the cave

It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's land

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again.

Mumford & Sons

obligatory giving of thanks

No, but seriously. I know I've been MIA for a few months now, but I have had so many blessings to be thankful for... and it just so happens that there's conveniently a day to acknowledge them all!

I'm just going to do a blanket "Thank you God!" for all those simple moments of peace that come my way when I need them the most. In the midst of all the confusion and chaos of life, the random stillness of a deep breath, and that feeling that no matter what happens, I am unconditionally loved... it means everything.

If one could only learn to appreciate the little things...
A song that takes you away, for there are those who cannot hear.
The beauty of a sunset, for there are those who cannot see.
The warmth and safety of your home, for there are those who are homeless.
Time spent with good friends, for there are those who are lonely.
A walk along the beach, for there are those who cannot walk.
The little things are what life is all about.
Search your soul and learn to appreciate.

Shadi Souferian

Of course, I could go on all day about family and friends, my cat, food, clothing, shelter, music, school, smiles, etc... but that's all a given. I am the most thankful for the one from whom all the "little things" come. The Creator of heaven and earth, who for some reason placed me right here, right now. And life is a lot to be thankful for!

when i heard the learned astronomer

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide,
and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with
much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

Walt Whitman