poetry – Page 28 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Christian, Life, Musique, Photography Art

For the Light Awakens

Posted on November 1, 2018October 9, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

After a late night shift, one longs for a morning of peace and quiet to sleep in. Though it is quite difficult to sleep during the mornings either because of the chaos and our circadian rhythm which goes haywire, so we end up doing chores and other miscellaneous work till we drop off from exhaustion; or because of the sunlight streaming through the windows which prevents the hours of the day turning into night.

Even though our working hours have stretched the normal boundaries of our sleep patterns, the rays of sunshine brightens the day and fosters a sense of calmness, to renew and recharge with a fresh start at another chance in life. Albeit in due course we do succumb to the tiredness and have to catch up on our sleep in order to stay refreshed, still the brightness of the day offers to make the gloomiest scene pretty and live-able. As John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

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Nevertheless there are some days where even the light can’t dispel the gloomy blackness. In such cases, what we fail to realize that the inner light in us, through the tiny cracks in the shields of darkness will offer a slit for the rays so that there would be a guiding light to find a way out. Should our inner light fail, the rays of light from other true sources will be able to guide us as long as we cast one’s mind to look for them. Remember the stars, even the Pole Star even in the cloudy skies occasionally they show their light. As the lines from the “Sine nomine” go,
“And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.”

Inner or overhead lights, either way unless we use them we will be standing still in the dark. The drawback is if we stay in perpetual darkness we will lose out on the wonders, songs and the joy of living.

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Daily, Life, poetry, Random Thoughts

Cloak of Maturity

Posted on October 28, 2018October 6, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

During my initial days of college life, there used be to a particular poster always put next to the notice board outside the dean’s office. Over the years, variations of the same poster found its’ way outside our campus library as well as in the campus cafeteria. Along the years, towards the last few months of college, it was seen on the walls of a few of our local cafe’s and delis. The posters varied from being a wordle to the full fledged poem of “If”. Written by the Rudyard Kipling, it exemplifies the multitude characteristics essential to become the ideal man. In other words, this poem brings to light the stoicism and reserve seen in the classic British “stiff upper lip.”

Although I suspected that “If” found its’ predominance in my college campus so as to bring the class of students into line with the intent of bringing order and discipline into the campus. To this day, I still believe that “If” did play a prominent though subtle role during the intense situations in college life.

The core of “If” that helped us during our college days was to set parameters to reach the level of maturity in the modern world. It taught us not only to be responsible for the decisions we make in life, but to also stand up for our beliefs with due consideration to the social strictures and seek clarifications when in doubt. Although caution has to be used to see through the lies and know whom or when to give our trust. Even though education opens the doors, the skill lies in understanding which desires or ambitions to achieve and when to modulate our dreams to the current tide so as not to lose our grasp on reality. Above all not to forget our roots and neither to indulge in pompous display of knowledge or skill.

“If” made us realize that neither success stays nor does failure, but preparedness to start again if need be instead of dwelling on the losses or gains of the past. Instead we learn to deal with the disappointment and the grief. For the resilience of the human nature is like the phoenix, to rise from the ashes even if a kernel of hope exists. Above all, learn to make every hour count and then we will to find the world at our fingertips.

My Alma-mater was determined to teach us to not only ride the rough waters waves but also to secure a safe location and drop the Anchor within ourselves during the storm. For us immature youth, they taught us to wear the cloak of dignity with humility and fortitude to reach the maturity of adulthood.

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*Source: https://pixels.com/featured/if-poem-by-rudyard-kipling-claudette-armstrong.html*

Family and Society, Photography Art, poetry, Reflections

Trap of the Spider

Posted on October 17, 2018October 16, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I’ve a many curious things to show when you are there.”

For those of us who haven’t heard of or read these lines before, these are the opening lines of “The Spider and the Fly” is a poem by Mary Howitt. The poem weaves the tale of the cunning Spider who ensnares the naïve Fly through the use of seduction and flattery. Primarily this poem serves a cautionary tale against those disguise their true purpose and their evil intentions with a heavy dose of flattery and charm.

Why did these lines suddenly surface to memory? Because beyond flattery and charm, these words stipulate of a false offer of help or friendship that is in fact a trap. We meet many kinds of people in our daily walks of life especially at work, at college or university, in schools, soccer practices, local neighbourhood and even at our regular diners, parlours, gym and the market. Some of these passing acquaintances become good friends while others are like ships at the harbour, they dock, load and unload, then leave. Yet in all these interactions, there will be some offers of help which we accept based either on recommendations, favours or past dealings. On the other hand, a great deal of charm and flattery which acts as false balm to the soul wins. Eventually these end up as a trap causing a great deal of harm.

It is in these situations that I am reminded of the scene between the spider and the fly. In real life, to avoid the trap these situations have to be dealt with a great deal of tact and flair. But first, to avoid the trap, trust your gut. The inner voice inside our head, the warning bells in our mind or the queasy uneasy feeling all remind us to watch our back. From then on, it’s a matter of tact and careful untangling of ourselves from the sticky web. Although it looks difficult, there will always be a way out as long as we follow the direction of the light.

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poetry, Random Thoughts

Nurture the Bonds

Posted on October 10, 2018September 27, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

With the hectic start of the week especially over the past two days, a walk was in the horizon. There is something about a walk which brings peace and calm to the mind and soul. It is in the silent escapade with nature that writers revel, poets and philosophers think and artists find their muse. Autumn brings forth the palette of colours which calms turbulent thoughts, answers problems and stores away beautiful memories for the eyes. Above all, autumn highlights the fleeing nature of time. With summer gone, autumn calls forth the harvesting of berries, football in the courts, smell of rain and fresh earth with flashes of thunder and lightning highlighting the skies. That’s when I realized the passage of time. Along my walk today, I was reminded of the lines from Robert Frost’s words.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Although these words were part of the poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” which describes hauntingly a scene of the barren woods on a snowy evening, the theme expresses that one must concentrate on fulfilling his promises and accomplishing his duties without being distracted by the pleasures of life.

