tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66616076253217506062024-02-20T13:25:48.336-08:00Deeper MeaningThere is Deeper Meaning in everything. The trick is learning how to find it. Open your mind--you'd be surprised at what's in there.Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-50093064820313995482020-06-21T19:24:00.003-07:002020-06-21T19:24:53.638-07:00Two Snakes<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Two snakes basked in the sun one day. Suddenly, a round object landed between them. The first snake grinned, believing the object to be a delicious egg. Upon pointing this out to the second snake, the first proceeded to unhinge its jaw and begin the process of ingesting its new meal. The second snake laughed at the first, declaring that it was not an egg, but that it was in fact a stone. The first snake laughed in turn, calling the second snake blind and ignorant, for obvious<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ly the object was no stone. The two bickered for a time, insulting one another. Finally, the first snake hissed and defiantly placed its mouth around the object, beginning the long process of swallowing its meal. The second snake scoffed, then sat smugly, intent to watch the first snake choke as a result of its own idiocy. The first snake also sat smugly, watching the second snake with satisfaction, knowing that the other snake was clearly too dumb to be able to provide meals for itself, and that it would be better off going hungry.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
You yourself may be wondering which of the two snakes was right. You may be surprised to know that both were correct. The second snake was correct in that the object was not an egg. The first snake was correct in that the object was not a stone. Both snakes, however, were also incorrect, for the object they had found was a grenade, and both ended up paying the price when it abruptly exploded.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Let us not be so quick to judge others as ignorant merely because they have a different opinion than we do. There is no productivity in petty name-calling and insult. Public discourse ought to help us understand the opinions, dreams, and fears that our fellow humans hold. If we really wish to progress, we should focus more on understanding each other than on outwitting and besting each other. Reaching the best solutions to problems often requires a deeper understanding of all sides of the issues at hand.</div>
</div>
Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-75760594025079520332018-09-13T10:25:00.000-07:002018-09-13T10:27:16.324-07:00Poem #19 - Song of Storms<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Song of Storms</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(To the tune of Song of Storms from The Legend of Zelda)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ebb and flow</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Come and go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Riding waves of destiny</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Far away from shore</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Seeking so much more</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sails a-blow</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch me go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Off to find my destiny</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Knowing I'll return once more</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sounds do form</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A song of storms</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raindrops on an endless sea</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Darkness all around</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Waves relentless pound</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lightning flash</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thunder clash</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A catastrophic symphony</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Safety nowhere to be found</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cries ignored</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Overboard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Drowning in my misery</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Longing for my home</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shivering, alone</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Still I fight</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Then a light</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pierces through my misery</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Beckoning me back home</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ebb and flow</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Come and go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Riding waves of destiny</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Far away from shore</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Knowing so much more</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Now I row</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Back home I go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Returning to my destiny</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Back on my beloved shores</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
--Karl Southwick</div>
<div style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
This was just an attempt to write some lyrics to the Song of Storms from The Legend of Zelda series. Go have a listen if you've never heard it -- it's a fantastic song.</div>
</div>
Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-10051940711975329092014-11-25T07:12:00.001-08:002014-11-25T07:13:45.834-08:00Poem #18--Stars<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Stars</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I looked into my
friend's deep eyes,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
The windows to his
soul.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I saw that which he
tried to hide,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
His dread and fears
untold.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I saw the pain
beyond the panes,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I heard the unspoken
plea.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I sensed his view
that all was in vain,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
That alone he would
always be.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
His cry for help,
real but unvoiced,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Did pierce me to the
heart.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
That was when I made
the choice.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
It was time to do my
part.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
To the balcony I
led him then,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
To the comfort of
the night,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
A place where he had
often been,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Though always in
day's light.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I said, "look
up into the sky.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Tell me, what do you
see?"</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
He said, "I see
the stars up high,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Shining down on
me."</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
"My
friend," I said, "think with me.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
When you awoke
today,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
In morning's light
were you able to see</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Night's glorious
display?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
The stars, you see,
are always there,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Always giving light,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
But of this we are
not aware</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Until the dead of
night.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
All of us are like
the stars,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
All of us do shine.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
But we'd never see
