A.C. Ahn's Blog, page 3

Scarlight

She comes at night with hollow stepsAt her feet, with stars to guide her in exchangeFor lunacy, but there’s not much left there anywaysIn her dark head covered with black strands of instinctAnd lust infused with a conditioner of false shame.By the time the destination is reachedConstellations will have stolen what remainedOf her dignity, like it does for everyone else who isIn search for life on a higher plane, closer to the pullOf thieving stars.

Buried in the Clouds

Having a dream is like seeking revenge.Holding on to either one for too long—not knowing when to let go—will produce the same endof bitter emptiness.

Lonely

A modern-day tablet was in Ms. Lonely’s hands—an extension of the drums in her earsand the cornea in her eyes.Her hair thinned with each virtual page turned,the color of her scalp and cheek were one the same.With a light blue dress shirt and starburst red pantsshe was boisterous,yet curiously shy,shifting a seat closer to the windowsout of sight, still in mind.

22nd Street

On the pillars of bridgesgraffiti growslike moss and vines on old tree trunkspainting over green from years ago.It’s a different kind of junglewith identical ecosystemsof daily dangers and constant corrode.Death dances—as a pigeon flattens herea parrot eaten there;And Life laughsfrom a simple,“Thanks.”

And We Will Try Again (Endless End)

An instinct of guilt trickles down my bodyfrom head to earth ceaselessly to this dayI have grown accustomed forgotten its originsclenched my teeth with eyes digging deepinto memory pastOur mother slaves in the kitchenblessed with childrenringed with vast potentialonly to be squanderedby hopes and dreamsAn entire race seeks forgivenessThe bristle of beadscemented between their fingersand victims alone long departedacquiesce them for harvestThe land is deferentialthe flesh tramples aheadwhen there’s nothing therebut the waste and debris left behindSplicing the same feeling inside

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

"Every word of what you just said was wrong."It's important to let you know where I stand with The Force Awakens so you can get a good idea of where I'm coming from with this review of the latest Star Wars episode, The Last Jedi.I hated TFA ("hardcore" fans get mad and stop reading here):-It introduces a trilogy that we didn't need-It's unoriginal-It's pretty much a worse version of A New Hope-It's introduces too many questions-It's packed with unfulfilling fight scenes-It has too many lens flaresAnd while Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is nowhere near Empire Strikes Back in terms of quality, surprisingly, it is comparably entertaining. TLJ can thank TFA for lowering my expectations and setting the tone of a contemporary Star Wars with unplanned, on-the-fly writing. As long as you embrace the fact that the SW of today is not the SW of the past, you'll be fine.And TLJ really does solidify the arrival of a new kind of SW. In just the opening scene, an example of contemporary humor uncomfortably similar to what you'd see in a Marvel film, introduces us to Peter Quill's personality. I mean Poe Dameron. Damn. It really felt like I was in the wrong theater. But I get it, with Disney and millenials and change and kids preferring trigger-happy BB8 over mischief-maker R2D2 and all. What's funny back then is still funny now, and what's funny now isn't really funny at all. I mean… sorry, I mixed up my thoughts there.You must understand why I'm so scrambled. Not only does some of the humor borderline parody, but the story of TLJ has me befuddled as well. Finn, with so much purpose and conviction in Episode 7, is brushed aside—given a triangle along with a tambourine partner (Rose)—to aimlessly accompany Rey and Kylo's duet. The potential love triangle (or square?), however, does make for some amusing predictions. Who's gonna end up with who? Will Hinata nab Naruto in the end?What's not so amusing are the endless plot holes rubbed in throughout the film. There are more plot holes in TLJ than there are holes in the pock-faced teenager who has already watched the movie for the umpteenth time in theaters. And if you look too closely, the holes get uglier. Questions emerge from the scars: Why didn't they just do this? How in the world did he do that? Why didn't he just eat the damn thing? You know, the usual questions you ask after watching a blockbuster so lost in its own theatrics.Despite the numerous plot holes and unnecessary characters (Captain Phas-who?), the exuberant running time of two and a half hours never trudges by, but rather gallops along. It's like riding one of those abused race horse thingies in the movie: exciting, fast, with no time to analyze, all the while feeling guilty for enjoying the ride. There are sections of the ride that have more substance than flare. Kylo Ren's arc into the dark side is intriguing to say the least, and the revelation of how he turned gives Luke a beautifully flawed characteristic. Rey's journey, while a bit too hopeful, has her making her own decisions, which is great for character development. Throughout the film, she mirrors young Luke's own struggles, from coaxing a obstinate recluse to exploring the potential dark side within. Rey's connection with Kylo is more than just the obvious light side dark side, yin and yang mumbo jumbo. There exist almost a love-hate relationship. Their bond portrays them as if they are the only two adolescents in the universe able to understand one another—the pain that the other is going through.What else is good? Fight scenes. Not the best space battles, but hey, it's an improvement from TFA. And super natural talent Rey kicks plenty of ass again with her pretty much non-existent training. Kylo kicks some too I guess.What I truly enjoy, though, are the heartfelt nods to old school fans. To see classic characters interact with Luke is emotionally satisfying.But most importantly, the film answers the looming questions that its predecessor had raised. And it's nice to have that peace of mind. With some closure, and the constantly repeated theme of hope, TLJ feels like the beginning of a trilogy, not the middle. Not much seems to happen, with the Resistance running from the First Order throughout the whole film, but at the same time, a lot does—if not in the story, then on the screen.Chad: 3.5/5Alex: 3.5/5Overall: 3.5 duh