Yet what ran through my mind as these lines echoed was the fickle nature of time and the promises we have yet to fulfill. In our course of time, we have promised a lot of things to many people even to ourselves. One of the most frequent words that I used to make especially to old high school friends, college and university friends when we met at reunions or accidental meets was to “promise to keep in touch“. Even more glaring was a unanswered call or messages especially from our parents, siblings, relatives and close friends. Is it that we really don’t have the time ? How many times have we broken the promise to call back ? When was the last time we had simply called to enquire about their lives ?

Come to think of it, I answer my work calls and family calls with urgency with feelings of dread or urgency. Yet we never seem to find the time to keep the promise to just call to talk, to really listen and above all, to understand the conversation.

The hard truth is that in maintaining relationships, it’s not really distance which makes people grow apart. It’s the fact that taking people for granted, makes the relationship drift apart. True at times, amidst the hectic schedule of our lives it’s very difficult to find time for casual talk with near and dear ones. Yet the beauty of the true bonds is that they won’t mind us being busy. However, that doesn’t give us leeway to make empty promises or take these ties for granted. For time is more of a tyrant than friend, it can’t be predicted nor does it stick around. Time tends to run with the tide, waxing and waning but never still .

So one thing I determined on my walk, before the year ends and autumn fades away, it’s time to pick up the ties and strengthen the bonds. We will be always able to make time for others if we really want to. After all, there is nothing better to watch the mosaic of colours this fall with wine, reconnect with conversation to relax and break the stress.

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Christian, poetry, Reflections

Wait

Posted on September 30, 2018September 19, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

I’ve read this poem many times, at different occasions and yet it speaks to me differently each time I read…and in each waiting season I face.

Wait
by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, “Wait.”

“Wait? you say wait?” my indignant reply.
“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I’m claiming your Word.

“My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I’m needing a ‘yes’, a go-ahead sign,
Or even a ‘no’ to which I can resign.

“You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:
I’m weary of asking! I need a reply.”

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, “Wait.”
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, “So, I’m waiting for what?”

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

“I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You’d have what you want, but you wouldn’t know Me.
You’d not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You’d not know the power that I give to the faint.

“You’d not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there.
You’d not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

“You’d never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

“The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

“You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I’m doing in you.

“So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait.”

There are many plans in the heart of man, but only the Lord’s will take place. Proverbs 19:21

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Life, Musique, Quotes, Reflections

Real or Masked ?

Posted on September 19, 2018September 13, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

One of the most widely acclaimed stage movies which was previously made as a musical is “The Phantom of the Opera (2004)”.It was originally based on Gaston Leroux’s novel “Le Fantôme de l’Opéra“.The setting of novel was based on the rumours that Leroux had heard about an actual Paris opera house from the time it was constructed.

However what struck me in the entire book and movie was that the story revolved around characters who were masked onstage i.e. a masquerade. In fact on going through the lyrics from “Masquerade” song enacted in the scenes of the opera, it is impossible not to wonder if our lives revolve like one huge masquerade ball.
“Masquerade!Paper faces on parade.
Masquerade!Hide your face, so the world will never find you!
Masquerade!Every face a different shade.
Masquerade!Look around,there’s another mask behind you!
Flash of mauve,Splash of puce.
Fool and king,Ghoul and goose.
Green and black,Queen and priest.
Trace of rouge,Face of beast, Faces.
Take your turn.Take a ride.
On a merry – go – round In an inhuman race…….”

At times our life resembles like a masquerade party; rich with excitement and grandiosity, filled with enigma and spectacles!! Yet the reality is that we live in a world where very often people adorn their masks as a shield to their true self. This begs the question: Who to trust ? Who to believe ? Who is who ? is it another facade, another mask to hide behind?
In fact, St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “¹⁴And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.¹⁵It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 New International Version (NIV))

It is a sad and lonely game we play hiding the real us, masking ourselves with different masks and hiding the real authentic us. In fact, the real “us” is shadowed by the more tempting aspects of the world namely power, fame, strength, meanness and worst of all, “the people pleaser” or the doormat mask. Do we need the masks or do we don on the mask using the pretext of society ? The answer may be difficult but will echo our characters from within.

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Christian, Personal Musings, poetry, Stories Around the World

Learn from the Stars

Posted on September 17, 2018September 17, 2018 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

This is one of the poems I had chanced upon in my social network page. The words remind of His Almighty power and Grace. The glory of the universe have perplexed mankind for centuries. Man tries to break it down to the tunes of science, astrophysics, particle physics and so forth. Yet the reality is that sometimes even science reaches a quandary of exact specifications of how the universe was created and the stars were possible.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens. Psalms 8:1, New International Version

Learning from the universe especially the stars is an exhausting task. Each time I gaze upon the sky, there are new patterns to be found; man calls them constellations – the way we perceive it. In the darkness or the blaring sunlight; through the storms and through the wind and rain; the stars thrive declaring the glory of the Lord by their very existence.

“Star far in the window
Through the thickness of the space in a hurry.
Hence it seems to me a crumb,
But how it burns, but how it burns !!

She does not care about the whim of the weather,
Silent and oppressive gloom.
It burns centuries and years:
God Himself has defined it so …

And I would like in the lot
that God entrusted me,
To do my work properly, So that God could boast of me!

And as the night star
shine Delivers its distant light,
So my fragrance
Let him leave a good trace!

Ermolova S.

³When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, ⁴what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? ⁵You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5, New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.