My Son, Listen to My Words of Wisdom (Part 2)

My Son, Listen to My Words of Wisdom (Part 2)

My son, the time for choosing friends is ripe,

First, you can tell a tiger by its stripes.

A friend can fool you when he growls or talks.

You can discover more by the path he walks.

Others will know you by the friends you choose.

If you don’t pick winners, someday you’ll lose.

If a friend observes danger but pretends he’s blind,

You would be wise if another friend you’d find.

A friend will always tell what is true,

Even when the truth might hurt you.

A friend is there to watch your back,

And he will reason with you if wisdom you lack.

A friend will help when there’s nothing to gain.

A friend will listen and share your pain.

He’ll be there always even unto death.

But a fair weather friend has wasted your breath.

If he doesn’t want you to be better, he’s not a true friend.

Like a drowning swimmer, he’ll pull you down at the end.

Someone who always flatters you has a concealed goal.

He’s shallow and self-serving and playing a role.

Beware if he’s not loyal all the way through.

He’ll sell you out and then desert you.

A friend is there all life to share.

So choose wisely, son, a true friend is rare.

My son, as for girls, your future is bright.

You’ll find contentment if you treat one right.

A girl needs thoughts of love to fill her day.

If she has love she has less reason to stray.

A girl’s world is different from the one you know.

Relationships and emotions help her bloom and grow.

Look in her eyes each and every day.

Her feelings are important. Listen to what she has to say.

Don’t be afraid to show a little romance.

Hold her in the moonlight and laugh and dance.

Your thoughts will remain positive, son,

If you count your blessings one by one.

Tell her she’s beautiful and just what you need,

Then it’s like dancing and you’ll have to lead.

Don’t look for things she might do wrong.

Mention what she does right. Then move along.

There will be days when your cup is half full.

Choose to be positive and life won’t get dull.

Surprise her with flowers, whether picked or bought.

Keep your romance smoldering and the flames hot.

Kiss her each night before you sleep.

A kiss will remind her your love is deep.

Whisper sweet words as you hold her near.

And the wisest of all, son, always be sincere.

A Scandal is a Storm with a Voracious Appetite

A Scandal is a Storm With a Voracious Appetite

Stir a Scandal and it only gets bigger.  One misdeed grows larger, getting energy from opposing forces, until it becomes a storm of increasing destructive strength sweeping over a wider area, changing the landscape forever.  And yet, in spite of all the debris and obvious evidence, there is denial that the storm ever existed, or if it did exist, the claims are made that it did no damage.

  A political storm is not about a politician being open and honest with constituents.  It is about truth management.  First, is it necessary to tell the truth? How much truth should be told?  Who needs to know and why?  If the truth comes out will it destroy the power base or the sources of income? To what extent should the sources of truth be stopped? 

A politician is not one person, but the figurehead of an organization.   That organization has spent time and money building an image, lifting the politician to a position of power.  Unscrupulous members might be assigned the chores of keeping bad news or truths hidden.  Small scandals can be countered with lies or money. Large scandals might require more drastic measures.  And the politicians themselves might never know how the scandal is handled.  A scandal is a storm with a voracious appetite, springing up suddenly, and out of control.  Such is the story of Any Mann.

Any Mann began as a small town candidate running for a small office.  He kissed babies, became a member of the school board, the county water district, the city council, and quietly began building his resume.  He had help, of course, from an organization that saw his potential.  He wasn’t particularly bright, but he was handsome and well groomed, did and said what he was told, smiled a lot, and had a clean record.  He was a near perfect candidate and the organization could build a power base around him.

 He was elected to the state assembly on the first try, not because he was so great but because the organization easily outspent his opponent.  After three terms Any was elected to Congress and gradually worked his way onto powerful committees.  Those who had supported him throughout his career now began asking him for favors as a way of repaying their investments. The requests were harmless at first, but the demands became increasingly bold, and were hard to put into bills without public exposure.

The pressures on Any were growing and he began taking prescription drugs to ease his stress.  His political strength was building and he was becoming a name across the country. 

He returned to his home town for a Mother’s Day celebration.  His sister, brother and selected friends joined him.  They partied hardy.   Any relaxed and was glad to be away from the pressures of Washington although he still had his bodyguards. Sometime in the evening drinking and drugs mixed.   Any at first appeared normal but soon he was out of control.  He found his sister, Patti, asleep in another room.  After a brief struggle he overpowered and raped her. 

As morning neared he came to his senses and became afraid.  “Get out! This is your fault!  You’re trying to ruin me!”  He shoved her out of the room.  “I don’t ever want to see you again!”

