Never Alone

NEVER ALONE

I stand among the trees

Feeling a light breeze

They sway

In the most

Glorious way

Adding to

A most beautiful day

I see the squirrel

Turn with a whirl

As I approach his side

Too close

He can’t abide

Away he runs to hide

In wonder at the beauty

Nature doth provide

The sky, the lake

There is no mistake

The wonders never cease

The more you see

The more it doth increase

Leading to an inner peace

What greater music

Doth belong

Then the melody

Of bird song

With this you can

Never go wrong

The scent

Of jasmine and rose

Doth tickle the nose

With heavenly delight

Both day and night

Whether or not

You have a home

Regardless

Of how far you roam

Someone at your side

Or not

You are never truly alone

As heavens blessings

Upon you have shown

-Shiidon, September 2010

I was sitting and watching the steam of my coffee wafting up to my face when I felt inspired. The original thought that came to me was of the coffee and the steam and something along those regards. Then other thoughts came to me. I was contemplating my cousin Ramin and our conversation from yesterday. We talked about what life can be. He talked about having a computer, watching the TV, reading and being at peace. Being a soon to retire man I can understand this. I reflected upon this and responded that this is in some ways my life now. I sit, drink my coffee or tea, write, watch a movie or two, go for a walk or whatever I want (no TV though). I contemplated on being alone. I thought about what life would be like if I was not alone again. Two words come to mind. Alone and lonely. Nature draws us together. It is all around us. We are driven to be with others. We are driven to the need to be with someone. This is where loneliness stems from. Being alone is a state in which we find ourselves in the end. We are born without a concept of others. We die alone, that journey, regardless of who is around at the time, is one we must face alone. When we are with our loved ones, our community or among friends we are still truly alone. The key, for me, is to appreciate the moment. If I find a person to spend the rest of my life with I will look back at this time and what will I see or feel. Will I regret what I could have done. Will I have neglected to live in hopes that someone would come along. Live each moment to the fullest. Don't squander opportunities and take the moment and relish it. So, I go to the Opera, I walk among the trees, I greet the squirrels with a prayer and relish each moment. This is what this poem means to me.

I took this photo on Labor day in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The photo above is Sierra Blanca from my parents home.

My father turned 82 yesterday, my mother next month. They have lived the fullest of lives and continue to do so. I hope to be able to say the same myself. Happy birthday Daddy.