You don’t know me,
but we’re connected you see
and not because I live
close by or down the street.
We’re bound together,
because we’re both
human beings.
I share the same needs
and desire to live safely,
have food, and clothing
and my family in shelter.
I want medicine when I’m sick
and the best possible care for my
children and loved ones,
because we’re both
human beings.
I live in Sierra Leone, Niger
and Syria, Zimbabwe,
Ethiopia and Haiti,
Rwanda, Uganda, Mali
Congo and Somalia
and many other
places far and wide.
And even though there are
oceans between us,
makes no difference,
because we’re all
human beings.
Put judgments aside, (look
straight into my eyes), don’t
intellectualize and rationalize
all the differences you surmise
and reasons you construe
that I’ve failed somehow
so you can lay blame for
these conditions in which I live.
But you know better than that,
because you’re a
human being.
If I put out my hand
and gave you my name,
would our acquaintance
seem more real and
personal that way?
Could you then understand
that we’re so much alike?
That my heart feels the agony
of my treacherous life and to
watch my children suffer
gives me unimaginable pain,
I feel just like you,
I’m a fellow
human being.
But if you should think that
I’m just too far away and
you really feel stuck that
I’m down on my luck, then
look around your town for
a needy citizen nearby.
Reach out your hand
and give him respect,
spend time and listen, fill
an empty gap, we all have
these stories of how life has hurt
but with caring attention
a life can raise up,
because we’re
all human beings.
Today Bjorn is hosting Open Link Night at dVerse Poets and inviting us to add a poem of our choice: http://dversepoets.com/2015/10/01/open-link-night-157/
This was previously linked at Jamie Dede’s Into the Bardo/Beguine Again site for the event of 100TPC 2015 (100 Thousand Poets for Change) last weekend where the topic was poverty and hunger.
Bodhirose's Blog 
Jamie Dedes
/ September 27, 2015Truth and compassion in everyline. Thank you for the gift of this poem, Gayle, and for joining with us today. You and your work are much valued. xo
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Bodhirose
/ September 27, 2015You’re welcome, Jamie. I was happy to support the cause.
Gayle xo
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Grace
/ October 1, 2015I am happy to say that I know what you mean ~ Living in Canada has opened my eyes to so many cultures and races ~ But underneath all the different skin & hair, we are all the same – parents, children, adults with pains & hurts ~ Thanks for the meaningful share Gayle ~
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015We have many different cultures and races in Central Florida too and of course homeless, poor and hungry. We need to keep humanity and respect for everyone. Thanks, Grace.
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thotpurge
/ October 1, 2015Absolutely… Why can’t we see past the superficial differences into the most important similarity …we all feel the same pain as people. Well said.
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Thanks so much. We all could do better…it’s a practice.
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Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
/ October 2, 2015So many think that distance make humans different. An excellent take on how to bridge the differences we think make us separate. That has always the mechanism of oppression.. Or the lack of compassion
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Yes, it’s the “out of sight, out of mind” mythology. Bjorn, you wrote a very meaningful post on compassion…really appreciated your sentiments.
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sharmishtha basu
/ October 2, 2015beautiful suggestion Gayle.
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Thank you, Trisha, my dear friend.
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Sanaa Rizvi
/ October 2, 2015This is soo touching.. indeed one just needs to look into the eyes of another human being in order to emit compassion & love. Excellent write 🙂
Lots of love,
Sanaa
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Thanks, Sanaa…you are so kind. Lots of love, Gayle
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scotthastiepoet
/ October 2, 2015You speak with real strength and conviction here Gayle – great clarity too… No artifice here.. We get to know how you really feel and what is right…All power to you… With Best Wishes Scott http://www.scotthastie.com
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Thank you, Scott. Let’s hope the message permeates out into the world and brings the change we so desperately need.
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Jae Rose
/ October 2, 2015I love the opening – the intimacy…as I read I could imagine that those people who are unwilling to empathise may become more and more uncomfortable – if they still have some kind of conscience left..skilfully and passionately written
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Many thanks, Jae. We share a last name…maybe we’re related!
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Anonymous
/ October 2, 2015The possession of a compassionate heart is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive, and you can claim it. You have this sweetness about you. The kindness you portray in your piece, is alarming to those without a clue. You teach, not only how to love, but why to love. I like this very much fellow human being. It’s a sweet piece of work. Thanks for the eye opener.
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Well, thank you, Mr./Ms. Someone…I’m greatly moved by your comment for my message here and for me personally. I appreciate your visit and generous words.
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Glenn Buttkus
/ October 2, 2015Only the the ignorant & the insensitive among us would disagree with your sterling message, your plea for heart & soul responses. If aliens land on this planet, we need to introduce ourselves as “earthites”; just saying.
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015I agree, Glenn, we’re earth-ites.