Their older brother was awakened by the commotion and found Patti sobbing inconsolably, curled in a fetal position.  After a few minutes he asked gently, “What happened?” Patti ‘s eyes widened.  “I can’t tell you,” she sobbed.  “You have to,” he insisted.

 “Any raped me,” she blurted. He held her hand, gradually comprehending the gravity of the situation.  He hugged her and said, “Everything will be all right.  After I find Any I’m taking you to the hospital.” 

He found Any outside the house, talking with a bodyguard.  He walked up to Any and asked bluntly, “Patti’s our sister. Why did you rape her?” 

“Don’t be taking her side when you don’t even know what happened! I knew she’d say something like that.  She’s a tramp!”

Before Any could say anything more, he was knocked down. His brother stated, “I should kill you but after I take Patti to the hospital, I’m holding a news conference and telling the nation just what kind of jerk you are.”

 He spun about and marched out.  Any turned to the bodyguard.  “I guess it’s all over.”

The bodyguard was on his cell phone immediately.  After a few seconds he said, “Go get in my car and wait there.  Don’t talk to anybody. The big boss says hang tight.  We’ll handle this crisis before it gets out of control.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is not the time to ask questions, sir.  Just follow directions.  Everything is already put into motion.”

Any saw his brother and sister drive away in his government issued sedan. He put his head into his hands. “What is going on?  I can’t believe that I’ve screwed up my life.” 

In his anguish he missed the following scene. A gray car pulled out and followed the sedan at a respectable distance.  A few blocks away at a stoplight the gray car suddenly pulled up alongside the sedan.  Several guns fired simultaneously.  The sedan lurched forward and crashed into a pole.

The gray car sped away.

Within the hour a news bulletin was issued.  “This afternoon at 1 p.m. an attempted assassination on Congressman Any Mann was made.  His driver, brother and sister were killed by unknown gunmen.  By a lucky circumstance Any had been called away to an emergency meeting and was not in the car.  Our government has just issued a High Alert until the gunmen can be found.”

The resulting publicity and the way Any handled himself over the next few months raised his ratings in the polls.  He became a presidential candidate and insiders said he had the best chance of winning.

But there were rumors that kept bubbling up and damaging Any’s image. Did someone have a video showing Any and his brother fighting?  Could that bruise on his cheek be explained?   Did someone actually have a tape of Patti’s dying words?  Attempts were made to squelch each and every rumor but that only made the rumors spread.  Did Any order his brother and sister killed?  Should such a man be elected to the White House? 

It wasn’t long before the other congressmen considered Any a liability and began distancing themselves.  They didn’t want to go down with his ship.  Finally the organization behind him cut all ties.  “You can’t do this,” he stated. “I didn’t order my brother and sister killed.”

Within the hour a new bulletin was issued.  “This afternoon Congressman Any  Mann was found dead in his office.  A note was found beside his body.  Any had been described as despondent by several of his close friends. A memorial will be held.”

The storm was over and all was quiet.  The organization was busy, however, looking for a new candidate, someone they could package and sell.  It was not about finding the best person for the job.  It was simply a matter of merchandizing magic.  Tell the people what they want and then convince them that their desires were granted.  Anything can happen in the land where dreams come true.

"Sweaty and Dirty" (Part Three)

Relationships aren’t easy, but when your trust is strong,

Your love will outgrow your heart, you can’t go wrong,

Right now your heart is focused on your friend,

Take time to discover what you want, let your heart mend,

So far, I’ve not been impressed with how you’ve treated me,

When you’re ready to accept me as I am, then we’ll see,

I think your heart is too small within your chest,

I’ll be your friend and nothing more, I think that’s best,”

I left her in her doorway, her gaze fixed on my back,

She had things to think about, things she might lack,

A few weeks later her call woke me from dreams,

“Talk to me,” she said, “I need to face the truth it seems,”

“You told me the truth but I thought you were wrong,

I didn’t realize I was weak, and you were that strong,

I want to know you and not what you can become,

You made me see myself, how I treated you like scum,”

At first we talked and shared about superficial things,

As we relaxed we considered what the future might bring,

Yet as we talked I wondered if she would ever love me,

Would she share my dreams and forget her reverie?

That was the first night, there were several yet to come,

I wanted to love her, I truly tried, but my heart was numb,

 She gradually changed as she looked within her heart,

She loved me for me, but I didn’t know where to start,

I was still her friend, I thought that was for the best,

And I knew her heart had grown, deep within her chest,

I knew I liked her, even loved her, but I couldn’t trust,

Was her heart really open, had she cleared away the rust?

