Unheard Voices

Where are the moderate Muslims

Whose voices remain unheard?--

Who allow the religious extremists

To have the final word?

Where are the moderate Christians

Who will speak out against fanatics?--

Against hate-mongering leaders

Or manipulative charismatics?

What about moderate Hindus,

Or moderate Buddhists or Jews,

Who will stand up to radicals

And their discriminatory views?

Where are the moderate voices--

The voices of reason and love--

That focus on sense and compassion

And promote all aspects thereof?

When religious fanatics

Manipulate and distort

The truths behind their scriptures,

They sell their religions short.

When worshipers speak out with reason

And love--embracing ALL people--

Then goodness will flow from every

Temple, mosque, or steeple.

So let the voices of wisdom

Drown out expressions of hate

And stop the spread of ignorance

Before it is too late.

By Bob B (9-30-14)

Party Brawl in Alaska

One wild night in September,

In the year twenty fourteen,

Will be a night to remember.

Will it make the silver screen?

At a birthday celebration

In Anchorage, Alaska,

There arose a huge altercation.

Is this typical? I ask ya.

The party was calm--as planned.

But all of that calm was short-lived.

Things got way out of hand

After the Palins had arrived.

Bristol threw a right hook

At a partygoer's face.

We can imagine that took

A lot of charm and grace.

Track went after a guest

Who had dated Willow--his sister.

Maybe someone can attest

As to whether the guy had dissed her

At any rate, Track romped around

Shirtless and undeterred

From displaying in a manner profound

His facility for flipping the bird.

In the chaos, Hubby Todd

Acquired a bloody nose.

That can't be so odd

When there's a brawl, I suppose.

They say that Sarah yelled out,

"Don't you know who I am?"
It seems that without a doubt,

Nobody gave a damn.

Someone had called the police,

Who asked the Palins to leave.

The officers tried to make peace.

With rowdies that's hard to achieve.

No one pressed charges, they say.

As to how the chaos got going,

The police said that at the soirée,

Alcohol was flowing.

Later Sarah claimed

To be proud of Bristol's behavior.

Instead of feeling ashamed,

She considered her daughter a savior.

To protect her family, indeed,

A "prayer shield"--she says--played a role.

(But what they all REALLY need

Is greater self-control.)

It's scary when you think

That this Alaskan resident

Was actually on the brink

Of becoming our vice president!

By Bob B (9-26-14)

The Mission Graveyard

The mission graveyard was peaceful and calm.

Sporadic gravestones and crosses marked

The final resting places of some

Who for some reason had embarked

On a new journey--a new phase--

A final, unavoidable transition.

Their remains still sleep, I hope undisturbed

By visitors at the sleepy mission.

Swaying in the gentle breeze,

The olive trees wistfully cast

Their shadows on the neglected sod

And on the graves that we wandered past.

Reading the inscriptions on the gravestones

Brought so many questions to mind:

Who were the people buried here?

Whom did they sadly leave behind?

Were they rich or were they poor?

Was their life easy or hard?

Was it pestilence, age, or violence

That brought them here to sleep in this yard?

My glance fell upon a simple stone.

I couldn't help but think that maybe

Some people's lives had been torn apart;

Carved in the gravestone was one word: Baby.

Oh, Life and Death, you keep us wondering.

No matter how much we people yearn

To second-guess you, you surprise us

And deliver us to the grave or urn.

(9-23-14) By Bob B

The Sum of Our Experiences

The sum of our experiences:

That's who we are.

Do our experiences guide us

To reach for that distant star?

Do they allow us to see

Through a person's façade?

Do they help us uncover

Dangerous deceit and fraud?

Do they take us to places

Of deep and profound thought

Outside our ego selves,

Where we're something we're not?

Or do our experiences hold us

In a superficial realm

Or on a ship of mindlessness

With ignorance at the helm?

Do they allow us to open

Both our minds and our hearts--

To discard superstition

And embrace what reason imparts?

Since we're made up of all

That we have seen and known,

How reassuring it is

To know we're not alone.

