tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77126354363220278552024-03-17T20:03:13.207-07:00 My Virtual front porchMusings from a reconstructed liberal clergyperson of the United Methodist/United Church of Christ persuasion
Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-37247939935123251542023-07-21T08:09:00.001-07:002023-07-21T08:09:35.470-07:00<p> </p><p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dancing Lessons</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">In
her book, <i>Many Winters,</i> Nancy Wood records the wisdom of the old Indians
of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All of my life is a dance<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I
was young and feeling the earth<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My steps were quick and easy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The beat of the earth was so loud<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That my drum was silent beside it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All of my life rolled out from my feet<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like my land which had no end<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as far
as I could see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The rhythm of my life was pure and free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I grew older my feet kept dancing<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so hard
that I wore a spot in the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the same time I made a hole in the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I danced to the sun and the rain<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And the moon lifted me up<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So that I could dance<u> to the </u>stars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My head touched the clouds sometimes<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And my feet danced deep in the earth<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So that I became the music<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I danced to everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was the music of life. </span></span></p><p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now my steps are slow and hard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And my body fails my spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet my dance is still within me and<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My song is the air I breathe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My song insists I keep dancing forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My song insists I keep rhythm<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With all of the earth and sky.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My song insists that I will never die.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
the community I have chosen to live there are more of us who rely on scooters,
walkers, wheelchairs and walking sticks than there are those who walk upright
without help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the more reason to
reimagine dancing as keeping rhythm with the creative Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can all tune our spirit to sing of grace, if we so choose. The music of Life will keep us dancing. It will keep us open to the joys
of the present and the hope of the future.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-77022361810740546732023-07-10T08:48:00.001-07:002023-07-10T08:48:55.500-07:00<p> </p><p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Scars and Stars<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don Quixote, a quiet middle-aged country
gentleman, somewhat mentally deranged, set out in a second-handed suit of rusty
armor to roam the world and set right whatever wrongs he might run into, all in
the name of social justice and personal honor. His quest was “...to live in the
world as it is traversed by man as he ought to be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a series of misadventures, Quixote dies
as the author says, “having gained his reason and lost his reasons for living.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The misadventures of Quixote and his sidekick,
Sancho Panza are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>comical and misguided.
We cannot take the mad Don's exploits seriously, but we can't help but be
inspired by his courage to live his life passionately no matter what others
think.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is that passion I choose to take away
from Cervantes' story. We can't ignore the presence of evil in our world today,
nor can we pretend human suffering is not real. We need to change our focus.
There is a darkness of the spirit that will take control if we but let it. But
the light of healing and wholeness has not gone out. The power of love and
compassion still burns brightly and that is where we should focus. Instead of
turning and running away from that which threatens to devour us, we must
realize that we have the power to take hold of the spirit that allows us to
take charge of our own destiny and act accordingly. Let others keep score. We
will keep the dream alive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the time that I have I am determined to “to
follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far and dream the<i>
possible </i>dreams.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My suffering will not define me, my
dreams will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Actually, I find that reasonable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-47663155273504955432022-12-24T12:07:00.003-08:002022-12-25T12:20:20.924-08:00<p> </p><p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: x-large;"><b>Holy Ground<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: x-large;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I
was assigned to Guam for two weeks of active duty with the Navy in the summer
of 1986. One day, I heard that a resident Buddhist priest had summoned fellow
priests from Japan to hold a Daigoma Himatsuri service at the South Pacific
Memorial Park on the island. The holy fire service was to honor both American
and Japanese soldiers who had lost their lives on this very spot forty-two
years previously. It was to bring peace and happiness to the living and the
dead. As The Rev. Mitsuzo Tani and the other priests began the service, the
assembled group of about one hundred and fifty prayed in silence. I reflected
on what had taken place here forty-two years before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Below
the ground on which we now stood, there had been a network of interlocking
tunnels that formed the Japanese Command Post. In mid-August, 1944, Japanese
soldiers had gathered for a final stand against the Americans. When that battle
was over, 18,000 Japanese soldiers had died. 1700 Americans were killed and another
6,000 were left wounded. Their blood was soaked into the soil on which we now
stood. Despite the warmth of
the day, I felt a chill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now December, 2022 and Russia’s invasion
of Ukraine is already perhaps the largest war in Europe since WWII. Will wars
never cease? Maybe not but neither will the peace-forming of the faithful. “The
Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.” John
1:5</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Essential Peace</b></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>W</b>hen we concede that</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> war is required and</span><br /></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> </span><span> peace is an illusion</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>We</b> suffer an evil that</span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> cuts off the bloodflow</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> </span><span> of compassion</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><b>W</b>e mask the stink</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> of the killed and the</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> agony of the killers</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><b>I</b>f we honor warriors fallen we</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> must also succor veterans</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> returning from battle</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>W</b>e wound ourselves by</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> limiting patriotism</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> to parades and medals</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>W</b>e must also hear from those</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> whose conscience dictates</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> we serve our nation differently</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>W</b>ar deepens the</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> cut that only</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> peace can heal</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>T</b>rust rekindles hope</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> respect reknits bonds</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> as we weave peace</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>W</b>ars may persist</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <b>P</b>eace must prevail<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <b>E</b>ssentially<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #252525;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #252525;"><b> </b></span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-28369351098585133342022-09-01T17:51:00.007-07:002023-04-15T11:11:48.695-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDlh1Uhy3peJIt2f_j5z2uR2tZs6Kc1O1NRtwdhnPDyDQ1AF81fG122tUGRemKgh__CWPTes1a_ghrZPdKy7auO_lVkRNOwi5R2dbM-Q9QjWF6-pS-vZY3ucC9h58qvAC-G5rXfjNQg3bRh-qhtDvATlnAUo8ectNN5ib73G06luxf_kxGUih-rhM/s1375/Sisyphus%20Duo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1375" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDlh1Uhy3peJIt2f_j5z2uR2tZs6Kc1O1NRtwdhnPDyDQ1AF81fG122tUGRemKgh__CWPTes1a_ghrZPdKy7auO_lVkRNOwi5R2dbM-Q9QjWF6-pS-vZY3ucC9h58qvAC-G5rXfjNQg3bRh-qhtDvATlnAUo8ectNN5ib73G06luxf_kxGUih-rhM/s320/Sisyphus%20Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sisyphus Wises Up</b></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The name Sisyphus may not
strike a chord with you but almost every maturing adult will know and
identify with the story of the man who is condemned by Zeus to push a
rock to the top of the hill only to have it roll back down for
<span style="font-style: normal;">eternity.</span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
