whatever our endeavor
we try so hard to be seen
to succeed through popularity
but the more we focus on
pleasing the crowd
the further we stray
from our initial endeavor
forget the crowd
do what brings you joy
if you touch the hearts
of only a few
that is enough

arms and legs bound
trapped in a pine box
gasping for air
a feeling that chokes my gut
when a moment of solitude
escapes me

to want subtracts from life
to be grateful adds to life

           — the math of life

life is a school
we are here to learn
there is no failure
no perfection
no finishing  
only continual learning

a man was tragically hit by a car
Death suddenly appeared to him
shocked, he fell to his knees
begging Death to spare his life

pleading for a little more time
to reach his dreams and goals
to love and cherish his family
to appreciate all that he had

Death smiled and replied
“that is what they all say”
as he dragged him
to the after-world

losing yourself
is gaining the world

a horde of hateful men
standing together resolved
on a platform of prejudice
each mind empty inside
devoid of substance
vessels to be filled
by the bitter hatred
of only one man