Harmonies upon the Heart

Harmonies upon the Heart

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Music lays light upon the heart

And shreds the confines of our conflicted sensibilities

To expose the raw and accentuate the essence

Encompassing complete serenity and desolation

Awareness both vast and immediate

A clash of thoughts mingle

Composing novel patterns

The distorted illusions of prominence

Fades to reveal vain drudgery

While the shackles fall from truth

Emanating the brilliance of transparency

What splendid flows do harmonies entrant

To turn vulnerabilities into resplendent gems

The Dark Lining, A Pressure Within

The Dark Lining, A Pressure Within

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Why the troubling pattern we're in?
Hidden deep within the shade
Idyllic dreams from young hearts
Jaded by our very reality
Twisted within folds that bend

Diligence untangles the web
Crafting a beautiful tapestry
But it only takes a single thread
To completely unravel everything

A new mess, so much more complex
Each to face a difficult choice
To create anew from what remains
Or to abandon for a new endeavor

Whatever the choice, my question remains
Does anyone manage to rid themselves
Of the burden left by such a weight
As the mourning of a string of shattered dreams?

How does one not constantly reflect
On all that was lost and what little is left?
Can one shake the ghostly presence
Of that elusive potential in what might have been?

Even as greatness may be restored
Perhaps someday much more than before
While thankful for all that's given
Happy moments still lined in darkness threaten

As the pressure continues to build within
Will we learn to breath freely yet again?
Or will this lead us on a path
That will surely send us to our own end?

For Mother's

For Mother's

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Enjoy Mother's Day!

This drawing was created using the LINE Brush app for Android. 

The Passing Remains

The Passing Remains

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Is anything safe from the fade,
The passing of an eternity
Gone as walls crumble
As the last candle dies
Will there be anything left
Anything to go home too
Anyone to go home

Was there ever anything?
Perhaps the passing is all there is
We walk, laugh, work and dream
Yet when the final breath

Is bestowed upon this earth
Or in whatever world remains
What meaning is there 
That will not also expire
Whatever haunts this troubled place
Even dreams quiet when nothing remains

Yet when everything is lost
And darkness invades
There is no more or less
Than the greatest dreams
Or the deepest pains
Than ever there was or will ever be again

Drowning in Dark and Gray

Drowning in Dark and Gray

Posted by Erin Mansfield

There is a shadow deep within my heart
It stalked me even when I was very young

I stared into those hollow depths
I saw a stranger dressed as I
Although perhaps that was a lie
Perhaps it was and always will be
Just my reflection terrifying me

Within this place of depths unknown
There lies only night in waters too cold
Every death and every tear
Every heartache and every fear

And yet, there is something more frightening still
A place I stumbled upon behind the shade

Where there is no sun nor moon

Only concrete ruins and dreams unmade

The people stand there dark and gray
Reaching out to any who care to pass
My heart aches, yet my body shivers
I can not reach even a single life

Nothing shows within their eyes

As I struggle to pull them out

A threat pulses into my heart
A shrill scream runs through my brain

I fall into the cold embrace
Of waters none should ever face
The breath now gone
The shock takes over
I simply surrender

I no longer know that I should be in fear

Yet then the sharpness prickles my lungs
My body thrashes through the waters
Yet this lends not to the surface I so desire
Finally my brain begins to overcome instinct

With the last of my strength
Every muscle twitching with strain
I take two strokes upward
Toward some shimmer of light
Then I let my arms fall to my sides
My head raised up, I close my eyes

It feels forever and eternity
Darkness fills my world again
My head swirls as my body goes limp
Nothing but silence now remains
For a moment, for all time
In the stillness, it is all the same

Yet once again I find myself aware
My head jerks back and upward           
A rush of air stings my lungs
Feeling, life, strength return

So many layers in such ancient places

Where time warps and fades

Where lives are lost, found, remade

I can never quite explain

How to traverse such depths

I only know the wonder

Of how all can be lost

And yet is never truly lost

There is a gift that forever remains

A Rich Tapestry

A Rich Tapestry

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Stories filled with splendid wonder
Trick our spirits into thrills
Never earned, cheap and frail
Anything more than a pleasant breeze
Shreds wild fantasies into tattered fragments