met Sisyphus, so to speak, when I returned from the Korean War, at a
time when I was not sure that life had any real meaning but when I
was also looking for hope. A professor introduced me to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Myth of Sisyphus,</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
recently published by Albert Camus. I was intrigued by the fact that
Sisyphus found no meaning in life but was unwilling to completely
give up—to commit suicide. Sisyphus continued to live with me, and
several years ago, I began an internal dialogue with him. I created a
reporter and gave him access to Hades in order to interview Sisyphus,
who I also imagined had the ability to observe the world as it now
is. </span></span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
I have always found it interesting that while Sisyphus found no
meaning in life he never complained and never seriously contemplated
suicide. There is strength and integrity in that. I found that
admirable. Now in my later years I've decided to challenge Zeus's
power to keep Sisyphus chained, so to speak, to the rock and give him
a chance at hope beyond. With apologies to Camus, this is how I imagine it.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unbeknownst to Sisyphus, all the time he had been struggling with
his rock, Eleos, the Greek Goddess of compassion, had been watching
him from her vantage point at Mt. Olympus. After years of watching,
she decided to defy Zeus and help Sisyphus if, indeed, he wanted to
be rid of the rock. There was just one problem with this decision.
If she really wanted to enter Hades and interact with Sisyphus, she
would have to become human and give up her goddess status. That's
just the way it is because that's the way I have written it.</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> Her
decision made, here's what happened. One morning as Sisyphus woke
and was getting ready to push his rock, he noticed a tent had been
erected at the bottom of the hill. Curious, he ambled over to where a
woman was busy setting up a coffee bar. She greeted him and said,
“Hey, I know you're on a tight schedule but the coffee is just
about ready and I've got an idea I think you will find interesting.”
</i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> “I'll
take the coffee; what's on your mind?” </i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> “Here's
the deal. My name is Eleos. I've been watching you all the time
you've been pushing that rock. I have to say that I'm impressed that
you've made your peace with the whole rock thing and I know you think
that life is essentially meaningless, but what if I told you that I
am willing to help you push the rock over the top, if you're
interested. That's a serious question because I know some folks
don't really want to give up their burdens, even if they may say
otherwise."</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Sisyphus
was skeptical of the idea but was willing to give it a try. So when
they had finished their coffee, Eleos put away the coffee cups. They
approached the rock and started off up the hill together. Sisyphus
would push the rock by himself until he felt he had to let go off the
rock. At that point, Eleos would step in and help. </span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> They
didn't talk much at first as each was considering what this decision
would make in their life. Sisyphus thought sure, he would be glad to
be rid of that infernal rock, but he had gotten used to dealing with
it and did he really want to give it up for the unknown? He thought, "Am
I really up to life without it? Do I really need Eleos' help? Maybe
this time I'll be able to get the rock to the top by myself. Why is
she really doing this? This is the first time anyone has ever offered
to actually help me. Am I worth all this?" </i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> While
Sisyphus was pondering these things, Eleos was thinking of what the
decision to become human in order to help Sisyphus meant for her. She
had given up all the power and prestige of being a goddess. She knew
she could never go back. She thought, "Was I too hasty in trying
to help Sisyphus? Is this really necessary and should I have
intruded?" </i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Meanwhile,
the hill was getting steeper. Sisyphus began to give out. He called for Eleos
to help. Together they struggled until they were within a few
feet of the summit. With their last bits of strength, together they
pushed as hard as they could. The rock moved ever so slowly to the
summit where it tottered for a bit and then settled on the top of the
hill!</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Now
before them loomed a large bottomless chasm. Eleos found a smooth
rock ledge and invited Sisyphus to sit with her. Sisyphus said, "In
a moment, but first I have to get rid of this.” He walked over,
got behind the rock and with one more push sent it bouncing down the
hill and into the chasm. Then he joined Eleos on the ledge.</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>
Eleos asked, "What did the rock mean to you?" </i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> "More
than anything else, I think, it represents my regrets, my guilt,"
Sisyphus answerd. </i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> They
sat there in silence for a long time until Sisyphus whispered,
"Captive no longer!” </i>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Eleos
responded, “No longer a goddess. What now?”</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> As
they stared in silence at the chasm, they felt a soft breeze and then
from the wind came a voice, “I am beyond. Stand up!”</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Eleos
exclaims, “What is that?”</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Sisyphus
answers, “I've heard that voice before but it has been a long time
ago. I thought if I ignored it, it would go away. Some say it is the
voice of God, others say it is the Voice of Love. Maybe they both
are right.”</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Eleos
thinks before responding. “Well, what do you say? Are you ready for
a surprise?”</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> They
stand up.</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Will Sisyphus and Eleos assume new names, new identities to face
their future? I am turning the story over to you at this point. If
you choose, you can answer those questions and more. Since it will
be your story, anything you come up with will be right. I would like
to know what you come up with. You can email me at<i>
</i><b>sisyphus2015.mh@gmail.com</b></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Max</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-79275862480500461452022-03-05T12:36:00.003-08:002022-03-05T12:45:13.782-08:00<p> </p><p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Words for the Young</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(no matter how old you are)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>L</b>ast night I dreamed I<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>was a butterfly struggling<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to get out of a cocoon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>L</b>et me tell you it wasn't<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>easy I was exhausted<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>by the time I got out<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b> woke to a warming sun drying<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>my wings as they took<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>shape and structure<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>O</b>h my wings were<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>beautiful did I tell you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I dream in color<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>B</b>asking in the moment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as the dream morphed into<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>metaphor I waked to<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b>he existential question will
I<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>have the courage to fly<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when my wings dry<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b>n normal times there<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is enough suffering and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>sorrow to stifle adventure<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b>hese are not normal times
naked<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>evil stalks heart-wrenching<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>loss punctuates<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Y</b>et beauty hits us right<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in our face kindness hums<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>in the background<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b>ruth is still spoken daring<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>takes its turn goodness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>will not be denied<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b>roubled souls still wake to<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>wonder love has not</span></p><p class="Standard"></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>lost its power<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span><b>T</b>hen</span></i><span> and N<i>ow </i>don't have to trade<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>places are you ready</span></p><p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><i><b>let's fly</b></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOTkbt_2mAeMKaFQm2SYo3qpdglsNtat7R1lVCb8EyGwdHkVHk6iPlZGSsRnhap6PxfYAanzOkh9O0_jG1kxWWQ5-AGc1ICxbxq4Oy9uNH2y7jko08BVd7ftWTQuWAIJNoySSRVMcIE0JMR4HvKfwbb36Or4E1Zxehzej4BiH1N1xrONHVLuKaQxpw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="156" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOTkbt_2mAeMKaFQm2SYo3qpdglsNtat7R1lVCb8EyGwdHkVHk6iPlZGSsRnhap6PxfYAanzOkh9O0_jG1kxWWQ5-AGc1ICxbxq4Oy9uNH2y7jko08BVd7ftWTQuWAIJNoySSRVMcIE0JMR4HvKfwbb36Or4E1Zxehzej4BiH1N1xrONHVLuKaQxpw=w200-h141" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><b></b></i></span></p><br /><i><b><br /><br /><br /></b></i><p></p><p class="Standard"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-81843443687751411672022-01-28T13:23:00.003-08:002022-02-02T19:25:43.003-08:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Epiphany</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he
wisest of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
ones who</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> made
