The Lyceum: Aristotle in a Bottle
Teachings of history’s greatest minds. … More The Lyceum: Aristotle in a Bottle
Greetings! I began my writing career in 2015 following the death of my beloved mother. The lessons and world views she instilled during my life as I grew and developed maintain a strong thematic presence throughout much of what I write. Her emphasis on the importance of love, kindness, and concern for all is the primary influence behind my material focusing on occasionally uncomfortable topics like emotional vulnerability, abuse, and existentialism. It isn't all mopey, though - I do like to let the hair down and writing about the fun things in life. Like owning an adorable dog that has enormous, "I just saw a ghost" eyes, for instance. While I use this website predominantly for hosting poetry and/or thought pieces, my primary commercially-marketed project is a sci-fi/fantasy series of novels which I originally self-published. The first is titled Continuity and was published in 2016. A sequel, Continuity: Coalescence, was released two years later. I'm thankful to say both were recently picked up by a traditional publisher, Wild Ink Publishing that will be releasing one, consolidated version of both in December 2024. Announcements on this moving forward will also be posted here. As far as the rest, I'm an ex-Vanderbilt baseball player (c/o '09) with a degree in Economics & Corporate Strategy who is ironically trying to forging a career that has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with either of those things. Before my scribbles began, I was an insurance agent for the better part of a decade. Other than that, I enjoy simple living along with my aforementioned co-author, Pip the Pekingese! Thank you for visiting the website. I hope you enjoy your stay, and I look forward to connecting with any and all. No matter who you are or what you believe, you are warmly welcome! M.E. Shao
Teachings of history’s greatest minds. … More The Lyceum: Aristotle in a Bottle
“I saw machines with vacant screens”
“Still humming in the dust”
“Wonders made; gone, decayed”
“Rendered into naught but rust”
Reports might warn, but hearts, when torn
They never cease to dream
Their darkest fate, when faced, create
New futures, yet unseen … More A Light Called Unity
Adalasia: First Entry – Sicily, August, 1943 A curious thing happened today. It’s amazing how different things are now amidst the shelling. The incessant shooting, screaming, and shouting. Hardly a week ago I was making pies for Father’s bakery, whistling cheerful tunes and thinking of boys. My every day seemed filled with that of joy … More Love & Loss
I know you see things as I do There’s nothing we need to think through Take my hand, come walk with me There’s no one here else but us, you see Underneath these sparkling stars The entire world is ours Pick a place: below, above Say the word. It’s yours, my love There’s not a … More Walk With Me
Why does cream rise to the top? A question that so many ask Might it be its color, creed? Or is there more to such a task? Irony: it’s funny, see At times it rhymes and makes much sense Homogenizing prevents rising Cream climbs ‘cause it isn’t dense It understands the law of lands That … More Rise
Liberty is everything
Choosing choice above all else
Picking paths to try and tread
Power lies within yourself … More Liberty
So here’s to hoping that someday, just as Florence did so long ago, we look up — only to see those who embody values as close to the heart as that once-in-an-era, truly magnificent bloodline. … More The Noble House of Medici
It doesn’t take a day, fortnight To know what’s wrong and know what’s right It only takes some sadness, see A bit of love and empathy Understanding someone else Not just standing for yourself Realizing that, in truth I’m just me, and you’re just you We do not need to hate, or fight Whether priest … More Antoninus Pius
I wrote this book while many places were closed due to the pandemic (and before I had a baby), so I had a bit more time on my hands. I wrote after … Kate DeMaio and Fiona and the Forgotten Piano
You ask “How do I know it’s ‘me’”? It’s easy, read my poetry I’ve been the same for many years And nothings easier to read Everything is simple, see? Stop making one plus four be three Stay the knife, just embrace life Pray you find the things you need If you’re not okay – it’s … More Life: It’s Far Too Short