Paper & Printing
(Tweeted Sept 13 – Nov 17, 2015)
Make a ripple, your very own… Ripple.
********************
When “Paper” came into existence 2000 years ago it created more than just a ripple.
Its effect came like a Tsunami. How’s that so?
It is hard to believe something as simple as pressed tree pulp, “Paper” became the key medium for human’s perpetuation of knowledge and wisdom.
For 2000 years ‘Paper’ fanned human progress as a species; awakening civilizations with her breezes. Then the perfect collaborator came along.
“Printing” entered stage seated beside “Paper”.
They nodded, smiled and instantly knew that they were about to compose a symphonic duet in perfect harmony for man that would last for milleniums to come.
In time Paper kept re-inventing herself to compliment Printing in colours, structures, shine and textures.
And Printing outdid himself by ensuring Paper’s effort was worth her while.
Ultimately a Synergy began to take place.
Wherever Paper was, Printing was right behind her.
Whenever Printing was up to a task, Paper was standing by.
Since they took center stage in the chronicle of Man this dynamic duo carved our history and uplifted human outlook in every corner of the world they visited.
Man enjoyed and benefited from their masterpieces.
Books got printed; ignorance lessened.
People were educated; illiteracy diminished.
Man began engaging their minds and exploring their potential.
Arts emerges; ideas come alive.
Blue prints are shared; wisdom meticulously documented.
Man built machines in the sky, assemblies under water, and concepts on land as grand as their intellect could carry. The Duo had been Man’s silent ally.
To dub 'Paper' and 'Printing' as one of THE Cornerstones of human evolution was hardly an over statement.
Sadly…this celebrated duo are about to be dethroned, are they not?
'Paperless' thundering in from all directions, drumming with its own “techno” provisions, announcing their inevitable arrival; beat by beat, strike by strike.
Audiences turned their heads in awe as 'Paperless' n 'Techno' made their way in from back entrances of theatre.
Everyone hushed to silence.
In seeing the new comers’ entry, the duo courteously stepped aside from their familiar spot, looking on.
They exchanged a perplexed look with each other, bracing against what is meant to come.
During winds of change one should never falter against adversity, as it always holds a golden opportunity for defining one’s self.
One by one this new group took their places on stage. Supporting crew in black uniform hustled with intent taking over the backstage.
Unlike the simple duo, this group of innovators orchestrated themselves by plugs and black boxes; unseen wires and connectives.
Audiences are held in suspense, observing in silence. Anticipation is utterly unbearable.
As commotion began to settle an audible electronic zing buzzed to life.
With glances of a mutual cue this ensemble engaged the first note of their opening piece.
And what a mesmerizing production!
“It is indescribable.”
“It is beyond words.”
Is this “1 to Many”?
And “Many to 1”?
“IT upsets the concept of Time!”
“IT defies the limit of Distance!”
If THOUGHTS can be traced,
IT invites.
If THOUGHTS can be mirrored,
IT shadows.
If HEARTS have wings,
IT assists.
If HEARTS have songs,
IT echoes.
The group concluded with a cadence so grand that for the first time the Duo caught a glimpse of their very own insufficiency.
As the last note was played, the crowd cheered in unison, still catching their breath from what they were given a taste of.
Behind a panel of red velvet curtain Paper fell a silent tear. Printing sighed, holding on to his composure.
This… is a symphony of a different nature.
This… is a synergy of a different dimension.
This… is a piece they do not have a part in.
After centuries of unparalleled partnership, today they finally met their match.
The duo felt genuinely happy for the new comers. A new era needs new leaders. Man could take advantage of this potential no question.
They now have a concept that embodies freedom. Man no longer have to be enslaved by the constraints of time and distance.
They can liberate any THOUGHT into ACTION by a few taps of their finger tips.
“This is what Human needs for his next stride”, they consoled each other. “It has to be for the better.”
As Thoreau once put, “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
“We gave all we could. We should be proud.”, said Printing, almost to himself.
Paper dried her eyes, looked up to Printing longingly; awaiting for what he is about to do.
