Post 177: Dreams

Dreams do not come true lying in bed,

Dreams do not come true when they remain in your head.

No, dreams are made by the force of will,

They aren’t just given to us, no magic pill.

Dreams can be translated into our lives,

If we determine they are our soul’s desire.

Fix them in your mind said Napoleon Hill,

And nothing can stop you, not voice, nor quill.

 

Post 176: Don't Turn Off the Light

Don’t turn off the light you have much yet to do,

The stars are always brightest on cold, clear nights, true?

You have people unmet never seen,

There are children unborn to be weaned.

There is happiness, love, and travel to and fro,

There are moments of laughter many more yet to go.

A light unlit will never cast a glow,

In darkness, it’s brilliance will easily show.

Even for a moment, brief it seems,

Could change other’s lives, and make other’s dreams.

Be an inspiration instead for others anon,

Don’t be afraid just leave the lights on.

Post 175: A Shot

 

 

A shot rang out in Philadelphia,

The car didn’t stop, but their hearts did.

No reason at all for the madness,

No reason or cause,

No drugs, no women, just death.

The wild streets of Philly.

And although we could not hear the shot, or feel the cold bullet pass,

We read the pain in their faces from the photograph in the paper on a Sunday afternoon over bagels and large glasses of orange juice.

Post 174: He Wished He Had Gone Directly Home

 

He wished he had gone directly home,

Instead of making a bad decision that he now has to own.

 

He gave the woman her money,

They did the dirty deed,

And now he lives with regrets that haunt his every dream.

 

He wakes up covered in sweat in the middle of the night,

And thinks of his awful choices, and feels a sense of fright.

 

I should have been more careful!

I should have used my head!

Instead he was reckless,

And now may wind up dead.

 

I wish I was stronger,

I wish I could go back,

But life doesn’t work that way,

And unfortunately that is that.

 

And now that he’s here, and desperately wants to live,

If only there were do-overs,

If only he could forgive.

 

What do you do when you make a bad choice?

Pick up the pieces, and ignore that inner voice.

 

Take a deep breath, and believe you can cope today,

Learn from your mistakes, and love yourself unconditionally.

Post 173: Nightingale

Crickets chirping.

Willows cry.

Stars so bright in the sky.

The moonlight glistened,

The air was still,

I watched it all and drank my fill.

Next morning I awoke to find you by my side,

Warmth so intense you make my body come alive,

Open your eyes my gem, my prize.

Awake to my kiss,

Bring me my bliss,

You’re sight do I miss.

You’re breath is like the playing of violins,

It rises, it falls, again, and again.

Your hair is like yellow gold,

Your lips like rubies.

When I am with you I feel wealthier than the richest king,

Oh darling awake, oh nightingale, please sing.

Post 172 I Love You

 

 

It’s hard to fit my love on a sheet that’s 8 by 10,

Because I love you so much, and your more than just a friend.

 

I could categorize the things about you that fill me with pride,

I could make long laundry lists of my feelings inside.

 

I could fill a dictionary with words of how I feel,

But I would rather tell you that I love you, and that my feelings are real.

 

You are sunshine and perfume and a tasty strawberry pie,

You are a blessing, a comfort, and so very warm inside.

 

You are an ear, a smile, a midnight breeze,

You are my doctor, my accountant, my lover, and my dream.

 

You are soft like a dandelion, a sea of emotion,

My love is drawn to you like rain to the ocean.

 

Your blue eyes are beautiful like a newborn child’s,

And when I see them I notice a reflection of my smile.

 

I hold your body close, and hug till we’re content,

I will love your forever, and my love will never end.

Post 171: The Hunt for Love

 

Have you spent your day,

And not admired the sky?

Have you thought to yourself,

I don’t know why?

 

Stone and steel replace gardens and grass,

The hurried pace,

How long will it last?

 

What about this thing called love?

Have you found the person you’ve been thinking of?

 

Have you longed to have them,

But only found them in your dreams?

Can you feel their touch,

How real it all seems.

 

I’ve hunted for my love like a hunter hunting game,

I’ve found it more elusive,

It’s driven me insane.

 

Just when I think I have her, my trap is full of holes,

Just when I think my arms will hold her, she’s gone to where no one knows.

