Midnight Swim Philosophy
I was in the still night, empty of stars,
safe behind walls, secure behind bars.
Floating in safety. No threat in my life.
Treading warm water. No pressure, no strife.
Lucky old me. Why do I rate?
Is it my choices, or simply fate?
It may be both, but still I can’t see
why all this luck is centered on me.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking for trouble
to come break me out of my shiny safe bubble.
I just need to remember once in a while
that such a life isn’t the rank and file.
The world is war-sick, but still they don’t stop.
The bankers will have them fight ‘til they drop.
Women in cages, children in chains.
My perfect night song has sadder refrains.
It may not be clear to others what this poem has to do with volunteering, but it is clear to me in my own life.
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
The touching dilemma ose of us blessed by fate. Lovely poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Peggy. I was lying here in the pool of my house in Mexico, treading water, past midnight, my dog by the side dropping tennis balls into the water for me to toss down to the lower garden for him to retrieve, and I was filled with such a calm feeling–like I was in the womb of my house–and that first line came into my mind. I repeated it over and over in the time before I went in so I wouldn’t forget it and this poem popped out. I’ve had these thoughts of our incredible luck in not being born into war and suppression and hatred–at least immediately around us. This present state of our nation (The U.S., as I’m still a U.S. Citizen) and the hatred brought out by one man who is especially adept at bringing it out in us all is so distressing, and yet compared to much of the world, we are still so relatively safe. Mexico is the world in microcosm. There is danger, but also the safety of high walls and barred windows and incredibly loving and caring people. In the long run, we create our own safety wherever we are. This year it includes voting!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder if the landed gentry or nobles ever felt this way? Certainly doesn’t emerge much as a theme in history.
LikeLike
I have the same thoughts at times. How can I have it so good (safe, peaceful) when some women live with war, violence, abuse, destitution, etc.? Some even in my own family have lived with violent spouses. No more deserving than they, I can only say, “Thank you, God.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this, Judy, reminding us of the blessings and curses of our lives. Your midnight swim and that moon==most evocative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blessings can come and go in moments. Loved your comment about repeating the first line in your mind so you wouldn’t forget it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find myself needing to do that more and more lately. Have you reached this state yet?
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure!!
LikeLike
Be as it may? I believe in karma. How it affects us all, really is beyond me? That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. I used to live on the edge of wilderness, on my own land. I felt happy then. Now I live in a rented apartment, on the edge of a busy city. I still feel happy. My conclusion is that happiness is a state of mind, not being. Like; if you want to change the world, change your self. Those moments of lucidity, are very precious. Remi, my advice? Is stay in the zone. Don’t try to change it. Be happy. It works for me, really; even when I lose the feelings. Stay in the love zone.
Great poem btw …. Cheers Jamie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. I’ve come to much the same conclusion. And might add that it is good to try to foster the same feelings in others as well. Sometimes I fail, but I try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy it. You deserve it.
LikeLike