Deep down Printing understands too well that there is no “Defeat” in existence that could generate a loser as swiftly as unguarded loss of self respect one generates for himself.
He can be defeated; but he will never allow himself to be a loser. He knows his place.
“Be Brave.” He said softly. Paper nodded.
While the crowd was still excited by the new induction, the once dynamic duo walked up stage with poise and pride, greeting Man’s next prized heroes.
Sometimes in the most unexpected situations, we stepped up to be the best version of ourselves, as if guided by an inner light.
Why? Maybe because our dignity and existence depend on it.
This is nothing personal. It is also not a battle. They have too much respect for each other.
On stage gracious handshakes were exchanged. Sincere wishes were extended. And eyes beholding a million silent words were offered.
With encore request now chanting from below, it is time for the duo to walk off stage; this time with applause no longer belonging to them.
As the exit door closing behind them the shouts of approval continued inside. How soon do they forget?
The new guests may not have expected the warm reception from Man, but they gladly accepted the stage presented.
Well, isn’t there a saying, “good things fall apart so better things can come together”?
(Sigh.) If only… you are the latter party!
*******************************
Two old friends kept walking without looking back. Both were afraid to break the silence.
Without knowing how they found themselves at the edge of the lake before sunset.
During times of sorrow we are often drawn to seek refuge from something much bigger.
Nature is the perfect company, naturally.
Let it be the Woods, the Mountains, or even just an abandoned Path. These are our true Naturopathic Doctors.
These Physicians of the Soul are always on duty.
Never need an appointment…
Never have a line up…
They have always been there…
and always will be…
They have witnessed legends in their widths.
They have retained secrets in their depths.
They have the most attentive of eyes, and the most patient of ears.
They never judge.
They never blame.
And when we are truly ready, they hand us a prescription.
A prescription?
Yes, a prescription.
PILLS?
No.
??
PERSPECTIVE!
Per-spec-tive…
Yes, Perspective.
It is the medicine for the Soul.
Best taken with an empty ‘Mind’, a note says.
Its non-drowsy formula comes with no side effects.
It:
Dissolves Optical Filters
Heightens Senses
It
Reduces Self Doubt
Enhances Self Confidence
It
Resets Boundaries
Engages Connectivity
And this is how Perspective is about to come into picture for these two old friends by the lake.
********************************
Some say a true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
Having the space they now have, the two confidantes, Paper and Printing found themselves recounting their good old times.
Each filling in where the other left off for they shared a timeless symphony that belonged to no other.
For those who cared to listen, their notes would have been mirror images of each other.
Their crafted melody could be traced possibly before they knew each other existed.
As if by fate the two were brought together.
They were indeed essences that shared similar goals, aspirations, and dreams alike.
They both desired to assist Man in reaching his highest potential.
Whatever that was demanded of them to succeed, they surrendered willingly, without regret or hesitation.
With no regards to even the pain they now shared as the ultimate price they have to pay.
Chances are if Humans had never brought them together, they would have gone separate ways as they had originally set for.
Paper would be happy as long as she was an agent of scripts.
Printing would be content in finding another medium to replicate upon.
Familiar responsibilities, … familiar self.
Everything was AS expected.
If Progress could have its way too, another millennium legacy would be created in their place and Man’s history would take on a totally different tangent.
Speculations aside, somehow as if meant to be, Paper and Printing were destined to cross each other’s paths at their perfect timing.
As if guided by divine intervention, each knew intrinsically what the other is seeking to become the best version of themselves.
And to heal.
They gave without holding back.
They gave without promises of rewards.
They gave…simply because… it was a Symphony of their hearts.
The entire universe had conspired to bring them here.
Paper became her best because of him.
Printing became his best because of her.
Would
'To hold the note is to spoil the song'?
-Richard Paul Evans
Generations of Man had come and gone before the duo.
The pair unfailingly cradled and supported each from infancy to infirmity; from their birth documents to death certificates.
Remember how Man used to devise payment plans just to own their copies of encyclopedias one volume at a time? Now they are not even wanted at second hand stores.
