If we could open up and show what we keep inside, would others like what we would show them? Beyond our false pretenses and fake smiles, what would the world really see? Would all of our frailties be exposed and make us look weak, or would we become more human? Would the ugly and hateful self we hide in the shadows of our heart appear and repulse those who call us friend? Would the world embrace what we truly are or would it shun each of us as it saw a reflection of itself? No one can predict what would happen if our true selves came out. All that we can say for sure is that the world would be a different place than the one we create for others to see.

All distinction is gone, and we are doomed. No representation exist, it will be over soon. Clones of each party reflects the other. Nothing is  new under the sun. Once a clear distinction existed between two factions, now they both grumble and tell lies. All are awash in money while the unwashed masses starve. No help can be found in the seat of power, the chair is one size to fit the posterior of whoever happens to sit in it at the time. Rhetoric abounds but says little as dysfunctional bureaucrats shuffle endless reams of paper from one box to the next in a pretense of accomplishment that would fool even the wisest of the Greeks. At last the utopia is in sight. All persons have one point of view whether they like it or not. Society is reduced to numbers of the haves and the have not's with the former being less than the latter but of a greater status. Reaping all of the harvest and leaving little for the unwashed masses, as they close ranks in androgynous politics that mirror the same thing.

Cities lay desolate and all they do is lay blame each other. Children use guns to resolve their problems then watch the destroyed lives. Some go to the grave and others go to jail. Each experiences a form of death, but who really cares. Politicians sit on ivory perches and intellectuals say how bad they feel, but all their platitudes will not feed a hungry child. We work ourselves into an early grave for a few scraps of paper only to have it taken away in the end. No one knows where the wealth goes, it vanishes into the either sphere. What is the answer, today it is more rage. Where has love gone to and why was it replaced by hate? In life there exist a void that human understanding cannot fill. Until we put down our selfish ways and start seeing another's pain, then noting is going to change.

Cut the cloth of brotherhood and stich in your part. Open up your soul to mercy and let love fill your heart. Walk against the darkness and bear forth your light. Set right that which is wrong and teach others to do the same. Join with another to fill a want or need. Give a simple gift of hope and become a force for change. Set a foundation of giving upon which others can build. Plant seeds of joy in a barren and desolate field. Count each day a gift and take a moment of your time to help another in need, make this a part of your daily life, let this be your creed. Weave a legacy of which you can be proud. Leave an inheritance that is more precious than Gold. Create a story that will inspire others even when you are gone.

Till the soil and pull out the weeds. Sew the seeds and water them with care. Watch dutifully and see the sprouts begin to grow. Feed the young chutes with love and prune back the leaves. Let each one rise to the sun and form a blossom. Watch as the flower comes into full bloom in many colors of all hues and types. This is how to plant a garden of humanity where all flowers are welcome and grow in harmony with one another.

Friendships built and friends lost. People given a hand that are in need. Healing the sick and the broken hearted, bearing a neighbors burden with them. Walking on a path straight and narrow, weighed down by troubles and trials. Struggling to understand the  journey, but always with humility acting in the services of others. Being selfless and not selfish. Taking time to listen instead of taking advantage of someone. Offering hope instead of condescending judgment. These are the things that make a life well lived.

What is the secret I asked a wise man. He said you must find that answer for yourself. I asked him where I might find the answer and he said go on a journey and you shall find what you seek. I asked where I should start and he gave me a map, I followed the map and it lead me to a place where there was a great need. The people welcomed me and I told them I was on a journey, they asked me if I could stay a little while. I helped them to build and recover and days turned into months, then years passed. I woke up one day and said I must be on my way, with sadness they said farewell. I opened up the  map and saw the line lead to a river, there I hoped I would find my way. Upon arriving I saw clear cool water and I went to bend down and get a drink. In the reflection, I saw the wise man looking at me, but it wasn't the wise man, it was me. I had become aged and gray but now I understood. I finished staring at my reflection and returned to the village in the way. I found many people welcomed me and I found love and a family. Then when my hair had faded to the color of snow, I returned to the place where the wise man had been and sat down. Then  young wanderer came to me and asked me sir what is the secret of life. I reached into my bag and handed him a map and said follow this and you will find what you seek.

On a tree, on a hill forsaken and wounded. A precious soul gave all to save many. In agony and alone, with compassion and love he ask forgiveness for those who took his life. In death as in life he cared deeply, then letting go of his mortal coil, he succumb to his wounds, giving final payment for a debt we could not pay, alone on a tree.

Reaching into the sky grasping at the nothingness. Pulling on a string and watching a kite sail. Running into the breeze but holding nothing nothing. Drawing a sail to its full height and feeling the motion pushing my boat forward. Jumping off a mountain top and letting a glider dive then push up with the draft from the valley below. Rising into the sun before zipping past the clouds. Wrapping myself and the one I love in a blanket as the cold ocean breeze blows through her hair. Catching the wind in so many ways and enjoying the nothingness of it's existence as it fully touches my life.

On a chestnut mare with a mane like gold dust, galloping down by a winding river. I lose myself in the motion of the horse as I feel the thundering hooves lift me off of the ground. With eyes closed, I hear the river rushing by and I imagine I am riding into battle. The horses snorts bring my heart to race inside my chest as I feel the morning sun on  my face. I open my eyes and lean forward taking tight hold of the reins. I kick the sides of the mare edging her on as the river narrows, I pull the reins right and jump across the deep rushing water, landing on a sand bar to the far side. With violent snorts the horse pulls up the steep bank and into the open field, where I again close my eyes in anticipation of a run to battle before my ride is done.