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SOUL POEMS FROM MY HEARTBy D. Lincoln1990s

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WINTER SORROWRegrets fall like rain on the forest of forgotten dreams; flowing down riversof tears towards a sea of despair.

Memories beat down like hailstones hammering the windows of my mindand trust which once bathed me in its warmth gives way to the cold windsof suspicion and doubt.

Joy once swirled round me like a feather in a cyclone, but happiness is nowas elusive as the first breeze of spring.

Love which struck like lightning in my youth; melts away like snow in theheat of anger, while passion is but a passing storm cloud thundering in thedistance.

Sleep; at times a merciful reprieve for the sins of omission, becomes an all toobrief respite from the gathering storm.

Tender feelings numbed by years of neglect; like gentle snowflakes are foreverfrozen in icy silence.

D. Lincoln1995

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OUR BABIESOur babies grow up around us.

They feed off the energy we radiate;And they are attracted to the light,Like a moth to a flame.

They mirror our best qualities;And reflect back their youthful enthusiasm.

Then, one day, they go their own way;And when they return, we see in themOur better selves and an expression of something greater;

A gift which only God could have bestowed.

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HOW DO WE KNOWHow do we know when God is finished with us?

Is it when we achieve perfection and radiate love across the universe?Is it when we resonate at such a high frequency that all recognize his

greatness?Is it when miracles become commonplace and the commonplace becomesmiraculous?Is it when beauty, art and music merge harmoniously to form a new unity?The answer is simple; God is never finished with us!

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CONNECTIONS

We are all connected to one another.We are all part of a larger living whole.We share the same Earth;We breathe the same air;We are all destined for the same fate.

It is only by recognizing what we have in commonThat we can hope to release the power

And the majesty which is in the heart of each of us.

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CHILDSPLAYSometimes we struggle to communicate that which cannot be said;

Like children playing with tin cans and a string,We toy with the fragile link that connects us

And become entangled in the process.

Sometimes we try too hard to be heard,When all we have to do is listen in silent appreciation.

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FAMILIESWe each pass through many families on our soul's journey:

The family that created us; nurtures and takes care of usUntil we are ready to take care of them.The family that we create; we shelter and teachUntil they are ready to teach and shelter us.The family of Man; protects and serves usUntil we are ready to protect and serve it.The family of souls; guides and watches over usUntil (I have no doubt) we are ready to guide and watch over them!

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COMPETITIONWe cling tightly to what we cannot possess.

We overshadow the weakAnd are overshadowed by the strong.

We strive to put down roots ,But are reluctant to sacrifice our place in the sun.

Only when competition evolves to cooperationCan we truly bask in our own security.

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AN ACTWhen an act of violence is committed against nature;

The gates of hell crack openAnd the great gaping jaws of the earth gulp down the evil.

Until, at some far distant time,The planet spews forth the poison;Polluting all those who are not immune to the disease.

But---

When we commit an act of kindness;An ocean of love is set in motionWhich begins as a tiny rippleRadiating out across the universe

Until, at some future reward,This ripple reaches the shores of our birth

And a tidal wave of emotion

Washes us through the welcoming gates of heaven.

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MAN IS A CHILDMan is but a child slowly learning to crawl;Then to stand on our own.

We have taken our first steps and have tested our limits.We have rebelled against our Mother Earth and our Spiritual Father.

We must now choose between becoming responsible adultsOr losing ourselves in oblivion.

We will either learn to treat our parents with respect and dignity,Or we will become isolated in a desolate wasteland.

Either way, when we return homeWe will be welcomed with open arms and a loving heart.

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ATONEMENTSouls fall from heaven to be enlightened.Their paths branch out across the blue planet;

And flow together towards the mighty source.

The quest for truth is all-satisfiedWhen the unity of man is fulfilled;

And atonement evolves to AT-ONE-MENT.

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FAITHFaith channels the brilliant white beam

Into the dark corners of our lives.

It separates the light from the dark;And reflects back to us our strengths,While forming shadows which outline our shortcomings.

Faith is the source of the blue glowWhich protects us, promotes healing

And fills us with love and contentment.

Faith is the Mother of Redemption.

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ENERGY VAMPIRESThe energy vampires seek to drink our vital life forces;

And feed off the marrow of our bones.

