Echoes Of Dylan

WORDS

2013-08-20T09:49:00.001-07:00

They lubricate

Rusty hinges

Of broken conversation;

Mow the tongue

Of stale verbiage.

Words-

Inspire thoughts

That spun action

Or cast spells

Indiscriminately;

Speak softly-

Cordially to friend

Or foe

For words my dear

May hurt or cheer.

Hope Kalė Ewusi ©

KEG OF MYSTERY

2013-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

KEG OF MYSTERY

Above the hatches the regent retreats

His dwindling radiance in vain resists

The taunting twilight’s beknighted sway

Who descending, casts abroad in shades of gray

A call to sundry folks their darling steeds to rein.

While some hearts may gloat with striven gain

Those that brood and sag beneath life’s strain

Pray they find in night’s alluring scroll

A friendly shawl to shield their souls.

Still there is a keg of mystery yet untold-

How greenery sprouts, and flower buds unfold

And tendrils leap the void to grab a stake-

Deep in the night for goodness sake

While yet we sleep, and dream of morning’s wake.

Hope Kalé Ewusi©

50 Life Secrets and Tips

2013-01-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Memorize something everyday.Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings and philosophies are your best options.
Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions.Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.
Develop an endless curiosity about this world.Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?
Remember people’s namesso that they feel appreciated and for your own future benefit when you want something from that person. To do this, say their name back to them when they introduce themselves. Then repeat the name in your head a number of times until you are sure you have it. Continue to use their name in conversation as much as possible to remove any chance of forgetting it. If you’re still having trouble, make up a rhyme about their name: “Dan the Man” or “Natalie flatters me.”
Get fit!It’s ridiculous to think that we have one body, one sole means of functioning, and people are too lazy to take care of themselves. Fit bodies lead to better health, confidence and more success with romantic endeavors. I’d say those are 3 very good reasons to get in shape.
Learn to focus only on the present.The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.
Even more specifically, live in THIS moment.Even 10 minutes ago is the past. If you live purely in this moment you will always be happy because there is nothing wrong in this split-second.
Smile more often.Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy. Many people even smile for five minutes straight in the morning to get themselves in a great mood for the day. It is a very powerful tool that is utilized less and less as we grow older and need happiness more than ever. Just remember that while happiness leads to smiles, smiles also lead to happiness.
Drink water.Hydration is tremendously important for overall health. Soda has absolutely ZERO nutritional content; it’s like pouring a punch of sugar and syrup into your cup. Instead, fill it with life-replenishing water. It may taste plain at first if you’re coming off of a heavy soda-drinking streak, but you’ll soon find yourself addicted to it. 10 glasses per day is optimal, how many have you been getting lately?
Don’t take life so seriously!Learn to laugh at the little things and this whole “existence” thing will be a whole lot easier. Be amused by your mistakes and failures and be thankful that you learned your lesson and won’t mess up like that again. And most importantly do things that you enjoy! Life is not strictly business, it can be mixed with pleasure.
Think positive thoughts.When you find yourself thinking a negative thought, stop it immediately by any means necessary. Slap yourself in the face, yell something positive at the top of your lungs or jump up and down. Do whatever it takes to get back to a positive mindset as such is essential for continual happiness and success.
Read books.No explanation needed.
Get in the sun.Superman was completely re-energized when he flew out to space and soaked in some rays and you can do the same right outside your front door (if you live in a constantly dreary place, my apologies). The sun feels amazing: your entire body will be coursing with warmth and life.
Help others.I’ll just give you a plethora of reasons why this is a MUST
- Helping people has a ripple effect. If you help someone they will feel more obliged to help someone else, and so on. Pay it forward
- You grow by giving and helping others. It can change you in ways you never expected
- Your relationship with that person will become stronger
