fame, glory, and power motivate many
while others are content to be ordinary
the case for mediocrity
isn’t always easy to see
how living quietly
makes some happy
living without envy
and fame’s frenzy
can be
a friendly journey
without strife
the rest of your life
***
for the sake of humanity
bring us together in unity
we’re a troubled society
in desperate need of harmony
help us see
the absurdity
of denying diversity
so that we can live
together peacefully
***
Carp Diem
Towering ambitions
like castles in the sky
are for dreamers
who aren’t afraid to fly
it takes a bold person
who isn’t afraid to die
to embrace ambition
to pursue a goal
and bring it to fruition
**
in the book of life
there needs to be
a chapter on fantasy
where reality
retreats
and good vibes soar
with special fantasies
that help restore
vigor
**
some wear vanity
like a king’s crown
unaware they look
like a vain clown
their fake façade
is easily exposed
as being a fraud
**
ashes… ashes
fall down
to the ground
when books burn
knowledge goes
up in smoke
in a moment
of madness
that generations
will forever regret
***
Beneath the rubble of civilizations past
ancient souls cry out to be remembered
from great societies that didn’t last
their wisdom buried in history’s ashes
their lives that passed too fast
who will give those souls peace?
and tell their stories?
of past glories?
historians are the bridges
connecting the past to today
their tireless work
a timeless passion play
***
He rocks back-and-forth on the rickety wicker porch chair. He’s everyman, late in life with wrinkles distorting a once smooth face, and body. His life wasn’t spent seeking redemption in real time. His subconsciousness never gave a hint of being interested in the subject.
Memories did sometimes rudely intrude upon his daily routine and reality. As a combat veteran he was intimately acquainted with death. The sight. The smell. The moment he fired at a human being. The horror.
But he just keeps on rocking in his wicker chair every day, a modern response to Old Man River who just kept rolling on.
He isn’t plagued with regrets on not being “saved” by any religion, or by being led to redemption like a sheep on the way to being sheared.
Freedom is his redemption for being alive and having survived many perilous times in his long life. His arthritis a badge of honor. His physical scars medals earned during a long life of adventures. His silver hair a crown of achievement.
He makes no claims of having redeemed others from sins and stupid moves in their lives. He never wanted to lead others to the top of any proverbial mountain. He’s unaware of ever being anyone’s leading light in life.
He just keeps on rocking in his wicker chair every day, a modern response to Old Man River who just kept rolling on.
the end
I watched in wry wonder
the speaker in the park
with a voice like thunder
some family’s patriarch
preach about end days
as the crowd gathered around
in the smoggy haze
waiting for salvation
and better days
not condemnation
guessing he was mad
the crowd drifted away
many feeling sad
and others feeling led astray
***
there is only one truth
in reality
there’s no guarantee
on what you hear or read
is not a partisan screed
facts are often muddied
with lies
that galvanize
people’s bias
until
tidbits of truth
break through
people must make do
with the tried and true
**
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