I wrote these few lines in February, 2013 just after the population count had passed the 1 billion mark. That is a lot of people and the number is rising. Many within the global population are simply a number lost within the crowd. The privileged ones, such as myself, can either live life oblivious, or seek to grapple inadequately with their pain. In doing so we will always hit the self-questioning as to whether we are having an effect or not. We have just had Adrian and Pauline Hawkes with us for 5 days. A truly extraordinary couple who are making a difference to many lives, yet they too at times have their self-doubt. That is the mark of honest and committed people to the task in front of them. (See the amazing work of Phoenix Community, to see the heart of what Adrian and Pauline are involved in.)
But Heaven reaches Lower
So much to say
but cannot speak
Places to travel
but cannot move
People to help
but unable to connect
Heaven to reach
but head that is down
Setting a goal
but without a horizon
Trying to breathe
but losing space to live
Having some doubts
but ready to fight
Fighting an illusion
but feeling better
Everything will work out
but not today
Today is not important
and losing a gift
In the midst of a storm
that is not as big
Having fears that are
as big and
more real than the fight
Yet not able to name
the fears lest they too
silence the traveller
mock the warrior
and bind the seer
In a world that is created in days
a world of chaos
that owes its existence to
whatever created it
the question shapes the Universe
Can this be the way it is?
It is but it will not be for it cannot
be all that it claims to be
Not all that glitters is gold
and not all that casts a shadow
is bad nor can it hide
the light that finds cracks
that creates shapes and reveals textures
So maybe today a word spoken could begin
with a word heard
and the gift of life
could release the breath
and restore the world to
its true size and beauty
Could the miracle be already present within the space
that is so small and there be a voice when
there is no sound.
So cannot speak
but a lot to say
Cannot move
but a lot of travel
Cannot connect but
people to help
A head that is down
but heaven reaches lower.
Martin: I’m confused. The world population today is 7.6 billion. It was 7 billion in 2012. So did you forget to add something or mistype the number. Did you mean a specific locale? Just wondering. Am I missing something?
Not missing anything… I wrote this in early 13. It was partly a reflection on a challenging time I was facing, but nothing compared to that of so many of the (then) 7 billion.
Well, I hope that challenging time has been resolved. But I know for me, every time I think, ‘that’s it, its been challenging, time to move on,” it just gets more challenging. Every time I think I’ve reached my limit on being challenged someone ups the ante. Today was especially challenging. Through a variety of mechanisms I am being harassed in my own home. It isn’t fun. Not sure how or when I can stop it. But I stand and I politely explain that certain behaviour is not okay. Do we have a date for when the challenging times shift to something easier? Would love to know. I’m sure those 7.5 billion around today would love to know too.
I take heart from the ardent teens who marched today around the world but particularly in the US and demanded that the adults in their lives behave as such. Not sure what it all means when we think of our children as disposable and are not interested in a future or their future, but I am inspired by the resounding ‘no, not good enough’ they have shouted in answer.
Would be great to resolve the real issues as easily… Hope with those who protest for sure. Wisdom is shouting from the streets… who is listening?