Thank You, Santa

 

Thank you Santa

For the gift of another year

A year in which each one of us

Had our lives to fear.

 

Thank you Santa

For the gift of family and friends

Whom we connected with on Facebook, What's App, Zoom and Teams

Through this crisis with no end.

 

Thank you Santa

For the gift of being stable

For the roof over our heads, the coats on our backs

And the food on our tables.

 

Thank you Santa

For the gift of a safe and comfortable home

Where we could work, play, rest, and expand our horizons

In a way we had previously never known

 

Thank you Santa

For putting more time with our kids and pets within reach

To be so much more present in their lives

Was something none of us could have hoped for, or dreamed.

 

Thank you Santa

For sparing us of traffic jams and office stress

For giving us more time and space in our days

To eat healthy, work less frantically, develop new hobbies...

and have time to decompress.

 

Yes, thank you Santa

For this highly unusual year

Where life as we know it, was upended

But there were things to be grateful for.

 

Dear Reader, do you agree

Even with its trials and sorrows, 2020 brought us things to be thankful for

Take a moment to give thanks and praise for those things

As we close this unusual and challenging year.

These Things Are Ever The Same - A Whoville Inspiration

 

Leaves have fallen

Trees are bare

The holidays are upon us

And you can feel the crisp night air.

 

These things are ever the same

Tra la la la la Tra la la la la

These things are ever the same

 

People humming Christmas songs

People, dogs, and cats wearing Christmas gear

Christmas wreaths on doors and cars

Lawns with lights and brightly lit Christmas deer.

 

These things are ever the same

Tra la la la la Tra la la la la

These things are ever the same

 

Amateur and professional cooks kneading and baking

Children running through Christmas tree lots

Grand parents dusting off Santa costumes

Surprises being planned for little and big tots.

 

These things are ever the same

Tra la la la la Tra la la la la

These things are ever the same

 

Christmas menus are still being planned

Christmas gifts are still being wrapped

Secret Santas are still being held

And Christmas lips are still getting chapped.

 

These things are ever the same

Tra la la la la Tra la la la la

These things are ever the same

 

In the background is 💥the Covid virus

The 2020 grinch trying to turn out the lights

But people of 2020, are we going to let it?

No I hear us say - not on our lives.

 

Because that's who we are

We are ever the same

That's who we are

We are ever the same

 

That's who we are

Tra la la la la 

That's who we are

Tra la la la la

Take that Corona! 💥

-   The United Peoples and Pets of the Year 2020

Christmas is a Time

 

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When everyone in the family came together

To make Christmas sweets and wine.

Christmas is a time.

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When cribs were made by hand

With pebbles, leaves, and grass from the land.

Christmas is a time.

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When we went to the tailor to order our Christmas dresses

And thought about how we wanted to style our tresses.

Christmas is a time.

 

Christmas is a time 

Christmas is a time

When we had our address book close by our side

To hand-write and mail Christmas cards to kith and kin far and wide.

Christmas is a time.

 

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When we cut up fruit to put into our Christmas cake

Then added a dash of rum before we put it into the bake.

Christmas is a time.

 

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When we made the house festive with buntings, tree, and lights

And of course there was always the one star that shone bright.

Christmas is a time.

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When going to midnight mass was something not to be missed

And then leaving church after mass and making sure every cheek was kissed.

Christmas is a time.

These memories of childhood Christmases bring cheer and yearning to me

For the simpler Christmases of my past that I had with family.

Merry Christmas to one and all

May you create Christmas memories you have the pleasure to recall.

Christmas is a time.

Dear Reader...this poem was written for the NCMA (Northern California Mangalorean Association) Christmas Zoom party which was held yesterday evening. Sharon Aranha got me to write it and also recited it at the event.  I enjoyed writing this poem and listening to Sharon recite it.  A first time for me to have anyone recite one of my poems :)

Someone You Can Talk To

 

Someone you can talk to

That's who I want to be

Someone who doesn't interrupt

And listens attentively.

