iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
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0
posted
2004-12-23
02:39 AM
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(Note: This poem entails memories of a phrase my father introduced when I was young. The poem is meant to PROVOKE THOUGHT rather than specify a doctrine of religious belief. Discussions I recently listened to over the death penalty are actually what evoked the writing.)
“There’s a bit of the divine in all.” These words my Father taught. I have not abandoned them Though ‘times I have forgot.
Like the other day, I heard folks say How men so cruel should die. I shut my ears and turned it off And chalked it, sociology.
Then I remembered angry crowd Two thousand years ago Saying He deserved to die And listening to a crow.
“There’s a bit of the divine in all,” My Father’s words broke free. Now I know this man condemned Was wrongly nailed to tree.
Tho’ law was mocked and crowds shook up, His true “crime,” nonconformity. Change brings rage and some must pay For new growth on the tree.
The crow cawed thrice. I denied The wonder I had seen Because of crowds, Collective mass, Motion, electricity, Fear of being one alone Accepting my own Divinity.
How many times Must we learn To act independently And not be stirred en masse to boil But savor thinking free?
Now here we stand at Heaven’s gate, Awaiting signs and wonders. When all this time, the wonder’s clear: In all that is, there’s something dear.
[This message has been edited by iliana (12-23-2004 03:30 AM).]
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© Copyright
2004
J.A.A.Powell
- All Rights Reserved
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Snow
Senior Member
since 2000-10-16
Posts 1170
desert flower looking for rain
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1
posted
2004-12-23
03:02 AM
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thought provoking, indeed. personal opinions i'll keep to myself... i'll just let you know that i was touched by your words. "yet each man kills the thing he loves by each let this be heard, some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattering word" oscar wilde
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iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
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2
posted
2004-12-23
03:09 AM
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Thanks, Snow. I changed it a little since you posted because I'm still forming my own thoughts on the matter.......lol ....jo
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Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
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3
posted
2004-12-23
04:49 AM
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Yes, Jo, indeed thought provoking. Stepping out from the crowd is merely the beginning of a long journey but one I think worth undertaking. Oh, and I do agree that there is a "bit of the divine" in all of us - actually I must admit to knowing it for a fact. To all you are ... happy holidays!
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passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
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4
posted
2004-12-23
05:33 AM
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thanks for this
I am neutral on the matter, I suppose...but this did get me thinking
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
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5
posted
2004-12-23
07:07 AM
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Your father...so wise... his daughter? Wiser still, for not only listening, but for remembering, and praying it forward...
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Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
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6
posted
2004-12-23
11:15 AM
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A bit of the Divine is showing in you, lovely lily. Unfortunately, things haven't changed much over the past 2,000 years! Mass hysteria and mob mentality continue to wreak havoc around the world.
A very noteworthy read. Your Dad is a very wise man, Grasshopperette (a Magnus term!). The acorn has not fallen far from the tree.
Love you, lily jo! So good to see you posting again. Your presence has been sorely missed!
Love, Light, Peace & Harmony, Linda
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Susan
Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
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7
posted
2004-12-23
11:36 AM
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JO - indeed - thought provoking writes are much needed to keep people thinking and analizing common held beliefs and practices -there are layers and layers to this issue and I believe the cure to the evil that spreads is given in the beginning when little hearts just begin - that cure is love. Alas, it seems there is too little of it to go around.
You are right - divinity is within us all, it comes as a little seed that if cared for, nurtured, fed, it will grow and we will see the devine shine, as we do in you -
Happy Holidays - and much love Susan Happiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you. Joy is a state of mind.
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
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8
posted
2004-12-23
12:20 PM
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Jo...you are so right...there are pieces of the divine in everything!! Thank you so much for reminding me of this that I knew, but forgot recently.
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miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
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9
posted
2004-12-23
12:55 PM
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Jo, I don't remember Daddy using this phrase, but can well imagine it, as it was his philosophy. (I think he simplified it to me, "there's good in everyone." The one I remember him using was "such are the vicissitudes of life." He probably used it because I was such a little vicissitude! Thanks for bringing memories back.) He was an exceptional man in thought and deed. He would be proud of you and love your poetry.
cathy
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inkedgoddess
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392
Ohio
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10
posted
2004-12-23
01:00 PM
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How many times Must we learn To act independently And not be stirred en masse to boil But savor thinking free?
i love this best..... it defines my daily plight; i am free until i have to face this world, therefore i for one, have chosen to live reclusively as much as possible; among the trees who both shelter and accept me as i am
(no im not on meds....yet)
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JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
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11
posted
2004-12-23
07:31 PM
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Nice writing...James
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EvocativeVerse2
Senior Member
since 2003-09-10
Posts 1279
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12
posted
2004-12-23
08:52 PM
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I read this yesterday and did not leave a comment...came back to it today because it is still on my mind. When a poem does that it is worth noting. Love this iliana...you tugged at my heart.Remember, if you're not part of the future, you're history!
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GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
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13
posted
2004-12-31
12:56 PM
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Glad I found this and didn't miss it...
I agree, there is a little of the divine in all. If that cruelty hadn't happened 2000 years ago then things would certainly be different today... and quite hopeless. Yep, that's divine! Excellent write I hope things are okay for you...
Always, AlyssaHe was a man of sorrows ...I am a girl of tears.
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iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
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14
posted
2004-12-31
12:59 PM
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Hey, GG, glad to see you tonight. Hope you are having a good holiday and will have a wonderful 2005. Thanks for the post, bright star. ......jo
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iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
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15
posted
2004-12-31
01:08 AM
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Thanks y'all! Hope all of you dear poets have a wonderful new year! .....jo
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suthern
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
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16
posted
2004-12-31
08:02 AM
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With a friend just murdered, I've been thinking about the death penalty a lot... thinking about death a lot... you give me still more to ponder. *S* Excellent write!
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