Though this poem was written a few years ago, the message continues to be appropriate now. If each and every one of us, like the imagined couple in their mud house in Africa, were to maintain just and joyful relations with each other, imagine “What A Wonderful World” it could become! (Thank you, Satchmo!)

Whatever the question, love is the answer!

MEND THE WORLD

When strife occurs between nations —
Between neighbors or loved ones, as well,
An unease is felt by everyone,
It’s shadows to foretell.
Pain and misery will follow
Until you can put it to rest.
There’s a way to reduce the tension;
This might describe it best:

We are a part of the great woven texture
Of our world and the universe unending.
When fabric has suffered a break
The metaphor for healing is mending.
When a couple in their mud house in Africa
Maintain just and joyful relations,
The world is a little bit better place,
And they deserve our congratulations.

As members of the world community
We must run our own checks and balances.
Then make repairs to the tear in the web
And enhance, with love, our alliances.
Review your actions the past twenty-four hours;
Imagine your ability to refashion.
Mend your world one correction at a time,
Then live your life with passion

July… a month, which on the 4th, officially celebrates our patriotic feelings about the formation of our nation… a time normally spent together with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company…

EXCEPT… avoiding Covid-19 has changed our habits this year, and maybe even our thoughts as we continue to wash our hands… and safely distance… at home.

It has given me plenty of time to examine the concept “Patriotism” and what it means to me. An earlier poem in my book MILESTONES, called "E. M. Forster Speaks For Me", carries a similar theme to this, my July (2020) Poem Of The Month.

EXAMINING PATRIOTISM
“Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes.” - Bertolt Brecht

Mark Twain said: “Patriotism is supporting your country…
… all the time,” as he paused in his thought;
Then added: “and your government (only) when
It deserves it!” (a passing shot.)

Teddy Roosevelt said: “Patriotism means to stand by the country…”
Then added a clarification quite sound:
“It does not mean standing by any public official
Unless he or she serves the country.” (words profound!)

The English writer, Julian Barnes, said: “The greatest patriotism
Is to tell your country when it’s behaving [badly];”
To make it accountable to all of its people.
Is that happening here at home? No… sadly.

And Edward Abbey, essayist and novelist,
Wrote these words —it’s clear what he meant:
“A patriot must always be ready to defend
His country against his government.”

Benjamin Franklin uttered this, and somehow it applies
To the present ungainly situation:
“You can give a man an Office,” (elected by the people)
“But you cannot give him Discretion.”

What we in our country really want
Is an America as good as its commitment.
Our Constitution outlines those promises very clearly.
Are they unfolding in the way they were meant?

Our Constitution is a wonderful gift,
But it has no power on its own.
We, the People, give it meaning. We must participate…
The outcomes are up to us, it has been shown.

Being an optimist by nature, the idea for June’s Poem of the Month came into being as a logical extension following my April (Leadership), and May (Interdependence), Poems of the Month. No matter how sad or how uncomfortable the news might be to watch there is always an element of hope that (with a lot of hard work on everyone’s part) things will change and be better.

Before any possibilities can be considered, they first need to be put into words so everyone can have a look at them.

Here, poetically, is my contribution to the subject.

POSSIBILITIES (WHAT IF?)

The mind is an amazing, wonderful thing!
What people can think about can be most exciting…
Or not… it depends on what their hearts can hold.
Is it warmth and kindness, or bitter cold?

I choose to ponder the warmer, kinder heart
Which shows compassion and practices the art
Of working together with others for the benefit
Of an all-inclusive world… a dream, I admit.

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true
That makes life interesting… and to continue—
When nothing is sure, everything is possible.
Every day holds the possibility of a miracle!

A Buddhist monk, by the name Thich Nhat Hanh,
Wrote about possibility — his words a voice of reason —
Clear and concise, the meaning quite intelligible:
“Because you are alive, everything is possible.”

What if a transformation could take place?
What if — instead of confrontation face to face
Between two camps so divisive and stubborn —
They could come together and cooperatively govern?

What if… people wanted to take care of each other,
Coming together for common good, sister and brother?
What if… our beautiful planet could thrive,
And each and everyone of us could feel more alive?

What if… our air could be breathable again,
And our fish in the oceans, in good health, could swim
What if… all of us experienced good health?
What if friendship and cooperation were measures of wealth?

So many things are possible when we think they are!!
Our possibilities are endless; imagination will take us far!
With possibilities, we begin each new day.
Let’s get started on the possibilities straightaway!