 

Someone who hears others out

Casting judgment aside

Someone with whom personal truths are safe

Someone to whom no one has to lie.

 

Someone who no one is afraid of

When there are delicate or uncomfortable truths to share

Someone who won't laugh, jeer, or judge

If anyone lays their soul and mistakes bare.

 

We should all try to become that person

Who makes becoming a better listener their aim

Thought it's not easy, we should strive to listen with patience and undivided attention

And do so, without judgment, condemnation, or blame.

 

To hear someone and to understand them

Is a powerful way to bring meaning

To any conversation that goes beyond surface talk

And allows others to express their true feelings.

 

To listen to someone in a heartfelt way

Is a way to cherish and connect

It doesn't take more than an expansive heart

And a willingness to show attention, caring, and respect.

 

So let's become listeners, you and I

So we can be a port in any storm

And when the waves come crashing down on anyone

Our listening skills can be counted on.

Countless

 

Countless are the sacrifices

That have been made for me

Both in my current life

And throughout the many years of history.

 

People have fought for my freedom

And people have fought for my rights

Sometimes going to their deaths

Just to make things right.

 

Countless are the thanks

I owe for everything I enjoy

My comforts, my health, my educated mind

Are all the gifts of someone's toil.

 

Parents, teachers, family, children

Friends, bosses, doctors, frontline workers, and more

Everything I have, use, or enjoy today

Has come from the visible and invisible labor, caring, and kindness of scores.

 

Countless are the wheels

Which have turned for me

Both in my current life

And throughout the years of history.

 

Explorers, soldiers, activists,

Government officials, firefighters, and more

It is because of many, many people

That I feel valued, safe, and secure.

 

Countless are the wheels

That still have to turn for some

So we should never give up striving

Until the wheels have turned for everyone.

 

So in this Thanksgiving message

I give not just past and present thanks

But for all the work and countless sacrifices currently being made to make more lives better

My countless future thanks are banked.

Wake Up Better Angel

 

Wake up Better Angel

I need you to be alert

So that no matter what the situation

I respond in a way that does not hurt.

 

Stand guard Better Angel of my nature

When I feel the urge to speak my mind

Help me get my point across

Without gloating, being rude, or unkind

 

Be ever ready Better Angel

When someone says I did something wrong

Instead of arguing and defending myself

Make sure I can say a genuine sorry and move on.

 

Be on the watch Better Angel of my nature

For those times when my ideas and beliefs are under attack

Help me not pursue the desire to win and be right

To the point of being harsh, stubborn, or striking back.

 

Look out Better Angel

For the times when people don't keep their word

Help me to be kind, understanding, and forgiving

Instead of being cutting and absurd.

 

Pay utmost attention Better Angel of my nature

On occasions when I feel slighted, overlooked, or snubbed

Help me not give into the temptation to over-react

By responding shabbily, or carrying a grudge.

 

Be loud and persistent Better Angel

When no one knows the wrong I have done

Make sure I confess, atone, and make amends

Before my time is done.

 

Better Angel of my nature, it's only with your active presence

I can be a blessing in my own and other people's lives

With you, I am a force for dignity, compassion, and reason

Without you, I am prone to unkindness, divisiveness, and strife.

 

Time and time again, I find, Better Angel

Yours is the one voice I most need to hear

Because without you, Better Angel of my nature

I would be little better than a brute, I fear.

 

Dear Reader…this post is dedicated to the Better Angels of our nature. Even in the most challenging situations of hurt pride or feeling wronged, we can rely on them to guide our thoughts, our words, and actions, so we conduct ourselves with dignity, compassion, and reason. If we make the Better Angels of our nature an active presence in our lives, it will be good for us, good for our families, good for community, good for society, and ultimately, good for the world. 

When Things Don't Work Out

 

When things don't work out

We can brood about

We can scream and shout

We can threaten with clout

We can act like louts

We can plunge into bitterness, negativity, and doubt

 

No doubt, we can

No doubt, no doubt

 

It's a choice after all.

