WHY THIS TOPIC
A dear friend wrote this poem and has given me permission to publish it here. As Carl Sandburg noted: “Poetry is the journal of the sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air. Poetry is a search for syllables to shoot at the barriers of the unknown and the unknowable. Poetry is a phantom script telling how rainbows are made and why they go.”
A POEM OF STRENGTH
Men of a Certain Persuasion
Yes, I read the obits public remembrances of private lives memorialized I read to know who remain: the adored the esteemed the beloved and the loved I read to know although posthumously that: some were generous benefactors committed supporters of the arts dedicated philanthropists accomplished composers inspirational teachers world travelers talented illustrators experts at arbitrage competitive sportsmen and drag queens I started reading obituaries twenty-five years ago to humanize those above beloved who were also the men of a certain persuasion those who were dying of aids As I read over the years these men were also fathers brothers uncles husbands life partners and best friends there was the only child and the eldest of seven accountants and construction workers several authors poets and movie stars there were lovers – of solitude and of god lovers of the sun the ocean fine food and fine wine there was a man’s man and a monsignor I doubt they were the same but I do wonder if they had ever met perhaps in a club or in the confessional All cherished lionized ever so sweet human beings admired for their love of life their sense of humor or fair play each would be dearly missed always remembered and never forgottenJoan Diblasi
Remembering what matters keeps us strong. Writing keeps many strong. Writing poetry keeps others strong. Reading poetry about what matters strengthens all.
This poem starts a new Remember What Matters series. It is a plea for tolerance. Our world is falling into war because intolerance is trying to rule. The basic fact that we are more alike than different no matter what our race, sexual preferences, country of origin, political beliefs, or religion.
I personal believe in a kind higher power who understands and loves all. I believe in a creator who set us free and weeps when we harden our hearts to any he has created. We are not God, but can become more God-like by deciding to work toward understanding and loving all, not just those like us.
AN INVITATION
Share your poems of strength here. E-mail me the poem and the image you would like to use with. The image must be free to share.
By poems of strength I mean those that seek peace and tolerance, reflect any of my Daily Emotional Exercises. I do reserve the right to decide which poems to post.
After posting them on my blog, I will also pin them on my Poets Pinterest Board. You retain the copy right. Others might share. That is my goal for you and me and the world.
Stay strong
Life is a struggle, full of pain and suffering, but also full of joy and goodness. Relationships bring also can be a struggle, but without caring connections life is bleak.
Liking, commenting, sharing my posts strengthens me, is an act of kindness by you, and may help strengthen others.
Katherine
Disclaimer one: Emotional Fitness Training is not therapy.
Even the most learned researchers and therapists quarrel about much. Take their advice and mine carefully. Don’t just listen to your heart, but also think; don’t just think, listen to your heart. Heart and head working together increase the odds you will find useful advice amid all the promises and hopes pushed at you be others. As others have noted, take what seems useful, leave the rest.
Disclaimer two: Forgive my grammatical errors
Not only am I dealing with an aging brain, but all of my life I have been plagued by dysgraphia–a learning disability that is akin to dyslexia when one writes. If you need perfect posts, you will not find them here; I will understand if you don’t follow me. If you want to hang in with me, thank you.