Three months had passed, it seemed an eternity,

We went out to dine, she had invited me,

She said, “My heart has grown, deep within my chest,

I can’t contain my love,” (and perhaps you know the rest),

It was difficult for her to hide her fright,

Her small voice quavered ever so slight,

When she asked, “Are my breasts too small?”

She was exposing thoughts, fears, her very all,

She had pulchritude, talent, and intelligence,

Everything I thought was of the essence,

Her eyes searched mine hoping to find,

That I had forgiven her and made up my mind,

If I loved her, she needed desperately to know,

More than a friendship, she wanted love to grow,

Who knows if I was thinking, but I took a chance,

I wanted a relationship with true romance,

She was a changed person, she loved me for me,

A deep love without conditions, all it could be,

She had finally decided she could settle for poor,

She didn’t know that she was really getting more,

I was hired by a company that was starting to grow,

Within a few years I became the CEO,

And Staci got someone who would treat her like a queen,

Forever and always, and the time in between.

I'll Love My Neighbor

I’ll Love My Neighbor, My Community, and My World

When I was a child I felt secure in my mother’s arms,

I didn’t worry whether she would keep me from harm,

My world was limited because my vision was small,

But my understanding of relationships grew tall,

My nights were filled with moonlight and dreams,

Dreams of people who were part of a living stream,

Thus I began my quest to learn who they were,

And find where I would fit within this endless blur,

The search to belong became my secret song,

I wanted real relationships with the bonds strong,

Real questions that had meaning I wanted to ask,

To know my neighbors, was that too big of a task?

I wanted to exchange truth, not cause anyone strife,

Not to tell me they’re okay, then take their own life,

I wanted a community that found common ground,

Where people of all kinds were happy to be found,

My house would be open to all who passed through,

Not just for old friends, but even the new,

Failures of yesterday would become foundations for today,

Each mistake used to motivate to find a better way,

Relationships building up each other, with mercy and respect,

The rewards would keep returning, more than I expect,

I love my neighbors, my community, and my world too,

I would like to start somewhere, so what can I do?

No one was meant to be alone, whatever may befall,

You’re invited to my house, whether you’re different or not at all,

I’ll do what I can to share my life and maybe so will you,

We’ll build bridges across our differences and see what will ensue,

For all the world to see, our friendship would be on display,

If it’s all the same to you, there’s no reason to delay,

I’ll care for my neighbor like myself, compassionate and loving too,

I’ll seek good whenever I can, and that’s all I’ll ask of you.

What It Is, It Is....................

A friend of mine asked me today,

“What should I do if love has its way?

I don’t know how to keep the flames stirred,

Do you know the answer? Tell me the secret word,”

I studied him intently, “You know my advice is free,

And I’ll tell you the truth even if you disagree,

You’re much like the others who sought me out,

Confused by love but your heart is stout,

If you are ready for my answer I will proceed,

I’ll tell you a short story about a man and his seed,”

He nodded his head and inclined his ear,

Ready for the wisest words he might hear,

“What it is, it is”………………………………………….

He looked at me puzzled, then started to grin,

“You’re trying to confuse me before we begin,”

I shrugged my shoulders and looked him in the eye,

“If you don’t take my answer seriously, I won’t even try,

There are struggles in love as you know well,

If you don’t get it right, it becomes a living hell,

But if you listen carefully to all I have to say,

You’ll find heaven, here on earth, each and every day,”

He motioned for me to share the things I might know,

So I began again, saying the words real slow,

“What it is, it is”……………………

This time he listened without making a sound,

“My example is about a garden and fertile ground,

A man started with good soil, wanting the very best,

The site was prepared, everything passed the test,

He sought opinions as he took extreme care,

He tilled it one more time until soft and fluffy there,

He marked his rows, planted the best of seeds,

Sent water down the rows, enough to meet their needs,

He gave thanks and smiled, now that his work was done,

He was proud, there was good soil, seed, water and sun,

He was ready to relax and take a long trip,”

My friend stirred, “He needs to get a grip,”

“What it is, it is”…………………………………………

He looked at me and silently shook his head,

I didn’t explain, but returned to the story instead,

“The man returned, expecting to harvest his crop,

But there was no moisture left, not even a drop,

The once soft ground was hard, the plants were dry,

Insects had shredded everything, his whole supply,

All that was left was ruined, it didn’t fit his needs,

The ground was covered with hundreds of weeds,

He was upset and he still didn’t understand,

I tried to clarify carefully about gardens and land,

“What it is, it is”………………………………………….

I explained to him and I’ll now tell it to you,

“With gardens and love there are rules few,

Rule number one:  Should I let it go?