the trip</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>W</b>ise
enough to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> eschew
theatrics </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> perceive
the real</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>ame
to touch beauty</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> rephrase
truth </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> reset
goodness</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>K</b>new
humble trappings</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> were
an extravagant</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> soul
filled welcome</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>utored
in mysteries beyond</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ken
they worshiped</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> with
second sight</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>T</b>hey
had come to the </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> place
where they could</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> change
their lives</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>I</b>nspirited to make epiphanies </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> palpable
for the journey</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> entering
a new dimension</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>W</b>hat
I wouldn't give</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> for
a star here and now </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
cancel Covid fatigue</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>P</b>ull
us back from</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
precipice</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of
depression </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>N</b>urture
the bereaved </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> embolden
the scared </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> succor
the survivors </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>B</b>e
a companion to those </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> who
are forced to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> sleep
in the ruins</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>D</b>ispense
justice for those </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> who
exploit suffering </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> impose
harm</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>N</b>o
star has the magic to do </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> our
work those who are </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> able
must stand and sing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>T</b>he
star amplifies the vision </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of
love incarnate gives</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> light
for the journey</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he
wise among us will </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> wed
science to love</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> to
give us truth </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he
wisest among us will</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> share
the promise and</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> so
redeem the suffering</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihW2GwYw8Ch-YoP81I4cDjD3Qt6RbKeQikkWxz5KZQUT_Z86oQ0rI7HGhwYEihsl1xELmdhJ4E5xFE2hUol0PPZor7HkdxT8XjhN28m79d_ZO2BM4q018i8ZNlNNmRlElhBTVhvgCPXoSoU6e7njWB24ooVakhjjC91feZOFBNbiIzVC4YXMvCH9PT=s1854" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1854" data-original-width="1632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihW2GwYw8Ch-YoP81I4cDjD3Qt6RbKeQikkWxz5KZQUT_Z86oQ0rI7HGhwYEihsl1xELmdhJ4E5xFE2hUol0PPZor7HkdxT8XjhN28m79d_ZO2BM4q018i8ZNlNNmRlElhBTVhvgCPXoSoU6e7njWB24ooVakhjjC91feZOFBNbiIzVC4YXMvCH9PT=s320" width="282" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-70833374503562782312021-12-11T19:41:00.003-08:002021-12-12T13:38:19.421-08:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0D-9ZVmVS3w" width="320" youtube-src-id="0D-9ZVmVS3w"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kyoto
Madonna</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b>n
a train station dimmed and</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> drab
people scurried</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> without
touching</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A</b>
young mother's adoring gaze</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> allowed
light and peace</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> for
those with patient eyes</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>H</b>er
babe held secure with</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> love
transparent the mother</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> ready
to share the joy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>O</b>ur
eyes met and with a smile</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> she
spoke and invited </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> a
moment of grace</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>D</b>id
I want to hold her baby</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> bridged
all barriers </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> real
and imagined </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>L</b>ight
sourced from the</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> babe
the mother</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> illuminated
the moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A</b>
train moved in</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> broke
the spell and</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> they
were gone</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b>
never raised my camera</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> but
recorded the moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> in
my soul</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b>
coded my story of the Madonna</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> moment
to peruse later</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and
caught the next train</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMJRtq-TqWaKAScg6UICoa_-mdaNqJp47dez8rs-mTFt_3W8xNmy-S5XlXgsQlPOtC_iTYVy6qL3v08F56FQ9cj7ko7W2ZBF9TmWihriYm4_X_mMztA_pkPCRgs0QAc7LRmqZSnBKmGDcvREv_n5m3hryxUrM-XnER1NILPi80lg4kYdIzxYW_q_0G=s1357" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMJRtq-TqWaKAScg6UICoa_-mdaNqJp47dez8rs-mTFt_3W8xNmy-S5XlXgsQlPOtC_iTYVy6qL3v08F56FQ9cj7ko7W2ZBF9TmWihriYm4_X_mMztA_pkPCRgs0QAc7LRmqZSnBKmGDcvREv_n5m3hryxUrM-XnER1NILPi80lg4kYdIzxYW_q_0G=w162-h200" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-71090135566607812772021-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:002021-11-27T13:09:54.297-08:00<p style="text-align: center;"> <b>Movable Mountain</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrefD-oaXmQ/YaKdLkH_kvI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/RwHRqRzRDhMWxxIqr7Uv0E6YhhJbL8gKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Heart%2BMountain%2BEnlargement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrefD-oaXmQ/YaKdLkH_kvI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/RwHRqRzRDhMWxxIqr7Uv0E6YhhJbL8gKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Heart%2BMountain%2BEnlargement.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>D</b>escending into
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> the Bighorn
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Basin on 296</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>S</b>lowed to fifty
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> stopped by the</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> sight of the mountain
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>B</b>reathe hear feel the </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> silent exploding</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> reverential beauty</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>F</b>ifty million years</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> ago it was a 500 square
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> mile breakaway</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>R</b>ock that left the plateau
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> slid sixty two miles
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> in thirty minutes</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>T</b>he hardened larva gave us
today's</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> 8'000 foot mountain with</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> the old rock on top of new</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>T</b>he Kiowas called this upside</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> gift Heart Mountain its western</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> view an expansive beauty
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sasbRBUPykw/YaKdkP71III/AAAAAAAAA5g/U2sJSCd5OCgjgRvtSyqHw75RzQUUbMI2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Heart%2BMtn%2BEast%2BSide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sasbRBUPykw/YaKdkP71III/AAAAAAAAA5g/U2sJSCd5OCgjgRvtSyqHw75RzQUUbMI2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Heart%2BMtn%2BEast%2BSide.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>B</b>eauty had a bitter twist</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> for 14,025 Japanese</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Americans in '42</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>F</b>orced from their West Coast
homes</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> by jingoistic paranoia left</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> rootless in Wyoming</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>L</b>ooked at the mountain daily
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> from behind barbed
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> wire and tar paper barracks</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>O</b>ne's view of the mountain's
beauty</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> depended on which
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> side one lived on</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>B</b>arbed wire rolled up in 1945</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> leaving one shack</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> damage done</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>F</b>reed from the camp lesson</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> learned internees left</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Wyoming's loss
