the dividing line

I realize I haven't written on my blog for quite a while. I'd like to blame it on the lack of internet connection at my house or the raining weather, but I don't know if that would be entirely true. You see, it isn't easy bearing your soul to the world wide web. It isn't easy writing these words when you have no idea who may read them or what the response may be. But still they come. These words break the silence and cross millions of miles to reach you.

I've realized this year how small the world really is. It's the click of a button or the distance of a day on an airplane. And people, everywhere, have so much in common. They have the same basic needs and fears. Their daily routine may differ or the size of their pocket book. They may prioritize some things above others...but when it comes down to it....we have brothers and sisters the world over.

I wonder what would happen if each person realized this. If in both their head and heart they knew the kinship they possessed with those from each and every continent. What is it that divides us? Differences in culture? language? way of life? Yet aren't these divisions what make each person and place uniquely beautiful?

When is it necessary to compromise? To challenge the values of one culture in sight of the effects it has upon others? Are we looking for the benefit of ourselves or our country at the cost of others? What is most important?

We must recognize what divides us and fight it. Fight ignorance and fear, guilt, pride and selfishness, complacency and resentment. Once these things fall away, perhaps we will be able to see the truth.

within

Caterpillars
Inching along leaves
Frogs
Hopping through the grass
Birds
Landing on branches
Cats
Climbing trees

The birds and the bees
If I sneeze
Will you say
“God bless you!”
or simply
keep
inching along?

A know a song
That isn’t very long
But requires much
Concentration
It’s the notes that are hardest
to hear

Yet
Once
They resonate
Within
We find them

when you smile

Your smile
Stretches to the horizon
And captures my heart
It is without question
Without hesitation
Or fear

As the corners of those lips curl
I find that mine are too
We smile
In agreement

Because if you cannot learn
To laugh at the world
Around you
There
Is little hope
For what the future will bring

hmmmmm

What I dislike:

the feeling of business
walking through parked cars
frozen fingers
unclipped toenails
and words unsaid
broken glasses
cold goodbyes
unkempt yards
and a world who wants more
but gives less
lights in my face
the expectations of others
eyes that follow the face
but wont look within
disagreement
not knowing what to say
and dwelling on the past
when this day
is waiting to begin

what I like:

Something in the oven
fruit on a tree
opening the front door
falling leaves
toes beside the fireplace
wrapping presents
writing a note
life without a mirror
stones in cold water
the sound of the wind outside
holding a child's hand
tracing the stars with my fingers
hot tea before bed
forgetting everything in a book
the feeling of petals on skin
raindrops on my face
sitting with a loved one in silence
and sporadic hugs

starlight

if i walk with you
in the starlight
will you
hold my hand

if i walk with you
in the moonlight
will you
look into my eyes

if i walk with you
in the darkness
will you
light the way

if i walk with you
in the cold
will you
be my warmth

how i long for the starlight
the moonlight the darkness and the cold
how i long for the bleakness of tommorow
that you might make it bright