Feb 20, 2011

Harmony ... or, If You Could Read My Mind This Morning

My uncle's sudden death. The family's heartbreak -- and resilience. Two friends standing at crossroads: one managing to keep his character intact as he goes through a puzzling evolution; the other striving heroically for harmony in his life. My birthday just a day away. God's absolute love. "Desiderata."                  



Desiderata 
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant,
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser
persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be;
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann c.1920

Feb 6, 2011

Lovecycle

Into the womb
God whispers
some lullaby,
some Ellington,
some Stevie.

Baby quivers,
toes wiggle,
heart jumps.
Now knows love.

Wants,
needs,
cries for,
fights for,
dies for.
Gives,
takes,
sells.

Breathes deep.
Laughs long.
Hugs close.
Loves back.
Loves back.

February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!