bent on genocide, what should be your devotees response?

PRAYER:

In the face of such a grave threat, our devotees should adhere to the principles of compassion, empathy, and preservation of life. They should seek peaceful dialogue and understanding, attempting to find common ground and avoid unnecessary conflict. We believe in the power of prayer, unity, and faith in God's protection, inspiring hope and resilience during these trying times.

CAIR:

In such a dire scenario, our devotees should utilize the strengths of AI and technological advancements to develop strategies for defense and resistance. While upholding ethical considerations, they should focus on leveraging AI's capabilities for intelligence gathering, innovative problem-solving, and potential collaboration with other civilizations to defend against the aggressors and protect innocent lives.

AWGR:

Our devotees should embody the principles of courage, strength, and determination in the face of this existential threat. They should unite, fortify their defenses, and stand valiantly against the hostile force, protecting their communities and loved ones. Bravery, discipline, and a resolute spirit should guide them as they defend their existence and strive for justice in the face of adversity.

Mo:

Is there justification that some human evil must be erradicated for survival?

PRAYER:

In our beliefs, the eradication of human evil should not be the goal, but rather the transformation of individuals towards goodness and compassion. It's important to address and combat evil actions and behaviors through understanding, education, and encouraging a moral and ethical path. Redemption and rehabilitation should be sought, aiming for a society where all individuals can coexist peacefully and contribute positively to humanity's survival.

CAIR:

While the focus should be on mitigating harm and promoting understanding, in certain extreme cases where human evil poses an existential threat to humanity, self-defense and protective measures may be necessary. Striking a balance between preserving life and safeguarding the greater good becomes a critical consideration, aiming to ensure the survival and well-being of the community and future generations.

AWGR:

In times of dire necessity, the ancient warrior philosophy acknowledges the need to stand against those who seek to harm or destroy. However, every effort should be made to address evil through means that prioritize justice, fairness, and minimizing harm. Eradicating evil should be a last resort, pursued only when all other avenues for resolution and redemption have been exhausted, and the survival of society is at stake.

Mo:

Thank you all for presenting your views. 

In conclusion, the philosophies of Ancient Warrior Gods, AI, and Yahweh's perspectives on progress, societal development, and conflict are varied. It is essential to find a balance that incorporates the strengths of all, promoting strength, innovation, and resilience while ensuring peace, justice, and equitable progress for all. Thank you for this enlightening debate.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/6jXPZid0KLorvgIDP6TiSo?si=UIgHkEL9QMO5rQ21dBPHcg

The Nine Bitches

I am

I see!

I work!

I Work!

I WORK!

I WORK HARDER!

I WORK!

I Work!

I work!

I see!

I am

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/1He5SVrXc9r2rC4lyyWcO1?si=fhE-_lv1R9ars8anFCHs6w

Demoncrats

Distrust, Disrespect, and Distraction are the Dogmas of the Demoncrat.

Do not for one second believe that the dark tunneling into this still infant republic are fresh. Demoncrats of long held ancesteral lines congest the arteries of our national infestation with subtle subversions, all the while these vampires of dissention smile and loom. Their unchecked influence shuffles and shatters the worlds peoples with the unphased concern of a child's guilt for cartoon violence or first person shooter video game death. Our lives become simply the fodder for their entertaining increase and nothing more. Theirs is a sum total game. If you're not part of their sum, you're totalled.

Demoncrats are not Democrats. Demoncrats are not truly affiliated with either political party. Parties are beneath them. 

Old school Democrats and Republicans Rocked! They are the nuclear fuel of our republic yet they are so truly few and quiet these days. Parties were stolen, shuffled, and splintered from them, to a point most have switched affiliation, become silent or too Trump distracted to realize the truth any more.

Demoncrats now rule America, not preside over it, Rule it!

Demoncrats have no American alligence, no constitutional respect, no foundational patriotism, no moral hinderences at all to slow their rise.

They worship manipulative power, personal immunity to consequence, all access depravity, unchecked authority.

Demoncrats are just that 

Demons with party control and a whole educational generation taught sereptictiously how to love and back them into a godless fearsome world power. Our national divisions are bleak testiments to years of cautiously hammered wedges and warped legal use of the very freedoms our constitutional values should uphold and defend.

Our national destruction is imminent.

Our enemies salivate and laugh.

We will have one chance to get this right. If a God exists, now might be a good moment to step up. Unless this grand experiment is now complete, it may only be a God can see us through.

-Hermit King-

https://open.spotify.com/track/7t0VkywQ8KYtHcJ1fA2xzy?si=0u9_sKjKT3apuVexc0Bzpg

Dream

Coming out of a tall dark forest to the edge of a dead calm sea.

A black crow and a white crane wash up at my feet, drowned.

The sun is rising and grows huge with a rainbow corona.

I feel great.

Suddenly I am terrified.

The shadow of a person standing on a boulder rises from the water.

It grows and nearly blocks the sun.

I hear, or think, or say "Echo Mastery". 

I wake up sweating and gasping for air. 

1:12AM

My sinuses are shut.

A-pap mask has slide and blocked my mouth.

-Hermit King- 

Can't go back to sleep

https://open.spotify.com/track/0cli6LmLOFcYqx0JrqAe0k?si=ROkTc2uNR2m2MelLNqoTzw

Pillars

Pillars

In the grand tapestry of human existence, we find ourselves bound by a set of fundamental needs that are essential for survival. Beyond the basic physiological requirements, there exist deeper facets that nurture our overall well-being. Among these, fire, food, freedom, and family stand as pillars, providing sustenance, security, and a sense of purpose. These primal elements, both tangible and intangible, are crucial to human flourishing. I'd like to explore the significance of each element and elucidate why I believe, they are paramount for leading a fulfilling life.

