December 2024’s poem, TRUST, took longer to write, so it’s late, and I apologize. Christmas “stuff” kept pushing the writing to a back burner, it seems. But as I was writing it I couldn’t help but notice that the words, TRUST and TRUTH looked alike (five letters long, and the first three the same), and I wondered if they were connected by the same root word.

Sure enough:

“The words trust and truth originate from the same linguistic
 root: proto-Indo-European — DERU — meaning something
firm, solid and steadfast.”

It seems that TRUST and TRUTH have been two sides of the same coin since the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age. (I should have taken that linguistics course in college!)

By the way, there’s a wonderful restaurant in my town (Kirkland, WA) named DERU. Their food is honest and straightforward, and absolutely DELICIOUS! Next time I go in, I will ask them where and how they decided on the name.

Have a lovely holiday season… and remember, whatever the question, love is always the answer.

TRUST

It’s said that trust is the “glue of life.”
It’s the most essential ingredient for effective communication.
“Trust” and “truth” come from the same root word.
Without truth, then trust is no longer a consideration.

Trusting is hard, but knowing who to trust is harder.
Use your intuition to determine the way.
You can usually trust your gut, better than your mind.
If it feels right, it probably is right. Pay to play.

Trust is like a mirror. You can fix it if its broken,
But the cracks will always be there in full view.
Nietzsche says, “I’m not upset that you lied to me;
I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.”

Trust starts with truth and ends with truth.
It’s built with consistency and, with time, will grow.
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters
Cannot be trusted with the big ones. Oh, no!

Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
That trust that we place into ourselves
Can make us feel trust with others… and more positive.

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”
One George MacDonald is credited with these words.
Trust is the foundation upon which more can be built
It requires a track record. Truth is the catchword!

When I chose the subject (Perfection) to write the November 2024 Poem of the Month, I thought I had a clear picture in my mind about what perfection is/was. But no, the more I studied other people’s definition of the word, the muddier my image became.

So many of the philosophical comments on the subject boiled down to this: Perfection is not attainable, but striving for it can bring the seeker to excellence. And others suggested that if perfection could be reached, it would be a boring and dull existence.

What would one do in his or her life if perfection was already reached? There would be nothing new to learn and be amazed by or excited about…

Yet, many of us grew up in a time when we were encouraged to reach perfection in all of our activities — academic, athletic, social, emotional — you get the drift. If I had followed all the advice received on how to live a perfect life, I’d probably be locked up somewhere!

So, in striving for perfection, I am happy to be aiming for excellence… or very good… or acceptable. It makes my life much more exciting and interesting. I will never reach perfection!

Thank God!

PERFECTION

So, what is perfection? Is it attainable?
Are we to go through life pursuing an impossible goal?
The journey never ends because we are always “on the way,”
Seeking our own perfection… that’s how we roll!

“Do it this way!” “No, do it like this!”
From birth we are subjected to others’ paths to perfection.
Well-meaning “teachers” share their knowledge (show the way);
Until we find our own path, our own direction.

Since each person’s ideas around what’s perfect differ greatly,
We’d say the concept of perfection is subjective.
If you’re always seeking perfection, you’ll never be content.
Truthfully, is that how you want to live?

Salvador Dali said, “Have no fear of perfection —
You’ll never (ever) reach it (by the way).”
Aiming for “perfect” will bring failure every time.
Progress is much more important anyway.

Don’t let your want for perfection turn into
Procrastination out of fear of failure.
The pursuit of perfection often impedes improvement,
So strive for improvement, which I’m sure you’ll prefer.

Rather than grasping what you believe to be perfection,
Stay loose and enjoy the things you learn along the way.
It’s thought that there are two kinds of perfect:
The one you can never achieve and the one you live every day.

And when you stop expecting others to be perfect (in your eyes)
You will be able to like them for who they really are.
Beauty and ingenuity beat perfection every time.
Love yourself as you are — you are spectacular!

During this election year, it feels as though kindness is in minimum supply… and as it draws closer to Election Day, the need for kindness is even greater!!! 

So, I brought along, or borrowed from, a few “friends” who believe(d) strongly in the need for kindness in the world, and who willingly and generously offered their opinions on the subject.

I believe that kindness is love in action, and that the words “kindness” and “love” can be used interchangeably.

I hope you enjoy the poem, and remember: Whatever the question, love is always the answer.

KINDNESS

It’s said that we think too much and feel too little.
Does thinking get in the way of being kind?
Not so, if one believes the words of some people
Whose kindness matches the wisdom of their mind.

ALBERT EINSTEIN, in sharing what gave him courage
To face life cheerfully (perhaps discovered in his youth)
Which lighted his way throughout his life,
Are the ideals of kindness… and beauty and truth.

BUDDHA: When words are both true and kind,
They can change the world (he does report).
Platitudes are not truth… they’re only words.
Without compassion and kindness they fall short.

Constant kindness can accomplish much.
ALBERT SCHWEITZER likens it to the sun melting the ice.
Misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility can evaporate.
With the rays of kindness, communication is nice.

Do your little bits of good from wherever you are.
Kindness comes in all sizes, large and small, it’s true.
Those little bits of good, when put together,
Overwhelm the world, according to DESMOND TUTU

ELISABETH KUBLER-ROSS says a person’s greatest need
Is real, unconditional love from others around.
A simple act of kindness towards people who need help
Will serve to restore them back onto level ground.

Human kindness, according to FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT,
Has never weakened the stamina of anyone, or
Softened the fiber of a free people.
Cruelty is not a sign of toughness anymore.

MAYA ANGELOU shared her wisdom regarding kindness:
People will forget what you said ( — even with zeal);
They will forget what you did ( — the actions you’ve taken);
But they will never forget how you made them feel.

The simple religion of the DALAI LAMA requires
No need for a temple or complicated philosophy.
Your own mind, you own heart, is the temple.
Simple kindness is your guidance, don’t you see?

Love and kindness are never wasted.
They make a big difference in everyone’s lives.
BARBARA DE ANGELIS says they bring two blessings:
To the one who receives them, and the one who gives.

Kindness is doing the very best you can,
From where you are (you need not move across town),
With what you have (it is enough).
In a few simple words, make kindness a noun.