One flower
on the cliffside
nodding at the canyon.

-Jack Kerouac


Sunday, September 1, 2013

Poem of the Day: 149th Chorus by Jack Kerouac

I keep falling in love
with my mother,
I dont want to hurt her
-of all people to hurt.

Every time I see her
she's grown older
But her uniform always
amazes me
For its Dutch simplicity
And the doll she is,
The doll-like way
she stands
Bowlegged in my dreams,
Waiting to serve me.

And I am only an Apache
Smoking Hashi
In old Cabashy
By the lamp.       
 
I don't want to hurt her - of all people to hurt. I've noticed lately that people have been confiding in me. Things that they will not tell anyone else - their fears and sorrows. I just sit there in silence and listen with my eyes wide open. I can't help but feel honored that they trust me. I love people. I once heard that in Islam, a smile is considered charity. Whenever I meet someone's eyes, I try to smile at them. You never know what that one person is going through, and a simple, sincere smile can change their whole day, the way they see themselves, the way they see life. Oh, I love people. I wish I could take every person and every little animal in my arms and just take care of them forever. This is why I feel like nursing is the perfect career for me. Not only can I help people physically, but spiritually and mentally as well.
 
Let's all try to be compassionate! Even to the tiny little bug walking across the floor. Don't kill him or thoughtlessly step on him, but bend down and carry him outside where he can live.
 
And, please, smile at everyone you make eye contact with! It is such a powerful thing. You have the power to change someone's life.