• About

Dennis Cardiff

~ Poems & Prose

Dennis Cardiff

Tag Archives: loving kindness

Hunter Spirits

05 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, forever, lifetimes, loving kindness, mystery, nature, spirits, spiritual

“We planted you, we nurtured you, we protected you
until you became a mighty tree that spread through our
hunting grounds. With its branches you now lash us.”
– Mississauga Chief

IMG_4656

Steps used by the Rideau Lakes Mississauga
Band of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe Nation, for
traditional Sun Dance and other ceremonies.

…

I sit on ancient steps of stone
by myself, but not alone.
The presence of ten thousand souls
imbues me with their joys and goals.

The steps lead to a sacred place;
for Mississauga prayers and grace.
They danced to celebrate the sun
before the white man and the gun.

I seek what they sought; love and peace ~
for wars around the world to cease.
To live a life of nature’s plan
in harmony with fellow man.

In harmony with living things
and everything that nature brings.
I sit on ancient steps of stone
with souls to guide me on my own.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2rmNL5G
https://buff.ly/2FwfHsb FREE Download
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Angel

18 Tuesday Jul 2017

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

angel, imagination, lifetimes, longing, love, loving kindness, mystery, refuge, romance, serenity, sighs

 

 
there’s a refuge
in my mind
where an Angel abides
floating in
a diaphanous gown
to shed comfort
and love
when i am in need

i needn’t see her
to believe
her presence in my life.
She radiates
all encompassing warmth
that lifts my heart
and soul
to serenity

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2st8Mxr
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Take Me to the River

03 Monday Oct 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

blues, Buddhism, Christianity, empowerment, loving kindness, philosophy, psychology, rap, spiritual, unconditional love, world

 

Memphis Music Documentary, ‘Take Me to the River,’ Now On Netflix

August 19
17:542016
Print This ArticleShare it With Friends
by JD Nash 0 Comments

 

Two years after its initial release, the film, Take Me to the River, has been released on Netflix. This is a documentary about the soul of American music, particularly that of Memphis, Tennessee. While telling the story of Memphis and its music, this film centers around the recording of a new album. An album, produced by second generation Memphians that features legends from labels like Stax, Sun, and Hi Records, mentoring and recording with some of Take Me To The River1today’s greatest talent from the region.

The brainchild of director, Martin Shore, Take Me to the River debuted at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas in 2014 but was four years in the making. Mavis Staples and Booker T. Jones were the first “mentors” to sign on. From there, legendary artists including Bobby “Blue” Bland, Hubert Sumlin, Charlie Musselwhite, William Bell, Bobby Rush, Otis Clay, Charles “Skip” Pitts, Lester Snell, Marvell Thomas, the Hodges brothers and more were added as modern-day mentors of the Memphis sound.

Their pupils and recording partners are young up-and-comers from Memphis and beyond. Child actor and rapper, Lil P-Nut, not only recorded a cover of “Trying to Live My Life Without You,” with Otis Clay, but also received some impromptu singing tips from Bobby “Blue” Bland. Bland and Yo Gotti record a modern cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” with an old soul feel. Academy Award winning rapper, Frayser Boy teams up with Bobby Rush on the Rufus Thomas classic, “Push and Pull.” And these are just some of the highlights.

The men recording and producing these cuts are themselves, Memphis legacies. Boo Mitchell is the son of Willie Mitchell, founder of Royal Studios. Luther and Cody Dickinson are both members of the North Mississippi Allstars, and sons of the legendary Jim Dickinson, who was a producer, guitarist, and pianist. The elder Dickinson worked with artists including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, the Rolling Stones and scores of others.

This film isn’t just watching artists in studios, however. It’s chock full of vintage footage of live concert performances, Memphis neighborhoods, and civil rights unrest, including the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the aftermath that spelled the end of the Stax label and studio.

Many of the old timers share stories of how things were done back in their day and talk about one another’s accomplishments and failures. One of the most touching of these is when “Skip” Pitts once again runs into former band mate, Ben Cauley, describing to the filmmaker how Cauley is the only survivor of the plane crash that took the life of Otis Redding. Another is the obvious excitement of Mavis Staples when Luther Dickinson learns the guitar part of a song written by her father, “Pops.”

Also, particularly hard hitting, are the still photos of some of the elder artists, with production notes stating it was their last, or almost final session. Artists that passed away after appearing in this film include Bobby “Blue” Bland, Hubert Sumlin, Charles “Skip” Pitts and Teenie Hodges.

There are great interview clips with other famous Memphis music makers that were even more behind the scenes. Art Bell, owner of Stax Records and Deanie Parker who was not only a singer but secretary, liner notes writer, photographer, editor, publicist and more, all for the Stax label.

One of the greatest scenes is near the end when three generations of artists have only a short time to record a piece. William Bell, Snoop Dogg, and students from the Stax Academy, record, “I Forgot to be Your Lover.” That, in itself, is a pretty amazing feat. What becomes, even more, mind boggling is that the young students learned and recorded the song, Snoop wrote and recorded his rap verses, and the entire project was in the can in less than 30 minutes.

 

Narrator, Terrence Howard begins the film with the words, “There are special places on this earth. Places of origin. The Mississippi Delta is one of those places.” Nothing could be closer to the truth, and Take Me to the River does an outstanding job of documenting not only the origin of Memphis music but its passing to the next generations.
With this gem of a documentary streaming on Netflix, we would also urge everyone to purchase a copy of the DVD. If for no other reason, then knowing that over 75% of the money made in sales goes to musician funds in Memphis. These include the The Soulsville Foundation, The Blues Foundation HART Fund, and the Memphis Church Health Center.

