Compilation of Brotherhood

In the end we are more alike each other,
Than when differences we add up.
Genetics, cultures, microbiomes we share,
Though friendship is not strong enough.

We are all one, in spirit and in body,
Religion and politics divide.
Reach across the chasm; join together,
Walking with your brothers in stride.

Not one chasm is insurmountable;
No canyon is too wide for love.
image

“No Chasm Yawns”

^by
Jerry E Smith
©4/30/17

When the waters around you are choppy and turbulent,
Try to keep hold of an inner calm,
Your own personal sanctuary from all that activity.
It is not easy to do, but worth the effort.
Know that it is all OUTSIDE of You;
Unless you let it inside,
It can’t really touch the core of what makes you
You.
Listen to your inner voices,
But don’t let them be
Shouting at you either.
Let yourself be aware of the outside
Stressors, contrasted with the calm inside you.
Let that Center you.

Know that you have what it takes to get it
Done,
(Whatever it is,)
To get through this crisis, to
Get through another day, and another, and…then
Before you know it, the crises are past, the new
Day is dawning and you wonder to yourself;
“Now,…that wasn’t really so bad was it”?
image

“Island of Stillness”

^by
Jerry E Smith
©4/28/16

You do know you have to change, don’t you?
Things don’t get better
Without change.
You cannot grow without change.
You cannot Heal without change.

You have to turn away from the things
And people who have brought you down,
Who may have
Even brought you disasters.

Giving up some things is not easy, but
When you can turn and look at all
Those former ways,
Lying “bleached on the ‘Shore of your life,”’
You will be glad of it.

Though hatred rages around you
And war defiles the land,
You
Can change you, and
You

Are all you can change.

image by Dean Matthews

"So Change"

^by
Jerry E Smith
©6/22/15
^{These are all posted in the past, but not together like this
This past few weeks have been very difficult for me.
I hope to not bring anyone else down}