Scrapbook

 


NOTEBOOK


"Behaviour is determined by character."
The poet, author

"The state of our heart is determined by the state of our mind."
The poet, author

"What you are, you wear."
The poet, author

"Love's not something we pluck, but something that either exists within us or not, and because love is humble, it's only something that others spot."
The poet, author


"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he"
(Prov 23:7, KJV).

Introduction


Yes, a scrapbook, a mixture of sorts, both light and serious, and largely capitalised alternative poems (which aren't titled, except for two).




"Love comes with a promise: For as long as it takes, and as hard as it may be."
The poet, author


TREAT EVERYONE WELL WHO YOU PASS EACH DAY, BECAUSE THE PERSON YOU
MAY NEED TOMORROW, MAY HAVE COME YOUR WAY TODAY, AND WHAT DID YOU
DO OR SAY, AND WILL IT BRING JOY OR SORROW?

THIS WORLD IS FULL OF PRETTY FLOWERS, YET MANY CHOOSE THISTLES AND
THORNS INSTEAD, AND ALL HOW THEY WASTE THOSE PRECIOUS HOURS,
AND IN THE WRONG DIRECTION TREAD.




"Where is love, Sir?" he asked me,
And I said, "Take a look around,"
And he said, "That I have, Sir,"
And I thought to myself, "Oh dear,"
And so I said, "Love you, son,"
And he replied, "Oh, thank you, man,"
And I thought to myself, "Good on you love,"
But love replied, "Good on you, man."





A world of love and laughter is what I’m really after, so do you mind? Oh, what a party pooper. Do I have to remind?
I can’t go anywhere without your bad news, that diet of doom and gloom that you choose. You’re spoiling my mealtime, my drive to work — oh, how I wish I could just tune out, in or out, somehow block that view, but you’re so demanding, so intrusive, and thus peace being rather elusive. Perhaps I shouldn’t worry so, but you know, everywhere I go, people are saying, “Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?" Oh my word, Yes, it’s really too much, and why I’m tired of such, so if you don’t mind, surely something brighter you can find, even humorous too, thus showing a little more thought and care please, because a world of love and laughter is what I’m really after, so what about a little hug, rather than another slug — yes, an “I’m sorry” squeeze?






A Conversation With A Difference


(Countries)

“I wouldn’t RUSSIA, you know, because she’s probably snowed under having BRITAIN off more than she can chew.
You may have to PERU some other option.
Perhaps you could contact JORDAN. He’s very musical and good on the QATAR, and not the kind of guy who’ll make a TURKEY of himself come tomorrow’s gig. However, he may want to know SAMOA about it given that he hasn’t had any warning. IRAN him earlier regarding something else, and he’s pretty much got nothing to do, except for packing his collection of CHINA. Sometimes he drives around in his Holden MONACO looking for work, though he does have another SUDAN that he uses. I've often seen him BURMA long the road. When he’s not doing that, he sometimes goes fishing off an IRELAND that’s nearby, one that has a lot of flat GREENLAND. In Winter it gets quite CHILE, and thus it more like an ICELAND, though one does get to see a few WALES passing, and quite a number of sharks have been spotted. Hence why some jokingly call it FINLAND. I discovered that he has a miniature ride-on train, and ISRAEL line is quite long. He's quite clever. One day, after he got sick of the cost of petrol, he went and MADAGASCAR, but hey, I’m simply digressing here.
Failing all that, try CHAD. If UKRAINE your neck, you can just see him now. He’s mowing his lawns. He’s a little clumsy though. The odd time I’ve see him KOREA into his flower garden. IRAQ him up sometimes because I joke about it too much. He's always keeps his lawns short, but one time he let it grow very long, and I saw a MONTSERRAT. KENYA ring him now, soon-like? He’s worth contacting just INDIA case JORDAN can’t make it.
At the end of the day, you need to get someone, VIETNAM or someone else.
OMAN, that smells good, but I’d put those potatoes in the oven with the BRAZIL nuts thus minimising the amount of GREECE given that CUBA butter you’re using. I’d pop some SWEDEN too. You could then GHANA them with herbs. That’s quite a lot you’re making. In fact, it’s BELGIUM out of the pan already. That amount should FIJI all, given that it’s meant to SERBIA six.
It’s making me feel quite HUNGARY. I’d better stop looking at it, otherwise you might think I’ve an ALGERIA motive. If I were left alone, I would NORWAY at it, and there’d be none left.
Say, that pudding’s nice. Did JAMAICA yourself? And that cake’s nice too. You could ice it and DENMARK it with ANDORRA'S name given that it’s her birthday. Mind you don’t BANGLADESH or it might shatter.
When’s the picnic, by the way? I don’t think anything’s likely to spoil it BAHRAIN of course.
And before I forget, have you SCOTLAND yet for your dream home? Will you LIBYA here much longer?
Well, I think I’ll go for RWANDA along the beach where I often SEYCHELLES. After that, I might go down to the LIBERIA to get a certain book out. I've actually held off doing so because I owe then a GUINEA for losing a book. As for the ROMANIA of the time, I'm not sure. Usually MYANMAR go shopping, but I think she's caught up today. If I don't get back to you today, it'll most likely be KOSOVO. He's such a talker! Some people call him a LAOS because he makes them miss their bus. I think he has a dog called MALI, which tends to MALTA bit. Well, I'd better get going. See you later.”

By Lance Landall, like the rest here...





WHY DO CATS NEED NINE LIVES?

