Simply Drakovi

A Quiet Farewell by Drakovi Bloodrose  If I rest here, hidden,   pressed to the cold steel bones   running alongside the I-10,   would the world change without me?   Would the sky, indifferent, shift,   or the earth tremble beneath   the weight of my leaving?   The ache—heavy, bound in silence—   spills over, seeps through each wound   I could never close. My past follows like a shadow,   its voice woven into my own,   its weight unyielding.   I’ve even shattered love,   left it scattered like glass,   sharp edges catching light   that I can’t hold. So I lie down, breath stilled,   letting this final quiet settle,   untethered from tomorrow,   slipping softly from this place   like a whisper fading   into open air.

In the endless landscape of existence, I recognize myself as a unique thread woven into the fabric of the universe. As I navigate through life, I sometimes lose sight of the profound connections I share with others and the cosmos. My life transcends individual narratives; it is part of a grand story that extends beyond mere personal experiences. This realization prompts me to reflect on my role in the cosmic dance, understanding that every thought, feeling, and action I take ripples through the world around me. In my daily life, I become acutely aware of the transformations that shape my reality. From the gentle breeze that carries whispers of wisdom to the solid ground beneath my feet, I sense an energy that nurtures my growth. This force inspires me to awaken to my true self and to view my journey as part of a larger process of evolution. Through this understanding, I cultivate compassion and kindness, enriching both my life and the lives of those I encounter. I believe my existence ...

During the quiet moments when the world outside is thriving, I find a deep sense of comfort in solitude. These moments have often been my companions, especially during late nights when I gaze out the window, observing the world and its rhythm . I’ve come to see solitude not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for reflection and self-discovery. Embracing these times allows me to connect with my creativity and clarity. I know that many people struggle with feelings of loneliness, and I want to be a source of support. If you ever find yourself feeling isolated or in need of someone to talk to, I’m here for you. Whether you want to chat about what’s on your mind, share your experiences, or simply express how you feel, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call, text, or write to me anytime; I genuinely want to listen. It’s essential to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. If you feel that urge to connect, I encourage you to take that step. Sometimes, reaching out ...

Herbal Remedies: Soldiers' Secret Weapons During the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944, when chaos erupted and lives were on the line, soldiers often looked to nature for help with their injuries. Two herbs that played a crucial role in their healing were comfrey and yarrow. Comfrey, sometimes called "knitbone," has been used for ages to speed up healing. Soldiers would make poultices from its leaves to treat cuts and bruises. With its natural ability to help the body regenerate tissue, comfrey was like a comforting friend, helping them heal when they needed it most. Then there’s yarrow, a true warrior’s herb. Known for its power to stop bleeding, yarrow was a go-to remedy in the heat of battle. Soldiers would crush the leaves and flowers to create a paste and apply it directly to wounds, helping to control bleeding and reduce pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties made it a reliable ally for those facing tough situations. As I think about the bravery of those soldiers, I can’...

The ground wasn’t ground at all, but a soft sigh underfoot, like walking on the memory of something that never was. Clocks dangled from invisible threads, dripping molten minutes into puddles of time that rippled away before you could step in them. Dreams hung in the air, thick as fog, but they didn’t belong to anyone; they just floated, breathing backwards into themselves, folding and unfolding like forgotten thoughts. People blinked in and out, not walking but shifting, like shadows trying to remember what light felt like. And the sky—if you could call it that—curved inward, a reflection of something that was always just beyond the corner of your eye, where nothing made sense and everything was perfectly normal.

I recently wrote a letter to President Biden about my thoughts on his presidency and where our country is headed. I was hoping for a response that actually connected with what everyday Americans are feeling. Instead, I got back a letter that read more like a standard campaign speech. He talked a lot about democracy and unity, but totally missed the mark on the real issues we’re facing—like rising costs and the growing divide among us. Honestly, it was a bit disappointing to see my call for genuine leadership brushed aside with the usual platitudes. And let’s be real... I know Biden didn’t actually write it; I’m no sucker. It was definitely his team behind that one. It’s frustrating because we need leaders who really get what’s going on in people’s lives.  I’ll keep pushing for change, but it’s clear we’ve still got a long way to go. 

I’m just one week into this journey, and I can feel the tide turning. With Bell’s palsy taking a swing at my face, I’ve been standing in front of the mirror, pushing through my facial exercises and massaging away the doubt. This morning, I woke up to a slant that’s only 10% of what it was—an incredible improvement that fills me with hope. They warned me it could take weeks, but I’m aiming for next week to reclaim my facial expressions. Last week was a whirlwind of emotions after receiving the diagnosis, but I’ve cleaned up my house and, more importantly, my mind. My traumatic brain injury is a thing of the past, and I’m ready to take the next steps toward reclaiming my life. I’m no longer sick, no longer at risk for the things that held me back. The weight I carried for so long has lifted, and I feel a surge of energy pushing me forward. I’m beyond grateful for my girlfriend, who’s stood by me through every challenge. We’ve faced some of the darkest moments imaginable, yet all I can se...

