The Pebble

"The greatest disease in the west today is not TB or Leprosy;

it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for .We can cure

diseases with medicine , but the only cure for loneliness, despair,

and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are

dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for

a little love. The poverty of the West is a different kind of

poverty --- it is not only a poverty of loneliness

but also of spirituality. There is a hunger for love, the is a hunger 

for the Divine."

- Saint Mother Teresa

Inspiration :

An executive on her way to a meeting noticed a homeless woman

she had passed time to time . The woman executive stopped , 

bought a sandwich for the woman. During her conversation

the executive learned how this destitute spirit became broken. 

After a few years of serving sandwiches to the homeless

this executive left her corporate world to create a non for profit

to help the homeless by teaching them how to help themselves.

The organization grew rapidly around the U.S.

to over 200,000 volunteers in 43 states. 

She received the "Points of Light Award" 

from President H.W. Bush.

This pilgrim then met with this executive seeking  her counsel

as to starting a not for profit service for the unemployed. 

The compassionate executive placing her hand on mine,

"When you are ready your heart will know', adding,

"a helping hand can also be in the small things."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Olson

This searcher in disguise then shared 

the previous meeting with another

successful well respected empath female exec.

He trusted her impeccable judgment and ability

to see right through to the heart of the matter.

Listening intently a smile stretched across her face,

"You know you are filled with the spirit. 

Whatever path you follow, be the pebble

the ripples will do the rest ."

https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/21914708/former-csb-chairman-dies

A consoling voice murmurs from 

within a transcendental proclamation, 

 " We don't stop being or working

for good , showing compassion and helping those

who can't help themselves because we may not see 

the result of our effort. One doesn't love another just

to be loved in return. We are not selfless and helpful for any

reward...in this life or the the next...we do it ,

....we live this way because 

it is the right thing to do."

-----------

The Writing :

The Pebble

I.

See the broken card board boxes

under the rusted overpass.

Torn sheet tents ,  

three wheeled shopping carts adorning

the passage ways to the residents

reluctant to call this their home.

II.

The fragile factories shuttered and chained.

Remains of once bustling business cubicles 

now abandoned , rats and more rats

roam seeking scraps

through the maze of the refuse of 

once self proclaimed cathedrals of free enterprise.

Those at the beggar's banquet 

inquire from those who have ears to hear.

More vacant office buildings

than hope filled homeless hungry citizens 

needing just an opportunity 

to feed and shelter loved one's.

Desitute cohorts in confusion

over the news of Richard Cory's tragic fate.

A misguided midnight one trick pony preacher 

misses the existential synchronicity

of the moment imploring the disoriented herd ,

"How can the poor pull themselves 

up by their bootstraps if they have no boots"?

III.

The roaming pilgrim blinks at a sudden

supernatural cosmic bright beam shining through 

the fog, grime and clouds 

hiding the divine virgin blue canopy.

This sublime gleam cannot be commanded as

it glows where and when it wills.

The pilgrim catches a glimpse of 

the focal point bathed in the light , 

a drifter casually entering a tired donut shop

who reaches out to a young mother 

on the never ending check out line. There two

toddlers tugging the mom's one hand 

as her other hand frantically 

sorts through the collect of dulled 

worn down coins on the cashier counter.

Attempting to avoid attention he hands 

his plastic money card 

to a manic puzzled barista .

The drifter pays for the woman's order,

not stopping for a thank you he slips away.

A half humiliated-humble smile accompanies a

a solo tear carefully meandering down the mother's cheeks,

     -  a pebble drops.

- JF Sobecki

-------------

" For us , there is only the trying. The rest is not up 

to us."

- T.S. Eliot

Words: Poetry and Such (for your Inspiration and reflection)

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

Have You Earned Tomorrow

Is anybody happier because you passed this way?

   Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

   Is there anyone to utter a kind word of you?

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came

   along?

   Or a churlish sort of 'Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?

Were you selfie , pure and simple as you rushed along the

way?

   Or is someone deeply grateful for a deed you did today?

Can you say tonight , in parting with the day that's slipping

fast, 

that you helped a single brother of the many you 

passed?

Is a single voice rejoicing over what you did or said,

does a man who's hopes are fading now with courage

look ahead?

Did you waste the day , or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

   Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?

As you close your eyes in slumber do you think God

would say.

   You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did

today?

