Showing posts with label elizabeth Bishop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elizabeth Bishop. Show all posts

Monday, August 31, 2026

Paracletes in Disguise




"Look at he birds of the air ;

they do not sow or reap or 

store away in barns , and yet the Heavenly Father 

feeds them..."

- Matt 6:26

"Even a sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest

for herself where she may have her young - a place near

your altar , Lord Almighty,,"

- Psalm 84;3


"A  bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings

     because it has a song."

    - Maya Angelou

Inspiration

At dawn on my balcony I drift away witnessing

Two birds in flight together....

Ornithologists suggest that two birds in flight 

instinctively bond, saving energy

traveling together , mutual protection ,

mating and finding places for rest and a home.

In a blink  of an eye geese in chevron flight

glide together overhead .

Some scientists suggest these

birds  have more than instinct and maybe

their intellect , mutual compassion and support

is something more than humans can comprehend.

The Writing:

Paracletes in Disguise

At first light over Kennebunkport

robins and larks take flight,

their simple songs  

do not subtract from

the sanctified silence.


A divine iridescence,

blessed paracletes,

glorified messengers

of inquisitive admiration.

as scriptures ponder their virtue.


Proclamations of gratitude,

under a warming glow -

No fear, no worry,

they are who they are 

the purpose is just to be.


Humbled insights spark intercessions 

witnessing  the divine favor. 

Franciscan monks' chants echo

harmonizing with the radiant chorus -

persistent mortal pilgrims adrift

 - in the magnificent cosmos.

- J.F. Sobecki

( Kennebunkport. , Maine)

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs plus 

Poems and Writings

September 1 , 2026 - listen and read

(Click on link below for playlist)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHM5sUAxlLBs&si=pUw6PsjJDE_dm59u

The Wisdom of Geese

When you see geese flying along in V formation,

 one might consider what science has discovered 

as to why they fly that way.

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” 

for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, t

he whole flock adds 71% more flying range than 

if each bird flew alone. r.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, 

it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying

to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation 

to take advantage of the “lifting power” of the bird 

immediately in front.  

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates 

back into the formation and another 

goose flies at the point position.  

The geese in formation honk from behind encouraging

those up front to keep up their speed.  

When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, 

two geese drop out of formation 

and follow their fellow member down 

to help provide protection. They stay with this member 

of the flock until he or she is either able to fly again or dies. 

Then they launch out on their own to rejoin another 

"V" formation of geese, continuing their journey.

- Adapted "Wisdom of Nature"

Coda: Listen to these beautiful Songbirds

Rest In Peace Dolly Parton and thank you.

"If. you want the rainbow, you gotta 

put up with the rain" - Dolly Parton

(Click link below)

https://youtu.be/o2XcBL6kWn8?si=ARjjv3WtpsY0QQjO


Happy Birthday G !

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








Monday, March 30, 2026

Part 3:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets



 


Those who retrain their desire

do so as they are weak enough to be 

restrained"

- Wm Blake


"How did it get so late so soon?"

- Dr. Seus



"Would you tell me please, which way I ought to

go from here?" Alice asked the cat.

The cat replied ."That all depends where you 

want get to."

"I don't much care where' said Alice.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go"

said the cat.

- Alice in Wonderland


[Note: This is the third contemplation in Five Pieces

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

to be continued in subsequent posts. 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:

Entering the portal of Erik Erikson's exploration of ego

integrity, the scattered points of my passage begin to align.

A forgotten piece of the puzzle stirs --

about to be illuminated ,

warming this pilgrim's spirit.


 ....To be continued












The Writing 


The Way of Tea  


Time does not move in straight lines. 

It opens. It returns. It reveals. 

Another long-forgotten encounter rises - 

sparked by the memory of the Venerable Monks Walk for Peace. 

A therapist, spiritual navigator , confidante and friend reached out 

as this prodigal pilgrim's vessel strained sailing against life's storms.