Remember how Man used to build sanctuaries to put books in and gloves had to be worn? Now creative beings shaved off their spines all together and turned them into something challenging to recognize.
Times have definitely changed.
No one has treated printed texts the way they are being treated ever in the history of history.
How much goes into our recycling bins without ever being read?
And in witness to this wastage these two friends started asking, is thriving to exist beyond ‘necessary’ a Dis-service to Humans?
The duo had gone through thick and thin for each other for as long as they could remember. Maybe there truly are storms that one cannot weather.
As Man welcomes Paperless and the Techno team with open arms, Paper now sits blank on shelves. Printing switched permanently to idle.
At a secluded warehouse recycling machines are turned on full power over time determined to reverse the legacy left behind by the duo.
How small one can feel at a time like this?
“Is there still a way to go?” The two friends pleaded.
Right at this moment a warm breeze lifted from the Lake, betraying the cool tracks from their eyes that they were both trying to hide.
**********************************
Nothing escapes Nature’s gentle radar.
Everything is on schedule, according to plan, as always.
Lake smiled assuredly and reached for her prescription paper.
Perspective… is about to be prescribed, possibly with refills this time!
Gears are moving behind the scene.
Someone has yet to appear on stage.
Who could that be?
**********************************
Hearts (of Man) have always loved Fall. In the Woods they give off a specific scent unique to this time of year.
The rustling of golden leaves on tree tops resonates with fallen ones tumbling in drafts below. What inviting sounds to tired ears.
And when Sun hits at an angle late afternoon, the entire canopy lit up like a chromatic lantern in reverse; one becomes the lone un-lit candle looking from the inside out.
Colours of change rely upon sugar content of trees that particular year. And the drop in temperature overnight contributes to its theatrical display.
Such,
given the same route,
the same period,
no path yields the same Passage.
Nature never falls short on wonder.
Hearts have always been drawn to the Woods.
Could it be a sense of comfort it provide?
A security familiar to so many other life forms it sustained?
Could it be the search of a song long forgotten?
A tune still shared by the brooks and birds?
Or is it simply the Visuals?
An appreciative glance into Nature’s colour box in action. And trees swaying at a distance leaning in, checking in turn, offering, “Can we be of help?”
There is this unattractive log way off the edge of the woods; fallen.
This is Hearts’ place.
A place to observe in reverie how little squirrels doing what they do best, never distracted.
Flowers seeded; always ready to regenerate.
Oak trees standing firm and tall. Aren’t they once a little acorn who held its ground?
What do Hearts of Man truly want?
Progress and Technology should have relieved ‘Hearts’ with time and space.
But ironically they are depriving of Hearts, just that.
As time and distance are no longer our masters, progress successfully creates more of anything to go around anytime, anywhere.
Humans’ proven adaptability expands in proportion to the rate Progress provides.
Progress could have given Humans more space for newer and better things.
Sadly, Man prefers more of the same old things, magnified.
Man keeps racing on… going nowhere fast.
Hearts falling behind, out of breath, chasing after something that is not quite there.
There is ALWAYS time to catch up.
Or is there?
**********************************
Nature is pleased.
Puzzle pieces are complete.
Timing is perfect.
Perspectives are about to meet.
**********************************
What is happening to Paperless
with buddies of the Techno Team?
They should be happy
at least that’s what it seems.
But this team is just as miserable.
Anyone seemed to care?
That’s the Law of Nature
Everyone has his share.
Their work expand exponentially.
They’re way ahead of themselves.
Their hidden threats are surfacing,
and Man is in despair, oh well!
For what this team could truly offer,
they are nothing without POWER!
What is Cyber Purgatory anyways,
where all lost files EXPIRED?
WATER is their worst enemy,
much like a self-committed CRIME.
OBSOLETE is right around the corner,
BACKUP seemed a waste of time!
VIRUSES are attacking everywhere,
and there’s no medicine in line.
New PHONE is fun and handy,
but I wish the old one is still MINE.