As life laughs at the ruins left behind
Reality replaces dreams and songs
For a moment it seems that all is lost
As defeated hopes hang by one last thread
And truth pales before imagined glories

Yet as the winds blow, strands of color dance
Then as inspiration transforms interpretation
Determined hands twist and weave as yarn
Knotting in the pieces that fell
And row by row, a fabric steadily grows

Unlike the instant indulgence of delusion
Lonely time inches forward in it's work
Never reaching the perfection of the original design
Always crossing into the realm of the impossible
That such a rich tapestry could be crafted
From battered hearts and forgotten lives

A Heart Sustained, The Invisible Embrace

A Heart Sustained, The Invisible Embrace

Posted by Erin Mansfield

When tears fall as hands tremble
A heavy head collapses into awaiting arms
The only place where comfort and strength are still found
While soft whispers mix within the folds of agony
Gently caressing a heart of ruins, sustaining every beat

The pain delays in it's demise
The body shivers and suddenly sobs swell
As sorrow strives to relentlessly overwhelm
Yet tender embrace does gently sway
And lovingly guards the pieces that remain
Before the final lurch of tormented horrors
Unleash a scream of astonishing grief

Then the tears do turn to quiet whimpers
Whatever pain, now dulled and drained
Growing aware that you rock in place
With arms grasping tightly at the knees
It is only you within this space
Yet someone held you together that night
Disappearing only when your heart found it's light

A Writing Game

A Writing Game

Posted by Erin Mansfield

While looking for writing prompts, I found a post about an interactive story and I decided to join the fun.  The title of the story and it's first chapter were created by Cheryl (Thoughts from the Tall Girl).  There is a catch.  The website that hosts all the fun, called An Ancient Tome, gives prompts.  In this case, there has to be a "white shield".  I wrote a "chapter" (really about 200 words) and then let it sit on my computer screen while I decided if I should post it.  You wouldn't believe the thoughts that ran through my head!

Gasp! "What if I ruin the whole story!"

Ok, I finally decided to post it.  After all, the idea is to have others add to the story.  Of course, I did discover I had a typo, actually a part I thought I'd erased.  It makes me smile.

The story is called "The Frozen Crown".  Please add your own part to the story!  Below is a copy of my chapter, complete with my error:

She pressed forward, sweat running down her face.  The continuing song settled into an ancient chant, soft and alluring, yet it sent shivers up her spine.  Sasha tried fervently to run, but her senses were overpowered by a droning in her ears.  Her side ached, and she was losing feeling in her limbs.  Panting, she caught hold of an elm tree, and then curled up at the base.  The world spinning, she closed her eyes.

It was a calm, beautiful morning when Sasha finally came to.  She took a deep breath, as she tried to piece together what happened.  She hadn't been dreaming.  For one thing, she her stomach still hurt and she had no idea where she was.  More disturbingly, she discovered a strange mark around her belly button.  It was like an old tattoo, with the ink slightly faded.  The image was a silver ring, within a white shield.  She tried to rub the image away, but it burned under her touch.

“It won’t do you any good, I’m afraid”

Sasha jumped to her feet.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone I startled ya” grinned the thin, tall man as he stepped closer.

All In A Row

All In A Row

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Thought I'd make some flowers with the InspirARTion Windows 8 app.  Enjoy.

The Devastation Beneath

The Devastation Beneath

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Life is broken
It's shattered pieces trampled
Where Beauty and promise
Hide the devastation beneath
All the colors sucked dry
By a whirlpool of pain and fear
Leaving the world bland and gray
Where even the best intentions
Spawn a fog so foul
It is an astounding wonder
That we haven't choked to death

Yes, I know dawn will rise again
And I will so willingly forget
The termoil festering beneath
For now though I wait sitting
Wondering how much damage
Can my heart really take

Rainbow Farting Unicorns League

Rainbow Farting Unicorns League

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Note: What follows is meant clearly for humor's sake.  I decided to make a fictitious website, and I found the results humorous and so I posted it below.

RainbowFartingUnicornsLeague.com

About Rainbow Farting Unicorns

This is all about the fantastical wonders of those mystical unicorns. It primarily focuses on how to get those beautiful creatures to fart out those rainbows they are so famous for. Of course, we will also discuss how to find and trap a leprechaun, for all his wonderful gold!

