ORACLE
Posted by anthonynorth on October 22, 2010
Microfiction Monday, ABC Wednesday, more prompts below
Try my Paranormal Flash now!
GURU TONY
Microfiction: A sickening sense of
humour they had at the Drugs Rehab
Clinic. Come to the 1940s retro party
– free coke! At least it quenched.
ORACLE
The Oracle at Delphi once foretold a great victory. The recipient went
off to the battle and came back defeated. He should have asked which
side was to win. This is the problem with Oracles. The information is
always incomplete – which suggests just exactly what ancient oracles
were. Rather than some supernatural process, they can better be seen
as think tanks. And even today, the success rate hasn’t improved.
BRIT NEWS: Universities will soon
be able to charge students up to £10,000
tuition fees. The days of anyone going to uni are
over. It was just a blip of affluence, with the upshot that
now, only the rich will make it. Amazing how 13 years of so called
social mobility reversed social mobility.
BRIT NEWS: So the defence review leaves holes in our defence. Two
carriers will be built but will be aircraftless for a decade. The first, HMS
Queen Elizabeth, will be mothballed when the 2nd, Prince of Wales,
comes into service. Prince Charles please note – this may be as close
as you get.
BRIT NEWS: Half million jobs to go (and the rest); BBC budget cut
16%. Most govt depts cut by 19% over 4 yrs. Retirement
age up. Welfare cuts deep. And that’s just the start.
Small govt is maybe preferable. Bu there was
a definite feeling of glee in the Tories
that they can do it so quickly.
READ WITH MUMMY
The Magazine Post with a gentle hint of horror
One Single Impression
Friday Flash 55 – Writer’s Island
One Shot Wednesday
GRACE
How graceful it was to see her there,
Perfect beauty, loving stare,
Taking away the sadness within,
Seeing her ghost cannot be a sin;
And then she was gone without a trace,
Yet reinforced memories interlaced
TATTOO
Fiction: It was that simple. He put a tattoo of a beautiful blonde on the
guy’s arm and that night he met the love of his life. How it worked, the
tattooist had no idea, but suddenly his tattoos made things happen.
He never liked one guy, but knew he’d love a tattoo of a snake.
EMERGE
Trying to think; can’t get out,
Need a voice to scream and shout,
Be a person just like you,
I’m gonna be there in a moment or two!
Lots of experience on which to be fed,
From the clutter inside your head
© Anthony North, 2010
Try my Pictures of Life, a novel
BEYOND THE BLOG 
joanny said
Oh you have a delicious and a little devilish sense of humor going on,,, and I always thought the Brit’s were a bit dry,—- not so I see.
Oracle at Delphi as think tanks —- Umm
definite feeling of glee in the Tories
that they can do it so quickly. amazing isn’t
Queen Elizabeth, will be mothballed ( I thought she already was??)
love a tattoo of a snake.
Very nice,,,55er’s and more
cheers,
joanny
http://thedowsersdaughter.blogspot.com/
anthonynorth said
Hi Joanny,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Brian said
I say, the Oracle resides in the City, what? I do hope you enjoy the bangers and mash, a little birdie tells me they are quite scrumptious. 😉
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
They are indeed 🙂
Hope you are keeping well.
zephyr said
How come this week’s post is so short? 😦
Oracles are always ambiguous and it is left for the listener to interpret it, I guess.
The news of fee hike by univs is nothing new in India. We pay through the nose after sacrificing a couple of limbs in the bargain. In the race for seats, it is merit that suffers because those that can afford a degree may not always be worthy of it.
anthonynorth said
Hi Zephyr,
Yes, the rich always suffer over merit. As for the short post, I’ll be adding another poem tomorrow when Writers’ Island prompt appears.
brian said
perhaps the snake will find him thennsmiles. nice one…
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
Somehow I don’t think so 😉
Thanks for that.
Claudia said
gone without a trace – not only ghost women can do that – can happen with real women as well..smiles
anthonynorth said
Hi Claudia,
You’re absolutely right 🙂
Talon said
“Grace” is beautiful, Anthony! And the tattoo artist cracked me up! Loved it!
anthonynorth said
Hi Talon,
Thanks for that. Much Appreciated.
G-Man said
I’d Love to see your tattoo Tony..
The one you got after the Khyber Pass Campaign?
Most Excellent 55 My Friend.
You STILL rock The Empire…
Hail Britania!!!
Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End
Galen
Jannie Funster said
I think I’ll get a tattoo of $1.000,000 on me!! 🙂
xo
Eric said
Why didn’t he tattoo a pile of cash or something like that? Interesting idea in your 55 – it could make a cool movie.
Akelamalu said
Oooooh tattoos that make things happen eh? I think I’ll get one showing a million pounds! 😉
anthonynorth said
Hi G-Man,
Thanks for that. Sadly, my only tattoo is of a very fishy looking shark.
Hi Jannie,
Ah, but you need the right tattooist.
Hi Eric,
Many thanks. I’ll have to work on that.
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
I wonder how much he’d charge for it though?
Alice Audrey said
Remind me to not get a tattoo from that artist. I’d hate to find a heart on my pillow.
Monkey Man said
Tattoos come to life. Love it.
Comedy Plus said
I loved Tattoo. Oh the possibilities.
Have a terrific day Anthony. 🙂
anthonynorth said
Hi Alice,
Yes, a risky visit.
Hi Monkey Man,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
Hi Sandee,
Many thanks. Many possibilities indeed.
Mama Zen said
Tattoo is excellent!
anthonynorth said
Hi Mama Zen,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
tr05prius said
Hmmm Me thinks that tattoo could really be evil 🙂 Great 55 and well done. Have a great weekend 🙂
SandyCarlson said
Grace has me thinking–which I haven’t done all week!
KB said
I really enjoyed the tattoo story!
anthonynorth said
Hi Thom,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Sandy,
Glad to be of service. Many thanks.
Hi KB,
Thanks for the kind words.
shanegenziuk said
That’s one switched on tattooist you got there!
anthonynorth said
Hi Shane,
He certainly is.
Emmanuel Ibok said
I so love what you said about “oracles”…the general read was indeed pleasant…too many highlights to choose from.
Cheers!
vivinfrance said
A good read, this week, Anthony. The tattoo story reminded me of Inkheart, which is a book about the ablity to ‘read’ the characters to emerge from the words. And the emerge poem sounds like sheer frustration.
anthonynorth said
Hi Emmanuel,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Viv,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
James said
If person remains enclosed in thier own ego with thoughts of thier own wealth fair and comfort. They shut out a greater view of universe. Peoples fate is sealed from moment they are born. We live in connected universe, we have so many forces acting upon us its impossible to escape them. Ever second we are held by told how to act and behave by our surrounds. Even are desires are controlled by out surrounds. Why do thing adertisment is so powerful.
If persons becomes more open and less egoitical they re-establish a connection with universe. No man can tell what will happen next for sure. But there are miles stones along the way, when will we reach/see these miles stone? only when you reach them will you know.
anthonynorth said
Hi James,
I agree that there are communal and environmental forces acting upon us from outside and within, but we also have choice WITHIN these constraints. It is those choices that make us human, for good or bad. To submerge into the universe in the way you wish, would be to forego our humanity.
1sojournal said
Oracle – That’s why you must remember to ask for confirmation or some form of coraberating evidence. So, you think that all those oracles were just some guy finally taking a few minutes to meditate?
Tattoo – I used to want one of a Native American Thunder Bird. You have helped me nix that idea, lol.
Emerge – Nice to consider, not so easy to do. Might be a good idea to visit an oracle and meditate for a while.
Thanks Anthony, I like your style.
Elizabeth
PattiKen said
Oracle: It is such human nature, then and now, to want to believe.
Brit news: That 10,000£ yearly tuition might be a bargain here in the US (at $15,682). State schools are still less, but the average tuition at a private college is $35,000.
Grace: Just beautiful.
Tattoo: Oh, that story could use a lot more words. You’d have a best seller.
Emerge: Ah, the writer’s common dilemma.
Diane Truswell said
So you need to scream and shout to get the clutter out of your head? Maybe I could do this on your behalf, lol.
James said
can you imagine what it would be like to spend your entire life locked in a house and you never saw or knew, that outside was a whole world.
that is what its like to live your life in egoism. Problem is no one wants to listen.
Just as your travels and encounters in world, help you grow, so does been absorb/exploring beyond yourself, help you grow. i feel more human now than i every felt in all my life.
I speak from first hand experience.
Mary said
Always interesting thoughts here! I will second some of Diane’s thoughts here. I can scream and shout loudly!
mona said
That is so true about the oracles. I guess ultimately it is always a matter of what WE choose!
That tattoo guy has mal-intentions!
anthonynorth said
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for that. You’re being quite an oracle yourself.
