By Joseph B. Ulrich

Illustrations by Robyn Diaz (see the story with illustrations)

Copyright 2010

There once was a girl named Sophy

Who wanted to know about the things that she could not see.

She already knew how the bees were buzzing

And how the birds were flying

And how to stop a baby from crying.

But what about the “Que Sera… Sera’s”

The “Therefore I am’s”

And the “Think I, think I, think I cans”?

Coincidentally

At about a quarter to nine

Philo had asked himself “Why is this mine”?

 He knew what he had.

 All gifts from his Mom

And all gifts from his Dad.

 But what made him, Him?  And he, He?

 Or was he the littlest A amongst a zillion giant Z’s?

 “Just because,” they said, “just won’t do!”

So unknown to each other

Philo and Sophy thought it was best

To set on a quest

To answer their questions and finally put them to rest.

While on her walk

Bound and determined

Sophy heard a clatter or was it a sermon?

 She found seven pups in a row like a pew.

And oh did they fuss.

And oh did they stew.

 But when the Dogs’ Ma did finally speak,

The pups sat still with not a whimper.

Not a peep.

 “Without question of fact,” she said “it is so and that is that.” 

“The proof is in Me.  Now listen and thou shall  see!”

Sophy remained unsure and uncertain.

“For was it a hint of belief or a bit of suspicion?”

Her answers were near.

That much was so clear.

 The story continues to the cycle of Philo

Which he proudly named

Mister Karmichael.

 But even though it had a sparkly flare

For the poor little bike

Philo neglected to care.

First went the chain, the pedal, and wheels.

Next went the handle bars, the seat, and gears.

Then went the bolts, the nuts, and the sprockets.

Sending Philo flying, emptying his pockets.

Philo got up and asked his old friend

“What was the reason for this unfortunate action?”

The bike did reply, “everything you do has an equal and separate reaction.”

 We think it was coincidence

Yes coincidentally again.

Kismet, a happenstance, a catch-as-catch-can.

Philo and Sophy had met on the way

A mere act of fate brought them together that day.

Sophy was told about being aware.

That everything you do

Do with some care.

And She had told Philo of what could be truth

But that it was fun to keep up the sleuth.

Philo and Sophy began to converse

And what came out was provocative and diverse.

They both said “Oh!”

And they both said “I see!”

And they both decided to call it “Philosophy!”

The End

Rug City Brigade

A film by Michael Landrio & Joseph Ulrich

Interview conducted by Dianne Acevedo & Joseph Ulrich of Upstate Art & Culture

VOS

Flashback …  This piece was entered into the Start SOMA Propaganda III travelling exhibit back in 2007.  I had to send in 3 prints to the exhibit.  One would travel the USA,  another would travel Europe, while the last would be archived at the Center for the Study of Political Graphics in Los Angeles, CA.

Rock climbing back in college up in Saranac Lake

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June 6th at Art on Lark.  Albany.

Come All Art Lovers!  2009 is another exciting year for the arts.  Even-though the economy is in the dumps, people can still depend on their local artists to bring them some free entertainment.  (Well, we do hope you might consider buying something)  I am especially looking forward to 2 events this year.  First is the Upstate Artists Guild People’s Choice, which coincidentally I am submitting two pieces in.  The other is the 2nd Annual Project LARKway Fashion Show, hosted by the new up-and-coming magazine Upstate Art & Culture, which again coincidentally I made the logo for.  The fashion show is also judged by the two founders of UAC and my very lovely partner in crime:  Gina.  So check out all the festivities on June 6th.   Albany!!!  For more info visit the Lark Street BID website.