Tag Archive | wealth

Architects of change

Nov15

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Change happens slowly

Change takes time

Change usually happens after suffering

We don’t learn our lessons the easy way

You’d think that we would naturally learn

To behave in a correct way

In a compassionate way

In a just way

But that’s not the path we have chosen as a society

We’re heading full speed to the edge of the cliff

And no matter what warnings we get

We are too drunk with immediate pleasure

With power and with wealth, to heed them

They say you have to hit rock bottom 

Before you are ready for change

I wonder where the rock bottom is for the human race

There are many wonderful human beings

Caring people, generous people

But overall there is more darkness than light

More greed than beneficence

More hate than love

More disunity than unity

But in the end,  all we can do is play our part

Bring light into the darkness of the world

Bring joy to our friends and neighbours

There is no magic wand

It’s up to each of us to be the architects of change

Change will happen slowly

But what we do matters

We can make a difference 

November 13th, 2020

Hidden

Jan16

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A layer of soft fresh snow covers the ground

The white snowflakes settle on tree branches and shrubs

The scene is dreamy and serene

But what is under the snow?

What has been covered up?

There are other things in life that have a pretty, shiny surfaces

But underneath them there are things that are not beautiful

Wealth and power and fame seem very desirable

But what is below the surface if we look carefully?

What is the cost of these coveted things?

Similarly people’s demure faces and carefully crafted words

With smiles that are not genuine

Can hide a dark reality they don’t want us to see

Their misdeeds are theirs to deal with

But let’s not be fooled by what they profess to be the truth
January 16th, 2020

Challenging times

Oct28

A59D3B17-348C-4307-853A-08DED68C3F97.jpegThe sky is crying
The world is wet with tears
These are challenging times
People are more aware of their rights and are asking for them
They demand equality
They demand transparency
They are tired of being treated unfairly
They don’t want to remain quiet any longer
They are in the streets
They are letting the powers to be know that they have run out of patience

In a world where the top one percent have privileges that the majority of people don’t have
In a world where the focus is on greed and amassing wealth and increasing one’s power
In a world that we don’t respect the environment and don’t plan for future generations
Patience will run out
Protests will occur
People will march to have their demands heard
The world is on the precipice of big changes

October 28th, 2019

Reflections on wealth, class and looks

Nov12

Reflections on wealth, looks and class

How far can wealth, looks and class take you?

Wealth is good but it’s here today and not the next
Plus wealth brings its own problems
There is always someone who is more wealthy than you
One can never say one has enough wealth
So, if that’s what we’re after, we’ll never get there

Wealth also puts you in a bubble of sorts
Everyone around you is the same
You’ll end up living in a world that’s not real
You can easily lose touch with the average man
And possibly your humanity

Good looks is Ok
But by now we know
It’s as impermanent as water colour
And as deceiving as fool’s gold!

Plus if what’s on the outside
Is not reflected inside
It’s no use
Good looks does not comfort you
Support you
Or encourage you
A kind heart is what does that
And that definitely does not depend on good looks

Class?
What is that?
How do we decide if someone has class?
For me the classiest things are humility
Generosity and empathy
This is what I would be looking for
The outward stuff tends to take the fun out of life
One needs to take oneself so seriously

Good looks are good only
If accompanied by a good heart
Wealth is good
If we use it the right way
If it doesn’t go to our head
If it doesn’t blind us to the rest of the world
If it’s earned honestly and with hard work

Class is good
If one’s actions are classy
Not one’s appearance only
No one wants a classy friend
With a cold heart

By themselves wealth, class and looks
Don’t amount to much
They are empty shells that will disappoint
In the long run

On the other hand
Kindness, generosity, humility and such
Add to wealth that can’t be taken away
Beauty that will never fade
And a classiness that is real!

Lida Berghuis
November 11th, 2015

Miss Maya

Jun17

Miss Maya, I heard your voice today
Reciting your poems elegantly

Miss Maya, you have left us now
You’re in a peaceful place

Miss Maya, Let us know how things are
What really matters in this world of ours
Is wealth and success what brings us tranquility
Or is it a gentle and pure heart?

Is status and prestige what stands us in good stead
Or it is service to our fellow man?

Are the trials of life without purpose
Or are they an essential part of life?

Miss Maya, now you know the workings
Of this world better than us
Give us your wisdom
Send us your blessings
Cheer our heart

June 17th, 2015