All that sparkles

How do you know if an opportunity is a good one? Something may sparkle merely because it catches the light. That does not make it a precious gem.

Be wary of the offers you receive. Those who promise much deliver little. Know what you are getting into before signing your name on the dotted line.

It takes wisdom to discern fair from foul. Look beyond your desires to see what is true. The only advantage they can take is what you give them.

Evil preys on desperation. It often waits until your need is the greatest. Then will its silvery tongue speak the words that you would most like to hear.

People are persuaded into what is not in their best interest. Ask yourself what good will come of this course of action? If none, then it is best to abstain.

The decisions of life are difficult ones. Rarely is it easy to determine the right course. However, with clear sight one can readily avoid a precipitous fall.

Changing direction

It is not easy to change one's direction, but often it is necessary. The road you travel could reach a dead end. An alternate route can be a lifesaver.

Yet, it is not so simple to just do something else. Our choices are limited by our experience. To blaze a new trail means stepping out into the unknown.

No one wants to backtrack, but it might be the only way. Determine how you got here and how to get out. Retrace your steps to find the way forward.

Do not leave your fate in the hands of another. Otherwise, you will become a pawn in their game. And the results of that can be disastrous indeed.

The landscape we face is always changing. Do not be confused by the ebb and flow. Observe the pattern and then plan your moves accordingly.

When you are backed into a corner, it is time to fight. Obstacles exist just to be overcome. Look forward to seeing them in the distance behind you.

Hear the Song

A poem about inspiration.

Hear the Song

Through the fields wet with morning dew,

hear the song calling out to you.

Up from the ground and into the sky,

feel all the moments passing by.

Time for the journey to begin,

a burning desire deep within.

Merely to have a slight reprieve,

monotonous days we now will leave.

Just one step and more to follow;

over the hills and through the hollow.

Listening to the babbling brook,

peering into each cranny and nook.

Follow the notes, where they may lead;

to places remote, tangled with weeds.

The melody light pulls you along.

Against it to fight would be all wrong.

It is your guide, and even your muse.

Feelings so right, cannot be refused.

So you forge on, knowing not where.

Here you belong, searching for there.

That which obstructs, now overcome.

We have been taught, not to succumb.

Finding our ears, the music does swell.

Soothing our fears, ringing like bells.

What we have sought, precious the gift;

cannot be bought, burdens to lift.

Why do we follow, what could have drawn us?

A tale for the morrow may be upon us.

It is but a spark, flames to ignite;

lighting the dark, claiming the night.

A simple refrain, is all we require.

With a single grain, we are inspired.

Tethering ourselves

What are you passionate about? The wicked see such things as a means of entrapment. Be wary, lest your energies be turned to unsavory purposes.

Evil loves to prey on what others hold dear. The stronger the emotion, the easier it is to manipulate. It is sad that love can so swiftly be turned to hate.

Those who care expect nothing in return. Expectation will invalidate the best of intentions. Starting on that path leads only to a downward spiral.

Passion is the fuel by which we kindle a fire. It can lead to the accomplishment of great things. The outside is determined by what happens within.

The ones who wish to have will find themselves bound. That which we desire is the leash to pull us along. These chains have truly been made by us.

To be free we must release all our captives. Otherwise, the ties that bind will hold us fast. In restraining others, we also tether ourselves.

What we hold

Many things would be nice to have. However, it cannot be said they are needed. Such should not be considered until we take care of the necessities.

Life does not owe us anything. That which has not been earned is not deserved. We have been given much, but can it be said that we appreciate it?

Adults must learn to live within their means. Otherwise, one's standard of living will diminish. What we desire does not validate a mean existence.

What we hold has a hold on us. It is shameful when the desire for things dominates a person. It shows that our priorities are not in the right place.

Are you more apt to fight for what you want than who you care for? It is easy to lose interest in things. Then, they are tossed by the wayside.

People should not be treated the same. What we think does not affect who they are. We must set aside our feelings and let others prove themselves.

Life without chains

Independence is not a license to do what you want. Instead, it means you can take care of yourself. You cannot have freedom without responsibility.

Government is for those who cannot govern themselves. It is what keeps evil people in check. The ones who are good have no use for such things.

Society works because of individuals. There are those who fought, bled and died for others to be free. It is up to us to make sure we will stay that way.

Remember the fallen and what they stood for. They lost everything so that we could gain so much. If it is not appreciated, will it have been for naught?

So many choose to die when they fought to live. Do not squander what was bought with so high a price. Or else we will be proven to be undeserving.

We have been given a life without chains. If we do what we please, may it please us to do what is best. For only those that care can ever truly be free.