M. Daniel Smith (mdanielsmith.com)
@mdanielsmith.bsky.social
Author of novels in multiple genres (mdanielsmith.com)
Retired, married, living close to nature
New-Englander, Mid-Coast Maine
Socially active
Poetry, my true writer's passion, and novels.
Retired, married, living close to nature
New-Englander, Mid-Coast Maine
Socially active
Poetry, my true writer's passion, and novels.
Pinned
When civilization's thin blanket of civility, honorable actions, societal mores and equal treatment of all is scratched, exposed is mankind's inherent weaknesses. Fear of the unknown, loss of security, change to one's narror viewpoint of strangers. Basic instincts arise leading to prejudice.
February 12, 2026 at 4:45 PM
When civilization's thin blanket of civility, honorable actions, societal mores and equal treatment of all is scratched, exposed is mankind's inherent weaknesses. Fear of the unknown, loss of security, change to one's narror viewpoint of strangers. Basic instincts arise leading to prejudice.
To my BlueSky friends and their families as well as all Canadians.... my deepest and heartfelt condolences for the horrible news today. This tragedy is a sad reflection of a world spun out of balance. It does not reflect Canadian's true nature, which is inclusive and never abusive. Prayers to all.
February 11, 2026 at 2:39 PM
To my BlueSky friends and their families as well as all Canadians.... my deepest and heartfelt condolences for the horrible news today. This tragedy is a sad reflection of a world spun out of balance. It does not reflect Canadian's true nature, which is inclusive and never abusive. Prayers to all.
Final post in series: It is not enough to stand and stare. To hesitate to run into the fractious sea. To regain an innocence as children felt, wild and careless with our lives. But it is wise, in times of strife, to look to one another, sisters and brothers, hands in hands, before wading in.
February 10, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Final post in series: It is not enough to stand and stare. To hesitate to run into the fractious sea. To regain an innocence as children felt, wild and careless with our lives. But it is wise, in times of strife, to look to one another, sisters and brothers, hands in hands, before wading in.
Post part five: I have no better sight than others. Limited as all are by a singular view of what seems proper, and what rings true. Opinions formed from the clay I'm made of, pulled from familial ground. But I realize I like others are bound to the same eternal sea, a place we once called home.
February 10, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Post part five: I have no better sight than others. Limited as all are by a singular view of what seems proper, and what rings true. Opinions formed from the clay I'm made of, pulled from familial ground. But I realize I like others are bound to the same eternal sea, a place we once called home.
Post part four: We seek balance in a field of fractured ground. Leaning on one another to make a crossing, trusting those we name family and friends to support, help carry our burdens, as we do in return. There is a book that guides these efforts. Based on truths learned along the way.
February 10, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Post part four: We seek balance in a field of fractured ground. Leaning on one another to make a crossing, trusting those we name family and friends to support, help carry our burdens, as we do in return. There is a book that guides these efforts. Based on truths learned along the way.
Post part three: Collectively, we the people decide whom to follow or to ignore. Our footsteps locked to one path or another. Each with unique hazards or rewards. Neither one leading straight and narrow, as the world is full of twists and turns. The churn of greed over sharing, or hate over caring.
February 10, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Post part three: Collectively, we the people decide whom to follow or to ignore. Our footsteps locked to one path or another. Each with unique hazards or rewards. Neither one leading straight and narrow, as the world is full of twists and turns. The churn of greed over sharing, or hate over caring.
Post part two: History is similar, measured in generational ebb and flow as each new arrival claims the stage in time. Exacting their imprint on events conjured up to provide grist for their mill. To stake a place in public view of who the are, what they stand for, and are willing to do.
February 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Post part two: History is similar, measured in generational ebb and flow as each new arrival claims the stage in time. Exacting their imprint on events conjured up to provide grist for their mill. To stake a place in public view of who the are, what they stand for, and are willing to do.
Post 1: Waves along ocean shorelines come in groups of seven. Perhaps related to the expression of ships sailing the seven seas. Each with a part to play in affecting the curling grasp of salt-brine water combing foamy fingers through grains of ancient sand.
February 10, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Post 1: Waves along ocean shorelines come in groups of seven. Perhaps related to the expression of ships sailing the seven seas. Each with a part to play in affecting the curling grasp of salt-brine water combing foamy fingers through grains of ancient sand.
It's not as difficult to prevent damage done as it is to avoid it having happened. No sane person or people would hand the keys of a big rig to a person blinded by ego, lack of empathy, or morales. Right? Surely our ancestors would have protected us against such a thing. Right? Right??? Right?????
