* Important Disclaimer:
The following songs are a little more country than rock-and-roll, which I allow because Kevin Devine and Ben Kweller are rock stars!
Less yesterday and more today
I gotta get my head on straight
And lead with my heart
As strong as stone
Because
Some days are aces
And some days are faces
Some days are twos and threes
Blessed are the peacemakers
Except when they forget
To fight for peace
(No violence required, thank goodness!)
You gotta set your sight
On the Lord in your life
You gotta fight till your dying day
Another sunny day
In a typically rainy place
When October is
Just round the corner
Makes me feel
Grateful and unnerved
PMA = choosing to focus on the grateful feeling
Or as Jem says,
I’ve been thinking ’bout things
For a long while
I’m feeling so calm
I’ve got a big smile
I have a view of the sun
Right over the sea
And now I can feel
Life is flowing through me
You see I’ve finally woken
From a long sleep
I’m ready to jump
To make that blind leap
Cuz I now believe
I have the power in me
I’ve got the faith baby
I can truly be free
Child don’t worry, it’s okay
The sun is out for another day
And I say it’ll be alright
Today’s the first day of the
Rest of your life
Remember, remember,
Remember this, remember
I think in lists and poems (and stories). Today it is a list:
5 Hip Hop Artists that Can Help You Cultivate PMA*
1) K’NAAN
“Wavin’ Flag” – “When I get older, I will be stronger!” Must do more yoga…
“Better” – “You can count on this – I’m only getting better!” I don’t like to gamble but “I’m betting all my chips!”
“Take a Minute” – “I got nothing to complain about.” Really? Wow. I’m working on that one!
“Dreamer” – “It’s OK to feel good!” Now isn’t that the truth?
2) NAS
“I Can” – “If I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be!” Also includes this gem: “Read more, learn more, change the globe.” That’s what I’m talking about!
Step outside the back door
To a world that is bright and brisk
Pink petals
Lining the dirt path
Bea has made from
Running
And
Running
In circles around the house
Fast
No grass has a chance
Of growing there.
Plop down on the handed-down
backyard swing
Without so much as a
Look!
Jump up to brush off
Debris
Just leaves and twigs
No slimy slugs this time
Who knew
The dampness would have taken such a toll?
Shiver one too many times
Put up my hood
My back adorned with the stars and stripes
The name of the school
Where I taught
and laughed
and always had a song in my head.
<We’re responsible, we’re respectful, and we’re safe – Hey, we’re the best!>
Finally she comes running
To the back where I am
Almost runs past me
Does a double take
And then comes over
Ears back, restlessly pacing
Pressing her backside into my legs
Wanting
Needing
Comfort.
What is going on at the front of the house that I can’t see?
What dangers are lurking that I am unaware of?
Now she has a beloved stick in her mouth
Ready to play
The danger has passed
For the moment
She lies down to chew her stick
Peel the rough bark off
(Good job, Sweet Bea
You are your own doggie dentist!)
Now I know she is relaxed and
I can do the same.
Suddenly hungry. Need to feed
My body
And mind
And soul.
Which comes first?
Pause on the back step
Turn around
Tip my head back and look
Toward the brightness
On cue
The clouds part
And I close my eyes to the sun
As my world turns red.
Inhabit Your Story 