this light of ours</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
If it were sunny all
the time.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
You see, my friend,
we need the night,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
To realize who we
are.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
So never try to hide
your light:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
You're someone's
guiding star."</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
--Karl Southwick</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
Based on a true story. Many times, we find ourselves lost in darkness. Trials and adversity appear to smother us, and we wonder why. I had a friend who wondered the same thing, and together we learned about our nature as children of a Heavenly King. We all have light, for we are His children, and He is the source of all truth and light. We have this light for a reason--just as sailors and travelers used the stars to guide them at night, there are people who need to see our light in order to find their way. First and foremost among these people is ourselves. We need to be able to see our light in order to know who we truly are, to see the big picture. So instead of asking why life has to get dark, look within and find your light. Never stop shining.</div>
Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-49823620045448138612014-07-08T21:16:00.001-07:002014-07-08T21:33:59.723-07:00Poem #17--Those Hands<div style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>Those Hands </u></i></b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I fell upon the cold, stone ground, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pushed by hands unseen. </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My wrists and legs were tightly bound, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My body filled with pain. </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Those hands, so filled with hate and spite, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Had tied these binding knots. </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I tried to rise, but then, with fright, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I found that I could not. </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>For, while I was on the floor, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Consumed by my own pain, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Those hands did labor evermore, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Clasping binding chains. </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thus secured, I could not fight, </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Against those ruthless hands. </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>They exposed my back, </i></span><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>with skin of white, </i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And then the wrath began. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The crack. The crack. The screams of pain, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The shredding of my skin, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The crack. The crack. The screams in vain, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thus did the wrath begin. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Crimson drops flew left and right, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">With each resounding crack. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Rivers red cut through the white </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Of my searing, burning back. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Those hands continued with sheer disdain, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">As ruthless, merciless beasts, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And, in a moment of unbearable pain, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I called on them to cease. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then, to my complete surprise, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">They stopped for cause unknown. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I weakly opened bloodshot eyes; </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">A light about me shown. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Two other hands descended then, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My limbs they did release, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My burning wounds they then did cleanse. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">All pain began to cease. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My eyes released their liquid awe, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My lips, a grateful psalm. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then in those bloodstained hands I saw </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The piercings in the palm. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Oh, Lord," I said, with shaking voice, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Oh, Lord, where hast thou been?" </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Waiting for you to make the choice </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">To allow me to step in." </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"But Lord," I said, "Those wicked hands, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">That attacked me with such hate, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, I do not understand. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Why didst thou choose to wait?" </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"My Son," He said, with caring voice, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"My Son, this had to be. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">To you it is given to make the choice. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thou hast thine agency. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Those hands that held thee captive, Son, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">That beat you unto death, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">To stop them, nothing could be done, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">'Till you, with dying breath, </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Called upon those hands to cease. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">You see, those hands unknown </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Were not the hands of thine enemies. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Those hands... </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">They were thine own. </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">--Karl Southwick </span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When faced with emotional problems or pain, stop beating yourself up. Learn what needs to be learned from it, and move on. Beating yourself up, feeling worthless or insignificant, none of that will help, in the long run. To find peace, to obtain joy, Stop beating yourself up. Get up. Brush yourself off, and move forward. Let God help, and do not reopen the wounds that have already been healed. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Water has interesting magnifying properties. Might I suggest that in this there is a symbolism? When we cry, our eyes fill with tears. So, from time to time, our sorrows might have a purpose: to magnify our vision, to help us see our life in a new light and our own role and purpose in it. Obtaining that vision, the tears will be wiped away, and we will see the world through the eyes of joy. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Food for thought.</span></span></div>
</div>
Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-60160095498873011102011-11-10T20:07:00.000-08:002011-11-10T20:09:54.617-08:00Poem #16--A Place Called Peace<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>A Place Called Peace</b></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A dream is made of many parts,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of hopes and smiles, of will and heart.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So when you dream, where do you start?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Desire is the key.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What do you want, what is your goal?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is the drive within your soul?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mine is one of joy untold.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I seek a place called peace.</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>A place where skies are never gray,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where raindrops dance, then fade away.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cool breezes on warm summer days,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">That do encompass all.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>This place is one where one can think<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">On ships of thought that never sink.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where one can sit right on the brink<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of naught, and never fall.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where one can be a prince, a king,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A maiden fair, or anything<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">That may achieve their fondest dreams<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Without all pain and fright,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where Friendship lasts and love abounds,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where charming laughter doth resound,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where flowers bloom from fertile ground<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As all Earth bathes in light.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To reach this place has been my dream,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To settle by its soothing streams.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Though time has shown that, it would seem,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I shall never meet my goal.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But then I stop, and think again,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And realize how close I have been.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This Place called Peace is locked within,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hidden inside my soul,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where I can reach it any time,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And let it flood my troubled mind,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And share it with all of mankind<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For I have found the key.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So now, when I am feeling down,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I quickly turn my life around.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For sorrow cannot here be found<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this lovely Place called Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Karl Southwick</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This poem is a description of the pursuit of peace. To me, the ultimate achievement would be to obtain total peace--of mind, of heart, of soul. Peace is a goal, a dream, an ideal that can be the birthplace of true happiness. And it is hidden within each one of us. No matter how much turmoil might be in our lives, no matter how hectic or stressful our lives might be, there is always some measure of peace inside us. All we have to do is look, and we will find it.</span></div></div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-69557044078955908552011-08-27T20:38:00.000-07:002011-08-27T20:39:28.305-07:00Poem #15--Teach the Children<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Teach the Children</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">There are those to whom we all attribute our success:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our teachers, friends, and families, to name some of the best.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But oftentimes we overlook the ones that mattered most,</div><div class="MsoNormal">The ones who started us on the path should be recognized foremost.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The teachers of the little ones, of us while we were young,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Who, on the ladder of this life, helped us up the first rung.</div><div class="MsoNormal">These teachers never ceased to teach, e’en though we were too small</div><div class="MsoNormal">To understand all of God’s words, to comprehend them all.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, in life, we may not recall the lessons that they gave,</div><div class="MsoNormal">But their importance was utmost, a life-impacting wave.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The introduction to the children of God’s word and will,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is perhaps the most important, and bears with us still.</div><div class="MsoNormal">A simple word, a kindly deed, teaching us to pray,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our teachers in this innocent age made us who we are today.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So never forget your importance, my friend, for it is great indeed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">After all, our Savior and our Lord said “Bring them unto me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">You have done all that and more, yes, that much is clear.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He is grateful you helped to save the children he holds dear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Karl Southwick</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a thank you to all of my teachers from my past. Teachers of any kind, even if that wasn't their official job or calling. We are surrounded by teachers, who are more than willing to teach us, as long as we take the time to listen. So thank you to all of you who have taught me so much. Thank you. :)</div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-62235714491936874062010-10-26T16:28:00.000-07:002010-10-26T16:28:30.928-07:00Poem #14--ListenListen<br />
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Friendship is a powerful thing, a special, helpful force.<br />
It helps us, when we’re feeling lost, to find the rightful course.<br />
So if there is one lesson now, that everyone should learn,<br />
It is that friendship’s a two-way street; we must give it in return.<br />
There are few things more important than being a great friend,<br />
Helping one another to endure right to the end.<br />
But sometimes, all our efforts seem to go on deafened ears.<br />
Friends refuse to listen, and we are driven straight to tears.<br />
Few things cause us sharper pain than good advice ignored,<br />
So when a friend commits this crime, what good can lie in store?<br />
Oftentimes we find ourselves in such a situation,<br />
Reaching out to help a friend who’s stuck in tribulation.<br />
But then they just don’t listen to our desperate pleas and cries,<br />
They simply ignore our efforts, and call our warnings lies.<br />
Sorrow fills our bodies as we gaze at a friend lost,<br />
Heading down a darkened path, unaware of cost.<br />
We try and try to hold their hand, to lead them the right way,<br />
But they simply refuse to listen, for their hearts have gone astray.<br />
And, for the friend giving advice, the pain is sure and real,<br />
For they know best, and try to help their wayward friends to feel.<br />
When a person does this thing, and good advice ignores,<br />
The sorrow of their consequences spreads faster than a war.<br />
Not only will they feel regret, when their path does reach its end,<br />
But so shall feel their caring, loving, yet newly ignored friend.<br />
So think first before you decide to go your stubborn way,<br />
Listen to the caring warnings of friends from day to day.<br />
Do not ignore their earnest pleas, if righteous these pleas are,<br />
Stand by good friends, and give them heed, and you will then go far.<br />
--Karl Southwick<br />
<br />