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> ~</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>T</b>oday I live where</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> mountains don't</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> grow or slide</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>B</b>ut where faster than a</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> speeding bullet Covid</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> rams returns rams
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>W</b>ith an impact that</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> distorts truth and</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> threatens hope</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>W</b>hile we watch</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> mindlessly mired</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> in denial</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>P</b>ast memories and future</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> dreams turned</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> upside down</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A</b>nd we are left to sort through</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> the rubble decide what to</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> cherish for rebuilding</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>M</b>ust we blend the past</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> and knead the future to</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> fashion a livable now</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RAEj9qrPJc/YaKd9zRnHeI/AAAAAAAAA5o/EeJXZYLGWqIUfqgqmTxUxSUmOxS3GKrKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RAEj9qrPJc/YaKd9zRnHeI/AAAAAAAAA5o/EeJXZYLGWqIUfqgqmTxUxSUmOxS3GKrKACLcBGAsYHQ/w132-h164/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-2140904958226875502021-08-31T12:12:00.002-07:002021-08-31T12:13:55.647-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not
My Final Answer</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">(at
the prospect of turning 90)</span></p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>S</b>omething
funny happened </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> must
stay awake when </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> it
happens again</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>T</b>he
moving finger </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> writes
to extend three</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> score
and ten </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>N</b>ow
that I </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> have
forgiven</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> my
past</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>aving
escaped</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
illusion</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of
boxes</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>iving
in the intense</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> reality
of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> transformation</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>E</b>ngaged
in </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
search for</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> better
questions</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>L</b>etting
go of the </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> clutch
of clever </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> defense
mechanisms</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>S</b>haking
off </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
need</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
fit in</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>J</b>oyously
aware that</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> age
is not a</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> disability</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>E</b>nriched
by rare </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> moments</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of
joy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b>njured
when I didn't</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> know
enough</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
be sorry</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>S</b>cars
of mostly </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> self-inflicted
bumps </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and
bruises</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ittle
time left</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
belabor</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> life's
offenses</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>N</b>o
room to host</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> fear
or </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> anger</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>C</b>utting
back </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> on
sighing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and
arguing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>G</b>oing
to bed in</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> love
waking up </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> in
love</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>eviewing
new</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ways
to say </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> thank
you</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>racing
new designs</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> from
recycled</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> trash</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>C</b>hallenged
by </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a
God that</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> grows
with me</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22ZGAtVuYU8/YS5-xScT7GI/AAAAAAAAA44/sY7Uel2A0gMF4wXxG8OtNarQuP4bWsu8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/20160225_50.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22ZGAtVuYU8/YS5-xScT7GI/AAAAAAAAA44/sY7Uel2A0gMF4wXxG8OtNarQuP4bWsu8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20160225_50.bmp" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-31781402942739778252021-08-21T17:20:00.002-07:002021-08-21T17:20:52.911-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b>t</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> happens</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> as
I</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>K</b>eep
the energy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> lose
the fear</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> accept
the grace</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>R</b>eserve
anger's energy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> to
break the evil</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> build
hope's path</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>E</b>mbrace
the dark</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> look
through </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> the
pain</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>F</b>orgive
the past</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> accept
healing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> strengthen
joy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b>tay
the course</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> play
the ball</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> where
it lands</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>R</b>est
my soul</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> pause
to thank</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> rise
to pursue</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>J</b>ust
so will</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> I
write </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> my
life</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgi5h9nCu7I/YSGYLO3NtLI/AAAAAAAAA4w/97SnvcplvwkYGz69N8_cI6TMIHqHM4MTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1552/20160225_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="1226" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgi5h9nCu7I/YSGYLO3NtLI/AAAAAAAAA4w/97SnvcplvwkYGz69N8_cI6TMIHqHM4MTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w158-h200/20160225_21.JPG" width="158" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-34824700288504866512021-08-16T10:32:00.001-07:002021-08-16T10:43:26.737-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Memoir of
Sorts</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjscMlwD_vo/YRqgoBEEU1I/AAAAAAAAA4c/-pTL4xViEM8mYzXLbRtWWu2WvQBTlZ-ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s533/log%2Bcabin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="533" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjscMlwD_vo/YRqgoBEEU1I/AAAAAAAAA4c/-pTL4xViEM8mYzXLbRtWWu2WvQBTlZ-ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/log%2Bcabin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he fourth move
in as many</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> years leaving
little</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to carry</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b>t could have
been a pro
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> shop when
faded</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> dreams still
had a pulse</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>wo rooms one
faucet
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and a
necessary
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> path out back
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>hree people
who would</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> live without
privacy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and still
have love</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>D</b>ad displaced
from the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> classroom by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> diseased feet</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>G</b>rowing minnows
in a
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> hatchery where
golfers
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> would have
played</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>M</b>other counting
