Thank you, Jena. I think I have actually been fortunate to raise my kids surrounded by family and in a small town where, for the most part, the people are decent and kind. I had a conversation about this not long ago with my son’s best friend’s mother. They have been friends since kindergarten and just graduated from high school ! They, with several other life long pals, were very active in the music program at school. We were discussing the fact that it’s a beautiful thing that this group of kids support and encourage one another and there’s no competition or back stabbing. We are proud to unleash these beautiful souls into the world with the hope that their compassion, empathy and love will be contagious !! 🩵
Those salary numbers for the average American are stupid. Also, after a certain amount of money you cannot buy happiness or peace of mind or gratitude or...anything good. The fact those numbers were thrown about shows a lack. A lack of what??? Wisdom. Basic Wisdom. Which no amount of money can a human glean wisdom from....
To complement your choices, here's a pairing I believe carries the same essence:
Poem:"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou
This poem speaks of resilience, pride, and the indomitable spirit of the black woman throughout history. While it directly addresses racial and gender struggles, its theme of rising against adversity is universal.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Song: "Rise Up" by Andra Day
This song is an anthem of perseverance and hope. Andra Day's soulful voice coupled with the powerful lyrics inspires one to rise against challenges and be the beacon of hope.
And I'll rise up
I'll rise like the day
I'll rise up
I'll rise unafraid
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again
Both Angelou's poem and Day's song revolve around the theme of resilience. Despite the odds and challenges faced, both pieces remind us of our inherent strength and the human spirit's ability to overcome. They both exude a sense of empowerment, calling on the listener or reader to remember their worth, to keep pushing forward, and to rise above adversity. This pairing reinforces the idea that, no matter how many times we're knocked down, we have the capacity to rise up stronger and more determined.
In times of exhaustion and hopelessness, it's vital to remind ourselves of the strength we carry within and the legacy of resilience that has been passed down to us. Poetry and music are wonderful conduits for this message, transcending barriers and touching the soul.
From Exhaustion to Hopelessness
Yes! This!
Interconnected-ness is absolutely vital for all life on this blue fragile orb.
Excellent!
Powerful post! And riddled with hope, nonetheless! Thank you, Jena! 👏🏼👏🏼❤️
Thank you, Jena. I think I have actually been fortunate to raise my kids surrounded by family and in a small town where, for the most part, the people are decent and kind. I had a conversation about this not long ago with my son’s best friend’s mother. They have been friends since kindergarten and just graduated from high school ! They, with several other life long pals, were very active in the music program at school. We were discussing the fact that it’s a beautiful thing that this group of kids support and encourage one another and there’s no competition or back stabbing. We are proud to unleash these beautiful souls into the world with the hope that their compassion, empathy and love will be contagious !! 🩵
What happened to love?
What happened to compassion?
Where did the light go?
Has everyone’s hearts
Turned to stone?
How do you turn your back
On a starving child?
Why don’t you care
About an ill veteran
Living on the street?
When did it become normal
To laugh at someone struggling?
This is the world we have built
This is the legacy
We leave for our children
A dark and angry world
Devoid of a soul
~wjc
***********
How do you find serenity
When the world is on fire
Pretend that you don’t see
Broken lives thrown on the funeral pyre
Ignore your neighbors’ desperate pleas
Or
Could you open your heart
Create a space of peace
A solitary person
May not be able
To alter the whole world
A solitary person
Can alter someone’s world
Love someone who feels unlovable
Calm someone’s moment of panic
Shine a light
Spread some joy
A solitary person
Can unite
Solitary people
Together
Together
We can extinguish
The flames
Of fear
Of pain
Of loneliness
Of hatred
Together
We can extinguish
The flames
Together we can create
Serenity
~wjc
Those salary numbers for the average American are stupid. Also, after a certain amount of money you cannot buy happiness or peace of mind or gratitude or...anything good. The fact those numbers were thrown about shows a lack. A lack of what??? Wisdom. Basic Wisdom. Which no amount of money can a human glean wisdom from....
To complement your choices, here's a pairing I believe carries the same essence:
Poem:"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou
This poem speaks of resilience, pride, and the indomitable spirit of the black woman throughout history. While it directly addresses racial and gender struggles, its theme of rising against adversity is universal.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Song: "Rise Up" by Andra Day
This song is an anthem of perseverance and hope. Andra Day's soulful voice coupled with the powerful lyrics inspires one to rise against challenges and be the beacon of hope.
And I'll rise up
I'll rise like the day
I'll rise up
I'll rise unafraid
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again
Both Angelou's poem and Day's song revolve around the theme of resilience. Despite the odds and challenges faced, both pieces remind us of our inherent strength and the human spirit's ability to overcome. They both exude a sense of empowerment, calling on the listener or reader to remember their worth, to keep pushing forward, and to rise above adversity. This pairing reinforces the idea that, no matter how many times we're knocked down, we have the capacity to rise up stronger and more determined.
In times of exhaustion and hopelessness, it's vital to remind ourselves of the strength we carry within and the legacy of resilience that has been passed down to us. Poetry and music are wonderful conduits for this message, transcending barriers and touching the soul.
Jena! This is your banner! This is where your voice is needed!
I agree with you, Jena!
$233,000? Most blue collar workers and even professional teachers and medical personnel don’t make 1/4 of that a year.