BECAUSE THEY DON'T LOOK BOTH WAYS WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD.
BECAUSE THEY'RE TOO CURIOUS FOR THEIR OWN GOOD.
BECAUSE THEY'RE OFTEN FOUND IN TIGHT SPOTS.
BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO ASPIRE TO RIDICULOUS HEIGHTS.
BECAUSE DOGS AREN'T INTO CATS.
BECAUSE THEY DON'T ALWAYS LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE.
BECAUSE THEY GO PLACES THEY SHOULDN'T.
BECAUSE THEY'VE A TENDENCY TO PLAY CAT AND MOUSE.
BECAUSE TOO OFTEN THEY STAY OUT ALL NIGHT, HANGING
AROUND IN SOME BACK ALLEY.






A Conversation With A Difference


(Cities)

I RANGOON, but he was out, so I popped DOVER to see LIMA, his last name being STANLEY.
He was wanting to head overseas as SUEZ possible but couldn’t really afford it, and I replying sympathetically, “No DOHA?”
He nodded his head as he drained the BRUSSELS sprouts.
“Like some cheese?” he asked, “I just got it this morning from the NEW DELHI.”
Given that I didn’t think he’d been out, I asked, “DUBAI it, or did your MUMBAI it?”
“Mum,” he replied. “I sent her a couple of TEXAS. In the MAINE, she’s very good like that. In fact, the other day, she bought me a NEW JERSEY
“Wow, that’s nice,” I echoed.
I took the cheese, thanked him, and slowly sat down, my back still sore after visiting the CAIRO.
I carefully moved the plaster of PARIS mould of a BUFFALO that he had been fastidiously working on. If I’d dropped it, he certainly wouldn’t have MINSK his words, and thus saying SURREY being of little help. To be honest, I learned long ago not to TAMPA with some of his things, his reaction like a SHANGHAI.
I thumbed through the MANILA folder that contained his travel plans.
“I will SUVA the soup soon,” LIMA said.
I thanked him again and inquired about his car that he was selling, saying, “DAKAR go?”
“No, not yet,” he replied glumly, “But I MECCA nice buyer. VICTORIA, I think her name was. Her last name being HANOVER. She used to go to your old school. GENOA?"
"No," I replied.
"She wanted something that she could go TURIN the country with, but she had GUAMS over the car," LIMA continued, "thus EXETER, though she was such a DERRY. I really should’ve been a bit heavier on the COLOGNE. It's SEOUL story. So, no chance of me DUBLIN my money. I seemingly not destined to ROME, and thus just stuck at home.”
“Well, it wasn’t in the greatest of condition,” I stated. “You bought it off your father, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” LIMA replied, “but I’m not going to BAGHDAD. After all, he did sell it to me cheap, you know.”
"That's true," I agreed. "And by the way, did you get the CARDIFF fixed? It's seen a few rough RHODES."
LIMA nodded.
The soup tasted nice, so too the sprouts.
“You could put another ad in the paper and see where it LEEDS,” I proffered. “Someone’s bound to be interested in an old PLYMOUTH. If I can sell my old Morris OXFORD, I’m sure you can sell yours, though I think CHESTER just bought it to help me out. Like with my AUSTIN. Better than they just LYON there. Well, I MOSCOW. Haven't time to BALTIMORE down. I need to get home and have a BATH because I’m catching up with my NICE. I don’t think you’ve met FLORENCE, nor her sister CHARLOTTE. If you want too, ALASKA. Anyway, lest I'm late and get sent to COVENTRY, I'll see you later. I don't like to HANOI her. I'll go via the back roads, DENVER the motorway. And by the way, it's best you get out for the ROSTOV the day too, rather than being STOCKHOLM, though you really do need to BUCHAREST when you can afford it. What about BRISTOL? Anyway, MUSCAT, see ya.”





DEAR LITTLE DANCING FLOWER ON SUCH A BREEZY DAY, CAN YOU TELL ME HOW YOU DO IT, HOW
YOU DIVE AND SWAY, THUS POSITIVELY UTILISING THAT PUSHING AND SHOVING, WHICH, I MUST SAY,
YOU ACTUALLY SEEM TO BE LOVING, 'CAUSE OH, HOW YOU DANCE SO MERRILY, SO VERY CHEERILY, A
SIGHT THAT HAS ME SMILING WHILST MOMENTS OF THE DAY I'M WHILING — OH, JUST LOOK AT YOU,
AND VERY PRETTY TOO, NOT JUST AN INSPIRATION, BUT A VERY CLEVER CREATION.





A Conversation With A Difference

(Cars and trucks)

AUDI,” middle-aged LINCOLN greeted, “MAZDA been ages since I saw you last, and your brother. How much is KENWORTH these days?”

“Quite a LADA money, MACK replied, “I wouldn’t mind some of it myself, but he’s HOLDEN on tightly to it.”
“How about yourself?" LINCOLN asked.
MACK looked a bit uncomfortable because he really preferred to DODGE that question. “Well, I’ve become a bit of a ROVER these days,” he replied, “Thus can’t a FORD much, and all why I’m often borrowing money from MERCEDES. Not that she minds, I must say.”
“I wouldn’t mind catching up with your son,” LINCOLN interrupted, “Is NISSAN?”
“No, he’s out for the day,” MACK replied, “He went down to PLYMOUTH in his CADILLAC.”
“How’s your car going?” LINCOLN asked.”
“Really well, actually,” MACK replied, “It’s a real little HUMMER, never misses a beat. Turn the KIA on and away it goes. Originally I bought it FERRARI, but she never really used it. Her friend LEXUS use his OPEL, so she’s out in that most days.”
“Well,” LINCOLN replied, “It’s a real TRIUMPH how you managed to restore the car. I liked your SHELBY right attitude. How MINI months did it take you?”
“About ten,” MACK replied.
“Why did you BUGATTI?” Lincoln asked.
“Well, he kept making fun of my car, and his SKODA isn’t up to much, so when it broke down, I couldn't help myself,” MACK replied with a sneer.
“Well, TESLA’s back now,” LINCOLN stated, “So I’ll introduce you to her. She’s just dropped our dog off to Mike Gibson. He’s our CORVETTE. Great MAN. Signs each receipt with a scribbled MG. Our dog has actually had obedience training. I only have to say CITROEN, and he does, but he's crook at the moment. Sorry to digress”

Boring! Let’s leave them to it.





