<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">Hello all <div>Here are 5 excellent thought provoking poems from a friend of mine (and Fr Holmes and Brenda H) that some of you may benefit from reading. </div><div>Sharon gave me the idea to consider sharing meaningful poems. Kevin is in the process of publishing so there are no privacy issues in my sharing his good work. </div><div>Peace Dwyer <br><br><div id="AppleMailSignature" dir="ltr">Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> PAUL MURPHY <<a href="mailto:paulannemurphy@rogers.com">paulannemurphy@rogers.com</a>><br><b>Date:</b> March 3, 2023 at 8:06:59 PM MST<br><b>Subject:</b> <b>5 Poems</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div class="ydp1a9d9521yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:times new roman, new york, times, serif;font-size:16px;"><div></div>
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<div style=""><b style=""><i style=""><font size="3">From: Kev Anderson <<a href="mailto:andersonkev@hotmail.com">andersonkev@hotmail.com</a>></font></i></b></div><div style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div>
<div style=""><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Paul<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Thanks for sending Brian’s treatise on the one year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. I started to read it on my phone, but as Brian suggests, it was too much to read that way. I will need a larger screen and look forward to getting deeper into his thought process and research.<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">I am about to publish another book and thought I would include a few of the poems I wrote this week that will be included. They also deal with the insanity of this war - also with Lent - and the Paschal mystery. <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Perhaps they’ll speak to some. I hope so. <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Apparently yesterday was world book day. I just dropped off about 100 old hard bound books to Wastewise for Suzanne. She had kept these books for decades on the shelves in our front room and had decided to give them away; she has recently been giving lots of her things away - finding it liberating to let go of her stuff - clothes and books and all sorts of paraphernalia - just glad that others might use them - and lessening her clutter quota. <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Speaking of books, as I mentioned, I’m in the final editing stages of putting together my next book of poetry which I hope to publish in a couple of weeks <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It will likely be titled:<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">“Winter Wonderland: <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Pathways Toward Easter<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Paradigms of the Paschal Mystery”<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">If you read the poems I wrote this week, you’ll get a sense of what the book is about.<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">I still have not given them titles so I will just number them. <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Peace<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Kevin<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Poem 1<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Nature teaches that death is always<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The only way of being born again<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Only by giving life<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Only by giving away the old<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Can something new be awakened<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">This is the wonder and mystery <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Hiding in plain sight<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">In all things <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and all life<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We are meant to have an ending<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">So there can be a new beginning <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The only path to wholeness and holiness<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The only path toward creativity <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The only way we are made into a new creation …<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Comes in the crazy act <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of surrendering <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of death <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of relinquishing and letting go<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of everything<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">This is the mystery revealed in everything<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The truth of all genesis<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of all generativity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of all creative power and poetry<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The truth behind all the generations <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that have brought life to this earth<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and this world<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The simple obvious fact<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The simple loving act<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">That we live to give<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And give to live<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And through that generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Everything becomes possible<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s always the same story<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We are here because of generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">All life is born out of generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">All generations are generated out of generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Genesis is always about generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The paschal mystery is about generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Family is an incarnation of generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">All our relationships exist as wondrous expressions of generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Art is generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Prayer and silence and patience in times of turmoil and terror is generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Facing the unknown with courage and faith and resolve is generosity <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">All things that are made new<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The seasons and reasons for our being<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Our children and their future children<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Are born out of generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Surrendering and offering ourselves<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to a higher power <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and a higher purpose<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Is generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And so we lay down <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Our lives<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Our ego and pride<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Our agendas and plans<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Our attachments and our comforts <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">These are all passages<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of becoming and succumbing <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of entering and exiting<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">into the dance of generosity <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that is the heart of the paschal mystery<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It is all<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">genesis and generosity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Dying to self<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">So that others might simply live<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It is of course <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The only recipe for love<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">For redeeming our world and ourselves<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Poem 2<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">A year of war<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">more measures of hesitation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">hegemony and hedge funds<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">ensuring<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">more money<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">more oil<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">more weapons<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">flow in staccato waves of desecration<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">controlled destruction <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">inevitable devastation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It is madness <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">postponing the inevitable<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">expecting time <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to magically heal the wounds<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">War cannot protect markets<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and the pristine state <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of the status quo<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">while at the same time<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">pretending and posturing<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to promote stability<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">or protect security<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">or provide safety<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for people and planet<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Hubris and hostility<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is folly<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is wishful fantasy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is denial and delusion <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Employing half hearted measures <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Postponing action<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Condoning threats<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Delaying our response <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s the same rationale <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">multiplied countless times <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">around the world<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">dealing with crisis and change<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Like the climate emergency<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let’s set far off targets<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">delay serious measures<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">do the minimum<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">appear we care<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">when our lacklustre bluster<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our lack of resolve <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our inaction <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">ensures that the crisis will intensify<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and ensures<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for the sake of money and markets<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that our half measures <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">will be too little <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and too late <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to prevent serious calamity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to avoid inevitable death and devastation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">all to protect the wheel of fortune <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that enriches the rich <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and devastates the poor<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">This war<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is one of many<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">in a series <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of cascading acts of desperation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">as our world realizes<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that the clock on unlimited growth <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is ticking down<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the days of oil and gas and war<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">fueling an out of control economy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">are coming to an end<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We can no longer suck dry the marrow<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the life blood of the planet<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to fuel our maniacal wars<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and insatiable greed<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this ignorant and crazy trajectory inevitably and undoubtedly <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">will destroy us<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">debilitate nature<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">cause massive human suffering<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">death<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">migration<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">poverty<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and irreparable harm<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The delusion<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that money and markets <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">are worth saving<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">but not people or