SEESAW THROUGH THE WALL

SEE SAW THROUGH THE WALL

He understands they’re innocent children…they learn only what we teach them

and when separated by a wall of hate…he wondered how to reach them. 

He knows they know nothing of hatred…of intolerance and bigotry…

but he also knows they are impressionable…they will learn from what they see.

He knows they are looking to the adults at this susceptible time of their youth

to teach them of love and compassion…of integrity and truth…

He wants to show these children and the world that ones so honest, pure and small

are equal and can play together…even separated by a wall.

So he built a multitude of seesaws to show how we’re all sisters and brothers.

To show what happens on one side of the wall…affects what happens on the other.

To show it’s as easy to raise someone up as it is to put them down

As easy to make them smile…as it is to make them frown.

His name is Ronald Rael…it was his idea…his creation

he and other artist friends are behind the installation.

And so the children laugh and play…and as they learn each other’s names

they see, although, separated by a wall of hate…they both love to play the same.

And I wonder what would happen if we followed the lead of ones so small 

and had those who fear and hate…ride a seesaw through the wall.

As they were bouncing up and down…would the learn each other’s names?

Would they finally come to understand how we are all the same?

Would they smile at one another?

Would they realize that fear and hate are wrong?

For isn’t that what many of us…have wanted all along?

THE WORST EVIL

Ignorance can be dangerous…

for it is not a mystery

how ignorance can lead to fear…

then prejudice…

and bigotry.

and it is our prejudice and bigotry 

that will lead to our downfall

which makes me wonder 

if ignorance…

is not the worst evil of all.

THE CLOUD PAINTER

We had wandered through the art show…enduring all the crowds

when he happened upon an artist…who only painted clouds.

“Excuse me”, we said asking the obvious, “and this is by no means a complaint

but we have to ask if clouds…are the only things you paint.

The artist smiled then turned toward us and silently shook his head

“I like to think I’m painting more than just the clouds.” he said.

Then he walked us around his different paintings, commenting as he went

showing us with each new frame…exactly what he meant.

“These clouds depict happiness, you can feel the joy…the fun.

Why it’s as if they all are smiling as they’re backlit by the sun.”

“And these clouds show a sadness,, a sorrow, or a pain.

You can sense they are about to cry, and their tears will be the rain.”

“And look at these sunrises and sunsets, painted in colors bright and loud.

They would not be near as beautiful…if not for the clouds.”

“Do you notice how each painting is different, it’s because clouds constantly rearrange

reminding us how life is always changing, but there is beauty in the change.”

“All these clouds are simply clouds,” he continued,

”though they may have different names.

Like them our beauty is in our differences…

and like then we’re all the same.”

He took us to each painting, sometimes he spoke softly, sometimes loud

and by the end we were convinced he does paint more than clouds.

We thanked him for the lesson, it was enlightening…and so much more

for we will never look at clouds the way we did before…

But what made us smile, as we left, was a voice shaky and faint

as a young girl asked, “Hey mister, are clouds the only thing you paint?”

THAT FINAL DAY

Isn’t it curious how everyone alive on Earth that final day

bowed or knelt or raised their hands and to their God did pray.

Oh God! They asked.  “How could you…condemn us to such a fate?”

“You condemned yourselves!” their Gods answered. 

“When you turned our love to hate.”

NOTE TO MOM AND DAD

As your children, Moms and Dads, we’d like for you to know

we’re glad you were around to help us all to grow.

You understood that our time as children is short…how it only lasts a little while

In that time you taught us how to be happy…you taught us how to smile.

You showed us that we mattered…we think that is the key

You loved us for who we are…not for who you wanted us to be.

You understood how to be a parent…how we were your priority

You knew your jobs were important…but also…so were we

You knew we were your children…not distractions you could shirk

In fact…you showed us every day we were your most important work.

You taught us to be accepting and kind…so when our childhood ends

We would be good people…good husbands, wives and friends.

Here are two things we’d like to tell you…two things we hope you never forget

The first…we will always be your children no matter how old we get.

The second is just a little something we shall forever be counting on…

always send us a goodnight kiss…even when we’re gone. 

And now that our childhood is ending…(like we said it only lasts a little while)

we want to thank you for giving us the kind of childhood we can look back on and smile.

Thank you for loving us every day…like you did the day we came

and making it so easy…for us to do the same.

