Tag Archives: poetry

Do we make it? (Daily Quest)

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Do we make it?

Let’s face it,

Life changes all the time,

Chasing the dream, growing the treasure,

Are they going to take away all of our pleasure?

 

Just for a day, follow the concrete,

Surely going to claw back until we are complete,

The sidewalk, the curb,

The road with no freedom,

All it is there for, is to channel our need of:

 

Forward progression,

Look ahead:

I’ve got a compass that is chipped in one place,

It keeps on spinning, and I can still read the face,

Something magnetic about the dreams that we chase,

First we find the map, now we run the maze,

 

Finding out life is easy,

Remember what you need,

Now, it doesn’t seem so easy,

Unravel time’s travel as you gradually succeed,

 

Do you hate me?

Push through it – I have loved you all the time,

Finding the moment, fix the reception,

So it can be seen in its true complexion,

 

Just to be alright now, create a new pathway,

Then come back later, much before the last day,

Of the week, the month,

The year with no ending,

Can the vision be realized without comprehending?

 

Forward progression,

I’ve got a thought about changing this place,

But, it’s not going to matter, if I can’t make a case,

Abstract solution, to help win this race,

Putting words into action, in an empty space,

(in a peaceful place, in our mind)

 

Finding out life is easy,

Predict just what you’ll need,

Now, it doesn’t seem so easy,

Envision time’s precision as you gradually succeed

 

Intermittent Intimate

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Some might say, ‘opposites attract’.  In today’s world social situations can be very diverse and people can be brought together for a vast number of reasons.  People meet through random encounters, through work, school, on-line or many other types of association.

The following poem seems to be fairly self-explanatory to me.  I think it may reflect a very common relationship in modern society.  I would strive for more consistency, and it may be difficult to exist like this, but I think it is pretty normal.  I think that if love is found, perseverance is favourable.  It is also important to have awareness of when a relationship becomes too hard to handle, and if it is having a negative impact on you.  If you are living with negativity, this may arise from a lack of understanding, a backlash of your own behaviour, or also from the significant other’s behaviour. It is important to stand up for your health. If your health is being threatened – it may be necessary to challenge the status quo; Recognize the needs of others, but also assert your own needs.

Relationships can be very complex.  It would seem that love needs to be fiercely nurtured to promote health in a long-term relationship.  Open channels of communication, awareness of each other’s needs and willingness to compromise can be a good set of tools to work with.  When making decisions, I try to do this in a calm mood and always use reason – even when emotion also plays a role (or especially when emotion plays a role).   If we try to see the net outcome of continuing a relationship, and see more benefits than costs, both emotionally and in terms of the health of all individuals affected by the relationship:  Perseverance is the best thing.  Sometimes we do have to look out for number one, but I also try to take all others into account when making decisions – within reason.

The Pace (Intermittent Intimate)

 

It’s raining today, but it’s kind of intermittent,

While yesterday’s massive storm left me drenched,

Even the calm does not refresh,

After the moments of stress,

You were twisting your words like a wrench,

 

Sticking in my head, where you have thrown them,

Where they have gone and still wait,

In my heart, you could total,

Where they have gone and soon fade

A ballot cast by the voter,

Rumbling low like a motor,

 

There’s a pain in my head, but it’s kind of intermittent,

While yesterday’s massive thirst has been quenched,

Now the peace is not quiet,

But like an internal riot,

I am twisting around in this trench,

 

You do not know, that you have carved it,

Where I’ve gone and still twist,

And I am still starving,

But the inner strengths never missed,

Just sometimes a target,

(really, just hardly?)

 

Roll with it,

Intimate,

Roll with it,

Always keep up with the pace,

 

It’s just another night, and the calm is intermittent,

Once in a while there is a good time to play,

It seems the calm can be refreshed,

And we can leave the daily mess,

A new mood comes around like sun rays,

 

Falling on our skin,

Where it is felt the most,

Where they are warm, but may burn,

In the world that we chose,

Where they are warm and we learn,

And we are getting so close –  love gently flows,

 

Roll with it, intimate,

Intermittent Intimate,

Intimate, stick with it… Intermittent Intimate

Premonition Now

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Painting: Lee Matuga

This is a poem about optimism.  I believe that optimism can contribute to success.  In psychology we learned about a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’.  Doesn’t it seem like a good idea to be optimistic when these occur?