That reassurance

Should make us mindfully strive

To work for the good of all people

So that our planet can thrive.

(9-23-14) By Bob B

Some Just Don't Get It

"No medicine for me," a patient says.

"If God wants me healthy, He will cure me.

Your pills and your shots and your treatments, Doctor,

Do nothing to comfort or assure me."

God notices the woman's stubbornness

And shakes His head in utter disbelief.

"Why doesn't she realize that I gave her

Doctors and medicine to give her relief?"

"Why should I help the sick and needy?"

Asks a man. "Let them fulfill

Their own destinies. If I can manage,

Why can't they? It could be God's will."

God shakes His head again in amazement.

"Why does he think I came up with compassion

And the concept of sharing and helping others?

Love is not a thing that we ration."

A fire approaches a family's home;

The fireman instructs them to leave the vicinity.

The family members refuse to flee

And await a message from their Divinity.

"What is wrong with people?" God asks.

"I sent a fireman to protect them from danger.

Why don't they use the reason I gave them?

I swear: Some people grow stranger and stranger."

"God told me to hate those people,"

Says a man, carrying a sign.

Spewing his venom, he spreads his lies

Based on reasons he claims are divine.

"Who the heck does he think he is

To claim that he knows how I think and feel?"

Cries God, losing patience with people

Whose hateful behavior is far from ideal.

"Reason clouded by ego and hatred?

Compassion clouded by anger and greed?

Judgment clouded by irrationality?

Some people really make my heart bleed!

"But wait! Somebody else is calling.

What is it now? Is this a mistake?

This one wants help to win SURVIVOR!

Come on, people! Give me a break!"

(9-15-14) By Bob B

Our Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is a wonderful right--

A right that all Americans cherish.

It's a right that not all countries enjoy,

And one that we wouldn't want to see perish.

People have the right to express

Their opinion in public; yes, that is true.

One thing about it is when they speak out,

Their venomous ignorance often comes through.

Isn't there a saying about

Thinking before expressing a thought?

Many people ignore that advice;

What's more, those people ignore it a lot.

Publicly expressing rancor and bigotry

Might sound appropriate to those who feel

That they have the right to deny other people

Their rights, which they do with great zeal.

Extremist ideas and irrational thinking

Are surely part of the human condition.

People whose speech condemns other people

Are on a destructive, hateful mission.

A malicious message spoken in public--

A far-out attack or outlandish expression--

Allows us to see the foolishness in

The speaker's illogic and lack of discretion.

An astutely aware and compassionate public

Will let malice fall on deaf ears.

And those who employ such invective,

Instead of our anger, deserve our tears.

When we hear people spewing inanities

Powered by ignorance and hatred, we should

Consider the source and counter the poison

So it doesn't taint all that is good.

(9-12-14) By Bob B

Remembering 9-11 (on the 13th Anniversary)

I'm sure all of us remember where

We were and what we were doing when

We heard the news on 9-11--

News that's been etched in our hearts since then.

How unreal it felt at the time!

Immobilized by shock,

We stared at TV screens for hours,

Heedless of the ticking clock.

Life was on hold for a period of time;

We couldn't believe what we were seeing.

Our vulnerability emerged. We felt

A serious threat to our well-being.

That day changed our lives forever.

Most of us lost our innocent views

That we had of the world and our place in it

As we watched the horrible, frightening news.

May we always keep in our hearts

The people who lost their lives that day

In New York, in Washington, D.C., and on

A field in Somerset County, P-A.

And may we also keep in our hearts

The dear loved ones of all the departed--

Those who have suffered from this tragedy

And have had to carry on broken-hearted.

The world since then has changed a great deal.

All we can do is try to find peace.

But sadly peace is a distant goal

As violence never seems to cease.

By Bob B (9-11-14)

Making Tough Choices

Living in this world

Means making important decisions,

Many of which will cause

International divisions.

Our country's made difficult choices,

And sometimes we have been wrong.

We've ended up in places

Where we didn't belong.

At times we've supported figures

Of questionable democracies--

Figures who ran their countries

More like scary autocracies.

