Category Archives: Poems

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 8:00 am on March 28, 2021
Tags: , , , , , , covid-19.vaccination, , , , , , , , , , ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 3/28/21: On Writing, Reflecting, Vaccinations, and Emotions

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

This past week, I’ve been reflecting upon my emotions, as you might have noticed and/or read about in some of my poems. As we continue to move forward with vaccinations, it occurs to me that there will be emotions about the pandemic that will arise for all of us. Some we will see coming, some we will not.

Before we discuss this topic more, let’s take a look at the writing that occured this week, and the writing slated for next week.

Writing

This past week, I found myself drawn more to poetry. In fact, in the past two weeks, I’ve written about 10 new poems. All of which, I will share in the coming weeks. I’ve been feeling moved this week by several concepts, which did make their way into the following pieces.

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Image credit; Eric Muhr @ Unsplash

Keeps

The poem Keeps was initially inspired by the WDYS #74 prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje. The prompt this week reminded me of my hikes in the local area in which I live. Hikes where I am present to only my footing, the scenery, such as the earth, the foliage, the beautiful sky, and any wildlife that comes by. Beautiful.

As thoughts enter my mind, I let them pass through, and remain in that moment, just walking along the trail being one with the Nature that surrounds me.

It is quite meditative to walk, practice your breathing, and just listen and watch. There is healing in each foot step, each breath, and in each moment. If you’ve not tried meditative walking/hiking, I suggest giving it a try.

Photo by Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash

Elixir

The poem Elixir was an acknowledgement to the present moment and the illusion of time. I’ve written several times about the social construction of time, and when you really understand that time, in fact, is illusory, you are freed from self-imposed limits bound in time.

We all live outside of time, yet also live in it, as we choose. A paradox, and not.

Next Week

As I mentioned previously, I’ve created a bunch of new poems, and am excited to get them scheduled. I feel more poetry coming, so will continue to write and reflect on new concepts and insights as they come.

I am also continuing to work on a post on silence. I had an insight this week about a post on communication, and will probably start that sometime in the next week or two.

Alas, I’ve not made much progress on the Leadership from Within series. Though I’ve not made much progress yet, I will continue to endeavor to write this series. I see it as a possible book in the future, and have a lot of thinking and feeling about the topic to share.

Photo by Mat Napo on Unsplash

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are opening up more here locally. In fact, I am pleased to report that I am on an official waitlist for my first dose. I was told I should get a call in the next week or two.

Though I am pleased about this progress, both as a State and a Country, I realize that there is much work to do across this country and the world to ensure that everyone that wants a vaccination has access.

I will not pretend to know the answers to this issue. I will say, however, that I look forward to a day when those in legislative positions and positions of power in this country and around the globe think more collectively and collaboratively about serving the common good, which includes all of humanity. Everyone, everywhere.

Photo by Diana H on Unsplash

Emotions

With anticipation and excitement also comes apprehension, fear, and indifference. It’s just how it works. Which means that whereas some people will feel the former, some will feel the latter, and many of us will feel both.

When I was told that I would be put on a waiting list for my first dose of the vaccine, I was excited and anxious. Excited about the movement, and anxious about the unknown.

It is important for me to stay grounded in the current reality, which, yes, includes the vaccination being distributed to more and more people across the State. The current reality also includes, however, the fact that some people will not want to get the vaccine and some will not have access to the vaccine due to systematic inequalities in this country and around the world.

The latter of which fills me with sadness.

It also occurs to me that the landscape of how the pandemic, and respective responses to it from a systems and organizational perspective, are still completely unknown. Which simply means taking things as they come, developing plans and iterating those plans as needed, to ensure we continue to serve as many people as possible with educational options that fit their needs. Important.

The invitation I will send out to the team this week will be to recognize the emotions as they come for what they are. Responses to stimuli in your environment, and in your mind. Meaning, emotions are something we get and feel, they are not who we are.

Emotions, like our thoughts, do not define us. We choose.

Alright, that’s all for this week.

Have a wonderful week and please stay healthy and well.

#poetry, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #communication, #contemplation, #covid-19-vaccination, #diary, #emotionalintelligence, #emotions, #leadership, #meditation, #pandemic, #poem, #poems, #reflections, #silence, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 27, 2021
Tags: , , consider, , , , , , , , , ,   

Consider

Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash and Photo by Aliata Karbaschi on Unsplash and Photo by Birger Strahl on Unsplash and Photo by Nikhita Singhal on Unsplash

As I walk, I always wonder.

Wonder about the path underfoot,
gravely in spots, wet and muddy like another,
and semi-solid in some others.

Ponder the present, all that I see,
yes, beneath me, and also out in front in that lea.
Tall grass swaying in the wind, brushing each other,
like kith and kin, a dance of the neighborly ties that bring
us together in every kind of weather.

Fascinated by all that I hear, off in the distance,
and more close with such persistence. Overwhelming
at times, just like a nursery rhyme read aloud to the young.
All grown up now, lost in the brilliance of each moment
together under the sun.