February 9, 2026 at 1:29 PM
It's not as difficult to prevent damage done as it is to avoid it having happened. No sane person or people would hand the keys of a big rig to a person blinded by ego, lack of empathy, or morales. Right? Surely our ancestors would have protected us against such a thing. Right? Right??? Right?????
I'm the watcher on the wall. My task to search horizon's edge for sign of danger from without. To sound the alarm, and ring the bell
While looking out. I must be stout and disciplined, and brave. But when the threat lies deep within these walls, I know I and my people have been betrayed....
While looking out. I must be stout and disciplined, and brave. But when the threat lies deep within these walls, I know I and my people have been betrayed....
February 9, 2026 at 1:25 PM
I'm the watcher on the wall. My task to search horizon's edge for sign of danger from without. To sound the alarm, and ring the bell
While looking out. I must be stout and disciplined, and brave. But when the threat lies deep within these walls, I know I and my people have been betrayed....
While looking out. I must be stout and disciplined, and brave. But when the threat lies deep within these walls, I know I and my people have been betrayed....
To create in any medium producing an emotional responsein in one's own self, your heart touched, tears to eyes drawn, or subdued sigh of what was loved and lost along the way is left hovering in the air. there is where reality resides. The cupped wave, poignant smile, rhythmic prose exposing truth.
February 8, 2026 at 10:16 PM
To create in any medium producing an emotional responsein in one's own self, your heart touched, tears to eyes drawn, or subdued sigh of what was loved and lost along the way is left hovering in the air. there is where reality resides. The cupped wave, poignant smile, rhythmic prose exposing truth.
Authors, by definition, chronicle their life experiences wrapped within the ebb and flow of thoughts turned into words. Absurd to think a machine formed around real people's efforts in outputting their feelings with emotional resonance, can duplicate the missing sauce that makes up a gourmet meal.
February 8, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Authors, by definition, chronicle their life experiences wrapped within the ebb and flow of thoughts turned into words. Absurd to think a machine formed around real people's efforts in outputting their feelings with emotional resonance, can duplicate the missing sauce that makes up a gourmet meal.
AI writing is like viewing nature in a typical zoo. To those with no frame of reference, like a trip into the wilderness, exposed to the sounds, scenes, scents, and sense of being on the other side of the fence, nothing equals reality. Blood responds to blood. Mind, to mind. Soul to soul.
February 8, 2026 at 6:21 PM
AI writing is like viewing nature in a typical zoo. To those with no frame of reference, like a trip into the wilderness, exposed to the sounds, scenes, scents, and sense of being on the other side of the fence, nothing equals reality. Blood responds to blood. Mind, to mind. Soul to soul.
Post three: I realize people feel a need to rise to act against tyrannical practices, and acknowledge the value in speaking out in opposition to cruelty. With opposite efforts made. To be calm in manner. United in community. Condem weak souls by standing firm in the face of their acting out.
January 25, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Post three: I realize people feel a need to rise to act against tyrannical practices, and acknowledge the value in speaking out in opposition to cruelty. With opposite efforts made. To be calm in manner. United in community. Condem weak souls by standing firm in the face of their acting out.
Second post: It is imperative we move ahead with justice sought for all. Accountability for those standing outside the law. To take what is witnessed into courts of Law. To trust the founding Fathers (and Mothers) to right the Ship of State before it founders on a harsh and unforgiving shore....
January 25, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Second post: It is imperative we move ahead with justice sought for all. Accountability for those standing outside the law. To take what is witnessed into courts of Law. To trust the founding Fathers (and Mothers) to right the Ship of State before it founders on a harsh and unforgiving shore....
There are moments that shake the foundation stones of societal integrity on which a house is built, stone by stone. Brick by brick. Board by board. It does not live until filled with the lifeblood of family, friends, and outcasts taken in. We are shaken by recent events. Stirred to righteous action.
January 25, 2026 at 12:59 PM
There are moments that shake the foundation stones of societal integrity on which a house is built, stone by stone. Brick by brick. Board by board. It does not live until filled with the lifeblood of family, friends, and outcasts taken in. We are shaken by recent events. Stirred to righteous action.
We are a country cast from clay fired in the heat of rebellion against a tyrannical ruler from beyond the ocean.... and today face much the same, closer to home. Our forefathers, no doubt assisted by wives with strong opinions, wrote a document to protect democracy. Our time to be tested, now.
January 18, 2026 at 9:58 PM
We are a country cast from clay fired in the heat of rebellion against a tyrannical ruler from beyond the ocean.... and today face much the same, closer to home. Our forefathers, no doubt assisted by wives with strong opinions, wrote a document to protect democracy. Our time to be tested, now.
