this is the Once Twenty One poem (whether it's a poem or not doesn't matter, different people have called it different things) - I wrote is as a kind of "remember when" thinking about the future when I decided to create it. Whether it is a form of channeling or not, again is open. It was written using a method of "automatic writing" - where I went into a meditative state, and just let the pen move along the paper. I tried not to think, and just let the inspiration move through me. While I just typed up this "re-edit" I have published a few different versions with minor spelling and punctuation editing. This copy attempts to remain true to the original writing in the hand-written journal. Over twenty five years later, I can state that reviewing this through the years has helped me get back on track from times when I was lost. I hope you enjoy it, too :)
Once Twenty One
A Book of Inspiration
We are born alone,
and we die alone;
And we may always wind up alone
along our path.
That is when we are
our own best friend,
and remind ourselves,
This loneliness
will end.
Be wary of all influence.
The best may be baffling.
Things known, are not always
as they really are.
Follow strong along
your path,
guided by the heart,
and wisdom;
Gained through the persistent quest
for Goodness.
(or for the wealth
of body and mind,
and especially spirit
in tune and of harmony).
Be wary of being cold
and bitter
and all other harsh feelings.
Be happy, as much
as you can;
And look for it quickly,
at times when this happiness
of heart
is lost.
Be happy to the heart,
with all beliefs,
and thoughts,
and deeds.
Search for the best
to live with forever.
Do not look back
and wish to be yesterday.
For this second is gone
right now.
Remember;
for the knowledge
and wisdom
of experience.
Don't wallow
in the sad, bitter misery
of what could have been.
Because a lot
just could not,
and could never be.
Live with the now,
and live right now.
Being persistent upon
better and better things.
Stay open-minded
to all doubts,
questions and wonders.
Seek what you will
as long as it harms none,
especially yourself.
Avoid the bad things,
and be aware
of what they are.
Know the best
for personal gain,
and the best destiny
for yourself.
Life is a constant search
for the answers
to life's tests.
There is much to learn
and experience
While we are here on Earth
for both Good and bad.
It may be we are all sinners
or fallen angels
or whatever
The bibles and books
may say.
At least, before we're last,
we can try and strive
for the best
for ourselves
And every living thing around us.
God is a vast,
undefinable power.
Any definition
will limit the essence.
The search for the Truth
is all we can do,
While we live
our daily lives.
Some are close-minded.
Some don't care.
Most are led,
too easy,
And a few
are open-minded
to all possibilities,
To the purpose of life
and our lives.
Seek and gain control
of natural physical energy.
Treat the body
as it needs,
to achieve
this ability.
Stay well fed,
well rested,
and all otherwise content.
Keep the mind also active
in growth and knowledge.
The mind and body
have to act
together as one,
To fully satisfy
and fulfill
The extensive needs
of the Soul.
It may not be easy,
but it is a connection
that has to be tried,
While we are alive
on this planet.
Eat the best that you can
more than three times
a day, at that,
if you will.
But don't eat too much
or too little.
Find the most comfortable balance.
Breathe deep
and fill your lungs,
and enjoy
every breath.
This is a life giving function
which is taken too much
for granted.
For we can only breath
for as long
as we are alive.
Smoking is a parasite
of the very breath of life.
Avoid it if you can,
for it isn't good
for the body,
And the part of the mind
that will crave it.
The conscious part
of the mind
will enjoy pleasures,
that may even touch
other parts of the mind.
But many are harmful,
to your health,
and the whole connection
of the underlying theme.
Be care full in the fun world
of mind altering
drugs, potions, and concoctions.
Don't let it take
what you don't
have to give.
There is a vast amount
of many natural pleasures,
both large and small,
To be experienced
if they are found.
Everyone's tastes are different,
but there is something
for everyone.
Love, sex, food, nature,
knowledge, money, hobbies -
The list is endless,
things to find
one for happiness.
Above all, be happy
with yourself.
This will be
a never-ending process
of trial and error;
Learning to listen
to the honest echoes
from within.
Try not to hide
with outside pleasure,
to hide and empty space
within.
We are our own
worst enemies.
Either too hard
or too soft.
But we are
what we are,
Even when we are not
what we want to be.
So we can strive
for the comforts
of discipline,
or the complacent comfort
of no discipline
at all.
If we examine our values
and faith
in ourselves,
It is obvious
why nobody is perfect.
As soon as we can see
what is lacking
in our lives;
Half the problem
is over.
Then, we can continue
our ascent
towards finer
and better
ways.
Faith is made
of honesty and trust.
We have to begin
from within,
before we can
reach out.
We are sincerely happy
if we are truly honest
to our selves.
We have to be honest
to trust;
And we have to trust
our feelings
to be honest.
All emotions should be felt
and dealt with
accordingly.
There are a vast array
of instantaneous feelings
that come from
who knows where.
If we filter through
heart and gut feelings,
We shall know
why they are there.
An understanding
should be had,
and dealt with
whether good or bad.
We can take what we want,
or leave it.
Either way
we will see it,
further down the road.
Anxiety
will deceive us.
So why is it
that we are afraid?
Is it a fear
of fear?
Change will cause disruption,
leading to
an unknown.
Change is essential
to the very essence
of life.
We have to strive
for higher goals
through change.
Only in this way
will we ascend
Closer to God,
as we perceive God
to be.
Patience is the proper
allotment of time.
This is the quality
to base all change;
Even though we
innocently misunderstand,
this quality
of patience.
Time is well
behind us
and in front;
Too distant
to see.
So with life,
why hurry?
Why worry?
There is no need to.
Copyright 1984, LOC 1991, 2010 DPL