 

Oh beautiful bird return to me and give up your protracted flight,

Come back to me and live with me,

I’ll love you every night.

 

Post 170: Green Lights

Apologies to Matthew, but this is not about you.

This is for the things we seek but can never quite attain.

When I see the green lights in the distance, the beautiful green lights, I always cry.

Cry for a life that could have been.

Cry for missed opportunities and unrequited love.

I know I’m not famous, but why not me? Why not me?

You are not getting any younger.

What are you looking for? They always want to know.

How can I explain the green lights?

Have they ever seen them too?

You are too old they say. 

Too old to believe in dreams.

And what about you I want to ask

I have even seen the lights in my dreams.

Green lights with narrow eyes, slender thighs, and waists you could put one arm around and still have plenty of room.

You cannot have that they say.

Disgusting

You’re too old for them.

But can’t I dream?

I was young once.

Don’t I deserve love too?

Is it really too late?

I see other people that are happy, together, and wonder why can’t it be so?

You must be gay they say with a laugh.

No, but does that really matter?

Everyone deserves a shot at love.

A chance

A green light

Fitz thought so too.

Or so he wished.

54, 55, 56

If not now, then when?

When?

No rhyme

No reason

No time like the present

I still have the juice.

I still have the dream.

I’ll leave the light on for you forever I promise.

Whatever the color

Post 169: Stay Strong

 

 

The Covid-19 virus is here.

The people are feeling fear.

And still I say, stay strong!

 

The hospitals are filled.

The people are getting ill.

And still I say, stay strong!

 

The patient has died.

The family have all cried.

And still I say, stay strong!

 

The essential workers are exhausted.

Their gowns and PPEs were used too often.

And still I say, stay strong!

 

The oxygen tanks are depleted.

You are feeling defeated.

And still I say, say strong!

 

This pandemic will not last

You have the strength to kick its’ ass.

And so, I say, stay strong!

People of the world please listen.

Make survival and helping others your mission.

And so, I say, stay strong!

 

We have faced this challenge too.

And we are all here for you.

And so, I say, stay strong!

 

I am not a doctor so I can’t cure your pain.

But I hope these words can help do the same.

And so, I say, stay strong!

 

That is all I have to say.

The virus will go away someday I pray.

Hang in there, and stay strong!

Post 168: More Dating Disasters

It seems that everyone has at least one dating horror story on the road to a good relationship. Unfortunately, my road is more like the Beatle's song, "A long and windy road." and I'm still on it.

My sister says I'm too picky. I don't think that's it I just haven't found Ms. Right. I would settle for Ms. Right Now.

Where to begin? Well, the late George Carlin once said he never slept with a 10, but has slept with five 2's...I don't think my track record is that bad, because I have had some good long term relationships, but it has been a while and sometimes I feel like a camel wandering between oasis's for a drink. The Covid-19 crisis hasn't helped dating because people were reluctant to meet, but maybe now that many more people are getting vaccinated it will become more like the roaring twenties...who knows...We can only hope.

So, I mentioned once about a few women that I dated, but there are a lot more...I don't know why some women don't want to go on a second date. I was willing in many cases. Here are some excuses I have heard on first dates from the women I wanted to see again. 

I'm sorry but...

1) I'm moving to Boston

2) I'm moving to Israel

Another time I had a nice date at a Greek restaurant in Astoria. The woman met me there, and then when I suggested we go for dessert afterwards at a local place, she refused to get into my car. I know people are cautious but how about just saying, "another time"

I've had women say they can't go for a walk after lunch because they have narcolepsy and may fall asleep, and another woman who when I came back from the bathroom already had her coat on.. Was it something I said?

I took one woman I dated on a camping trip to Bear Mountain State Park with my sister and brother-in-law. Halfway through the trip, she stopped talking to me. How would you handle that? She wouldn't even say why.

Sometimes I must confess I get a bit turned off too. I asked one woman for a date and she replied that she had to spend time with her kids. When I asked how many she laughed and then said "six."

My worst date however was someone I met a singles event. I should have realized she was a bit off because we fooled around at the event.