- Edgar A Guest

If I can Stop One Heart From Breaking

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

if I can ease one life the aching,

on cool one pain

unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

- Emily Dickinson

The Speech That Broke the Internet

https://youtu.be/wHRdQVnR3XA?si=WRYyToAyqo_iGF_g

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Music : for your listening pleasure and reflection

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

I think It's Going to Rain Today - R. Newman

https://youtu.be/7zDt8xyVKtw?si=m2pXnz3DyT0sEXEy

Hello In There - J. Prine

https://youtu.be/RfwGkplB_sY?si=w7sJRGMuuBBvrONN

What The World Needs Now - Ja okie DeShannon

https://youtu.be/YUaxVQPohlU?si=Liyjp9n3umSBMI0j

----------------

Coda: For your reflection and contemplation

Happiness is Amazing

https://youtube.com/shorts/IpqbaOc_OrI?si=p_ZdlA-Y0aklq5ZJ

Small Things Like These  - Movie ( w Cillian Murphy)

( Based on the Novella (Booker Prize Winner) by Claire Keegan 

If you do not to read ...watch this movie - now on cable/streaming)

https://youtu.be/Nqwn5Y_Y4xs?si=nVV73MtZIBjzrXBL

Kundun - ( the Dalai Lama escapes Tibet

from the Chinese invasion- movie ending)

https://youtu.be/WB5Buz0MvZM?si=aDiWWnvVEPq8FER6

R.I.P. - Chase 

Miss you Chase -- I know you're with your pal Otis.

See you on that Rainbow Bridge

To YB and all the self exiling pilgrims - Remember everything 

you have been seeking has been living within...

                                 

53 Years ! (6/16/72)

                                                               

And two bonus tracks just because sometimes we just need

you get up and dance...TURN IT UP!!!

Protection - Colin James and Lucinda Williams

https://youtu.be/pOVJJjamYUA?si=GRJ_DTokuZCKr5wQ

Shine - Mondo Cozmo

https://youtu.be/QIXwAc-zSmw?si=Sv0rBWSPaAzcGxN0

Love And Mercy - B. Wilson

https://youtu.be/U6oYC0Gus-Q?si=huzIm2axWW-a5DUj

AMDG

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

Leap Day Humble Intentions

"No Mud , No Lotus"

The Inspiration

Does having an extra calendar day

in a Leap year make a substantive difference in a day in a life?

Sometimes it rains and sometimes it seems that the frozen

wild whipping wind of winter will never cease.

Just as the darkest hour appears to be infinite

a sweet sounding song of the solo thrush who 

journeyed in advance  in community

to welcome in celebration the crack in from 

the heavens letting in the light.

Sometimes the universe just nudges those

who worry or forget .

If seekers listen closely ,with eyes closed , their souls

know that song , that illumination, that hopefulness and faith.

Sadness comes and goes. Tides come in and out.

Creatures of all sizes have no say in their arrival.

Yet, there is a secret awakening to  how all

creation is of an abundant unconditional love

and how all things do pass.

In between the the falling sands of time

there is a positive power in how 

the universe responds to intentions

of the desire to let go , just being , hopeful , 

humble and grateful.

Many mystical traditions understand the interconnectedness

of everything . Is it a coincidence that one seeker discovered

the commonality of how the gleam responds to humble intentions?

One practice that has helped wandering spirits....

is known as " Metta Meditiations."

(The author has been practicing forms of Metta meditation for years

in his daily journals and contemplations)

(Loving Kindness Metta Meditation

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/meditation/loving-

kindness-meditation-script-and-7-reasons-to-use-it  )

The Writing

Leap Day Humble Intentions: A Metta Meditation

(For myself , you , our families, friends, neighbors , mentors,

those who suffer and those in need , those we met and will meet)

May this space, this moment , this time, this day , this journey -

Be joyous , filled with  - love - peace - hope - mercy - selflessness

- holiness -  good health - mindfulness - gratitude - humility and

authenticity , free from worry , pain , suffering and harm.

May we have the strength , wisdom , courage and faith 

to stay the course that we are meant to be on - letting go .

May we all love one another without judgment about 

our own worthiness and the worthiness of others.

- JF Sobecki

---------

______ 

"Poetry is a gateway into intuitive consciousness. 

It knocks on the doors

 of the heart and the heart opens" 

 - Mirabai Starr

"Poetry is an Act of Peace . 