Tick Tock Investigators


I’d been called to investigate stolen time, and was checking where it had gone,
A number of people having seen it fly, which I was duly dwelling on.
Yes, it seems that it had gone so fast, but no one knowing where it had got too,
And thus there not enough time in the day, and by all accounts, such appeared true.

All why they phoned Tick Tock investigators, I thus working around the clock,
Hours quickly disappearing before my very own eyes, and I taking stock.
But still no sign of them, and no one taking responsibility, and so
I simply shelving the case, ’cause it was very clear they weren’t going to show.

But I’ve oft pondered on this case, it quite a mystery, time disappearing,
One engrossed in this or that, and then it gone, and hence why this case I’m sharing.
Time seemingly slipping through one’s fingers, but how to catch the thief, and all why
I’m appealing to you all to keep a look out, ’cause this thief seems very sly.

And if you do sense where time's gone, please let me know, and I’ll reopen the case,
Going back over those lost seconds, minutes and hours, and those hands on each face;
Well, people do tamper with them, you know, such more cause for alarm, and therefore
One needs to watch, and aiding and abetting leading to doing time, what's more.

By Lance Landall





HELLO MISTER SEAGULL. IS THERE ANY CHANCE THAT YOU COULD TEACH ME HOW TO FLY? — OH YES, JUST AS HIGH UP IN THE SKY, BECAUSE I'M SO TIRED OF BEING DOWN HERE, IT TOO UNFAIR, AND WHY I LONG FOR HEAVENLY HEIGHTS, PEACE AND QUIET IN MY SIGHTS, AND BECAUSE IT'S SO STILL UP THERE.
SO PLEASE, MISTER SEAGULL, SHOW ME HOW IT'S DONE, BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE SO MUCH FUN, THOSE SWOOPS AND DIVES, THAT GLIDING TOO, AND OH, WHAT A VIEW — YES, YOU SO ABLE TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, THOUGH HEADING BACK COME SOME SQUALL, BUT ONLY FOR A TIME, AND THEN THAT CLIMB, AND YOU BACK GLIDING AGAIN, AND HENCE MY PEN, BUT I GUESS YOU AREN'T INTO POETRY, HAVE NO IDEA ALPHABETICALLY, AND WHY I GUESS I'M DESTINED TO REMAIN GROUNDED, THOUGH HAVING LONGINGLY EXPOUNDED, BUT TO NO AVAIL, I FEAR.





EVER SO SLIGHTLY ECCENTRIC

Kindness is a droplet in another's heart.
A word of reassurance blows at the head of an anxious thisle.
A hurting heart needs a loving potion.

A caring smile is a flash of sunshine.
A knowing glance is like a wink from the moon.
A listening ear is like a warming fire on a Winter's night.
A lonely place needs an extra chair.
A helping hand is like an electric boost.
An empathetic hug is like a real life teddy bear.
A selfless act is a fragrant perfume.
A response of forgiveness acts like an opening bud.
Being there for someone acts like a seat belt on a busy highway.
A thoughtful action triggers a grateful response.
A tender rub on the arm is like a homely cat.
A generous massage is like the feet of a dozen furry kittens.






I WISH THAT BY SIMPLY ENLISTING MY WILL, I COULD MAKE MYSELF INVISIBLE — OH, WHAT FUN I'D HAVE, GOOD FUN, THAT IS, ONE MOMENT SEEN, PERHAPS ON A LEAN, AND THEN, DISAPPEARING WITH A QUIET POP AND FIZZ, AND THEN, LEAVING SOMETHING SPECIAL SOMEWHERE, WHICH WOULD SUDDENLY APPEAR, MUCH TO HOOTS OF DELIGHT, THERE NO NASTY FRIGHT, BUT A CERTAIN CONSTERNATION — WELL, GIVEN THE LACK OF EXPLANATION, THERE BEING NO NOTE, NO NOTHING, BUT HEY, I HAVE TO SAY, WHO WOULD LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH, ESPECIALLY AN INVISIBLE MOUTH?
OH YES, THE LIST OF MY MYSTIFYING BUT BENEVOLENT ANTICS WOULD GROW BY THE DAY, ONE TEMPTED TO TICKLE AN EAR OR TWO, BUT NO, I WOULDN'T DO, THOUGH A TAP ON A NAUGHTY SHOULDER COULD PROVE A DETERRENT, THUS HELPING SOME FRUSTRATED PARENT, BUT NO, I WOULDN'T DO THAT EITHER, SIMPLY NEITHER, FAR TOO BUSY ELSEWHERE, MORE INTERESTED IN DISPENSING CHEER, BUT SAD TO SAY, POSSIBLY, I DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY, AND WHY I STILL REMAIN IN VIEW, NIGHT AND DAY, SUCH UNABLE TO DO.
WELL, IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS, ISN'T IT? MAYBE A LITTLE BIT?





I'M SORRY, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY — WELL, NOT TODAY, 'CAUSE I'M REALLY AT A LOSS, EVEN CROSS, 'CAUSE NOTHING'S COMING TO MIND, NOT EVEN INCLINED, AS IF TO SAY, "DON'T WANT TO, CAN'T MAKE ME," AND WHAT CAN I DO? — I MEAN, REALLY — MY HEAD AS IF ON STRIKE, IN OTHER WORDS, OFF ITS BIKE, AND SO, IT'S "WORK IT OUT YOURSELF," AND MY HEAD MEANING, MYSELF, WHICH IS QUITE A CHEEK, 'CAUSE I'M UP THE CREEK, LOST WITHOUT MY MIND, UNLESS I CAN FIND....NO, I'VE ONLY ONE — OH, WHAT'S IT DONE, AND ALL WHY I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING TO SAY, SO SORRY, MAYBE ANOTHER DAY.