Hi name , Kirk-- father of the witness who wept recently 

as the monks passed in kindness and peace.


Kirks's lake house ---quiet, removed, a fitting threshold.


No explanations. A gentle smile.A gentle welcome

Two pilgrims mindfully step down to the yard in the back.

The lake wide . the sun descending placidly 

behind the trees on the far coast of the still waters. 


An altar waits:

a teapot of hot water, two ceramic bowls- 

loose leaves within 


Bamboo utensils, 

linen, folded with care ...guardians 

hymns to the silence.


Hands folded together heart center ---

Kirk bows, pilgrim returns a bow 

acknowledging the sacred in each other 


They sit - eyes meet . 

Kirk forms a cup with his hands 

The prodigal - follows ...


A bowl is placed---carefully --into open palms 

Water is poured, a gesture shown: 

cleansing the rim , then sipping the tea. 

Together. 


At last words - from the humble host: 

"Chanoyou ---mindfulness, harmony , 

respect, tranquility." 


A pause. 


More words flow ---"An old friend --- Robert Kennedy, 

a Jesuit, Psychoanalyst and Roshi. 

A slight breath - inhaling/exhaling.

"This Roshi invited me to an inter-religious retreat. 

I went...but after a few days, I told him , 

"I don't get it." 

He said "At least you tried."


 Kirk continues: 


"I left .Days later --- here --- sitting by the lake --- at sunset ---

Eyes open - I said ...

"I get it." 


The two then take a peaceful walk 

passing an empty boat on the shoreline---

just two mindful shadows. 

They speak of poetry, music, and Joseph Campbell. 


No conferences or consultation 

why the prodigal pilgrim came. 

At their parting, Kirk speaks 

with a kind smile and a hand 

consoling the pilgrim's heart, 

"Peace ...Courage."


Another time jump 

More than twenty years hence 

a room or retirees ...

a community gathered -- 

The pilgrim one pf this Jesuit Senior Volunteer Corps


Door opens No announcement, 

no sacred hymn or chant. 

Holy man enters -- long, dark robe flowing ( a kokomo). 

The anointed mentor for this congregation - 

speaking in a familiar soft voice:


"Let me introduce myself, I am 

called Father and Roshi - Robert Kennedy 


Recognition strikes ---sudden , undeniable. 

Kirk's friend!

The heart stumbles --- 

three, four beats lost. 


The long lost story recalled---

the tea, the lake, the silence.

No need to speak 


Another time jump 

Here/Now ---awakening ---a pattern revealed:

another dot connected - 

another piece finding its place 

within the story of me...

quietly emerging- 


" I get it!"


JF Sobecki

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

April 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

There are some special videos here.

Click the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJCHHspt23aXZb01sVzm5Iei&si=7YnvLbcX8tg5PKK1

Some music to take a moment for reflection...if you desire.

Do you have dots of your passage that have yet to be connected?

Is there a piece or two from your puzzle that needs to fit?


May peace be with you and yours all ways


This is a selection from the movie The Mission 

A Spiritual Director once asked me to listen

to this piece while contemplating the words...

"I am with you al-ways."

Gabriel's Oboe
https://youtu.be/Ixby9BzJfEo?si=BRDlStyY9wFam3Lu












Coda:

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 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

 

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

The Motion









"I'm a dark horse

Running on a dark race course

I'm a blue moon

Since I stepped out of the womb

I've been a cool jerk

Looking for the source

I'm a dark horse"

- Dark Horse , G. Harrison


"We have a tendency to think in terms of doing and not in terms of being.We think when we are not doing anything are wasting our time.

But that is not true. Our time is first of all to be.

To be what? To be alive, to be peaceful, to be joyful, to be loving.And that is what the world needs most"

 - Thich Nhat Hanh

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

The Motion


Some say seasickness is self sabotage.

The perpetual perplexed pilgrim was presented to the great teacher.