Peace goes into the making of a poet

as flour goes into the making of bread."

- Pablo Neruda

"Ring the bells that can still ring 

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack , a crack in everything

That's How the light gets in"

- Anthem, L. Cohen

Spring

In the north country now it is spring and there 
Is a certain celebration. The thrush 
Has come home. He is shy and likes the 
Evening best, also the hour just before 
Morning; in that blue and gritty light he 
Climbs to his branch, or smoothly 
Sails there. It is okay to know only 
One song if it is this one. Hear it 
Rise and fall; the very elements of you should 
Shiver nicely. What would spring be 
Without it? Mostly frogs. But don’t worry, he

Arrives, year after year, humble and obedient 
And gorgeous. You listen and you know 
You could live a better life than you do, be 
Softer, kinder. And maybe this year you will 
Be able to do it. Hear how his voice 
Rises and falls. There is no way to be 
Sufficiently grateful for the gifts we are 
Given, no way to speak the Lord’s name 
Often enough, though we do try, and

Especially now, as that dappled breast 
Breathes in the pines and heaven’s 
Windows in the north country, 
Now spring has come, 
Are opened wide.

- Mary Oliver

The Music 

Anthem - L. Cohen

https://youtu.be/c8-BT6y_wYg?si=QLyTHexF3RoLs79B

Your Got the Love - Retrosettes Sister Band

https://youtu.be/vANd9o22j5Y?si=HcB4GQ-rDTaAJ-Hz

Love and Happiness - E.Harris/M. Knopfler

https://youtu.be/qlPR11Ke2II?si=Osi9OOV7vfV39vAb

Happy - P. Williams

https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs?si=kGtIi--NTPCXqllp

Peace on Earth - U2 Live at the Sphere

https://youtu.be/MWwOK5p1ArQ?si=J-DaFHo0j6JVYFtN

Love and mercy - Brian Wilson

https://youtu.be/PISkFEzC5XE?si=56gKU8mTyM8QtmAu

Meditation time:

Sit Listen/Watch

Being Here - B. Murray

https://youtu.be/o9TvFkiLLMo?si=iTUsPzUS7GZZkG7t

Gabriel's Oboe - The Mission

https://youtu.be/fiCX4w1BCVQ?si=WLv_jJNIVtZgi10a

"Everything that we preach is what we

 need to hear."

         - Bono

"One day I will find the right words , 

and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"The most important thing is not why we 

write but how we write.

Write dangerously , Beckett.." 

- James Joyce ( From the new biopic on 

S. Beckett " Dance First.")

AMDG

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

"Am" is a verb

“Perhaps the best river runners are Taoists at heart. Taoism considers someone wise if they accommodate themselves to the rhythms of the universe.”

  - Christopher Norment, The Journey Itself Is Home, Collector’s Edition:

Sitting at his morning journal the words flowed from some unknown source through his hand , to the pen and onto the virgin pages:

It seems to me that as a young boy teachers , parents , Priests and all kinds of folks who seemed to pass some marker of progress hiding their own sins and missteps while on their Odysseys felt qualified to ask the same question to young people over and over as if it were some test. I think it was vain attempt at redemption so young people wouldn’t make the same mistakes:

They asked:

“So what are you going to be when you grow up?”

As the years seemed to continue carry this travel wearied vessel downstream to some unknown sea the question persisted . So, I started making up answers- 

Truck Driver…Why? They get to travel around the country and get paid for it.

A hobo - See the country by riding the rails and maybe I could get day jobs here and there.

A Priest - As I owed God big time for helping me pass that 8th grade exam I didn’t study for and I prayed and prayed up until the test papers were handed out. The Nuns said God never forgets!

Musician - When I heard Buddy Holly and saw the Kingsmen of Louie Louie  fame I said “this it , I gotta do this” and when the Beatles arrived I was baptized and confirmed all at once to venture down that long and winding road…didn’t get very far though. Distracted as usual .

Maybe a Writer - of some sort…I had started reading stories and poems that interested me and I began a journal , writing in the late hours or just before dawn in a spiral notebook with bits and pieces of just about anything one could write about. I never did share those writings with anyone nor did I tell anyone out of fear that someone might find out the truth about who I really was and why,

Counselor or teacher - you know a ‘Catcher in the Rye’ where I could live out my fantasy of being just like the character in  Holden Caufield's dream. 

