Author: shaun tenzenmen

Australasian DIY music specialist and practising poet, amongst other things

A Contender – 23rd April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ Leave a comment

Breathing life into existence

To many, a home and hearth
How can I put up resistance

Grounded here in the earth?



I hold the rings of truth
Seen the men come and go
One hundred years of youth
And still with more to grow

Taking me in my prime
I could’ve been a contender
Spread wide this shade of mine
In a canopy of splendour

Chop away at my base

Until heard the split and crack

A pole to be in another place

I guess I’m coming back

Submitted to NaPoMo

Today I’m feeling:

Pretty good again though getting up was a struggle but I did it and made it to my room to exercise. Hopefully, the positive effects of that become apparent to my brain today, or I may just nap!

Today I’m grateful for:

The Mad Muscles app that I downloaded but cancelled because it really isn’t much better than the free app I use.  

As I had paid for a month though, I will keep using it and take that as motivation.  I’ve adapted the exercises to allow for my weaknesses and sore bits too.

The best thing about today was:

Watering the garden in the late afternoon.  The ground is so dry that it’s difficult to even see how just a little bit of water from our hose can make any difference to the bigger trees.

The many mangoes that budded are starting to suffer and shrivel up so I want to try and give that tree more attention. I’m jealous of a couple of small mango trees I saw last week that had loads of healthy fruit.  I want that too!

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

I sent a couple of tapes to a customer in Australia a couple of weeks back.  They contacted me today saying that they’d received the package but that it was open and empty.

As I had run out of tapes with that order, I asked the bands in Bangkok if they still had copies and asked them to send a replacement which I’m grateful for them doing immediately.  I transferred the cost straight away too.  Sorted.

I had another order to send to the USA and included a second tape as a freebie.  I took it to the post office expecting it to cost about 250 baht ($10AUD) but it was 463 baht!  It’s doubtful I’ll be able to sell much online anymore with shipping prices too expensive now.

Also, I guess what I wrote below applies here too.

Something I learned today?

Sadly, Anchan found out today that her mum will be in prison in six months.

Earlier in the afternoon she asked me to send her some money because she was desperate to contact her mum.  She said she needed 300 baht, along with 200 baht that she had, to be able to talk to her.  I didn’t question this but can imagine it being some kind of backhander needed to make the call.  If she had another use for the money then let it be.

Anchan is pretty sad about the whole situation and it isn’t one that a 14-year-old should be in.

Despite all that, earlier in the day she wanted to contact her program leader at school to make plans to welcome the new grade 7 students at the beginning of the semester.  I put them in contact.

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

Helping Anchan (see above).

Running Amy around in the stinking heat to get her food.  First to the bingsu shop which was closed (we ended up at a different, disappointing dessert shop).  Then later to get her noodles for dinner.

Did you do something difficult or challenging today?

I can probably write this every day that I exercise but there was a point this morning where I wanted to give up. I made it through.

I got frustrated with guitar again today.  I did keep going for a little bit longer but not too much.  Never mind.  I did ten minutes I guess.  A little bit every day.

I took this picture because I wanted some photos from around the house to send to Sharon and also Rob.  The frangipani trees seem to revel in the dry heat.

Burning Man – 22nd April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ Leave a comment

Some things are indefensible
We all make mistakes
The idea is to learn and grow
No matter what it takes

When genocide repeats itself
What was the fight for?
When the persecuted rain down
Their own hypocritical war

When destruction becomes immoral
What must a soldier do?
Take a big bite of courage
To get the message through

Propaganda no longer hides
The truth of all this killing
To turn a buck for a belief
In a society no longer willing

Today I’m feeling:

Good, after forcing myself up and to exercise. I really wanted to sleep more so I’m happy with myself and my motivation.

Today I’m grateful for:

The local hospital and Dr Poom, my medicine dispenser.  I was able to get straight in today with barely 5 minutes wait, despite it being very busy.  I also asked about information for my students who are struggling and what to recommend them if and when they go to the hospital.

It occurred to me today that after Baipad tried to overdose on paracetamol all the hospital were concerned about was her kidney health.  It seems like maybe no one even asked her why she did it!

Anyway, the info from Dr Poom was useful as they have a child psychiatrist there and psychotherapists too.

