I Thought I Was A Flower

 

I thought I was a flower.

Silly me.

In so many respects, I am still a bud.

And have growing to do.

In spite of the sunlight.

In spite of the soil.

In spite of the water.

In spite of the many years I have been on the stalk.

I am still a bud.

In this respect and that respect.

In so many respects.

I am still a bud.

And I still have growing to do.

That being the case…

 

Be patient with me.

Be patient with me.

 

I thought I was a tree.

Silly me.

I now see.

I am just a branch.

Of a very big tree.

Called humanity.

It will take some time.

To shake off the idea.

That I am not the tree.

I have to chip away at the bark.

That kept me in the dark.

That kept me from seeing all this time.

That I am just a part.

Of this very big tree.

Called humanity.

Which is why, I ask...

 

Be patient with me.

Be patient with me.

 

I thought I was the ocean.

Silly me.

I found out I am just a drop.

Among drops and drops and drops.

In a vast expanse.

That's as wide as it is deep.

Beyond what my naked eye can see.

When I think about that.

I pause.

And lift up my hands.

And express awe.

And then some more.

At this amazing vastness I was not aware I was a part of.

Isn't it amazing, to think.

This little drop that's me.

Is part of drops and drops and drops.

So vast, it's more than my naked eye can see.

And to think I have been living in a bubble that was so tiny.

I am glad my eyes have opened.

But I have to get used to this.

So please…

 

Be patient with me.

Be patient with me.

A Better Way

 

As I grow older,

And my vision gets bolder.

I want more of myself,

Yes, more than anything else,

I want for myself -

- to think, speak, act, feel, and just be in this world in a better way.

 

To think, speak, act, feel and be in a better way.

 

A better way to thrive where I'm planted.

A better way to adapt when my surroundings change.

A better way to deal with life's surprises.

A better way to cope with both the expected, and the strange.

 

A better way to know when to seize the moment.

A better way to know when to wait.

A better way to stay patient, optimistic, and faithful.

And to do this even when my chances are faint.

 

A better way to spend the hours I've been given.

A better way to choose my words.

A better way to listen to wisdom.

And a better way to make my own wisdom heard.

 

A better way to treat all living things.

That I meet on my journey through life.

A better way to deal with the darkness of their problems.

And my own countless worries and demons of the night.

 

A better way to walk the path in front of me.

A better way to deal with disappointments and regrets.

A better way to stay balanced.

Through the twists and turns in life, and even the major upsets.

 

Yes, I seek a better way to hold.

And a better way to let go.

A better way to play the hand I've been given.

Even with a future unknown.

 

I know there's a better way to think of everything.

And a better way to show I care.

I know there's a better way for me to be fruitful.

And to bring my gifts and talents to bear.

 

I know there's a better way to think about pleasure.

And a better way to deal with pain.

I know that every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

And if I approach it right,  it will be not just to my,  but to family's, to community's, to country's, maybe even to humanity's gain.

 

I seek a better way to carry my crosses.

The ones that others can and cannot see.

I seek to get to a place.

Where I carry them quietly and with dignity.

 

Yes, I seek a better way to respond to life.

And to find a way to embrace,

All the ups and downs in it.

With thoughtfulness, wisdom, and grace.

 

So always imperfect, dear reader,

I hope I am getting better every day.

In my ever conscious desire,

to think, speak, act, and feel in a better way.