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WindWalker
Senior Member

since 2001-10-12

Posts 1218

0 posted 2005-06-10 02:33 AM

It seems quite obvious
hardships, pain and suffering
are for most the norm.
It seems equally true
that most who live in rich nations
are quite blinded to this fact –
unless the fact can sell commercial time
and it is splashed on the TV
or headlined in the newspaper –

Ignoring the plight of millions
cannot be so easy, can it?
Apparently, it can.
Just call it “cognitive dissonance.”
Call it lack of empathy.
Call it lack of compassion.
But really, it’s lack of awareness.

I met a fellow-traveller
who had seen many parts of this world,
– not the touristy-type places
splashed as bill-boards on ocean-fronts –
but places where everyday is a struggle
and each struggle, an adventure.

He claimed the people he met
in those skeletal places
changed his outlook on life.
It was there he saw compassion come alive
for the very first time.
It was there people showed him life
is neither about money nor possessions,
nor about finding happiness.

It was there he heard laughter as from a child –
free and sincere.
There he tasted food fully appreciated
and there he found
he could give thanks for life
for each day there is a miracle –
not of survival as many believe
but of joyful acceptance.

SEA

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 2000-01-18

Posts 22676
with you

1 posted 2005-06-10 02:40 AM

we all should be so fortunate to be able to experience that

Startime55
Member Elite

since 2003-04-05

Posts 2148
Alberta, Canada

2 posted 2005-06-10 12:23 PM

A lesson is here that many of us need to learn...The almighty dollar does not bring happiness...As I get older and spend time with my grandchildren I finally learn that their love and laughter is what is priceless in this world...Wonderful writing, dear friend, your message opens our eyes and hearts...*big hugs* to you today...

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

3 posted 2005-06-10 07:48 PM

Enjoyed...James

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-02-22

Posts 9353
Michigan, USA

4 posted 2005-06-10 09:19 PM

Now you're talking my language!
Excellent write WW.
TD

miscellanea
Member Elite

since 2004-06-24

Posts 4060
OH

5 posted 2005-06-10 09:36 PM

enjoyed this very much!!!

miscellanea

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-29

Posts 7115
South Africa

6 posted 2005-06-11 03:50 AM

Indeed a good message in this write, WW. Enjoyed from my standpoint of knowing that all you say is true.

ice
Member Elite

since 2003-05-17

Posts 3404
Pennsylvania

7 posted 2005-06-11 05:48 AM

Wind

"joyful acceptance"
To me is the key statement of this poem.

Sandburg found this one day as he walked along the Desplaines...The poem is titled "Happiness", but I believe it should be called "joyful acceptance"

"And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion."

This poem makes a profound statement, makes the reader self examine, I enjoyed reading it....

-----------ice
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