I am standing by the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a peck of white cloud
just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says :
- ‘There she goes!

Gone where?
Gone from my sight – that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the places of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
- ‘There she goes! ‘,
there are other eyes watching her coming to shore,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
- ‘Here she comes!’

By Henry Van Dyke

~~~~~~~~~~~~    ~~~~~~~~~  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ever notice how ships going out to sea appear to get smaller and smaller and eventually disappear from our sight altogether?  This is because as something goes away from us, it shrinks on the horizon and in the end, the horizon consumes it and it disappears altogether. The ship is still sailing on, we just can no longer see it.  However, it is there, and it is still steaming ahead.

As the ship disappears from us, it is slowly appearing to those on the other side of the world. To us, it gets smaller and smaller and not much more than a dot on the horizon.  However, to those on the other side of the world, it grows and grows, and eventually appears!

As it disappears from our sight, it reappears in someone else’s!

The bible says,”when we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord  [2 Corinthians 5:8.]

Today I am thinking of ma and I am sad.  However,  I know .. although she has sailed away from us and has gone from our mist,  she is just now appearing to Jesus and all the folks in her new home. What a glorious arrival that must be!   Ma’s spirit  is free from the ailments of the earthly body, pain free, sorrow free, and just free!   Can you imagine the joy of freedom from earthly ailments of the body as she floats on into  her new home to once again meet with those love ones who have already departed these shores!  What a  day of rejoicing  it must be!

In memory of Martha Williams, “ma” a most loving woman who was always like a mother to me.  Ma took sail and  left earthly shores around 2:30 this afternoon.   I know she has sailed on to the other side and many love ones are waving her in, as they see her  coming home.   I can see them jubilantly shouting…here she comes,  as she jubilantly shouts back, Ship Ahoy!

Sail on Ma!

Photo courtesy of Jason McKim and is licensed under the Creative Commons 

I can be cold as the bluest, hottest ice
And hot as the bluest, fiercest fire. . .
I’m a false reflection of a conceptional misconception
Whatever your limited or infinite mind’s desire

You listen to my loud, yet gentle vibration
You believe me fully with no hesitation . . .
You see me with all colors of the beautiful rainbow
Is that really all the colors? Will you ever know?
Only if you can let me go. . .

I’m young and younger, black and blacker
Smart and wise. A genius. A true catalytic cracker
Beautiful, and most beautiful – is there really such a thing?
Breath in the melody that I most wonderfully sing!

I can be red, yellow, or indigo blue
Although I’m real in essence, I’m never the truth,
I’m at your worst, completely false;
Incomplete at your best; a simple impulse.

I can be joyfully sorrowful and sorrowfully glee, too.
But, whatever I am, I’m always completely real to you.
Do you feel me! Do you get my point!
Do you smell my noise? Can you hear my funk!
Can you see my darkness? Can you touch my light!
Can you smell my vision? Can you taste my sight!

Can you smell the painful pleasure, 
Can you taste the agony of the estasy?
No matter what, I’m always YOUR reality;
I am in you and you are in me.
If you change your perspective.
I’ll change mine– as your’s reflective.

I am oh so evil, and yet so kind
The world would be nothingness if I were blind.
But, maybe not-how dare I say?
And now I lay me down to pray . . .

I pray that you free me every then and now
From your dear self, for this I vow . . .
Will free you from hypocrisies
And all the false analogies. . .
From judgements, prejudices, anger and hatred …
These no longer exist, once I am emancipated.

My negation gives you insight, free and clear
Of a far away place that is yet so near
If you could release my blessed curse and damned grace
And move beyond object, time and space
For that brief moment in that sphere
You’ll sense a unity so crystal clear
Even beyond your limited, infinite imagination
Who am I, I am simply . . .

(click below for riddle answer)

YOUR PERCEPTION
By CordieB.

 
On perception, by Jason McKim . . .
. . .Our perceptions are not just sometimes incorrect, they are always incorrect.
For example, we have no ability to see color more than 10 degrees away from
the focal point of our eyes. That means that you can’t see any color in your
peripheral vision.

“Wait!” you say, “I can see color in my peripheral vision! You must be
wrong.” “But,” I reply, “I am not.” See, what happens is that your brain
makes its best guess and then presents that to you. For example, if you take
an apple and spray-paint it black and put it in someone’s peripheral vision,
their eyes will identify that it is an apple and the brain will realize that
apples are usually red, and the person will perceive that this object is the
color red. If they look at it and look away, however, the brain remembers it
as black and the person will perceive it as black.

So was the apple ever red? Despite our perceptions, no. Our brain constantly
alters our senses in ways even more fundamental than this. Our perceptions
are constantly, inescapably different from our sensations. Even if we decide
that there is no possibility for error in the eyes themselves, we still
cannot trust our vision.

