L.I.S.T.E.N.

Poetic Academy presents… Where were you Saturday April 15, 2017? I mean, really? See, if you did not see what I had seen, I find it hard to believe you’re part of the scene. You may not quite be in place to impart, in whole or in part, your affinity for the arts, because while professionals presented prose, and crowds arose to standing ovations, where and what were you creating? Read on, as I digress from these lyrical Olympic games, and present a picture for your frame, of reference.   Frame of mind. A mathematician of kinds. Of sorts, or of course. We have mastered the addition of wordplay to multiply the impact of the words said, dividing audiences between who was best, who’s up next, who just went. If you’re studious, you can join the likes of us, more than liking us, write like us – matter of fact, write like you. But as a student, you need a teacher. Then, pick up your pen and let’s start the course. Now you’re on course, to succeed. Your first session is my course, t

I originally wanted to title this post "PRElationship" but then immediately realized the futility of doing so. The premise of course being, every successful relationship comes with preparation. But... the reality is we can prepare for relationships, but we can't prepare for who we're relating with/to.  Abiding by the "textbook definition" of relationships anyone may count themselves a success. Why? Because it misses the central point. It reads like so: The way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected (by blood or marriage) The way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave towards each other An emotional or sexual association between two people  These definitions do not provide any clarity as to how to relate. That, and we're not offered a distinction between those that are healthy/unhealthy or successful/unsuccessful. However, these answers exist within the very composition of the

"When" is that distant friend of ours we can't seem to easily get a hold of. Once dependable, "When" rarely seems present and is always promising you of their later availability.  Here's what I'm alluding to: for a lot of us, our goal setting, vision casting, and dream chasing is defined by “when.” When I get this job  When I get this car When I have this conversation When I develop this idea  When , out of context, is illusive. Getting away from the word play for a moment, I realize that this play on words in its usual form, "when will you be here?" communicates the same point. In all your wishful thinking of the future, when will you be  HERE  in the moment? Creating a new reality for yourself requires you to remain in your current one to see the revision process through. View it this way. It's not just about getting there! With any destination (there) you have a starting point (here). So you can't get where you

It's that time of the year! "New year, new me" - as cliché and dated as that statement is I'm sure we'll see it posted about and hear it in passing. New Years is a time people use to reflect and create goals for improvement. Alternatively, without reflection, people simply vow that the year to come will be better and express eagerness to see the end of the current year. But why do we wait until years end? Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 & Numbers 30:2   instruct us not to delay fulfilling vows and oaths, and to hold to our word and do everything we said we would. So what holds us back? I believe what holds us back is the comparison trap. Luke 18:18-27  introduces us to the rich young ruler. He's resolved to inherit eternal life so he rightfully inquires with Jesus as to the means of doing so. The responses are encouraging as he realizes he's doing many things correctly. So at what point is he disheartened? Jesus challenges him then to do more - go and sell all