New Collective Fiction!

The Game of Life and Death
I remember a project I had to do back in high school involving the process of embodying a country and taking on the responsibility of running the land as its leader. I was assigned England and it's surrounding lands. We spent weeks studying our respective countries, learning about what made them tick. Then one day the teacher announced that we would all play a game of Risk--a war simulation board game--with our countries and see what happened. I remember trying to build some defensive alliances with neighboring countries with no success. They were too interested in what they would gain or lose if they agreed to the support I suggested.And, sure enough, some of the countries star

I Once Heard You Were Far Away
I once heard you were far awayOn some quest to find baublesIn a distant land unknown to me.I once answered your call--I once thought I could share----Experiences--Understanding--WisdomYou don't want these things.The next time you call I will be gone.I am here. You are there.No act of my mind or body could move meTo that land of nots and thou-shaltsOver which you lord.Earth is your purgatory.May suffering be your guiding teacher.