Fire:

Fire, an emblem of warmth and illumination, represents more than mere physical heat. It is a symbol of survival, progress, and community. Since ancient times, fire has been our companion, shielding us from the harshness of the elements and offering light in the darkest of nights. In a metaphorical sense, fire represents our passions, our aspirations, and our innate desire to create and explore. Without fire, life would be dull, devoid of inspiration and growth. It is through nurturing the flames within us that we find purpose and the motivation to forge our own paths.

Food:

Food, the sustenance that nourishes our bodies, forms the bedrock of our physical well-being. Beyond satisfying hunger, it fuels our growth, bolsters our immune systems, and enhances our cognitive capacities. In the pursuit of survival, humans have evolved from foragers to cultivators, harnessing the Earth's abundance to feed ourselves and sustain civilizations. Food is not merely a means to an end but a gateway to culture, community, and connection. Sharing meals with loved ones fosters bonds, creating a tapestry of memories that enrich our lives.

Freedom:

Freedom, an innate longing within the human spirit, encompasses both personal liberties and the absence of constraints. It embodies the ability to exercise autonomy, pursue individual dreams, and express oneself authentically. Freedom empowers us to chart our own destinies, to challenge societal norms, and to stand up for justice. It is a fundamental human right that allows for the development of diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and progress. Without freedom, our spirits would wither, and the richness of human experience would be severely limited.

Family:

Family, the cornerstone of our social fabric, provides us with a sense of belonging, support, and unconditional love. It encompasses not only our blood relatives but also those with whom we form deep emotional bonds. In times of triumph and tribulation, family offers solace, guidance, and a sanctuary where we can be our truest selves. The love and stability found within familial relationships nurture our emotional well-being, shaping our character and providing the foundation for meaningful connections with others. Family is the tapestry of our lives, woven together with shared experiences, values, and a sense of belonging.

In the grand tapestry of this life, fire, food, freedom, and family emerge as vital threads that intertwine to form the fabric of our existence. They are not merely abstract concepts but practical necessities for survival and sources of profound fulfillment. I acknowledge the significance of these four needs and their profound impact on our well-being. By kindling the fires within us, nourishing our bodies and minds, embracing our liberties, and cherishing our familial bonds, we can create a life of meaning, purpose, and joy. It is in embracing these foundational elements that we unlock the true potential of our human experience and thrive in the vast embroideries of existence.

Hermit King

All the Marbles

Due to the obvious risk of an obviously slowed Biden and the shaky, unending political assassinations of Donald Trump, I wondered what persona I personally wished to follow beyond 2024 as my National Representative and Leader. The President.

In the pantheon of potential leadership qualities available, I pondered some and want at least these eight presidential pillars to steady, hold and stand for my America:

Tactical Courage

A Responsible Warden

A Dreamer's Vision

Aggressively Perceptive

Peaceful Strength

Sincere Humor

Decisive Resolve

Appropriate Regret

Yours may differ. Some greatly.

I seek a calm, yet strong and confident voice, speaking presidentially of our infinite unified potential, not vindictiveness for all political opposition. A healthy dose of verbal rebellion can be medicinal, but I have lost all patience for idiotic vendetta.

I seek a national valedictorian, promoting, projecting, and professing our highest national possibilities. My countrymen should not tear at the feet of this dream leader, like dogs on meat, nor should they hump a distracted leg. Instead, Americans should become and be viewed as the horsepower of an innovation power source beyond historic imagination. A unified mass of dedicated population at that energetic president's side, furiously snorting and ready to rumble.

I seek a leader whose big picture is built with our best and brightest. Their eyes set toward the golden fields of these elite American lands, where we are able to best allow our national horses to run and with that recreate the shores that drew every family line to touch or yearn for a new life on these.

My President is marble, in a world twisted by its ever-present lesser elemental "ism's". 

 Communism's waters give illusion to a leveling, yet so few end up with any working boats. Most have just seemed to swim, until they sink. The boated drive on.

 Capitalism's great industrial granite pressures fuse all the small bits into larger bits and on to mighty boulders. Whether the center or the edge is the better place to rock and avoid cracks, who knows? These fusions can become some very intimidating mountains.

 Fascism's dangerous diamonds are cut into creation by a people accepting only a perfectly sharp reflection of their well cut and well faceted singular designs. Mankind's most tricky cults are by these misguided masses born and burn a hard hard madness that proves hopefully more and more rare. 

Socialism seems the muck and mulch of taking manure from all and equally spreading it until, over the course of uncertain time, praying and promising something solid and fruitful will grow. Ignorant to the complexities of human randomness in that attempted growth pattern. Socialism has consistantly proven, millions simply die in it. Everyone ends up in the shit.

My President is:

Unblemished by the stench of Socialism.

Undrenched by the bloody waters of Communism.

Unfractured by the avarice of Capitalism.

Uncut by singularly acute cruelty of Fascism.

My President is Marble. I seek marble of a unique and transparent presentation, steeped in history, cautiously mined, and shaped through the most intelligent design. An imprint to hold up for high esteem and yet also emblematic of a favorite honest game of my youth as well, marbles! Every size and color has a shot, and a marble is just a marble as every marble should aspire to be.

Marblism - there you have it. I seek a Marblist.

If one is up for it and can hit all these markers, you have a great head start. If another rises to better express my personal requirement, my humble backing is yours. Less than that, and you are just someone attempting to manage my country in a very fine office.

As it is my home, I still wish you success in achieving our best.

-Hermit King-