It has been one year since we started this podcast, so now it seems the right time to restart with Season 2 Episode 1. Springtime - Just as we have hopes of emerging from the worst of the Covid pandemic, we have emerged from one era of political leadership in the US, into a new world of leadership focused on recovery and regeneration, rebuilding and rebalancing. This time can become our golden hour, and 2021 our golden year.
PASSOVER & EASTER AGAIN
Matzoh and easter eggs
Oppression and redemption
Rebirth and renewal
we are taken care of
if we choose to be.
When taking care of others
Kindness and caring
will redeem everyone.
ONE YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
The world turned upside down
testing our collective ability
to stand together as one world
Testing our willingness
to transform and reset
To find joy and peace
in social isolation
to honor those working
to keep the wheels turning
to provide food
to save lives
to keep us secure.
Did we succeed?
did we survive?
yes, no, maybe
depends on whom you are.
For the privileged ones
did we do our part?
As we slowly emerge
lets start again now
with thoughtful actions
that benefit our world,
to improve all lives
by carefully applying resources
by spending time creating beauty
by sharing positive words
by keeping connected
by remembering lessons learned
the strength of relationship
the joy in simplicity
the resilience of nature
The value of time
The power of self reflection
the love in our hearts
THE GOLDEN HOUR
I love the shadows and light on the tall pine trees
limbs and branches reaching out in all directions
like dancers with elaborate headdresses.
Then my favorite tree, the Live Oak’s twisted branches
holding multitudes of Crimson bromeliads
waiting to blossom like static cardinals
Even the dead trees
tall and leafless, appear as dramatic skeletons
in this golden light against the gray clouds and blue sky ,
standing, as if waiting for the woodpecker with the redhead
to come and find the treasures hidden inside.
Next I pass a young pine
straight vertical sprouts reaching up
soon to become pine cones
Some high up on the old pines
look like little crucifixes in the sky
reminding me of Jesus spreading his arms
over Rio de Janeiro.
The sun is getting lower and lower
a cool breeze blows across the water
the forest is illuminated in beautiful golden light
so the leaves of bushes glow vibrantly green.
Another day closes with the osprey
flying home with the silver fish
held tightly in its hooked talons
transmuted into gold
reflecting the fading golden light
somewhere deep in the silent forest
the great horned owls wait patiently
for their hunting time
under the sparkling stars
and the silver moon,
while we sleep waiting for another sunrise.
MOVING FORWARD
It is easy to be trapped
addicted to what feels good or exciting
i remember watching the levers pulled
the money disappearing
in the Las Vegas one armed bandits
like sets of unforgiving roulette wheels
Giving the illusion of a chance to win.
How many things do we do
that seem good at the moment
then drag us down to another action
that leaves us dis-satisfied or unhappy
leaving ice cream to fill the void,
or we can move forward.
Leaving the razzle dazzle
into the lands of magical rocks,
shades of yellow, orange and red
in the arches and voodoos
of Bryce Canyon.
Onto Zion
Climbing high up
Angels Landing
to see a world far below.
Surrounded by high colorful canyon walls
hiking through rushing water
in the Narrows of Zion
Thoughts are refreshed
the mind is cleared.
Every day we can start again,
choosing actions that are beneficial,
diving through choppy waters of the mind
to emerge with new momentum,
leaving selfishness behind
moving forward into a golden era for everyone.
©MartinStrasmore2021