Inspired by Rush’s Hemispheres, Hemorrhaged Fears reimagines the battle of reason and emotion through the lens of modern political division. This poetic epic explores the struggle between ideologies, the chaos of polarization, and the search for balance in a fractured world.
Author Archives: ManninoAcid
J.A.S.S.
A vivid reflection on beauty, technology, and the moments we share—or miss.
Climbing the Digital Beanstalk: The Perils and Promise of Modern Connectivity
This post explores the paradox of the digital age, where technology empowers us with limitless knowledge and instant connectivity but also burdens us with dependency and a loss of deeper contemplation. It delves into the trade-offs between convenience and critical thinking, questioning whether we have sacrificed genuine understanding and connection for the fleeting rewards of modern digital tools.
The Ghosts of Piggies Past
Huddled in the strange new darknessThe very first night in his new homeA baby piggy is counting the momentsFacing a long cold night all alone Strange noises crowd his tiny spaceSleep but the dreams that evadeWith his heart running a frantic raceHis sense of comfort continues to fade Just when he fears he can bearContinue reading “The Ghosts of Piggies Past”
Evolving Ideals: My Journey from Right to Left
Joe Mannino shares his journey from a devout Catholic and staunch Republican to a self-guided moral life and Democrat. He highlights his experiences in the Marines, tech preferences, and evolving political beliefs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the stories that shape our philosophies.
The Leveling
We all arrive at the starting line at the same time and the same place. We all registered and we were all counted individually as equals. No judgements made in the ether of anonymity that precedes the race. We are all counted as one. While this is how competitive sports are engineered to perform whatContinue reading “The Leveling”
The Wonder(ful)
The product of a somewhat self-indulgent look at the words “beautiful” and “beauty,” this poem became an exploration of the different meanings derived from compound words and their roots. While it is certainly complementary to call someone beautiful, declaring them to be full of beauty, it seemed far more powerful to refer to someone asContinue reading “The Wonder(ful)”
A Heretic’s Prayer
Drawing heavily on my dysfunctional relationship with organized religion, the following series of poems represent decades of repressed personal feelings as well as the collective laments of countless critics before me. I endeavor to call out hypocrisy, shed light on logical fallacies and provoke a visceral response from those that have stopped questioning and challengingContinue reading “A Heretic’s Prayer”
Vaccine Man
(In the style of Van Halen’s “Ice Cream Man”) Now summertime’s here jackNeed something to keep you aliveNow summertime’s here jackNeed something to keep you aliveYou better look out now‘Cause Biden’s got somethin’ for youI’ll tell ya what it is… I’m your vaccine manStop me when I’m passin’ byI’m your vaccine manStop me when I’mContinue reading “Vaccine Man”
Vito’s Legacy Workshop
Sometime early last spring, I impulse bought a totally gnarly, steampunk-inspired Nixie Tube clock from that bastion of truth in advertising platform, Facebook. I bought a clock; I received a kit. Not right away, mind you. Oh no, it took eight weeks for them to send me the tubes, circuit board, and a ramshackle pileContinue reading “Vito’s Legacy Workshop”
Mannino Acid 