and selling</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> fish bait
little money</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> hard life
honest work</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b>unrise to
sunset and beyond</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> they worked
through
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> pain and
sorrow with humor</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My</b> inheritance
would be truthtelling
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> honest dealing
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> saving grace
of humor</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I </b>used a rifle
my grandfather once
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> swapped his
warped false teeth</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> for to shoot
bullfrogs</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b> mostly kept
my rebellion</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to myself and
when I didn't</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> dad's
weakness was the paddle</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b> carried more
books home
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> from school
than
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> anyone except
Lois Gordon</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I </b>opted out on
football</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> memorized
Shakespeare
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> recited to
mother</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>M</b>oments of joy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> punctuated the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> boredom</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My</b> sister was
born there later</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I would claim
to be an
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> only child as
could she</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>D</b>ad's health
improved they left
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the cabin
mother got
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a job I left
home </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he log cabin
long gone can't</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> imagine that a
single person
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> has missed it
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>ard times
linger in memory</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> good has a
longer</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> attention
span</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>V</b>alued imprint
left on my psyche</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> comes in handy
in repacking
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> my
metaphorical suitcase</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf8ZQt9ctrE/YRqjiPKoSUI/AAAAAAAAA4k/QWCSTi6nXOESuGIs2V_hDAiU9232s10_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf8ZQt9ctrE/YRqjiPKoSUI/AAAAAAAAA4k/QWCSTi6nXOESuGIs2V_hDAiU9232s10_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-38361875812997701042021-08-07T11:04:00.002-07:002021-08-07T11:04:52.947-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Life in Progress </span></b>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he
clerk smiled</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> when
she</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> said
it but </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>ave
a
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> nice</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> day</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b>
accept it</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> as
a
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> challenge
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>heck
out</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> new</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> directions</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>old
out</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> against</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> equilibrium</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>B</b>alance</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> is
often</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> overrated</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>ourage</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> against</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> entropy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>oncede
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> darkness
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> certify
light</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ook
both</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ways
look </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> again</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>evise
and</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> extend</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> my
life</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEuwv61U6V0/YQ7LFopbcpI/AAAAAAAAA4U/0AMsIaoL6No8dk3HuvKCGfPLis_8n7C-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEuwv61U6V0/YQ7LFopbcpI/AAAAAAAAA4U/0AMsIaoL6No8dk3HuvKCGfPLis_8n7C-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w162-h200/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" width="162" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-87084635590706679062021-07-22T14:57:00.001-07:002021-07-22T14:59:36.568-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A
Place From Which</b>
</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>B</b>efore
I become</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> complacently
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> trivial
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b>dly
stitching</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> together</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> memories</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>B</b>asking
in</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> cleverly
designed</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> myths</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U</b>rge
me awake</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> from
dreams to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> imperatives</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b>purred
by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> moral</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> upsettings</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>rembling
on
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
edge</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of
prayer</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>elp
to get</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> through
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> noise
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>
place to push
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> off
from in</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> search
for truth</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>nd
unite the two </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> so
oft divided</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> justice
and love</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>o
find active</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> peace
in the</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> eye
of the storm</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLubBoIZCYY/YPnpgvaI3QI/AAAAAAAAA4I/fUwLspodbZEzmdRapcq1AuIr5bGRT51GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1791/20160225_27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1329" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLubBoIZCYY/YPnpgvaI3QI/AAAAAAAAA4I/fUwLspodbZEzmdRapcq1AuIr5bGRT51GACLcBGAsYHQ/w148-h200/20160225_27.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-8645203421473378882021-06-29T16:47:00.001-07:002021-06-29T16:47:37.308-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Critical
Respect Theory</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>acial scarring
</span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> reminding of </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> unhealed pain</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>onest study of
past</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> damage leading
</span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> into truth</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ooking
directly deep</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> into masked </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> pain light
throbs</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O</b>pening routine
allowing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> curiosity and </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> novel
excitement</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>D</b>ancing with
the stranger</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> staying the
course</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to make
amends</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>eclaiming the
joy </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of moral</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> health </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>onfident that
critical love</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> surging from</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> caring depths</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b>ubdues
dissension</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> honors
community</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> allows
healing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>nd word went
out </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> throughout the
land</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> that God
smiled</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oaWaYsihyI/YNuw2hQjV4I/AAAAAAAAA3c/eE6ePNN8Kc0tDdfmrki0YvjpgjCAM3CBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s799/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="799" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oaWaYsihyI/YNuw2hQjV4I/AAAAAAAAA3c/eE6ePNN8Kc0tDdfmrki0YvjpgjCAM3CBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h149/IMG_0091.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-57108844743538849892021-06-19T19:59:00.003-07:002021-06-19T20:26:01.182-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sorrow