- It’s the most fulfilling thing you can do on this planet. It not only feels amazing physically, you also feel like a good person
- You might be able to call in a favor later when you need some help
- Karma (if you believe in it)
- Because there are more people in this world than just you
Set aside a specific time to worry each day.Ponder all of your problems and anxieties during that time so that they will not distract you during work or moments of pleasure. This way you can be extremely efficient with your time and avoid focusing on negative things as much as possible. If you get all of your worry out of the way and have the mental fortitude to keep from reverting back to them, you will be much happier on the daily.
Be honest at all times.Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.
Sleep less.Fully adjusting to a new sleep cycle can take up to 21 days so don’t give up if you feel tired after switching to 5-hour nights. The “required” 8 hour/night is for normal people. If you’re reading THIS article on THIS site, you are not normal. So figure out how much sleep YOU really need and adjust accordingly. As enjoyable as sleep is, waking existence is much more fulfilling and efficient. IF this really sparks your interest, check out alternate sleep cycles with which you can be fine off of 2 hours of sleep per day.
Read “Bringers of Light” and “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch.These books will help you decide what you want to do in this life and how to get to that point. They will also profoundly change the way you look at the purpose of existence. Read them!
Figure out what your goals and dreams are.So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world (yes, better than sex, much better) is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.
Start your day off right.Wake up and set aside an hour for personal development activities (meditation, self-introspection, observing nature, etc.) Do the things that make you feel blissful, optimistic and empowered so that you can set a positive tone for your day. I guarantee that once you start doing this, your days will be more enjoyable and fulfilling. Today is going to be the best day of your life. Duh.
Utilize ‘The Burning Method.’Whenever a fear or worry or complaint comes to mind, close your eyes and imagine writing down the thought on a piece of paper. Then proceed to light the paper and fire and watch it disintegrate. Even better, actually write it down and burn it. You won’t have any problem ridding your mind of the thought after doing this.
Travel. Anyone who has ever gone anywhere will tell you that traveling is one of the most exciting and life-changing activities that you can do. Observing a different culture will expand your mind while making you further appreciate the life you already live. This goes back to becoming an explorer: this world is your jungle so go explore! Who knows, maybe you’ll find a place you love so much that you decide to move. Imagine the positive repercussions a new environment could have on your life.
The Rubber Band MethodThis is the third and final way to rid yourself of negative thoughts (hopefully by now you have figured out that this is very important!). Place a rubber band around your wrist and snap it against your skin anytime a negative thought finds its way into your head. This operant conditioning technique associates a slight pain with negative thoughts like Pavlov associated food/salivation with the sound of a bell. Sounds a bit cruel at first but it only stings for a second, I promise. Plus the outcome, having only positive thoughts, far outweighs a little slap on the wrist here and there.
Learn to be unaffected by the words of others.Most people get very upset when they are called negative names by others, but there is a simple trick to overcoming this. Here it is: If I went up to you and called you a fire hydrant, would you be upset? Of course not. Obviously you are not a fire hydrant, you are a human being. The same concept applies to when someone calls you something that you know you are not. They are foolish for saying such things, so why would you react with such anger? The only exception is when someone calls you something that is true! In this case, you should thank them for alerting you to a weakness, one that you can now work on changing.
Read “Zen and the Art of Happiness” by Chris Prentiss.This book will give you the knowledge and instruction to be happy at all times regardless of the circumstances. Yes, this sounds like an oversimplification of happiness, but I assure you that this book will change you in an amazing way.