Let your inner compulsive child speak soft and low,

If something isn’t very important, don’t let it grow,

Love has a chance to bloom for all your life,

If you strive for peace and love instead of strife,

Rule number two:  Should I fix it?

Choose to listen without harsh words,

Don’t chatter loudly like angry birds,

One cannot fix a problem without the other,

Compromises are necessary or why even bother?

Rule number three:  Should I deal with it?

The first thing to remember is the commitment you made,

When you decided to join, the foundation was laid,

You made a choice to become her lover,

A commitment is a choice made over and over and over,

What some people forget is their garden to tend,

They know where to start but don’t wait for the end,

Within each of us is a garden that will yield much love,

But the garden needs tending with help from above,

Should you be negligent and let it grow wild,

In a short growing season you’ll find nothing worthwhile,

Spending time in your garden is a worthy endeavor,

You have to pay attention if you really mean forever,

You cannot neglect all you have promised to share,

Or her heart will dry up without tender care,

And if there’s too much time you spend away,

It’s possible for her weary heart to stray,

And should you get caught up in evil deeds,

Your love will eventually get choked by weeds,

Love is more than the emotions she holds for you,

It is the patience and kindness that you can do,

With loving care you’ll reap rewards from her heart,

She’ll love you forever from finish to start,

Faithfully protect and cherish to keep love alive,

Do your best for your garden and your love will thrive,”

“What it is, it is”…………………………………………………………..

Your Eyes Speak From the Heart

(It’s your eyes)
I hear the words you are saying,
But your eyes talk too.
They tell a different truth.
Your mouth whispers what you want me to hear.
False words of undying love,
Words claiming forever.

Your eyes, your beautiful eyes,
Tell the whole story,
From beginning to end,
With all the details at hand.
Your lips are convincing
But they change their mind,
And move without the truth.
Your eyes, portals to the soul,
Speak from the heart.
They cannot lie,
They separate themselves from excuses,
They speak straight and true.
Oblivious to your silver tongue,
Those orbs contradict the words
That slide so easily from your mouth.
I do not believe your words,
But I believe your eyes,
They speak from the heart.

New Year's Resolutions (Part Two)

This year I’ll learn to trust and treat everyone as a friend,

A handshake and a well spoke word will mean truth again,

I won’t live a life gone by, stewing in my own pot,

Wallowing in self pity, at a time and place I’d rather not,

I’ll enjoy all the challenges that life always poses,

But never for a day or a minute, forget to smell the roses,

I’ll plan for the future and dream about what could be,

With my feet planted in the present to keep my sanity,

I’ll dance like nobody is looking, probably that’s best,

I may not win a dance contest, but I’ll show some zest,

Love with my whole heart, halfway will not do,

Holding part of myself back, is not fair to me or you,

I’ll treat everyone with respect, in each and every relation,

For without respect there will not be a solid foundation,

I’ll spotlight my strengths and focus on what I do well,

I want this year to be positive, on faults I will not dwell.

Making a Choice (The Fairy Queen and Me)

Making a Choice (The Fairy Queen and Me)

The fairy queen stood proudly by me,

A statuesque beauty at my side,

And I, the recently exiled king,

Was thrilled she was my bride,

Upon my shoulders I wore a cloak,

Fairy magic had hidden me well,

To any outsider I appeared an oak,

In harmony with earth with the spell,

My trusty sword was ready to swing,

I thought with fairy magic,

I could conquer anything,

But alone I walked, a battle to seek,

My enthusiasm was shaken,

My knees were suddenly weak,

I realized I could not attack from the wood,

For fairy magic can only be used for good,

I noticed a stranger approaching from the east,

With a long bow and quiver, riding a beast,

A canvas covered box was within his grasp,

He asked if I wanted him to open the clasp,

“Only if it holds something for the good,

I’ll accept nothing evil, let that be understood,”

The stranger looked startled and ceased to grin,

“Think clearly, oh king, if you desire to win,

I have magic in this box that could kill you,

And the arrows I carry fly straight and true!”

“Go,” I said, “I’ve learned much from my queen,

Honesty, beauty, joy, and the earth always green,

I will not change my mind even unto death,

So away with your evil,” I hissed under my breath,

I watched him leave for a long, long, while,

Then I turned and saw the fairy queen’s smile,

She whispered, “I love you more than you’ll ever know,

I’ll fight by your side, dealing blow upon blow,”

I uttered, “With goodness and truth we’ll find another way,”

I could feel love’s awesome power increasing that day,

But was there too much evil to enact a new plan?

Would good be banned forever from this land?