Later I scheduled a date but for some reason she wanted to do a double date. I asked my friend Michael to be my wingman and because he was single at the time agreed to join me on our only double and my worst.

We met at a diner in New York City...The other women Karen and Michelle had eaten there several times, and apparently this was "their place."  They knew the food and several of the waiters.

At first things seemed OK, but then my date Karen started ordering dish after dish after dish. Now I have no problem taking a woman to a nice restaurant. I never expect her to pay the bill, but this was getting ridiculous. 

My friend Sam once dated a woman who would always order a second dish so she could get a second meal.  I think that is a bit tacky, but in my case it seemed more like this was the woman's last meal and she wanted to try everything on the menu.

The dishes kept coming and coming, and then when I thought things couldn't get worse they did.  Mike's date Michelle started hitting on the waiter.

She complimented him and then said, "What do you think about my body?

I couldn't believe it, and I looked at Mike and he said in Hebrew,

"Hazar ha bayta" (Head home)

When I asked?

NOW he replied in Hebrew

When our dates were in the bathroom we were discussing just ditching them because of their rudeness, but even though I considered it I think two rights don't make a wrong and sucked it up and paid the bill.

I thought our problems were over but in the end Michelle left some of her clothes in my car, and while I was tempted to throw them out I actually mailed it back to her. Although, I probably should have sent them C.O.D.

They next day Karen called me to thank me for the meal, and then asked what did Mike think of Karen.

I exploded with anger  and yelled into phone, "You are both so rude. How could you hit on the waiter, order so much food, etc." and then hung up.

She called back.  My mother picked up the phone and said, "He's not home."  Something I appreciated very much.

In the end I never saw either of them again, but the memory of that experience still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Even worse than the food I ate that night.

Life Lesson 168: My brother Dan once about said about women, "Never run for a bus, because there is always another one coming soon." I agree with that statement, but I would add that the next time you hit on someone make sure the sure the person is normal because if you date them instead of the wonderful trip together may feel like the bus ran over you.

Post 167: What I Learned About Life From Trying to Fix My Printer

I wanted to inform my readers that I am in the process of putting this blog into book format which should be available (I hope) by the end of the summer, and if anyone would like me to a do a reading in their community please let me know. (I've always wanted to visit Bali for example) Thank you also for reading the blog.....If you can, please leave comments...I appreciate the feedback...

Yesterday, I started printing out a few of the stories that I may include in my third book. The problem was that I needed to insert a new ink cartridge. I don't know if any of you have tried to do this, but generally it is not that difficult, but for some reason I struggled. It is a new printer.

I looked up online that you should insert the cartridge in the front of the machine, but because I had never done this before for this particular printer (A brother printer) I was stumped. I tried inserting in the back but it wasn't working...

As part of my bumbling first efforts parts of the back of the printer started falling off...I grew very frustrated and I hate to say it but actually started banging on it and then it fell on the ground....down for the count. I felt defeated...and a good deal of self-loathing...I mean I've been to Afghanistan,  climbed Mt. Washington, ridden in six bike tours, written books, surely I cannot be stopped by a simple printer.

Later in the shower, the pity party continued...

"I should of done this....I should of done that....I'm a terrible person etc."

I once went to the late psychologist Albert Ellis for therapy.. Before my first session I was analyzed on stage in front of  close to a hundred people at his clinic in New York City. My topic as I recall was that I had, no surprise, writers block...I guess he cured me of that problem. Thank you Dr. Ellis. Whenever I look at the photo from the night with him and my brother I always smile.

 I also got to have therapy with him. He is a legend in the world of psychology and quite a character.  We would have therapy sessions and he never wore shoes...He just didn't care what others think...and he cursed a lot.. Amazingly he also took my insurance. Dr. Ellis often said that we should try to avoid "shoulding" on ourselves or "awfulizing" and be more rational when it comes to our thoughts...

I think after my shower and remembering that words count I did a bit of cognitive restructuring and returned to my printer...I considered using money to get a new printer but I wanted to give  it one more try.

So I returned to the scene of the crime and tried again...I was more calm and tried to reverse engineer my printer. It reminded me of the nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty. I vowed to do a better job.