River Lily

The white lilyis perched on its neckthe river-lilydelicate as chalice,leans fronting all the currentamong the scattered vineson the plateau.The greater red liliespile on the mountainbut who would surrender for thesewho would surrender for theseone shoot of the white sort?Lilyyour hold is narrowon the edge of the plateau mountain,but you pass along the light—peace, a valley broken with its blaze.

Madness

If you touch me, my skin will crawl,and underneath my bones, behind my flesh:numbers, infinite numbers made of pixelslink together like metal chainsgrounding an insane dog.And under the multiplying heat of scarvesI give up my struggle and instead,kneel into a pool until only my ears surfaceamong fresh grass and pearls.You may take a reflection of meto light the cell that you call homeIn the presence of the teacher, beg for handsfor that is all that’s left of meto hold on to.

Past the Rivers (Instinct)

Look past the rivers carrying news to the seaPast fields of cauliflower and barley and wheatThrough snake holes under loose dirt and fallen leavesand there it lies enduring all of timeWars fought civilizations overrun species extinct stars bornThrough all the horrors of existentialismThrough all the marvels of gaping absenceIt survives resilient as it’s ever beenor will beIt is the one religion of our universeOne followed by everyone and everythingStones tumble down craters reciting its ritualsSuns and stars ceaselessly gather for nightly prayersthe moon their preacherEntire passages reflect off the eyes of cornered beastsuntil only fear remainsAnd if you look past it allpast the rivers the fields and the fallen leavesYou’ll find it thereor it’ll find you

Hydrangeas on Fire – Review

It’s been 11 short months since we self-published HoF, and we finally have our first official review! Below is a rating/review of our book by a Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards judge. We received 5’s across the board (which may seem a bit generous :P) and a very favorable review. We hope to continue to collect such accolades for our works as we continue to produce them.Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book AwardsEntry Category: Genre FictionBooks are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”.Structure, Organization, and Pacing: 5Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar: 5Production Quality and Cover Design: 5Plot and Story Appeal: 5Character Appeal and Development: 5Voice and Writing Style: 5Judge’s Commentary:HYDRANGEAS ON FIRE, a novel by A.C. Ahn, is an intriguing work of literary fiction sure to challenge and reward the thoughtful reader.The cover art, with the word HYD-RAN-GEAS divided in such a way as to make the title challenging to read suggests that this won’t be a light form of entertainment, but that is part of the beauty of the cover. I enjoyed the creative artwork. The back cover copy is well done.The story itself drew me in quickly. The characters’ voices were all different, making for an interesting read. The author’s voice is sensitive, showing that he really cares about his characters, and hence his readers. This author has something to say, and I like his voice and style. I think he will find a loyal readership as he continues to write thoughtful prose.