Caution

Any information included in this site is to be used only at your own risk. We are not liable for unicorn stampedes, gas poisoning, or being turned into a melon by leprechauns.

History

Long before this site was created, causing unicorns to fart rainbows was already a noble tradition. No one knows for sure who first discovered that unicorns had such a peculiar gift. We do know that the earliest records tell only of the droppings, being brightly colored and strangely tasting of chocolate. It is rumored that the original discoverer was actually attempting to mate with one of the creatures, when it ran off, releasing a gaseous array of colors. Unfortunately, the man's genitals forever bore a rainbow pattern, causing him to be harassed by leprechauns the rest of his days.

The Tradition Today

For many, the art of unicorn rainbow farting has become more of a pastime than a true calling. Where once initiates would pledge their lives to the task, now only teenagers, drunks, or the suicidal put in any real effort. Today, groups tend to gather more for the food and drink. It is time spent with family and friends, ending in a staged attempt, kept carefully away from any unicorn’s backend.

The Renaissance

While many consider the risk involved in reviving this harrowing sport far too high, it is time to reconsider. With today's knowledge, it is far safer than ever before. Those brave enough to coax unicorns into farting, can earn themselves a lifetime of fame and fortune. For it is the only known way to reliably lure a leprechaun.  If one can also succeed in capturing a leprechaun, they can acquirer whatever their heart desires. Of course, there are risks. The gas itself is unpredictable. It has been known dissolve entire groups, cause people to think their own flesh is a most delicious dessert, or to simply turn everyone into adorably defenseless bunnies. If one survives, one still must manage to outwit the leprechauns. Yet, with the use of the latest information and safety equipment, many are now willing to risk it all.

Contact Information

Of course users are free to contact each other, or myself, through the forums. If the need is urgent, however, the use of telepathy is preferred. Of course, all scheduled gatherings can be entered by teleportation. We only ask that guests refrain from using telekinesis in designated areas, so arrivals can apparate without foreign objects becoming lodged in their body.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

Posted by Erin Mansfield

I hope everyone enjoyed Mother's Day, whether or not you are a mother.

This is a pretty simple image, though it still took me a while today.  I drew the image and scanned it into the computer, then edited it, added color and effects with gimp.

The House Upon the Cliff

The House Upon the Cliff

Posted by Erin Mansfield

They fell like sopping rain into the foyer
Before maneuvering past buckets of water
And hastily settling into the parlor
Each crack of thunder shook the house
Comfort was disregarded for warmth
Provided by sips of a light, bitter tea
Their journey was a difficult one

The house, once splendid, still charmed
As gold-leaf glistened beneath the neglect
And each room contained the remembrances
Of generations of life, love and home
The sole remaining heir and guardian
Drained of money, time and energy
In the desperate hope of restoring the house
And preserving those cherished memories
Finally knew that the quest had failed
Standing upon the edge of a treacherous cliff
More of the grounds vanished every year
Threatening to take this ancient dwelling
The travelers confirm worrisome fears
The roads are washed out, barely passible
Perhaps these walls will still hold
Yet this torrent is not about to let up
Certainly they must escape to safety
While they retain a chance of success

Caught unprepared due to a deep denial
The guardian stashes a sentimental souvenir
Gathers some necessities, and prays for safety
Another flash and crack, the lights flicker
Before flooding the room in blind darkness
They struggle with flashlights and candles
The job is nearly done, though the ground jerks
Suddenly gravity seems to pull with a new weight
Feet slip, the body lurches instinctively forward
While nearly swallowed by the blackening abyss
And is yet caught by a single hand on the wrist
And pulled into a welcome temporary safety
Into each other’s arms, holding tight for a moment
With a nod they run, taking care not to fall
They shove themselves and a bag into the car
The path ahead, more like a river than road
The car jerks with each widening whole
The traveler’s determined to save their friend
As they charge onward, defying wind and rain
But the guardian only stares at the home now lost
No longer the protector of a priceless history
Now the protected in a battle against the elements
Nothing left to do, but to simply hold on
As strength slips and the world continues to rage
Forgetting to feel anything, but overwhelming loss

