Poems: A Little Help

This free verse poem was inspired by a picture prompt I once saw on a poetry writing website. I included a picture similar to the one that inspired me below. Brothers are great...most of the time.

It's not fair, it's just not fair,
For we are just too small.
And we must wait, and wait, and wait,
Until we can grow tall.

But brother, little brother, I simply cannot wait.
I really have to go.
Help me, won't you help me?
O help me, little bro.

But the ground is dark and dirty,
And not where I want to be.
Is there not another way?
Must it still be me?

I will be oh so gentle,
And I'll be very fast.
But I must have your help now,
For my need is still not past.

For you and only you,
Would I do this thing.
Make it fast, make it quick,
Or you will feel my sting.

Flash Fiction: Winter Rescue

It's February now, and it's absolutely freezing where I live. This usually gets me in the mood for either short stories or flash fiction. Today flash fiction and the cold north wind are both on my mind, so here's a short (very short) tale about one boy and the bitter cold.

Winter Rescue

This was a mistake. He’d known that when he’d left this morning. He’d gone anyway. He’d promised his friends he’d show up. They hadn’t, but that wasn’t his problem. Another blast of icy wind wound its way down his back. Maybe it was his problem.

The north wind grew colder and his hands froze. Jesse dropped his sled. It was too cold to drag the sled back home. He’d get the sled later, when the wind wasn’t threatening to steal his breath. It wasn’t worth losing a finger over. With this in mind, he tucked his hands inside his pockets.

Jesse kept walking. He had to get home. As the wind threatened to tear his scarf from his face, he decided that his friends were the smart ones. They had surely stayed home in their warm beds. He’d been the one to brave the cold. But they could have at least called to tell him they weren’t coming.

It was too cold to go sledding. He knew that. He’d known that before he’d snuck out of the house. It was why he’d snuck out of the house. But he’d done it anyway. What was he trying to prove? That he was an idiot? It was forty below!

The wind howled again and Jesse was driven back. Frostbite was setting in. His feet hurt too much to take another step. With a sigh, he collapsed in the snow and waited. For what, he wasn’t quite sure.

A bright light startled him and Jesse looked around. A truck. A man climbing out of the truck. Beckett? Their neighbor jumped out of his truck and ran to the boy’s side.
“Jesse!” Wrapping his arms around the kid, Beckett lifted him into his truck. “Are you okay?”

Jesse nodded. “How…”

“Your mother called me. Her car wouldn’t start.” Beckett pulled Jesse’s gloves off and held the small hands before the heater.

“Is Mom mad?” His voice was small.

“Darned straight. And she’s not the only one.” Beckett sighed and put the truck in gear. “But let’s just get you home.”

Jesse nodded and closed his eyes, not caring that he was probably grounded for life.

Guide to Wireless Connections

I don't know a writer who doesn't love Wi-Fi. The ability to access the Internet almost anywhere is great for both research and fun. But, since I hate technology, it took me a while to really get it. For years I was still plugging in while everyone else was wireless. Now, however, I love Wi-Fi more than I can say without taking an entire article to do it. But I am going to spend an entire article talking about Wi-Fi. Why? Because it's my blog and I can.

When the internet first came into widespread use, you had to connect to the internet through a wire or cord. This meant that you couldn’t get up and move from the desk to the couch unless you had a long enough cord to travel that far. In today’s world of laptops, cellphones, and portable gaming devices, people want to be able to move. The creation of Wi-Fi made this possible.

Wi-Fi allows users to connect their various devices to the internet without the use of cords or wires. To do this, three main components are necessary: an internet connection, a router, and a wireless device. The internet connection is fairly standard, usually coming in the form of DSL or cable internet. You don’t need a particular connection in order to use Wi-Fi. You simply need a working internet connection.

The router is the most important part of a Wi-Fi connection. It’s what gives you Wi-Fi access by sending and receiving wireless data. Routers will have an Ethernet cable socket so that they can be connected to your modem. This is done using an Ethernet cable. There will also be additional sockets for connecting desktop computers. You will be able to connect any computer that is not Wi-Fi equipped through a standard cable. You don’t have to choose either Wi-Fi or wired. Both are possible with a single router.

When purchasing your router, you’ll want to check to make sure it will be compatible with all your wireless devices, not simply your computer. Look for a router that is labeled as ‘802.11 a/b/g/n’. This should be compatible with most devices, both old and new, though there are some exceptions.

You’ll also need to look at range. The range on the box is under ideal conditions, meaning no walls or anything else that might impede the signal. For indoor use, a 100ft range will probably not reach 100ft. Every time the signal has to pass through something, the range will be reduced. For maximum efficiency, purchase a router with a higher range and place it in the middle of your home. Unless you have a very large home, it should be able to cover most locations inside your house.

Before using your Wi-Fi connection, limit access to the internet through your wireless router. This is done by password protecting your connection. There should be instructions for this included with your router. It is a simple process that only takes a moment and is necessary for controlling who can access your Wi-Fi connection.

To use your Wi-Fi connection, you’ll need a wireless device. Most laptops are Wi-Fi compatible as are tablets are other similar devices. Many newer gaming consoles can also use a Wi-Fi connection when in use, and high end cellphones are almost always Wi-Fi equipped. If your device has wireless capability, you should have no problem detecting and using your Wi-Fi connection.

If you don’t want to invest in your own Wi-Fi connection, look for Wi-Fi hotspots. These are frequently found at libraries, restaurants, coffee shops, and most hotels and airports. The vast majority of universities and colleges will also have a free wireless network. With a little investigating, you should be able to find a hotspot that you can use for free.

Wi-Fi is easy to setup and use and quite practical. With wireless connections becoming the norm in most areas, having your own Wi-Fi connection is both economical and progressive.

Poems: Hail Upon My Head

According to my oldest son, I absolutely must share this little haiku about hail inspired by him and my younger son. Yes, they got caught in a hailstorm. Yes, they took a couple pieces in the head. And yes, everyone is just fine. In honor of their little adventure, here's their haiku.



 

Frozen water hurts
When it falls onto my head
Can I skate on it?