Hi Patti,
Many thanks. You’re right about the writer’s dilemma. In the UK up to the 90s uni education was totally free to the student. The govt even paid them a maintenance allowance to live.
Hi Diane,
I think we can all be like that at times.
Hi James,
Yes, but you still feel the urge to pass on your message. That’s ego, mate.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for that. And it can sometimes be good for you.
Hi Mona,
He certainly has.
James said
yes ofc 2 aspects live with in me how can i be any other way. The ego can never be destroyed. Just as a knight needs a horse to carry him so a human needs a ego to carry him. This whole problem right here people do not understand what the egos purpose is.
NB: just to make it clear rider is the real you and horse is your ego.
0. i am one (rider not aware of his own existence).
1. rider to seperated from horse.
2. rider to become aware of his existence, seperate from horse.
3. rider and horse to be re-united and maintain seperate identity.
4. rider and horse to travel long journey.
Its impossible to speak to the real you(rider). Because he thinks he is the horse.
What do you think St George and Dragon refers to? do you really think he killed a dragon?
Brian said
@James
Very interesting perspective. I like it.
anthonynorth said
Hi James,
An interesting analogy, but a problem. We’ve spent so many years now with you telling me I need to get rid of my ego, and me telling you to do so would take away my humanity. Now you’re saying we cannot get rid of it, which is exactly what I’ve been saying.
A rather circular argument, that.
And no, the most well accepted explanation of George and the Dragon relates to the worldwide archetype of the earth being symbolised by the dragon. The slaying occurs in most mythologies at the time that religion moves on from earth worshipping to a more formalised religion, leaving the dragon behind.
Ramesh Sood said
Very beautiful take on the prompt.. Grace.. yes good memories help us a lot.. Anthony..
anthonynorth said
Hi Ramesh Sood,
Thanks for that. They do indeed.
kimmy said
on ORACLE: i think that’s what ‘fortune telling’ really is about. it is VERY GENERAL that it gives room for justification of INACCURACIES, hehehe..
SandyCarlson said
I sure like the ghost poem. It makes me think of times I have felt haunted–yes, but in a good way. The feeling of connection is fleeting but real. And then the bittersweet truth of being alone….
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for that. Yes, it can be an over-powering feeling.
Bill said
I really had a hard time this week with Susan’s picture for Microfiction,
Poor Charles, so close and yet so far.
Always a pleasure coming here for the read.
Sweetest in the Gale said
Grace was lovely…and Guru Tony was clever and twisted! lol :~)
pamela said
Anthony,
I love Tattoo and I can certainly relate to emerge.
Excellent pieces this week, as always.
Pamela
Twilight said
Ancicent Greeks had oracles, we have politicians and financiers – all pretty useless most of the time (or in some cases all of the time). Oracles were more fun though, I’d bet on it! 🙂
Grace is nice, AN. It’s a lovely word – and name – though oddly with the exception of Princess Grace (Kelly) most other Graces I can think of haven’t been a very good match for their name (Grace Jones, Grace Slick, Gracie Fields).
anthonynorth said
Hi Kimmy,
Yes, that’s how it often goes.
Hi Bill,
Thanks for that. Yes, the top job is eluding him.
Hi Sweetest In The Gale,
Many thanks. I like doing twisted 🙂
Hi Pamela,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Twilight,
Yes, I think you’re right on both counts. We’ve done so much better than last week 🙂
James said
never once did i say destory ego. You saw what you wanted to see.
1. St George and Horse. 2 seperate enities or aspects in one form.
2. Dragon and Maiden. This is female version of rider and horse.
3. Lance is connecting force between male and female, mixing and becoming whole.
4. Spring that appears that cures all dieases is a flow of connection with the universe. It was once a secret knowledge that is only given to people passed through the process. Now its no longer secret.Anyone with a desire to learn these things can openly and freely study them.
Every classic story is aspect, or whole, of the process.Go Read Hunchback notre dame by victor hugo, that book is so deep its, unbelievable. Victor was a true initate into this knowledge.
anthonynorth said
Hi James,
Whoa, steady there. Many times I’ve said to you ego cannot be destroyed as it would destroy us as humans. Never once have you agreed with me, and the following week, the same message of Ego is bad.
We all see what we want to see. As I’ve often said: there’s only one truth. There isn’t one. Now, if you’re getting angry, maybe it’s time to give up. If you’re not getting angry, digs form no part of debate.