nature<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is lunacy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Putting the economy <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">before the planet <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that is source of all life<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is craziness<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We are living in the twilight zone <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Maximizing profits <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">on the last reserves<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of nonrenewable energy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">at the expense <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of nations<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of people <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of the climate exploding<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">well I guess it’s no stretch to suggest<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that our mixed up priorities<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and procrastinations<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">will be our undoing<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Poem 3<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">There was a story in the papers last year:<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">an older Ukrainian women<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">stood up to Russian soldiers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">cursing their carelessness<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and offered them sunflower seeds <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to take home and plant<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Sunflower<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">sun power<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">shine a light <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">on hope<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">courage<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">integrity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">truth<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">leadership<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">beauty<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">especially in dark times<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let not the wars<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">hates<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">divisions<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">calamities and cruelties of others<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">dissipate <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our faith in love<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our care<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our service<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our compassion <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our will <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to offer healing and forgiveness<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and if need be<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our lives<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">as witness to the belief <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that love conquers all <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">If not today<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">then as a seed for tomorrow<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">In the end it will be the crazy dreamers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the daft and delirious storytellers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the flower children and flower grannies<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the poets<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">prophets<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">protesters<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">painters<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">priests and people of conscience<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the word warriors<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and seed planters<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the myth makers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the artists <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and teachers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">whose calls for justice <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">whose pronouncements for peace<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">will rally<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">reinstate<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">reunite<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">reimagine<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">resuscitate<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">rejuvenate<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">replenish <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and renew our faith <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">in the human spirit and imagination<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">This is the spiritual revolution <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and resurrection promised <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">by all the great teachers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It is being born in us already<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">if we just believe<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">if we can just surrender<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">If we can only love<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Poem 4<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">I believe grace is freely given<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Lent to us for a season<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">For a reason<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">That we might serve others <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Yet <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">I suspect more and more<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">it is casually and callously <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">refused and reduced <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to false piety<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">then forgotten<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">so that nothing really changes<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Like the convenience of cheap energy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">like our excuses and excesses<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and ongoing extraction <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of oil and gas<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of fracking and sacking the environment <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of depleting rivers and reservoirs<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of maintaining coal and nuclear power<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and our staining nature with dirty energy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">pretending <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this is somehow morally neutral<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">refusing to see<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">what is driving us<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to the brink<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">as we sink <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">as we fail to think <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">about becoming extinct<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Because<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we prefer to ignore the inconvenient fact<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that our greed and convenience <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is behind<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">all the insanity <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">fueling war<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">fueling inequality and injustice <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">fueling the climate crisis <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We are now in Lent<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s a time for reflecting and relinquishing<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s a time for naming and framing <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our excesses <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our addictions<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s a time for us to repent and realize<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we are too fat<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">too entitled<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">too addicted<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">too greedy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to even recognize<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our complicity in our own demise<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">How delusional to pay homage<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But not to pay attention <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Having no real intention<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">To pay for our sins<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">To pay for our inattention<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">To pay the real price<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">For our addictions and appetites<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Meanwhile, knowing they are killing us<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Even as we make more excuses to pig out<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to live every day as Mardi Gras<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">ignoring Lent<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our need to repent<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and so <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we miss the chance to change<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and so <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we refuse Easter<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">This means <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we choose to lose<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to borrow from tomorrow <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">with no intention <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of really paying our debts<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">(not today anyway)<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">preferring our deferring<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">deflecting and disrespecting<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">letting tomorrow <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">take care of tomorrow<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">rejecting both the cross <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and the resurrection <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We like to pray:<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">“forgive us our trespasses<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">forgive us our debts”<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">what we mean to say<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">amidst our delay <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is that it’s okay<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">if every day <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">especially today<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that others may<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">be forced to pay<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for our debts<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and our regrets<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Because<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we don’t want to pay the real price<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of forgiveness <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of salvation <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of healing <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of conversion and change<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We recall the words <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of the child of God<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">while dying on the cross <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">who stays and prays:<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">“forgive them<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">they know not <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">what they do”<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">like the idiots who crucified him<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we fail to acknowledge <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our culpability and responsibility <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">in creating the crisis <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that leads to war and hate <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and the killing of our family<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and of our planet<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">All because <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we remain <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the trespassers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and the addicts<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">who refuse to confront the disease <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that is suffocating us all<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we are the unaware <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we are the unapologetic sinners<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">whose transgressions <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">are ravaging<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">ruining<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">raping the planet<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We