 

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Eyes of Love

10 Saturday Sep 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

compassion, empathy, fantasy, freedom, longing, loving kindness, mystery, peace, personal, romance, unconditional love

 
quote-beauty-is-simply-reality-seen-with-the-eyes-of-love-rabindranath-tagore-49-50-32
 

I know
I should be master
of my mind.
Too often
I become it’s slave,
allowing it to
take me places
I don’t want to go.

Some of these places
are recalled memories:
unhappy childhood,
failed relationships,
other unpleasant
incidents.

Other places
most pleasant
are imaginary,
perhaps,
a playful meeting
with dryads and sprites,
or an unexpected, late night visit
by a beautiful woman.

I know
that memories
are inaccuracies:
daydreams influenced
by pleasant wishful thinking
or, by the despair
of failure.

In any event,
the only reality
is what I see before me.
By seeing through
the eyes of Love
I can’t be led
astray.

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/2bVwYzP

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Serve with Love

14 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, emotion, empathy, love, loving kindness, philosophy, psychology, unconditional love

To family and friends in Orlando
 

imgres-1

 

If we serve with Love

our decisions become easier.

Instead of asking, What would I like?

Ask, What can I do to help?

 

This isn’t my idea,

but, over the past few years

I’ve been applying it

in my daily life.

The result —

I’ve found my purpose.

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/1Pg96QC

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Twin Flames

16 Monday May 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, compassion, eternal, forever, lifetimes, loving kindness, mystery, personal, romance, spiritual, unconditional love

 

twinflames1

 

twin flames
independent
vibrations in harmony
across time and space
at opposite poles
of the earth

divine
masculine and feminine
entwined through
Absolute
Unconditional LOVE
with Gold of
Perfection

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image: http://www.collapsingduality.com/TwinFlameStories_Jamie_Gage.html

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

UNIVERSAL EQUALITY

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, education, empowerment, free, hunger, loving kindness, unconditional love, universal equality, world

global
In the past two weeks
I’ve had a lot of time to think
about important and unimportant things
(long story).
I have come to some very basic conclusions
as is my right and obligation.
They may seem obvious to some.

To others they may seem inflammatory.
Deal with it —
say what you want on your own page.

I believe that as humans
we deserve:
UNIVERSAL EQUALITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS: TO FOOD, WATER, SHELTER,
MEDICAL TREATMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF CHOICE OVER OUR OWN BODIES,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT,
FREEDOM OF SPEECH,
DEMOCRACY.

These are big issues
that have repercussions in news events
around the world.
I haven’t worked out all the details, yet,
but I have seen a lot of headlines on television
in print media and on the internet.

On our planet
we must eradicate (as much is humanly possible,
as opposed to what is economically viable)
HUNGER
DISEASE
VIOLENCE
HOMELESSNESS
BIGOTRY
WAR
(and others too numerous
to mention).

My neighbor:
MUST NOT starve while I eat,
MUST NOT die of illness while I have access to a cure,
MUST NOT BE CONFINED BY NATIONAL BORDERS
if his life, health, or opportunities
are at risk,
MUST HAVE universal access to the best education
in order to best express his natural abilities,
MUST HAVE equal access to meaningful, rewarding and satisfying employment,
MUST HAVE the freedom to make their own life choices;
these choices MUST NOT be dictated by GOVERNMENT
RELIGION, SOCIETY or self-proclaimed MAJORITIES.
LYNCH MOB DEMOCRACY MUST BE ELIMINATED.

In short, I AM my brother’s keeper.
I WILL treat him as I would prefer to be treated.
I WILL NOT be the cause of abuse,
whether physical, verbal, mental or emotional.
I WILL live my life
according to the best of my potential.

‘NUFF SAID (for now)…

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image:  http://buff.ly/278fQen

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

We’re All the Same

02 Monday May 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

ancient history, compassion, DNA, empathy, genetics, humanity, loving kindness, unconditional love, world

 
evolution

 

I’m not an expert geneticist.
I’m not an expert in anything,
but, I read a lot.
I watch documentaries on television.
I have my own ideas.

This is what I’ve come to believe:
Around 500 B.C, Hanno the Navigator,
a Carthaginian explorer,
with sixty fifty-oared ships
visited the Galápagos Islands.
Hanno and his crew discovered gorillas
and gorillas discovered them.
Although the sailors could not make peaceful contact
with these creatures,
they considered them to be
related to humans.

Geneticists now believe
that archaic Homo Sapiens evolved
to anatomically modern humans
solely in Africa
between 200,000 and 60,000 years ago.
We all share a common DNA.
We are all one family.

Families have differences
They argue a lot.
Some of them move away and refuse to talk
to other siblings.
That’s natural,
it happens all the time.

We are all the same.
We seek happiness
and an end to
suffering.

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image:  http://buff.ly/26mxZ7Y

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Baggage

30 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Buddhism, destiny, empowerment, eternal, free, loving kindness, personal

 

0ac94109a9e8e3971e7cb116be85d6d1

 

I’ll admit

that I’m a result

of all the decisions I’ve made in the past;

all the people who have influenced me,

in a positive or a negative way:

my loves, my breakups, my disappointments.

Without them, I wouldn’t be me

but, I don’t carry them on my back

they don’t define who I am now.

I create myself

from moment to moment;

otherwise,

what is the point of living?

The past is faded, imprecise memories —

people who are no longer what they seemed to be —

a view from a faulty lens.

I have baggage —

everyone does.

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image:  http://buff.ly/26mxZ7Y

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

tears

29 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

alcoholism, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, death, emotion, empathy, loving kindness, mystery, personal, spiritual

 

woman-crying

 

i feel your tears,
my eyes burn.
a cloak of heaviness
descends upon my heart.

i have no words
to console you.
nothing I can write
will remove your sorrow.