There are few things that make me sadder than giving a friend good advice and having them simply ignore it, moving on with what they want to do instead of what they know they should do. However, I know that I've done the same thing in the past to some of my friends. Basically, if we want to be better people, it'd be wise to listen to our friends when they tell us what they know and what we know is right. If they say we shouldn't do something, and we know they're right, no matter how much we may want to do that thing, we should listen. There's less pain in the end if you simply heed the words of your friends.Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-62429391632138165942010-10-24T21:14:00.000-07:002010-10-24T21:14:16.072-07:00Poem #13--My Personal Mission StatementMy Personal Mission Statement<br />
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Every success begins with a dream.<br />
Whether working alone or as part of a team.<br />
I will never stop dreaming, as long as I live,<br />
And when others stop dreaming, assistance I’ll give.<br />
I shall help all my colleagues, my neighbors and friends,<br />
I shall love them forever, for time never ends.<br />
But first comes my family, the love of my life,<br />
We shall stand together, through trouble and strife.<br />
To them I shall give my utmost devotion,<br />
Share memories and happiness, the purest emotion.<br />
I will value integrity, and loyalty, too,<br />
Honesty and truthfulness shall be my virtues.<br />
I shall never give up on doing my best,<br />
I shall never hate others, nor others detest.<br />
To those who I meet, I will give due respect,<br />
I shall think all my life, so I never forget.<br />
The things I have learned shall always be there,<br />
To build upon them is a primary care.<br />
I shall lean upon God as I travel on my way,<br />
Shall be used as a tool in his hands all my days.<br />
I shall never give up, and I never will quit,<br />
I will instead start again and build up bit by bit.<br />
I shall work well with others, both woman and man,<br />
I shall be there to help them, their thoughts understand.<br />
I shall spend my life helping, to be there for my friends,<br />
I shall guide them, when needed, through life’s twists and bends.<br />
I will press on forever, through joy and through sorrow,<br />
For this defines me, today and tomorrow.<br />
-Karl Southwick<br />
<br />
Each of us, while on this earth, needs something to drive us, something to guide us as we undertake this tempestuous journey of life. Personally, there are many things that I intend to focus on, specific aspects of life that I wish to follow and develop, that I might be the best I can be in all areas. This poem is the embodiment of those dreams, goals, and aspirations, drafted in order to be a map for my individual life. If I live according to these principles and standards I have set for myself, then I shall have no regrets. All people should have things like these, sets of directions they have established for themselves and that they can follow. I encourage you to come up with your own, and to abide by your own precepts.Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-75148453713146587122010-10-24T21:09:00.000-07:002010-10-24T21:09:49.901-07:00Poem #12--Families<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div>Families<br />
<br />
On this mortal journey, we oft feel alone,<br />
Abandoned, resented, joy is unknown.<br />
We swim through our trials, but quickly grow faint,<br />
What started as water has thickened to paint.<br />
We struggle and kick, fighting for air,<br />
But slowly we sink, giving in to despair.<br />
And then, all alone, we give up the fight<br />
And plunge into the darkness, deeper than night.<br />
If this is our case, then why even try?<br />
If this is our fate, why have we not died?<br />
What do you do, when the waves start to swell?<br />
How do you survive, and the darkness dispel?<br />
Listen, I’ll tell you, the answer to these<br />
Is to realize the power of strong families.<br />
We need not live in cruel isolation,<br />
From this our family can be our salvation.<br />
And this, my dear friend, is the solution to life,<br />
The answer to struggling, to pain, and to strife.<br />
Families are the seed from which goodness is sown,<br />
For with them we’re strengthened. We’re never alone.<br />
So, when you’re drowning, in trials’ dark seas,<br />
Turn to your companions, your mortal family.<br />
Love them and help them, and you will soon find<br />
They are a power that strengthens the mind.<br />
So never forget, for these words are true:<br />
Your family is there, and they can help you.<br />
-Karl Southwick<br />
<br />
This one is fairly self-explanatory. It has come to my attention that the power of family bonds in today's society is grossly undermined. People seem to just lose the will to try to help the members of their family, becoming so focused on themselves that they lose sight of the bigger picture. The thing is, the family is one of our greatest assets in our lives. We have been born into groups of fellow human beings, who have taught us and raised us, helping us along our way. In nature, most organisms experience a closeness with their families, with the groups they were born into. Humans are not an exception. Our relationships with our families should be as powerful as we can make them, for we're all on this journey together. Why should we have to go at it alone? And why on earth should we not help and gain help from those to whom we are naturally close? Not only is it good sociology, but it is science. Families are powerful. Rely on them and love them, and the quality of your life can increase exponentially.</div></div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-6205393779236941042010-10-23T09:44:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:44:55.316-07:00Poem #11--The Worth of Your Soul<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 28pt;">The Worth of Your Soul<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve heard that life’s a battleground, that we wage a constant war.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve heard that life is full of pain, and infinite locked doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve heard that happiness is rare, that joy is often lost,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve heard that freedom is never true, and bought at a great cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now, if these things are true, my friend, then why do we exist?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Why do we keep being born if troubles just persist?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Could it be there’s something more, just waiting to be found?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Could it be that love and light are always all around?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When life gets dark, and we get lost, we often can lose hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We sometimes think that we have failed, and know not how to cope.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We lose sight of who we are, of who we can become,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We think that we are worthless, that our lives should be undone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We think it would not matter if we had never been,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That none would even care if they saw us ne’er again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We might feel insignificant, unwanted, and alone,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Stupid, ugly, an awful friend, with no place to call home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So, what do you do when all these thoughts enter into your mind?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How on earth do you turn these thoughts into a better kind?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The answer, friend, is a simple one, you just must meet this goal:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To understand and comprehend the value of your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You, yourself, are great to God, and are beloved of Him,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He wants only what’s best for you, He wants for you to win.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So, when you fall, just get back up; your life is yours to lead.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Smile, laugh, and show your love, and please, this counsel heed:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You are special, you are great: God’s love for you is true.