poetry – Page 13 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

For the Last Say

Posted on December 30, 2019November 16, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

As the hours of the last year slowly go by and the countdown begins, the preparations of the new year slowly get underway. Looking at the winter canvas and reflecting through the turns of the previous year, each of us have gone through some of the best parts and also the “bad bits” of our lives. Whether the measure may be totally out of or in proportion, only time can ever tell. Whether tomorrow could have been better, one doesn’t know.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

To comment, critique or to envy would be easy, but each one has their own baggage to handle. Some of it may look light upfront more like the tip of the iceberg while for others, it may be evident. Whichever way it may be, each of us have been blessed in a manner. Some of those blessing may be trying events initially, but whether the disguise falls off and they turn out to be blessings of a kind, only time can tell. On a retrospective view, changing circumstances to do one’s best may be more rewarding than when felt then. To be fortunate, would be so if one has the chance to experience the gift of time and circumstances. For those things haven’t been under the control of man, despite numerous efforts and attempts for the same. Using the talents one has been overtly or subtly blessed with, change or adapt to circumstances, make moments as well as memories over time would be gifts and blessings more rewarding than any other. Venturing into the new year, let what has been done be done with, but embrace the future with His Grace, Love, Kindness as well as an alert mind, patient souls and welcoming hearts.

“It’s never too late. Don’t focus on what was taken away. Find something to replace it, and acknowledge the blessing you have.” Drew Barrymore

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

A Song for New Year’s Eve

Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay—
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.

The year, whose hopes were high and strong,
Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and song
For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One mirthful hour, and then away.

The kindly year, his liberal hands
Have lavished all his store.
And shall we turn from where he stands,
Because he gives no more?
Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.

Days brightly came and calmly went,
While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was spent!
How sweet the seventh day’s rest!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One golden hour, and then away.

Dear friends were with us, some who sleep
Beneath the coffin-lid:
What pleasant memories we keep
Of all they said and did!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One tender hour, and then away.

Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh be the new as kind!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting strain, and then away.

William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878)

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

Getting Back On

Posted on December 27, 2019November 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.” Napoleon Bonaparte

Winding down to the end of the year, while many of us may have a feel of pleasantness and personal achievements to remember the year by; for few it mayn’t be so. This year may have brought more struggle, loss or grief than the years before. This year may have brought unhappiness from the start, bringing more memories of sorrow than joy. Despite all this, the courage to go on is what matter the most.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

True that one may have more than their fair share of experiences of the “downhills” more than many. Yet looking beyond all this, to have the opportunity to see another tomorrow may be the gift of our presence and support to someone else. Life never goes as planned. Even when the ship goes smooth sailing, knowing how to face the turbulence and brave the storm makes the journey more enriching and rewarding. In the face of all odds, taking each day as it comes helps one to gear and get prepared for another chance or experience of the year to be.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Christian, Daily, Photography Art, poetry

Glow of Peace

Posted on December 25, 2019December 11, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

In the wee morning hours, as the church service had come to a close, the rays of dawn had lighted up the chapel hall. The colours of dawn through the glass stained windows had brought a sense of peace within. Through the stillness of winter, those rays bring colour, hope and joy to the gray and dark times.

One of the best parts about His Grace is handing over our troubles of life in His Hands. There is nothing as fulfilling as being blessed with the feeling of quietness and harmony within the soul. Leaving all the mundane worries, trifling matters and sorrows in His Hand, the soul is rested and comforted. Such is due to the blessing being bestowed on man on the blessed day of Christmas.

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem

Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes
And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses.
Flood waters await us in our avenues.

Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche
Over unprotected villages.
The sky slips low and grey and threatening.

We question ourselves.
What have we done to so affront nature?
We worry God.
Are you there? Are you there really?
Does the covenant you made with us still hold?

Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters,
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.

It is the Glad Season.
Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner.
Flood waters recede into memory.
Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us
As we make our way to higher ground.

Hope is born again in the faces of children
It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets.
Hope spreads around the earth. Brightening all things,
Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now. It is louder.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But, true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas.
We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.
We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come.
Peace.
Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you, to stay a while with us.
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.

On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of Peace.

We, Angels and Mortal’s, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.
— Maya Angelou
(Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Christian, Daily, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

The Selflessness Within

Posted on December 20, 2019September 18, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

With the weather turning for the worse and the rush for the holiday season in full swing, one would tend to get lost in this rush. Yet what keeps the spirit of the season going would be simple acts of kindness that we ought to do once we keep our hearts and minds open with a willingness to lend a hand at times. May be that would account for me adopting a waif of a kitten and a half starved puppy for winter, courtesy of my toddler who had discovered them both while accompanying on the last minute shopping. Sharing their hearth this cold season, the two strays were given a bit of space in the household by Queenie and Jerry, our two pets loaned from his grandparents for the season as they were out of town, on holidays with his aunt.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”
– Emily Dickinson

