Friday, December 24, 2010

THIS, TOO, I'VE SEEN

Christmas is but a couple days away. I was composing another entry, but decided, at the last minute, that I should write something more in keeping with the season. More years than I care to recall, I wrote the following poem.

For all its failures, with a few lines, it offers an insight into my being that would require a tome to match. If you find the meaning of it, you will learn more about me in a few minutes of reading that years of observation, and study would never yield.

I'm humbled that you think enough of what I write here to come by from time to time to read it, and leave your comments. A blog author can't command a readership; he or she can only hope that a gem or two of worth may be found among the cloddish earth of prosaic words that variously pass as opinions, fact, insight--and, with a little luck, something approaching wisdom.

Christmas is not my favorite day. Every day is my favorite day. Yet, Christmas is special: It brings a message of hope, peace and goodwill. Each year Christmas reminds us of what life on earth could be were we to dedicate ourselves to bringing more of that hope, peace, and goodwill to our world--first as a new born (a new resolve), and extending that resolve throughout the year.

Merry Christmas to all!

Now my poem:

THIS, TOO, I'VE SEEN

I want to show you where I've been,
And tell you all the things I've done.
I've saddled up the westward wind,
And ridden high above the sun.
I've haunted dusty halls of times gone by,
And left my footprints there.
I've trampled fences of the future with a vagrant's glee;
This I've done without a care, without a moment's empathy.
I've seen the silver cord of life:
I've watched it leave a trail behind,
And follow as some burdened wife,
Along the passageways of time.
My ears have thrilled to music never heard before;
Heard voices sing sweet melodies that made sad hearts to soar!
I've heard eternal sages,
Recite their catechisms ageless.
These things I've seen and heard, and more!
These things are hidden in the Word,
And locked behind your door.

This, too, I've seen, and wish to tell and share:
Of all the things I've seen and heard,
Of all the places been and seen,
No sight has been more fair,
No wisdom's been more keen,
Than the sight of those who love,
And the sound of those who care!

17 comments:

Greg L said...

Beautiful sentiment BD. Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Blinders Off said...

Ditto!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Blinders Off said...

BD,

I want to share a poem with you that have become a favorite of mine. A young woman with a beautiful spirit that is doing something wonderful in Florida self published her poems. Her name is C. Lynn Thomas the name of her organization is "Fill My Cup Ministries" http://www.fillmycupmin.org/

Besides the organization I am involved in, I secured the Payless 4 Kids grant for an organization here by the name of Dreams. Dreams went a step further and provided socks and a gift basket for the 100 children that benefitted from receiving a pair of shoes from Payless. I contacted C. Lynn and she graciously without hesitation provided books to go in the basket from Dreams.

Her book of poems is beautifully written from her soul, the following is my favorite, which is the title of her book "In Spite of Life I Laugh". I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I LAUGH

When you tell me I can't make it...I Laugh
When you say I'm a failure...I Laugh
When you come up against me...I Laugh
When you kick me! Poke me! Push Me!...I Laugh
At my lowest point...I Laugh
When the report says I will die...I Laugh
When my debt consumes me...I Laugh
When I can't find my way...I Laugh
I Laugh...HA HA HA HA...
I Laugh because my Lord is my redeemer
And my redeemer lives
In Him I have my being
In Him I have my Joy
In him I have my peace
In Him I have everything
I Laugh because my Daddy's yoke is easy
And his burden is light
So you should Laugh!
Laugh out loud
Don't you know who my Daddy is? Jesus
HA HA HA HA!
My brother my sister
For you know laughter is a medicine
To the soul
Because I have relationship and not religion
In Him I am made whole
So Laugh! Laugh out Loud!

Black Diaspora said...

Blinders Off said..."the following is my favorite."

I can certainly see why. Now it's one of my favorites.

"For you know laughter is a medicine To the soul."

Indeed it is: It's a medicine that goes down easily, and does the soul the most good.

What a message to send the universe in the time of trouble and tribulation--"I laugh at you; I laugh, because I have the antidote to all of life's challenges, adversities, and setbacks. I laugh, because My God is bigger, and more powerful, than all those would-be scary things that pound their chest, and brandish their weapons in an effort to make me tremble with fear, and trepidation."

It's a wonderful message, Blinders Off. I will visit C. Lynn Thomas' site. I'd like to know more about her ministries.

Perhaps I should start a Poetry Corner, and share an inspirational poem from time to time.