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Mary
/ October 2, 2015Yes, we all share humanity…and we need to think about our similarities rather than the things that set us apart. Your poem makes a good points & very poetically.
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Fear keeps us separated…it’s a shame. Thanks, Mary.
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katiemiafrederick
/ October 2, 2015i am a weathered worn human
being.. i’ve been to hell
and no one
can hurt
me more
than GOD
and i can
Love no one
more than GOD
as GOD IS ALL THAT
IS.. but yeah.. i have literally
commented on thousands of
poems and actually paid
enough attention and
respect to respond
lyrically
in poetry
way in inspiration
of the words others
bRinG.. tHere can
be NO greater respect
paid to another human
being than that my friend..
yet.. on an average visit
i receive maybe 3
reciprocations of
visits out
of 40 totally
engaged efforts
of me soaking up
the soul of the other
and responding
in KiND..
i am
a human
being and
the fact of the
matter that i cannot
hide is SURE i am an
awesomely PROLIFIC
AESTHETE
and cannot
avoid
doinG
that my friend..
but the main thing
i shed tears for is that
there are very few human
beings here in interweBZ
land that are human
enough to pay
at least
a respect
of hello
to someone
as awesome
as me.. wInks but
that’s Okay
as me
and GoD
carry THAT
ALLONE MY
FRIEND..
SERIOUSLY
I CRY for OTHERS
AND NOT ME..
lip service
is
just
that..
lip service..
DOING IS
ALWAYS
WHAT
COUNTS
IN REAL
TiME NOW
sMiles.. i like
you.. i realize not
everyone is as
strong.. smart..
financially independent
and fortunate as i.. but
it doesn’t take
much
to
say
HELLO..
and you have
been kind enough
to respond to my comments
here and i thank you very much
for that friend.. and that is certainly
more than i ever expect online where
human
hearts
rarely
rule
over
rules..
SmileS
charity
Loves
at home..;)
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Katie, I do appreciate your comments and I always try and visit all who comment on my posts but I haven’t seen any links from you since I recently started back with d’Verse. Please leave your address in the comments here and I’ll be happy to visit you. I apologuze if you feel I’ve been remiss in connecting with you…my fellow sensitive human being. 😊
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katiemiafrederick
/ October 2, 2015Smiles.. Thank you.. I no longer link with dVerse.. As the administration cannot seem to understand my metaphors.. These words are simply inspired by your words friend and that is gift enough..:)
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015I especially admire your faithfulness in continuing to comment on all our writings in spite of you no longer posting your own work. I’m also sorry that you feel your work is not appreciated.
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katiemiafrederick
/ October 2, 2015Hi Bodirose.. just one kind person like you
makes it all worth it.. and yes my friend..
there are a few..:)
i am diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum with Asperger’s syndrome.. i do not speak until age 4.. in putting words together.. i have great difficulty speaking until my mid-40’s but manage to graduate at the top of my class with three college degrees and retire from a federal government job at the highest pay grade levels..
i am not diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome until after i come down with several auto-immune issues from chronic stress at work.. in my late 40’s.. and additionally gain what is termed as the suicide disease.. type two trigeminal neuralgia.. which is like someone drilling one’s teeth without novocaine.. also identified in medical literature as literally worse than crucifixion..
Except in my case.. it is in my right eye and ear.. making effective use of eyes and ears almost intolerable for 66 months.. i am a shut-in in my bedroom for those months.. and with little ability to creatively write.. i start writing two years into the illness when i tolerate a screen turned all the way down in brightness.. about two inches from the screen.. as prescription glasses increase the pain.. with associated focus and related nerve issues.. every word.. is climbing a highest mountain then.. in excruciating pain..
i then have a total of 19 diagnosed illnesses.. and in the end of July of 2013.. God miraculously cures me of the pain.. yes.. literally miraculously cures me of all the disorders.. and i already experience a creative spark for the first time in my life since middle school when i am 13 and write a poem then.. a play.. and just a few philosophical writings in a philosophy class when i am 18.. i have a long.. long dry spell.. of no creativity.. around 40 years.. fostered by the mechanical cognition activities of both work and the information technology associated duties of many years.. and that spirit comes back around March of 2013…
The reason i give you this background information.. is i already have the life of JOB.. so there is no challenge too large for me now.. and poetry is my joy.. and not something i expect anyone to appreciate.. when i state that the administration of dVerse.. does not seem to understand my metaphors.. it is because they delete 3 of my links after i fully explain those metaphors.. without answering to my defense of the meanings that are clearly defined then.. and still documented on my blogs for those instances..
i have a sharp pencil.. if you will.. like a lawyer.. and can pick up those duties in a heartbeat when i revert back to the techno-speak of work life.. however.. creativity with the help of GOD literally saves my life.. so it is all a joy.. it’s just a little disturbing to me.. overall.. how society has grown so cold in empathy ways..