I looked at the printer to see if I could fix it...first I started with the paper tray. I was able to insert it (Last time I was trying to put it back in the wrong direction) and to think I have a Master's degree. Then I put the individual page feeder back...progress.

Next, I put the new cartridge in (from the front) it was so easy.

Now for my next hurdle...The back of the printer...I had three pieces to put back...I felt like the guys who are disarming a bomb but I took my time and was able to put one piece on correctly, then a second, and finally the rear door...

I held my breath and the printer worked...or so I thought....It does print but if the rear of the printer is closed it jams....Fortunately it still works and I put a letter tray to left of the printer and the sheets drop in there like a Rube Goldberg invention. I was very frustrated at first but I think it was a valuable learning experience. This is what I learned...

1) If you don't know how to do something look it up

2) Follow directions!

3) Don't be afraid to ask for help

4) If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break

5) Getting angry or hitting something/someone never solves the problem and can often cause resentment or things breaking...literally

6) Assess the problem

7) Problem solve one step at a time

8) Give yourself credit for your efforts

9) Sometimes you can't put things back together again, or if you do it may not be perfect.

10) Don't "Should on yourself "

11) You can do more than you think even if you have never done it before.

12) Don't give up too soon.

13) Think outside the box

Post 166: God?

Hey God, are you there?

Its’ me do you have some time to spare?

I want to know if you really care,

To find out if you are more than just plain air.

From up high, higher than a bird can fly,

I want you to look at the world you created with your special eye.

It took you just six days to create it so I won’t fault you for that,

But since then, your people have grown lazy and fat.

Good and evil are represented for sure,

There are your angels, and those rotten to the core.

There are even those in between, 

And I think you know who I mean.

But the plight of the planet is vested in us,

And I’m glad you’ve given us your great trust.

Can you ever forgive us for the mess that we made?

To cut down all the beautiful trees that once gave us shade.

We’ve polluted the waters and made the fish die,

You know God, I wouldn’t be surprised if you broke down and cried.

All I want God is one more chance,

I think we’re a good gamble,

I think we’ll advance.

With technology I hope goes caution too,

I want the seas to remain being blue,

Have faith in us God and we’ll be true.

Post 165: Sunset at Steppingstone Park

 

 

It’s 8:30 p.m. do you know where you heart it is?

I know where mine is,

It’s here at the park with my mother and brother,

As we sit and watch the sun set.

 

The lights have just come on,

And in the distance the sun has gone to sleep,

And soon we will too.

 

But not yet,

Not yet.

 

There are still wisps of sun decorating the sky like cotton candy or Kris Kringle’s beard only orange not white or pink.

 

Tattered American flags decorate the dock fluttering in the wind like my heart.

They are a reminder of a Memorial Day gone by,

Gone, but not forgotten.

 

Two planes fly in the distance in opposite directions,

And though I hear them I really can’t tell what sound is which plane,

The sky grows in orange brilliance, and puts the LED lights to shame.

 

Sailboats and motorboats bob and bob,

And I try to ignore the mosquitoes as long as I can.

 

It was so hot today more like August than June.

I hid inside to escape and fell asleep by the air conditioner, and felt more like a bear than a man.

 

But here at the dock tonight no AC is needed at all,

Only a gentle breeze.

 

We are witnesses to God’s paintbrush,

And even the beautiful Asian women that walk past me like Gatsby’s green lights are forgotten for a while.

 

For beauty nature has no rival,

For it’s sunsets there is no compare,

They are truly a marvel,

Steppingstone Park please wait for us,

How we all long to visit you and stare.

 

Post 164: Not Enough Change

 

This is poem is based on a true encounter that I witnessed in a store.

Young man, young man, what is it that you have there?

Two six packs of soda, and no money to spare.

Those aren’t the cheap ones, those aren’t on sale,

The boy looked puzzled, and body seemed frail.

She smiled and pointed to go to aisle eight,

He quickly flew there without a debate.

Are you from the projects? She asked with a smile,

Yes, he said without a hint of denial.

She empathized with him she had been there before,

She lived there once, and had always wanted more.

You don’t have enough change I can’t make this sale,

His young face blanched, and body turned pale.