All Why I'm Just Reminding You


I guess you realise, World, that if I pack up and leave, you’re on your own,
I unable to be reached by gilded envelope, email or phone.
So please mind, ’cause when I’m gone, I’m afraid you won’t see me anymore,
I otherwise engaged, and having shut each window and closed each door.

Yes, I won’t be making contact, and thus out of sight, out of mind, right?
Unable to hold things together, nor any of your battles fight.
And all why I’m just reminding you midst going through the books and all,
And whilst waiting for that urgent rattle on the door, or frantic call.

By Lance Landall

:-)





LOVE GOT UP AT 5 O'CLOCK — NO, SILLY, WELL BEFORE, WELL BEFORE — IN FACT, IT HAS NO CLOCK — GRABBED ITS JOY BOX, DONNED ITS CARING CLOAK, BRUSHED EACH THOUGHTFUL LOCK, AND OFF IT WENT, HEAVEN SENT, ITS ROUNDS NEVER ENDING, IT PRECIOUS TIME SPENDING — YES, USING EVERY MOMENT PRODUCTIVELY, GENEROUSLY, CREATIVELY, PERSUASIVELY, TASTEFULLY, EMPATHETICALLY, HEROICALLY — IN FACT, EXTRAORDINARILY, AND ALL HOW IT BLESSES HUMANITY, THEN GETTING HOME LATE AT NIGHT — NO, SILLY, LATER STILL, MUCH LATER STILL — IN FACT, ITS BED NOT SLEPT IN, LOVE NEVER IN, BUT BUSY, BUSY, BUSY, NIGHT AND DAY, ALWAYS SOMETHING IN ITS IN-BIN.





WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF LOVE SNUCK UP ON US ALL, AND SAID,"GOTCHA!", AND WE MELTED IN ITS ARMS, FELL FOR ALL ITS CHARMS, ACCEPTING ITS SHAWL, AND EVERYWHERE WE WENT, AND ALL WE SAID AND DID (EXACTLY AS LOVE MEANT), FLOWED WITH LOVE, THOUGHT AND CARE, AN ARTISTIC, CREATIVE FLAIR, AND THUS THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, IT FULL OF EMPATHY AND GRACE, AND PEACE AND HARMONY THAT ONE COULD TRACE.
OH YES, IF ONLY LOVE WOULD, WE WILLINGLY SURPRISED, EVEN HOPING THAT IT WOULD, AND THEREFORE, OUR WISHES REALISED, WE HAPPILY CAVING IN, THUS ALLOWING LOVE TO WIN, THAT SUCH MIGHT CHANGE THE WORLD, AND A MUCH BRIGHTER FUTURE BUILD, THAT ALL MIGHT LIVE AS ONE, AND THEREFORE, THERE NO NEED OF SWORD OR GUN.





I BUMPED INTO LOVE ONE DAY — AN EMBARRASSING EXPERIENCE BY THE WAY — 'CAUSE LOVE
SOON SAID TO ME, "HOW MUCH HAVE OTHERS SEEN OF ME, AND GIVEN YOU'RE OUT AND ABOUT?"
WELL, YOU COULD'VE GIVEN ME A CLOUT, I HAVING TO STOP AND THINK, MY FACE A SHADE OF PINK,
BUT LOVE WAITING PATIENTLY, AND INTERRUPTING THOUGHTFULLY, "PERHAPS YOU'VE JUST GOT
UNDER WAY?" AND I OF COURSE REPLYING, AVOIDING ANY LYING, "I GUESS I HAVE, AND WHERE TO NEXT?" AND LOVE'S KNOWING EYES FIXED. "WELL, DON'T WASTE ANY TIME THEN, SON, 'CAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH
TO BE DONE," AS IF I DIDN'T KNOW, NOT THAT IT SEEMED TO SHOW, AND WHY LOVE WAS QUICK TO REMIND,
THOUGH MORE ON THE SIDE OF KIND, 'CAUSE WHEREVER WE GO, LOVE SHOULD BE SEEN, AND THUS
ALL ABLE TO KNOW WHERE LOVE'S BEEN, AND ALL WHY LOVE SAID, "HOW MUCH HAVE OTHERS SEEN
OF ME?" AND OH, DARE IT BE A THREAD, 'CAUSE LOVE SHOULD BE WIDELY SPREAD.




CERTAIN TRUTH

Anger — Something that  leads to trouble.
Hatred — Something that darkens one’s soul.
Grudges — Something that leads to illness.
Revenge — Something that makes things worse.
Rudeness — Something that spoils our chances.
Cruelty — Something that animalises.
Meanness — Something that when it goes around comes around.
Cowardice — Something that reveals an inner weakness.
Selfishness — Something that gets in the way of relationships.
Ungratefulness — Something that gets in the way of blessings.
Childishness — Something that gets in the way of opportunities.
Pride — Something that sets us up for a fall.
Indifference — Something that reveals a lack of growth.
Coldness — Something that reveals an unloving heart.
Racism — Something that reveals ignorance.
Bigotry — Something that reveals intolerance.
Prejudice — Something that reveals immaturity.
Criminality — Something that reveals rebelliousness.