Unmasked</b></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>E</b>nigmatic she
came alone</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> clear eyed
with a</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> promise of
deep</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>B</b>efore the
golden buzzer</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I knew she was</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> better than
OK</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>M</b>ulti-tasking
cancers </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> in the
background </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> gave her two
per cent</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>D</b>eclining the
odds </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> she intoned
her </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> chance of
joy </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>D</b>on't wait til
things</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> are not hard</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to be happy
</span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b> held that
nugget in</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> in my mind
pondered</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> it in my soul</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b>he echoed the
poet's</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> tome joy is
sorrow</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> unmasked</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ooked deep
deeper into</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> pain and found</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> sustaining
joy</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>an it be that
blindness</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to joy has
been my</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> greatest pain</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>estored I
bookmarked</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the heart
shared</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> wisdom </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>nd joined the
chorus</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm OK, I'm OK</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm OK, I'm
OK, I'm OK</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jane
Marczewski sang on America's Got Talent. She was 30 years old,
diagnosed with multiple cancers and given a 2% chance of survival.
Her musical voice and the music of her spirit so mesmerized the
judge's panel that Simon gave her the golden buzzer. Her lyrics
included a repetition of "I'm OK, I'm OK" and she ended with the
admonition, "You don't have to wait until things are not hard to
decide to be happy."</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">We watched the
episode on June 8th. It was reported that Jane Marczewski, also known
as Nightbird, died on June 10.</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-gdD8Ge4c0/YM6uynrJS9I/AAAAAAAAA24/wL74zGdM2GQnxNKT9hiLXsYjVy37ui9JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/20160225_50.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="320" height="140" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-gdD8Ge4c0/YM6uynrJS9I/AAAAAAAAA24/wL74zGdM2GQnxNKT9hiLXsYjVy37ui9JgCLcBGAsYHQ/w93-h140/20160225_50.bmp" width="93" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-49055112643862283162021-06-06T16:48:00.001-07:002021-06-06T19:01:32.908-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Memorial
Days</span></b></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>D</b>uring the war
I</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>carried an M-1</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>a reluctant
warrior
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>H</b>onor today
those whose</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>love of
country led</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>into unwanted
war</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A</b>ntonio on his
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>way to the
front</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>never came
home</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>R</b>espect for
those whose</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>patriotism
precluded</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>the call to
arms</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>C</b>onscientious
Steve</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>refused a gun
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>keep the
peace</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b> replay gut
wrenching
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>choice 72*
years</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>and counting</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b>he present
valued</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>by past
heroism</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>of the brave</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>D</b>ishonored by
unshackled
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>jingoism and
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>pernicious
hate</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>G</b>ratitude for
those who</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>protect and
defend
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>runs deep</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>S</b>orrow for all
lives</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>lost in
conflict
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>forever
throbs</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b> cover my
heart
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>to honor all</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>veterans of
war</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I </b>cover my
heart</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>to honor all</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>veterans of
peace
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>S</b>triving for an
alchemy
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>that turns the
glamour
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>or war into
pervasive peace</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*I joined the
Alabama National Guard when I was 17. By the time we were activated
for service in Korea I had begun my ongoing struggle to define a
patriotism that leaves room for conscientious objection. </span>
</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgccUEAoCNU/YL1ciLrYzfI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Vtg8RX5xn2oB2aju95kU6-7xhopWy-t9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s775/20160225_46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="775" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgccUEAoCNU/YL1ciLrYzfI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Vtg8RX5xn2oB2aju95kU6-7xhopWy-t9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20160225_46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Taegu, Korea 1952</b></div><b><br /></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-85916252429434959162021-04-11T10:41:00.004-07:002021-04-11T10:49:10.035-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inosculate </span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b>n
the search</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> for
a</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> higher
ground</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O</b>ne
never</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> travels</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> alone</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>he
past</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a
constant</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> companion</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<b>N</b>ew
occasions</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> teach
new</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> duties"</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ove
provides</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a
working</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> guide</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>J</b>ustice
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> validates
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> trek</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>abor</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> employs
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> tools</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F</b>aith-eating</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> platitudes
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> censured</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>M</b>oral
nausea</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> eased
with</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> compassion</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>P</b>robity
refusing
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
appease</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> moral
decay </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U</b>nrelenting
care
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> for
the weak and
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> vulnerable</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>ecycle
anger's</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> energy
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> resist
evil
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>V</b>isions</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> tempered
by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> flexible
hope</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">*from
the hymn, Once to Every Man and Nation</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1LcbVNgIbM/YHMz9F8qD7I/AAAAAAAAA2E/LZuyyzbhXNQpbvPwUpWrm_uH3GbIbdD9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20160305_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1LcbVNgIbM/YHMz9F8qD7I/AAAAAAAAA2E/LZuyyzbhXNQpbvPwUpWrm_uH3GbIbdD9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20160305_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Covered wagons on the way up to Cripple Creek. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
pulled our '64 Volkswagen truck over and asked if we could pose a
picture. I can only imagine the life and work of those whose lives
