Articles written by Isaiah Paul

What is Helium

About me - Isaiah Paul

After an undistinguished high school performance, I joined the Marine Corps and spent four years at Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington D. C. I went in the Corps expecting to make it a career, but after two weeks I decided that perhaps my prodigious talents

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Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Why we write: 4 of 182
Writers are addicts. We are addicted to our own words. Forget all the hype about self- expression and creativity; we write because we want to read what we write. It doesn't really matter if others read our work or not; what matters is that we get to read it. If someone reads our stuff and then praises our stuff, that's just i... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Misery: 25 of 146
Was it Me?Did I, dear Lord, Please tell me was it meThat caused this boy, my son, defective be?Was it some sin or sins that I let growThat caused his arms, his legs, his heart, to go?Was it me?Did I, dear Lord, please tell me was it meThat caused Sir Gower to display a gaitThat stumbles, tumbles, crumbles, and falls strait,Wh... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Suspense: 36 of 205
"Hitting the Door" Breathing helps to steady the nerves. Inhale1001, 1002, 1003hold1001, 1002, 1003exhale1001, 1002, 1003. It works wonders. Try it sometime. Before you hit the door, you feel as if your heart will explode. No matter how many times you do it, it's always the same: pounding heart, dripping sweat, and squeaky vo... More..
Arts & Humanities > William Shakespeare Character analysis: Shylock from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice': 2 of 8
Many critics see anti-Semitism in Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" and for good reason. Shylock is indeed the personification of the stereotypically greedy, evil Jew. It should be noted, however, that Shakespeare could not have used a Jewish character in any other way. For one, his primarily Christian audience woul... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Childhood memories: 111 of 308
"Sweet Home Alabama" We must have been filthy, because our grandmother was screaming, "You filthy bastards! I didn't agree to be your ass washer after your mother died! Ya'll will sleep outside afore ya step your filthy hides in my house!"Grandma was standing on the metal porch of our 1960s era trailer. She wore a white ankle... More..
Arts & Humanities > Poets & Poetry Does poetry matter in the 21st century?: 46 of 121
Poetic Historicity Poetry is but a form of venting one's spleen. What!? Poetry!? Spleen venting!? How dare you juxtapose poetry with mere spleen venting, you uncouth simpleton! Before the gathering of pitchforks and torches, please consider an explanation. What exactly is the poet striving for when he sits down to create what... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Fantasy: 34 of 79
A Year With the Bipeds A year ago today I was snatched by wicked hands and incarcerated in thisthishovel. It happened while I feasted on blessings from the gods at the temple of the Golden Arches. Oh, how I fondly remember those golden-brown, delectable staves scattered all over the blackened ground of the temple square! Oh! ... More..
Education > Distance Learning Is an internet degree as valuable as a formal degree?: 8 of 17
"Are you learning anything?" I was asked this question by an elementary school teacher who earned her degree in the traditional classroom. At the time, I was working on my BA in English at an accredited university that offered classes solely on-line, and my inquisitor thought it strange that one could get a quality education ... More..
Arts & Humanities > William Shakespeare Literary analysis: A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare: 3 of 6
The craftsman's play is what lends hilarity to Shakespeare's A Mid Summer Night's Dream. Without it, the Bard's comedy would be merely, dare one say, amusing. Not only does this play-within-a-play induce uncontrolled guffawing, it also parodies the amorous activities of the Athenian lovers in the main play. The madness of rom... More..
Arts & Humanities > Poets & Poetry Most famous English poets: 9 of 16
All people preach. Find the most radical liberal in the world and he is just as preachy as a fire-breathing pulpit minister at the rural church known for handling members of the reptilian species. One condemns polluting the world while the other condemns polluting your neighbor's wife, and each is equally enthusiastic. Now, p... More..