HANGING UPSIDE DOWN

They grew up close together…sharing laughter…sharing frowns

playing in their backyards…hanging upside-down.

The world was oh so different then, as they hung so effortlessly

It was a simpler, uncomplicated time…more innocent and free.

A time when all that children needed to do was laugh and sing and play

when hanging upside down…unimpeded…they would sway.

For they were making memories…no future memory would surpass

As they hung there…upside down…or ran barefoot in the grass.

And as they look back at this picture now…it’s those memories they see

awakening from a place where they shall always be…

And when thy close their eyes to remember…that certain time…that certain year

sometimes it brings a smile…sometimes it brings a tear

Because they realize how lucky they are 

to have shared a life time of laughter

and of frowns…

from a friendship that began so man-years ago

while hanging upside down.

HE SMILED

She paused after looking in the mirror, asking,

“When did I get so old?”

He smiled.

“Every day you’re more alluring, more beautiful.” He consoled.

“No, look at all these wrinkles.” she said

“I’m not that same girl you first met.”

He smiled.

“I shall always be your Romeo…and you…my Juliet.”

“But I was much prettier when I was younger!”

Her voice was strained…distraught.

He smiled,

“You shall always be my Guinevere…and I...your Lancelot.”

“You will always be a work of art and I a connoisseur.”

He smiled and touched her cheek.

“For age may mute the beauty of a painting but that beauty still endures.”

“That is the beauty of love”, he said…

“for when love is in your eyes…”

He smiled

“You will always see the beauty…

age endeavors to disguise.”

3 BROTHERS

A photo of 3 brothers in a different time

in more innocent and carefree days

3 brothers only children then

before they went their separate ways

A photo of 3 brothers today after life has interfered

The same 3 brothers only in this photo their youth as disappeared.

3 brothers who don’t have much in common now

who don’t often share with one another

who still understand the importance 

of what it is to be a brother… 

3 brothers who don’t see each other often

who have never been birds of a feather

who, realizing life is short,

decide to get together…

3 brothers come together to reminisce

each glad the others came

each knowing how, although they’re different,

they’re still a little bit the same.

3 brothers who realize their importance

in the grand design…

Who know even though they’ve grown apart

their roots are intertwined.

3 brothers who understand they’re branches all grow

from the same majestic family tree

Who are happy knowing wherever life takes them

3 brothers they will always be

ANGUS WALK

I took Angus for a walk this morning…it seemed only fitting

Angus is our neighbor’s dog whom we happen to be sitting.

We walked early before the sunrise while all the lights were low

Angus has Arthritis in his back leg…so we walked a little slow.

The block of houses next to us…we walked one time around

and as we walked I wondered what it’s like from his perspective on the ground.

Since it’s impractical for me to walk on all fours I thought this morning we could share…

Angus’s view from on the ground…and mine from in the air.

Angus paused after we stepped outside…I asked if he was in any pain

He wasn’t…he just stopped to smell…the earth after a rain.

With no one else around this early I told him this moment ours

and as he introduced me to a million bushes I countered with a million stars.

When he would stop to smell or listen…I’d stop to smell and listen too

and as he guided me into grass and shrubs we both were sprinkled with morning dew.

It was a short walk, Angus was limping, we didn’t go as far as we usually do

but he was just as excited walking on his three legs as I was on my two…

Because we found there is a serenity walking in the morning..a peacefulness we reap

as we tiptoe through the darkness while the night is still asleep.

THE OLD TYPEWRITER

The other night at the bookstore in a young family strolled

and it didn’t take but a minute for them to make me feel old.

We have an antique typewriter in the store…

(the kind that makes a clicking sound and ends with that familiar ‘ding’)

which the young girl took one look at it and asked:

“Dad, what is this thing?”

Her dad explained how it was a typewriter.

He said, “People used to write letters on these

but that was long before you were born

back in the ‘70s.”

All of a sudden it was like in some time warp I was caught

I swear I aged 10 years that moment…right there…on the spot.

Then before I could compose myself…and my old age feelings allay

Her mom found a book on the Beatles and the daughter asked…”Who are they?”

I had a moment to reflect on how time is a funny thing

for imprinted on each generation are memories to which we cling…

Things that were important to us…important to who we are

are unknown to future generations…or even seem bizarre.

But we must never forget the past if humanity is to survive

which means it’s up to us, the older ones, to keep those memories alive.