This Techno Team is still at INFANCY,
miles from what Man DEMANDS.
Everything’s a bit VOLATILE,
but they’re too late to DISBAND.
“What’s speed without LONGEVITY?“
Humans began to ask.
“And effort without PERMANENCY?“
Man started to think, ... at last.
Man could live without a DOCUMENT,
they would find ways to get around.
What’s worst is Man's lost SENTIMENT,
it’s disaster with a countdown.
Techno’s short on RELIABILITY,
and TIME has proven this to be true.
But between now and its possible fix
what should Humans DO?
Now Man think of PAPER and PRINTING,
their quiet and trusted FRIENDS.
They wish they are here once more
to help, to fix, and to AMEND.
**********************************
The Duo looked up quickly
as they faintly heard the CALL
They thought they'd been dreaming.
Was Man on the other side of this wall?
HEARTS came running to the RESCUE
from way deep in the WOODS.
For they too heard the same CRY
from where their Man once STOOD.
Team Techno arrived deflated
who thought they've something to OFFER.
They too only wanted to help,
But they needed time to be BETTER.
Paperless came hovering by
appearing just as HELPLESS.
They were eager to be a part of
this re-calibration PROCESS!
It’s grand to see how DESTINY works
as if fate had torn these friends APART!
But little did they know back then,
it was part of a journey to EMBARK!
What is PAIN really anyways?
Is it our unwillingness to ACCEPT?
But we’re always BIGGER than who we were,
inviting our ego to ADAPT.
Tough times never STAY.
Tears would make us STRONG.
All we need is to RE-DEFINE ourselves,
And to reject our fear of WRONG.
SCARS are our toughest tissue
like SCRAPES and BUMPS we know.
They're not signs of breakage,
merely a part of GROWTH!
Those who had painfully fallen
and convinced they're a total failure,
think of all the opportunity
that LIFE could truly OFFER!
Here is the Golden Moment:
A chance to start RE-BUILDING.
To see who we truly are:
A brand new ‘YOU’ is UN-VEILING.
**********************************
HEARTS used to be timid,
doubtful, voiceless and SCARED.
Thinking others know better
and her voice ought to be SPARED.
And here is just about where
the turning point is EMERGING.
For HEARTS to create a Ripple,
that has no signs of WEAKENING.
“Paper n Printing, listen up,
You’re no longer carriers of INFO.
Not that you’re not good enough,
it belongs now to Paperless n Techno.”
“Paper, you keep doing your best.
I’ll handmade you into Monogrammed Cards.
You’ll represent Man once again,
as close as his BODYGUARD!”
“Your only enemy is oxygen.
And 200 years you'll last.
That’s a double of Man's existence,
a perfect Match in the forecast.”
“You’re more than just pretty fibres,
as you have a higher CALL.”
Help Man find their new VOICES.
Friendships are about to be RESTORED.”
“Printing, you need to be ATOMIZED,
into 7 billion little pieces.
You too need to re-define yourself
so you could be as light as breezes.”
Printing stared down on his size.
Not sure what HEARTS have in mind.
Hearts smiled kindly in response
to put his unfounded fear aside.
“First we'll give you a HAND”, said Hearts.
Printing quickly asked them “HOW?”
Hearts giggled in turn and said “IN FRONT”,
“Your new identity is HAND-PRINTING now!”
“Paperless, how we need your weightlessness:
to Motivate and Cheer, Share and Comfort.
You’ll be stationed on INSTAGRAM,
To be anytime, anywhere, without any effort.”
Techno Team is anxiously waiting,
impatient for their turn.
“What about us?” They keep asking,
before the meeting is adjourned.
“We need COVERAGE.
We need SPEED.
You’ve got what it takes.
Please give this team what they need!”
So here's the rejuvenation of four Friends,
Who thought their paths had come to an end.
They’re now excited about what may come.
To Create, to Contribute and to Transcend.
We need a Maestro.
The four turned to Hearts.
Hearts felt totally honoured
but it was humbly declined.
We’ll celebrate our differences.