YOU KNOW, THERE'S TOO MUCH POISON IN HEARTS — YES, TOO MUCH ANGER, HATE AND THUS

DARKNESS, AND WHERE IT ALL STARTS, THOSE FEELINGS TURNING INTO WORDS AND ACTIONS,
AND I MEANING, TERRIBLE WORDS AND ACTIONS, THE WORLD JUST BECOMING A HELL, AND
 WHY I FEEL I WANT TO YELL, "ROOT IT OUT! ROOT IT OUT!" 'CAUSE SUCH SIMPLY SADDENS, WOUNDS
AND KILLS, AND THIS WORLD WITH MORE MISERY FILLS, LET ALONE WHAT IT DOES TO THE INFECTED
ONE, HISSING WHAT'S NASTY, BASHING, OR USING A GUN — YES, IT'S TIME THAT LOVE GOT HOLD OF SUCH
HEARTS, BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN CHANGE REALLY STARTS, BUT ONE MUST BE WILLING, OTHERWISE THERE'S NO FILLING, 'CAUSE LOVE WON'T DWELL WHERE THERE'S ANY ILL, LOVE WON'T STAY WHERE
THERE ISN'T THE WILL, ITS VESSEL MADE FOR WARMING, AND NOT FOR CHILLING.




TO PONDER

Sometimes WHERE we're looking isn't where we think it is,
And sometimes WHAT we think it is isn't what we think it is,
And sometimes WHO we think it is isn't who we think it is,
And all why we need to be more OPEN to where, what and who,
And prepared to accept the TRUTH of it, regardless of belief or view.






HERE'S A CALL TO ARMS, LOVING ARMS, SO LISTEN UP, ARMS, YOU'VE WORK TO DO, EMBRACING EVERY SINGLE SOUL, AND WITH YOUR WHOLE, SO THAT THEY MAY EXPERIENCE LOVE, THOUGHT AND CARE, AND THE VERY SAME THING WANT TO SHARE, THE WORLD ALL THE BETTER OFF FOR IT, AND THUS EVERYONE SEEN TO BENEFIT FROM IT YES, SO LISTEN UP, ARMS, YOU'VE WORK TO DO, AND QUICKLY TOO, SOME MUCH NEEDED EXERCISE, AND GIVEN ALL THOSE PLAINTIVE CRIES, THE WORLD SO VERY NEEDY  YES INDEEDY SO OPEN YOUR ARMS WIDE, STRETCHING THEM OUT, THUS REACHING OUT, THAT THEY MAY BE LOVINGLY APPLIED, THEREBY CROSSING EVERY DIVIDE, 'CAUSE THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT, AND HENCE THAT CALL TO ARMS, HUMAN ARMS, YOUR ARMS AND MY ARMS.





LOVE TOOK ME BY THE HAND ONE DAY, AND SHOWED ME AROUND THE WORLD, HELPING ME SEE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF THINGS AS MY HAND IT HELD — YES, THINGS LIKE HUMAN THOUGHT AND CARE, CLEVER, CREATIVE, ARTISTIC FLAIR, NATURAL WONDERS THAT AMAZED, THINGS THAT MY INNER SPIRIT RAISED, AND ALL WHY IN AWE I STARED, AND EVEN MORE APPEARED, WHICH REMINDED OF SO MUCH LOST IN DISTRACTIONS, OR IN WORTHLESS, SUPERFICIAL ATTRACTIONS, ALMOST AS IF TWO WORLDS EXISTED, AND ALL WHY LOVE PERSISTED, THAT I MIGHT VALUE THE REAL ESSENCE OF LIFE, NATURE, AND HUMANITY ITSELF, BE THAT ONE'S FRIENDS, CHILDREN, HUSBAND OR WIFE, COUPLED WITH PURPOSE AND DIRECTION, THUS NATURE AND LIVES NOT LOSING OUT TO SOME MATERIAL COLLECTION, BUT RATHER, ALWAYS IN VIEW, AND THEREFORE, PRIORITIES NOT ASKEW, AND WHY I'M GLAD LOVE TOOK ME BY THE HAND, INTERRUPTED WHAT I HAD PLANNED, GIVEN THAT BETTER IT KNEW.





THE BEST AND RIGHT WAY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE:

ONLY LOVE,
 AND NEVER HATE, HURT OR HARM.

ONLY DO WHAT'S GOOD AND RIGHT, AND NEVER OTHERWISE.
ONLY EMBRACE WHAT'S WHOLESOME AND UPLIFTING, AND SHUN WHAT'S NOT.
ONLY PARTAKE OF WHAT'S BENEFICIAL, AND NEVER OF WHAT'S HEALTH-ROBBING.

ALWAYS THINK POSITIVELY, AND NOT NEGATIVELY.
ALWAYS EXERCISE SELF CONTROL, AND NOT OVERINDULGE OR OVERDO THINGS.
ALWAYS UPHOLD TRUTH, AND NEVER LIE, DECEIVE, OR MISINFORM.
ALWAYS RUN ON PURPOSE, MEANING AND DIRECTION, AND NEVER STAND IDLE OR INDIFFERENT.
ALWAYS KEEP AN OPEN MIND, AND NOT SUCCUMB TO BIAS, PREJUDICE OR BIGOTRY.

BE YOUR OWN SELF, AND NOT A COPY, PAWN OR STOOGE.

GO FOR NOBILITY AND INTEGRITY, AND SHUN BOTH PEER PRESSURE AND THE MINDLESS CROWD.

LIVE FOR OTHERS, AND THEREBY, THOUGHTFUL, HELPFUL, KIND AND GENEROUS. 

HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE, AND THUS ALWAYS MINDFUL OF YOUR BLESSINGS.

SEEK ADVICE, AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO EXPRESS YOUR THOUGHTS OR FEELINGS.

BE HUMBLE AND REALITY BASED, AND THUS KEEPING A LEVEL HEAD.

