Week 11: Destiny

What is destiny? That's the million dollar question I kept running back to. Does it exist? How does it work? Who decides destiny? Is destiny on my side or not? I wrote something like that on my journal and I want to share it to further my works for this week.

Funny (and I think interesting) story about my journey to Santa Monica. This past Saturday, I scheduled a photo-shoot with a good buddy of mine and his dog. I wanted to get a shot of the dog and him underneath the Santa Monica Pier, though we had to sneak the dog in, since no pets were allowed on the beach. We walked on the pier to kill time until golden hour and sunset to utilize the perfect lighting, at least in my opinion, for the photos. When the time came, we went below the pier and I did not expect what I saw, though it might not be a big deal to you.

The first thing I saw was a couple in what looked like a curved surf board behind a huge pole, making out. You can barely see the two, since underneath was dark (remember, sunset was hitting and we were under the pier). Then, my buddy, his dog, and I went to the other side of the pier underneath, since the spot had the best lighting we can get. Behind us were two homeless men with tents and blankets, sleeping. I did not expect to witness what I saw, especially for a spot like the Santa Monica Pier.

After finishing up the photo-shoot, I decided to take pictures of the shoreline (one with me) to present for this week's practice. Suddenly, I saw another couple (I assumed they were engaged or married based on their clothing), modeling for another photographer. I don't know who they are, but I ended up capturing a silhouette photo of the couple, along with the sea and the golden-hour sky. I did so to not only respect their privacy, but also want to generalize the point (see the poem).

This was my 3rd time I visited Santa Monica Pier. Some incidents has occurred after the first two visits (I will not share it, due to personal reasons). For some reason, this pier reminds me a lot about fate. I wanted to use this week's practice to touch the topic on fate, through the Christian worldview. I still don't know how destiny works, or if fate does exist. But, the curiosity has led to these writings and images.

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Reality Settling In

The hour when the sun's

light transitioned into gold

has arrived so fast.

Reality of

the day wrapping up has set

in motion like the

fading sun. Now is

the time to reveal Santa

Monica's last state

of sunshine before

the light fades west and darkness

takes over the pier.

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Fate: My Enemy?

Was it my destiny to drown?

Did I defy death when he called my name

after I was sinking down the drain

of the sea?

Who decides the right answer?

Who has the authority to turn around

and promise my soul a better future

(A life of prosperity; away from Lucifer's

deep oceans),

but predetermines the raging storms

that will strike me, as I sail

to the potential blessings?

The raging waves led me to guessing

games, seeking for the true logos.

Is it moral to question

a promise the Creator unveiled

to me? Losing my intimate affection,

two lovers have the other perception,

as they manifested

their love by the shoreline.

Their identities remain a mystery,

but destiny knows who they are.

Fate may plan to wound them with scars

Or destiny might adore them

(That's why they are united).

Fate has not admired me.

Destiny has left me with unfulfilled desires,

as it consumes my rage like a fire.

Fate constantly reminds me

of the unfulfilled desires.

Yet, death has not taken my soul;

so the question remains: what is my fate

after I depart from the tide to await

for the coming days?

Who, then, defines my fate?

I still hold onto the Creator's scroll,

even if bad luck washes my faith

away like the sea's waves, who bathes

my sandy feet.

The question remains unanswered:

What is my fate?