They rob us of our colors and discard our bleached skeletons;While they try to suck our spirits into the black abyss.

Only the love of truth, the appreciation of beauty;And our creative energy can save us from the blackhole they embody

Only faith can accompany us to the other side!

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THE FORCEDrawn by a force beyond comprehension;

The slightest touch transmits electricity

Soft caresses are magnetically pulling us closerGentle motions glue our eager parts to each other.

As we become welded together,Goddess energy engulfs the void;

And squeezes out the juices of love

When our entangled bodies reluctantly part,Our entwined souls choose to linger.

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A BRIDGETogether we build a bridgeWhich spans two worlds.

One side is physical;It moves us with ease and grace from a place where we are,To a place we remember, but know not.

The other side is spiritual;It lets us soar to new heights on a beam of energyWhich increases in strength as we come closer to each other.

Together we build a bridgeWhich transcends the boundaries of both worlds

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FEATHEROnce I was a feather caught in a cyclone,

While life swirled around me.

Now I am in harmony with the motion of the Universe;And the life force imbues me with peace and serenity;

Like a tree, constantly blown by the wind,Which is firmly anchored to Mother Earth;

Except when I'm dreamingOf floating above the clouds.

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THE PATH

Each of us is on a journeyWhich leads us back to our origins.It is not important which path we take.

All that matters is that we remain true to ourselves;That we share our learning with others we meet on the path;

And that we know that we never travel alone.

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BETWEEN

My untrained hand tries vainly to captureWhat my disbelieving eye sees.

Indeed there is music between the notes;Words between the lines;Truth between the thoughts;

And perchance, pictures beneath the picture.

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CLOSENESSWhen two spirits grow closeTheir energy fields merge together;

They share the ancient wisdoms;And they become almost inseparable;For as long as they remain rooted in Mother Earth;Then their higher powers are joined for eternity

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SHARINGWhen two souls share a common knowing,

Their colors merge and the boundaries which separate fade away

At these times it can truly be said;"If ever two were one then surely we!"

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LOVE ON

Music, Poetry, Love; where to draw the lines?Where does one begin and the other end?"If Music be the food of love; Play on.If Poetry is Love's voice; Speak on.If Love is the ultimate gift of God;

And the aim of man's evolution; Love on

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THE KEYWe each hold the keyTo unlock the hidden powers within.Yet, when we give of ourselves unselfishly;We find that we no longer have need of locks.

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FEELINGS

My emotions condense from the Universal Ether.They are heated by passion

And erupt to the surface when you are near.

My feelings for you are released into the air;And fall to earth as tears of joyTo become an ocean of contentmentWhen we come together.

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FOLLOW THE PATHWhen we follow the pathWhich God has chosen for us,Everyone shares in our joy;Mankind benefits;

And the Universe trumpets our success.

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LIFELife is what's happeningWhen you're planning to do something else!

- John Lennon

Life is what emergesWhen an immovable objectMeets an irresistible force.

The Present is the result of a collisionBetween an immovable Past

And an irresistible Future

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LEAVESThe glowing yellow leavesMark the path of least resistance.

As the sun sets, their energy lingers,Leading the way towards the next transition.

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SECRET OF LIFEThe Secret of Life is to draw energy

From all corners of the Universe;To internalize the white light;

And radiate the colors from the Source.

Then to pass through the ring of joyWhich surrounds perfect Love;

And drape yourself in Universal Truth,As you pull the love through after you.

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FOOD OF THE GODSWhen are our eyes drink in the beauty of great art;

And our ears savor the sweet sounds of genius.

When our words touch our inner being:And our heart serenades us with the poetry of love.

When our mouths delight in the spices of culinary masterpieces;And we become drunk with the intoxicating aroma of our desire.

When our skin radiates the warm candle-lit glow of our friendship;And our lips share the heat of our passion.

Then we know that our Souls have feasted on the Food of the Gods;And we have dined in divine splendor

2/3/97

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FEARFear is like being suspended from a great height!

We can't quite see what lies below us,So we hang on for dear Life

We cling to our security;And pile on cushions and parachutes,Which merely increases the weight on our backs.

We would do well to simply lighten our loads;And remember that we don't even need Angel's wings,We have always known how to float.