The best thing about today was:

My energy levels being great for most of the day due to that morning exercise.  I felt energetic and inspired through all of the day and though I wasn’t doing much strenuous work since the morning I just kept going from one thing to another.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago there has been a change to access the full replay of the AFL matches online and whilst I was able to access it with a VPN last time, today it didn’t work and I was getting wound up by it while trying to figure out a way around it.  Eventually I just had to resign myself to watching the 15 minute mini-match highlights.  Disappointing but all I can do is shout at the clouds.

Something I learned today?

I learned that it is costing the USA 200 million dollars an hour to keep the genocide rolling in Palestine.  Or as the USA likes to call it, defending Israel.

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

I sent pep messages to Anchan and Baipad this morning.  I also chatted a little with my other students, Freya, Winter and Wipping.

I beeped at the annoying BMW in front of me that failed to move at the traffic lights, meaning that we all missed it and couldn’t go anywhere.  I was frustrated for a minute.

Did you do something difficult or challenging today?

I picked up the guitar again today and it sucked!  But I persevered even whilst continuing to suck.  I need to change the strings too.  They sound dull – much like my playing!  Never mind.  I won’t be deterred.

I took this picture because this was the view from our dinner table on Saturday, looking over the Mae Khong to Laos.

Overflow – 21st April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ 8 Comments

I’m pouring rainbows down on you
Until your cup is filled
You’ll overflow with a love so true
It can never be killed
All your seeds will bear fruit
In fields never to be tilled
Joy spread deep from the root
A life spent fulfilled

Submitted to No Theme Thursday picture prompt, Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Flow and NaPoMo.

Today I’m feeling:

Pretty good after a long sleep from the day of travelling yesterday. Should be a relaxing day ahead.

Today I’m grateful for:

Aircon.  I don’t know how many times I’ve said this but today was freaking unbearable outside between 10am (when I woke up) and around 6pm.  Even just going to the kitchen or bathroom was a chore. It’s going to be hotter this coming week too!

The best thing about today was:

I didn’t do much to speak of today though when the sun did finally relent I enjoyed watering the parched earth in the garden.

Something I learned today?

Charles Cunningham Boycott (12 March 1832 – 19 June 1897) was an English land agent whose ostracism by his local community in Ireland gave the English language the term boycott.

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

I gave Art and Noey some gifts of candy that I picked up at the market in Chiang Saen yesterday.

What’s a recent realization I’ve had about myself?

I’m starting to BE old.  I’m not in need of thrills or excitement so much these days.

I think I realised this when I think about travelling overseas. When I think about going somewhere with Amy I’m not so interested in planning things to do and where to go. 

When I see people in places on YouTube videos I think that might be nice to go and see but I’ve just seen it pretty well. I would be taking the same photos every other traveller has taken. I feel like I may not be able to savour it deep into my soul like I might have done before. I’m much more amenable to just getting on a tour bus and letting others deal with logistics.

Having said that I’m still interested in organising a tour for a band around Southeast Asia and dealing with the stress of that, perhaps because the shows would give me the drive and inspiration I’d need.

Perhaps this is not a great realisation but has crossed my mind more recently.

Amy took this picture because this princess was enjoying our (relatively) expensive prawns yesterday.

Of Clay – 20th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ Leave a comment

The philosophy museum is empty

Its concepts all on display
Our idols enjoy five minutes
Our heroes constructed of clay

But when you wish away the bad
You’ll wash away the good
*The fool thinks he leads
He’s clearly misunderstood

Beyond all the shootings stars
Who are getting down and dirty
Time to sacrifice yourself
To become a god at thirty

Our idols had their time
Reconstruct our heroes of clay
The philosophy museum is open
Its concepts all on display

*quote from Tolstoy. Partly inspired by Existential Comics #546. Submitted to NaPoMo.

Today I’m feeling:

Pretty good. Did some exercise again and thankful for it as I can feel my lazy muscles trying hard to pull my body together.

Today I’m grateful for:

Getting out of the house for a day as Amy suddenly came up with the idea to drive to Toeng, so after coffee, we set off, ate huge prawns in Toeng, cake in a rice field cafe somewhere, dropped by to see Wan in Chiang Khong, up to Chiang Saen for some snack shopping in the walking street, and finally a Maekhong riverside fish dinner before getting home 9 hours after leaving.