Astonished by all that I feel, a gentle breeze, cold
and prickly on the skin, rustling goose bumps from
their slumber, as I along lumber.

Amazed at all that I smell, that flower off yonder,
and the fresh fragrance of the tiled blue mosaic,
encapsulating the essence of herbs and spices,
as I continue to wander.

Senses are interesting to figure,
as they continue to flitter.
All of the above bring joy to my being,
filling me with a knowing of all
that’s bigger.

A moment and an eternity,
all wrapped up in one precious instant, so
when you’re next out and about,
please don’t forget to consider.

#poetry, #brilliance, #consider, #fascination, #humanity, #life, #love, #nature, #poem, #poems, #reality, #senses, #time

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 26, 2021
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,   

Heal

Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash

The piano plays, just like a display,
And, yes, sometimes, I do feel flayed,
And swayed by my emotional state.

Coming in waves at times, overwhelmed
And feeling lost in translation, or, rather,
Maybe it’s best in preparation for the next
Round, say, did you call?

Or, was that just a whisper of something
I thought I caught on a second chance,
No need for romance, it’s all as it should be
In this dance. We’ve moved on from the choreography,
And are now simply living in full blown practicality.

Just as it is. See. Simple. And, not. Oh, what
A paradox, and yet, it’s not even that, my friend. It’s simply
This, this moment here with you, typing what comes, and becoming
What’s, from the start, always been the end plot.

I could be remiss, second-guessing
all that I’ve missed, and guess what,
that’s also been done and sealed with a kiss.

Of love forevermore, for the losses and also
For the light that blossoms in my heart, as time
Passes, and aging happens.

Be still when you have a moment, reflect
And heal those wounds deep in your soul,
For the love you feel will bloom even more.

#poetry, #contemplation, #healing, #introspection, #life, #love, #nature, #poem, #poems, #reflection

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 25, 2021
Tags: , , , , , , , ,   

Elixir

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash and Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

breathe in deep, knowing
the beautiful fragrance of
the flowers elixir lives
in the eternity of

this moment. I weep in
the ecstasy of this presence
and understanding,
as the concept of time passes
right by.

#poetry, #flower, #illusion, #nature, #poem, #poems, #presence, #reality, #time

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 11:36 am on March 24, 2021
Tags: , , , , , , , , , rest,   

Haiku #14

Photo by Slawek K on Unsplash

the sun sets slowly
eager anticipation
pause, breathe, mind at rest.

Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

#poetry, #anticipation, #breathe, #haiku, #life, #love, #nature, #poem, #respite, #rest, #sun

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 23, 2021
Tags: , , , , , keeps, , , , , wdys#74   

Keeps

Image credit; Eric Muhr @ Unsplash

The trail winds to the left, and, yes
Sometimes I do feel bereft, yet not usually
When I’m in this scene, which is just like a dream.

Something from the fiction books, beautiful and deeply
Colored earth underfoot, stunning shrubbery and foliage
Descending and ascending on either side, reminding me
Of such kinder times. Trees as tall as the sky, looking up, feeling
Dizzy, and completely in love with this misty morning.

A deep grin catches my eye, as I continue to fly
Along the trail, listening to only my heart beat,
and the sounds of the forest underneath.

Being present, I let the thoughts drop back,
One foot in front of the other, breathe in deep,
and remember we are all in this play for keeps.

In response to the WDYS #74 prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje.

#poetry, #contemplation, #forest, #hiking, #introspection, #keeps, #nature, #poem, #poems, #trails, #wdys74

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 22, 2021
Tags: , curtain, , , , , , , , scene, thismoment, treasure   

Curtain

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Sometimes I sit and ponder the scene
Before me, wondering what inspiration will come
Forward. Will it be like a locomotive, quick like lightning,
Gripping my every sense in a dance of majestic bliss enlightening?

Or, will it be like a turtle, slow and methodical, always
Using the logic hidden beneath the scene of this dream?

I never know.

And, sometimes it’s just quiet. Stillness, no thought,
No feeling, just this. This moment, walking through
This world, not a wonder or care in sight. Journeying
Forth, proceeding toward the light, and, yes, at times,
receding in the night.

Yet, always moving.

A dance that’s meant to last for an instant,
especially when considered in relevance
to the length of time that’s hidden.

From view, form a view of all that you want,
And don’t pretend you’re not a savant. We all
Have hidden treasures deep inside. Waiting until
The time is just right to reveal themselves to the light.

Of your knowing, call forth all that’s glowing inside
Of you, my friend. For it is yours alone to take up
When ready. The treasure will wait until you
Call, yet don’t forget to make that last call before

The curtain falls.