She changed her mind, and gave him a wink,

Just don’t tell my super you know what he would think,

He would come over and make a big stink.

The boy was grateful what more could he say,

Except for a simple thank you it brightened his day.

One small act can mean so very much,

I was touched by the moment it was something I could clutch.

Then he was gone and out of my gaze,

I wonder if I could get her a raise.

Post 163: Obsessions

Are obsessions ever good for us? 

Do they ever make us strong? 

Or do they just bring us to our knees? 

Because we know that they are wrong. 

My friend obsesses about his job, 

But dwelling doesn’t do a thing, 

It just keeps him up at night, 

And gives him endless grief. 

Some obsess over women, 

They can’t get enough, 

And yet even when satisfied feel empty, 

Because they know it isn’t love. 

Some pine for unrequited love, 

Some pursue lost dreams, and never give up. 

Obsessions are like misplaced keys and wallets, 

They can make life extremely tough. 

But having a goal and taking small steps is a good place to start,

Just don’t let your thoughts be your master, 

For they can become a new drug.

 

So keep dreaming and pursue what gives you joy, 

Just remember to keep certain thoughts fleeting, 

Because obsessions can make life feel wrong.

 

Post 162: God

God, I’ve never been a religious person before,

But I need your strength to help me endure.

I am in pain, but it’s not from disease,

It’s because I can’t meet my needs.

Obligations have grown incredibly fast,

And my courage is low, and may nearly have passed.

I am not happy that much is clear,

I am frustrated, and living in deep fear.

I want to survive, and I want to smile,

I want to move forward, and stop living in denial.

I know you can’t give me a home in heaven,

I know I can’t work there for even one second.

But if you could send me an angel with fire,

I could engulf my heart’s desire.

I could stand tall, and face all my fears,

I could sing songs in my enemy’s ears.

I could laugh and cry, and not really care,

Because God is in me and with me so what if life’s unfair.

Thank you God I will make a mark for me alone,

I care not for anyone else’s enchanted throne.

 

Post 161: Powerless

Anthony Bourdain hung himself, 

And Kate Spade too, 

And I felt powerless, 

Because I didn’t know what to do. 

I don’t want to leave flowers, 

My brother doesn’t want to talk at all,

I try to raise the topic, 

I try to discuss their fall. 

Too often the desires of the heart, 

Seem to win in the end, 

It’s just too easy to lose a loved one, 

Or lose an important friend. 

Depression, drugs, diets and desires or demands that we face,

Can often make us feel hopeless, 

And sometimes feel disgraced. 

A friend may call and ask if you would lend a hand, 

Do you truly hear them? 

Do you think that you can? 

I’m not a professional, 

I don’t have the degrees, 

But you have your humanity, 

And that’s worth a thousand framed trees. 

So listen to your neighbor, your brother, or your wife,

Hear the words that are spoken, 

Hear them when they cry. 

And give advice if asked, 

Or an intervention if there’s need, 

Because life often becomes better, 

You can plant an important seed. 

Give the number of a therapist, 

That listens to what you say, 

Tell the person that you’re there for them, 

And that suicide is not the way.

 

Post 160: There it Goes

 

The sun is warm in my room, 

And I wonder what we will have to do soon.

It’s getting much thinner out there,

High in the sky, the stratosphere.

I’m worried about what will happen you see,

I’m worried that someday we won’t have it so easy.

They used to say the Bronx is burning, but now it’s California, Utah, and Arizona too,

Call it fake news if you want, but we all know it’s the truth.

The nights are getting so much warmer,

The winters are fleeting,

And our snowcaps are receding.

The ozone is thinner than ever before,

The CFC’s and coal plants are destroying it for sure,

The fridges and air conditioners are doing their thing,

And I hoped we would have learned to lessen their sting.

But progress is slow, and opinion as well,

I hope my words can ring the bell.

One if by land, and two if by sea,

What I see is going quick,

Do you see what I see?

 

Post 159: Falsely Accused

Walking down that long aisle,

Whistling songs all the while,

On the way to my trial,

Question is who to dial, and what plea to file.

The guards are yelling jeers,

The prisoners are giving me leers,

And in it all stands my solitary mother in tears,

Don’t be afraid she says you’ll always be my dear.

