Question Your Heart

Opinionated voices spew tirades,
smirks and chase agendas,
not unlike those in Herod’s time.

How can we love one another
with such contempt in our hearts,
not mirroring the Lord’s gentle ways?

If we say we love God

and don’t love each other,

we are liars.

Stop. Breathe-in and question
what really drives you.


Transcendence

Knock and the door will be opened to you.
The Lord only speaks when you relinquish
your Ego and are ready to listen.

Ego constructs a world where you
generate problems with no answer.
They are unreal for they originate
from darkness - the total absence
of light; an empty abyss.

Enlightenment lets you feel
that your problems are gone,
as you no longer judge the actions of others.
Now, you are ready for His reply.


During today’s stressful times, those in authority may escalate situations and even scream at teens. Instead, look the offender in the eye; say you’re here because you care; note the offensive behavior; and walk away.

Check back, and if necessary, say “I’m disappointed in you.”

Like adults, teens do not like being yelled at, nor made to feel uninvited in public spaces.

Marc Livanos – Poet Laureate

Attitude
On comfy lounges I sit,
observing the panoramic view
of the green valley below.

Clouds blanket the horizon
but here and there
bits of blue peek through.

Live oak’s shimmering leaves
mingle with the evergreens
towards the far-off skyline.

Chattering bluebirds fill the air
with chirps longingly sung
for like-minded brethren.

Satisfied, my mind wonders how
people on a day-to day basis
are so preoccupied with themselves,
their work or lack of it, private lives
or whatever else they do
that they just don’t see each other.

But as noon draws to a close, I smile
ready for my nap knowing how others think
will remain unchanged in the morrow
and that opinions, even mine,
just darken my inner light.
Marc Livanos

Imagine that…
in the opening rays of dawn,
a blue heron makes its presence
with a crescendo of trombone notes.

Sea grass shivers in disbelief
at such a bird of ancient lineage.
I row away and watch from afar.

Soon, my mind sets to wondering how
people are so preoccupied with themselves
that they just don’t see each other.

Suddenly, life’s meaning comes to me -
treat everyone with respect and
your soul will always be happy.
Marc Livanos

Negativity Spreads
I don’t like all the negativity going around,
as it just feeds on itself.
The more negativity you allow around you,
the more negative people you hang with.
Control what you attract around you.
Realize how awful your words can be!
Stick and stones will break your bones
but words will never break me is a lie,
ask Braydon & Joe.
On social media, rumors spread and
are feed by negative people.
We get caught-up in it and just
don’t know when to stop.
Use words carefully and for positivity.
Keep negative people far from you.
Kelvin Flint - student

Running like a Cheetah,
I feel courageous and alert.
Energized by my essence,
I am full of energy.
When younger,
I could run like a cheetah,
and like a cheetah,
run past anyone.
Akino Odom – student


Giraffes are on my Mind
Like a giraffe,
I stand tall
and can see most everything.
Like a giraffe,
I do no harm.
Kris McCarter -student

The Gazebo
In the serenity of a gazebo,
I slowly slink into my own skin.
Tulip trees bloom in purple
gray haired fairies dress in white
hawthorn berries pose in red
tiny purple flowers imitate earrings
rhododendron leaves droop on stems.
Wistful lilies dance in the breeze
sparrows cavort as they please
animated palmettos bellow hello
jaunty water oak leaves are just so.
Cumulus clouds contrast cerulean skies
cool breezes cast crimson dreams
white skies highlight fairylike daydreams.
Soon cares disappear and I realize
that there’s nothing one ever needs to become
but to be comfortable in their own skin.
Marc Livanos