PattiKen said
Just dropped in again to tell you I’m enjoying the tennis match. 😉
anthonynorth said
Hi Patti,
I always enjoy a debate 🙂
Pat said
Hilarious microfiction, Anthony! You led me on, wondering what was the sickening sense of humor, until the fourth line…and I went from wondering to laughing.
anthonynorth said
Hi Pat,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it 🙂
Sylvia Kirkwood said
Oh, what a hoot, Anthony! Quite a letdown for those who were hoping against hope! I love it! Have a great week!
Sylvia
anthonynorth said
Hi Sylvia,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
rob kistner said
Hadn’t been to visit you in a bit Anthony, but always enjoy when I do — loved the subtle menace in your “Tattoo” piece…
…rob
anthonynorth said
Hi Rob,
Thanks for that. And your visits are always welcome.
Peggy said
A “coke” party drew them in. What a letdown drew them out.
Had me laughing out loud at the end!
Rene Foran said
Please don’t bother tryin’ to find her
She’s not there 🙂
First time here…
EG Wow, Canada said
Cool story! I wasn’t even thinking rehab when I wrote mine. 🙂
ms pie said
i like the comparison to oracles and think tanks today… the sky is falling, the sky is falling… look up, look up… sorta like the weatherman… hah prince charles… tuff to be a prince behind… can i say that??? love the tattoo story… have you read the illustrated man?? reminds me of that…
anthonynorth said
Hi Peggy,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
Hi Rene,
Many thanks and welcome here.
Hi EG Wow,
I guess it’s just my warped sense of humour 🙂
Hi Pieceofpie,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Lenore said
loved the microfictions…very nice. And yes, poor Prince Charles…don’t forget too, that the BBC was handed S4C to now manage on their already strained budget, which seems to be a very sinical plot by the Tories to get rid of the Welsh language channel without seeming to be the bad guys.
anthonynorth said
Hi Lenore,
Thanks for that. I wouldn’t put anything past any UK govt nowadays.
jinksy said
Another enjoyable medley of wit/wisdom to grace the day!
anthonynorth said
Hi Jinksy,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Akelamalu said
I suppose when they saw ‘free coke’ on the invite their eyes lit up! ;0
gautami tripathy said
Grace is so beautifully written…
an ode
And do get aboard the Poetry Train every Monday
mornings and thereafter!
Ninotaziz said
Your Microfiction take is great. Frankly I was loss for words this week. But I loved your Writer’s Island take last week and this week, so I followed up with my own. Thanks for introducing WI even though you did not know it.
hope said
Oh, was it wrong to laugh at that Microfiction? 🙂
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
I would think so.
Hi Ninotaziz,
Thanks for that, and you’re welcome.
Hi Hope,
Yes, absolutely 😉
anthonynorth said
Hi Gautami,
Many thanks. Glad you liked it.
Kay Davies said
Drug Rehab — I guess some of their facial expressions clued you in to their addictions, right, Anthony. Interesting take on it.
anthonynorth said
Hi Kay,
That and the bottle. Many thanks.
James said
ignore your desire to focus on minor details . Focus on the truth its right in front of you but your ego doesnt want you see it.
I guess the old saying holds true you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
Sylvia Morice said
Re: Microfiction Monday
So that was ‘coke’ they were drinking! To my untrained eye it looked like beer…goes to show what I don’t know…
Great story. Have a wonderful week. Cheers.
Susan at Stony River said
I laughed out loud at the microfiction, even harder at the oracle! The tattoo story is begging to go full length — I like it.
anthonynorth said
Hi James,
Digs again. What’s next? Because I don’t understand I must be an idiot. Tut, tut. Shame on you.
Hi Sylvia,
Ah, it’s called poetic licence 🙂
Hi Susan,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Amity said
Err you’re not afraid of her graceful ghost ha!
I could visualize too Anthony! 😀
quilly said
Free coke, bring your own straw but it’s best not to snort this …..
anthonynorth said
Hi Amity,
Thanks for that. They can be such great memories, I would have thought.
Hi Quilly,
So very true.
sandra.if said
reinforced memories interlaced” I love that thought!!
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
Sylvia Kirkwood said
Oh, Anthony! You are so right about those Oracles today!! Great post for the O Day even if it’s sad, it’s so true! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Sylvia
anthonynorth said
Hi Sylvia,
Many thanks. Yes, they’re a strange bunch of thinkers.