It was good to be out, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow and staying in!

The best thing about today was:

Having a quick video call with Hayden before our lunch was served.  He’d just come off a 20-hour shift with one of his difficult clients but seemed pretty chipper.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

Amy is pre-menstrual so whilst she was pretty good today she also got a bit wild every now and then.

Something I learned today?

Crispus Attucks was an American whaler, sailor, and stevedore of African and Native American descent, who is traditionally regarded as the first person killed in the Boston Massacre, and as a result, the first American killed in the American Revolution.

I took this picture because…. cake! The photo was better than the cake.

Greater Good – 19th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ 2 Comments

Tone implies
Matter muttered mutual
Best not to trivialise

Mutual
Understanding understood
Redefine our ritual

Understood
Testing time not trivial
Gather round for greater good

Trivial
As seen through separate eyes
Man made more material

Submitted to Writer’s Workshop Prompts and NaPoMo and practising writing the Treochair form – An Irish form consisting of tercets (3-line stanzas) of any number. It is syllabic with 3/7/7 syllables per stanza and a rhyme scheme where the 1st and 3rd lines of a stanza rhyme. Heavy alliteration is expected with all 3 lines within a stanza.

Today I’m feeling:

Tired but good. Amy was up with the light and turned the aircon off so I knew I would have to get up soon because it quickly gets too hot to sleep.

I forced myself up and into my room to try this new app for exercise. I realised that it wasn’t any better than what I already use though but was happy to have tried it as it motivated me up this morning at least.

Today I’m grateful for:

There being no damage done. (See the story below)

The best thing about today was:

The bull!  This actually happened late last night.

Maybe at around 10 pm I thought that I heard something on our terrace, maybe our cats chasing lizards or something like that.  I turned on the lights and peaked out but there was nothing obvious so I went back to watching TV.

A little later I heard the moo of a cow in the distance.  It didn’t sound close so I didn’t think much of it.

At about 11.20 pm I heard the noises again and turned on the lights and peaked out.  Still nothing.  So I thought I should go out and investigate.

Stepping onto the terrace I heard a wet blowy breathing sound and standing there in our entertainment area was a pitch-black bull as tall as me.  I jumped back and stepped inside to grab my phone so I could use its torch to herd it back out to wherever it belonged because it certainly didn’t belong with us!

When I came back out the bull had jumped the small wall out of the entertainment and started wandering off around the garden, obviously not too happy to be confronted.  I went off to the gate to open it and returned to where I guessed he might be.  He wasn’t there.

The wind was blowing the leaves a little and the shadows from the house lights were dancing around and put me on edge.  As I came around the back near the kitchen I jumped in a frightful expectation but it was just shadows.

Around to the back and then to the garage and around to the gate again.  Where had this bull gone?  Maybe it jumped over the fence?  That seemed unlikely as this thing was massive.

My phone torch barely penetrated the darkness in the far corner of the garden but I guessed he was there, invisible with his colour.  I nervously stepped forward and even though I was expecting to see a huge animal at some point it still shocked me when the stood-still bull opened its eyes in my direction so that I could see it clearly and it was less than a metre away.  My arm hairs bristled and I stepped back in fright, now able to make out its fearsome shape.  He gave me another wet breath for good luck.

I steeled myself and went around to its back and it didn’t need much prompting, seeming to know where the gate was already.  Like it was just fucking with me.

I chuckled to myself as I closed the gate again.  Tonight, I will do a quick check-around before closing our gate for the night.

Something I learned today?

A little bit of the history of Canada through reading The Decline of the British Empire. Building a nation-spanning railroad was seen as a way of keeping the USA at bay from expansion.  

Since looking a little deeper it was also surprising that Canada only became a totally independent country in 1982.

Friday Antidote – 18th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ 2 Comments

Making Monday Friday
Smile through gritted teeth
The best day of the week
Comes down to belief

No day is hump day
Every one a joy
Waiting for the weekend
A folly to employ

So savour every minute
Life only starts when you begin it

Submitted to dVerse – Friday and FOWC with Fandango — Antidote
23rd Jun 2024 – Submitted to Word of the Day Challenge – folly

Today I’m feeling:

Pretty inspired after a good sleep.