I’ve experienced
the pain of loss,
and known the joyousness
that thoughts of love can bring.

i sit with you
in soft silence.
i hear anger in your despair.
i pray for your healing.

 
 

…

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Careful With That Axe, Eugene

17 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, despair, desperation, emotion, empathy, loving kindness, mental health, music, mystery

barrettyoung.jpg

 

Eugene had a mind of his own,
not, as some would say, a sound mind,
but his own mind, nevertheless.

“It’s awfully considerate of you
to think of me here.
And I’m most obliged to you
for making it clear
that I’m not here.”

Eugene was a great musician,
taking music to the limit;
his songs will always survive.
Eugene took drugs to the limit;
he’s now in Interstellar Overdrive.

When we observed him with an axe,
you may understand our concern.
Was he in danger, or were we?

Eugene had already left us in spirit,
but he wandered away that day
and was lost to us forever.

 

barrettold

 

This poem is dedicated to the memory of “Syd Barrett (born Roger Keith Barrett; 6 January 1946 – 7 July 2006) who was an English singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. He is most remembered as a founding member of  band Pink Floyd, providing major musical and stylistic direction in their early work, although he left the group in 1968 amidst speculations of mental illness exacerbated by heavy drug use.”

Axe is also British slang for guitar. Pink Floyd’s use of the title Careful With That Axe, Eugene may refer to “Barrett’s behaviour (which) became increasingly unpredictable, partly as a consequence of frequent experimentation with psychedelic drugs such as LSD. Many report having seen him on stage with the group, strumming on one chord through the entire concert, or not playing at all. At a show at The Fillmore West in San Francisco, during a performance of “Interstellar Overdrive”, Barrett slowly detuned his guitar. The audience seemed to enjoy such antics, unaware of the rest of the band’s consternation.” (Source: Wikipedia)

 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Willow Guides My Way

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, emotion, empathy, eternal, free, lifetimes, love, loving kindness, mystery, philosophy

 

In China,
Kuan Yin (who represents compassion),
is sometimes portrayed holding a willow branch
symbolizing her capacity to bend
in the face of the most fierce storms
and winds of life
without being broken.
 

74403445.F1KNBnoa._MG_3035wc2

 

I was lost, but now am found,
was fear, but now am love —
from sunrise to compassion,
the willow guides my way.

Sunlit days and starlit nights,
seasons change from green to gold.
Blackbirds perching row on row
await the winter’s chill.

Worrier to warrior,
completeness is my quest.
With each breath out I die,
breathe in, I’m born again.

I was lost, but now I’m found,
was fear, but now I’m love —
from sunrise to compassion,
the willow guides my way.

 
 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS


 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

dandelions

26 Saturday Dec 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, Future, love, loving kindness, mystery, romance, unconditionsl love

 

images-4

 

dandelions, dragonflies
soft summer evenings
skies so delicious
i reach for a spoon

whispers in cedars
voices in willows
blanket of stars
beneath the tall pine

puff balls and rune stones
tell me our future
forever home —
the welcome mat out

loves me, loves me not
words hide the answer
longing remains
the key to my dreams

.

 
 

 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

My Name Is Hippo

03 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, homeless, illness, loving kindness, mental illness, poverty, psychology, Sociology, unconditional love

 

fatguy

 

My name is Hippo,
I’m an alcoholic.
Joy was the first
to call me Hippo.
My face swells
when I drink beer.
I guess, I look
like a Hippo.

Before that
they called me Farmboy.
I never lived on a farm,
but, I come from
a farming community.
I guess I looked
like a Farmboy.

Why do I drink?
Welfare asks me that
all the time —
I’m also homeless —
I don’t know why I drink.
I have bleeding ulcers;
I shit and puke blood.

I drink because
that’s who I am.
If I didn’t drink
I wouldn’t be me.
If I didn’t drink
I’d die…

 
 

 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Betrayal

29 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, despair, desperation, emotion, empathy, First Nations, homeless, loving kindness, psychology, Sociology

 

images-3

 

I look into your eyes,
grey with tears and sorrow
from the Arctic Ocean.

I feel your hurt deep inside,
hear your thunder,
see your rain.

With your fist at your chest
you open your heart,
tell me of hardship,
betrayal and pain.

I listen
with my heart
as one who has been there.

With my arm around your shoulder,
as a brother,
I urge you, to act with patience
and with love —
to be LOVE.

.

Note: Alphonse took his life, by hanging, 21 October 2015.

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Pileated Woodpecker

19 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

birds, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, free, loving kindness, mystery, nature, personal, spiritual, universe

.

Pileated Woodpecker

.

while sitting at a table,
enjoying afternoon tea,
in the shade of a cedar,
a Pileated Woodpecker
dropped from the sky
to land in front of us.

his red crest, jaunty,
black, military uniform
with white piping —
a Sargent Major
standing at attention,
inspecting us,
looking back at him.

he paused,
reflected,
saw all there was to see,
found us wanting
then, flapped away,
leaving an after image
of black, white and red
against the pines.

 

Image:  http://buff.ly/1MWqgoq

Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Chickadee

23 Friday Oct 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

birds, Buddhism, compassion, empathy, empowerment, kindness, loving kindness, nature, personal, spiritual, unconditional love

chickadee2
 

It was a crisp, sunny
October afternoon
in the arboretum.
I was meditating.
My mittened hands
rested,
upturned on my thighs.

A chickadee hovered
in front of me.
Seeing a convenient perch,
it landed in my open palm,
then hopped upon my thumb.
She looked me up and down,
side to side.
Having seen
all there was to see,
she flew away.