I have found that certain things can encourage optimism, such as: sunshine, looking up to the stars on a clear night and/or sitting by the waterside, like a river, lake or ocean. A connection with nature often helps calm the nerves and even promotes optimism.  If that time is endangered: this can be fuel to challenge troubles.

Some people are hardwired to have the desire to persevere and maintain or regain optimism. Even a walk in the park, a glimpse of the mountains, or gazing at the sky can help one gain strength by proving that nature will persevere…  Well then: So can I.

I think anytime is a good time to be optimistic. I am not saying that I always have unquestionable optimism, but I always strive for it.

…..

Premonition Now – Positively Change

…

When the ceiling’s right upon life’s dealing,

it might tend to leave uncertain feelings,

But the recent changes in the weather,

Make it lighter at the time of day and…

Another passage, you are thinking of it,

There is not a second you can ever doubt it,

You have changed and  they are changing too, so,

Just about the time you make your move, no:

*
Disconcerting feelings,

Pondering unreal things,

Wishing it would finally happen:

Knowing it is always

Sparkling in the water,

*
Jumping in, diving in,

Sipping from the stream that is flowing,

Cold and moving, strong and proving,

There is always change,

**

When the timing’s pushing on your healing,

It might tend to send you through the ceiling,

And the recent changes in the mood swing,

Makes it harder, now that you have chosen,

Every moment you are thinking of it,

There is not a minute you can ever doubt it,

They must age while you are changing too, so,

Just about the time you break on through, know:

**
A little ray of sunshine makes you happier than

The cloudy crowd that’s all around,

and dull and dim and on the ground,

Rules fallen over my shoulder made me feel like sky-time,

Chance I couldn’t get a hold of, made me feel like nighttime.

**

When the climate’s right upon your feeling,

It would even seem like you are stealing,

But the truth is: you are now the real thing,

Just like when you accidentally motioned:

**

Provision for new feelings,

Envisioning new real things,

Wishing success is happening:

Knowing it is always

Sparkling in the water,

,**

A little ray of starlight makes you happier than

The darkened space that’s all around,

and full and real and the only sound,

One fallen over my shoulder made me feel like nighttime,

One that I got a hold of, makes now the right time,

Jumping in, strive to win, following the river that is flowing,

Cold and moving, strong and proving,

There is positively change

Looking Past the Screen

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The constant stream of catchy news stories and exciting headlines can sometimes blur more important morals and the better qualities of human nature that – in my opinion: we should be striving for.  It may be a dog-eat-dog world, but with a bunch of effort I think that we can preserve our good intent.  This poem is kind of meant to question how aware we are of the humanity that is buried under the flashy movies, television and constant barrage of media that we perceive.  Even in viewing a still photograph – we may judge the book by its cover, and not look for deeper meaning.  Maybe…. Sometimes we are too lazy to look for the core truth of a perception – the knowledge of human consciousness and how we can help others as well as better ourselves by digging a bit more for a collectively beneficial way of perceiving and then strategizing for better morality.  A deeper and more productive level of co-operation may be lost by going with the easy answers – the first look decision, or the popular way of judging or even stereotyping.  Not to say that the first impression is always incorrect.  It may in fact be highly accurate, but other perspectives can contribute to a greater understanding.  Falling into the trap of stereotyping can be detrimental for all involved, when just a bit more time can create a more useful level of awareness.

 

Isn’t it Odd?

Isn’t it odd how all the screens glisten,

I wonder if there is a show that I’ve been missing,

I cannot fathom how to escape their glare,

I will show my strength and avoid the stare,

Isn’t it strange how nobody listens?

I wonder if they just made that decision,

Or if they are being consumed,

And are not the consumer

Wait for the words to make sense,

But it is impossible to get through when you won’t pretend – to understand.

Not only must the disbelief be suspended,

Beyond that: the lines must be connected,

Even if they go through the unknown and the highly improbable,

All is protected, by the individual,

Collectively.

Isn’t it odd how all the photos glisten,

I wonder if there is an opportunity I’ve been missing,

The unusual part is that what you see speaks,

The quiet part is sometimes the reality.

Isn’t it strange that no one searches?

