Darkness cannot…

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr

What Syria did was wrong.  It was an atrocity.  But, I think Martin Luther King said it best, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness…” Why can’t we be the initial aggressor for peace? Why not give money to assist  the neighboring countries that are housing the refugees? Peace can get so ugly you forget what it looks like.  But, it has been there all along.  Let’s find it.  Let’s find the peace, for humanity’s sake.

Ghetto Spirituality

I subscribe to a ghetto spirituality.
Somehow, no drama suits my everyday reality.
Guided light never suited my child’s mentality.
Original sin greets my divine individuality.
There’s no church and no pews, in my ghetto spirituality.
Brothers and Sisters see love’s innate commonality.
Golden rule trumps any judgmental brutality.
There’s always room for more, I love you in your totality.
Suits me fine and my neighbors too, this ghetto spirituality.

Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

Animals never have the threat of atomic or nuclear wars. They have disagreements, definitely. But, I have never heard of a territorial group of elephants fighting other elephants. When has a pride of lions fought the hippos for territory? Aside from a few exceptions, animals just exist. They don’t worry about money, or material possessions. They don’t worry about aging. They don’t diet, because they always eat just enough. They don’t have to pay for their entertainment, they create their own games. Yes, they hunt and kill. But, they only hunt what is necessary for their own survival. Animals don’t pollute. All of their waste is biodegradable. They know how to relax. They care for their young, but, they let them grow and become adults, as well. They understand when it is time for one of their own to die. They let it happen, and seem to understand that it is a part of life.

We are supposed to be the more intelligent species. Where did we go wrong? When will remember that we are just another animal that inhabits this wonderful planet, earth? I hope we do, before it is too late.

The Art of de Nile

The Art of de Nile

It all starts with de Nile.
It’s not Utah.
It’s Ohio.
It’s not traffic.
It’s driving.
It’s not stealing.
Its hiding.
It’s not drinking.
It’s just thinking.
It’s not a lot.
It’s just pot.
It’s not old.
Its secrets are untold.
It’s not real.
It’s how I feel.
It’s not red.
It’s my kid’s bed.
It’s not stress.
It’s just sex.
It’s not rain.
It’s cloud stains.
It’s not sin.
It’s all I’ve been.
It’s not bare.
There’s something there.
It’s not war.
It’s power that hoards.
But is all started with de Nile.

Casualties of War

Verse 1:

Politicians flex with all their might

But won’t pick up a gun and get down and fight

Passin’ billions to spend on war supplies

When the inner city gangs still grow and thrive

What are we fighting for?

What are we fighting?

 

Chorus:

Another life gone,casualty of war

What are we dying for?

Kids enlist cuz there’s no hope at home

And the killing goes on…

Verse 2:

Thousands wounded in hospital beds

Return home just like they said

Families strugglin’ to put food on the table

Now their soldiers are only half able

What are we fighting for?

What are we fighting?

Chorus:

Another life gone, casualty of war

What are we dying for?

Kids enlist cuz there’s no hope at home

And the killing goes on

Verse 3 (invert)

What about all the innocent who died

Motherless children walk the streets and cry

Did we ever really try to negotiate?

Can we lay down our arms and communicate?

What are we fighting for?

What are we fighting?

Chorus:

Another life gone, casualty of war

What are we dying for?

Kids enlist cuz there’s no hope at home

And the killing goes on (twice)

What are we fighting for?

And the killing goes on….