And by what means your brain do this? It fits what information it does have
into your knowledge of the past and makes an educated guess. This has many
implications:

If someone looks like a dork or a punk or a slut, you will have incorrect
perceptions of them that confirm your assumptions.

If you expect someone to react in one way and are given ambiguous signals,
you will perceive the emotions that you expect.

If you think that a class will be boring, you will experience it as boring.

If you become consumed by fear of failure, there is no way that you will
think you succeeded, no matter how successful you actually are.

Stereotypes might be unavoidable. They are also fundamentally more powerful
than you imagine them to be.

So don’t trust your eyes. Don’t trust your ears. And above all, don’t trust
your thoughts.

Jason McKim

(then) College of William and Mary 

I read a poem entitled "Helen" today.   I thought to myself, what a beautiful poem.   Of all the gifts that Helen’s husband could bestow upon her, even if he had an infinite store, the one that he knew was most valuable was to" give her back herself."   He goes on to say, he would also provide his true self, if only he could find where it lay hidden and proved kind.  

And You, Helen, By Edward Thomas

And you, Helen, what should I give you?
So many things I would give you
Had I an infinite great store
Offered me and I stood before
To Choose. I would give you youth,
All kinds of loveliness and truth,
A clear eye as good as mine,
Lands, waters, flowers, wine,
As many children as your heart
Might wish for, a far better art
Than mine can be, all you have lost
upon travelling waters tossed,
Or given to me. If I could choose
Freely in that great treasure-house
anything from any shelf,
I would give you back yourself,
And power to discriminate
What you want and want it not too late,
Many fair days free from care
And a heart to enjoy both foul and fair,
And myself, too, if I could find
Where it lay hidden and it proved kind.

As romantic as this poem is, I ponder, can anyone ever really take someone’s self away; let alone give it back?  Or was Helen’s true self lost by chance, by her daily living?  Was Helen even aware of her true identity?   Did Helen loose herself once she was born?  Was Helen born into a society, much like today, whereas it was almost impossible for her to really ever be herself?    Do we instintively know good from bad?   Do we intinsively know right from wrong?   The poet, Helen’s husband, questioned whether he could ever find his true good self because it was hidden.   Do we instintively know that chocolate taste good? Do we instinctively wear our hair long, or short, or are all these conditions which have been handed to us by society, family, the world–our environment?   How does one get one’s true self back?  To accomplish this state, do we not have to relinquish all preconceptions, judgements, predjustices, ideas, ideals and all we were taught and exposed to from the day we were born, perhaps even before that time?

Today, I also read another poem and/or prayer (depending on who you are is how you will interpret it) by Rahul at: http://insearchofi.blogspot.com/2007/07/o-lord_07.html :

Oh Lord – By Rahul

Take away my fears
They scare my simplicity

Take away my obsessions
They scorch my soul

Take away my ambitions
They push me around

Take away my comfort
It makes me slothful

Take everything away
And give me back myself

Give me back my emptiness…

Now, wasn’t that just awsome!  I truly had never thought about regaining my true self to that degree!  Almost everything we are is a reflection of something else!  Once we take away everything, what are we truly left with?    Rahul’s blog reads at the top, "O Absolute energy! O Ultimate consciousness! Grant me the fearlessness to be myself.  

What a wonderful, blessed prayer!

So inspired by these writers, I decided to write my own poem today. 

_______

Who Am I

Everyone needs something

No matter who we are or how we think

No one can live without something . . .

Be it love, bread, air or water to drink.

Everyone’s a slave to something

But the choice is very clear

We can choose to what and whom we lend Ourselves …

So often in life, our choices root from fear;

For everthing we choose to let go

Another choice is sure to follow;

Jesus said, Blessed is the poor in spirit,

He knew that it is a blessing to truly be worryless; 

To know that our Creator provides all of it…

He knew to have an unburdened spirit is the key to life beyond

The fallacies and mailadies, that plague us for so long.

To not worry about not having enough or having too much;

To truly be one with God and one’s-self is –To Be– Free– in-touch;

For, unless we can let go all cares, ambitions, hatred, external comforts, or anything . . .

We are merely partly slaves to ourselves and partly slaves to something. . .

What is it that you will be a slave to? . . .

That is the gift of Free Will God has given you . . .

So you feel someone or something has stolen the gleams

of Life from your eyes and invaded your dreams?

Only God can truely erase your true nature . . .

Which was within you from the begining; no need to mature. . .

Your Creator has given you paramount choices; Free Will.  

But that’s only a fraction of God’s wonderment, still.

A curse if used in evil,  A blessing if used to inspire. . .

But if regaining your true self is truly your desire,

To regain, reveal, and be your real true self,

You must be willing to let go of every negative, unloving else.

Release imbedded pride, judgements, illusions, lies, anger, fears, hatred, prejudice and preconception

For God’s love is your Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End, your true self, your Heaven

 ~Good Friday to everyone.  It is through the teachings and love of Jesus Christ that I am able to realize the God (Goodness) within myself and the goodness in everyone of God’s creations; and know that our Creator provides all; Created all; and we originated in Him. 

Peace, Light and Love . . . ~CordieB.

As I began to blossom, seemingly right before your very eyes;  
You were mesmerized by my beauty; such sweet, sultry innocence and no one denies;
My velvety sensuality, Oh how my radiant essense always calms weary souls!
So I was at first handled ever so delicately, as my loveliness began to unfold.  

Soon you desired to take me home with you; keep me, care for my all and all-
But your desires only stagnated me; caused my demise and made me fall
too quickly from the grace and beauty that you find so appealing;
My once vibrant colors of life soon vanished due to my silent unwilling . . .
to be seized, exploited, kept and displayed like a prize.
I wanted be free to be me; to sing with the moon, dance with the skies;
And I’m wise enough to realize once my tender splendor begins to decay - 
You will no longer desire me; you’ll simply toss me aside; cast me away. 

So why is it you insisted to keep me from my joys and my natural flow;
From the freedom to sway gently like the leaves; feel the warm winds blow.
Why didn’t you allow me to sing in the sunshine, dance in the grass,
Fall asleep with the stars, awaken with the morning dew, less I surpass. 

When you removed me from my destiny, I became, so sad, then angry and resistent;
I tried to fight back.  I even drew blood from your being, but still you persisted and insisted. . .
To keep me from my natural light; to intrap me as your grand, precious accolade . . .
Only to discard me once my God given beauty begin to drop, wilt, and fade. 

I used to blow your mind each time you passed me, with my sweet aromic essense;
You would stroke me so gently, allways plotting to remove me from my presense.
I tried to warn you, often bristling and whistling, "I will not last, I can not grow!"
But in your selfish love, you still cut me off from what sustained my natural glow. 

I tried to make you understand, I could love and make you happy; yet remain free-
But you insisted on controlling my existence, your version of showing  adoration for me!
Now I’m slooped over in agony, waiting to be returned to whence I was born
I’m am yesterday’s dazzling sensation and beauty, I am . . .(click below for answer) 
Picked Red Roses with Thorns.
By CordieB.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/7IYTx60s07A&hl=en]

God Bless the Child

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/h4ZyuULy9zs&hl=en]
Strange Fruit

India Arie’s “There’s Hope is most befitting for today, Easter Sunday and every day of the year.  So listen to the music, read the lyrics, sing along, snap your fingers, clap your hands, smile, and remember, There’s Hope!

Peace, Light and Love, CordieB.

Back when I had a little
I thought that I needed a lot
A little was over rated,
But a lot was a little too complicated
You see-Zero didn’t satisfy me
A million didn’t make me happy
That’s when I learned a lesson
That it’s all about your perception
Hey-are you a papa or a superstar
So you act, so you feel, so you are
It ain’t about the size of your car
It’s about the size of the faith in your heart

There’s hope
It doesn’t cost a thing to smile
You don’t have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that

Off in the back country of Brazil
A met a young brotha that made me feel
That I could accomplish anything.
You see just like me he wanted to sing
He had no windows and no doors
He lived a simple life and was extremely poor
On top of all of that he had no eye sight,
But that didn’t keep him from seein’ the light
He said, what’s it like in the USA,
And all I did was complain
He said-living here is Paradise
He taught me paradise in in your mind
You know that

There’s hope
It doesn’t cost a thing to smile
You don’t have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that

Every time I turn on the T.V.
Somebody’s acting crazy
If you let it, it will drive you crazy
But I’m takin’ back my power today
Gas prices they just keep on rising
The government they keep on lying
But we gotta keep on surviving
Keep living our truth and do the best we can do

Stand up for your rights
Keep shining your light
And show the world your smile

Somebody will lose his or her job today

Somebody will find out they have a terminal illness today

Somebody will get raped today

Somebody will suffer verbal abuse today

Somebody will be a victim of domestic violence today

Somebody will be involved in a car accident today

Somebody will have his or her house burn down today

Somebody will have a miscarriage today

Somebody will decide to end his or her marriage today

Somebody will commit suicide today

Somebody will have their spouse cheat on them today

Somebody will admit that he or she is an alcoholic today

Somebody will become homeless today

Somebody will become addicted to drugs today

Somebody will lose a loved one to death today

Somebody will be grateful today

Today is just a routine day.