BE FAIR AND IMPARTIAL, AND NEVER JUDGMENTAL.





OUR HEAD CONTAINS BOTH A COMPUTER AND CAMERA, BUT HERE, WE JUST FOCUSSING ON THAT CAMERA, THOSE IMAGES THAT WE TAKE IN, AND THAT FOREVER REMAIN WITHIN, BE THEY NEAR THE SURFACE OR BURIED DEEP IN VAULTS (THOUGH NONE OF THOSE VAULTS HAVING BOLTS), AND THUS AGE-OLD IMAGES SOMETIMES REAPPEARING, DELIGHTING OR SCARING, AND EVEN DARING, THANKS TO THAT LENS, WHICH MANY A SIGNAL SENDS.
YES, MANY IMAGES THAT WE'VE NO CONTROL OVER, AND MANY THAT WE DO HAVE CONTROL OVER — IN OTHER WORDS, THAT WERE OKAY OR WEREN'T OKAY TO FOCUS ON, OR CLICK ON, AND THEY'RE NOT GONE, BUT STILL RESIDING THERE, AND HENCE THAT NEED OF CARE, THEY EITHER GOOD FOR US OR BAD FOR US, OUR MIND NOT MEANT TO BE A RUBBISH TIP, A HOUSE OF HORRORS, NOR A TEARFUL, REGRETFUL TRIP, BUT A HAPPY HAVEN, A WHOLESOME GALLERY, WHERE THERE'S NOTHING WE NEED TO SKIP.





THERE'S NO QUESTION, IT BUT A FACT, THAT WE EITHER USE OUR MIND POSITIVELY OR NEGATIVELY, BENEFICIALLY OR INJURIOUSLY, THOUGHTS BEING THE FORERUNNER OF EACH ACT, EITHER FOR GOOD OR EVIL, WORTH OR LOSS, SUMMER JOY OR WINTER CHILL, AND THUS HOW WE THINK BEING WHAT WE BECOME, AND TO WHAT WE RESIST OR TO WHAT WE SUCCUMB, THUS CONTROL IN OUR HANDS OR OTHER HANDS, WE FREE OR SIMPLY UNDER SOMEONE’S THUMB, WE BLOWN BY THE WIND OR MAKING OUR OWN PLANS, OUR MIND A BLESSING OR A CURSE, A WOUNDER OR A NURSE, A DISCORDANT NOTE OR A RHYMING VERSE, WE DESTROYING OR CREATING, GOING BACKWARDS OR FORWARDS, LEARNING OR VEGETATING, AND THUS OUR MIND THE PRODUCT OF OUR OWN MAKING, AND THEREBY, WE TO RUIN OR SUCCESS INEVITABLY WAKING.





The first of nine stand alones.

THE HUMAN WATERING CAN:

ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAISE, AFFIRMATION, FRIENDLY INTEREST,
ACCEPTANCE, KINDNESS, THOUGHFULNESS, SYMPATHY, EMPATHY,
LOVING CONCERN, CHEER, COMPASSION, SENSITIVITY, PATIENCE,
TENDERNESS, HELPFULNESS, INTERCESSION, SELF-SACRIFICE...






YOU KNOW, WE SPEND OUR LIFE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS AND THAT (OR SO AND SO), OFTEN MAJORING ON MINORS, OR MAKING MAJORS OUT OF MINORS, WHEN MOST OF US HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR, WE HARDLY UNDER SOME DICTATORSHIP, NOR IN A LAND WHERE THERE IS WAR, AND NOT GOING WITHOUT FOOD, NOR NUDE, BUT BLESSED IN SO MANY WAYS, WE HARDLY STRAYS, BUT WELL DRESSED AND LOOKED AFTER.
AND SO, LETS TAKE WHAT WE HAVE AND MAKE THE BEST AND MOST OF IT, NEGATIVE MURMURINGS NEVER BEING TO OUR BENEFIT, AND WE NEEDING TO REALISE THAT IN THIS WORLD THAT WE LIVE IN — SURPRISE, SURPRISE — NOTHING'S PERFECT, AND THUS MUCH PROBLAMATIC, COMPLEX, MARKED, SPOILED, SOILED — YES, TAINTED, NO MATTER HOW IT'S PAINTED, AND YET, THERE'S STILL SO MUCH TO ENJOY, SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR, AND WHY RATHER THAN FRET, AND OUR BLESSINGS FORGET, BOTH POSITIVITY AND CREATIVITY WE SHOULD EMPLOY.




THE HUMAN TONIC:

EXERCISE, FRESH AIR, SUN, WATER, SMILES, LAUGHTER,
PLAY, REST, MASSAGES, HUGS, CUDDLES, PLEASANT MUSIC,
HOBBIES, PETS, MARITAL SEX, ENJOYABLE WORK,
FRIENDSHIPS, NATURE, FAITH...





WE CAN BLAME OUR LEADERS — MAYORS, POLITICIANS, PRESIDENTS, PRIME MINISTERS IN RESIDENCE — BUT WHO VOTED FOR ANY RASCALS THAT GOT IN?  YES, IT'S US, SO MIND THE DIN, CHARACTER LESS  VALUED THAN WHAT WE WANT, IT SEEMS, AND ALL HOW NIGHTMARES DEVELOP RATHER THAN DREAMS; AND MAYBE THAT'S BECAUSE OUR CHARACTERS ARE JUST AS SOILED, AND THUS HOW WE DON'T JUST END UP WITH RASCALS, BUT HOW OUR OWN LIVES GET SPOILED.
LEADERS ARE OFTEN JUST A REFLECTION OF SOCIETY, AND MANY APPEARING WORTHY WHEN THEY'RE NOT SO, SADLY, AND THUS WE FOOLED, AND INNOCENT HERE, BUT YOU KNOW, NOT SO WHERE POOR CHARACTER IS CLEAR, AND ALL WHY WE, BOTH OF OURSELVES AND OTHERS, NEED TO DO MORE SCRUTINIZING, BECAUSE THE CURRENT COLLECTION OF LEADERS IS HARDLY SURPRISING.





