Hard times require poetry, so I’m throwing myself into the works of some of my favorite poets this evening. I’m laying down all the challenges of the week, the month, the year, all the disgust I feel over the Rittenhouse verdict, and all the pent up emotions over [it seems] a hundred other things.
If we are not careful, the bitter disappointments and horrors of this world can make us distant and cold, so let’s meditate on the wisdom of Maya Angelou and strive to show up in a way that will stand for eternity.
“Continue” by Maya Angelou
(This is part of the poem written as a gift for Oprah Winfrey)
My wish for you
Is that you continue
Continue
To be who and how you are
To astonish a mean world
With your acts of kindness
Continue
To allow humor to lighten the burden
of your tender heart
Continue
In a society dark with cruelty
To let the people hear the grandeur
Of God in the peals of your laughter
Continue
To let your eloquence
Elevate the people to heights
They had only imagined
Continue
To remind the people that
Each is as good as the other
And that no one is beneath
Nor above you
Continue
To remember your own young years
And look with favor upon the lost
And the least and the lonely
Continue
To put the mantel of your protection
Around the bodies of
The young and defenseless
Continue
To take the hand of the despised
And diseased and walk proudly with them
In the high street
Some might see you and
Be encouraged to do likewise
Continue
To plant a public kiss of concern
On the cheek of the sick
And the aged and infirm
And count that as a
Natural action to be expected
Continue
To let gratitude be the pillow
Upon which you kneel to
Say your nightly prayer
And let faith be the bridge
You build to overcome evil
And welcome good
Continue
To ignore no vision
Which comes to enlarge your range
And increase your spirit
Continue
To dare to love deeply
And risk everything
For the good thing
Continue
To float
Happily in the sea of infinite substance
Which set aside riches for you
Before you had a name
Continue
And by doing so
You and your work
Will be able to continue
Eternally
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Your feelings are your reality. It’s best to express them rather than letting them eat you alive.
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Beautifully written. Regards!!
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What a beautiful poem. May God bless and sustain you today.
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Thank you, Rev Russ. Difficult times require beautiful poetry. Maya Angelou is one of the best for these times.
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That’s a beautiful poem to share with us. Even though I suspected what the verdict would be, I was still shocked when Rittenhouse was not guilty of all charges. I cried for the injustice. What can we do, but carry on. As the Obama’s say — If they take the low road, we go high. I pray that God brings justice to this world, that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Soon, Lord, please!
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Yes…carry one. Prayers for us all. Hugs…
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Thank you.
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Thank you…for dropping in and appreciating the post.
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Chandra Lynn, from your words and from what I see from others here, we are at odds regarding certain issues. But. That will not stop me from embracing you as you are for you have every right to be who you are. I do not get involved in the world at large for my Guidance has shown me where Heaven on Earth truly is and that, my friend, is where my heart remains every day. I loved these words in your poem, feeling such deep Gratitude that though we may not see eye to eye at times, bottom line, when it comes to Love we can all agree that is the only way to live. Thank you for sharing you. Much Love to you! xo
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, AmyRose! I love the variety of thought and principles in the blogosphere. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me or even share my values. What matters to me is that we respect each other’s humanity and right to be who we are. That is the spirit of your comment and I respect that. And yes, when it comes down to it, LOVE is the only way to live well. Love to you as well… ❤
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Let us both pray that what is happening here on WP radiates out to the world so that people will be able to talk with each other again without hatred or anger or violence. We can only live through our example living in peace, acceptance, and love, setting the precedence that under all this dissension we are humanity.
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Maya Angelou is a balm to my soul after the retrograde verdict. Thank you.
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Yes. A balm indeed. Hugs…
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Your words are MAGIC Chandra Lynn.
The repetition and contrast of “I just can’t”.. BUT. I. MUST. Stopped me in my tracks.
Grateful to have found you on WordPress. I look forward to seeing the world through your words (and eyes).
Andrea ❤️
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That “i.just.can’t.” was a hard moment. Thankfully, my initial response–after much contemplation and prayer–transformed. I never want to get stuck in “can’t,” especially when it comes to my well-being.
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This beautiful piece brought about a sense of peace throughout this.
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I am so happy it provided a bit of peace for you, Lucie! Hugs…
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A wonderful poem. many thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for enjoying!
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Pleasure. Happy Tuesday.
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