….( Actually a grand plan was never developed . The plan evolved into to having no plan. The goal was refined to have no goal. Well, in truth any and all plans and goals shifted like the wind. Besides Lennon seemed to write directly to me  that ‘life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” )….

Then there was brief consideration about becoming an Athlete - Sounded good but I lacked the physical talent  yet I did have a youth baseball coach who encouraged me constantly and much to my surprise I was selected for the league’s all-star team. I was having too much fun to realize that I had developed some skills and was performing above average. That coach used to say ‘just be yourself , have fun besides you will only be remembered by how you played the game.

As the summer ended we went our separate ways  and coach gave me a crumpled up piece of paper with a poem. I thought ‘ poem?”

It read..

Game Called.( G. Rice)

Across the field of play

the dusk has come, the hour is late.

The fight is done and lost or won,

the player files out through the gate.

The tumult dies, the cheer is hushed,

the stands are bare, the park is still.

But through the night there shines the light,

home beyond the silent hill.

Game Called.

Where in the golden light

the bugle rolled the reveille.

The shadows creep where night falls deep,

and taps has called the end of play.

The game is done, the score is in,

the final cheer and jeer have passed.

But in the night, beyond the fight,

the player finds his rest at last.

Game Called.

Upon the field of life

the darkness gathers far and wide,

the dream is done, the score is spun

that stands forever in the guide.

Nor victory, nor yet defeat

is chalked against the players name.

But down the roll, the final scroll,

shows only how he played the game.

Sometimes the best lessons about being who we are meant to be and life come from those secret mystical unexpected places that echo and caress the truth. 

…………………………………

This is That - B. Wilson

https://youtu.be/MfeH44ZMtWM

Life/Purpose and such - G.Harrison Last Interview

https://youtu.be/cP9Qz3HdM3I 

“What’s truly of value in life? what gives our lives meaning? We weren't born to cause trouble or harm. To be of value, we must develop basic good human qualities warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life will become  happier and more meaningful.”

                               - Dalai Llama

“A tree gives glory to God by being a tree. For in being what God means it to be it is obeying [God]. It “consents,” so to speak, to [God's] creative love. It is expressing an idea which is in God and which is not distinct from the essence of God, and therefore a tree imitates God by being a tr

 - T. Merton

Final Scene - “Kundun”- M. Scorsese 

https://youtu.be/WB5Buz0MvZM

The Goal - L. Cohen

https://youtu.be/mszJwXsZwKM

I Can’t leave my house

Or answer the phone

I'm going down again

But I'm not alone

Settling at last

Accounts of the soul

This for the trash

That paid in full

As for the fall, it

Began long ago

Can't stop the rain

Can't stop the snow

I sit in my chair

I look at the street

The neighbor returns

My smile of defeat

I move with the leaves I shine 

with the chrome

I'm almost alive

I'm almost at home

But please do not follow
I've nothing to teach
except that goal
falls short of the reach

( thanks to member of the band for pointing this poem out in a collection gathering dust on the shelf)

Autumn Poem - Mary Oliver

In the last jovial, clear-sky days of autumn
the mockingbird
in his monk-gray coat
and his arrowy wings

flies
from the hedge to the top of the pine
and begins to sing — but it's neither loose, nor lilting, nor lovely — 

it's more like whistles and truck brakes and dry hinges.
All birds are birds of heaven
but this one, especially, adores the earth so well
he would imitate, for half the day and on into the
evening, 

its ticks and wheezings,
and so I have to wait a long time
for the soft, true voice
of his own glossy life

to come through,
and of course I do.
I don't know what it is that makes him, finally, look
inward 

to the sweet spring of himself, that mirror of heaven,
but when it happens —
when he lifts his head
and the feathers of his throat tremble, 

and he begins, like Saint Francis,
little flutterings and leapings from the pine's forelock,
resettling his strong feet each time among the branches,
I am recalled, 

from so many wrong paths I can't count them,
simply to stand, and listen.
All my life I have lived in a kind of haste and darkness
of desire, ambition, accomplishment. 

Now the bird is singing, but not anymore of this world.
And something inside myself is fluttering and leaping, is
trying 

to type it down, in lumped-up language,
in outcry, in patience, in music, in a snow-white book.

--------------

Amdg

Copyright 2019 all Rights Reserved JF Sobecki