 

On the other hand,

We can

Take our emotions firmly in hand

And make a dignified retreat

Even in defeat

 

It's a choice after all.

 

We can stand tall

In spite of a fall

 

It's a choice after all.

 

We can let go

When it's the end of the show

Take a bow

Say goodbye for now

 

Let the curtain drop

Hold our head aloft

 

It's a choice after all.

You Can't Control Others

 

You can't control others

But what you can do is do your part

I advise you to do it in a way

That will set you apart.

 

Show how it's done

Help if you are asked

Even if others obstruct your progress

Keep continuing to stay on task.

 

Be the role model

Find new ways to do things

Find a non-narcissistic way

To show the value you bring.

 

You can't control what happens

Someone else may get the glory

Take pride in what you have done

And your contribution to the story.

Even if you feel dejected

Find a way to do the right thing

Don't let what you do be determined

By your worst and reactionary feelings.

You can't control victories

Some one else may steal the day

Quickly recover from your losses

So you can get back into play.

 

The person who doesn't let their feelings

Distract them from the big picture of what they are called to do

Is the person who advances

And I hope that this is you.

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

 

Deciding is something

We all have to do

Especially after we leave grade school

And become free to choose.

 

Decisions.  Decisions.  Decisions.

 

We have to choose what field to enter

And how to make a living

We have to choose if it's worth forking out cash, or taking on debt for

And what to do if we later have misgivings.

 

Decisions.  Decisions.  Decisions.

 

We have to choose whether to live it up

Or be responsible every step of the way

We have to choose between taking on grown-up responsibilities

And between living for the day.

 

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.​​​​

 

​​​Should we stay in Silicon Valley?

Or should we head to a city with a less expensive and crazy pace?

Should we live in our parents' basements

So we can save up money and buy our own place?

 

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

 

Should we buy bitcoin like X said?

Or trade options like Y told us to?

Should we put our money in boring old index funds

Like the Bogleheads, Buffets, and Boomers say we should do?

 

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

 

​​​​​​​We have to choose whether to be single

And stay footloose and fancy free

Or whether to commit to a relationship

And live within the associated boundaries.

 

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

 

We have to choose whether to do the same old same old

Or to leave our comfort zone

Sometimes we will have to choose between hard choices, such as whether to adopt the ideas, faith, ideals, and politics of those in our family or circle

Or to think for ourselves, and strike out on our own.

 

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

 

We have to choose whether to be our authentic selves

At work, at play, with family, or in society

Or whether to put on a mask and live a lie…

For the sake of tradition and propriety.

 

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

  

Should we make all our decisions based on our desires

For more money, more status, more comforts, and more personal gain?

Or should we make our decisions based on what we believe is honest, compassionate, and right

And such things as human dignity, and causing the least pain?

 

Decisions.  Decisions.  Decisions.

 

​​​​​​​Dear Reader, so when it comes to decisions

As you can see, you will have an unlimited number to make

The easy ones are like whether to exercise or not today

Pay serious attention to the ones where who you are, and what you stand for are at stake.

 

Thank you for reading and good luck to you in your decision making. Tuesday, November 3, 2020 is election day. A special shout-out of praise to all those who will vote (or have already voted) this year. Thank you for being a thoughtful, conscientious, and responsible part of the American polity. Before I go, I have two things to communicate...the first is how happy I am I can vote – it is a right every American woman enjoys, thanks to the tireless efforts of people like Mary Cady Stanton, who fought and fought until the 19th amendment passed, and women were allowed to vote. The second is to  share a link with you to an inspiring video, which is both funny and moving.  I believe whatever decisions you make in life, one of the primary decisions you should make in life is to let nothing come between you and a fulfilling life. This video is of a person who sets an inspiring example in that regard.  I hope you enjoy it and get inspired by it: Maysoon Zayid: I got 99 problems ... palsy is just one.