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No one can take the steering wheel; you are the only you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And, no matter what you think, there are those who care,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Friends in need and friends indeed, who would die if you weren’t there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So never, ever doubt yourself; never forget your worth,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Your soul is great, and that is why you came down to this Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember this and you will find that all will turn out fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember this and you can gain a needed peace-of-mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember this, that you are loved, just the way you are.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You are one of God’s children, a bright and shining star.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Never doubt your own self-worth, it’s greater than you can know,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Never doubt your grand potential, or how much you can grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And, when things get tough and hard, and life seems at an end,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember that you will always have some true and faithful friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">These friends love you, just as God does, for who you are today;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They love you and wouldn’t want you any other way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">-Karl Southwick-</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One common problem among people of today's world is a lack of self-confidence. There are many among us who feel that we are worthless, that we are alone and unloved. This is untrue. None in this life are unloved, and none are worthless. The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God, and therefore we are all meant to be here. We're here for a reason. Family, friends, and God are all there with us, loving us every step of the way. So never feel that you aren't worthy of life, that you would be better off dead. That is not true. Your family and friends love you, and, even if you feel they don't, God does. We are his children, and we therefore need not fear that we are worthless. He loves us, He cares for us, and He will always be with us when we need Him.</span>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-90778164606338163782010-10-23T09:32:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:32:14.607-07:00Poem #10--Darkened Paths<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Darkened Paths</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I was once a man of great pomposity,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Known for blatant, frank ferocity,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Who, compelled by curiosity,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Headed on my way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">To achieve my fame, and fortune, too,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I deserted everything that I knew,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And, leaving behind all that was true,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I traveled forth that day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The paths were long, and often dark,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The light was oft less than a spark.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I began to wonder why I did embark</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">On this journey of the soul.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">My coat was ripped by clinging thorns,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">My shoes were wet, my pants were torn.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I began to grow ever more forlorn</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">As I lost sight of my goal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And then I reached the final straw,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Upon my drive I could no longer draw,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">As I was swallowed by the wood’s great maw</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And plunged into despair.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">All alone, and filled with fear,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Surrounded by nothing that I held dear,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Anguish became an icy spear,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Driven through my heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">To trembling knees, I then did sink,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">As all was lost, so I did think,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I found myself right on the brink</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Of succumbing to the dark.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">But then, to my extreme surprise,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">A spectacle unfolded before my eyes:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">A hidden path lost its disguise,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And like a light did shine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">A flowing strength did fill me then,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And I looked back to where I’d been,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And then looked on, then back again,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Down the paths of time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And finally, I understood,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Why I had entered into this wood:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">It had been for my own good,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">This truth did I discern.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I got back up, and looked ahead,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I was not done, my will not dead,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I took a step, and, grinning, said:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">“My lesson I have learned.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">So now, my friends, this you must hear:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">When light is gone, and darkness near,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Do not give up, or in to fear,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Instead, just choose the right,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And you’ll become an honest soul,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Humble, happy, you’ll reach your goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">For darkened paths play a vital role:</div>They lead you to the light.<br />
<br />
--Karl Southwick <br />
<br />
Life can be viewed as a series of paths that are followed through a massive, ever-changing wood. Sometimes, the paths are clearly lighted and therefore easy to follow. However, there are times when shadows are cast on the paths, and we begin to lose sight of them. These shadows symbolize trials and hardships. Sometimes in life, when we are met with such difficult challenges, we begin to lose sight of the path we've been following, we begin to lose sight of our ultimate destination. We are then met with a choice: we can give up and quit moving forward, or we can continue on the path, knowing that it will become light again. All things are so. Darkness always gives way to light in the end.Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-68000329617848581872010-10-23T09:25:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:25:21.321-07:00Poem #9--Every Human is a Song<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Augustus; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Every Human is a Song<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I gazed in fury at the sight before me,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nothing was ever so wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For there, cowering at the feet of three bullies<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Was a mournful, dying Song.