The crying cats woke me up to feed them at 8.30 so I got up and did that but knew I wanted more sleep.  Back in bed and I eventually got up at around 11.30.  Hooray for a good long sleep!

I think I ended up sleeping at around 2am last night as I was reading comics til 1am and then listening to the Henry and Heidi podcast about Rollins Band.

Today I’m grateful for:

A guy called Pran.  He is Baipad’s mum’s boyfriend and he got in touch with me today because he wants to understand more about Baipad because they may end up all living together.

Baipad put us in touch and was ok for me to tell him everything.  I kinda understand why she doesn’t want to tell him directly.  Baipad seems to like him so I hope he is a trustworthy and good guy.

The best thing about today was:

Getting back to some guitar practice. This holiday has been on and off for me, not wanting to go out into the oven of my room in the afternoons.  But today I told myself to get back to it.  It was a struggle to play and I know that it just needs more practice and that the more I do, the better I will get.

I also told myself that I need to get back into exercise too.  I downloaded a new app to try out for motivation and will start tomorrow.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

Nothing wildly out of control.  I accepted that I woke up late and was even happy about it as I got enough good rest.  

At various times throughout the day Amy would order me to do something and I was in the mood to acquiesce without complaint.

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

With Baipad’s approval I told Pran everything that I knew about Baipad’s experience and also gave my suggestions as to what might help her.  I also told him that I understood Baipad’s mum too.

Anchan said that she wanted to go to a friends house and bake.  I told her to stop thinking and get going.  Later on she told me that she had a good time.

Momo took this picture last week because I asked her to. With me is Baitong – a funny favourite of mine.

Splinters – 17th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ 1 Comment

With the few words I write
There’s just a chance you might
Catch a splinter of me
To guess my personality

But to draw conclusions
From these brief allusions
Would only go to show
How little we both know

Yet every little simple rhyme
Pieced together over time
Forms a picture in your mind
Tell me what it is you find

Today I’m feeling:

Average.  Not good or bad, a little tired but not unenthusiastic.  A little bored and out of sync.  Missing routine and unable to manufacture my own.

(I got lazy for the rest of the day, savouring reading, eating and watching TV)

Today I’m grateful for:

(The idea that the cream puff guy usually sells at the market, which inspired me to get out of the house in search of him. He wasn’t there but I was still glad to get out.)

The best thing about today was:

(Being lazy and not caring!)

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

(See above)

Something I learned today?

(At the time, the English thought that though Australians were strong they were not brave and cut out to be soldier material, during the fighting in Gallipoli during the First World War.  I found this odd as Australians still celebrate the bravery of the soldiers there. History can be shaped in any way necessary.)

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

(Continuing support for Anchan and Baipad, though I’m starting to feel a little helpless. They both must feel terrible.)

When do I feel most connected to others?

I feel weirdly connected with everyone that I know as if I saw them again after many years then nothing would have changed.  This might be a problem as obviously everything has changed in that time.

It’s one of the reasons that I don’t contact people often (I’m quite happy by myself) though I do recognise that others won’t feel the same way.

I’m most connected with my students these days, again understanding that they are not connected with me in the same way. Talking and playing with students is when I feel most connected.

Summer Of Love – 16th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ Leave a comment

We are the fantastic freaks
Gathering at the capital of forever
At the dawn of a new age
A human be-in together

We’re on a great freak forward
No longer just smart monkeys
We’ll purify the planet
Of the garbage people junkies

Pandora’s box now opened
Enlightenment impending
Mindful of the messages
These altered states are sending

Inspired by the comic story Storming Heaven in 2000AD Prog 2002 – artwork by Frazer Irving.

Today I’m feeling:

Surprisingly awake even getting up before my alarm.

(Later) Today has just disappeared.  It’s 6pm and I haven’t really done much.  I miss my routine of work days.

Today I’m grateful for:

Amy’s parents wishing us well for the Thai New Year.

The best thing about today was:

Cutting down all that unread email and not feeling stressed about my lesson planning.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

We tried to drive down through SanKong after lunch but the last of the long weekend water revellers jammed up traffic and after being stuck for about 15 minutes I decided to drive back out the way that we came in.