No one’s better than another.
We’ll compliment each other's strength,
For we're ALL in this together!
They now smile and say
whenever someone asked,
We’re a proud Quintet member
of
SYMPHONY OF OUR HEARTS.
So this is how the story goes
for these unlikely friends of five
attempting an Alchemic Antidote for Man:
One Note… at a time!
**********************************
If Clothes are fashion for our Body,
PENMANSHIP is its equal for our VOICE.
It gives people dimension
and a personality to ENJOY!
Stationery is our JACKET,
Ink is our present MOOD.
Time is our SINCERITY,
Thought is our honest TRUTH!
We’re more than ‘Arial 10’
or even ‘Times Roman 12’
We’re SWEETER than ‘Italic’.
So let’s be our true SELF.
Our Capitals are unique;
our T’s are crossed such a way.
Our loops are nice and even;
we are having a good day!
That’s the way I slant my P’s,
And that’s the style I end my Q’s.
In case you always wonder why,
T’is how I wiggle my double U’s.
We decide how far to ‘Indent’,
the way it always should.
We never need to ‘Underline’,
only cared to be UNDERSTOOD.
Say “Hi!” again to our SIGNATURES
who’s been reduced to a 4-digit PIN.
Let’s bring them on the page again
back to where they should have BEEN!
We are more than just… YES or NO,
Much capable than ... OK or LATER.
You could agree or disagree,
No Kidding! It’s… NOW or NEVER.
Man finally breaks from conformity,
releasing himself from Binary Codes.
Slowly begins to look within
seeing an expressive Self unfolds.
Hi-tech gadgets are placed aside.
A lovely pen is held INSTEAD.
A Monogrammed card is carefully selected
And Man crafting a note UNSAID… by Hand!
**********************************
Although this little story
appears to have come to an end.
But our Symphony is just beginning,
Let’s make time to RECONNECT.
Come take a seat beside us.
We invite you to play your part.
Humbly and Respectfully from,
Teresa@SymphonyOfOurHearts
**********************************
I’d like to dedicate this story
to a girl three years my senior.
She saw something in me
that took me too long to discover.
Back in the early 80’s
on the playground at school one day.
She came up to me at recess
and gifted me a Verbal Bouquet.
I couldn’t recall what transpired,
and I didn’t really know her name.
Must have been a Form 6 head prefect;
a familiar face in school hallways.
Our troupe that day were skipping ropes.
Teams were formed and about to play.
Something she must’ve overheard
enough to make her come my way.
Three little words she whispered near.
What she said was “You Should Write”.
She turned with a smile, kept walking on,
I watched with a chuckle, "Yeah… right”.
Despite the reply I gave myself
these words had teased me for 4 decades.
Like a conscience with a voice
shadowing me around, pace by pace.
What did I say?
What did she know?
Does it really matter?
To me, it was STILL a RIPPLE!
Whatever that happened to me
has probably happened to you.
People believed in us
but we did not want to.
Seeing our work in retrospect
the passion we have was obvious.
Effort was disguised as such, and such,
carrying an awkward eagerness.
Why not meet it face to face?
Confront our monsters and they’ll go away.
They’re only as big as we allow.
Go with the flow. Come what may.
The key to Life’s magic potion
is to defy our limitations.
Just boldly follow your heart
as it does its own navigation.
Our Heart is like our GPS.
It Always knows the shortest truth.
Either by fear or doubt, or panic mode,
we ended up choosing the winding road.
We likely know not how to start.
Even clueless as to how to plan.
But somehow I wrote a company story
for you to read from the bottom end!
To All, my story simply told.
To fulfill a dare that someone posed.
It may not probably amount to much
but nonetheless, it’s our Memento.
You may not have remembered me,
but I need to send this wish your way.
From a girl in pigtails 40 years prior
studied at SPCS, … in Causeway Bay.
To my Prefect, i Thank “YOU”.
"For believing in me before I do.
I hope my effort has made you proud.”
“Here’s a part of ME,…
...Within a part of YOU!”
**********************