I, is but a single star in the sky. We, are a canvas overhead painted in a blaze of lights beyond count. Humanity does not exist in one, but all. The totality of our Selves, our beliefs, thoughts, and actions taken on behalf of individual rights in a collective call to action. Be human. Be humane.
January 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I, is but a single star in the sky. We, are a canvas overhead painted in a blaze of lights beyond count. Humanity does not exist in one, but all. The totality of our Selves, our beliefs, thoughts, and actions taken on behalf of individual rights in a collective call to action. Be human. Be humane.
We are, beneath the surface, connected in ways beyond measure of science or superstition. Bias, or a fear of someone outwardly different than what we see in the mirror is emotional blindness, based on prejudice, ignorance, and an inability to believe in the miracle of one's own humanity....
January 13, 2026 at 1:12 PM
We are, beneath the surface, connected in ways beyond measure of science or superstition. Bias, or a fear of someone outwardly different than what we see in the mirror is emotional blindness, based on prejudice, ignorance, and an inability to believe in the miracle of one's own humanity....
Quick question: How many people does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Answer: One
Next Question: How many people does it take to screw up the world?
Hmmmm.... same answer.
Let's see.... Gengis, Hitler, Ivan, Mussolini, Stalin. Looks like we're up to the letter T.
Answer: One
Next Question: How many people does it take to screw up the world?
Hmmmm.... same answer.
Let's see.... Gengis, Hitler, Ivan, Mussolini, Stalin. Looks like we're up to the letter T.
January 9, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Quick question: How many people does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Answer: One
Next Question: How many people does it take to screw up the world?
Hmmmm.... same answer.
Let's see.... Gengis, Hitler, Ivan, Mussolini, Stalin. Looks like we're up to the letter T.
Answer: One
Next Question: How many people does it take to screw up the world?
Hmmmm.... same answer.
Let's see.... Gengis, Hitler, Ivan, Mussolini, Stalin. Looks like we're up to the letter T.
If you are struggling to come to terms with what's going on in US politics of late, be reassuted that your morality, empathy, and integrity is firmly in place. Buckle up, log in, and put your shoulder to the wheel. It's gonna take us all to put things back as close to right once more.
January 4, 2026 at 6:31 PM
If you are struggling to come to terms with what's going on in US politics of late, be reassuted that your morality, empathy, and integrity is firmly in place. Buckle up, log in, and put your shoulder to the wheel. It's gonna take us all to put things back as close to right once more.
A generational sacrifice made to an industrial sponsored, geo-political desire to profit off military advancements. New technology. New ways to maim and kill. Same thrill in counting monies rolling in. From club, to spear, to arrow released on through to missiles, drones, and more. War equals money.
January 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
A generational sacrifice made to an industrial sponsored, geo-political desire to profit off military advancements. New technology. New ways to maim and kill. Same thrill in counting monies rolling in. From club, to spear, to arrow released on through to missiles, drones, and more. War equals money.
This day, a few more chapters of a new story told from days of old, postponed in lieu of writing missives such as this. A pull to reach those who choose to stroll the hallways of this media-formed universe. An exchange of energy binding all to each and everyone, bringing the light we seek today....
January 2, 2026 at 8:15 PM
This day, a few more chapters of a new story told from days of old, postponed in lieu of writing missives such as this. A pull to reach those who choose to stroll the hallways of this media-formed universe. An exchange of energy binding all to each and everyone, bringing the light we seek today....
Be more to others than a name. A title on a novels cover. Reveal, within, an honest view of what you thought then learned anew with hard won knowledge gained throughout a well-framed life. Expose the strife salted with tears, the sweet taste of joy found in love's sweet kiss. This is who you are.
January 2, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Be more to others than a name. A title on a novels cover. Reveal, within, an honest view of what you thought then learned anew with hard won knowledge gained throughout a well-framed life. Expose the strife salted with tears, the sweet taste of joy found in love's sweet kiss. This is who you are.
No AI can replicate spontaneous bursts of original creativity. Only reflections of those who led the way unto today. Pain, love, angst and such, the spices needed in the brew of what from fiction is made true to a reader's mind. As no kiss from a lifeless mask can ever warm one's soul....
January 2, 2026 at 8:04 PM
No AI can replicate spontaneous bursts of original creativity. Only reflections of those who led the way unto today. Pain, love, angst and such, the spices needed in the brew of what from fiction is made true to a reader's mind. As no kiss from a lifeless mask can ever warm one's soul....