She brought such joy,
this tiny feathered thing.
I valued her presence
as a gift of trust,
a gift of love,
a sign from nature
and the universe
that all was well.

 
 
Image: http://ow.ly/TL7MW

Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Lonely

23 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

addiction, alcoholism, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, despair, empathy, homeless, loving kindness, psychology, Sociology

Screen-Shot-2014-10-24-at-3.52.22-PM

 

I  wandered into Lonely
about a week ago.
I don’t know how I got here.
I don’t know where to go.

I’m not alone in Lonely
we gather all together.
I look into their empty eyes;
I see they’re lost forever.

We sit in understanding,
I hear about their sorrow.
Death looks from their teary eyes;
they’ll not be here tomorrow.

My heart unfolded to them.
They look on me as friend.
I give to all, the love I have;
offer comfort ’till the end.

 
 
 
Image: http://toddproa.org/blog/

Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Beneath the Cedars

14 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, free, longing, loving kindness, mystery, nature, philosophy, spiritual, unconditional love

cedars

I sit
beneath the cedars,
in solemn serenity.
Face red
with asking questions,
seeking answers
to the ways
of life and death —
molecules and atoms —
and how we’re all
connected.

My fingers
stiff, from cold —
a child’s stubby crayons —
make difficult the task
of turning pages,
jotting notes
about impermanence,
attachment
and letting go.

I’m surrounded
by spirits of seasons past.
I fear not —
they mean no harm.
Their faces radiate,
coming from the light.
In their eyes
I see peace and love —
they are free
of mortal suffering
they endured
in life.

They comfort me.
“Grieve not,” they say,
“soon enough, you will join us.
You will experience the universe
and all it has to offer.
You still have much to learn.
When you are ready,
we’ll be waiting.”

I feel the joy of life —
(maples sailing leaves
of red and yellow)
moments, lifetimes pass…
then they’re gone,
as they should be.

I lived a dream,
everything was possible,
a spirit, a whisper
of love.

Beneath the cedars,
in their realm of wisdom,
reverently
I sit.
 
 

Image:  http://ow.ly/QTZ4a

Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

MUSE WANTED

03 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

compassion, dreams, empathy, love, loving kindness, mystery, personal, romance, sighs, spiritual

helpwanted

For obsessive compulsive
poet/writer,
usually grumpy,
may be cantankerous
or depressed at times.

This is a permanent position
that pays little, if anything.
Muse must be available
from dawn to dusk
with some overnight
shifts required.

The ideal candidate
would be human,
although other species
will be considered.
Dress code casual:
pajamas, housecoats
or sweats practical.

Appearance is a must,
even if somewhat ghostly.
Cheery attitude welcomed
but not essential;
sternness may be required
on occasion.

Interested interviewees
may apply in the comments
section below. Only serious
enquiries accepted.

 
 
 
Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

i do what i can

24 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, despair, desperation, emotion, empathy, kindness, loving kindness, Psychology. Sociology

IMG_4797

 

i’m sitting on the sidewalk
as a woman, huddled in a blanket,
a patterned do-rag on her head,
sobs on my shoulder.
i put my arm around her
and say, “it’s okay.”
knowing that nothing is okay,
it will never be okay.

i’m beyond my depth.
i don’t know what to do,
or what to say…
anything that comes to mind
is shallow and meaningless.
this woman’s experiences
are completely foreign to me.
what do I know —
about alcoholism?
about motorcycle gangs?
about sleeping on the streets?

all i can do is let her cry,
tell her that she has forgiveness,
that what saddens her,
what keeps her awake,
or gives her nightmares,
is all in the past.
it’s time to forgive herself
and love herself
and live
in the present moment.

she can’t go on.
she can’t stand the pain.
she can’t do this any more.
drink is the only thing
that numbs her mind;
enough to endure,
enough to pass out at night
and do it all over again
the next day.

i can only do
and say so much.
it’s always a pleasant surprise
to see her sitting on the sidewalk,
knowing that she’s made it
through another night;
that she hasn’t been taken
by violence, sickness
or the police.

i do what i can.

 
 
 
Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Take My Hand

19 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, desperation, empathy, homeless, humanity, kindness, loving kindness, psychology, Sociology

IMG_4797

 

There you are
an almost stranger.
Who am I to take your hand?
What I give is nearly nothing –
but the heart to hear
and understand.

You tell me
you’ve been beaten,
stabbed with a machete,
made some choices
now regretted.

Sparking
eyes of azure blue
show a spectrum of emotions,
happiness, frustration,
pain and sorrow,
but, always
love.

Arisen
from behind a dumpster,
to living in a clean, safe house,
your life in order,
independent —
a miracle.

Inspiring
to me, and to everyone
fortunate enough to know you.
I would like to introduce you
to a wider audience
so that they too
may take inspiration
and see the miracle
that is your love,
that is you.

Please,
in friendship,
take my hand.

 
 
Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

if we listen

01 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, loving kindness, mankind, spiritual

 

white-buffalo-calf-woman

 

A wraith was writhing in the air,
its undulating shape so fair;
just like a woman slim and tall —
I followed with no fear at all.

She wafted, led me through the trees
under branches, upon my knees,
until I found myself quite lost —
my folly gained, but at what cost?

I sat upon a log and thought
of this misfortune I had wrought —
from the mist, to my surprise,
a female form materialized.

A lithesome beauty, to be sure,
approached me with a gaze so pure.
I sat transfixed, afraid to move
expecting that this shape would prove,

perhaps, to be a daylight dream,
evanescent, not what it seemed —
a vision that would fade from sight
as quickly as a beam of light.

Yet, she remained and held my hand,
explained, so I could understand —
the holy earth is our Mother,
the deer and trees are our brothers.