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OPPOSITESLight or dark, which is more impenetrable?Black or white which is more penetrating?

Sunrise or Sunset which is more beautiful?Summer or Winter which is more splendid?Truth or lies which is more lasting?Good or Evil which is our true nature?Man or woman which is more perplexing?In or out which is more overwhelming?

Since none of these can exist without its opposite,Both must be equally important to God's Plan;But it is the infinite variations and subtle nuancesThat lurk between the extremes;Which makes the Universe so interesting.

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THE MASK OF GOD

Whose face does God put on when he speaks to Mortals?Does he borrow the visage of the fierce old manWho Michaelangelo painted on the Sistine Chapel?

Or does He use the younger, gentle aspectOf Jesus as he knocks on Heart's door?

Possibly, He would assume the countenanceOf the friendly and frightening folks who bore us?

The simple truth is --God doesn't need a mouth to make his voice heard;He doesn't need eyes to see into our Souls;

And He needs no introduction regardless of what form he takes.

It is we who paint the mask on Him;And we who force Him to wear the face

Which we fear and love the most.

So, when we see God in the mirror,He will always appear as we expect;

And we will always respond as childrenWho face their worst nightmareOr their most wondrous dream.1/15/97

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WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPENWe often wonder why, Oh whyDo bad things that make us cryHappen to good people we hold on high?

Ask a good teacher and they will sigh;At times we must teach or we will die.At other times we must try to learn from the other guy.

Our lessons aren't always for us you see;Sometimes they are for you; sometimes for me.

And so we taste Life's bitterness with the sweet and savor itsMysterious flavors and its infinite varietyKnowing that our fate is not a whim of the Almighty;But God, of course, cannot be seen to play favorites

1/15/97

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HOLIDAYSDuring the Holidays, it is easy to become lost in the nostalgia of the Past;

Or to become overwhelmed by the plans for the Future.

We play out our little Human dramas again and again,Until we learn our lessons for Today.

At these times it is easy to forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of themoment.It is especially hard to remember that we are Human Beings not humandoings!

We are as candles whose flames burn brightestWhen we still the Winds of the Mind.

The greatest gift we can give ourselves and our fellow manIn these hectic times is PEACE OF MIND.

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TIMEThe ripples of time crash down upon us like a tidal wave;

Submerging our fondest moments into the murky depths of our deepestmemories.

As our thought waves recede into the Past, we are caught in the turbulentriptide.Instinctively, we struggle against the undertow;Instead of paddling across the currents of history.

Now and then a memory floats to the surface and we grab onto itLike a drowning man clinging to a life raft.

When we frantically search the distant horizon for a passing shipTo rescue us from oblivion;We fail to enjoy the splendor of the new dawn.

At those times when the sharks circle for the kill,It is difficult to believe that we are being taken care of.

However, in our darkest hour, if we can remember to look up and smile;We will find that the sky is filled with a glorious rainbow.1/1/97

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SWIMSwim 'til your arms ache!Swim for all your worth!

Swim for your life!Swim for your Soul!Swim for your sanity!Swim for your salvation!

Don't look back;You will tire when you learn how far you have come.Dont look down;You will sink when you think how deep the water is.Don't look ahead;You will despair when you perceive how far you have to go.

Finally, when you can't take another stroke ,You stop fighting what is all around you;You roll-over on your back and prepare to die.

Suddenly, you remember that we are all meant to float;

Peacefully above the chaos on a tranquil sea.Then, you look up with gratitude.5/20/97

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LEARNINGWhen we walk the Path of Grace

We plant the seeds of curiosityIn the footprints we leave behind.

Gradually, we become aware of theTrees of knowledge blossoming along the trail.

As these trees bear fruit; they add their seed to the fertile soilWhich was painstakingly plowed by those who came before.In time, we are all nurtured in this burgeoning orchard of learning.

1/31/97

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QUESTIONSIn the still morning air we contemplate the Universe.

As the sun rises, we celebrate the dawn.What new mysteries will unfold today?What miracles will be revealed?

As we continue to wonder, we know in our hearts;These are questions better left unanswered.

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METAMORPHOSISToiling tirelessly, the tiny caterpillar

Works and eats its way towards its unknown destiny.Each time it grows, it sheds its shell

And leaves behind its Past Lives.