were served by the covered wagon. I do know that before I owned the
truck, my Dad used it to haul storm damaged walnut trees into his
high school workshop to teach woodworking. The scene is a reminder of
the vision and energy of those who have gone on before. The challenge
is to draw on that memory as we continue our search for higher
ground.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QesIvl-HMw/YHM0iiBwxrI/AAAAAAAAA2M/m21IAo3WnV0H8qV7uWMShCTQf6HSWLOWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QesIvl-HMw/YHM0iiBwxrI/AAAAAAAAA2M/m21IAo3WnV0H8qV7uWMShCTQf6HSWLOWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span>
<p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-42142244333839380962021-03-31T15:06:00.010-07:002021-04-02T06:47:37.995-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Together</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>wo old
men each</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> more humble</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> than
the other</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O</b>ld
friends
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> meeting
for</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
first time</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ived
separate
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> lives</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> together</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>M</b>aking
new memories</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> by
sharing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> old
ones</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>ecycling
old</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> jokes
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> refill
the now</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Q</b>uietly
hopeful</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
find</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> redemption</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>agging
the past</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
reimagine</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> meaning
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Q</b>uiet
settles as</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> humor
cuts</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> through
regret</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>
current of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> love
breaks all</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> time
barriers</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F</b>orever</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> open
for</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> surprises</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>wo old
men</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> together
when</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> separated</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>E</b>ach
with</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> his
own </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> chalk*</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">*They agreed that at some point each would take a trip to an undisclosed location. The one who reached the location would make an "x" with his chalk and if the other one reached the location first, he would rub it out. Makes absolutely no sense, until it does.</p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2vaRTcywQs/YGT0fw129JI/AAAAAAAAA14/3kLEm4G3A2o2Yjtm5OQkogxHXUNBX6j6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2vaRTcywQs/YGT0fw129JI/AAAAAAAAA14/3kLEm4G3A2o2Yjtm5OQkogxHXUNBX6j6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-88863062544608518312021-03-15T14:46:00.004-07:002021-03-15T14:53:35.996-07:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">To
Prepare the Soul </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>W</b>eary
travelers</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> felt
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> force
of Zazen</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b>urrendered
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> uneasily</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>eceived
time
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
calm the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> mind</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F</b>reshen
the</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> spirit
ease
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
soul</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b>ilenced
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> open
a</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> new
way</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b>oday's
truth</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> pulled
through</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> memory</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F</b>ootnotes</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> negatives</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>llows
the Yes
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to
open the </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> possible</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>E</b>mpties
the trash
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of
misused
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> dreams</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>estarts
the
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> balance
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> wheel
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> In
1969, Sixteen university students and other adults took a self-guided
three week independent tour in Japan. We booked our own travel and
made our own arrangements with friends we mostly met along the way.
Our overnight stay in Eigengi Zen Buddhist Monastery on Lake Biwa
where we were introduced to Zazen meditation, gave me a touchstone
for my life today.
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> While
I do not practice Zazen, I do find a refreshing power in those
moments when I am able to be alone, still and quiet and to empty my
mind. I almost always emerge more open to everyday signs of grace
around me and to the presence of a loving God. It helps a lot,
especially in these troubled times.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk7KPltcDvo/YE_TDOdg3YI/AAAAAAAAA1M/GEY2eKYWvrIF3o9aunedVfO5s0OFRWYfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Lake%2BBiwa%2BMonastery.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk7KPltcDvo/YE_TDOdg3YI/AAAAAAAAA1M/GEY2eKYWvrIF3o9aunedVfO5s0OFRWYfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/Lake%2BBiwa%2BMonastery.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Call to meditation </span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Eigenji Monastery (translated)</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Cannot
avoid death</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Moments
passing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Value
this moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Things
change quickly</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhYF5_pVm4s/YE_W97V0HQI/AAAAAAAAA1c/-k3eSsIjUdoGQqcG8KTjcfNUkP0v0pwagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhYF5_pVm4s/YE_W97V0HQI/AAAAAAAAA1c/-k3eSsIjUdoGQqcG8KTjcfNUkP0v0pwagCLcBGAsYHQ/w162-h200/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-23579437225142547212021-03-06T08:59:00.001-08:002021-03-06T08:59:23.955-08:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To
Redeem the Moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3CvKkcLGu4/YEOz0EFD0tI/AAAAAAAAA08/joiTQeNfGDkq40_JfDsN_B5lLzpaTrrgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1394/The%2BLaughing%2BChrist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1100" height="176" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3CvKkcLGu4/YEOz0EFD0tI/AAAAAAAAA08/joiTQeNfGDkq40_JfDsN_B5lLzpaTrrgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w139-h176/The%2BLaughing%2BChrist.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>I</b>n
the world </span>
</span><p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> I
choose to </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> live
in </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b>n
the suffering </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> of
the </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>H</b>umor
holds </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> the
door</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> open</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>L</b>ights
the path through</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> fearful
forces</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> darkening
times</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b>its
in the waiting</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> room
with </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> the
distressed</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>L</b>oosens
the </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> cold
grip of </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> deepest
grief </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>L</b>aughter cracks the </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> confining
shell of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> anguish</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>G</b>oes
the distance</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> with
those</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> who
suffer</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>P</b>rotects
against</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> paralyzing
</span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> anxiety
</span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>W</b>ill
not give</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> grief
the </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> last
word </span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b>nterprets</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> immutable</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> love</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>R</b>ediscovers</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> beauty
</span>