"A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind ( the breath of the great divine),"

Whispered the wonder-filled wiseman.

Sometimes it is not the storms that frighten us

But the constant rising and lowering of the magnificent

Seemingly uncontrollable waves,

Rocking and severely heeling fragile unprepared vessels.

Stomachs churn inside out while scaring the most adventurous of spirits.

Healthy tolerance of ambiguity and reasonable locus of control

Get lost on Homo Sapiens focused on worldly promises of "success"

By abiding to a preprogrammed plotted course - come hell or high water.

The best charted passages and the most scientific analytics

Of future forecasts and anticipations are often at best "wish lists."

Not knowing and the worry about what's next fuel 

The flames of fear and self doubt.

Leading weak egos to the wearing of masks 24/7.

It has never been about what one does,

What one has accumulated or not or one's 

Desires or accomplishing long term goals.

Isn't it about how you do what you do,

Turning the page the message is clear

"You don't need a reason to help people."

A companion once confided that the more love

One gives to others is the best way to honor their own journey.


The experienced navigators and scientific prognosticators 

Sometimes might volunteer and become defensive about their imperfection.

Futurists craft visions in their anticipation

But their calculations and projected forecasts

Are never quite one hundred percent accurate.

Homo sapiens are not as bright as we say they are .

How significant is it that  Hemingway may have reported disdain

About the fog he encountered and getting off course sailing 

From Key West to Cuba?

The tide comes in and out.

No need to get seasick . Panic helps no one.

Be grateful, authentic and precisely who we are

Meant to be.

Savor the sanctifying serenity that is ever-present 

Even if we get shaken by the motion

And remain constant sandpipers .

                             - JF Sobecki

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



Sandpipers - Cathleen Engelsen


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

Just The Motion - R. Thompson

https://youtu.be/QfjdXKitiPY

Wasted on The Way - Crosby,Stills and Nash

https://youtu.be/nWlEsta4xS8

Doctor My Eyes - J Browne

https://youtu.be/BrCLkeYKuEw

Will People Ever See It  - G. Harrison 

https://youtu.be/FxL69A5d7kk

What Makes a Good Life - R.Waldinger

https://youtu.be/8KkKuTCFvzI

Til I Die 0 Beach Boys

https://youtu.be/Qx-taep4NNg

Beware of Darkness - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/VqRRnb4S_6U


A Labor Day Song (  for all who work  - and my dad R.I.P.)


Factory - B.Springsteen

 

https://youtu.be/plaOhNjJeBg




amdg















Copyright JF Sobecki LLC 2021 All Rights Reserved





Tuesday, June 30, 2015

An Endless Summer Reflection

“'Cause down the shore everything's all right

You and your baby on a Saturday night”
 - Jersey Girl , Bruce Springsteen

What is this place that draws pilgrims,
Sailors, fishermen and sun worshippers
To the unending expanse
Of this ocean of mercy ?
Here is the mystical wonder
Where the boss’s aurora rising illumination,
And wonder-filling warmth, is born
Again and again,
Over and over,
Until the pilgrims get it right.
Unionized gulls clock in
Beginning their work
Accompanied by prancing Bishop sandpipers,
Present and proclaiming their pious purpose.
Is it any wonder how
Children naturally delight at the beach’s edge,
Nurtured at the breast of mother earth?
Who is this magnificent artist magically making
A perfect peace-filling paradise for souls
Seeking satisfaction and solace?
The island troubadour’s voice
Can be heard, if one listens,
Of Atlantis’ sending ships
Spreading the promise of the universe.
But what of the source of
The origin of the song’s spirit ?
The constancy of waves,
The Surf’s up, sacramental sands
Sharing the simple sacred secret
Satiating every discerning heart .







These are the Days- Van Morrison (smart phones click on link)


Surfs Up – Beach Boys ( Smart phones click on link) - (for the member of the band)









amdg