Develop the ability to forgive.Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even thought it’s so simple. Grudges only bring more misery to those who hold them and prevent good relations with the target. YOU makes mistakes all of the time so why not have mercy when other do? Remaining angry feels horrible while forgiving someone brings a refreshing sensation to the mind and healing to the relationship.
Be the person that makes others feel special.Be known for your kindness and sympathy.
Learn to lucid dream, or to realize when you are dreaming so that you can control your dreams. Sleep feels good, but it’s rather boring and unproductive. With lucid dreaming under your belt, night-time can be even more exciting than when you are awake. You can do anything: fly, travel to other planets, party with a celebrity, get intimate with your dream boy/girl, etc. Many lucid dreams have also reported being able to speak directly with the subconscious during dreams by demanding to be taken to it after becoming lucid. For those that know a thing or two about your subconscious, that is a BIG deal.
Visualize daily.It has been said and proven time and time again that what you focus on is what you get. If you complain all of the time, you will run into more of the things you complain about. The same goes for good things like health, wealth and happiness. So spend some time in the morning imagining yourself achieving whatever it is that you currently desire. Focus is key in this exercise, so choose a quiet environment where you won’t be disturbed. If you’re having trouble focusing and continually find that your mind has wandered to something else, read about meditation in the following life tip. There is a lot more to this concept, so check out the full article on visualization and the law of attraction here.
Meditate everyday for at least 20 minutes.In this modern world where everyone is so connected to everything else via cell phones, TV and internet, most people rarely enjoy the beauty of silence. The ability to quiet your mind and relax your body is an art and skill that everyone should develop. Simply sit somewhere, preferably in nature, and focus on your breathing or try to think about nothing. This is going to be extremely hard at first! You might find it boring or just plain impossible to think of nothing, but you will get better and you will learn to love it. Post-meditation, you will feel extremely clear-headed and.. well, just plain wonderful. The only way to really understand this sensation is to try it.
Learn to control your mind.What kind of skilled human are you if you cannot even control your own thoughts? While the human mind is described as being a stream of consciousness, that does not mean you can’t decide where your stream flows. Techniques like meditation and the 3 ways to flush out negative thoughts will aid you immensely in learning to control your mind.
Learn to control your emotions.The only person that can make you unhappy is you! You are the one that decides to be affected by the words and actions of others. Realize this so that the next time you experience a negative emotion, you can find the strength within yourself to overcome it.
Take a class in speed reading.Books are full of information that can enhance your knowledge-base, vocabulary and yourself as a person. Speed reading is an easy way to get at this info faster so that you can have more time for other endeavors.
Relax!This one is for you workaholics out there (myself included). Yes, work is very important and productive but you need to take some time to chill out everyday or you are going to burn out faster than a candle with no oxygen. Additionally, you need to reward yourself for a job well done. What’s the use of doing all of that work if you can’t have a little fun from time to time anyways?
Work on making good first impressions.Practice a strong, firm handshake and the small talk that generally goes along with meeting someone for the first time. People won’t know what to think of you if you have nothing more to say beyond “My name is _______, nice to meet you.” Also make sure you remember names, as mentioned previously. Who knows, you may be going into business with or marrying this person you’re meeting for the first time if you make a good impression. Be sure and make an excellent one.
Learn to use your eyes to their full potential:
- Make constant eye contact when in conversation. Looking away (especially down) is a sign of inferiority and uncertainty. Instead, look at your conversation partner dead in the eyes and keep them locked on
- Master the piercing stare. You know when someone looks at you and it feels like they can see into your soul? Well that’s not a hereditary characteristic, it just takes practice. Work on sharpening your gaze in the mirror. You’ll know you have it when it’s intimidating to continue looking at yourself
- Master the one-eyebrow raise. This one isn’t necessary by any means, but hey, why not? Pick a brow to learn with and go look in a mirror. Raise both of your eyebrows but use your hand to hold down the brow that you want to stay down. This will probably feel very stupid at first but if you keep trying, you will eventually pin down the muscle you need to flex to get that one brow up
Be mysterious.Don’t let off everything about you and definitely leave out some major details. There is something both alluring and mesmerizing about someone who no one knows fully about. I’m not saying to confide in no one or to alienate yourself. Just think James Bond.
Come up with a life mantra.You know, like “Carpe Diem” or “Live life to the fullest,” but not as cliché. Make it something that really hits home with you so that you will actually stick to it. Make sure it’ not so specific that it rarely applies but also not so general that it’s not personal.
Get good at something.Call it a hobby or a passion, whatever it is, just get damn good at it. Your occupation does not count! Make it something that you can practice often enough to excel at. Examples: Magic tricks, surfing, ping-pong, creating short films, and unicycling. It can be anything but I would recommend choosing something that: 1) You are passionate about 2) You can bust out at any moment to display your skills for any discerning crowd. My mind goes immediately to aerobatics and break dancing, but that’s just me.
Work out those abs.Above any other muscle group in the entire body, the abs are the most important. They constitute your core, the center point of your body. Your ability to balance comes almost completely from the strength of your abdominal muscles and balance is vital to performance in any physical activity. Summary: they’re very important. For more info on how to work out your abs, check out this video.
Keep your brain sharp.The majority of people are stuck in ruts. They go to the same job everyday, hang out with the same friends and eat at the same places. While that may feel safe, it’s not the most stimulating lifestyle for your brain. Those synapses have been built up enough, so try something that you do NOT know how to do! Buy a model car kit, master the art of sudoku or crosswords, or go pick up another major at your nearest college. The point is you need to be learning new things to keep your brain honest. Form new synapses by forcing your mind to work in ways it has not worked before. Just like physical workouts, doing too much of the same exercise will eventually give no results. Switch it up!
Read something inspirational right before bed and after waking.This will set get you in a great mood for sleep and for the day. Read anything from a famous speech to your favorite self-improvement book. Try to read something that get’s you really excited in the morning especially so that you’ll leave your house beaming with energy and wonder.
Do what you love.There is a huge difference between making a life and making a living; which one are you making right now? So many spend their entire lives trying to make as much money as possible so that they can afford to do what they really want later. It makes no sense to settle in life until you’re 65 so that you can retire and do what you want when you’re already WAY past your prime. We only live life once so why wouldn’t you want to spend it pursuing your bliss? To do anything else would be a tragic waste of the freedom you are allowed if you are reading this right now. Follow your bliss and you will be a thousand times more happy than your retirement date and 40+ years younger.
Choose your friends wisely.You are affected far more than you think by the people you spend your time with. Do your friends share your values? Do they encourage you when you speak of your goals and dreams or do they scoff? Make sure the people around you are conducive to the lifestyle you want to lead or you will find yourself being dragged again and again into behavior that distances you from your desires. Friends with a habit of producing negative thoughts will especially hinder you. This can be a hard task to follow through with if you realize you good friend is one of these saboteurs, but you must be firm! Don’t let anyone get in the way of you being all that you can be.
Don’t burn bridges.By that I mean maintain your relationships with people even if you think you are never going to see them again. For example, if you are quitting your job, don’t chew out your boss before leaving! You might run into him/her again later and life and wish you had never severed ties so harshly. You never know when you might need the help of someone you knew in the past. Plus there is already too much hatred in this world, why add more towards the people you interact with?
Keep a journal/diary.It sounds like a very monotonous habit at first, but when you get into it, that little book will become a great way to organize your thoughts and track your growth over the years. Most of us already stay awake in bed at night pondering the events of the day anyways so why not document those thoughts in an organized fashion? That will allow you to look back and observe how your way of thinking has changed over time.
Read “New Pyscho-Cybernetics” by Dr. Maxwell Maltz.This book will explain why the content of your thoughts has such a profound effect on your life through religious, philosophical and scientific arguments. A must read for completely understand who this life thing works.
Learn to use and trust your subconscious/intuition.When you spend time in silence everyday, listen not for words but for a feeling that tells you to do something. Do not mistake your own reasoning and thoughts for those of your subconscious. If you can track where the thought came from, (this thought led to that thought which led to this thought, etc.) then it was not from your subconscious. Learning to accurately discern between the two will allow you to tap into knowledge that you don’t consciously have.
Develop a charismatic personality.You know, the kind of personality that is surrounded by people constantly and is the life of the party. Start visualizing yourself as THAT person. Maybe take a short course on dynamic speaking and learn some jokes. Take the time to learn some party tricks and sleight of hand. Most importantly, believe that you already are charismatic even if you fail at being the center point of the next party. Lie to yourself constantly and tell yourself that you are more warm and gregarious than Ronald Regan. Belief is the first step! Reality will come soon after.
Love is all there is.If you truly want to be a master of life, let love be in your every action. Love your friends, family and enemies alike. This is the most difficult thing to do out of this entire list, which is why it is listed at #50. But if you accomplish this, you will be seen as a leader among everyone that allows hate, envy, disgust and all other negative emotions into their lives. Think Gandhi. Love is so rare in this world when compared to the massive presence of hate that by exuding love, you will immediately see yourself and the people around you change. Love. Love. Love.
By Jordan Lejuwaan

2012-12-22T10:30:00.003-08:00

LUNAR BLOSSOM

The moon is ripe, lodged in my hands;

Gone now are the days of barren soles.

That which was forgotten now reads the sand

Where at the gilded altar now I stand

I watch the dawn embrace my varnished soul.

The moon is ripe, cupped in my hands..

A thousand bolts can't thwart the wand

And set me adrift, still lost in the shoal.

That which was forgotten, now reads the sand-

But how will they know or understand

That my broken shards now form a whole?

Still the moon is ripe, clasped in my hands:

Let minstrels prance and strike up the band-

For my errant darts have struck their goal.

That which was forgotten, now reads the sand

And the street is raving about my new brand...

My song on every lip - my name on every scroll

For the moon is ripe, lodged in my hands

And that which was forgotten, now reads the sand.

Hope Kalé Ewusi

2012-12-13T22:26:00.002-08:00

PAIN

That which at a moment's pulse

Would thwart the will, and bid it

Wish or seek the tyrant's hand

While tinsels and plums rot in vain.

Who feels it knows - when smiles turn to brine...

And scowls the anguished port would drape

Where from the sun in haste had set adrift .

Of different shades and tones confirmed:

The sudden stitch - the jab - the stab.....

The lazy rodent gnawing the trunk!

Oh how the maiden she buckles so

While the fruit of life she bears,

And the crowns of men anointed thus

With the load of daily cares!
Though some the bewitching hand may rile-

For life's entangled web of woes,

The bane of such to one resorts,

Who at the creeper's behest, to sin conspired

And the evil eye forth no shame would know;

Her unyielding aspect, our constant foe

Rattling cages, bruising souls down to the bone.......

Our charms and potions she rendered naught-

The vilest of which no peace accords!

Yet to the faithful succor prevails and hope abides

To all who the promised rapture await

When all that was written will come to pass.

Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

2012-10-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

COMING OUT OF THE DARK　

I’ve plowed red earth
With the might of a dozen oxen….
Scattered my grains on glistening dew;
The reaper inquires in my stead-
How does one count to twelve….
When one is missing on the grid?
　
Dark nights and checkered dawns
Have I of lately known……
Danced on the razor’s edge,
Barely holding on-
What kept me from tipping?
　
The masquerade has come and gone...
And I too must move on;
Broken clay pots seldom mend….
So I’m picking up the drift woods
Of by gone tides;

I’ll make myself a happy bonfire
And feast on its crimson embers-
Its ashes on new trails I’d spread.
This token oblation …….
My slumbering cocoon quickens thus;
Brand new butterfly – watch me soar.　
　
By Hope Kalé Ewusi ©
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2012-09-10T09:55:00.001-07:00

PATIENCE

Great sentient muse, thy virtues we beseech

May we with temperance course through life

Not like the cold tempestuous sea-

That breaks and foam and curse in strife;

But through prayer and chastity be like Job

Who in temptation eschewed blasphemy.

What beauteous art thy hands have wrought….

Earth wind and fire at your behest

Did in time conceive such vaunted works

Of which with reverent due, our mouths attest.

Oh patience! Thou who from faith ensued;

Wring us all of impulsive strains -

That with forbearance, may we endure

With stalwart hope, the quest for eternal bliss.

Hope Kalé Ewusi©

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2012-08-24T10:57:00.002-07:00

LOVE’S PICKETS

Oh for such titillation

And sensual bliss-

Love’s elixir enlivening

Hearts of amorous beings

With arms entwined and curves

Aligned in serpentine pose…

Magic unfolds with rhythmic flair.

‘Tis of such that the poets rave

That where love’s pickets

Bind two hearts and flames alight

As from a homely hearth-

Songs of the lyre thrills the air.

But when love is spent….

Rancid and stale, it burns

With the sting of aged brine;

So take heed you feuding birds

And bid not one another gloom.

Hope Kalé Ewusi ©
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REFLECTIONS

2012-08-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

REFLECTIONS

“In The Shade Of A Pecan Tree”

Curious souls in trivial quest oft’ seek to know

By what design the rushing wind blows,

But in the throes of deeper contemplation

Oft’ ponder the meaning and nature of things.

Thus from reflection to illumination - triumph ensues

For to know is to seek and decode the sage’s brow.

Yet triumph, though sweet a serpentine bliss

Onto fallenness and shades of blue must bow.

For loss, change-decay to life is bound,

Like an importunate foe courting our door.

Still not to the wise alone such keenness is due.

If onto fatal instincts the laggard concedes,

Doomed are his sails when life’s gale tidings blow

Yet in life, hope abides to all who would accede.

Hope Kalė Ewusi ©
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2012-07-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

LEASE OF LORE

Onto the seekers, he gave his word

As to knowledge – its accoutrements

That understanding begets responsibility-

the lease of lore.....

From which ensues opportunity

For the foolish mane so to shed.

Now hail you scions of Socrates

To whom his don is bequeathed;

Bid not your laurels beguile your wit

Nor dim your hunkering souls.

Yet if need of comic mirth

And your fancies so concur,

Crash the knit-wit blooper fair

And watch dupes misspell their names

Or auction off their heirlooms

For a spin of the Ferris wheel.

And you birthed not of haughty stock

The foregoing you should abhor-

For knowledge bears not

Fruits of condescension;

Let noblesse your foundling crowns adorn.

Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

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2012-07-10T08:04:00.001-07:00

FACES

Finding identity

In crowded places…

Each countenance flush

On frontal display;

Bearing contours of similitude

Yet never the same-

The one from another.

See the look of love…

Of anxiety – mighty dread

Caught in frames of fleeting spells;

Radiant smiles mocking

Gloom’s ugly scowls and eyes

Flush with stirring, reflecting humanity.

Scaling the spectrum

Of generational fervor,

The once cheery cherubic

Infant glow duly savored,

Yields to ascending years

Of youth’s chiseled flair.

And soon the sun setting

Fletches of mortality

Would each primal façade imbue

Life defining impressions-

Fleshy folds – wise scrolls…..

Unique each, as the story it tells;

Faces bearing contours of similitude

Yet never the same, the one from another.

Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

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2012-06-12T17:56:00.001-07:00

HISTORY TEACHES US NOTHING

The seeds of war
Lay dormant in the
Crucible of history...
Seething, breathing-
Waiting for the
Spring of discontent
For grapes of wrath to bear

And all across
God's green hectares
People of goodwill
Caught in the throes
Of the enterprise
Of commerce and politics
Awoke to the gloom and doom
Of bombs raining over Kosovo.

Beyond the premise
Of rational discourse
And intended tidings...
The cooing ditties
Of the lady dove
The vulture she lured
To the bounty of war.

Still in the rounding hours
I know, years and years hence
That future broods...
This fate would know
Like those of holocausts past-
Grim reminder that...
History teaches us nothing

Hope Kalé Ewusi©

In 1999 I, like many others, from the comfort of our living rooms, watched in horror as the war in Kosovo unfolded.The bombings.....the gore.....the share ugliness of war astounded me,I saw hails of bullets and bombs shattering lives - people scampering for shelter....there was hunger...there was pain - anguish and despair as people tried to make sense of their tattered lives.....and then there was the the palpable helplessness of the children of Kosovo - innocent victims of war.

This sight was deja vu - it evoked vistas of WW II - the holocaust and other wars before and after. It is stated somewhere that if we humans do not reckon with the lessons of history, we're doomed to repeat our mistakes.In a moment of quiet contemplation, I wrote the aforementioned poem " History Teaches Us Nothing" inspired by the war on Kosovo. Prior to Kosovo was the Rwandan genocide and since Kosovo we have witnessed massacres in Sierra Leone, Liberia ( captured in the movie Blood Diamond) and Congo. We are currently witnessing the unraveling of Syria and the picture posted below attests once more the massacre of innocent children in Syria -a grim reminder that history apparently teaches us nothing; What's going on?

2012-06-11T19:45:00.001-07:00

POP CULTURE

“Shades of signification”

Paint a picture of me…

With the brush strokes

Of your imagination;

Honor Picasso-

Warhol – Monet…..

And other genies of

Your hallowed brood:

Collate….distort-

Morph my contours

To suit the affectations

Of Madison Avenue;

Take liberties….brand me

Codify…….signify,

While I hold my pose.

But don’t ask me who I am

Or where the hell I was born…

Let the shades of your motivation

Fill in the ---------- BLANKS.

Author: Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

2012-06-02T11:20:00.001-07:00

Bantu princess of my sugarcane dreams

Cocoa beauty dipped in honey

Benign spirit of my sacred garden-

Who painted you so well?

Protagonist of sleep-scape novellas..

Behind fish net curtains I peek-

Watching you flaunt your wares…

Visual serenade – hmm sweet banter!

When you talk

You sing;

When you walk

You talk!

“Makandi” cakes in measured gait

Dance in cadence to the call

Of village sign posts….

Wotéké – Wonganga!

Bwasa – Likombé

Ah sacred pageant; sensual carnival.

And the men, oh how they gape!

Giggles and chuckles wrapped in adulation-

Each man, his essential self tabulates

The dimensions of your revered essence-

Sister, daughter, mother – friend;

Night-nurse, wife – soul confidant

Would smooth out the contours

Of his esteemed African manhood.

Need I wonder why

Or should I worry why-

Leeches and scoundrels seek your grace?

Worry why foreign legions crave your mystique?

Yes…yes ……hell yes!

For the lessons of history I’ve imbibed-

Elmina Castle – Goree Island

I must avenge with Shaka zeal

Cos you are mine – mine!

My cocoa beauty – dipped in honey…

Bantu princess of my sugar-cane dreams-

Earth goddess – my mojo hand

My oh my!

But the question remains:

Who painted you so well?

And if I had a clue, I wouldn’t tell

Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

2012-05-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

SHADOW DREAMS

On half a dollar, or one a day

Slum darlings of the wretched earth

Feign at best a fare to eek,

Be though blessed with artisan flair,

Existential folly yet confounds their lot.

For to seek meaning in such lowliness

Where contrarian biddings beyond their lays

Conspire to thwart the spirit’s ascent,

Is to court fatal instincts, or dare to hope.

So to the alien deity cast their gaze

His graven cameo, cold and mute….

Aloof and numb to sorrow’s beck

Dim is faith but not their mirth.

Yet at passion’s chidings, spirits alight

By innate yearnings to rise and thrive

Alas per fate or fable ruse, fervor wanes

Like frail trade-winds battering short

The ballot swings – their dreams differed.

Still on the dime, the world-beat throbs

Capricious heart strings strumming greed

And the lords of the manor, they rave with glee

Deaf to the wailings beyond their ports

While tortured presses bleed the grapes

Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

2012-04-26T13:40:00.001-07:00

From The Wells Of Knowing

Some exalt the hidden hand

And thank the stars above

For who or what their lot may be;

Life they claim is divine ordained-

That nothing that is, or ever could be

Is to chance, or happenstance.

Birds seek southern climes

In accord with changing times;

And sea turtles in time do seek

Sands of birth to spurn their brood

Just like the sun’s recurrent arc.

I’m neither turtle, bird nor sun,

Schooled in routine manifestation.

Within my chest, there beats a heart

That fuels my thoughts, my agile mind.

Anchored though to earth beneath

Yet consigned to budge or stay...

Fortune beeds , and the will impels.

While seconds anxiously each day uncoil

And cross roads loom hither and yon….

I and I my thoughts confounded thus

From the wells of knowing must imbibe;

For a lone ranger I am, my cross to bear-

With a willing soul, my constant carriage

I pray with stalwart zeal my load to bear

From shifting sands onto the finish line.

Hope Kalé Ewusi©

Embedded images are from Mali.....featuring the Timbuktu Scrolls and an ancient learning center

2012-04-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

TODAY

“candid reflection”

I love you "today"

For your transient bliss

That my heart has set at ease;

and as I face all that would unfold

Each tick I hope is speckled gold.

Thank you "today""

For your promise of tomorrow

Unsealed though it may be;

I’d take my odds all by the throw

For the blessings of yesterdays, I hope

My cart would stir all thru’ the maze.

I’m hopeful yet often perturbed

by stagnant hours caught in frames-

with bungee seconds stretched wide…..

pliant-defiant – your wayward son,

unhinged- untamed by scornful eyes.

Charged though my card this day

With notes of dreams deferred…..

I wear my crown without regret.

But should you "Today" your grace

enshroud with cloaks of indignation

I’d loathe and shun you so – and wish….

upon a cloud that it rains on you.

Author: Hope Kalé Ewusi

2012-04-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

BALLAD OF THE EXILED SUN

Oh morning sun why wait so long

And let the somber veil persist?

Our promise ribbon adorns the sky

That with the fondest love was sealed;

I’m waiting along the country mile

Oh morning sun to see you smile….

Don’t tarry long, don’t tarry long.

Oh mother, mother, mother dear!

I’ve heard your whispers in the rain

Your heaving bosom knows but pain;

A friendly token is on its way

To chase the shadows from your heart-

Come Sunday, my loving rays, the veil will lift...

Just hold on for another night.

Time is a river that runs its course

Heedless to haste or lingering sighs;

And breath is like mist-akin to rain

That swells the river’s earthy womb-

Who to the sea lends maternal favor….

Oh mother, mother, mother dear

Like the river, your sun will find your face

2012-03-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

FIRST DAY OF SPRING

It's the first day of spring
Oh what joy it brings!
So long winter blues...
Hello morning dew;
Blues skies,grey skies & scattered showers
First the sprouts and then the flowers
Blooming along the country mile.
If this would last for just a while
I'd find little to moan about-
For what goes around, comes around:
Seasons come and seasons go....
Simple truth every body knows.

By
Hope Kalé Ewusi ©

2012-02-25T11:54:00.003-08:00

SEASONS OF BEING

Fleet the pageant – such is life

Of acts and scenes lived out in time

At once a farce, same roll for all-

Heirs to eternity, tromped by sin.

While as yet the wagon rolls….

Carting our wares from post to post

Far from the birthing pool, lapping on

Our reveling hearts swell with song.

But when the maestro drops his staff

And silence stills the chorus line…

Words forgotten upon our lips

Burn with penance late for the sky.

And so lies the mannequin in steady gaze

Scenes of winter, scenes of spring……

Of seed-time and harvest caught in frames

Not per chance or fabled law-

But in accord with mystic lore.

PLACES OF THE HEART

2012-02-18T10:25:00.001-08:00

PLACES OF THE HEART

Placid beaches - stretched sandy lanes;

White breaking surf nibbling eager toes
Cozy vistas far a flung

Enraptured beings lost in the haze.
Pleasures as such by guilty tabs despoiled-

Nothing like the surety of a place called home.

Scaling slopes - cuddling airy mounts

Where the air is crisp …pristine song

Thrill seekers every where joshing so-

Embrace the wind on ski - thrust breasts

While cabin fires with fragrant logs aglow

Dole warmth not akin to a homely heath.

Where love’s pickets bound the soul

Smiles and laughter tickle the lyre…

And there by the nurturing kitchen table

We gather for the breaking of bread

With time honored ghosts of kindred fold

There in their hallowed midst love abides.

Sure ginger bread moments oft' erupt

When each other’s neck we dare to snap

Yet the balm of kindred bliss, heals the pain-

For each heart bears a harvest of cheer.

Dream if you dare of bright spots under the sun

Where revelers go chasing water falls;

My circling wagon has wrapped its hitch:

I’m heading home - my sacred place of the heart.

2012-02-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

FLOWERING ROAD

Hanging, gliding - adrift

Dawn's buoyant thrust-

Pondering the motley turf

Straddling distant homesteads....

There you were; full buxom blossom-

Lonely rose in a cactus patch

Exuding rare sensuous essence....

Eclipsing the collective allure

Of daisies and daffodils in the fold.

Writhing through this prickly maze

My pulse races as I dangle in space;

When at last your sweet essence

My tongue did taste......

I heaved and moaned and died a second-

Smothered by the heat of passion.

Then the wood pecker's earthy drills

Recharges my very soul.......

I feel my mercury rise

As your dew drenched petals

Beg for one more dance-

Before the rat race begins

2012-02-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

WHO FEELS IT, KNOWS IT

Men have left their hearts

Upon her altar;

Upon her mantle, left their hats-

All smitten by her star.

And women like wise

Have dreamt of him

And probed his guises…

His deck of cards, his every whim.

I've heard of a word called love

Of which bards and crooners sing

Melodies like cherubic ditties from above

Yet seldom in seeking hearts her bells do ring.

Of what use then is this quest

That buckles men to their knees

And Cupid importuned by ladies’ requests

Why such rabbits, our hearts yet seek?

2012-01-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

JEALOUSY

“Masquerade”

Eyes like fire…

Ripe with rage;

Hissing sighs of lustful desires

Ugly face behind a page.

Arms stretched out in serpentine guile

Lulls its foe with wry embrace-

Caressing tenderly all the while

Its venom sips without a trace.

Born of inadequacies of self;

Beware of those too eager to please-

Query their motives – their overtures too…

Laugh with them – cajole and tease;

Never hold your breath beyond a count of two.

Author: Hope Kale Ewusi

Deflated egos over compensate…

For the paths that often bear left.

With actions conceived to ingratiate.

Courage to Stand Alone

2012-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00