Back in the Muck

Back in the Muck

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Gone the vibrant victories
Perfect in song and honor
When any road one chose
Filled pockets with gold

Only now all pathways
Are entrenched in muck
Causing countless stumbles
While fog does muddle

And still yet more troubles
The map now swallowed
In a torrent of water
Leaving one to wander

The miles last beyond forever
Yet if there be an end
Then even shoeless feet
Go marching ever forward

Spring with a Touch of Snow

Spring with a Touch of Snow

Posted by Erin Mansfield

A sky, blue with streaks of fading white
The wind is comfortable, cool and mild
Though teasingly it swells then stills
Allowing warmth to seep into the earth
Squirrels seek through lush green
While the melody of birds flutters above
Flowers dab colors of yellow and cranberry
Though snow still hides in shadows
And in the pockets of thick, green bushes

Haunting Pains

Haunting Pains

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Watching agitation overwhelm composure
Enduring threads finally give their last
Heavy burdens spewing venomous demonstrations
As every hindrance deepens the indignity

Though warring against the prevailing turmoil
The display evokes images of a past disregard
Where my own temper surged with turbulence
And led to an aversive defense against my heart

A single sentence, surely not meant in truth
Intent only on forestalling further challenges
Yet sparks flared, before slowly surrendering
To leave behind a charred and cold void

I can not find any strength born from difficulty
For with each trial adds yet further strain
Slight neglects provoke sensations of battle
My capacity fades as haunting pains invade

Perhaps a stay beyond the current discord
Where long gentle rains soften the rugged ground
From the accompanying lonely withdrawal sprouts promise
That the coming sunshine will nurture vibrant blooms

Rambling Thoughts Need to Quiet

Rambling Thoughts Need to Quiet

Posted by Erin Mansfield

So many thoughts do ramble past
Some snag, causing them to persist
Looping thoughts just never end
Ideas that seemed dead, rise again
Pointless debates do vigorous battle
While shadows hide murky troubles
A whirlwind of thought, scatters a mind

Thoughts overwhelmingly fulfill desire
Seductively touching flights of temptation
Always concurring courageous adventures
Or suffocate in snares of tremendous pain
Stumbling fears of all treachery and torture
Toss one into the bubbling depths of sorrow
Unsettling highs and lows, skew perception

The stream of thoughts dwindle to a drip
A calmness clears the fog from the waters
Contented silence melts away the irrelevant
Silence concentrates focus onto the brilliant
Refining the nugget into the purest gold
Time, space and age manage to disappear
A quiet mind finds purpose in the imperfect

Gems Masked in the Ordinary

Gems Masked in the Ordinary

Posted by Erin Mansfield

A soft mixture, sweet and reminiscent of spring
The aroma carries the mind in tranquil thoughts
A gentle stir, both potent and yet vague
Layers of pure delight blossom in every color
Gratifying the heart in waves of the serene

The babble of a brook becomes a roaring river
Feathery seeds float along like ethereal wisps
Bare feet in grasses, is as to dancing on clouds
A successful find becomes a quest worthy of song
And everyone present forms everlasting bonds

Such dreams evoked when one opens their heart
To beauty carefully hidden like precious gems
Masked behind folds of the ordinary scraps
Where Angels and heirs do find their share
Lavish beyond the considerations of this land

Life: An Array of Possibilities

Life: An Array of Possibilities

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Life contains so many layers
Hues of shadows and light
Spiraling in every direction
A vast array of possibilities
We struggle with the weight
Of choices we've yet to make
Yet none know the full expanse
Held within the insignificant
An entire universe of meaning
Contained within a single drop

Is There Nothing You've Enjoyed?

Is There Nothing You've Enjoyed?

Posted by Erin Mansfield

Have you not once woken
To a sunrise in luscious color
With rays to overwhelm the sky
Or had contentment settle in
As clouds and light perform
While slow ballads dance
Within a summers breeze
Lulling you into reflection

Have you no fond memories
Of youthful, playful days
Or had a child's laughter
Renew your carefree spirit
That you've long forgotten
Or found abundant treasure
Within sleep filled nights
Of dreams that seem so real?