We all share a common root
though each produces different fruit.
Our Mother Earth gives birth to all —
the things that walk, fly, swim and crawl.

This planet here for us to use
to grow our crops, not to abuse.
Winds and rains and things that glisten
each have stories if we listen.

 
 
 
Image by Cher Lyn  http://ow.ly/P2GaT
 
Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 


 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Strangers (Once Again)

29 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

compassion, forever, kindness, longing, lost love, loving kindness, mystery, personal, philosophy, romance, sighs

 

Exif_JPEG_PICTURE

 

 

i saw you
gazing at the frozen food.
i was reaching for a carton of eggs.
i thought you saw me.

i thought
perhaps, you’d turn
and smile
(i loved your smile).

i considered saying something
but, what could i say
that i hadn’t said
a thousand times before.

i remember
the first time I saw you
emerging naked from the sea,
water streaming from your hair —
Venus rising.

i was transfixed.
i am still transfixed.
our carts pass in the aisle
moving on to other places —
strangers
(once again).

 
 
Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 


 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

friend

15 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, free, lifetimes, loving kindness, spiritual, unconditional love

 

hands

 

i offer you

the hand of a friend

we’ll sip coffee

or southern sweet tea

listen to crickets

birds

perhaps a possum

in the wood pile

we’ll close our eyes

to the relaxing rays

and smile

 
 
 
Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 


 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Goodreads Giveaway

08 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Prose

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, current events, empathy, empowerment, kindness, loving kindness, poverty, psychology, social science

  • Gotta Find a Home by Dennis Cardiff
    Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
    by Dennis Cardiff (Goodreads Author)

    Release date: Dec 29, 2015
    Dennis Cardiff has been involved with street people since 2010, when he began to reach out, on his own, to some of the people without homes who he enc…more
    Enter to win
    Giveaway dates: Mar 20 – Apr 20, 2015
    1 copy available, 68 people requesting
    Countries available: US, CA, and GB more
View details »

 

Enter to win

.

image

.

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Overnighters

01 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Prose

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Christianity, compassion, documentary, empathy, kindness, loving kindness, Luke the Apostle, Luke the Evangelist, mankind, neighbor, The Good Samaritan

Copied and pasted from:

http://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/02/24/the-overnighters/

On Netflix: ‘The Overnighters’ paints portrait of fractured American Dream

Ena Alvarado

"The Overnighters" reassesses the American Dream. Photo courtesy of Drafthouse Films.

At once bold and unassuming, Jesse Moss’s documentary “The Overnighters,” now streaming on Netflix, delivers an unsettling exposé of the crippled American Dream. In the heart of the Great Plains, the rich petroleum deposits of Williston, North Dakota attract thousands of working-class men – month after month – from all conceivable corners of the country. Triggered by the state’s nearly decade-long and still ongoing oil boom, this influx of blue-collar laborers has disturbed the town for years. Immersing himself in the turmoil, Moss admirably captures a well-meaning pastor’s attempts to reconcile these homeless job seekers’ dreams of success with the established community’s concerns for safety and solidarity. Shortlisted for the Oscar’s Best Documentary Feature, the film is an exceptionally well-chronicled narrative of crushed fantasies, an account that is both heartbreaking and chilling.

In stark contrast to his neighbors, Pastor Jay Reinke understands the sacrifice made by the migrant men when they arrive on the doorsteps of his Concordia Lutheran Church. Escaping unemployment or hoping to find higher salaries, these individuals are also parting with family members and friends from back home; they are under incredibly intense emotional strain. In pursuit of a better future, they enter scarcely populated territories at the epicenter of a multi-billion dollar industry not known for its receptiveness to strangers. Given Williston’s inadequate infrastructure – the town is unable to support its ever expanding population – Pastor Jay opens an “overnighters” program, allowing the drifters to sleep on the floor of his church. Over time, these nightly lodgers begin to exasperate the congregation’s community. Untidy and scruffy, a few of these men bear dark secrets: some are low-level criminals, others are registered sex-offenders.

The beauty in “The Overnighters” lies in its ability to expound upon complex realities without ever needing to spoon-feed its message to the audience. Long, slow-paced shots of North Dakota’s ethereal prairies are juxtaposed with short, biting takes of men passed out in grimy trucks. A dilapidated RV, stationed in the church’s parking lot – which houses a jobless overnighter and recovering alcoholic – directly precedes an image of a three-floor mansion, only a couple of blocks down the road. “Little Miss Oil Country” parades around in a shiny car while frustrated overnighters make unsuccessful calls to prospective employers whose numbers they have written down on pieces of discarded cardboard.

Moss' documentary shows the lives of struggling workers. Photo courtesy of Drafthouse Films.

The dichotomy between Williston’s financial promise and the lives of its struggling workers is alarming. Yet Moss is never explicit about his ideological stance regarding the overnighter situation. Within a politically-charged arena that is begging for judgment, he chooses to remain silent. His presence in the town is merely observational. Even though Moss spent nearly six months living in Pastor Jay’s church during the film’s production, his own voice is never heard. Several talking head interviews transpire, yet Moss’s questions are never included, concealing his identity. His absence establishes a sense of objectivity in the film’s depiction of a flawed pursuit of American ideals, as viewers cannot attribute the events taking place to any single idiosyncratic frame of thought. In this regard, “The Overnighters” lends an otherwise invisible crowd of powerless individuals a fair share at being heard.

