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Open Poetry #18
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Midnitesun
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0 posted 2002-02-02 02:58 AM


When I was little I went to a church
where they played tambourines
and danced in the aisles
and screamed and shouted
and cried.
And I cried too.
But I cried out of fear.
And I cried even more the next week when
someone told me to drink blood and eat flesh.
"Why?" That's what I asked.
"Because." That's what they said.
"You have to do that to be saved."
And I decided that day,
that I did not want to be saved.
"Thanks, I said, but no thanks."
I talk to my God all the time.
He doesn't ask me to drink blood.
He doesn't ask me to eat flesh.
He asks me to LOVE.
To LOVE all people equally.
And I try.
But some days it is so hard to do.
Do I have to love Bin Laden?
Do I have to love the man who beat me?
Do I have to LOVE the ones who
Lie to me?
What is LOVE?
What is LOVE?
And why must I LOVE?
And my God just smiled and said
"Because.
That Is The Way."





© Copyright 2002 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved
SEA
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with you
1 posted 2002-02-02 03:09 AM


well, I don't love the man that beat me, I'll save that for God to do. I tried and he just beat me some more, so I divorced him and decided God wouldn't be mad at me for not loving someone who was cruel to me.....God gives us choices, you don't have to love everyone.... just my two pennies on that..... as for the poem, I do understand, and I liked this very much  

[This message has been edited by SEA (02-02-2002 03:10 AM).]

Midnitesun
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2 posted 2002-02-02 03:13 AM


SEA, I thank you so much for your reply. I hesitated on this one, and my daughter convinced me to hit the "submit" button. Hugs to you.
SEA
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with you
3 posted 2002-02-02 03:15 AM


I'm glad you posted it and hugs right back to you
Midnitesun
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4 posted 2002-02-02 03:19 AM


SEA. You are wonderful, ya know that?
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
5 posted 2002-02-02 09:58 AM



You hold up mirrors...for people like SEA to realize that this was their life, and it was right to do what she did...

truth in poetry...no wonder I like you...

Pilgrimage
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since 2001-12-04
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Texas, USA
6 posted 2002-02-02 10:10 AM


Dear midnitesun,
'Faith, hope, and charity, and the greatest of these is charity'. Loving someone and allowing them to do wrong are two diffent things. You can love an animal and if it has rabies, you shoot it. Because you love it and you have to protect yourself and others. Bin Laden should be shot. With love-but bullets first. A man that beats a woman at night has no reason to wake up the next morning. Just my opinion.

Nan

PearlsB4Swine
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since 2002-02-01
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where the heart finds me
7 posted 2002-02-02 10:49 AM


Symbolicaly, He shows us what are the Paths,
and what are the tools for getting there.  It's all a way of gently reminding us to not take happiness for granted.   Unknown answers are always a bit scary, right?
even when you have the Lamb on your shoulder.  Enjoyed very much, Silver Streak.
PB4S

Magnus
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8 posted 2002-02-02 10:59 AM


Yes...sometimes our trials cause us to
wonder...and to reach out...wanting to
believe that what we are given is what
should be....You have expressed it well.

I am glad your daughter helped you have
the courage...

catalinamoon
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The Shores of Alone
9 posted 2002-02-02 11:13 AM


I wish I could tell you how much I agree with this. Strong words and I appreciate the feelings behind them.
Sandra

Martie
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10 posted 2002-02-02 11:18 AM


Midnite--To forgive is not an easy thing, but it frees the heart, and to love does not mean you love every action a person does.  I'm glad you posted this truth-filled poem.  Hugs!  
Startime
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11 posted 2002-02-02 11:26 AM


*sigh* oh my gosh do I ever feel this poem...I think loving everyone means forgiving the person but that does not mean we forgive the evil they did...that is up to God....I have forgiven my father and all the others who abused me over the years...I forgave the person understanding they may have been in their own cycle of abuse from their own past but I leave it to God to forgive the deed for I still feel all the affects of it...My heart shares your pain, dear one. **big big hugs**

Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams.

sodpossom
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N.C
12 posted 2002-02-02 12:25 PM


A poem full of truth and pain.With a beautiful ending.Loved it!
Enchantress
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Canada eh.
13 posted 2002-02-02 12:38 PM


Kacy, a powerful write here and something to ponder for sure!  I believe that in order to heal we must first forgive...not the act, but the person.  Writing it out helps.
~Bug Hugs, Nancy~

~Time has cast a spell on you,
  So you won't ever forget me~

JamesMichael
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14 posted 2002-02-02 01:36 PM


Interesting thoughts you have stimulated...James
Mistletoe Angel
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15 posted 2002-02-02 01:45 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Kathleen, I too have to question what love is sometimes, for I believe we should love, but treat people also the way they should be treated, and the few that commit evil should be punished. (sad sigh) I have been abused emotionally and physically too throughout my early childhood and while I forgive them now, because I have become the person I want to be who feels compassion, there are those who are far more insincere who hurt others on purpose that should not be forgiven. (kiss on cheek) We all love you so much, sweet friend, my heart goes out to you and I moved by the powerful words of wisdom you write, you area  true angel to us all! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kathleen, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Midnitesun
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16 posted 2002-02-02 02:50 PM


My sincere thanks to each and every one of you who replied, and offered words of support and understanding. I know I am not alone with these thoughts. Perhaps it is just another episode of cognitive dissonance.
Larry C
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17 posted 2002-02-04 12:20 PM


Midnitesun,
If I didn't trust God for perfect justice I'd want a crack at those guys myself. But you know the quote: "If you're going to live like there is no God...you better be right!" You, dear friend, deserve only the best...but I'm already taken, so you'll have to settle.

ecrivan
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since 2001-12-10
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my own state
18 posted 2002-02-04 12:33 PM



BRAVO!!
cognitive dissonance I like that... doesn't remove your awareness...when you place issues on platters that others so plainly see but say leave it to the other guy to play bigot, I am free...but we are all products of this s**t and quite frankly I have had enough of it.


[This message has been edited by ecrivan (02-04-2002 12:36 AM).]

Ethan Halo
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19 posted 2002-02-04 01:52 AM


i can ignore, but forgiveness and love for those who stomp the best parts of you are things i can't give out as easily (to god included).
i don't think i'd ever buy love as the "path" but ceratinly peace and definitely harmony. but harmony is just as hard to achieve.

great write.... one o those ones that brings the questions and no answers.
but that's good.

"Dream as if you'll live forever.
Live as if you'll die tomorrow."

amusemi
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since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262
A State of Disarray
20 posted 2002-02-04 02:13 AM


Oh, Larry cracks me up!!!  

I have a love/hate thing with God.  I don't get this world most of the time.  It is nice to know someone else questions the rules.  They say to pray...so I do once in a while...Just a daughter checkin' in, I say!!

Just believe...

Mysteria
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21 posted 2002-02-04 02:20 AM


I like this, "Because that is the way".

~* Carpe' Diem  *~

Interloper
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Deep in the heart
22 posted 2002-02-05 09:21 AM


Amen!

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