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> beyond</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n98-A0sno-A/YEO0ySjQ9mI/AAAAAAAAA1E/39912DjEo4wBEwq_io2V4avT77LqJwLGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="140" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n98-A0sno-A/YEO0ySjQ9mI/AAAAAAAAA1E/39912DjEo4wBEwq_io2V4avT77LqJwLGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w113-h140/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-84401428617206975192021-02-27T12:14:00.000-08:002021-02-27T12:14:28.109-08:00<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 16pt;">gratia</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b>n
the valued</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> stillness
of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> the
moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I</b>
raise prayerlike</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> thoughts
of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> gratefulness</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>F</b>or
those who </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> grapple
with Covid's</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> death
dealingness</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>W</b>ho
practice caring</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> beyond
</span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> self
security</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A</b>nd
those who </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> occasion
healing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> antidotes
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>F</b>or
those who </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> bury
the dead</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> with
dignity</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>W</b>ho
draw on the</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> heart
to comfort </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> the
bereaved </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A</b>nd
hold the door </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> open
for an</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> infusion
of hope </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b>hat
all who suffer may </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> remember
joy</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and
reclaim peace</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUX1Zla7SIw/YDqnyPOXqmI/AAAAAAAAA0w/BesjyNVHcuYbFvMWsD_V3dqoZVaYiZp3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUX1Zla7SIw/YDqnyPOXqmI/AAAAAAAAA0w/BesjyNVHcuYbFvMWsD_V3dqoZVaYiZp3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w126-h156/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-88112301641556407662021-02-06T20:12:00.000-08:002021-02-06T20:12:13.843-08:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How
to Fix a Broken Compass </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>M</b>oral
compass </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> to
steady </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> the
course </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>C</b>orroded
by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> values
held </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> too
loosely </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>R</b>usted
by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> lack
of</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> employing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>D</b>isabled
by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> frozen
fear</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> combustible
hate</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>C</b>orrupted
by</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> misleading</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> fables </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>R</b>emagnetize
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> find
spiritual </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> core
</span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>R</b>ecalibrate
with </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> reforming</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> work</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>R</b>eady
to</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> step
on</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> winding
paths</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiFJHcPVAU4/YB9oZjXOalI/AAAAAAAAA0A/DKkOiWxnbEEIl8phuYq_5FpRsNvPrTdhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/20160225_50.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="320" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiFJHcPVAU4/YB9oZjXOalI/AAAAAAAAA0A/DKkOiWxnbEEIl8phuYq_5FpRsNvPrTdhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w114-h171/20160225_50.bmp" width="114" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span>
<p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-30933325894394359922021-01-22T17:38:00.002-08:002021-01-23T11:27:39.794-08:00<p><br /> </p><p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In
the Time I have left </span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>S</b>tories
to repair</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>trash
to go through</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>thoughts
to re-collect</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A</b>
past to reform</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>shape for future use</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> release</span> non usables</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>R</b>etrain
the mind</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>refresh
the soul</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>restart
journey</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>S</b>peak
beauty full truth</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>flex
imagination</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>detassle
guilt</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>S</b>tretch
laugh </span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>muscles </span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <span> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">eurythmical </span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>U</b>nlisting
what </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>does
not </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span>tantalize</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn-i-wTB-7k/YAx4bHPI5nI/AAAAAAAAAzc/7ZSrgHRRBA08_-zAWYKp4_9ze45kIPMLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/Blood%2BDonor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="124" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn-i-wTB-7k/YAx4bHPI5nI/AAAAAAAAAzc/7ZSrgHRRBA08_-zAWYKp4_9ze45kIPMLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w100-h124/Blood%2BDonor.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><p></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-489023495932221752021-01-10T11:33:00.001-08:002021-01-10T11:36:21.593-08:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mystical
Moment</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>elentless</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> news</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> noise</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b>eart
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> eroding</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> dis-ease</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>logging
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> caring</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> apparatus<br /></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U</b>shering
in
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> redemptive</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> silence</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Q</b>uietude</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> expanding</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> space</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F</b>ormless</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> breathless</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> calm</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>rystallizing</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> clear</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> interval</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b>oom
for
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> God
to
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> impregnate</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>B</b>reath
restored
</span><p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> emerge
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> love
equipped </span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712635436322027855.post-75431200562512853512021-01-04T08:43:00.000-08:002021-01-04T08:43:18.400-08:00<p> </p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Letting
go and holding on</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
the age of 12, I jumped, for the first time, into water over my head
at Scout Camp, dog-paddled across the pool and was declared a
swimmer. I was ecstatic. </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
the age of 21, on orders to return to headquarters in the south, I
confiscated a jeep, drove all the way across Korea at the 38th
parallel, forged papers to catch the train back to Taegu. I was safe.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
the age of 50 I ran a mile, then 5, then 10 and one day had the wild
notion to run 26.2 When I did, I was overjoyed.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMnscwZDjhU/X_NE0JOQK7I/AAAAAAAAAyY/yKZArYqL1zUy3GGGVGgLICa9_IKTYmqZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1357/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMnscwZDjhU/X_NE0JOQK7I/AAAAAAAAAyY/yKZArYqL1zUy3GGGVGgLICa9_IKTYmqZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C-Virus%2BMask.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
the age of 58, I loosened my grip on the wing strut of a Cessna 186
and floated to the ground in Reno, Nevada. I was tranquil-ized.</span><p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
83, I played a 9 hole golf course in my mind while the doctors
repaired my heart. I was re-lived.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
89, I sometime walk the treadmill at 2.5 mph for ten minutes, eleven
if I'm up to it. I am grateful. </span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Now,
my wife drives me to the Blood Bank to donate every eight weeks. Life
is good. </span></p>Max http://www.blogger.com/profile/18289624330503961539noreply@blogger.com1