One of the definitions of the word Mosaic is an art piece which is "composed of a combination of diverse elements,” a seemingly perfect description of the makeup of our world’s population. While we do appear to be quite diverse — language, skin color, even the type of costuming we wear to express our uniqueness -- in our hearts and souls, are we not more similar than different? Our needs (not wants) are the same: food, shelter, safety for us and for our children, education, etc.

The poem MOSAIC, expresses my interpretation of the world as it might be… people from all over the world working together toward common goals to make this a better and safer world for us and for future generations.

MOSAIC

None of us is alone in this world.
We are each a vital piece of the whole…
The whole of humanity, the entire population…
That’s nation by nation, each and every soul.

We’re a Mosaic, not of groups, but of individuals.
We each carry a host of cultural influences.
The Mosaic is held together by the common pursuit of happiness;
The most powerful mortar, its strength is immense.

We are not a melting-pot, but a beautiful Mosaic
Of different backgrounds, beliefs, and different colors of skin.
We’re all immigrants who bring the beauty of our origins
To be anchored in a new culture where we are all kin.

It’s “Back to School,” now that September has arrived, and time to settle into the familiar fall, winter and spring routine of learning: kids back to school; travel to far-away and interesting places about which to learn; interesting speakers on tour… the possibilities for learning are endless!

As September’s Poem of the Month infers, education is a lifelong experience, and learning how to learn at an early stage will make the lifelong experience more exciting and satisfying.

Wherever you are in your lives, remember: learning never stops as we age unless we stop it. Have a wonderful season.

EDUCATION

It’s been said that a good education
Is one’s passport to a more meaningful life.
Though your lives may be filled with uncertainties,
With education you’ll function with less strife.

Oprah Winfrey says, “Education is the key
To unlocking the world.” (as you learn)
The knowledge you gain will give you perspective,
Understanding, and the power to discern.

If you develop a passion for learning
You will never cease to grow.
Anyone who stops learning is old,
No matter how much they know.

The purpose of education is to replace
An empty mind with one that’s receptive.
You learn more every day if you pay attention.
With openness of mind, you are more perceptive.

Education is not the learning of facts,
But the training of the mind to think.
Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today.
Knowledge is there at the font. Take a drink.

There’s no guarantee that education will be easy.
Very little worth having is easy to acquire.
Education is not the filling of a pail.
No, education is the lighting of a fire.

From July to September the rain shadow effect allows Seattle to have a larger percentage of sunny days than during the other months of the year. Out come the shorts, the bright colors, and the smiles on people’s faces. It’s a fantastic sight!

That’s why I chose my poem “Sunlight” for the August Poem of the Month Club.

The recent shootings in El Paso and Dayton blocked the sun for our entire nation… no, for the whole world! More than ever, we need the light, the warmth, and the love to unite our own nation and the nations of the world.

So, the poem selection stays, with the hope that people will begin to smile again and share the sunlight in peace and understanding.

SUNLIGHT

No matter how dark the night, the sun rises
And chases all the shadows away.
The sun rose today; it will do it tomorrow.
The sun comes up every day.

The mornings are full of sunshine and hope…
It’s a wonderful time to start over again—
Whether a continuation of yesterday’s project
Or a new one you’re about to begin.

A little coffee, a little sunlight…
Your troubles will begin to fade.
By focusing on your hopes and dreams
You’ll turn lemons into lemonade.

Happiness can be found in the darkest of times,
Turn your own light on without delay.
Worry does not keep it from raining tomorrow;
It keeps it from being sunny today.

What sunshine gives to the flowers that bloom,
Smiles are the same gifts to humanity.
The good that smiles do, however trifling it seems,
May lead humankind back to sanity.

A flower cannot live without sunshine;
You cannot thrive without love and a dream.
Learn from the flowers which angle towards the sun…
Lean toward people you hold in high esteem.

The sun rises, the sun falls, the wind blows, the birds sing.
No matter who you are, the story is the same.
These experiences unite us all around the world—
Togetherness in friendship is good, I proclaim!