Choices… we make them every day… sometimes many times a day!

They may range in “size” from very small to sometimes very large. Some of them we make automatically… like taking the next step, or reaching for a glass in the cupboard. And some of them — like deciding what you want to do with your life… or deciding on a life mate… or sorting out your beliefs — can feel insurmountable!

Of course, the simple choices (the ones in the middle) might include what to eat for dinner or what to wear when you get dressed in the morning.

We, in America, are guaranteed Freedom of Choice — at this time in history, we have more choice than any group of people ever has had before, and thus, more freedom and autonomy.

The poem “You Live And You Die By The Choices You Make” is an observation of mine of a few years back… a recognition that what had happened to me in my life was a direct result of the choices I had made. I spoke with friends and family about the subject, and learned that they, too, saw the connections between the choices they had made and the results which had formed their lives.

So, I share my poem for the September 2020 Poem Of The Month, in the hopes it will resonate with you during these interesting times. Currently, we are faced with many choices that are not in the category of “automatic” or “simple.” They may be life-threatening or life-saving. The choices are up to us! And, as the line in the poem urges, we must “Make sure they’re based on love, not fear.

Whatever the question, love is the answer.

YOU LIVE AND DIE BY THE CHOICES YOU MAKE

Your life is the sum total of the choices you make.
You choose the directions that your life will take.
You decide what you want, you hold the wheel,
So steer your course and your life will reveal
The results of your choices. It’s always your move.
As it unfolds, you look to improve.

It’s your choices that show what you really are —
More than your abilities — oh man, by far!
You are solely responsible for the actions you choose.
You must accept the consequences and risk the blues.
In deeds, words, and thoughts throughout your lifetime;
Your awareness to detail must work all the time.

Mankind’s greatest gift, or course, if you will
Is that we have free choice, and it takes skill
To determine the motive for the choices as they appear —
Make sure they’re based on love, not fear.
Sometimes it’s only a choice of attitude,
And sometimes it results in gratitude.

The key to your universe? Your ability to choose!
It’s very important and nothing to abuse.
Only by exercising your choosing right
Can you exercise the ability to change your plight.
And accidental choices are as important (yours and mine)
As the careful choices you make by design.

Other people’s choices are nothing more
Than another alternative for you to explore.
You may make a thousand little choices each day.
All of them count as you walk your pathway.
Some of your choices may cause you strife…
Manage your choices and you’ll manage your life.

The end result of your life on this planet
Will be the sum total of your choices. You plan it.
Freedom comes to you when that power you keep —
The power to choose. You sow and you reap.
Make good decisions and in them rejoice.
There’s no life as complete as the life lived by choice.

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.