I wonder if they just made that decision,

Or if they are being controlled,

And are not the controller

I’m sure the words must make sense,

But it is impossible to get through when you won’t extend

– and understand

**

Yes, it is a hard world. Sometimes it is difficult to know what media or who to trust.  I continue to be optimistic (hopefully not too much) that extra effort towards collective goals can provide the individual with success as well.  Sometimes you just have to fight to make it through, but it can also be beneficial to take time to consider the net outcome – and even draw strength from more considerate plans and strategies.  Perhaps these are idealistic goals, but we could still work with the subject matter.

 

Finding a Perspective that Includes Stable Optimism

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This poem again reflects my themes of Challenge, Love, Awareness and Perseverance.  Even though this is a very simplified initiative, I think that these elements when reinforced can help a person get through life, and could be used in counselling.

From day to day, it can be difficult to find a mood with stable optimism.  Optimism can be like a breath of fresh air that arrives with good news or also with the determination to be confident.  This mood can become a habit that one can revert to even during or after stressful events.  It helps to be able to fall back on resources such as a social network, and definitely to have adequate shelter, food, clothing and hopefully some other comforts too. Sometimes we cannot rely on this.  When these resources are low –  physical and mental health can be most vulnerable.  I believe that it is important in life to be able to rely on oneself to find optimism and strength from within.  While it is possible to live at times with basic needs filled; hard work is necessary – sometimes working with pain.  This becomes very difficult without a social-network that can understand our way of thinking or drive to balance certain complex personal problems. Often by maintaining spirituality and having a greater awareness of the world – people can find that inner-strength.

Sometimes I may awake, and enter into a more clear state of consciousness.  A few days ago I wrote this poem, just having awoken from a vivid dream.  I had been dreaming of putting up artwork and restoring the walls of the home where I grew up.  When I woke up – I had these words in my mind from a Shakespearean soliloquy: ‘Whether tis nobler…’ (Hamlet Act III).  The unusual thing is that I had no real memory of the entire soliloquy, although my father had memorized it and at times would recite it in a humorous sort of way.  I quickly found out that this is perhaps the most famous passage in Shakespeare, regarding, ‘To be or not to be’.  It is important in many ways, and discusses how one may carry on in life.

The poem that I wrote addresses my dream, and also the quote.  I try to take it a step further to identify important parts of life, including the joy and the ability to bring joy.  Maybe ‘joy’ only happens once in a blue moon, but this is to me: incentive to carry on through all the other stresses.  In my poem, I discuss my home like a cathedral, but really the entire world – and all those I love: everyone.  Everyone has humanity, and beauty, no matter how deep.  After we conquer and divide, or have fear and are lonesome: the strength to share love, or have hope may require great effort.  This can be found through a greater awareness, or a perspective change that allows one to construe observations positively and find optimism.  One may stretch too far to achieve this optimism, but perhaps with experience, even training: it may be possible to find realistic optimism through the shift to perception of the macrocosm, a broader vision of our world, or an effective perspective change in a specific case. For example, it may be possible to take on a more distanced view of a conflict, and be able to find ways to cope with the problem or even lessen the suffering caused by the problem, by having found solutions from the different perspective. Even just facing the world with a different attitude, can loosen the stress that may otherwise be constricting, painful or monotonous. In this way, I find challenging our awareness, finding love and persevering to yield over-all stability and resilience after faltering.

This night I awoke with artistic vision, memories to restore,

Really renovate the house of my childhood, where I had once before,

Written symbols, and designs of fair religion,

and cherished goals for dearest family,

Now family passed,

wondering of mortality and my present loves:

Driving my every need,

This was our favourite room for so long,

a retreat, a centre for warmth, friends and frivolity,

Beyond that really, a great many places,

The sprawling cathedral of the world

Everything within to be cherished,

Have we conquered and divided?

Do we fear and are we lonesome?

These are not the words I ask,

I summon my strength, ask for more to share the glory with all those I love…

Everyone beautiful,

All are fair,

And it is the words on my lips as I awake:  ‘whether tis nobler ‘….

To endure and dream, fight, yell scream,

or submit to the weary boredom of suffering,

And die never having known true love of life and the expression,

Or the joy we find in bringing joy to be

Seasons of the Day. We need health, metaphor and humour?