As an equitable confidant, Moss offers an alluring mixture of security and protection that encourages the men to be vulnerable and exposed in his vicinity. Even Pastor Jay utilizes the film project as a platform to expose his personal set of sins – notably during the feature’s final minutes – and to symbolically confirm his actual likeness to the visitors. Through visual juxtapositions of need and privilege, Moss creates a stunningly poignant portrait of a spurious system that is consistently failing its humble pursuers. Even so, who is to blame for the problems afflicting Williston? The community or Pastor Jay? The oil business or the weakened economy? The overnighters? Deftly and discretely, Moss leaves the judgment up to his viewers.

Contact Ena Alvarado at enaalva ‘at’ stanford.edu

If you wish to receive new articles related to On Netflix: ‘The Overnighters’ paints portrait of fractured American Dream enter your email address in the field below and subscribe:

Tagged with: ACADEMY AWARDS DOCUMENTARY JESSE MOSS NETFLIX NORTH DAKOTA PASTOR JAY THE OVERNIGHTERS WILLISTON

About Ena Alvarado

Ena Alvarado hails from the boisterous city of Caracas, Venezuela. She is a hopelessly undecided freshman who enjoys reading literature and watching films as much as understanding science and studying math. Someday, Ena aspires to learn how to whistle, improve her current juggling skills, and compose a full-length music album. In the meantime, she finds solace in books and nutella crepes. Writing about documentaries and foreign cinema never hurts either.

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Michael Daube – CITTA

16 Monday Feb 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Prose

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Buddhism, charity, compassion, empowerment, hospitals, loving kindness, medical aid, philanthropy, schools, teaching, unconditional love

75_MICHAELDAUBE_PMcMullan_PMcMag_060111-675x450

A RENAISSANCE MAN

A Conversation with Michael Daube

By Shaun Mader

June 2011

Copied and pasted from:  http://ow.ly/J9Ra
—

Speaking with Michael Daube, one gets a sense that his parents never handed him the rulebook for life.  And if they did, he was clearly infused with the notion that the rules arWe are their only access to health care. In India, we focus on Orissa. This is the poorest state of India and home to many of the country’s “tribals.” In the village of Juanga, we have a hospital that treats around 1,000 patients a month. The hospital has the only surgical facility within a radius of 40 kilometers.

SM: You’ve told me the story about CITTA’s inception moment before.  If I remember correctly, it started with a little garbage picking. Care to elaborate on that?

MD: Being an artist, with a strong interest in anthropology and archeology I traveled to many remote areas of the world studying and experiencing different cultures. After a trip to India for a year, I returned home to open an art studio in Jersey City. While I was looking for sculpture materials in a dumpster, I found a David Hockney portrait of Ozzie Clark and decided to sell it and take the proceeds and build a hospital in the region from which I just returned. The area was in desperate need of basic health care. It’s just grown from there! Now we have a full board and regular meetings here in New York City. Dr. Christopher Barley is the President and one of the main forces in sustaining the organizations efforts.

SM: What were some of the initial issues when you first started working in these countries? How have the issues changed as you’ve grown and spread into multiple areas?

MD: The beginning was very difficult as we were upsetting old systems. In Orissa, there was a wealthy family every 3-4 villages’ distance. They usually made their money by lending to the rest of the poor locals in exchange for labor or land. Even for 10 cent’s worth of medicines, people would sign away their life to slavery and lose their land. Wouldn’t you do the same if your child had an ear infection that could lead to death? So, providing free health services definitely upset the wealthy local families controlling the area and we had bombs placed in the road and had to take alternate routes out of the area frequently to keep from being confronted by bandits. Also, no roads and heavy monsoons led to their own set of difficulties. I remember carrying an 85 year old elder on my back out of the region to get him to the city to sign the Trust documents, as he was a board member.

Shaun Mader: CITTA has projects spread throughout India and Nepal. Could you give me an overview of CITTA’s mission and how that’s translated into some of these projects?

Michael Daube: CITTA focuses efforts on remote or marginalized populations that lack basic infrastructure and opportunities. We help build and support hospitals/schools/women’s cooperatives in the most remote and poverty stricken regions of developing countries where we work. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. We focus our efforts in the poorest and most remote District of Nepal, Humla. We have a hospital in the capital city of Simikot situated deep in the Himalayas. There are no wheels or roads in the district! The population is cut off for a large part of the year due to intense snowfall. We are their We are their only access to health care. In India, we focus on Orissa. This is the poorest state of India and home to many of the country’s “tribals.” In the village of Juanga, we have a hospital that treats around 1,000 patients a month. The hospital has the only surgical facility within a radius of 40 kilometers.

SM: You’ve told me the story about CITTA’s inception moment before.  If I remember correctly, it started with a little garbage picking. Care to elaborate on that?

MD: Being an artist, with a strong interest in anthropology and archeology I traveled to many remote areas of the world studying and experiencing different cultures. After a trip to India for a year, I returned home to open an art studio in Jersey City. While I was looking for sculpture materials in a dumpster, I found a David Hockney portrait of Ozzie Clark and decided to sell it and take the proceeds and build a hospital in the region from which I just returned. The area was in desperate need of basic health care. It’s just grown from there! Now we have a full board and regular meetings here in New York City. Dr. Christopher Barley is the President and one of the main forces in sustaining the organizations efforts.

SM: What were some of the initial issues when you first started working in these countries? How have the issues changed as you’ve grown and spread into multiple areas?

MD: The beginning was very difficult as we were upsetting old systems. In Orissa, there was a wealthy family every 3-4 villages’ distance. They usually made their money by lending to the rest of the poor locals in exchange for labor or land. Even for 10 cent’s worth of medicines, people would sign away their life to slavery and lose their land. Wouldn’t you do the same if your child had an ear infection that could lead to death? So, providing free health services definitely upset the wealthy local families controlling the area and we had bombs placed in the road and had to take alternate routes out of the area frequently to keep from being confronted by bandits. Also, no roads and heavy monsoons led to their own set of difficulties. I remember carrying an 85 year old elder on my back out of the region to get him to the city to sign the Trust documents, as he was a board member.