We must examine our motives

For decisions we have to make.

Are they people-centered?

If not, then for goodness' sake,

Why do we get involved?

To protect business dealings?

For resources? Power? Control?

What about people's feelings?

When making choices in life,

We have to come to our senses.

We know that every decision

Involves consequences.

We are one voice of many;

Knowing that requires

That we work with other nations

If we want to put out the world's fires.

If our decision-makers

Decide on a path and stand fast,

Let's hope that they don't repeat

Mistakes that we made in the past.

By Bob B (9-10-14)

How to Write and Publish a Book of Untruths

Any crackpot can write a book

Of lies about whatever.

Look at non-fiction book lists for

Examples of such an endeavor.

Taking information out

Of context lets you blur

The separation of truth from lies

Like a skillful saboteur.

Facts become insignificant.

With careful manipulation,

You can even invent your own:

Keep thinking obfuscation.

Quotations out of context make

Your arguments sound real

And distract the readers from the basic

Truths that you conceal.

Non-credible witnesses, too,

Are an absolute must--

Especially if they sound as though they're

Someone we ought to trust.

With selectively-edited evidence

And a clever distortion of facts,

Push any hoax to see what kind

Of people it attracts.

If your theories have been proven false,

The more you tell a lie,

The more the public will see your deceit

As truth by and by.

Rehash a number of debunked myths;

You don't have to worry.

Readers will take your words as the truth--

No matter if those words are blurry.

Find a publisher who is out for a buck--

Any so and so.

Then find promoters who believe your nonsense,

And you're good to go.

Sit back and watch your book come out

And land on many a shelf.

You might feel some satisfaction

(If you can live with yourself).

By Bob B (9-9-14)

Showing Gratitude

How do we show gratitude

When our lives are comfortable and fine--

When most things that we want or need

Are graspable, and trouble's benign?

With a complacent attitude,

Can we still show gratitude?

It would be amazing if

The noun "gratitude" became a verb;

Wouldn't the world be different then?

How exciting! How superb!

Gratitude's not about being thankful

For all of our THINGS--our many possessions.

Gratitude's not about giving lip service

To how much we care--empty expressions.

Gratitude's not about singing praises;

It's more about trying to explore

The deeper truth behind behavior

That brings the here and now to the fore.

True gratitude is in our actions

And comes directly from the heart;

It's more than just good intentions,

And selfishness plays no part.

Gratitude's reflected in our giving--

Giving in more ways than one:

In caring, helping, smiling, sharing--

Without a hint of being outdone.

Appreciation and thankfulness
Provide a feeling of satisfaction,
Which in turn touches all hearts,
Causing a positive chain reaction.

A truly heartfelt attitude

Expresses heartfelt gratitude.

By Bob B (9-8-14)

Handy Advice

I ran into a guy one day,

When I was feeling down.

He took it on himself to make

A smile of my frown.

He seemed to be a happy guy--

Courteous and nice.

He looked me in the eyes and said,

"Here's some good advice:

"Be kind to others,

And they will be kind to you.

Don't give up on dreams;

There's always a chance they'll come true.

Don't eat too much,

Or you're going to gain weight;

Be heedful of time:

Better early than late.

Watch out whom you vote for,

Or you're going to get screwed.

Don't talk about others;

Such behavior is rude.

Take care of your health,

Or you are going to regret it.

If people try to insult you,

It will only hurt if you let it."

"Tell me more," I said to him;

"Don't keep me in suspense."

His words rang true and definitely

Made a lot of sense.

He closed his eyes, looked down and thought,

And then he raised his head.

He looked me in the eyes again

And this is what he said:

"Live each day to the fullest;

You know you can never repeat it.

Don't start a project

Unless you plan to complete it.

Don't air dirty linen

In public; that's a no-brainer.

Maintain a positive attitude;

Then you'll feel a lot saner.

Be mindful of

What you do and say.

Don't cross your partner,

Or there'll be hell to pay.

Offer help to others--

At least once in a while.

And last of all don't forget

To smile, smile, smile."