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(Potato Flowers, added 2020)

2013 (with a few updates).

As I enter into my third blog, I want to make a statement.

What is that statement?  Well in a capsule: “Finding good physical and mental health is both an art and a science.”  It requires a good diet, exercise, proper sleep habits and stress-management.  There are so many other factors affecting health, like:  life events, social network, genetics and medication – to name a few.  And where is mental health without a little humour? Goals? To combine all these factors in so many different ways and proportions to yield physical and mental health for so many people and the majority of the time – This to me is art.

My idea of taking a poetry collection from the last twenty-five years and trying to squeeze health tips out if it is a bit bold – especially when many of the lyrics were written when I was emotional 🙂 Still, I think it is useful – to draw ideas from the writing and try to make them work, in my own understanding – to promote health.  Moving forward with my ideas that frame the themes of Challenge, Love, Awareness and Perseverance might be a bit cliché, but where I can, I will apply these thoughts. This poem was written last year and really discusses my quest to promote health in modern life.  The ideas of plants, fruit from trees, vines and vegetables as human life are key metaphors here.

Seasons of the Day

Awoken by rays and rain breathes life in me,

Underground sleep just until the light is seen,

The planted crops grow and feed all of our life,

Resembling the rows where we live and subside,

*

Incandescent glow is on and I greet myself,

This existence that covets material wealth,

The rows of the houses, people just waiting,

For a chance to advance towards escaping,

*

I don’t want to be dying on the vine,

Dropping off the tree,

Rotting in the ground,

Never to be freed –

*

Just to share in the vintage – impassioned potential sparkles at the brim,

To give years of health in places where it is seldom seen,

We all must wait, for generations to succeed,

*

The sharing of moments is not allowed here,

To our fever and fret the end is always near,

The cold leaves in the autumn shake and then fall,

Through the wet ground below, seeded rivulets crawl,

*

In the ice in the end with our hopes frozen cold,

The thoughts glisten and may drip pointedly bold,

No excuse for children not to go out and play,

Even the vast silence is buried today,

*

Soon the subtle sun reaches up to the branch,

Pulling down expression dormant in the plants,

Grasping at the sprouts, felt clear down to the roots,

A new growth begins – the transition is never smooth,

*

I just want to be growing on the vine,

A strong part of the tree,

Rising from the ground,

Providing what I need

Everyday New Beginnings

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This is an introductory note, and a test in some ways as well…

Just like any other day there has been a number of transitions and challenges.  One of my main concerns, as it likely is for the majority – is to make money and put food on the table, a roof over my head, etcetera. I have a normal income as an electrician.  Problem is:  I am out with an injury and on top of that I have ambitions to go back to university and find new ways to make money.  It is not that I am not making money in my current career, but that I am gravitating to my interests in psychology and philosophy – and to finding more purpose in my goals.  I want to help people with psychological issues.  I find myself having insight that may be useful to others.  This has been consistent.  Optimism has been a mission of mine as far back as I can remember.

I have recently assembled a collection of lyrics and poetry which I am going to post. I will post piece by piece, with some descriptions and many pictures that I have taken (a few pics from my dad). I hope that this will be helpful, or at least allow me to share about ways that I have coped (and found successes) in my life.

In this first note, I will tell a bit about the collection.  I have the approximate date for a number of the poems, also having many recent entries.  However, a lot of the poems had no dates, but were in my attic, garage or in my attaché case, which I recently entered into my laptop.  There are a number of poems which have still to be entered.  We will see how long this blog continues…

The introductory poem here, was just on a random piece of paper:

Turn me into ice water cold

Gently,

Quietly I walk across the floor

A sound outside, a car rumbles far beyond the door,

Given night beside the day, I couldn’t ask for more,

With everything in motion, silently I wait,

Isolated showers trickle past the window pane,

And almost softly I think about the day…

This is about awareness, and influenced by the rainy climate that I live in.  I am also considering how close we are to the outside world – even in our own homes.  We can find ourselves facing the elements at any given moment. Awareness is one of the main themes of my collection, and I have identified four themes to start off with:  Challenge, Awareness, Perseverance and Love.  These are the tools towards progress and recovery as I will address in my next blogs.  Optimism definitely fits in there.