Cameras are flashing like a sea of stars,

Their blinding light like a caravan of cars,

At least I’ll never again be behind bars.

Was that the sound of applause?

I wonder, what was the cause?

Please God no long pause.

The verdict is in,

I knew what it would be,

I knew they would never set me free.

Not to say that I feel guilt,

It’s the scales of justice that are tilt.

It’s not a trial it’s a show,

To the chair, I must go,

One last word and that is no!

 

Post 158: TULSA A HUNDRED YEARS LATER

Tonight I dreamt of Tulsa

Understanding it less and less

Loss of life because of hatred, jealousy, and fear

So many African American lives, businesses, futures, and families destroyed

America is supposed be the home of the brave

America is supposed to be a land of freedom from persecution

How could this happen in America?

Unknown  the names of all the lost

Night filled with the sound of screams and planes dropping bombs on the innocent

Dreams destroyed along with Black Wall Street

Remember, remember, remember

Everyone dreams

Dreams are the way to deal with the past and plan for the future

You can honor the forgotten

Every year on the anniversary and if taught in school

Action and compassion

Rebirth and rebuild

Some day is today

Let

America be a light onto all the other nations

Take responsibility for our history and don't accept hate in any shape or form

Each day is precious as all lives are and never forget the past

Remember the Alamo, remember the Maine, remember Tulsa, learn from their pain

Post 157: Memorial Day

I did not attend the Memorial Day parade,

But it wasn’t because I had nothing to say.

It wasn’t because I did not believe,

It wasn’t because I did not value their deeds.

I had something instead that I needed to do,

I have some memories of my own if you want to know the truth.

I have made mistakes and blunders, and have ill spoken words,

I have hurt others, and made many things worse.

On Memorial Day when many mourn and feel blue,

Remember the person who is gone, their deeds, and what they mean to you.

Never let memories of them grow stagnant or old,

Because the world can still be beautiful, and their story must be told.

A dream realized is a dream no more,

And memories can be pleasant or be quite sore.

What we do with thoughts will determine our way,

Our memories guide us, but we have the final say.

I did not attend the Memorial Day parade,

But now that it’s over I wish that I came.

I wish that my thoughts could be filled with good cheer,

I wish that my life could be lived without fear.

The band played on,

The Merchant Marines proudly marched,

Time moved on,

And so have my thoughts.

Post: What not to say at a memorial

When my brother Bruce and I visited Hawaii with our family a few years ago, we had the opportunity of experiencing the big island and Oahu.  It was a great trip.  I loved walking the crater at Volcanoes National Park, staying in a rainforest, snorkeling, horseback riding, and just relaxing after my trip to Central Asia.  I wish I could have a house in Hawaii someday, and perhaps someday I will.

We also had a chance to visit Pearl Harbor.  Interestingly, we walked around  inside and outside the The Arizona, the ship where the Japanese surrendered. We were there  on the anniversary of their surrender.   There were American flags everywhere and I was told, a huge group of press in attendance earlier in the day during the ceremony.

In addition, we saw the memorial to the Missouri.  The memorial is in the water above the wreckage of the destroyed ship.   I was annoyed that some  tourists were making smiley faces in the memorial and flashing peace signs, and I felt they should be a bit more respectful considering there were many Americans who died underneath the waters.  Perhaps I was a being a bit sensitive, but I felt anyone at a memorial should be more aware.  You never know whose family member perished during the attack.

There were also droplets of oil that still leak up to the surface even more than fifty years later.  Some people have asked why they don’t plug up the holes, but it is a reminder of the destruction and loss of life. and to never forget our soldiers sacrifice.

Before we actually got to the Missouri however, we all saw a brief film at the Pearl Harbor museum which is on shore.  My brother Bruce and I were both wearing US Marine hats, and an Asian tour guide  possibly Japanese-American took a liking to us, and told us the dumbest questions any tourist has ever asked him.

“What did they they say?” I asked the man.

“Well,” he began. “One person asked, ‘Why don’t they move the memorial closer to Waikiki beach so it will be more convenient for the tourists.’ “

“They didn’t realize that people died there, and it would involve desecrating a grave.” He informed us.

“Wow.” I simply said.

“And that’s not even the worst one,” he began.  “The dumbest thing any tourist asked me was, ‘After we see the Missouri and the Arizona, can you show us where the Japanese dropped the atomic bomb?’ “

“I was so angry,” he told us. “That I squeezed my hands into tight fists and told my co-worker to answer their question  and I stormed off.”

Bruce and I were shocked and amazed.  We thanked the guide for his patience and help, and shook his hand in appreciation.

I turned to Bruce and said, “ A lot of ignorant people out there, and to think their vote counts the same as mine.”

“Yes,” Bruce replied. “That’s what it’s like to live in a free country. We have to take the good with the bad, the smart and the dumb, and people from all walks of life.  Our diversity makes us great, freedom of speech, freedom from tyranny.”

“And vacations are vacation from everything else,” I said.  “Freedom from work, freedom from our diets, and a time to get away from a few of the misinformed for a while.”

Bruce nodded in agreement, and we headed to see the Missouri.

Life Lesson 66: It’s important to learn tolerance, but even more valuable to learn acceptance of others.  That some people will always be foolish, but It is equally to try and change them. Instead just chalk it up to ignorance.  Also, remember to learn the lessons of history so we don't repeat them.

Post 155: Do you know brave?

Do you know brave? 

I think I might, 

I don’t think it’s me, 

At least not every night. 

I see it in the soldiers, 

The FDNY, 

The police when called to a scene, 

And doctors, nurses, and EMT’s when saving lives.

There are people coping with corona, 

Or the loss of a home, 

Children with a terrible illness, 

And those who now live alone. 

But here too at a bagel store,

Located on L.I. turnpike, 

I think I see it also, 

By everyday people living their lives. 

I see it in the one-legged girl who talks about science, and laughs as if nothing’s wrong, 

The 95 year-old World War Two veteran who reads his kindle and stumbles along, 

Both are friendly and going about their day, 

You never hear any excuses coming their way. 

The special needs woman or man who probably works harder than I ever can.

They feel glad to be working, 

Appreciate that they were given a chance, 

Shows us that pre-judging is wrong, 

And that we all can advance. 

Too often we look on the wrong side of life, 

While others live by example, 

It’s something we should all try. 

So instead of staring or saying ill spoken words, 

Learn from their examples, 

Appreciate the diverse. 

You can be brave, too you don’t always need to cry, 

Face your troubles head-on,

Are you ready to try?

 

Post 153: Moments

 

They can fill us with pride

Or burn us from inside

The things that we remember 

The things that we did

Can haunt our time awake

And make us feel less big

I can't take it back

I can't change the past

And every time I drive by where we met

All I can do is ask

Will you ever forgive me?

Do you I know I regret it every day?

It was a lapse of judgement I promise

That's all I can tell you

That's all I can say

How can I atone for the sins of the past?

How can I right the wrong

Move the stone, fill the jug

How long will this guilt last?

I never confessed to a priest

because that's not what we do

I don't know that I need to

I don't know how to tell the truth

And now that I am older

And ready to right the wrong

If only I could tell you I'm sorry

If only I could sing this song

So listen to this tale of woe

Listen to what I have to say

Learn from my mistakes

Learn to do the right

Every single day

Post 152: BLM What does it all mean?

 

BLM what does it all mean?

It means equality

And not some idle dream.

I see men and women 

From different walks of life.

I see them marching together

To make our world finally right.

I see people protesting

And often filled with rage,

I see their signs

I feel their anguish,

I hear their sadness, and their pain.

Black men and women killed without regard

Shot, tasered, stepped on, and on, and on, and on.

When will it end this madness and degradation?

When will African Americans finally be treated with respect,

And not the victims of intimidation.

The police are not the enemy they risk their lives every day,

But their bad apples destroy their soul,

And I how I wish their could be change.

Innocent people murdered is a cancer and a threat to the soul of our nation too

It must me cured, 

It must be treated,

There must something we can do?

It's not too late to raise our voices. The president is different and not indifferent to the causes.

Shout out BLM

To all that will hear.

Ring out the bells

It's time.

It's time.

For equality, non-violence, and freedom from fear.