Give All To Love

A friend suggested I read Ralph W. Emerson's "Give All To Love". I think she was trying to give me advice about something but the point escapes me for the moment. Maybe it's something I'll get later on when I have more time. However, since it's in the public domain I thought I would share it and you readers, who might appreciate it and may understand the underlying meanings. It's not my favorite of Emerson's poems but it's okay.

Give all to love;

Obey thy heart;

Friends, kindred, days,

Estate, good fame,

Plans, credit, and the muse;

Nothing refuse.

'Tis a brave master,

Let it have scope,

Follow it utterly,

Hope beyond hope;

High and more high,

It dives into noon,

With wing unspent,

Untold intent;

But 'tis a god,

Knows its own path,

And the outlets of the sky.

'Tis not for the mean,

It requireth courage stout,

Souls above doubt,

Valor unbending;

Such 'twill reward,

They shall return

More than they were,

And ever ascending.

Leave all for love;—

Yet, hear me, yet,

One word more thy heart behoved,

One pulse more of firm endeavor,

Keep thee to-day,

To-morrow, for ever,

Free as an Arab

Of thy beloved.

Cling with life to the maid;

But when the surprise,

Vague shadow of surmise,

Flits across her bosom young

Of a joy apart from thee,

Free be she, fancy-free,

Do not thou detain a hem,

Nor the palest rose she flung

From her summer diadem.

Though thou loved her as thyself,

As a self of purer clay,

Tho' her parting dims the day,

Stealing grace from all alive,

Heartily know,

When half-gods go,

The gods arrive.

Take care

こん週、風邪を引いたみたい。
みんな　気をつけて。

An Example to Others

About two days ago I did something that surprised me somewhat. I refused an award I believe I didn't earn. Why did I make that decision though? I see it as part of my moral make-up and my own honesty. I hope this is a sign of having my moral compass set in the right direction.

Humans see themselves as different from other animals because we have morals. Personally, I think most of our morals are really about keeping things peaceful and orderly above all else however there is no doubt that our societies need them. The question is how do people use their morals in everyday life as they all are vague ideas and opinions. This requires a moral compass. Most people's compass relies on churches or guilt. Even if I followed the line I can't say these have worked well for me. Even with years of going to church and attending a baptist school things like W.W.J.D.?(What would Jesus Do?) didn't really motivate me. Instead I have really relied on what I felt was right in my gut and the old mantra about onto others as you would want done to you. These have not always worked however.

I take my decision as evidence that I have possibly found the compass that works for me. A recent conversation led me to realize that I will have people who look up to me in the future. From my own children to a stranger who might admire my work. Even now (by some odd freak of nature occurrence if you ask me) there are those who look up to me. My every act should show and protect this fact.

The More things change....

Living in America I can not help but to notice the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The daily news coverage and conversations continually bring it up. In truth I'm not angry at the company, though I know their mistake will mess up the environment. I'm merely reminded of the mantra that the more things change, the more they stay the same. People get complacent and mess up. It's a pattern of our lives. It happens on all levels; companies, regions, even the workers who are at risk. I have seen it in others and even in myself as I don't back up a computer or don't make sure I keep in touch with a friend.

The news coverage of the oil spill is also a laugh though. When it first happened there was less coverage. While I understand that as the number of gallons grows it becomes more interesting this is also unique because the solutions are getting more desperate. By desperate I really mean random and seemingly pulled out a very worn hat. We have gone from robots to chemicals to a big box and finally to throwing garbage at it! This would be hilarious if it wasn't true. It reminds me of a child who throws their project on the floor believing that it will somehow make things easier. I guess no matter how advanced we get we can't help but to just throw our hands up when things get rough.

Thinking

I have a friend who keeps telling me to think less. As I find myself worrying more and more I can see her point. I also know that it's unhealthy too at a certain degree. Problem is I'm not sure I can stop thinking. It's in my nature to think over and rethink situations.

My experiences growing have also directed me to this point. The people I most want to emulate and care for have been the same. It's those whom I've seen constantly thinking about the future that truly care for others and actually get stuff done.

There are ways to decrease worry though. Planning early for instance. One other thing I have recently realized that it's okay to fail. I'm not saying don't try to succeed but I can't really live my life to its fullest if I'm scared of failure. I have actually known this for a while but its hard to put into practice. I have given advice to several friends through the years telling them, "There's no need to worry about death if you have no regrets." I am starting to take those steps to make sure I live without regrets. I hope any readers are doing the same.

Food Truck

No! Another food truck has closed.I never did get to try the "yaki yaki" dish from Soul Food Bento.

Lioness

My friend recently told me that she thought that she had never been anyone's muse. In reality she has been a great force and example to me and others. I had written an acrostic poem I was going to give her on her birthday but maybe I'll give this one to her instead.

Lioness

Lioness,

We hear you roar.

You, ready to change our desolate future.

Past battles, fiercely fought, show on your face blending dark and light in a unique culture.

We who care worry and to ourselves murmur.

You bare your teeth in a snarl or smile.

Which do would we prefer?

Will you wear down taking on the world?

There in a hint of weakness in your eyes,

vulnerability of care.

Will you cry?

Seems unlikely as your beauty and strength carries on.

When you bear your claws we stare in awe.

That's when we decide we are ready to prop you up if you fall.