This is a burden we must accept…a responsibility we can’t shirk

so I walked over to the typewriter and said, “Let me show you how this works.”

I loaded a sheet of paper…my typing was crisp and clean…

I quickly typed: The Beatles were the best band the world has ever seen!

Then I left the girl to type on her own

(Hopefully this is a memory to which she’ll cling)

“Daddy, I’m typing!” She said with a smile. 

“Listen, you can hear the ding?”

With a Beatles CD playing in the background she asked

“Mommy I love this typewriter can you buy me one?”

and though they did not purchase a single book…

I knew my work, that night, was done.

MYSTERIOUS WAYS

After church their daughter ran into the house and maps she began reviewing

Mom and Dad walked over and asked…“what is it you’re doing?”

“I’m looking for the town where God works!” she said as only an innocent child can.

“If I find where he works I can go and see him…because I have a plan”.

“I want to ask him why Grandpa had to die!”…here Mom and Dad were taken aback

“I want to ask him, since he’s God…to bring my Grandpa back”.

“And where do you think God works?” Mom asked as she met her husbands gaze.

“Oh, I don’t think, I know!” she smiled….”Father Joe says he works in Mysterious Ways.”

“I’ve looked all over this map. I’ve looked here and I’ve looked there 

but as for city of Mysterious Ways…I can’t find it anywhere.”

Mom was the first to speak as a smile crossed her face

“Mysterious Ways is how God works.” she said…”It’s not a real place.”

“So where does he live then?” the daughter asked- still not quite sure what they were talking about

“God lives inside everyone of us.” Mom said…”and it’s up to us to invite him out.”

“God is love.” Dad nodded…”God is anyplace where people care,

and if we let him or her into our hearts…God could be everywhere”.

I know it’s hard to understand…and you might think it odd

but anytime you pray you are speaking with your God.

Their daughter thought for a moment then said excitedly…

“So all I have to do is pray and God will bring Grandpa back to me?”

“You can always pray.” Mom said, “for prayers and faith we never lack

but once God has taken someone she doesn’t usually give them back.”

She doesn’t always answer our prayers but I believe one day

she will provide the answers…for that is her mysterious way….

“She’s so young,” Dad said, as that night they watched their daughter dream…

Do you think she understands…this is so much more complicated than it seems.

“Look at that smile on her face .” Mom said 

perhaps it is simpler than it seems

perhaps the town of Mysterious Ways

and Grandpa are alive within her dreams.”

TASTES LIKE GRANDMA

Their mom opened up the cookies in the car…

it was tradition on their trips

their children couldn’t wait for that first bite of cookie to meet up with their lips…

The youngest was named Billy, who was blind, 

not as lucky as you and me

being born into a world of darkness…a world he’ll never see.

But they never bemoaned his affliction, 

tried never to get angry, swear or cry.

They decided if Billy needed help seeing…

they would offer him their eyes.

“But this trip would be a little different.” their mom said, 

"Today you’re all in for a surprise

before I pass out the cookies…

I want you all to close your eyes.”

“Today you’ll see the way Billy sees…

a little test you’ll be completing.

Keep your eyes closed and see if you can tell me 

the kind of cookie you are eating.”

“Chocolate chip!” came a quick answer…

the rest of the children nodded their heads.

Then all eyes turned to Billy who smiled…

”It taste’s like Grandma!” is what he said.

Billy quickly sensed his family’s confusion…

but the smile on his face remained…

and when he finished chewing…he immediately explained.

“You know how Grandma always sings when she bakes cookies…

well I learned  long ago

that as she sings I can hear the music settle in the dough…”

Then I hear the music mixing 

when she turns on the beater

which makes any cookie baked by Grandma 

sound…

and taste a little sweeter.”

“There’s more to her cookies than you can see 

if you use your ears not just your sight.

when you close your eyes you can taste it...

Grandma’s songs in every bite.”

“OK!” Mom said. “Everyone close your eyes again…

a second test we’ll be completing.

And after handing out the cookies she asked,

“What kind of cookie you are eating?”

As the children ate their cookies in silence…listening…

their faces were easy to read….

“It still tastes like Grandma!” Billy said…

and everyone agreed.

THE FRIEND SHIP

When I think of friendship…I rather like the notion

that we are captains of our own ships that sail across the ocean

As we grow our ship grows with us at a slow and steady rate

growing longer, wider, stronger the more friends we accumulate.