We parted ways then--he and I;

My spirits had been raised.

That gentle guy seems to have

Gone through life unfazed.

His words of wisdom resonate

With me; they're a boon.

And so I thought I'd put them

In a catchy tune:

(Repeat)

"Be kind to others…"

Etc., etc., etc…

By Bob B (9-7-14)

An Acoustic Guitar, a Voice, and a Song

I enjoy a good band with its

Drums and fine guitars,

A keyboard and a couple of singers

At concerts, clubs, and bars.

A mellow band with harmonizing

Voices is a treat—

Not a loud rambunctious one

That blasts me out of my seat.

An exciting band can really send me—

That I will concede.

But an acoustic guitar, a pleasant voice,

And a song are all I need.

Take me to a symphony;

That can be exciting.

Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart

All can be inviting.

Chamber music with a string quartet

Can often do the trick;

A grand concerto that gives me goose bumps

Has a definite kick.

Big band, pop, or classical

Music are fine indeed;

But an acoustic guitar, a pleasant voice,

And a song are all I need.

Opera can be scintillating

If you like the score.

A giant chorus or a plaintive aria

Makes your spirits soar.

Mozart, Wagner, Puccini, Verdi

Massenet and the rest

Make me realize that I am

Listening to the best.

But as much as I like opera

When it's up to speed,

An acoustic guitar, a pleasant voice,

And a song are all I need.

I like music from all around

The world as a rule.

Both modern and traditional

Sounds to me are cool.

German, Japanese, Norwegian,

Mexican, and Chinese

Music makes me feel good;

It puts my mind at ease.

But as much as I like all music,

One thing's guaranteed:

An acoustic guitar, a pleasant voice,

And a song are all I need.

(9-6-14) By Bob B

Frustrating Technology!

Technology's changing so very fast 

That trying to keep up is a pain. 

I'd hardly call myself a Luddite, 

But sometimes I feel left out in the rain. 

They come out with Windows 10

When you've barely learned Windows 8. 

Every time I open a program

It seems as though there's a new update. 

Then you're back to square one again. 

Good luck learning the fancy new features. 

If you get stuck, don't hesitate  

To find some kids to serve as your teachers. 

It’s amazing how kids at such a young age 

Are already showing familiarity 

With swiping, sliding, and tapping their fingers 

On touch screens AND with great dexterity. 

You can't just have a phone these days; 

It has to be a smart phone, you see. 

How we ever survived in the past 

With our not-so-smart phones is way beyond me. 

With smart phones you can lock your doors, 

Turn on the air or adjust the heat. 

Having a phone just to make calls 

In this day and age would be obsolete. 

Try to find a simple clock radio 

Or a simple phone without any frills. 

Young people don't know what it's like 

To need postage stamps to pay their bills. 

Practically everything needs recharging-- 

Laptops, tablets, cameras, phones. 

Our cars now operate by computers; 

Without technology we wouldn't have drones. 

Recharging batteries all the time

Is NOT as handy as it looks.

That's why I usually prefer

My good old-fashioned paper books.

(9-5-14) By Bob B

Red-Eye Flight to Washington, D.C.

Pfmmmpf! went the door. The engine started;

The “Fasten Seat Belts” signs were lit.

My screen showed emergency instructions.

I thought to myself, “Well, this is it!”

The plane shook as it rolled down the runway.

I gulped and curiously looked around.

With white knuckles I clutched the armrest

As the plane lifted up off the ground.

Holding my breath as we ascended,

I glanced out the window, and what do you know:

Houses, streets, and cars grew smaller

In the ever-shrinking world down below.

I wondered, “Has my Xanax kicked in yet?

Will it hurt to have ONE glass of wine?”

The plane leveled off; the flight attendant

Smiled and said, “Honey, you’re doing fine.”

The screen on the back of the seat in front of me

Displayed a map of our cross-country route.

If I sat there and watched that screen,

I knew that I was going to freak out.

Sleep? Forget it. How is that possible

With all of the vibrating, bouncing, and roaring,

And lights going on and off and overhead

Cabinets clicking and people snoring?

