I decided this week with my new invigorated passion I've recently re-discovered with writing, all leading up to a big announcement, that I must first attempt to take my writing to the next level, or at least to another level. I wasn't quite sure what that meant or for that matter how to accomplish it, but I decided to start with a writing assignment. Like one I would have done in college. So, naturally, I call my friend/teacher Sara at Bookish and asked her if she could give me a writing assignment and she of course she happily obliged with my odd request, because, seriously, who randomly asks you for a writing assignment in the middle of a Monday? Rham does and it could be fun where he goes with this so why not? .....and so, thus began "my paper" on a broad topic: "The Future" Guidelines were pretty simple - this paper could be anything from poetry to short story, a personal narrative, an op-ed, or even a review. I felt that getting an "assignment" would help me really focus in on more of the story, the flow. Less "rham"ble, more meat...something not just for me to enjoy, but others too. That approach is really no different than any other time I sit behind the keyboard. But sometimes, SOMETIMES it may appear that I get a little off track and the reader might start feeling a little queasy, or worse, BORED (the worst) and decide to let their focus slip and then they're gone, but, really, I'm okay with it because I'm still on the track, steering this train and what might look like a pot-hole to you is a mere bump in the road to me and.....(see what happens???) ...but no, this "writing assignment" was going to change all that and lead me closer to that one thing I've always wanted to be: AN AUTHOR! Will this work? Who's to say? Will it be fun? Um, yes, kind reader, it will be fun. Remember who's sitting behind a keyboard typing out these words right now.. ME. So, without further adieu, (sidenote, there may be 2 no more than 3 adieus forthcoming. Don't let it distract you. They are only there to serve as a rest stop for future paragraphs and what-not. Take a breather.)

I present to you, "My Future Paper Short Story that ends in a Poem" by Rham Cunningham. 

He stepped off the front porch, one shoe partially untied. To avoid conflict with the shoelace and its known abilities to interact with the ground and shoe, causing, in some cases, irreparable damage, depending on the how human takes the fall, and of course the hardness of the ground; the age and sex of Human, and most importantly, if Human as had their WINE today.
 
"Have you had your WINE today? In the Future, everyone drinks it." Ugh, another commercial about wine. Everyone drinks it. Doctors recommend it. Wine helps you live longer, breathe better, sex better…Oh, is that right? Seems I've been around the block a time or two to debate that. But, it's Future, and everyone's doing it. So, I guess I'll engage, but not today. I'll think about it again tomorrow. 

.........
A gradual depiction of oneself if looked into long enough,” described the small white tag attached to what I thought was just a normal mirror. It had all of the similar qualities one would expect from a mirror: it’s clear surface offered a “mirrored” reflection… this one seemed to, at least I think that was what I look like. If it's not, I have nothing but the mirror to blame for it is only from it I can see myself. But looks are deceiving and as we all know, objects in the mirror can do tricky things; tricky things that alter one’s appearance, but only in the mind of the one who's looking, and look at you, good looking.

"For in the mirror he stands at ease,
glass in hand, he toasts the bees,
Salutes the trees, as if to please,
those who are looking.
But he only sees himself in there,
a lonely soul destined to care,
For all around, for it's all true,
No one is more important that you."

Things to do listed below and it's a nice solid list, but I know we're missing some pieces, so throw 'em my way. Easiest, rham@thebakeryfs.com or text me if you know my digits.. I forget. Have a great weekend--looks rainy. Don't let that depress ya if you end up having to stay inside. I figure by now we've got the "living inside" thing down, no? If you love Fort Smith, Love Fort Smith Out Loud. This is something not only trending, but also, overall just a FUN thing to do, Fort Smith. Go on.

Rham Cunningham
Director of Fun
The Bakery District