GIVERS AND TAKERS

I have lived my life
by the philosophy
that the world is divided
between those who are givers
and those who are takers.

This simplistic doctrine
has brought balance to my life
as it enables me to assess character
based on substance, not delusion.
Unlike a mirage,
everything in my universe
appears exactly as it is,
and that which lacks genuineness,
may linger awhile,
but is destined to vanish
into yesterday.

I know who I am,
where I want to be,
and who I want to be with.
I choreograph my world
with people who are not
only generous in spirit
with purified intentions,
but have a refined perception
of the power of friendship.

Mine are not fair-weather friends.
They journey with me
through all persuasions,
and unlike the martial artist
whose sequence of events
always begins with a defensive action,
they are in complete harmony
with themselves and remain open
to the uniqeness of the world
around them.

Florine was a giver,
as was my mother.
Those who have walked with me
to the mountain
have given me the gift of
strength to persevere.

Sweetness, not sadness,
saturates my soul
and has opened a
a door to life
that leads me,
and my true friends,
to the garden.

In my garden,
planted with and for my baby,
goodness is abundant,
and regardless of the season,
ripe fruit is easily
plucked from the trees.

© JOHN PISCATELLA


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