Reader Wil said
When I was in Greece I saw Delphi and the place where the oracle was predicted.The priestess who spoke the oracle was not allowed to eat or drink for a few days, then she had to sit on a tripod stool placed over a hole where poisonous vapours were produced.This way she became high and talked gibberish. The priests pretended to understand her and translated her speech. It’s quite interesting, that there will always be people who need oracles.
Thanks for your interesting post.
anthonynorth said
Hi Reader Wil,
Thanks for that. Yes, the Pythia, she was called, if I remember. But that was for show. It was those priests who were the thinktank. A fascinating subject.
Kay Davies said
Right. If there’s going to be a battle, there’s going to be a victory, but not saying for whom. A coin toss would work just as well as the Oracle. LOL
Kay, Alberta
anthonynorth said
Hi Kay,
Indeed.
brian said
like beauty in teh ashes, there is wisdom among the clutter? smiles. nice one shot!
Claudia said
i sure be there in a moment or two as well…nice one shot anthony
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
There certainly is 🙂
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for that.
Kodjo Deynoo said
Sense and sensibility …One Shot
anthonynorth said
Hi Kodjo Deynoo,
Many thanks for the comment.
Tumblewords said
Just can’t trust anybOdy for the true answer! An excellent Oracle post!
shanellis said
I’m feeling very lucky that I came out of Uni with very little debt. I dread having to think of my two little one’s and what they face if they dare to tread academia. Great writing, as usual Anthony x
anthonynorth said
Hi Tumblewords,
Thanks for that. And you’re quite right.
Hi Shanellis,
Many thanks. Yes, it’s becoming very difficult nowadays.
suzicate said
Love your takes on grace and emerge! Very nice.
anthonynorth said
Hi Suzicate,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
ladynimue said
said perfect about oracles !!
Nostalgic poetry on grace !
and tattoo was soooper !
anthonynorth said
Hi Nimue,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Gay Cannon said
Reading your entries are like newspapers, essays, short stories, poems, and West End shows all in one. How to comment? Take them apart? I think not. There are binding threads that beg not to be cut. Will just say, well written…and keep on keeping on! Gay @beachanny
anthonynorth said
Hi Gay,
Thanks for that. Lovely words.
Roger Green said
You know i’m a theist, and I find some of these end-of-the-word oracles to be not just wrong, but those who listen to them wrong-headed. Live your lives – don’t know WHEN it’ll end.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Belinda said
I love the word emerge. I support a women’s political organization by that name. Great one shot.
dustus said
Like it all, Anthony. The last two lines in Emerge and the poem Grace struck me most this week. Great poem.
Shashi said
Very Intersting blog and I enoyed reading much of the stuff here.. Thanks for sharing and your verses are so good..
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Twitter: @VerseEveryDay
Blog: http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com
anthonynorth said
Hi Roger,
There are different kinds of people, different kinds of ways. This is why I think tolerance to be so important.
Hi Belinda,
Many thanks for the comment.
Hi Dustus,
Kind words which are much appreciated.
Hi Shashi,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Leo (Leonnyes) said
Oracles are never that dependable.. I prefer going my own direction in the future I think 🙂 I wonder if it was the oracle’s prediction that was incomplete, or the defeated person’s carelessness not to inquire which side.. Thought provoking ABCW 🙂
Nice One Shot too.. The clutter in the head can be wise at times… 🙂
My One Shot Is Here
jessie said
as expected, right in the spirit of Halloween!
Tattoo was wonderful.
warm smiles,
anthonynorth said
Hi Leo,
Thanks for that. The oracle’s spin can certainly be treacherous.
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Tammie Lee said
grace;
ah, thank goodness for the memories!
Jhpoetry said
“Tatoo” & “Emerge” I enjoyed… the first a lil eerie and the second, well I can certainly relate. nice writes
anthonynorth said
Hi Tammie,
Thanks for that, and so true.
Hi Jhpoetry,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
pete marshall said
and again a wonderful page full or such great treats…a coke party eh!!!
anthonynorth said
Hi Pete,
Thanks for the kind words.
gabrielle said
Love the sinister possibilities of Tattoo.
Emerge resonated – Somehow I associated this with a kind of Athena birth.
anthonynorth said
Hi Gabrielle,
Thanks for that. much appreciated.
jabblog uk said
Great Microfiction – I’d love to see the pastor’s face . . .
anthonynorth said
Hi Jabblog,
Many thanks. Yes, it would definitely be fun.