Sparse neural coding offers this
Each neuron connected in small clusters
Limitless possibilities of patterns
Combine into memories and knowledge
No timeline required
Linear equation absent
Just a spark to ignite
Rapid successive firing
Tiny cells embed new information
Shaped by environment
When the branches of my front yard tree
Casts shadows on my neighbour’s house
They dance in a frenzy
To some unknown song
Will I forge a new path
To keep this moment forever
Or will it pass through me
Like wind through little limbs
Bursting with new growth
What I should be learning
Is how to recall
Cognitive psychology’s jargon
In order to pass with good grades
But the world is alive
with verdant sprouts in profusion
Jubilant, worshipping sun’s return
To warm the land
Under my bare feet
I want to forget everything
Be alive
Curl my fingers through earth’s breath
Flit in delirious fervour
Without remembering
The steps
About the Creator
Aspen Marie
In love with life and all of its foibles.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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The Ritual of Winter Challenge Winners
Welcome to the Winners Announcement for The Ritual of Winter challenge. This prompt focused on winter rituals and the meaning that settles into them over time. The top pieces stay grounded in ordinary acts and repeated routines, letting winter shape the work through pace, attention, and restraint.
By Vocal Curation Team4 days ago in Resources
Comments (25)
This is really cool. The jagged line breaks really create a sense of movement. Neurons in clusters sounds like a metaphor we can all take heed from. Brilliantly written 💜
Alive in moments, not measured time.
Wow excellent!
Brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️✍️👌
This captures that moment of being fully present, when everything feels alive and you just want to live in the feeling instead of worrying about the future or the past. Congrats on your top story!
Congrats on TS!
Very good work, congrats
Congratulations on your top story, Marie. Your poem felt a little like a quantum jumping experience, and I think it was quite clever.
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Its very wondering bro,
Nice
To warm the land under my bare feet. Nicely done - congratulations on Top Story. - Nicely Done!!1
The way how you see love and feel it is brilliant. I subscribed you to give my support and I welcome you to read my ones too 🥰!
Very good work, congrats 👏 I’ve also been sharing stories recently—feel free to take a look!
Brilliant story🍀 I subscribed to you please add me too 💙
This piece is a breathtaking fusion of neuroscience and poetry—an ode to both the mind’s wiring and nature’s wild, unfiltered presence. The contrast between academic expectations and the deep desire to feel life is so beautifully expressed. It reminds me that sometimes the most important learning happens outside the classroom, with bare feet on the ground. Stunning work.
Nice
Nice
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This is amazing, Marie! I love how this piece starts out with scientific complexity and ends with such simplicity. I also love this song! Congrats on the well-deserved Top Story! 🎉
Nice
This is clever. It reads nicely. And the music is great for this.
Oh, how I also wish to turn my brain off and relish in the beautiful madness of our world! Amazing piece, Marie!
This felt so blissful and liberating! Loved it so much!
Wonderful