SM: I think the idea of sustainability has become common language amongst the aid community, but still poses a challenge when it comes to achieving it. What are some of the competing factors and do you see trends emerging that may change the traditional models of how aid is delivered?

MD: I agree with the idea of sustainability. But when you provide services to the poorest regions, sometimes you can’t even ask them for school fees of 20 cents a month, if they only eat one meal a day consisting of basically rice and potatoes! But we have developed a women’s cooperative in Bhaktipur, Nepal, that rescues women from vulnerable situations. It’s been quite a  success. They have had clients like J.Crew, Anthropologie, Donna Karan, Golfini della Nonna, Lucy Barnes, and Kate Spade. We are always looking for more clients!

SM: Many of your projects are located in very poor areas with little or no infrastructure.  I’m sure this must force one to be very resourceful and improvise with what is available Are there instances that have surprised you or forced you to look at the situation differently because of this?

MD: Each region has its different materials for building as well as unique political environments. We not only have to deal with hard-to-traverse mountains, monsoon-muddied jungles and barren deserts; but in building, politics can also be a big factor. When we made the hospital in Humla, Nepal, the Maoist conflict was in full swing and we were forced to pay the rebels and the government to bring wood and stone from the forests. Our clever “cowboy” builder sat around all day and slowly pulled the fiber fill from his tattered jacket and spun it into a woven rope! This way he could pull the wood across the river at a non-bridge site and bypass the revenue greedy forces fighting each other. That was definitely thinking out of the box!

SM: In light of the 3 Cups of Tea where donors found their funds being misused, what kinds of pressures does that put on you when your work happens in areas few are able or willing to personally go themselves?

MD: When the general public’s attention falls on one character to symbolize “giving” it gets a little dicey. When 3 Cups of Tea became a bestseller, I felt Greg Mortenson wanted to capitalize on getting his message out while the attention was on him. He did a lot of footwork and talks. In doing so, he became even more iconic and I feel lost touch with the activities that he was actually preaching about. Many people came to trust him as the ultimate source of dedication and charitable giving in the farthest parts of the world. It all seemed to spiral out of control. Generating so much funding and attention just seemed to require more of his attention to the lack of focusing on his ground work. It’s difficult to manage projects in remote regions. It requires a lot of attention, patience and creative thinking to dodge all the obstacles that come your way.

I think having such a small budget as we do, and having such an incredible output in the regions we work in, should be something we pull to the forefront of our message. None of our programs have ever diminished or closed. They only grow and become more productive. I think in the future, organizations like CITTA have to make sure people connect more with this information, maybe through increased volunteer programs? Donors will be more skeptical in the future I’m sure.

SM: I know from personal experience that international aid organizations often have administrative costs that result in a low percentage of donated money reaching the people most in need. With your organization’s projects being in such remote areas, how do you deal with those issues?

MD: It’s very difficult making giving to remote communities sexy to donors. Especially when you have so much social focus and attention on places like Africa. You have Bono and Oprah jumping into a “red” convertible to raise funds for Africa. This has a lot of pull in the public. But this also comes with a high price to get the message out. Look at the overhead recently exposed at Madonna’s Raising Malawi foundation: they spent over 3 million dollars before even dropping a brick for a school! We are in the process of opening 3 new schools this year in the northwest of Nepal. It is a district that is so poor and remote that 10,000 dollars will fund those three schools annually! Though it’s difficult to fundraise 10,000 dollars without getting the word out. Especially when you see someone putting 1.5 Million into advertising their mission, and getting 3 million back! I don’t know the answer, other than we try to move slowly, in small increments, to maintain a low budget and stability in the projects as well as making sure almost all the funds reach where they are meant to.

SM: When you travel to these areas what would be a typical trip to one of the project’s locations in Nepal be?

MD: I usually land in Kathmandu after seeing the projects in India. It’s much cooler there and always a relief when I arrive. After meeting at our office and contacting local government and other agents I need to communicate with, I make plans to go to the hospital in Humla in the northwest of Nepal. It’s the most remote and poorest District in the country. When I plan a trip to Humla there are so many factors to consider: climate (they get up to 13 ft. of snow in the winter and no flights can travel there), political situation (Maoist rebel movements often hampered travel in the past), etc. The only way to get to the region is by flight. There are no roads in the District! First flight is from Kathmandu to Nepalganj, a city on the southwestern part of Nepal. It’s on the Indian border, flat landscape, and usually very hot. We make our way to a hotel, usually a not-so-charming small cement room. From there we wait to see if we can secure tickets to Simikot, the capitol of Humla. At the small cement bunker looking airport in Nepalganj, there is usually chaos! Flights are often delayed or cancelled due to weather and high winds over the Himalayas. Many locals are backed-up due to cancellations and are all vying for tickets as well. After lots of negotiating and waiting, we clear tickets and make our way through security.

The flights are usually small 15 seat aircrafts filled with locals. It’s a very colorful sight to see: Tibetan-looking local women with large nose rings, some breast-feeding, eating, men screaming and moving about staring out of the windows, most flying for the only time in their lives. The view as you leave the flat terrain and enter the deep Himalayas makes it a dramatic flight! It’s only 45 minute to reach Simikot. When you near the city, the flight makes a plunge to meet the dirt runway. You can actually see goats out the front window as you make the decent!

