Author Archives: thisihumblyspeak

The Candle

Posted on November 12, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

A light in time of darkness, a flicker of hope when we need it most. Something so simple, yet so powerful. A glimmering teardrop shaped flame that casts rousing shadows on the walls. Soft, luminous, mystical, almost magical. A single … Continue reading →

Posted in justice, kindness, prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Soldier

Posted on October 20, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

Cease fire is declared. “Pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death,” I mutter under my breath. I raise myself out of the safety of the small dugout, a makeshift trench, to take a cautious peek … Continue reading →

Posted in death, genocide, humanity, justice, Uncategorized, war | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Rooted In Anger, A Gift

Posted on October 6, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

Where do I begin? How do I write about Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) and Armenia? How do I write about the pain I have for a place I came to love? I am not a native Karabaghtzi, but I attached myself to … Continue reading →

Posted in genocide, humanity, justice, racism, war | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Personal Space Compromised

Posted on September 14, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

It’s the same scene today, as it has been most mornings for the past 5 months. “What have you got planned for the day?” he asks as I pick up the daily paper from the driveway. “Two meetings, a chat … Continue reading →

Posted in photogenic, technology | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Twin Blue Lights

Posted on September 11, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

Twin blue lights that shimmer in the darkness Flood the night that haunts the sacred place. Time passes, But memories remain fresh and overwhelming The wall of smoke, the trembling ground, Sirens wailing, people jumping Like birds learning to take … Continue reading →

Posted in 9/11, tragedy, Twin Towers, Valor | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

To Daughter on her Birthday

Posted on August 27, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

Before you were born, I thought I chose you. When you took your first breath, I thought I made you. As you skipped, climbed and jumped, I thought I kept an eye on you. Over the years, I thought I … Continue reading →

Posted in family, life, Love, mother daughter, parent | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Civility

Posted on August 18, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

These are tumultuous times. There is conflict, division and dislike turning to hate everywhere I turn. It is difficult to explain exactly what is occurring or why it is happening, but my observations and experiences from the past few months … Continue reading →

Posted in civility, communication, kindness | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Ya Beirut, Oh Beirut

Posted on August 5, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

It’s not unusual for me to receive from friends and acquaintances links to performances and concerts that could stir the heart to ride a wave of nostalgia for a place in one’s memory. But I don’t usually open any of … Continue reading →

Posted in music connects, power of music | Tagged , | 13 Comments

I Write With Sorrow

Posted on July 28, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

I listen to the news and take a nervous mental stock of recent events that have targeted Armenians, Greeks, and others on the list of Turkey’s vengeful past, present and future. I delve the most morbid corners of my imagination … Continue reading →

Posted in genocide, war | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Be A Patriot

Posted on July 4, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

I am an American. And because America is largely a nation of immigrants, I am also, like the majority of you, something else. And when I became a citizen of the United States, I swore to uphold and protect the … Continue reading →

Posted in accountability, Duty and honor, justice, Old Glory, patriotism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments