An unexpected opportunity
A lovely surprise.
Or not.
Thwarted by absence.
Then presence.
Nothing’s ever quite what’s imagined.
Intention yields to alteration
or obliteration.
Wishes wasted by
reality.
Nevertheless, we continue
to try.
poem- December 24, 2017
Some of us
have more to contain
to be little rays of sunshine,
day to day,
but that doesn’t mean
it doesn’t do us more good
to be sunshine
than for us to complain
about our rain.
poem- valley May 31, 2017
Valley green like velvet in the morning light
waves rippling, sun twinkling;
sun stars captured on water,
dazzling.
Everywhere are lush reminders
of blessing
rising with the water,
over-flowing with the creeks,
sliding with the mud.
Blessings and curses.
It could be worse.
It could be worse
than being trapped in paradise.
poem-present June 24, 2016
This day is wrapped in grey,
tied with a bow.
I know that whatever I say
you must decide whether
to find gloom in the grey,
or bloom in the glow of the bow.
poem- perspectives December 5, 2015
“Isn’t it interesting,” the old lady mused,
“How people can have such different pictures of someone.”
Not really.
Especially when one always looks through a petty and critical lens,
and the other is open to receive love and kindness.
You see what you look for,
after all.
poem- adversity September 2, 2015
Four lanes of traffic gush past
the single stunted sunflower
stretching through a cleft in the pavement,
blooming in adversity.
poem- in the dung heap May 8, 2015
Your displeasure wafts off you like
the shimmering waves of a manure pile in July.
You reject optimism and trust.
You will let no sunshine disturb your dung beetles.
poem-smells like teen spirit June 6, 2014
In response to my comment
she gives me a look
like I am covered with manure
and am suggesting she join me
wallowing in a pig pen.
Nose flared, forehead creased,
like she has scented
something foul, she raises a brow
and turns away with a scowl,
still here in body, but not in spirit,
while her friends chatter and giggle
pleasantly with me.
Shawn L. Bird 
quote- the mind December 26, 2013
Tags: attitude, clinical depression, depression, John Milton, mental health, mind, Paradise Lost, quote
Milton said that in Paradise Lost in 1667. That’s 344 years ago, and as fine a statement on mental health as ever I’ve heard.
If you’re not clinically depressed, it expresses the simple concept that your attitude to the situation is what’s important, not the situation itself.
I’ve known a lot of people over the years who are constantly saying negative things about their hard-working, diligent spouses. For whatever reasons, they feel that bashing their spouse is acceptable sport. Inevitably, their relationships crumble, and they blame the spouse for the divorce when in fact, their own attitude is what doomed the relationship.
Speak what you want to be true, and you will make it so. Articulate thankfulness, appreciation, and passion and you will create those things.
It may only be in your mind, but your mind controls the body.
If you are clinically depressed, this quote expressed the simple concept that your perception of the situation transforms it. Other people may see simple delights, while you see complicated anguish. Your perception is valid, but don’t let it ruin you. See your doctor. You’d be willing to medicate for a heart condition, your brain deserves just as much respect.
Your mind controls the body. Make sure it’s healthy.
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