The flight pulls into the airport like a taxi, spinning around at the end, coming to a stop then throwing all the supplies and luggage on the ground like bales of hay. I’m usually greeted by some staff that help me carry supplies to the hospital. After reaching the hospital, we drink warm water from thermoses and eat dahl and rice, and sometimes Tibetan bread dishes like kapsi. Sleeping there is difficult the first few days due to the altitude. I wake up frequently at night breathing deeply trying to pull air into my lungs. After meetings and discussing the project for a few days it’s just as difficult to leave. The winds might pick up and no flights will land for days or weeks!

—

Michael Daube is a NYC based artist who founded and is the Executive Director of CITTA. He is also the subject of an upcoming documentary titled, Way of Life.

LINKS:

CITTA Official Site

WAY OF LIFE Official Site

—

Michael Daube by Shaun Mader

Written by Shaun Mader

Edited by Tyler Malone

Photography by Shaun Mader

Design by Marie Havens

—

Captions:

Cover/Page 1:

Michael Daube, NYC, May 2011, Photography by Shaun Mader

Page 2:

Michael Daube, NYC, May 2011, Photography by Shaun Mader

– See more at: http://pmc-mag.com/2011/06/michael-daube/?full=content#sthash.0ViNXkee.dpuf

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

How It Began

15 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Prose

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

compassion, kindness, loving kindness, mankind, mental illness, poverty, psychology, social science, social work, unconditional love

.

GFAH final 2

 

Author: http://ow.ly/AD39S
Blogger: http://ow.ly/AD3t4
Facebook: http://ow.ly/AD2sG

2010

How It Began

My lungs ached, as frost hung in the bitterly cold December morning air, making breathing difficult. I trudged in the falling snow toward the building where I work, in one of the city’s grey, concrete, office tower canyons. I dodged other pedestrians, also trying to get to work on time, I noticed a woman seated cross-legged on the sidewalk with her back against a building wall. A snow-covered Buddha, wrapped in a sleeping bag, shivering in the below freezing temperature. I guessed her to be in her forties. Everything about her seemed round. She had the most angelic face, sparkling blue eyes and a beautiful smile. A cap was upturned in front of her. I thought, There but for the grace of God go I. Her smile and blue eyes haunted me all day.

In the past I’ve been unemployed, my wife and I were unable to pay our mortgage and other bills, we went through bankruptcy, lost our house, my truck. Being in my fifties, my prospects looked dim. It could have been me, on the sidewalk, in her place.

I was told not to give money to panhandlers because they’ll just spend it on booze. I thought to myself, What should I do, if anything? What would you do? I asked for advice from a friend who has worked with homeless people. She said, ‘The woman is probably hungry. Why don’t you ask her if she’d like a breakfast sandwich and maybe a coffee?’

That sounded reasonable, so the next day I asked, “Are you hungry? Would you like some breakfast, perhaps a coffee?”
“That would be nice,” she replied.

When I brought her a sandwich and coffee she said to me, “Thank you so much, sir. You’re so kind. Bless you.” I truly felt blessed.

This has become a morning routine for the past four years. The woman (I’ll call Joy) and I have become friends. Often I’ll sit with her on the sidewalk. We sometimes meet her companions in the park. They have become my closest friends. I think of them as angels. My life has become much richer for the experience.

.

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

UNIVERSAL EQUALITY

12 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by DennisCardiff in Prose

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

compassion, empathy, empowerment, free, homeless, loving kindness, mankind, unconditional love, universal equality, world

.

d5f1fa474c7415900c9afc1c61e7d6ea

.

In the past two weeks
I’ve had a lot of time to think
about important and unimportant things (long story).

I have come to some very basic conclusions
as is my right and obligation.
They may seem obvious to some.
To others they may seem inflammatory.
Deal with it —
say what you want on your own page.

I believe that as humans
we deserve:
UNIVERSAL EQUALITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS: TO FOOD, WATER, SHELTER,
MEDICAL TREATMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF CHOICE OVER OUR OWN BODIES,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT,
FREEDOM OF SPEECH,
DEMOCRACY.

These are big issues
that have repercussions in news events
around the world.
I haven’t worked out all the details, yet,
but I have seen a lot of headlines on television
in print media and on the internet.

On our planet
we must eradicate (as much is humanly possible,
as opposed to what is economically viable)
HUNGER
DISEASE
VIOLENCE
HOMELESSNESS
BIGOTRY
WAR
(and others too numerous
to mention).

My neighbor:
MUST NOT starve while I eat,
MUST NOT die of illness while I have access to a cure,
MUST NOT BE CONFINED BY NATIONAL BORDERS
if his life, health, or opportunities
are at risk,
MUST HAVE universal access to the best education
in order to best express his natural abilities,
MUST HAVE equal access to meaningful, rewarding and satisfying employment,
MUST HAVE the freedom to make their own life choices;
these choices MUST NOT be dictated by GOVERNMENT
RELIGION, SOCIETY or self-proclaimed MAJORITIES.
LYNCH MOB DEMOCRACY MUST BE ELIMINATED.

In short, I AM my brother’s keeper.
I WILL treat him as I would prefer to be treated.
I WILL NOT be the cause of abuse,
whether physical, verbal, mental or emotional.
I WILL live my life
according to the best of my potential.

‘NUFF SAID (for now)…

.

.

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 132,065 other followers

Blog Stats

  • 61,376 hits

Recent Posts

  • frost
  • First Snow Fall
  • borderlands
  • Concrete Box
  • Tennessee Honey
December 2019
S M T W T F S
« Nov    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  

Archives

  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • October 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Recent Comments

Kris on frost
DennisCardiff on frost
Kris on frost
thereluctantpoet on First Snow Fall
tiostib on First Snow Fall

Categories

  • Poetry
  • Prose
  • Song Lyrics
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 132,065 other followers

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
%d bloggers like this: