Are we really meant to impose shame,
humiliation, mortification upon ourselves
and others in this life? Is this really the
higher road our spirits wish us to take;
in other words, is this the desire in the mind
of the creator of stars, of galaxies,
of worlds too vast for our knowing?
As I watch leaves unfurl from the book
of my own life, I see events in the past
flashing by like pages stripped from a journal
and tossed out the window of a moving car,
tears of frustrated adolescent confusion staining
every one;
And I know, over fifty years later, the folly
in these perceptions, parents and others tasked
with shaping our impending adulthood simply
repeating patterns not found in Nature (She who
does not shame her children, She who follows
the template of a higher calling), not knowing,
for how could they? Generations of it, locked
in roles meant to be outgrown, just like
the clinging chrysalis bursting tight constraints
to reveal the extraordinary beauty within;
They gave me life and lessons, and for that,
I am grateful; and will assume, now they are gone,
that under the anthills of their own vexations,
they would have wanted for me, as I dearly desire
for my own daughters, to see them walking
higher paths, ears leaning always into the voices
on the wind, the whispers of the spirit,
urging forgive! forget! carry on! Make this world
a better place than you found it!
Superb, Bela! 🧡
Thanks, dear Eliza! 🙂
Dear Bela, your words resonate with my thoughts! I was just now reading a page from a Jordan B. Peterson book where he asks: who knows what our existence might be like if everyone strived for the best? We should not be shamed or humiliated but aim to be a more powerful force for peace and humanity.
You include a beautiful photo too. 🙋♂️
Noble thoughts, Ashley, thanks for sharing them.
I write with a group of women in Hawaii, have done so for many years. We do a form of linked writing called Renshi. This involves taking the last line of someone’s poem and writing your own. What was given to me was the shame bit, so I just carried it forward in this piece. I don’t recall feeling a lot of shame myself, but surely I must have. I sure do remember the saying ‘shame on you!’ So I must’ve heard it, though I don’t have a huge memory of what followed.
I think these times demand that we do our absolute best in bringing about the world we really would ideally like to see. This impending Aquarian age really does give us a lot of help in doing just that. !
Blessings on the day!
❤️
I have written 3-line verses (hokku) using the same principle of “last line – first line” but found it quite a struggle especially since I write only “in-season”.
Yes, it can be challenging for some. Glad you’ve had the experience tho!
Bela, you have weaved another poetic tapestry of truth that one could hear upon the wind if we’d all stop and listen.
But Tubularsock just finds it easier to wait and just read your work that keeps Tubularsock’s ears warm and out of the cold wind’s grasp.
Wonderfully done.
Cheers.
Thanks, luv. It’s always good to hear your take on my offerings. And it Is getting cold out there! 🥲🌎😍
I envy you that you can escape the guilt of the past. I have yet to figure that out. (K)
You will, Kerfe. I am sure of it. Bit by bit, we are walking each other home (mostly Ram Dass quote). Sending you love. 🙏💕
Thanks Bela. And the same in return.
🙏❤️