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This Song was not expressed with words or feelings,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was a human just like you and me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Every human is a Song,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We’d notice if we stopped to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This Song was neither gallant nor great.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In fact, it was slow and unsure.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The human was suffering a terrible disease<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That made it so its mind would not stir<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This Song was not intelligent,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People called it mentally slow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And yet the bullies chose to pick on the weak,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And to them, the Song was way down low.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They called it names that pierced my heart,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They pulled its hair ‘til it ripped out,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And nobody stood to help the Song<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As it gave one final shout.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Every human is a Song.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some are loud, and some are soft,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But this Song was slow and weak,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It needed something to hold it aloft.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When at last the bullies fled,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I watched to see if anyone would come<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But nobody stopped to help it out,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Or even to see what had been done.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I walked up to that dying Song,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And helped it to its feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I spoke to the Song to keep it alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My voice was kind and sweet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It looked at me and feebly smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I felt a tear roll down my face.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It said, “Thank you for what you’ve done”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And then silently left at its own pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Every human is a Song;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If we’d just stop to see,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And listen to each other’s Songs,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I would choose this place to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-Karl Southwick </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All around us are people who are very different from us. There are people of different sizes, different colors, different backgrounds. However, though we are all so different in so many ways, it is important to note that we are all fundamentally the same. We are all human. There is no reason to treat anyone less than you treat anyone else, no matter how different from you they may seem. So what if a person has something that makes them different from you? So what if their skin is a different color? So what if their eyes or hair don't match yours? So what if they have some limiting factor, such as a mental disorder? None of these facts change the fact that they are human, and none of these things give us a reason to treat them with any less respect than a human being deserves. We truly are beautiful creatures, every one of us, for we were created in the image of God. Let's treat each other accordingly.</span>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-42809978083652436482010-10-23T09:20:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:26:05.443-07:00Poem #8--The Purpose of Life<div class="MsoNormal">The Purpose of Life</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A person stood in Marching Band, wishing it would end.<br />
They wished that time would go faster, so they could hang with friends.<br />
Another person, looking back, said, "I wish I could<br />
Go back to Delta one more year, man, those times were good.<br />
The generation above ours, made up of moms and dads,<br />
Looks back at their childhood, and says, "good times we had."<br />
Go back even further, to the people 'over the hill'<br />
You will see the pattern continues, they look back even still.<br />
Time flies faster than you would think. Soon, all will be done.<br />
The end is coming; it is near, the Savior soon will come.<br />
Then you progress to heav'n, or go the other way,<br />
and live on for eternity, until someday you will say:<br />
"Thank you, Lord, for all of the trials that made me who I am.<br />
Thank you for thy loving care, the guidance of thy hand."<br />
So now you must remember, while you live here on this<br />
Earth,The purpose of your life, and the reason for your birth.<br />
We are here to be tried and tested, so do not give up hope.<br />
With the help of our Savior, there is no need to mope.<br />
Life exists to teach us, test us, not to be our downfall.<br />
In the eternal scheme of things, trials help us all.<br />
So gather around you all your friends, you need not do this alone.<br />
Do your best while on this Earth, for soon, you will go Home.<br />
Then you will look back and say, "Wow, time really flew."<br />
But you will not regret a thing, for you will have done all you can do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Karl Southwick</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, a bit of background information. I was a member of the Davis High marching band. For band camp, we went to a place in the middle of nowhere called Delta. Band camp itself was a lot of hard work. Lots of people hated it. However, when all is said and done, almost every member of the band wished they could go back. There is a similar mindset in our lives. People often wish they could go back in time, to handle a problem differently. They have learned from their mistakes what they should not do, and wish to go back and not make the same mistake again. However, there is a problem with this. These people aren't understanding the purpose of life, why we are here. We are here to be tried and tested, and through those tests we are strengthened. It is from our mistakes and failures that we learn all of life's greatest lessons. So we should not regret the past. We should make amends for our mistakes, learn from them, and then move on, wiser and happier, because our mistakes have been fixed. This is the purpose of life, this is why we are here: to learn, and to grow. </div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-2485988667472765192010-10-21T21:21:00.000-07:002010-10-21T21:21:42.000-07:00Poem #7--Seven Life Lessons<div class="MsoNormal">Seven Life Lessons</div><div class="MsoNormal">1)<br />
Life is full of sorrow, life is full of pain.<br />
Life is full of emptiness, and tears that fall like rain.<br />
If you look at life like this, you're doing something wrong.<br />
Life should not be dismal or dreary; it should be a joyful song.<br />
2)<br />
A person needs to laugh, a person needs to smile. <br />
A person needs to enjoy life, like an innocent, peaceful child.<br />
A life that has no laughter is a pitiful life indeed.<br />
A person should strive to smile--laughter is a need.<br />
3)<br />
Waves will flow through life, waves will push you back.<br />
Waves will try to drown you in a ruthless, cruel attack.<br />
But do not despair, for if you endure them well,<br />
Waves will help to strengthen you, as history will tell.<br />
4)<br />
Revenge never solves anything, revenge only causes pain.<br />
Revenge will only bring you down, and may drive you insane.<br />
It only makes men angry, and ruins the way you live.<br />
Revenge should not be taken; instead, simply forgive.<br />
5)<br />
Never forget to love, never forget to live.<br />
Never forget to offer help, never forget to give.<br />
If you will remember this, then life will be just fine.<br />
Never forget that honesty will help you every time.<br />
6)<br />
Call upon your family, call upon your peers<br />