Each of our days are filled with numerous opportunities for random acts of kindness and gentleness. To be selfless by nature it may be quite difficult, for some element of protecting our own interests arises within. But it is learning on how to balance between both is what helps us to nurture the feel of togetherness and spirit of kindness within us. Sparing an extra meal for the homeless down the alley, doing a rapid cleaning and bundling off old clothes to the shelter downtown or offering wither in contribution, service or in kind to the community kitchens, spending time at the old age homes and orphanages are ways by which the season of giving can be experienced in it’s true form.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Many people that we may meet are like ships passing through the night. While it mayn’t be possible to provide for every ship that docks or passes, not obstructing the way of the passing ship or helping them pass paves way for smooth travel. The reality of the other side is known only when one stands in those same shoes. Being gracious and kind isn’t just for hoping that the return would happen one day, but for the fact that there is nothing to lose when one offers a helping hand now and then. It is those simple random acts that makes the world a home by itself.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

Beacon through the Mist

Posted on December 19, 2019September 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The rocky ledge runs far into the sea,
And on its outer point, some miles away,
The Lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day.”
(excerpt from The Lighthouse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

With schools closed for the holiday break, free hours were taken by impromptu walks, daytime exploration of the countryside with abandoned buildings or simple hanging out at the family homestead. During their trip to the small harbour while accompanying Grandpa was their exploration of the abandoned building standing tall amidst the rocks across the coastline. Being near my workplace, I had agreed to pick up the kids after office hours, their volley of shouts and play in the lighthouse tower brought to mind, the stories and experiences seen and held in those strong bricks.

“To be a lighthouse, you must be strong enough to resist every kind of storm, to every kind of loneliness and you must have a powerful light inside you!” Mehmet Murat Ildan

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

What had initially started as fires built on hilltops to guide the mariners had later lead to attempts to increase the visibility of the fire by placing it on a platform. Thereby, the ancient lighthouses were built functioning both as entrance markers to ports and as warning signal for reefs and promontories. As per the Homeric legend, Palamedes of Nafplio invented the first lighthouse, attested by the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Colossus of Rhodes. Although records show that Themistocles had earlier established a lighthouse at the harbor of Piraeus connected to Athens in the 5th century BC, essentially a small stone column with a fire beacon.

These on passing by the abandoned lighthouse that falls on my regular route, one tends to contemplate of the stories, the secrets, the experiences and the storms witnessed by that solitary tower. Those ships who had seen that light during the downpour and storms, or the bright yellow directing the way across the hazy air around them. With advanced communications and signalling, lighthouse may feel to be a thing of the past. Yet the reality depends on the place. Even today, it may be the strong beacon of light which guides the seafarers through the treacherous rocks, as compared to the radio signals which may be more lost than found in the storm.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Each of our lives echo the effect of the lighthouse, standing lone but independent and strong, felt similarly at certain points in our lives. As long as one decides to stay true and do their best in every situation, their very lives will be the beacon of hope and throw light to dispel the darkness and gloom surrounding those who watch them. No lighthouse blasts away their name, but by being just there as themselves in those crucial points help to steer away major loss and disaster. Instead, their beacon of light shows the way out through those difficult hours.

“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.” Dwight L. Moody

On the Lighthouse at Antibes
by Mathilde Blind

A stormy light of sunset glows and glares
Between two banks of cloud, and o’er the brine
Thy fair lamp on the sky’s carnation line
Alone on the lone promontory flares:

Friend of the Fisher who at nightfall fares
Where lurk false reefs masked by the hyaline
Of dimpling waves, within whose smile divine
Death lies in wait behind Circean snares.

The evening knows thee ere the evening star;
Or sees thy flame sole Regent of the bight,
When storm, hoarse rumoured by the hills afar,
Makes mariners steer landward by thy light,
Which shows through shock of hostile nature’s war
How man keeps watch o’er man through deadliest night.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, poetry, Quotes, Reflections

Gain the “Happy Feet”

Posted on December 11, 2019August 25, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Memphis: Whatcha doing there, boy?
Mumble: I’m happy, Pa.
Memphis: Whatcha doing with your feet?
Mumble: They’re happy, too.”
(Dialogue, Happy Feet (2006))

With the weekend gone by, the after effect of movie night saw a number of penguins popping up as cartoons, drawings, flapping of wings and the tapping of feet, all done by the toddler in the house. The current penguin fascination was the consequence of “Happy Feet (2006)” night, a story revolving around penguins, tap dancing, music, fishing and humans.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Feet#/media/File:Happy_Feet_Poster.jpg

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

What struck in the heart, as the movie scenes flashed intermittently in the mind, was the potential of what one can do as long as we find our feet and let it carry us through the path. For every step that the foot places, it takes us somewhere; but when the feet stay idle time moves on and the path is never travelled.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Lao Tzu

As one looks over the years, true potential can never be realized only by speculating but by taking the first step as well. While for every step, there may be a thousand doubts, fears, worries and anxiety of the future; it is taking that first step and doing what one loves that makes all the difference.

SourcE:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

To find one’s true form, one has to learn to dance, walk, run, fall down and climb out; all done so as a part of life. It may take time to attain the perfect dream, but going ahead in small steps with feet firm on ground, along the path would help us find the dreams and above all, be contented from within. Dreams do make a big part of life, but finding them and losing out on the happiness, peace, love and contentment doesn’t make way for happy days. As the pictures of penguins and waddle walks are doing their rounds in the house, one is reminded of being happy and finding contentment in life of the present.

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts