Yea, I'm an idealist. So what?

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I've been reflecting quite a bit on peace and what it means to us as individuals, as members of a group, city, state or Country and of course, as members of the human race.  So, lets start with the basics, the definitions for each of these.

- Peace as individuals can simply mean that we are free of disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Or that we have harmony in our personal relations.  Imagine that for a moment. "Every morning I rise, it is with the sole purpose of creating peace within myself and my family and my friends.  Everything I do, work, cook, clean, commute is the means to that purpose."

- Peace as a member of a group, city or state can mean that we live in a state of security or order within a community provided by law or custom. "We expect the citizens of our community to live in a peaceful and respectful manner by obeying the laws that are written."

- Peace within our Country can mean that we live in a period of mutual concord between governments. Or, we desire a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity.  "I am Miss North Carolina, and I pray for peace on Earth."  Well, you don't have to be a beauty pageant contestant to want that, they're just famous for it!

(above definitions are from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)

- Peace as a member of the human race can simply mean that we live with respect for others and their differences without judgement or ridicule.  "I don't really understand why John sits in the backyard every night precisely at 9:10 pm with a lit candle, but I respect his commitment to this ceremony."

All of these ideals are fine and wonderful, and they are lacking in our world.  But most of us sit on the sidelines as if we're spectators at a sporting event watching the events of the world unfold, and all we can do is cheer or jeer and wish or pray for a different outcome.  We fail to realize or acknowledge that if every single human being on this great planet we know as Earth had peace of mind of knowing their family was going to have a nice warm supper and a warm bed to dream in, that would create peace.  We fail to realize that if every single human being woke up in the morning at peace with themselves and with those closest to them, we would have peace on Earth.

If we want to make a difference in the world, a good place to start is to change ourselves.  Instead of yelling at our kids, or the taxi driver, or the cashier... we stop, take a breath, and recite a prayer, scripture, or a poem to retrain our thoughts.  When all of us live to create peace within our hearts, minds, souls and homes, then we can move onto creating peace in the world around us. (I dare not say greater and bigger things, cause I don't know about you, but damn it! I am, My family is, My friends are exceptionally great and deserving of my good deeds!)  Donate to a shelter or volunteer time, anything that moves us to a greater peace within our own souls....

We do this, and I am most assured that by God, peace can and will prevail!!!!


G Henry January 16, 2012

old thoughts...

This was written when I was about 25 or so.  It's a rough draft that needs some tweaking and finishing, but here it is, the skeleton of my thoughts from 17 years ago.  It doesn't have a title yet, so I'm just going to call it "Redwoods" for now.  Interesting how things present themselves to you sometimes.....

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Redwoods

You come to me, in a fantasy
under a magnificent clear sky.
I find you, tall and mysterious
leaning against the splendid redwood,
enchanted by the sounds of
the entrancing universe.
Without a word, we feel the rhythm
of our souls connecting as one.
I pull you in tightly, my breast melting against yours
as our lips meet for the first time.
My body succumbs to you,
your desire is my will.
Looking up toward the sky,
never has it been so blue or the earth
beneath our backs so green.
Never again will I need to dream
of spending my life under a magnificent sky,
because within you
every dream is imaginable.

Rockin' out

 Cause nothing else will heal today!!!! I got it LOUD and I'm singing my heart inside out!!!!

An Open Letter

To My 17 year old self,

Dear G,

I know you feel like the entire world is against you and that no one gives a shit if you die or not.  I'm here to tell you, you do matter and the feelings you're feeling are completely normal and understandable under the circumstances.  There will be a better life, and you will be able to see it with eyes wide open someday.  You can choose to believe it or not, but I'm here to tell you that everyone feels what you feel on some level or another.  You are not alone, even if you think you might be. Talk to whoever will listen, cause they'll probably get it.  Put the pills away, put the gun and the knives away and go out into the world and make your mark because one day you will be full of regret!  Show those who hurt you what you're made of, which we both know... is one tough, bad ass person who can do anything you set your mind to!  Now, go get 'em!  (You know, I think this letter still works today, for the both of us!)

Love, ME!

you women

I normally don't post this kinda stuff.  But I wrote this entirely in my head while driving this morning, and it made me laugh and made my migraine go away.... So, I just had to.

g' mornin.
I got up
with my brain racin
my body limpin
my head screamin
I forgot to brush
leavin this stinkin breath!
you women
are killin me.
can't think straight
not that I would if I could...
tight shirts
red lips
long nails
battin eyes
and oh dear God,
smellin better
than apple pie.
you women
have gotta stop
'fore my entire world
goes awry!

Sanctity

There's an oblique Sanctuary
recently erected, a great
distance from most of us.
I've only seen pictures,
but I knew right
from the beginning,
just one moment within those walls
would bring an ethereal experience, never to be
forgotten.
I've mapped out a path, of every line and curve,
opening and passage
so I will know my way around, upon arrival.
I'm not familiar with the structure,
but I know each and every joint will
quiver under the whisper of a prayer
and the laying of hands.
Without a doubt,
I've got to see and feel
for myself
this Temple that I'm quite certain,
God drew the blueprints of
herself.

only love

Build on love. That is all.

Picture This

A gift or 3, perhaps even 4 intended
for your love, but I didn't know, so
I took it as mine.
It wasn't just a random act of kindness,
If only I'd known...
It's been a week (and a day if you need exactness)
since I've open it,
ya know? since the truth.

Today, I whipped it out... it was like old times!
More times than not,
I beat around the bush,
but today
I'll come right out with it,
LIE TO ME BABY,
Fuck yea, I can take it.
Cause half lies ain't half bad,
when it comes with
happy endings......................

light

void

the chill rode the currents
to a distant land
leaving the jacket
for a brief innocence
cast and hung.
lying in the furrows
the passing moments of warmth,
but for what it’s worth
I fell.
upon waking on
a bed of chagrin
the jacket, now draped
head to toe
colored with suffocating
blackness
buttons lay waste
replaced with glue and staples.
the craving hurled
to a dying dream.

The Sting

Numb and Dazed, living half a life
in the isles of the Winn Dixie. Day after day
the wobbly cart, in her firm grip she circles
round and round waiting
for the next demand of products to pick up
or put back, for the sake of it.
Her feet, unnoticed have grown raw and crusty with dried blood
and her ears deafened from the unending fire alarm that
she ignores into non existence.
She sings a song or two from time to time,
a desperate attempt at masking the chaos.
Strangers see the moo moo and curlers, unaware
of the fire brewing inside.
Until one day, The Delilah appeared, below the exit sign... she sensed the fire
and screamed till the woman woke from the haze.  Now fully aware,
she smiles, reaches out
only to find, it was all an illusion.

the shovel and the crap

The city is not big but the demands
are no less. It is her life, after all.
She gives it all, till there is nothing left
Never expecting anything in return, but
hope is buried
under the apple tree in Freedom Park
(if it hasn't rotted)
The city buzzed with superior importance, just as long as
she gave day and night, without
a fight.... Of course.
If you do, of course we'll love you.
You know how lucky you are, you are the chosen one
be grateful... he's in the shadows, waiting and will do it better
anyway.  If it weren't for this job,
you'd have nothing....

-------------------------------------

"You know, I think nothing would beat this crap.  Where's my damn shovel???"

A Kiss...

What can you see with closed eyes?

the cage

thoughts, caged in solitude
like the wild lion, once free,
pacing,
waiting...
for one of the Many locks to loosen
its grip, always
forgetting that upon escape
euthanization inevitably follows...

Landlord

Just call me G and my body
Shakes like a quake at sea.
You have no desire
to close line me on a wire, but
It don't matter if the rent on intent
Is paid. Fuck it, I'm still livin' it
unless she evicts my ass!
Shit! I'd hit it if I had the damn key.
But that don't matter, there's always
Whiskey and the shine of the moon.
That ain't just a line, girl
Come here, let's give it a whirl.
I know you're listening.....

Flatlined

...they weren't just words. (FYI,)
but 2 nights ago, maybe 3?
I took a blow
BAM! right in the gut,
Everything stopped. (my heart,)
It wasn't because of that girl, but...
duffle bags?
hm!
I'd been considering
a yard sale.
I've been trained (please note)
My mouth now
zipped. (is yours?)
Please, no? 
I'm afriad of 
what a yard sale sign (...for the taking!)
is gonna cost
you know, in case
I get strapped.

Incessantly Aware

Not a touch or a glance,

but your sheer

existence, like origami

curls a toe or ten.

Hell, just the sight of your name

sets me aflame, period.

And well, not even 9 hours without ac

in hundred degree heat, birth

more wetness in me, from just your aura

 again and again.

I can't even imagine

what more you could give me baby...

Without any effort at all, you've

given me every

color in existence, in a world

that for me,

was always black and blue.

I don't know how you do

what you do,

only to say, I'm grateful

that you are.

yea, whatever

Dreams,
they buzz
like a trapped fly
beating its head against the window,
being taunted
from the beauty that
LIES
outside.

on a diet of strange

eyes shift
with regrets and     Lies
never spoken         Or
even whispered
but swallowed, and absorbed.
with a hallow          Vulnerability.
                            Even
purging, a constant failure.

Like                 A                Slippery rock,
It    drops
Emotionless,

just below the heart
right in the gut, where it
grows into a massive mass
             
                of
broken dreams and promises

...becoming so full, there's
no room for dessert.