Part 4:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

 "Time present and time past

Are both perhaps in time future,

And time future contained in time past.

If all time is eternally present

All time is unredeemable.

 - Burnt Norton , Four Quartets , T.S. Eliot

"Time is too slow for those who wait,

Too swift for those who live in fear,

too long for those who grieve , too short 

for those who regret ,

but for those who love , time is eternity."

- Henry Van Dyke

" To set time in solitude is a period of contemplation ,

and being completely present. The purpose is not

to make a retreat but to welcome the retreat and 

allow it to make you, 

- Fr. Lou

"Set time to remember to remember ."

- Stephen Batchelor , Buddhism without beliefs

- The Moon waxes and wanes , a symbol of being born ,

growing , declining and rebirth ,- a reminder nothing is fixed -

everything moves through phases.

( multiple spiritual traditions)

- The Moon is not yours

   yet it is not apart

   - Zen Saying

 

[Note: This is the fourth contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog post and 

to be continued this post and one fifth post. This all started

with the witness and sharing of the Venerable Buddhist 

Walk for Peace and a friend's reaction and what happened

and continues to occur with this writer.]

Inspiration:

Tolstoy's seclusion and contemplation 

was inspired by Thoreau's sequester

at Walden Pond -

who in turn was inspired by

eastern transcendentalists finding peace .

Buddha's disciples did the same as did

the  religious ascetics seeking connection with the divine.

Jesus too would slip away into the silence. 

St. Ignatius illuminated alone in a cave.

Merton in his hermitage wrote contemplating the mystery.

He often felt more connected to Buddhists monks

than  with his own ordained brethren.

There is a time  for solitude.

A time to remember, a time to be present, 

and a time to savor every aspect 

in the great expanse of the interconnectedness,

one's quest in the endless wisdom knot. 

- April 13 , 2026 at The Maris Stella Retreat Center ,

   Long Beach Island , NJ

 (.... To be continued with more more post in this series

 Part 5 - June 1, 2026)

The Writing :

The Endless Wisdom Knot

True gifts -  in moments of the unexpected sacred.

Origins of the wind, 

unknown - 

No end in sight.

Gulls and a skein of geese in formation  - 

   lifted - free - soaring.

Witness the waves breaking ,

brother moon's glow fading,

gray clouds providing

a narrow space -

for the brilliant gleam of the perpetual light.

In one breath

 - clarity, satiated in 

Mother Nature's safe harbor.

Prodigals and pilgrims welcomed -

all blessed , all loved - 

without stipulations - 

save presence ,

no supplications -

save gratitude.

The theophany - 

of the endless wisdom knot  

... the spirit takes flight,

prescient for the flower moon.

 - JF Sobecki

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

May 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

There are some special videos here.

Click the link below

( Click on the link below to listen and be )

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJDPnw-BgXYevWkwoVEM51mp&si=iHOgazOcDsj3K7vU

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Coda:

Listen - be present - breathe

( This selection used on this pilgrim's recent retreat.

a musical- vocal "mashup" piece of different 

religious and cultural traditions - prayer - peace, 

grace - the great wisdom knot )

(Click on the link below)

https://youtu.be/cMYdm5cVEQs?si=zlCvx9-1EUj7-1v1

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world 

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those 

   who cannot help themselves) 

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

 - Jack Kerouac 

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired, 

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do." 

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39 

AMDG 

Copyright 2026 JF Sobecki LLC All Rights Reserved

The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets - # I

Note: This contemplation is the first of Five Pieces

to be continued in subsequent posts.

"On the day of judgment , it matter more how devoutly one

has lived and what good works were done, rather than how 

much was read."

- Thomas A'Kempis

 Inspiration :

This pilgrim didn't realize the magnetic force of a group

of Venerable Monks walking for Peace would fuel

an avalanche of soul searching. Recollections of how 

a piece of the great puzzle rediscovered fueled insights as to

how everything is connected and fits.

The Writing; 

The Walk: Tears of Joy, Remembrance and Peace

Maybe April is not the cruelest month.

Sometimes when a soul enters that dark night as it wanders

it wonders if light will return. Belief in the experience doesn't suffice.

Faith fades and trust replaced with doubt . Weakened spirits forget experience

that all things pass . Sun sets, sun rises. 

Yet, there is an eternal spark that refuses to fade. It requires a mystical

breath of unknown origin to be rekindled to flame. 

    Buddhists remind pilgrims, "you can't push a river." 

For this  accidental pilgrim that rekindling arrived without

 the proclamation of a holiday parade. Rather, it was

a gentle walk - not protest nor political statement but a living

prayer of peace , hope and kindness. Step by step a line of 

venerable Buddhist Monks making way from 

Texas to Washington, DC..

Why and how did lost souls become drawn to this 

Sangha making way on their journey. How and why  was this

piece of the great puzzle of existence make appearance now? 

What was its source? Does it fit , where and why? 

Time wasted with a monkey mind.

The morning was breaking slow and grace filled. Being present

washed away the worry and fear. The wind blown chimes ceased their song.

An unexpected message appears on his small miracle of technology.

Was this a vision or reality ? It was a message and video from

a distant acquaintance , an in person witness to the procession

of monks. A flower in hand as tears flowed.  

Tears of joy , remembrance and peace

This pilgrim joined the river of tears . 

- JF Sobecki

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Something New:

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen one or more at one sitting without clicking 

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

February 1 , 2026 - 

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

 Click on the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJDcY3mpFo5Ac5-okpE7E2oc&si=mo6y3dNYyNfeE65w

Coda: Faith, Trust and Purpose

Some music to guide your contemplation.

Music of eclectic different spiritual and religious perspectives

click on the link below

       The Wisdom Knot

https://youtu.be/TJIbOsWfa3M?si=wAIduhs0t3phiful

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world 

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those 

   who cannot help themselves)

"If this is well told and to the point, that is what I 

desired; if it is 

poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

               

AMDG

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2026 JF Sobecki LLC

 

What Really Matters:There is No Them

The Inspiration:

A famous life coach and author, Stephen Covey ,

promoted and practiced a popular exercise

where one would imagine their own retirement dinner or 

funeral and think what words that family , friends and colleagues 

may use to describe you- your life. 

I would use forms of this exercise with corporate clients and 

college students alike. (total at least a 1000 plus.) 

It was very rare that respondents would use words

that described professional achievements or attachments

to things...i.e. jewelry , homes, boats, cars etc , or 

financial wealth, career success , ego and status etc etc.. 

The most prevalent words and descriptions and responses

include : loving ; caring for and helpful  others ; friendly ; peace filled ;

ethical; integrity; truth-filled; collaborative, creative, risk taker..

(concern for the common good) and spiritual.

Discussions would ensue about the reality of the world we live in, 

the awareness of personal imperfections and and how and 

when we exhibit those essential personal qualities we discussed 

as to how we may want to be remembered .

It would become clear that these are the aspects of our journey

that really matter.

-----

The Writing:

What Really Matters: There is No Them

We are here to exist in relationship with 

all creation;

everything and everyone is of the mystical 

divine majesty.

We are here to be authentic contributors -

to respond and to serve,

wherever and however we can - 

sometimes by lending an ear,

sometimes by lending a hand,

knowing when to speak,

and when and how to listen.

At times, it is simply a matter 

of just sitting in grateful silence.

At times , it is leaping into the fray 

to offer something- somehow- to someone 

whose heart is weary.

At Times, it is sensing

when a smile is needed,

or when a shared tear 

is the greatest consolation .

And at times it is taking 

that modest gift we carry

and offering it to the great play   

lifting the spirits

of wandering souls.

Remember this: 

it is  not -

it has never been --

- about just you or me  alone.

it is, and always will be,

about  us.

There is no them

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Some things are just worth repeating.

For What Binds Us - Jane Hirshfield

https://youtu.be/MQb5g5CISn4?si=-pSB5Ze75P4grn08

"What will your verse be? (Dead Poets Society)

https://youtu.be/-7OE6bDfM2M?si=aXHOD2UcdPp2ypfD

----

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Invisible - U2

https://youtu.be/HqqDExc8TF4?si=RxkDeme1M8K_z0MT

Get Together - Youngbloods

https://youtu.be/7xGxQXmu7Os?si=g72Ij5-1-JbP_Acf

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such times and Still Live 

- Ry Cooder

https://youtu.be/LI0BtL_6Y50?si=lT_p15RHvppJY3H2

-----

Coda: Something further for your reflection 

* The World Bank states that in using a poverty line of $6.85/day 

for middle income countries is estimated at 3.5 billion people , 

or 44% of the world's population, live under that poverty line.

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world 

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others ( especially those 

   who cannot help themselves)

If you or someone you know needs help

Search and connect to support. financial assistance, food pantries, 

medical care, and other free or reduced-cost starts here:

 https://www.findhelp.org/

"We sanctify all we are grateful for"

- Anthony DeMello

Have a blessed and Healthy Thanksgiving!

AMDG

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2025 JF Sobecki LLC

Contata

 Bansky

 

"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 would. 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."

- Mary Oliver

"Hope is the gateway to contemplation, because contemplation is an experience

of divine things and we cannot experience what we do not some way possess."

- Thomas Merton

 

" How can one expect others to pick themselves by their bootstraps

when these others don't even have shoes or boots?"

- B.H.

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

Contata

Sweet starlings' pre-dawn cantata:

Soft sanctifying soothing Songs of Songs

Solo chime the holy Divine  metronome 

Perfect time no doubt,

For any ears who hear .

Slow rising mother sun

Illuminates all aspects of creation

Warming wandering weary spirits ,

Searching hearts consoled with the hope.