The Many Faces of Tucson Streets by Drakovi Bloodrose Morning Magic As Tucson wakes up with the break of dawn, the city feels like a giant yawning and stretching out its arms. The sun peeks over the rough mountains, giving everything a nice, warm color that makes you feel like you're in a postcard. The air is fresh, with a smell that's like a mix of the desert and a sweet flower garden. It's like the start of something new and exciting, as people start moving around and the day begins. You can see all sorts of things happening as the light gets brighter. There's an old guy with a cart, selling hot tamales that smell so good, you can almost taste them in the air. A young couple is walking by, holding hands, and you can hear them laughing like they don't have a care in the world. The big, old trees are whispering secrets to each other, throwing cool shadows on the sidewalks that have seen a lot of life. Midday Bustle Once the sun is high in the sky, Tucson gets g...

I woke up in the middle of the night, needing to take a piss. As I passed by the bathroom mirror, the faint moonlight caught a glimpse of my reflection. I froze. There, staring back at me, was a version of myself I didn’t recognize. My face—something was off. I blinked, half-asleep, thinking it must’ve been a trick of the shadows. I’d be fine, I told myself, as I climbed back into bed. But the next morning, everything changed. Around 8 a.m., I was out on my usual morning walk, feeling the Arizona sun on my skin, when suddenly, everything went black. I woke up to the sound of sirens, the hum of traffic, and the concerned voices of EMTs and firefighters. I was lying on the side of a busy midtown intersection, people hovering over me, asking my name, asking me what had happened. But I didn’t know. Fast forward, and I found myself in Banner Medical Center’s emergency room, a “stroke patient in 24.” The fear hit me then. Stroke? I couldn’t comprehend it. Test after test, needle after needle...

After more than two years living in Tucson, I've come to understand that it is a city like no other. Finding a similar relaxed atmosphere elsewhere is difficult. Tucson does not hurry you; it allows you to live at your own speed. This is my favorite aspect of it. The atmosphere is more pure, and existence appears less complicated. Opting to relocate to this place was a fantastic choice for me. Ever since I got here, my days have been more cheerful and my overall quality of life has enhanced. The welcoming atmosphere created by the community, together with the excellent weather, ensures that everyone feels included. When you stroll in the morning and receive greetings from neighbors, or engage in conversations in nearby shops, Tucson has a knack for making you feel like a member of the community. It is the people that truly set Tucson apart. It's more than just the incredible desert scenery or beautiful sunsets. The way the city and its inhabitants affect your emotions. They cre...

The nation is more divided than ever, to the point where it's difficult to express in words. The typical political debates and differences of opinion have evolved into a much uglier situation. People aren't just disagreeing; they're taking sides with no room for middle ground. It's as if you must be on one side of the argument or the other, and that's causing a lot of tension. This extreme division makes us question if democracy can handle it. It's not about one election or one leader—it's a larger issue. Families and communities are dividing over politics, and trust in the system is eroding. The frequent claims of fraud and corruption cast doubt over future elections. We're at a critical juncture where each election feels like it could be the last before everything falls apart. America was founded on the principle of democracy, but if that foundation cracks, what will we have left? The divisions today are deeper than ever in my lifetime. We're forge...

The discussion on health and safety practices, especially in herbal medicine, highlights a stark contrast between advanced nations and regions like Ghana. The alarming revelation of around 500,000 unlicensed herbalists operating openly raises urgent concerns about the quality and safety of their remedies.  As a herbalist, it’s troubling to see the potential dangers posed by unsafe practices, especially in light of rising kidney disease linked to contaminated herbs. While the call for regulation is essential, there’s a sense of skepticism about whether meaningful action will be taken. . This reflection underscores the need for responsible and ethical herbal practices, emphasizing that the safety of our communities must come first. We must advocate for better regulations and awareness to ensure that herbal medicine remains a trusted source of healing.

Watching the debate tonight, I felt a sense of reassurance. JD Vance’s calm and composed approach stood out, especially as he emphasized support for Israel while defending Trump’s foreign policy as one of peace. His focus on making the American dream attainable again and his compassionate stance on sensitive issues like abortion showed a depth of leadership that I respect. It’s about supporting a vision that values both strength and empathy, which I believe is what we need right now. Vance truly made Trump's message more relatable and palatable, and that’s something I can get behind.