Contradicta









To embrace a truth at the price of one's vanity repays the cost in the coin of equanimity.

(for Jordan Davis)




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Thrive on beginnings, endure endings.

Contradicta








As you reach that moment in life when time becomes more crucial than anything, you are induced to invoke philosophy, if only by default.




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Seduced by hope or conquered by despair, animated by energy or cloaked in flair.

Contradicta

Every moment you have ever lived lives on, and will one day visit or receive you, if only you would make it welcome.




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Ride Pegasus hard into the present so its wings can sweep the future and the past.

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Boppin' at the Bowery PC

Last night's reading/ book party at the Bowery Poetry Club for Elaine Equi and Patricia Smith's new Coffee House Books was introduced by the mighty Bob Holman. Before the reading, Bob had noticed that he and Toni were both wearing Yoko Ono *Imagine Peace* buttons and then he remembered that the date, December 8th, was the day John Lennon died 26 years ago. (By the way, Toni and I had just come from the opening of the PS 122 benefit where my collage *Di Pace*(*Of Peace*) was newly on display.) Bob's observation was moving, as were his introductions for both Patricia Smith (her new Coffee House book is titled *Teahouse of the Almighty*) and Elaine Equi (her forthcoming title is *Ripple Effect: New and Selected Poems*). Both readings were excellent. Elaine read some of her greatest hits, including her confessional poem about her life being, unfortunately, not sinful enough, including a line that read approximately -"my father did not even find me exciting enough to molest me"; and *Detail*, about the particularly inspiring beauty of details of paintings in art books; and a pair of poems in pink, for her friend David Trinidad who had promised to read a poem for her decked out in the same color that same night. Patricia Smith read a memorably powerful poem composed of 34 haiku-like miniature dramas, concerning the innumerable tragedies surrounding hurricane Katrina, as well as other body and soul jolting lyrics . Bob Holman was at his maximum witty, inviting all to order some of the revolutionary war style mulled wine called *Glug* available at the bar, and introducing Allan Kornblum, as the publisher of Coffee House books, "where the corn blooms."

Contradicta




::fait accompli:: is pleased to present Contradicta created by Toni Simon!






Those who demand absolute power least deserve it.



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A poisonous combination of arrogance, stupidity and intolerance lead to violence and war.

Contradicta









To keep your feet on the ground point your eyes to the sky.




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Every good fate includes one long wait.

Contradicta







After you've read poetry long enough, with each successive reading you understand more of the magician's tricks. At this stage you read more to understand the poet than the poem because poets have infinitely more tricks up their sleeves than their poems.


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Confess you were wrong and gain affection- profess you were right and lose it.

Contradicta









The hoofbeats of uncertainty beat loudly on the road of destiny.




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The ship of fate favors a diligent captain with a good map and a strong stomach.

Contradicta








The truth that affirms is quoted; the truth that surprises is discussed, the truth that wounds is remembered; the truth that helps is understood.




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What is done for its own sake survives the drought and then the storm.

Contradicta







Understanding embodies the midas touch. It mints the coin of knowledge out of the debris of loss.





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The precise force that at the proper time unbolts a portal at the wrong moment reveals a trap.

Contradicta








Happiness is a rare guest for those who send infrequent invitations.




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The gourmet of happiness is a gourmand of sorrow.

Contradicta










Reading and writing, that begin as thinking's tutor, end as thinking's master.



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Take care not to purposely take the wrong step after you have mistakenly blundered into the right one.

Contradicta










Everything that feeds joy has been nursed by patience.




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Gratitude is the child of kindness and the blossom of wisdom.

Contradicta


Our stories are the hands we need to grasp the truths of life and the arms we use to hold it close.

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The mind's truth needs fiction's face.

*Original Presence* by Laynie Browne

Octopuswoman [click here]
is one of 12 illustrations by Toni Simon from Laynie Browne's new book of poetry *Original Presence* just published by Shivastan [click here] on handmade paper in Nepal.

"Upon recitation of the verses of the sea
Listeners gather their hems above the salty foam"

The mind's truth needs fiction's face.

Contradicta









Up to your neck in shit and sharks, and still thinking of someone's cold and cutting words...




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In the pharmacopoeia of life, work is the elixir, pleasure the balm.

Contradicta











The endless questioning of youth is balanced by the endless answering of age.



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Where comparison ends. opportunity begins.

Contradicta








It is good to possess at least a nominal acceptance of reality. It doesn't make life easier, or longer, but it does make it funnier.




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To know what interests oneself is half of success; to know what interests others is all of it.

Contradicta








Those who insult themselves all day dislike being slighted, the way an accomplished thief hates being caught.




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Just as sorrow covets compassion, vanity craves praise.

Contradicta








The smile of an ambitious soul rarely assures a safe haven.





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Frequent disppointment, deception and betrayal induce the kind and warm to join the ranks of the cold and cautious.

Contradicta









True, contentment rests within- but it likes to be awakened gently and, even then, only to dance.




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Admiration visits; love resides.