Fear Itself

That is what they say about fear. There is a big butt that comes with that statement. Anyone who fears nothing is either a fool or an enlightened soul. While those problems in Southern California are real and pose real threats, we are still are an individual on this "screaming skull" (which I suspect you referred to the Earth). Thought provoking piece, Crow.

I meant to juxtapose those real, external threats with my own perceptions, which tend to catastrophosize.  Mud slides do occur but not all the way to the sea.  A tremor may be noticed from San Adreas Fault but the panic's a whacked response.  Taking the next flight from LAX is a bit of an over reaction.  The "screaming skull" is actually my own head not finding much comfort with the therapist.  I hope this makes sense.  Thanks DPW.

this set me on edge, crow. which i guess is the point. i don't like it. i appreciate the way it is written, and the skill with which it is written, but i don't like the emotions conjured.

but what is art for, but to conjure emotion.

I see your point.  I was exaggerating a bit, and I might have gone too far.  I tend to catastrophize in my thinking, expecting the worst to occur. It usually doesn't, of course.  I was being melodramatic with the prospect of taking flight from L.A..  I don't panic in earthquakes.  I would never go so far as to place my head in a therapist's lap to be cradled.  My skull doesn't scream.  I'm personally dealing with bipolar disorder with a side order of anxiety, but so far I'm able to keep the fear under some control (with a therapist's help).  So I agree with you.  I've reduced a psychological problem to a cartoon, and my sense of humor is on the grim and twisted side.  Thanks for your honesty and the thoughtful comment Minerva.    

Ahhh . . . Used to live in that city of dreams.  Was in two earthquakes (tremors, but dynamic tremors). Missed being in a drought, and am thrilled that I did. Eh, I liked LA, but I was very young in those days and the party was on. If the party wasn't on it wasn't but a quick plane ride to San Fran and I knew a party was waiting just for me. I really enjoyed your poem.

Sounds like you had some fun!  I did my share of partying, maybe too much.  I love L.A., quakes and all.

Thank you Taryn.  Fortunately I'm usually able to keep a grip on this type of thinking, but sometimes it just slips and I start climbing the walls.  I'm glad this doesn't scare you away.  Love you too!

LAX.. is pure evil..!!.   'An *ack, a woe & sum ewes' ...says this Cali girl who hides in her way northern mountains,lol

"Barely detected on the Richter Scale
Just a tremor from Nobody's Fault"     <~~ great smirk here ;)
~you had me from here.. such a grasping, witty opening!

"And perceived domestic threats
Some confined to these four walls"
~this one scare me badly~(voodoo pen u gots).. in these walls.. trapped.. both in physical & mind plus metaphorically.. *home point m'friend!
*loves-loves your dark.. Sirs of Crow! You've penned high chill-factor, as earthquakes & silicon valley, were a constant hand in hand haunt, growing up there. awesome, you!
~d

I'm really glad you got a laugh here, which was more or less my intent.  I try to see the humor lest the negative feelings become too debilitating.  But this can go too far.  I'm not one to trivialize fear.  Minimize, yes.  A tough nut to crack as they say.  Thanks for the great comment Darksighs.  Stay cool in those northern mountains!

Hey Crow......this is a brilliant write.....I think your mind works just fine......xo :)

city of angels, too close sometimes. stunning production...

'only priests and fools are fearless and i've never been on the best of terms with god.'
~ rothfuss
*
"And perceived domestic threats
Some confined to these four walls
Others ensconced in my screaming skull
Cradled in the lap of a therapist
Insisting that there's nothing to fear but..."
... i deal with bp, anxiety, a good measure of ptsd & a little something else I won't mention. i really get this one crowfly, melodrama included (& loved)  :)
xoxox

Sir Crow a brilliant, truthful ink.. I live in cali too

so much to be anxious about

got my heart pounding with this dark write

than soothed me with the ending

beautiful with love Crim

I grew up there. That's the anthem I hear every 6 months whenever I fly back down to L.A. from Seattle. That and the bowl of broken jewels in the beast's mouth. That's what it looks like at night. That's how I know I'm home.

Can admire the grim humor, i felt scared recalling feelings of the sounds  caused by shakes, and the way i look above to see what might fall on my head....and feel something comforting about that thought that if something did...it may just silenced my screaming skull.

Crow, as a native Californian I identify with this piece. "Nobody's Fault" is, to me, a poignant metaphor for the slight tremors that weaken our relationships. This passage, "And perceived domestic threats
Some confined to these four walls "
is sobering as well. I think too often we fear and anticipate threats from outside forces without noticing those in our own camp.
Bravo!