The last week has wrought many events that have upset my normally serene and content state-of-mind:
The Tucson shootings have left me even more convinced that the death penalty is a valid exchange for mass murder - I understand the idea of those against the death penalty, but in my heart of hearts, I truly believe that some souls are irredeemable in this life, that to restore universal balance, the scales need to be re-set. Even though I understand that mistakes have been made and innocent humans have been executed, I still believe that execution is the final retribution due because of lives stolen away . . . not to mention the lives of survivors of the victims.
Other issues are again, not directly my issues, but as they orbit into my reality, they have upset my balance . . . secrets kept, once revealed - can be freeing. Their revelations always bring about better understanding of the secret keeper . . . but if the information gets out, does that wreak more pain for those effected? Only the secret keeper can weigh that issue and make that call. Although I believe in full disclosure, I am happy to hold shared secrets until their time is come. What is the psychological WEIGHT of a secret????? That intrigues me . . . if I were to paint a picture, would they appear as a large burden carried upon one's shoulders? I am reminded of Robert di Nero in THE MISSION, one of my all-time, favorite movies, the freedom he gained when he, literally, let his weight fall from his shoulders.
One of my dear friends and her family suffered a fire on their property. Everyone is safe, but the loss of personal property, those treasured things . . . that is heavy, too. What would I grab if I KNEW my room was about to burn? My nook? A Photo Album? My Laptop? It is something to consider.
So, for all the heartache I feel in the world around me, for my dear friends and family that are dealing with these issues, I share this poem, which soothed my soul this morning.
THIS IS MY WISH FOR YOU by Charles Livingston Snell
This is my wish for you . . .
That the spirit of beauty may continually hover about you
and fold you close within the tendernesses of her wings.
That each beautiful and gracious thing in life may be unto
you as a symbol of good for your soul's delight.
That sun-glories and star-glories, leaf-glories and bark-glories,
glories of mountains and oceans of the little streams of running waters;
glories of song, of poesy, of all the arts may be to you as sweet, abiding
influences that will illumine your life and make you glad.
That your soul may be as an alabaster cup, filled to overflowing
with the mystical wine of beauty and love.
That happiness may put her arms around you, and wisdom
make your soul serene.
This is my wish for you.