The name of October 2022’s Poem of the Month is … And The Conversation Continues. During the past few months. I’ve been fortunate to connect with some long-time friends and, honestly, we pick up the conversation where it left off the last time we spoke!

The length of the time lapse doesn’t seem to matter.

So, thoughts about what a conversation is, and how it enhances the quality of our lives, prompted the poem.

Enjoy it, and remember…

Whatever the question, love is the answer…

… AND THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

What is more satisfying than a good conversation
With a person who stimulates your mind, and your heart?
A good conversation can shift your perspective.
People who engage are practicing their art.

Many famous people have commented on the subject:
Anne Morrow Lindbergh enjoyed a good conversation.
She said, “It’s as stimulating as drinking black coffee,
And just as hard to sleep after.” (Fun association!)

Even with all the modern “Zoomy” technology
A face-to-face conversation is certainly my preference.
A face-to-face conversation is unfolded slowly.
It teaches patience; moreover, it creates confidence.

Remember that “silence is one of the great arts of conversation.”
Cicero related that opinion in his writings.
You listen to their words before you respond.
Give-and-take in conversation is much more inviting.

Ideal conversation is an exchange of thought.
It’s not oratory or an exhibition of wit.
You build on another person’s words and observations,
And both of you reap the benefit.

True happiness arises from the enjoyment of one’s self;
And after that, the company of others that you hold dear.
Friendship and conversation with your select companions
Create in your world a loving atmosphere.

September 2022’s poem, “Elder Wisdom,” was first published in 2017 in my book, AWAKENINGS. Though short in length, it packs a powerful lesson, I think. It reminds us that we get back (usually, in like kind) that which we put into a thought… a philosophy… a project… a life!

If we think positively about something, then positive results will ensue; and the same holds true if we think in a negative vein… we get negative results!

Feed the positive, my friends. Feed the positive!!! You will be happier, and who knows? Your presence might make other people happier, too.

Remember, whatever the question, Love Is The Answer.

ELDER WISDOM

Old Cherokee wisdom passed down to the young
Around a campfire burning bright…
The Elder Woman sharing her stories so wise
To a granddaughter basking in the light,

The subject was about a battle that rages…
(Couched in terms of two wolves in a fight… )
The fight goes on inside people each day
Between Good and evil — wrong and right.

Evil is anger. It’s envy and jealousy.
It’s sorrow and regret and greed;
On the other hand, Good is joy, peace and love.
It is hope and serenity, truths to heed.

The young girl turned to her grandmother and asked,
Her face in an earnest, questioning need…
“Which one wins?” She asked the Elder Woman.
The Old Woman’s answer: “The one you feed.”

With all the negative that is going on in the world today… senseless shootings of innocent people; the war in Ukraine, (heck, the “war” between our own political parties); inflation, recession, poverty, homelessness… where does the bad news end? (Oh yes, there’s still Covid in various forms! And now Monkeypox!)

With so much happening in the world that is negative, our emotions are on overload! And what happens with overload? In most cases, people experience numbness. They become unfazed by all the negative, as it can quickly become a new “normal.”

It’s dangerous to be unfazed, my friends, very dangerous. You miss out on all the good that exists. You can choose to deliberately focus on the good! Focus on what is going right all around you.

Rise above it all — listen to your heart, follow your path and have a purpose that is larger than yourself. Make sure it is one that is for the good of all.

Remember, Whatever the Question, Love is the Answer!

Here then, my poem for August 2022, “Finding The Good.”

FINDING THE GOOD

Never let a day pass without looking for the good!
Appreciate all that is positive in your surroundings,
And give every day the chance of being the best…
Your reward will be in the joy rebounding!

The odds of finding the good while thinking about the bad
Are not possible as you go about your days.
You will always find what you are looking for…
So, look for the good! (If you need to, change your ways.)

When you look for the good in others, you discover
The best there is in yourself! Mark my word!
Your chance for success and happiness and joy
Lies within your choice to find the good. Don’t be deterred.

As you focus on the positive you think fewer negative thoughts.
Your attitude improves and optimism is let in.
You are free to think about what you can do to help
To bring change to our broken world. Imagine!

Know you cannot do all the good the world needs,
But the world sorely needs all the good you can do.
A positive mindset will open you to opportunities.
You’ll overcome the obstacles! The choice is up to you!

Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind!
Listen to your heart, and the dreams it contains.
Plato’s words: “Reality is created by the mind.
Change your reality by changing your mind.” Use your brain!

“The most common way people give up their power
Is by thinking they don’t have any.” (..Alice Walker)
You see in the world what you carry in your heart.
Carry love and hope. Share your voice. Be a talker!