THE HUMAN BOWL OF NUTRIENTS:

CABBAGES, BROCCOLI, SILVERBEET, BEETROOT, POTATOES, CELERY,
CORN, CAULIFLOWER, ONIONS, GARLIC, AVOCADO, LEEKS, GINGER, HERBS,
GRAINS, NUTS, HONEY, APPLES, ORANGES, BANANAS, GRAPES, PINEAPPLE,
APRICOTS, PEARS, DATES, PLUMS, PEACHES, MANGO, KIWIFRUIT...






WE NEED TO MIND OUR EXPECTATIONS, BE IT IN GENERAL, OR OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY, OTHERS HAVING THEIR OWN SCHEDULES, PROBLEMS, ISSUES, STRUGGLES, EXPENSES AND SO ON, ENTER REALITY, AND THUS THEY NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO BE THERE FOR US, OR AS MUCH AS MIGHT SUIT US, WE SOMETIMES HAVING TO WALK RATHER THAN BIKE, OR HOLD THE CAMERA RATHER THAN THE MIKE, AND SOMETIMES HAVING TO GO WITHOUT, DESPITE OUR NEEDY SHOUT, OR HAVING TO WAIT, NOT FORCE SOME GATE, AND LIFE HARDLY HANDING US THINGS ON A PLATE, AND THEREFORE, WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT WE DO GET, AND IT BEING POINTLESS TO FRET, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ALL HAVE TO MAKE OUR OWN WAY, MOANING, COMPLAINING AND CONDEMNING GETTING US NOWHERE, AND THE LATTER HOW WE CAN FRIGHTEN OFF THOUGHT AND CARE, PEOPLE NOT TO BE MADE TO FEEL GUILTY, NOR SHOULD THEY BE PRESSURED OR CAJOLED, WHICH IS  HOW OUR SHIP CAN GET HOLED, WE CUTTING OFF OUR NOSE TO SPITE OUR FACE, AND WHY WE NEED TO MIND OUR CASE.




THE HUMAN BALM OF HEALING:

LOVE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, RESOLUTION,
FORBEARANCE, RESTORATION, REHABILITATION, IMPARTIALITY,
SHELTER, REFUGE, SECOND CHANCES, SUPPORT, PRESENCE,
TIME, COMFORT, AID, LISTENING EAR...






EVEN NATURE KNOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE, BUT SURELY WE, NATURE'S CROWNING GLORY, INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO KNOW THIS, A FACT THAT INTELLIGENCE COULD HARDLY MISS, AND SO, WITHIN OUR LIVES AND SOCIETY, BALANCE THERE SHOULD ALWAYS BE, BECAUSE WHERE THERE'S NOT, ISSUES AND TROUBLES ARE EASY TO SPOT, THOSE POLITICAL LEFT AND RIGHT SWINGS AN EXAMPLE, AND TOO MUCH WORK, NOT ENOUGH SLEEP, AND OVERINDULGENCE LEADING TO ILL, THOUGH MANY MORE EXAMPLES COULD BE GIVEN, SOME PEOPLE QUITE LETHARGIC, AND OTHER PEOPLE FAR TOO DRIVEN, SOME PEOPLE FAR TOO SOFT, SOME PEOPLE FAR TOO HARD, SOME RELIGIOUSLY FANATICAL, AND SOME WHO RELIGION CHOOSE TO DISCARD, AND SO IT GOES ON, SO MUCH COMMONSENSE GONE.




THE HUMAN MUSCLE ROOM:

SELF-CONTROL, DISCIPLINE, TEMPERANCE, BALANCE,
WISDOM, COMMON SENSE, PATIENCE, TOLERANCE, FAIRNESS,
CONTENTMENT, ACCEPTANCE, ORDER, TIME MANAGEMENT,
CLEANLINESS, FORTHRIGHTNESS, CONSCIENTIOUSNESS...





THERE ARE THINGS IN LIFE THAT WE'VE A RIGHT TO DO, BUT THAT AREN'T ALWAYS WISE TO DO,
AND THUS IT COMING DOWN TO THOUGHT AND CARE, DOING WHAT'S MORE KIND AND FAIR,
WHICH REVEALS A THOUGHTFUL SENSITIVITY, A CERTAIN STRENGTH OF CHARACTER (INCLUDING
CHARITY), A PREPAREDNESS TO SELFLESSLY REFRAIN, ALL HOW CHILDREN WE SHOULD TRAIN,
THUS WORKING FOR THE BETTERMENT OF SOCIETY, AND GIVEN THAT WHAT GOES AROUND COMES
AROUND, PLEASANTLY OR PAINFULLY.




THE HUMAN WORKSHOP:

THE HANDICAPPED, THE HOMELESS, THE MENTALLY CHALLENGED,
THE DEPRESSED, THE INJURED, THE HURTING, THE POVERTY STRICKEN,
THE OPPRESSSED, THE WIDOWED, THE LONELY, THE WRONGLY ACCUSED,
THE ABANDONED, THE ABUSED, THE ANXIOUS, THE ASSAULTED,
THE PERSECUTED, THE STARVING, THE HELPLESS...