Driven by God's Plan, it pauses & slumbersWhile miracles work their magic;On its unresisting spirit.

At last emerging transformed;Ready to take flight & soar on the celestial winds

The butterfly lives out its brief,But glorious cycle radiating beautyTo all of God's creatures.

10/12/96

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SPINNINGWhen the Earth seems to be spinningSo fast that we want to get off.We should recall that our Home PlanetRotates effortlessly in the vastness of Heaven;Ever pointed towards the North Star.

While we mortals, on the other hand,Try to spin faster & faster to keep up;Until we inevitably lose control.

Like a top which moves predictablyWhile it is spinning at high speed,But wobbles out of controlEach time it slows down

Rather, we should take our lessonsFrom the elegant gyroscope;

Recognizing that it is not how fast we spin which counts;What matters most is what we are anchored to:What we are pointed towards;

And what we are centered on.

by David LincolnJuly 1998

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1/15/97 CAROUSELThe music plays and the movement begins.Slowly we begin to rise; looking down on the rest

As we whirl faster & fasterThe outside world begins to blur.

All we can see is the ring;Poised just beyond our reach.

Inevitably, we begin to descend.It is with sadness that we surrender;

Until we accept that everyoneHas his ups & down on the merry-go-round

So we can chooseTo just sit back and enjoy the ride

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SPIRIT

The Spirit creates the Universe and explodes as Matter.

The Spirit breathes life into Matter and gives birth to Body.

The Spirit awakens the Body and becomes known as Mind.

The Spirit witnesses the Mind and remembers its Soul.

The Spirit transcends the Soul and manifests as the Unity of All!

6/7/97

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MEANS TO AN ENDDoes the end ever justify the means;

Or is this merely an excuse for barbarity?Can we let one man drown, so that a dozen might live?

If life is an illusion created by the Spirit;Do we allow our Souls to take a step back;In order for our Bodies to take a step forward?

Or do we have it all backwards?Is it not the means we employWhich makes the end worthwhile?

Is it not better that 13 should perish,Affirming compassion & essential goodness;Rather than 12 should live on confirming inhumanity?

And what if everyone should survive?By trading places? By denying the facts?

Through faith or miraculous intervention?

Does this not proclaim to allThat the Universe is indeed a friendly place;

And we are all in it together?

1/20/97

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SOARINGWe glide to Earth on a wing and a prayer!

Like children, we struggle against the forces of NatureTo take our first independent steps.

Slowly, we learn our painful lessons;And when we are readyTo soar into the clouds again;We surrender to the sky!

2/15/97

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CIVILIZATION VS. CULTURECivilization constructs walls to scale;Culture removes barriers and scales new heights.

Civilizations clash in violent confrontation;Cultures merge in peaceful harmony.

Civilization focuses on an efficient means of death;Culture explores the profound meaning of Life.

Civilization thrives on war;Cultures blossom during peace.

Civilization is built on increasingly complex technology;Culture is rooted in simple philosophy.

Civilization pretends to provide security for Body & Mind;Culture truly nurtures Heart & Soul

Civilizations build & destroy out of fear;

Cultures create & preserve out of love.

The tragedy is that we haveLearned to advance Civilization without cultural constraints;But we have yet to learn how to evolve CultureWithout the constraints of Civilization.

Only when we recognize the valueOf the Culture that we've lost;Can we begin to appreciate the immense priceThat we have paid for Civilization.

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OUR GUIDESEach of Us is chosen by our guides; We do not choose them.They choose when to speak; We choose when to listen.

Why do they pick one mortal over another?Perhaps , because at our best we remind them of themselves?

More likely, it is that at our worst;We remind them of who they once were.

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THE TREESThe Souls in the trees

Surrender their matchless energy;To the warm flames;

And man's ancestors unknowingly progress.

Tree spirits buried for countless eonsSince the dinosaurs roamed the Earth,Feel naked & exposed.

Their shiny, black skins glowing red in the burning embers;Render up Nature's storehouse of energy;Still mankind blindly progresses

The Leaf Nymphs soak up energy from the sun;And radiate power through all colors of the rainbow

An enlightened Man strolling quietly though the forest,Receives inspiration and thanks the trees for their sacrifices.