Call for all the help you need--they'll help you face your fears.<br />
And when you feel alone, remember there's someone you can call:<br />
Call upon the Lord your God, for he is over all.<br />
7)<br />
Enjoy the life you have, enjoy it to the end.<br />
Enjoy your time with family, and spend time with your friends.<br />
Life was meant to be enjoyed, but do not be led astray.<br />
Enjoy life while living righteously, and help others on the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Karl Southwick</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">There's a lot to be learned in this life. So many different lessons are constantly being taught to us individually, but do we always really notice them? Sometimes, it just helps to narrow down to a few specific lessons to focus on, to make sure you truly understand what life is trying to teach you. That's what I've done here--I've picked seven individual lessons that can be taught in life, and transformed them into a poem. Who knows, maybe these lessons will help someone someday. </div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-2202727245773645492010-10-21T21:17:00.000-07:002010-10-21T21:17:16.519-07:00Poem #6--Learning<div class="MsoNormal">Learning</div><div class="MsoNormal">I never thought I'd see the day<br />
When half the world would fall away.<br />
First it's there, then it's gone.<br />
Holding still, then moving on.<br />
What once was truth is now a lie,<br />
A win and loss become a tie.<br />
Solid things have lost their forms,<br />
Once-clear skies are filled with storms.<br />
What once was sure is now uncertain,<br />
Visible things beyond a curtain.<br />
Knowledge gone, intelligence lost,<br />
Receeding warmth, creeping frost.<br />
Firm belief gives way to doubt,<br />
All my life turns inside-out.<br />
Of course, this does not mean a thing,<br />
These are glad tidings that I bring.<br />
For in order to learn of something new,<br />
Our preconceptions we must undo.<br />
Don't be held back by what you know,<br />
You think you know all, but this isn't so.<br />
Perfect knowledge is hard to obtain,<br />
But your struggles are never in vain.<br />
Continue to search, continue to learn,<br />
Continue to grow, more knowledge to earn.<br />
And when you are told of something new,<br />
Don't flat out reject it, but let it teach you.<br />
Open your mind, broaden your gaze,<br />
Listen and learn through all of your days.<br />
When new ideas come, do not be confused,<br />
They are sure to help, when rightfully used.<br />
So think long and hard, consider your thoughts,<br />
And knowledge will be yours, more often than not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Karl Southwick</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowledge can sometimes be hard to come by. However, opportunities to gain more and more knowledge arise every day. The question is, do we jump at those opportunities to learn, or are we too stubbornly satisfied with what we already know? There's nothing wrong with learning more. So learn all you can, and never let your fear of being wrong interfere with your education. </div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-85147264788255564312010-10-21T21:13:00.000-07:002010-10-21T21:13:22.141-07:00Poem #5--Endless Possibilities<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 28pt;">∞</span><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 48pt;">Endless Possibilities</span><span>∞</span><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 28pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 28pt;">∞</span><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 28pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">An artist gazes at a blank page, lacking inspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A traveler stops at branching paths, unsure of destination.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A leader observes the battlefield, trying to form a plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A student considers a long class list, deciding between choir and band.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Every day we face decisions, choices we must make,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And we are met with consequences with each path we take.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oftentimes, we must decide between the good and great,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But lazily select the easier one, and leave things up to fate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes a path just seems too hard, a goal just out of reach,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It simply seems too challenging, our soul’s drive it does breach.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But should we, instead of giving up, strive to reach this goal,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our dreams can all be realized as we invigorate our soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, my friend, that’s the first step: first you have to dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Envision success, and you will find it’s easier than it seems.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But if we only spend our time dreaming of things to come,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The possibilities are limited, and we shall be outdone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There’s more, my friend, to victory than wishing it were true,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If a person doubts themselves, there’s nothing they can do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That is why the second step is learning to believe,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This is vital for anyone who wishes to succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So when your paths seem limited, and you hesitate to choose,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember this one lesson and you can never, ever lose:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are endless possibilities, all a person can conceive,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The formula is simple: simply dream, believe, achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 28pt;">∞<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Karl Southwick</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This poem was inspired by Richard Saucedo's field show "Endless Possibilities." An amazing show, for any who wish to listen to it. The purpose of the poem is to try to explain that a person can do anything they put their mind to, as long as they believe in themselves and in their goals. When the possibilities are endless, we shouldn't waste our time taking the easy route. We should follow our dreams, and move forward with dedication and determination, and all of our wildest goals and aspirations can be achieved.</span>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-90945494838684041512010-10-18T19:01:00.000-07:002010-10-19T05:39:51.984-07:00Poem #4--Imagination<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Augustus; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagination<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><blockquote><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Go to the door, and open it wide<br />
What do you see? Are there good things inside?<br />
If there are bad things, like hate and fear<br />
change them to good things, like love, so dear<br />
If something is small, you may make it large<br />
for this is your world, and you are in charge<br />
So welcome, dear friend, to this brand new sensation<br />
This is your world, your imagination<br />
So go to the door, and open it wide.<br />