#poetry, #curtain, #dreams, #existence, #life, #love, #poem, #poems, #presence, #scene, #thismoment, #treasure

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 8:00 am on March 21, 2021
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 3/21/21: On Writing, Reflecting, Next Week, and Silence

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

This past week, I’ve been reflecting upon, well, the last year. Phew. As businesses begin to open up more here across the country, and the vaccine becomes more and more available, it is interesting to ponder where we’ve come from, where we are, and where we are going.

It’s also interesting to ponder and be present to the need to create time for ourselves away from the chaos, so we can just be; and, be in silence.

Before I get to my reflection on silence, however, let’s have a couple reflections on this past week’s posts, and a look at what next week holds.

Writing

I spent some more time completing the Leadership Series this week, with the final entry on building high-performance teams, which will publish next Saturday. Now that that series is complete, I will turn some of my attention to a new leadership series, Leading from Within.

I also spent some time this week, writing poetry for future posts. It’s fascinating to me to watch people develop, myself, of course, included. When I look at the first poem I wrote several months ago, to the most recent one, there are similarities, yet they are quite different. Iterative development. Fun.

Alright, here are two reflections from this week’s posts.

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Image credit; Sonny Mauricio

Dream

The poem Dream was inspired by the WDYS prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje.

As I pondered the scenic picture, I reflected upon how we gaze upon nature, and how nature gazes back. It’s all quite lovely. I began with that thought in mind, and then just let the words come. Well, better language would be that the words just came. I don’t have anything to do with the “letting” in this process.

I also reflected upon and played with the concepts of perception, diversity, and the vast ocean of both we have in this lovely world. It is so beautiful to contemplate all that we see within and without, isn’t it? Lovely.

I obviously also played with the concepts of dreaming and reality. For now, I will only say that that is up to the individual. Each of us. What’s a dream to you, and what’s real is for you alone; and, I think it is quite lovely that way.

Photo by Trust “Tru” Katsande on Unsplash

Streams

Ah, the poem Streams was inspired by my childhood in Los Angeles; and, yes, there really was a “river bed” out back. It was the only real river I saw on a regular basis. Know though, that, as kids, we did get to see real streams, yet they were few and far between in the big city in which we lived.

Funnily enough, you don’t actually have to travel far in LA to get to a stream, yet most of the time I spent in water was, as many of you know, at the beach. Love the ocean, always have, always will.

I also played with the concept of existence in this poem. Pointing to a reality only found within. And, lastly I reflected upon dreams and how important it is to have them, tend them well, and to, yes, water them with love and affection. Nurture them, I say, and they will surely manifest for you one day.

Next Week

As was aforementioned, this week, I finished the Leadership Series with a final installment on building high-performance teams. I am amazed, and then not, at how long this series took to complete. Factually, I wanted to write an installment on organizations, yet am going to wait to complete that installment in the Leading from Within series, which I’ve started.

I am also working on new posts on silence, strategic thinking, sleep, and, yep, another post on gardening. Fun.

I’ve also written several more poems this past week, they just came, and am looking forward to sharing those with you in the coming weeks.

I have a lot more ideas, and will let those percolate for a while.

Photo by Octavian Dan on Unsplash

Silence

I wrote a poem once on Silence. Actually it was one of the first poems I wrote when first swept away, quite literally, with ideas, images, and language for the poems that have come since that time.

I had a couple of challenging days this past week, and I’ve never in my life been more grateful for the silence that I get to take part in today. Sitting in silence is such a wonder. It is all at once, empty and full of healing beyond a description that any language can conjure.

Suffice to say, or write, rather, as I have before, that if you find yourself overwhelmed with life, emotions, people, places, or events, try to create some silent time for yourself. Away from everything. For it is in the spaces that we create to be silent where the mysteries of this universe become more clear; and, when there is more clarity, there is more space for you to live and to love.

A wonder.

Have a fantastic week.

#poetry, #abloggersdiary, #blog, #blogger, #blogging, #contemplation, #diary, #dream, #existence, #humandevelopment, #introspection, #leadershipseries, #leadingfromwithin, #losangeles, #mindfulness, #poem, #reality, #silence, #streams, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 20, 2021
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,   

Beauty

I look out over the sea,
as the wind blows
so steadily,

salt mist
surrounds my being
and I lift a finger

in awe of the rapt beauty.

#poetry, #coast, #life, #love, #nature, #ocean, #oregon, #poem, #poems, #sea, #yachats

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on March 19, 2021
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Within

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Waiting at the door, it’s time, and
Yet not to floor us from the task at hand
It’s reminiscent of your kith and kins land.

A time before, as we glance within the store,
Lookin back, what do we see, only mist opportunities,
And misery. Now reflecting upon the days ahead, knowing
Deep inside your plays are now well best and said.

At this moment you know what’s to do. Wait no more,
Will you? Burning fire bright, just like that neon light,
Is your inner core of sudden sight, and withstanding
Celebratory delight.

The time of waiting is over you see, for all you’ve ever
Needed was/is within thee.

#poetry, #humanity, #introspection, #intuition, #life, #love, #poem, #poems, #within