By Deb

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied, so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.
(Written by Maya Angelou)

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This poem was inspired by Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s poem entitled, Sympathy.   In Maya’s autobiography, I know why the Caged Bird Sings, she writes about sexual abuse she suffered as a girl and about prejudices of society.  Maya, who we know to be so rich in speach and intellect, actually stopped speaking for years following the abuse.  Through the miracle of God and his hands (other people) Maya was able to move out of her shell and become the outspoken, free as a bird Maya we now know and love.  We as humans need to ensure that we help those who are abused and are in a shell.  We should not sit by idly and watch others whom we know suffer.  We should offer gentle encouragement and our love, if nothing more.  In the case of children, we should take steps to protect the children at all costs.  I personally know why the caged bird sings and what it feels; I truly appreciate the love and support that was shown to me to help me regain my freedom years ago, while living as a battered spouse.

I often wonder why humans have such a need to control and hurt other humans, especially children.  I know of no other species that feels the need of such control.  I have found through my experiences that those who desire to control, have very low self images of themselves.  They feel that being in control of others gives them power; or being in control simply makes them feel good about themselves.  They are often so afraid of losing that which they control so tightly, that the end result is abuse.  Victims of spouse abuse often feel sorry for those who hurt them, and therefore stay in unloving relationships out of duty, obligation or sympathy.   Adult victims feel they can handle the abuse, and truly believe the abuser will change.  Abusers can change, but the change must come from them, not the victim.  If this message applies to you, my advice to you is to run away as far as you can, and do not look back.  Do not go back unless you are 100 percent sure that the person has truly changed–this seldom ever happens. (you’ll know in your heart).   Once you leave, get some type of counseling, because so often there is somethng about victims that attract abusive people.  Don’t make excuses for an abuser.  An abuser gains control by manipulating others to feel sympathy for him or her.   

I feel that although people may have bad days, bad years, or even bad childhoods, it gives them no excuse for abusing others (mentally, emotionally, or physically).    I believe that freedom is everyone’s God given right.  It’s so sad that so many people still live in in physical bondage each day; and far more remain in mental bondage. 

I pray today that all who read this and those who don’t–and especially those who can’t– will open there mind’s up to freedom, and not let anything or anyone take away their dreams and aspirations.  I pray that these people will overcome all fears and start living the life God intended for us all.  ~Amen

 Peace, Love and Light to all, CordieB.

What is unconditional love?

  It strikes me as this,

  The ability to always accept

  Loved ones as individual

  Human beings, human beings with

  Singular dispositions and traits

  That may waver at times,

  Depending upon personal circumstances,

  But doesn’t make that person

  Harmful, evil or bad, just human.
 

What is NOT unconditional love?

  Being automatically used in disguise,

  Taken for granted and advantage of,

  And constantly accepting and denying

  Mistreatment as isolated incidents,

  Or continually letting and forgiving someone

  For always doing me wrong

  Because they NEVER change their ways

  Does not constitute the grounds

  Of unconditional love in my eyes.
 

Unconditional love to me,

  Is the ability to differentiate

  Between when a person’s

  Contrary actions directed towards me

  Are honestly or intentionally abnormal,

  And accepting my dear beings

  At their best, lovable dispositions,

  During their dark, depressing moments,

  And throughout their mood swings,

  Because these changes happen at times.

  Sometimes it’s the hardest thing,

  To stand and deal with someone,

  When it seems like they are

  Depending upon or burdening you purposely

  Because they are hopelessly frustrated

  With their own personal issues,

  But the way to tell if

  Someone is genuinely relying on me

  Is by knowing them well

  And understanding who they are.
 

A bond that is severed,

  Is one that never existed.

  To err and to fluctuate dispositions,

  Is natural and is human.

  To embody and practice unconditional love,

  Is to know which persons

  This is appropriate to apply to

  And treat them as such,

  Realizing who they themselves are

  As human beings and individuals.
 

A hard lesson to learn

  Is sometimes when people say

  Things that hurt or insult

  Me at that particular time

  Is to not take it personally

  Based on their current demeanor

  Or attitude from whatever trial

  And tribulation they’re going through

  Because they may not mean it

  At that particular time.
 

The sidewalk isn’t always dry,

  But when it occasionally gets slippery,

  That doesn’t change its underlying structure.

  A person may experience some strife

  Which can temporarily transform them

  Into non-desirable, annoying creatures,

  But when we realize they’re human,

  And understand them as individuals,

  We’ll know they aren’t harming us

  And we can show them unconditional love.

Written by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906)