like to blame others<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let’s deflect our responsibility<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let’s reject our culpability<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let’s protect our deniability<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let’s select a scapegoat<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Let others pay for our neglect<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Professing the convenient lie …<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">I’m not personally responsible <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for war<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for famine<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for social collapse<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that’s on other’s shoulders<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">let them carry that cross<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the real reason <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we don’t want to connect the dots<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the real charade behind <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the excuses we employ<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to ignore our impact <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to keep the status quo intact<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to ensure we don’t overreact<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">is because the present system <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">has benefited us<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Yes<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we enjoy capitalism <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and cheap oil<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and money <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and markets <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">predicated on cheap transport <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and sweatshop labor<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Because<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">pretending and intending<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our acceptance<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">our tacit approval <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">has no serious consequences<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">no serious flaws<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">ensures nothing really changes<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And so<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">contending that by defending<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this military industrial complex <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this creepy superiority complex<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this mental disease<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this broken system<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that benefits <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the unaware and unapologetic <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we maintain <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we are not part of the problem<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Yet<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this is the moment<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for awakening <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this is the propitious moment<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this is the moment for needed change<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for conversion <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for wisdom<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Now is the time to say<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Now is the time to pay<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to pay for our transgressions <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to pay for our tardiness<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to pay it forward<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and to pay the heavy price<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for our salvation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more wars! <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more oil! <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more slave labor! <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more taking what does not belong to us! <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more excess!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more half measures!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">half diets!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">half hearted reforms!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">No more fear!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and cowardice!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and reticence!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Now<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">we know<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the waves of refugees<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of migrant workers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of those forced to flee war<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and poverty<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and ecological devastation <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">This will not end <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">until we are all willing<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">to take on our own shoulders <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the responsibility and remedy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for the inequality<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">indifference <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and injustice <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that has benefited us<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">We must absorb <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">the cost of our excesses<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">comforts <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and conveniences<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">slam down the brakes <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">on our runaway economy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">fueled by greed and dirty energy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s time for “lent”<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">All we have <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">has been lent us<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">given and borrowed and offered<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for healing<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for others <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for love<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It is time for medicine<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for abstinence <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for healing <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">for humility and simplicity<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">yes to live more simply<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">that others might simple live!<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Poem 5<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The dark night <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The desert<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The neutral zone<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The time betwixt and between and before <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The waiting room for transformation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The long pregnant pause<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s that place and time <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">between opening and closing<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s the seed aloft in the air <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Not yet planted and not yet a plant<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Not life or death<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But pure potential and possibility<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Every day and breath and journey<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Tells the same story<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Contains the same pattern and passage<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Reflects and intersects the same design<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The same creation and relation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The same arc and spark<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of divine emanation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of spiritual emancipation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of informing and infusing incarnation<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Not only night or day <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Not merely dark or light<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But the mix and matrix and moment <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of dawn or dusk<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of sunrise and moonlight<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of twilight and the faint glimmering <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">of the new day yet to be born<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And of course it’s no surprise<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">this tender, tenuous and fading moment<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">often gone in an instant <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">often is the most beautiful to witness<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">My breath in and out <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Is a metaphor <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">For receiving and relinquishing <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The in and out flow of my spirit<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Yet always at the end and beginning<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of my exhaling and my inhaling<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">There is a pause <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">There is a waiting <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">There is a moment<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">When I am nothing <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Every story has a beginning and end<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But the drama is in the middle <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The learning is in the yearning<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The journey is not about destinations<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Nor about origins<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s about discovery<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And wonder <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and waiting <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">and whispers<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Life and death are seen everywhere<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s only resurrection that demands faith<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s what we can’t see<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">What is not obvious<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Not known<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Not understood<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">That calls and beckons us to mystery<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">In essence there are only two seasons<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">In everyone’s life story<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Two ages and stages<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of beginnings and endings<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of life and death<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The barren time<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The bearing fruit time<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Winter and summer<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">bleakness and blossoming<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The rise and the fall<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The mountains and valleys<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">The heights and depths<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">But there are also <br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">those times between<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of letting go and letting become<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of fall and spring<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of entering and leaving<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of climbing and descending<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of journeying and wandering<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of not knowing the way<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">And those between times<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Which are often the most arduous<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Are often times the most glorious<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Wait for it<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s not yet here<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s coming<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s the mystery of grace at work<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s the laboring time that can’t be rushed<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">It’s the pregnancy and poignancy<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3">Of giving birth to something new<br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style=""><b><i><font size="3"><br></font></i></b></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div></div>
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