Would anyone else care to share their favorite poem in this space, as a way to kick off the New Year?

Blinders Off, what a wonderful thing you did for the kids! You must have some amazing grant writing skills.

Next year, if I can help in anyway, call on me.

I wrote: "Each year Christmas reminds us of what life on earth could be were we to dedicate ourselves to bringing more of that hope, peace, and goodwill to our world...."

Blinders Off, you don't need reminding--you're already "resolved" and "dedicated" to the task of bringing more "hope, peace, and goodwill to our world."

And for that, you hold a special place in my heart.

Kathy said...

Because I have relationship and not religion
__________
Blinders Off, that's a beautiful poem.

Kathy said...

Black Diaspora, thank you for uplifting with your poem, gorgeous words that speak to me. You are very special, thanks for always sharing, as your poem speaks of so well. I would love to read more of your poetry.
Best wishes for the holidays, and to all the other wonderful people who comment here too!

GrannyStandingforTruth said...

I pray that all of you had a blessed Christmas. Diaspora you are a gift to mankind. Your poem is beautiful.

Blinders Off said...

Blinders Off, you don't need reminding--you're already "resolved" and "dedicated" to the task of bringing more "hope, peace, and goodwill to our world."

BD, the same can be said about you :)

I talked with a mentor of mine last week. I was questioning why I do what I do and how there are times I do not understand it, but the feeling I get when I witness the results of helping others is extraordinary. The following day he said, "It is time I give you this, you will know why after you finish reading it." He handed me book titled "The Greatest Miracle in the World" by OG Mandino. I did find the answer to my questions after reading that book :)


Perhaps I should start a Poetry Corner, and share an inspirational poem from time to time.

Sounds like a good idea; I will contribute poems from time to time.

Blinders Off, what a wonderful thing you did for the kids! You must have some amazing grant writing skills.

Next year, if I can help in anyway, call on me.


BD,

What you are already doing for the kids is a big help and it is appreciated. You are going to like what C. Lynn is doing in Florida. I am in the beginning stages of helping her take what she is doing in Florida to the next level. I will email you about it later.


I am firm believer knowledge is power; I am always taking a class or two, you will be surprise what licenses or certifications I have...grant writing is just one of them and I enjoy using my skills to help others.

"Living is Giving"

I feel it in my spirit wonderful things is going to happen in 2011 and I am looking forward to the New Year.

Blinders

Blinders Off said...

Thanks Kathy, I am glad you like the poem. I agree the line you quote is the most powerful in "I Laugh"

There are several poems in C. Lynn's book that is worth mentioning once BD starts her Poetry Corner.

Mr. I. M. BLACK said...

BD:

Your words ring true to these old years, as time passes, We hope that the simple wisdoms that we have all garnered through the years, will pass through these airways with the same gentleness that you had given them.

Enjoy your holiday, and may the new year bring us more of the wisdom of your words.

Black Diaspora said...

@Mr. I. M. Black: "Gentle Wisdom," now that's a wonderful way of describing it. Thanks.

Black Diaspora said...

@Blinders Off: "'Living is Giving'

"I feel it in my spirit wonderful things is going to happen in 2011 and I am looking forward to the New Year."

As am I, Blinders Off. You're very preceptive: A quickening of the spirit is going on, and it will continue to accelerate right up to the end of 2012.

I like your observation: "Living is Giving," because I live to give. But my gifts aren't always seen with the naked eye, but are felt.

I look forward to your e-mail.

OG Mandino has written several wonderful books. He's a messenger to this age. "The God Memorandum" is classic, and resonates deeply within the soul.

Black Diaspora said...

@Granny: Thanks. But I have a long way to go to be the "gift" that you are.

Black Diaspora said...

@Kathy: "I would love to read more of your poetry."

Now that you've encouraged me, Kathy, perhaps you will. In the New Year, I will give more thought to that Poetry Corner, and invite others to contribute.

I'm beginning to bring my several voices together, so that I may speak with one voice.

I'm pleased that you find in my poem a measure of "uplift." By being the wonderful person that you are, you "uplift" me.

BigmacInPittsburgh said...

I'm happy to have found your blogspot,I'll stop by more often,good stuff and comments!

Black Diaspora said...

"BigmacInPittsburgh said...

I'm happy to have found your blogspot,I'll stop by more often,good stuff and comments!"

Thanks, Bigmac. Look for me over at your place.

And Happy New Year!

Black Diaspora said...

Reggie said...

"Nice post."

Thanks, Reggie.