"One life but we're not the same
we got to carry each other, carry each other.."
- U2
"I should be content
to look at a mountain
for what it is
and not as a comment on my life."
- David Ignatow
"We plan, God laughs" - Yiddish Proverb
A New Year's Plea
Lord, let me stand in the thick of the fight
Let me bear what I must without Whining
Grant me the wisdom to do what is right
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.
Let me be true as the steel of a blade
Make me bigger than skilled or clever:
Teach me to cling to my best, unafraid.
And, harken the false gospels, never.
Let me be brave when the burden is great,
Faithful when wounded by sorrow,
Teach me, when troubled. with patience to wait
The better and bright tomorrow.
Spare me from hatred and envy and shame,
Open my eyes to life's beauty:
Let not the glitter of fortune or fame
Blind me to what is my duty.
Let me be true to myself to the end,
Let me stand to my task without whining,
Let me be right as a man , as a friend,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.
- Edgar A. Guest ( found in a collection of his poetry printed 1925)
___________________
The Art of Being and No Intention
An original member of the band recalled how the pilgrim
Was thought of as the student with "Aptitude with Attitude."
The "undeclared" pilgrim sojourner believed he was
That cork "floating over the raging sea,"
No course charted or a grand vision of Ulysses.
Often distracted, the pilgrim wandered this way and that,
Not considering how the wind and mystical currents -
Were taking him to be precisely where he needed to be.
On the inhale present to mystery , and
On the exhale the holy longing could fade as
Disorientation and discouraging doubt disrupt the passage.
Almost 28,000 rotations of the earth completed
Since that eternal spark launched his soul's innocent vessel,
From the womb fists ready for the fight,
You know, just in case,
From the first light injustice and ignorance
Appeared flourishing in all aspects of the world .
"Where was that unconditional love?
What happened to the magnificent
Promise of perpetual sanctifying peace?'
No control while relying on faith
Seemed at times to stop everything within and around him.
Then that secret sacred voice, without speaking ,
Simply and unabashedly penetrated his spirit.
"Let go and just be. You are the author of your own story
Remember 'The treasure is where your heart is' .
No matter where you are
Or what you do or say
It is how you love and serve others that matters."
- JF Sobecki
____________________-
"Wherever you go there you are."
- Jon Kabat-Zinn
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A few musical pieces....
The Boxer - Kraus, Colvin and Douglas (P. Simon)
(Thanks to Lou P. for the inspiration )
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