Tina Time

3/12/06

I've been thinking a lot about the state of the world and all the things going on these days. I've also been thinking about my very clear political views, ones I hope align with my core values and beliefs, but are no doubt concerned with the physical and human part of our experience vs the spiritual and infinite self about whom I usually try to connect. And while I plan to keep the lines clear between my politics and by poetry, the urge to take a stand politically, and in verse, is tempting and alluring. I have an overly active political interest and knowledge and (without sounding vain) use my intellect and persuasive abilities easily in the political pondering arenas. So my expectation is that I would be witty and clever and get my ideas heard by wrapping them in verse. The idea intrigues me and calls me and on one hand I believe I could have a say here, (after much time spent learning and dues paying yada yada yada). Anyway, the thing is, I am not sure it would be a good thing in other ways.

My political side seems, without much provocation, to bring out the other side of the perpetually happy, and generally enthusiastic demeanor I have been blessed with since childhood. I've noticed, lately, that when I begin to discuss my very definite political ideas, for instance, at parties, with neighbors, I am soon sounding like the harsh opinionated boor everyone runs to avoid. I'm not sure I yet understand exactly what is going on, but I can feel the transformation from the relaxed conversational tones of catching up with long time neighbors to the shrill campaigning pitch politicians sometimes slip in and out from happen as both my temperature and volume increase.

Its not that politics and the world condition and how we manage global situations are unimportant. Not so, its more that as I feel my general tension and intensity start to rise, I know in my heart, to quote Dr. Wayne Dyer, that I am moving toward a low energy experience and away from the high energy "high" that follows creating or sharing my verses. I know this near anger and frenzy politics leads me towards is not my best self and needs to be kept in check at all times. I do not want to deny my interest, and yet continue to struggle to think objectively about world situations while maintaining my best self view that has very different objectives

It is a conundrum, for sure, (I'm sure I feel a poem coming.) Its funny, at times like this, I get the idea for a new poem, start out thinking that I am about to express a specific thought when, once started, I suddenly realize the work has taken on a message of its own, one I had not necessarily planned on. It will be interesting to see where this one takes me. Stay tune, who knows....