When I saw the poet was Brian Bilston, I figured something was up. I reacted in the same way Kate Fisher's class did (scroll down from the poem on the original link page). I was really wondering where the heck he was going with the poem, since the sentiments on the first read were so awful. I was very relieved and moved by the second reading, from bottom to top. "So do not tell me / They have no need of our help."
Fascinating - I have never read a poem that works like that. What a creative way to write! The first way around roiled my blood...it is Iowa Day and I was already sad that so much of the world thinks the way it does. But then- hope! Thank you!
Wow. The visceral feeling I had as I read this top to bottom, and then, the sweet peace as I read bottom to top. I have been a whirlwind of emotion on this waging peace journey. Trying to send peace to those suffering, asking what action I can take - I have contacted our elected officials for whatever possible difference that may make in this political climate. I have been trying to find a medicaid placement for my mom with Alzheimers, and trying to wage peace with the people and institutions who care little for our aged loved ones when they run out of resources. But mostly, I have found a haven of knowing how very greatly loved we truly are. Move me spirit, in ways which will bring healing, and yes, I know I can only move from a place of groundedness and great love.
That "place of groundedness and great love" is always accessible if we have cultivated an acquaintance with it. A lifelong practice! Bless you in the whirlwind. May you keep returning to the calm center.
Paradoxes of life!
Always a challenge.
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek,
but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)
grateful.org quote of the day seems appropriate today. ❤️
Yes, so apt! The peace we seek already exists within us. Peace is the means.
When I saw the poet was Brian Bilston, I figured something was up. I reacted in the same way Kate Fisher's class did (scroll down from the poem on the original link page). I was really wondering where the heck he was going with the poem, since the sentiments on the first read were so awful. I was very relieved and moved by the second reading, from bottom to top. "So do not tell me / They have no need of our help."
This says something, doesn't it, about the practice of not being "reactive"?
Fascinating - I have never read a poem that works like that. What a creative way to write! The first way around roiled my blood...it is Iowa Day and I was already sad that so much of the world thinks the way it does. But then- hope! Thank you!
What is Iowa Day? Are you talking about the caucuses?
Yes
Wow. The visceral feeling I had as I read this top to bottom, and then, the sweet peace as I read bottom to top. I have been a whirlwind of emotion on this waging peace journey. Trying to send peace to those suffering, asking what action I can take - I have contacted our elected officials for whatever possible difference that may make in this political climate. I have been trying to find a medicaid placement for my mom with Alzheimers, and trying to wage peace with the people and institutions who care little for our aged loved ones when they run out of resources. But mostly, I have found a haven of knowing how very greatly loved we truly are. Move me spirit, in ways which will bring healing, and yes, I know I can only move from a place of groundedness and great love.
That "place of groundedness and great love" is always accessible if we have cultivated an acquaintance with it. A lifelong practice! Bless you in the whirlwind. May you keep returning to the calm center.
Brilliant writer. This one is a keeper! Thanks for sharing it!
Isn't it amazingly constructed?
Unbelievable