Something I learned today?

A series of studies in cognitive neuroscience found that our brains are ‘programmed’ to learn more from people we like — and less from those we dislike.

This makes sense but we must also be open to the lessons of those that we don’t like – especially if they treat us badly.

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

I downloaded some CBT for kids books in the hope that I can find some useful strategies, in particular, for Baipad but for any students (and myself).  Could maybe even turn them into lessons.

Fatman report

When Peace Is Treason – 15th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ 18 Comments

This is our genocide so that makes it ok
We’re making money and making them pay
Never been the good guys, why start now
Doublespeak makes us believable somehow



Accepting that our morals are better than yours
Peace is treason in this world of wars
If you don’t agree then we’ll have to kill you

And when we need an enemy, you know, it’s still you



Blessed are we with the God-given guns

Bombs with the power of multiple suns

No longer left with any place to hide

Welcome to our wonderful genocide

22nd Jan 2026 – What’s Going On? – peace – New poems were asked for but as this is still going on (and slowly being forgotten) I think it needs to be said again.

Today I’m feeling:

A little slow to get going this morning but now I’m coffeed up and lesson planning so my brain is engaged.  Kinda don’t want to stop except I need to eat something!

Today I’m grateful for:

The weird Chinese tea that tasted like medicine but successfully cooled my mouth at the mala soup restaurant.

The best thing about today was:

Starting with a bang and feeling good winding down from around lunchtime until nighttime!  I could’ve gotten more done but things will get done at the right time.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

Baipad told me that she was hoping her mum would be sympathetic and understand how depressed she was after taking an overdose but whilst in the hospital she asked “Why don’t you just die?”  Jesus Christ.  I didn’t know what to say except that ‘I’m sorry’

Something I learned today?

Tibet is actually called Xizang.  Not even the locals have ever called it Tibet.

Review your acts, and then for vile deeds chide yourself, for good be glad. — Discourses 3.10

After Baipad told me what her mum said I consoled her and advised her to tell the doctor as much information as she can about her situation and feelings.  She’s a little shy and scared to talk about this, preferring to hold it all in but it’s obvious that this is having a negative effect.

We dropped a case of beer to Goleng and thanked him for taking care of Amy last night after she drank too quickly and threw up around 7pm and passed out soon after!  Despite that she said she had a great time and everyone was laughing with her this morning.

I took this picture because today was the last day for splashing water for Songkran.

Circle Story – 14th April 2024

~ shaun tenzenmen ~ Leave a comment

A silent sigh
as the last page turns
So many questions remain
The story continues evolving
Searching to explain

A sharp intake
of breath and
The tale keeps on spinning
On the shoulders of giants
Children’s awe-struck grinning

A soft fall
to the climax of the day
Eyes scan for a new dream
A sequel to the joy
That this day has been

Inspired by this post at htysdaily.com which was inspired by the same prompt that I used here. Also shared to NaPoMo.

Today I’m feeling:

Upbeat, positive and happy but a little tired (I think from blurred vision – or is my blurred vision from being tired?)

Today I’m grateful for:

The local weed shop being open today, splashing water on anyone passing by.

We now have two weed shops in the village!

The best thing about today was:

Dad’s larb pla for lunch, still hot from the pan and creating a perfect sweat for this heat.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

I was actually looking forward to going to SanKong for an hour or so, knowing it would be a joyous occasion, everyone having fun in a communal free-for-all.

After lunch, I went and sat in the aircon as Amy, family and friends were making desserts.  She said it would take a couple of hours and that was perfect.  Once they’re done we can drive to SanKong, I can hang out for a bit before going home, leaving Amy to keep drinking with her friends.

I soon dozed off and not woken up again until 4.30 pm, a couple of hours later than expected.  Amy was already into her wine and understood when I said I’d just go home directly as it was late afternoon now.

Something I learned today?

Yesterday there was a knife attack in Bondi Junction Westfield and five people were killed.  It’s an odd feeling for something like this to happen in a place that I’m familiar with.

I took this picture because I was actually expecting to have a bunch of photos from Sankong’s Songkran celebration today but I didn’t make it and I have a sore neck.