No leg-room for stretching my legs:

The dreadful curse of economy class.

The constant shifting around in my seat

Was a literal pain in the ass.

I tried in vain to get some sleep

With my book lying in my lap.

I'd peek at the screen. We'd moved only

A millimeter across the map.

I felt like Sisyphus pushing his rock;

The night seemed to have no end.

Finally, to my great relief,

Our plane started to descend.

“Yay!” We landed and rolled to a stop.

On leaving the plane, I felt signs of fall.

Breathing in the fresh air, I thought,

“That wasn’t so bad after all.”

I'd passed the test with flying colors—

Sort of. At least I wasn’t too frantic.

And as it turned out my very next flight

Was going to take me across the Atlantic.

(9-3-14) By Bob B

My Daily Dose of Deutsch

People often think that I’m weird

Because I love to read

German grammar and usage texts.

Okay, I concede:

It’s not normal to read through

Such books from cover to cover;

But it’s not so strange when you are considered

A German language lover.

It also makes sense when one’s

A German language learner

To read a book most people consider

NOT a real page turner.

But German—Ach!—I love the language;

I love to speak it and hear it.

I love how it bounces off the tongue.

(It’s a shame that some won’t go near it.)

The language really tickles my ears;

To me it doesn’t sound snooty.

Because of its crispness and clarity, I

Appreciate its beauty.

Unlike the Italians, the Germans don’t

Talk with their hands.

They also don’t sound like drill sergeants

Shouting out commands.

And Germans, unlike speakers of English,

Don’t confuse “her” with “she”;

They also don’t have a problem knowing

When to use “I” or “me.”

The German language sounds fresh and vivid,

Vivacious, spirited, and zestful.

It’s not a language that lulls you to sleep

In a manner quiet and restful.

Listen to the great German poems

That go back many years

By Eichendorff, Goethe, and Heine.

Music to my ears!

Don’t forget that English is

A Germanic language. It’s true!

But many words come from Latin now,

And other languages, too.

When I’m feeling down in the dumps,

Sad or a little morose,

All I need to perk me up

Is German in a large dose.

Beauty is in the eye of the viewer;

That idea holds sway.

It’s also in the ear of the listener.

What more can I say?

(9-2-14) By Bob B

Food for Thought

Everything is a lesson

Whether we like it or not.

Everything has a meaning.

Everything’s food for thought:

Unfortunate times, our triumphs,

Days both happy and sad,

People who warm our hearts,

People who drive us mad,

Illnesses and wellness,

Incidents that we regret,

Things we’ll remember forever,

And things we would like to forget.

Life makes more sense when

We open our eyes and our minds.

It’s like a light bulb going on,

Or like someone opening the blinds.

When we see interconnectedness—

When everything’s not about US—

Causes and conditions

Show us there’s always a THUS.

BOTH seeing and knowing

Guide us in understanding

The world around us; however,

The truth is also demanding.

You wonder: Does all of this knowing

Provide us with much consolation

When we feel so helpless

In effecting a transformation?

Some things seem so simple,

And yet they’re complicated.

It turns out the golden rule

Is far too underrated.

Too many people can’t see

The forest for the trees.

They claim to offer assurance,

But end up causing unease.

Sometimes the lessons we learn

Are hard to reconcile—

Especially when fanatics’

Tactics are cruel and vile.

Blinded by ideologies,

They lack genuine caring;

Their means for achieving their goals

Are violent and overbearing.

Is it that they do not see?

Or is it that they do not care?

Lying to themselves prevents them

From becoming truly aware.

It’s sad for the many victims

Whose lives are miserably affected

By those ideological thugs

Whose goals are misdirected.

It’s how we USE what we’ve learned

To help us make changes—to act—

To help us make smart decisions,

Using our wisdom and tact.

Learning from all of life’s lessons,

Combined with introspection

Or getting in touch with ourselves,

Is a step in the right direction.

Just always keep in mind

That whether we like it or not,

Everything has a meaning;

Everything’s food for thought.

(9-1-14) By Bob B