Hope for compassion,

Hope for true serenity,

Hope for the healing ,

Prayers , unified exhale, making room 

For mercy and redemption

In the pastoral cathedral of paradise .

Words of wisdom waft with in the wind..

No thing is here to be on its own.

Every thing , every one is interconnected.

The consolation of harmony is present as a

Mystical thread holds this patchwork together creating

One magnificent symphony in disguise.

There is not one atom, musical note or aspect of existence

Unaccounted for without holy purpose .

Yet refugees , in murmurations and

Desperate caravans seek safe harbors.

Marginalized immigrants and deportees

Unite with the poorest of the poor

Chanting mantra supplicates for daily bread.

Meanwhile passerine politely peck for food.

Weary hearts lay down 

Hoping for comfort and consolation.

Hoping for that second chance.

Hoping for a helping hand.

Remembering how the great teacher on the mount 

Nourished and nurtured "any and all" who came in hope.

Rivers seem to flow forever,

Currents carrying vessels. pilgrims , flotsam and jetsam 

Without judgement 

to that unchartered sea of mercy.

Navigation dictated by faith,

Hoping for salvation,

Hoping for the perfect love, and

Hoping for the grace.

Seeking the most sacred grail

Letting go led by the Paraclete's hymn.

Players on fields of dreams comprehend

That it is how you play ....

That transforms the blessed game into

The true promised land.

Coaches pontificate "leave it all on the field"-

Living radical compassion ,

Adding  selfless generosity ,

Blended with constant unconditional love 

And kindness with a true genuine response.

Listening , great collaboration 

Hope to let go and be .

Hoping to remember to remember.

Hoping in gratitude with  humility 

Connecting with the chorus of

Authentic blessed voices in song.

    -  JF Sobecki

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

Friends Meeting House Little Egg Harbor

                                         

Mindwalk 1990

https://youtu.be/BW9Os6nhCKM

Game Called - Grantland Rice

https://youtu.be/NbN5Q-Na66U

Field of Dreams - Ending

https://youtu.be/lXjz-M_6eN8

Everybody ought to treat a Stranger Right - Ry Cooder

https://youtu.be/CbQ83HM8C_A

Lay Down Your Weary Tune 

https://youtu.be/PU_V75GVfdA

Hard TimesCome Again No More - J.Taylor/Yo Yo Ma

https://youtu.be/3P9X_o_FMHc

Deporte - Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Emmy Lou Harris

https://youtu.be/CrGxHImg8Gw

amdg

A Contata Coda: Just sing along with the chorus for each song below!

You Got the Love - The Retrosettes Sister Band

https://youtu.be/vANd9o22j5Y

Lean On Me - Bill Withers

https://youtu.be/qkaexjc-1os

Just One Victory - T. Rundgren

https://youtu.be/jitktxIuMOw

Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

Scrantchum

Scrantchum

Martians used to preach

Of days they’d reach

The earth

Now they’ve given up

Discovering what it is worth

  - JF Sobecki ( !967)

• Inspired by the nonsense word “Scrantchum” coined by the late DJ Dan Ingram

“If you comprehend it, it is not God”

      - St. Augustine

_____________

Witness the wonder.

The sun rising illuminating everything beneath.

The fresh springs leading to streams , the streams to rivers and

The rivers pouring life into the great sea of mercy.

Mountains majestically reach to kiss the the passing clouds

Just below the virgin blue canopy of heaven.

Oliver’s mockingbirds’ voices sound soulful

Singing sweet psalms.

Leaves and swamp reeds sway sweetly

Left and right gently moved by a breeze

Born a continent away by a cocoon birthed butterfly

Testing her new wings in flight

As hawks and robins soar sharing the remaining pure air.

What is this solemnity, this deep holiest of the most holy solace,

The peace that passeth all understanding?

Is any of this creation benefited or better off because of the presence

Of the two legged sentient beings gifted with reason and creative arts?

Is that natural magnificence made any more peaceful or beautiful by these landlocked spirits?

Do they help any of that which was gifted to the universe breathe any easier

Or grow in genuine purity as a result of their efforts?

Was it the same divine artist that started this universe 

With the most incredible hues of love , beauty , compassion , peace and mercy

Who also devised the distorted colors of greed , violence, selfishness, ownership and control to share on the same canvas  together?

Did something go array with the grand plan

Or is it all really a matter of faith and belief that in the end it all works out?

How?

It’s a mystery

  - JF Sobecki

____________________________________

“I do believe; help my unbelief.”

      Mark 9:24

  Treat a stranger right - Ry Cooder

https://youtu.be/CbQ83HM8C_A

                                                    Have a little Faith in Me - John Hiatt

https://youtu.be/7aYxMuLb3h8

                                                 Give Me Love , Give Me Peace - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/s-KAvPbO8JY

Autumn Poem by 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.

“One day I will find the right words and they will be simple”

        - Jack Kerouac

“The only truth is music”

       - Jack Kerouac

amdg

Copyright JF Sobecki LLC 2018 All Rights Reserve