There are basically two forms of Asperger’s syndrome.. generally.. and those two forms are folks who are cold to human empathy and literal empaths like me who can take on the emotions and pains of the entire world.. if i do not take great effort to regulate that ‘gift’.. my friend.. and it has taken almost a lifetime to gain an ability to do that.. for peace of mind and body balance..
I am sad for the human beings who live this way.. in cold ways of heart.. i am not mad.. i am just sad for them my friend.. and sometimes i vent about the situation.. to regulate my emotions and empathy.. friend.. and i find it works.. and it means very much to me just for the fact that you tolerate and accept me.. this go around.. and do not wipe me off the face of the earth in metaphor of deleting me.. smiles..
Love to you friend..
and i hope your
nows are always
filled with joy..
as truly
mine are
friend.. as
there is NO
better lesson
in life
than that
of A REAL
‘JOB’.. SO YES..
even all that
misery
and suffering
i thank GOD for
always now
as it truly
makes
me like
a literal
superman
now.. so sure..
what more can i
ask God for .. but that..
i just humbly say thank
you and NEVER STOP..
GIVING MY FRIEND..:)
And smiles.. if you ever are interested in what i do
you can just click on the katiemiafrederick
name and that will take you to all of
what i do.. but yes… technology
is having a hard time
keeping up
with
me..
so it does
take a robust
broadband avenue
of access and a powerful
computer to find what i do..
but ha! now the iPhone 6s
has finally
caught
up to
me..
sMILEs
again.
Life is
Great..
NOW..:)
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Katie, I appreciate you sharing your story with me and it seems that I remember you referencing your Asperger diagnosis on your blog at one time. My heart goes out to you for all that you have had to go through. I feel you must have a lot of courage to put yourself out there in the world knowing that sometimes you will be treated unkindly…or misunderstood. I wish the best for you always my friend and I will visit your blog and see if I can follow your technically advanced writings. I’m not so technically gifted so I hope I can understand. I will be seeing you around, Katie, and I appreciate your friendship.
Gayle ~
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015Katie, I just wanted you to know that I’ve tried several times to access your blog and I’ve been unsuccessful. It just spins and spins and says that your site is “Unresponsive.” I’m not sure of what’s going on, but I’ll keep trying.
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narcissus101
/ October 2, 2015loved reading it….
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Bodhirose
/ October 2, 2015I’m glad…thanks.
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katiemiafrederick
/ October 2, 2015^^^
http://www.katiemiafrederick.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for trying Bodhirose..
and yes.. sadly WordPress is a clunky
platform for what i do..
a friend talked
me into moving
from Blogger
format..
and at that time
people also had problems accessing
me who were already my readers
so i keep two blogger blogs
for those people since
then.. that are much
much busier than
word press..
with
1.25 million
views of what
i do on Google
plus.. overall..
So sure..
i feel
appreciated
enough.. haha!..
about two and
a half years
into all of
this..:)
Anyway.. the fastest
one i will link for you here..
and you are always welcome
there.. but it is limited to
the blogger
commenting
feature..
that not
everyone likes..
and now thank goodness..
the iPhone 6s is robust
enough with the
LTE broadband
access to
open my stuff
as smooth
as my iMac
desktop does..
as yes.. my site
will often not open
on mobile and slower connections
then at all either.. but yes.. agaiN
TECHNOLOGY IS CATCHING UP!..;)
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Bodhirose
/ October 3, 2015I guess I have to be patient then for technology to catch up so all our blogs will open effortlessly for everyone. Thanks, Katie.
Gayle ~
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katiemiafrederick
/ October 3, 2015You are welcome.. Smiles..:)
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hypercryptical
/ October 3, 2015Wonderful words of who we are and/or indeed could be. Tis sad, that in being human we do focus on our differences and are afraid of each other and regrettably, I think this will ever more be so.
Kind regards
Anna :o]
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Bodhirose
/ October 3, 2015Thanks so much, Anna. Yes, it’s fear and I was so hoping that we were moving in a more positive direction but I’m not so sure anymore.
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mishunderstood
/ October 3, 2015A very important message that we often neglect to act upon. You have addressed all the barriers we put up in our minds that deter us from simple kindness. We truly are all the same, we need the same, we desire the same and we deserve the same, no matter what we look like, where we’re from or what our situations are. I think the saddest thing is that we don’t realize the potential of one simple act of kindness…how far that can go.
A beautiful, heartfelt poem. Thanks for sharing.
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Bodhirose
/ October 4, 2015You’re so right about that one, simple act of kindness. Sometimes it can change a person’s entire life…no small thing at all. Thank you for sharing your views here with me. We really do need to get our compassionate hearts out, dust them off and exercise them daily!
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