ULTIMATELY, IF ONE WANTED TO CONTROL HUMANITY, IT WOULD BE VIA THE MIND, PHYSICAL CONTROL HARDLY ENOUGH, AND HENCE THAT BRAINWASHING STUFF — YES, SEEN IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES WHERE PEOPLE ARE HELD — OH YES, IT'S A WORRISOME WORLD, WHERE MANY AGENCIES ARE VYING FOR ONE'S MIND, HENCE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MIND, YOUR MIND AND MY MIND, BE IT VIA PROPAGANDA, MISINFORMATION, TELEVISION ADS, OR RELATIONSHIP MANIPULATION, TOO OFTEN THE SITUATION, AND THUS THE REAL BATTLE BEING FOUGHT OVER OUR BRAIN, FROM WHICH SO MANY STAND TO GAIN, AND CERTAINLY WHERE THERE'S A MASTERMIND BEHIND IT ALL, SOME CUNNING CALL, AND ALL WHY WE SHOULD BE ON GUARD, MAKING SURE CERTAIN THINGS ARE BARRED, BE THEY GENERALLY DESTRUCTIVE OR AN ULTIMATE THREAT, A TRAP THAT'S SET, WHICH COULD PENETRATE LIKE A POISONOUS SHARD.





THE HUMAN TOOLBOX:

CREATIVITY, INOVATION, MOTIVATION, FORESIGHT, POSITIVENESS,
CRAFTSMANSHIP, GENIUS, STYLE, FLAIR, TALENT, TOUCH, EXPERTISE,
TECHNIQUE, PASSION, COMMITMENT, DETERMINATION, ENERGY
BELIEF, BRAVERY, ADVENTUROUSNESS, ARTISTRY, RISK...





THE HARDEST THING FOR LOVE TO DO, THOUGH KNOWING THAT IT'S BEST FOR YOU, IS TO
STAND AND WATCH WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED TO GO THROUGH, WHEN THAT IS FAR FROM WHAT
IT WANTS TO DO, BUT REALISES IT MUST DO, IF IT WANTS TO REMAIN HONEST AND TRUE.





THE HUMAN HALL OF FAME:

HUMANITARIAN ORGANISATIONS, HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS, PEACEMAKERS,
PACIFISTS, CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, HONEST, FEARLESS JOURNALISM,
HONEST, FEARLESS MEDIA, CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY GROUPS, RESCUE
ORGANISATIONS, DEFENDERS OF THE INNOCENT AND WRONGLY MALIGNED,
UPHOLDERS OF TRUTH, EXPOSERS OF WRONG, DENOUNCERS OF VIOLENCE,
SEXUAL ABUSE, DOMESTIC ABUSE, ELDER ABUSE, CHILD ABUSE, ANIMAL ABUSE,
RACISM, BIGOTRY, WAR CRIMES, GENERAL CRIMINALITY AND HATRED...








MORE FOOL US, AND A TRAGEDY IT IS, WHEN THE SIDE WE TAKE IS HERS OR HIS, AND THIS, WITHOUT HEARING THE OTHER SIDE, BE IT HERS OR HIS,
THE HORSE'S MOUTH LEFT TO ITS STABLE, HALF THE CARDS NOT EVEN ON THE TABLE, AND THUS LIES OR HALF TRUTHS LEFT TO ROAM, THERE NO FINE-TOOTH COMB, AND THUS TOO BAD ABOUT SOMEONE'S REPUTATION, JUST A FLURRY OF GOSSIP WORKING THE SITUATION, AND ALSO JUDGMENTAL THOUGHTS, HENCE THOSE TIMES WHEN THINGS END UP IN COURTS, AND ALL WHY IT DOESN'T PAY, AND NOR IS IT FAIR, BASED ON HEARSAY, TO TAKE SOMEONE'S SIDE, 'CAUSE IN COULD
COME A REVEALING TIDE, AND WHO MIGHT BE SWEPT AWAY?






THE HUMAN HALL OF SHAME:


LIARS, DECEIVERS, CADS, CON-MEN, TRAITORS, WARMONGERS, MALIGNERS,

TYRANTS, DICTATORS, DESPOTS, WOUNDERS, ASSAULTERS, ATTACKERS,
MURDERERS, TORTURERS, PERSECUTORS, TRICKSTERS, SADISTS, FALSE ACCUSERS, GOSSIPERS, ABUSERS, USERS, TROUBLE MAKERS, LAW BREAKERS, JOY STEALERS,
HEARTBREAKERS, THIEVES, SCAMMERS, COWARDS...





JUST A FEW THINGS ABOUT LOVE...

Love doesn’t say one thing and do another.
Love doesn’t say it will and then doesn’t.
Love doesn’t tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear.
Love doesn’t speak out of both sides of its mouth.
Love doesn’t turn on and off like a tap.
Love doesn’t take on something that it knows it can’t deliver, nor takes on something and then leaves it to others to finish.
Love doesn’t favour someone over another.
Love doesn’t do something that’s wrong in order to achieve something that’s good.
Love doesn’t run to two tunes.
Love doesn’t keep going on about someone’s mistake or misdemeanour.
Love doesn’t keep a list of grievances.
Love doesn’t sit down when it should stand up.
Love doesn’t open its mouth where it should keep it shut.
Love doesn’t hog any conversation, nor paints things differently.
Love doesn’t step over others to get to the top.
Love doesn't take shortcuts that cost in the long term.
Love doesn't walk away when things get rougher or tougher.

...'cause there's so much more.





LOVE IS THE SHERIFF IN TOWN, AND TRUTH IS ITS DEPUTY, SO DON YOUR HERO'S
GOWN, JOIN IN THE POSSE, AND TRACK THEIR ENEMIES DOWN, BECAUSE HATE
AND FALSEHOOD ARE ON THE LOOSE, THUS BADLY IN NEED OF TAKING DOWN,
AND REGARDLESS OF ANY EXCUSE.