As we sail across life’s ocean…we find from day to day

new friends board at different ports…while old ones disembark along the way.

Some return to visit to share a memory…a laugh, a cry 

because there’s always room aboard our ship for those who’ve said goodbye.

For once we’ve made a friend…it doesn’t matter how or where or when

the friendship reignites when our sails cross again.

And some friends, if we’re lucky sail with us forever…

through oceans vast and wide…

and we’re filled with a sense of happiness knowing they are by our side…

Knowing we can count on them no matter what waves the ocean brings…

as each year cycles from the Summer, to the Fall, Winter and Spring.

Knowing no matter where the journey takes us…through weather foul or fair

all we need do is turn around and they’ll be standing there.

And knowing as we sail together…sharing our hopes and dream…our cares

that as our friends help sail our ship…we help sail theirs 

ready to lend and ear a hand…a hug…or with a kind word to say

together on each other’s friend-ship…until our dying day.

Yes, when I think of friendship…I rather like the notion

That though we are the captains it is our friends 

who guide ‘cross the ocean.

THEY EACH CAME TO THEIR GOD

They each approached their God in their own way…

some stood, some knelt…most of them bowed their heads…

“I come to you with a problem…I need your help!” they said.

Then as their Gods listened from their heavens or from atop their mountain peak

simultaneously from here on Earth each person began to speak…

From all corners of the planet…their appeals were the same

“There is so much hate in the world,” they said…

and they were quick to place the blame…

(Here is where each person’s story gets a little odd)

for they put the blame not on themselves…

but on the other people and their Gods.

Each God listened intently from their place up in the sky

and after a moment or two of silence…each God began to cry.

“You have forgotten why you were put here.” Each God answered, 

“I find it so bizarre…that you have forgotten your reason for living

you have forgotten who you are.”

“This is not a problem for me.” Each God continued.

“You know what you need to do…

or have you forgotten the power to fix this…

lies not with me…but you?”

“You speak to us of hate!,” 

this was spoken in one combined voice booming from above…

“Come back to us,” the voice continued, 

“when you can speak of love.”

ONE WISH

Politically speaking I lean to the left which makes it difficult to unite

with people who, politically speaking, are leaning to the right.

Even though we have our differences I was brought up thinking it would be wise

if both sides want to progress…is to find a compromise.

But over the years the fundamental differences in our beliefs 

in our souls and in our hearts

have made compromise impossible…have torn us all apart.

To the point where we’re calling each other names

when saying politically I lean left or I lean right

is not a path to compromise…

but a source of anger…

an invitation for a fight.

So today I make a wish for peace, acceptance and understanding

I make this wish with all my heart

as I watch a country I once loved…tear itself apart.

This wish I shall not make upon on the wind…to be lost among the trees

I shall not share it with the clouds…or upon the seven seas…

A wish, like each of us, need it’s freedom…to travel wide and far

so to give this wish a chance to succeed…I shall attach it to a star.

And send it to the heavens…not just to my God but to all your Gods too

with the hope they will unite and make this wish come true.

I’m not sure we will ever find our peace

It seems, politically speaking, of solutions we are bereft

but for me…and for all those friends on my right

perhaps one wish is all have left.

ENOUGH SHAME TO GO AROUND

When you take an already fragile country and try to break it into two

shame on you Mr. President…

shame on you…shame on you …shame on you

When you call the media fake but you say so much that isn’t true

shame on you Mr. President…

shame on you…shame on you …shame on you 

When you spew out your hateful rhetoric…and act the way you do

shame on you Mr. President…

shame on you…shame on you …shame on you

When you think putting people in cages…is the right thing for our country to do

shame on you Mr. President…

shame on you…shame on you …shame on you 

When you go on a racist rant…targeting women with a different point of view

shame on you Mr. President…shame on you…shame on you …shame on you

When you call people unpatriotic because they don’t agree with you

shame on you Mr. President…

shame on you…shame on you …shame on you

When you have no respect for democracy…and idolize Russia and North Korea too

shame on you Mr. President…

shame on you…shame on you …shame on you

When you think we hate this country just because we don’t like you

shame on you Mr. President

shame on you….shame on you…shame on you.

And to those of us who see what is happening…

who stay silent…who do not make a fuss

then not only is it shame on you Mr. President…

but shame on us…

shame on us…

shame on us.