In light of the devastation I was witnessing on my TV, and unable to 'imagine' its reality to those living it, I put my words, my thoughts into a poem. My hope is for it to help me discern a humble path.
we all internalize our world view
holding tight
to the perceived view
our head and heart cling on tight
we grasp at our own tunnel vision
feeling comfort
seeing only our immediate world
front and center
but do you read
do your watch the news
does a news magazine come to your mailbox
think…
civil war
WWI
WWII
vietnam
iraq
the endless wars our country has engaged in over time
this week
today
hamas invades israel
my guilt
comes when i think of my own safety and security
my tunnel vision
focused
cemented to my safe
comfortable
clean
world
how can i be so
insulated
imagine
fleeing your home
with little besides the clothes on your back
imagine
being responsible for family
imagine
running for your life
imagine
being in the midst of a ravaged country
endless images
families
individuals
stooped old people
struggling to move quickly
to flee before another bomb strikes
and me
in my amazing new home
finding opportunities
in this sun-drenched corner of the world
selfishly worried about my tomorrow
selfishly worried of how to live today and tomorrow without russ
but all the while
supported by family
finding new friends
new opportunities
checking off my to-do list for relocating
not once
even for one second
worried about food
clothing’
shelter
safety
or where i will lay my head as darkness settles on the day
yes
there is heartache and guilt
let us all
put our own wants into perspective
wake today and decide if your needs are met
be honest
analyze your vulnerability
perhaps step out of your own bubble
to bless another today
so many
right in our path
struggling with a distressing journey
step up
be the voice of hope
Today alone, "...in the Middle East and North Africa, the most affected regions of the world more than 45 armed conflicts are currently taking place in the following territories: Cyprus, Egypt Iraq, Israel, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Yemen and Western Sahara. Some started recently while others have lasted more than 50 years.
There is also death, destruction, culture wars, turf wars, abuse, sex-trafficking and endless other crisis taking place in plain sight.
One way to respond is to remember and act upon life's truth, it is not all about us. Use your time, money, and love for good. In a world of hurt, be the love.