Take a deep breath, and step on inside.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">-Karl Southwick-</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Not very many things are as powerful as the human imagination. It is the true source of intelligence. One is only limited by how far they can stretch their mind. If one ceases to utilize the powers of their imagination, then theirs is a dull life indeed. Our imagination allows us to set goals, to dream dreams, and to return to a time before life started to get hard, or to a time after, when happiness is a way of life rather than a simple aspiration. </span>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-18459005830104729522010-10-18T17:32:00.000-07:002010-10-18T17:32:41.890-07:00Poem #3--Hope<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Hope<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When the darkness descends, fear fills me within<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It seems all is lost and I never will win<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But then comes the thought, “Things will turn out all right”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For I see in the darkness A pin-prick of light.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As long as a light is there, big or small,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It can disperse the shadows and save us all<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So no matter the troubles, pain, or fright,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hold onto that candle. Don’t smother the light.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I reach out for the light, that one tiny star.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Though it seemed difficult, it wasn’t that hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I close my weak fingers ‘round that bright, shining orb<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Light spreads, fills the room. Darkness is no more<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Now, when the sun sets and darkness arrives,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And with it it brings the end of our lives,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I do not worry, I do not fear<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For that single, bright light will always be here.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As long as a light is there, big or small,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It can disperse the shadows and save us all<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So no matter the troubles, pain, or fright,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hold onto that candle. Don’t smother the light.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">-Karl Southwick-</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It's interesting, what people tend to do when life starts getting tough. Oftentimes, we find ourselves completely giving up. Why? Why do we lose hope, when it is the last think we can cling to? Without hope, how can anyone ever recover from life's trials and hardships? Don't give up hope. Hold on to it, no matter how dark life becomes. Hope is the seed of endurance, hope is the beginning of happiness. </span>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-16451302977373943622010-10-17T21:49:00.001-07:002010-10-17T21:51:51.577-07:00Poem #2--Did You Run<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Did You Run?<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As you stand by the finish line, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Gazing back at how far you’ve come,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Take a long look far back in time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And answer me: did you run?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When you look back over your shoulder<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To the things that you have done<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As the world and you grew older<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You will see if you did run.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you leave your friends behind you?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you take the time to have fun?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When happiness, love, and joy rose anew,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you leave them there and run?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When others needed you, were you there?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you see more dark, or more sun?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Were you like a leaf, when, without a care,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You left your family to run?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you notice all the scenery?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The gleaming webs the spiders have spun?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Or did you ignore the greenery,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And simply run, run, run?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, as you stand by the finish line,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Gazing back at how far you’ve come,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Take a long look far back in time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And answer me: did you run?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">-Karl Southwick-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Oftentimes, we find ourselves rushing through life, not stopping to take the time to appreciate all of the beauties and happiness that have been prepared for us, left along our paths. When it comes to this, and we begin to ignore all that we are supposed to respect, just because we are in a hurry to finish everything, it is important to remember to slow down, take a breath of fresh air, and to experience life, not just run through it.</span></div>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-70097428889643669842010-10-17T20:48:00.000-07:002010-10-17T20:53:55.784-07:00Poem #1--FriendsSo, this is basically how things will work. I'll occasionally post a poem or saying that I've written or said before, and add it to the poetry and sayings archives. Here's number one:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">FRIENDS<br /><br />There are times when we despair.<br />Life seems hard, and so unfair.<br />We see the dark, but not the light,<br />We feel no peace; we just feel fright.<br />We feel depressed, we feel upset,<br />We feel the bite of cruel regret,<br />The world attacks, destroys our lives,<br />We lose our very will to survive.<br />We give up hope, we give up love,<br />Ignore all help from up above.<br />We give up laughter, give up cheer,<br />Give up peace, and succumb to fear.<br />We give up joy, grow negative,<br />And we give up on life, lose will to live.<br /><br />But hear me out, this path is wrong.<br />No matter your suffering, no matter how long,<br />For always, whenever we feel remorse<br />We are always offered an alternative course.<br />Friends rise up, and love abounds,<br />Peace and joy and truth surround.<br />The solution to all depressing trends<br />Is simply the gift of supportive friends.<br />No matter how alone you feel,<br />Friends are there; friends are real.<br />They give us hope, they give us love,<br />Show us the help from up above.<br />They give us laughter, give us cheer,<br />Give us peace, and eliminate fear.<br />They give us joy, we grow positive,<br />And they give us life, and a reason to live.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left; line-height: normal;">Friends, for me, have always been of utmost importance. There are few forces in this world that are powerful enough to help you overcome any challenge that might come at you. One of these is good friends. So surround yourself with them, and be one to everyone you meet, and I guarantee that the burdens of life will become all the easier because of it.<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p>Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661607625321750606.post-78407439596740098802010-10-17T20:40:00.000-07:002010-10-17T20:43:35.803-07:00Deeper MeaningGreetings. My name is Karl Southwick. One of my all-time favorite things to do is to offer encouragement and help to those in need around me. I write poetry and do my best to try to come up with profound sayings and life lessons in order to teach people to look for the Deeper Meanings in life. I fervently believe that everything has a Deeper Meaning, and that this Deeper Meaning can be found if only one looks a little closer at something and opens their mind a little wider. The intention of this blog is to help me do what I like best--help others. So, please feel free to browse the content I post here. Let it help you. And remember this: There is Deeper Meaning in everything. The trick is to learn how to find it. Open your mind--you'd be surprised at what's in there.Karlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04872936753600432193noreply@blogger.com1