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A CANDLESomewhere in the dark a candle flickers.

When joined by hundreds of other flickering candles;They burn brighter and hotter still.

Like a star twinkling among the heavens,It is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the rest;

But when it burns true to the Core,With Honor, Courage and Commitment

The candle shines like a bright blue torchWhich is unmistakably brilliant!

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MIND OF GODWhen we listen in silence and find truth;

We hear the voice of God!

When we embrace the natural world and find beauty;We touch the hand of God!

But when we love, Ah when we love;We gain a glimpse of the Mind of God!

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MOMFrom the womb to the world and back again; there's Mom.

From the first heartbeat to the first heartbreak; She's there.From the first step to the first fall off the ladder; You know She's with you.From the first union to the last separation; It's always Her.From the first child to the last grandchild; It's Grandma.From the first care to the last care-package; You know you can always counton Mom.Time and distance are no barriers to a Mother's unconditional Love.

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SEX ISN'TSex isn't about motion; but emotion.

It isn't about practice; It's about discoveryIt's not about expelling energy; But releasing energy.It is not about positions; It's about positioning.It's not about muscles and bones: rather nerves and veins.It's not about disconnecting; But reconnecting

It's not putting square pegs into round holes;But transforming both to fit in unexpected ways.It's not about encircling; But intermingling.Not about going from point A to point B;But becoming point A and evolving to point B

It's not inserting part 24 into widget 26;It's about forging a link which has no number.It's not about being swept under by a tidal wave;But about riding the top of the wave until it breaks beneath you.It's not in the Body or in the Mind;

Yet it flows freely between the two.Sex isn't a destination; it's a journey!

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TWIN PEAKSLike babies, we suckle from the twin breasts of fear and love.One tastes sweet and fills us with the milk of human kindness;The other is bitter leaving us malnourished and wanting for more.We feel we deserve both and hungrily cling to their sources.

As we mature, we still have need of both to feel secure.But, if we are to be weaned, we must gradually let go of our hold on each;Release our fear and reject the bitter taste it leaves in our mouth;Let go of our insecure grip on love and let the goodness flow.

We must eventually recognize and acceptThat only by giving love can we hope to gain its true nourishmentWhich will sustain us through the lean period

And allow our faces to shine even in the dark.

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KNOWINGTo know fear is to love fear!

It makes our heart race and our chests pound.Its rush is fleeting and addictive.

As the adrenaline courses through our veinsIt blinds us to our potentialities.

Fear is a jealous lover.It tolerates no competition from reason.It paralyzes us with its grip and makes usThink we are afraid of dying;When, in reality, we are only afraid of living.

To know love is to be love!True love makes our hearts soar.It brings eternal peace to our soul

And opens our eyes to new possibilities.

True love is not jealous.

It welcomes with open armsAll who would wish us well.It moves us forward and makes us feel alive;Death has no hold on a loving heart.

David Lincoln5/9/98

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MAKING A FATHER'S CHOICEPlunging Cold Steel Into The Searing Heat Of The Fiery Forge;Emerging White-hot And Barely Giving Under The Constant Straining;

Conforming Ever So Slightly With The Stroking Of Vulcan's HammerMercilessly Pounding The Ingot Against The Unyielding Anvil Of Time.Flinching In Agony With Unforgiving Spikes Piercing Its Armor.

Proudly, The Young Stallion Parading Its Shining New Footwear.Strutting Around; Carelessly Grinding Its Shoes Into The Dirt.Placing Its Ponderous Weight Wholly On The Back Of Its Solid Supports.Challenging The Wind To A Race And The Earth To A Testing Of Strength.Gradually Chipping Away At His Very Foundations, Searching For Greening Pastures.

Performing Many Different Roles And Serving Many Masters.Eventually Outliving Its Usefulness And Desiring Only To Rest;Pausing And Reflecting On Weakening Knees And Sore Ankles;Remembering Fondly The Days Of Green Pasturing And Appreciating Shiny Shoes.Looking Downwards Now, Seeing Only Rusting Metal And Unfulfilling Dreams

Hearing St Peters Horn In The Distance, The Stallion Moving Towards The Calling.Descending, The Angel Saying, "You've Earned The Right Of Returning As A Master."Humbly Thanking Him, The Old Horse Graciously Declining The Offering.Preferring Instead The Option Of Coming Back As A Lowly Horseshoe.

Only A Father Ever Knowing The Joy Of Making The Stallion's Choice.

September 18, 1998

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SISTERS

What good are big sisters?

Will they change your diapersOr sing you to sleep?Will they give you nightmaresand then call you "creep"?

What's a sister worth?Is she your best friendOr your worst enemy?Do you feel she's your closest kinOr just a branch fallen from the family tree?

What good are big sisters?Sometimes they're good for nothing,But maybe she's just the thing;To get you through the tough times

And help you survive the sting.

What's a sister worth?Her value's beyond measure

As you both assume many roles;Because you know you can always count on her,

And you will forever be kindred souls.

November 13, 1998

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SWINGING

We all swing by our obligations,Suspended precariously by the twin ropesOf the promises we make and the commitments made for us.

Higher and faster we swing until finally,The frayed promises and time-warn commitmentsBecome hopelessly entangled and give way.

For one brief, ecstatic moment we hurl unfettered,Frozen between heaven above and earth belowOblivious of the gravity of our condition.

While the ground races up toward us,We pause for an instant to consider

A timeless, weightless existence free of obligations.

As our thoughts collide with reality,

The shock brings us to our senses andWe eagerly step back into the harness for another Great Ride.

David LincolnMay 2, 1999

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPENWe often wonder why, Oh whyDo bad things that make us cryHappen to good people we hold on high?

Ask a good teacher and they will sigh;At times we must teach or we will die.

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At other times we must try to learn from the other guy.

Are lessons aren't always for us you see;Sometimes they are for you; sometimes for me.

And so we taste Life's bitterness with the sweet and savor itsMysterious flavors and its infinite varietyKnowing that our fate is not a whim of the Almighty;But God, of course, cannot be seen to play favorites

1/15/97

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HOLIDAYSDuring the Holidays, it is easy to become lost in the nostalgia of the Past;

Or to become overwhelmed by the plans for the Future.

We play out our little Human dramas again and again,Until we learn our lessons for Today.

At these times it is easy to forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of themoment.It is especially hard to remember that we are Human Beings not humandoings!

We are as candles whose flames burn brightestWhen we still the Winds of the Mind.

The greatest gift we can give ourselves and our fellow manIn these hectic times is PEACE OF MIND.

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TIMEThe ripples of time crash down upon us like a tidal wave;

Submerging our fondest moments into the murky depths of our deepestmemories.

As our thought waves recede into the Past, we are caught in the turbulentriptide.Instinctively, we struggle against the undertow;Instead of paddling across the currents of history.

Now and then a memory floats to the surface and we grab onto itLike a drowning man clinging to a life raft.

When we frantically search the distant horizon for a passing shipTo rescue us from oblivion;We fail to enjoy the splendor of the new dawn.

At those times when the sharks circle for the kill,It is difficult to believe that we are being taken care of.

However, in our darkest hour, if we can remember to look up and smile;We will find that the sky is filled with a glorious rainbow.1/1/97

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SWIMSwim 'til your arms ache!Swim for all your worth!

Swim for your life!Swim for your Soul!Swim for your sanity!Swim for your salvation!

Don't look back;You will tire when you learn how far you have come.Dont look down;You will sink when you think how deep the water is.Don't look ahead;You will despair when you perceive how far you have to go.

Finally, when you can't take another stroke ,You stop fighting what is all around you;You roll-over on your back and prepare to die.

Suddenly, you remember that we are all meant to float;

Peacefully above the chaos on a tranquil sea.Then, you look up with gratitude.5/20/97

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LEARNINGWhen we walk the Path of Grace

We plant the seeds of curiosityIn the footprints we leave behind.

Gradually, we become aware of theTrees of knowledge blossoming along the trail.

As these trees bear fruit; they add their seed to the fertile soilWhich was painstakingly plowed by those who came before.In time, we are all nurtured in this burgeoning orchard of learning.

1/31/97

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QUESTIONSIn the still morning air we contemplate the Universe.

As the sun rises, we celebrate the dawn.What new mysteries will unfold today?What miracles will be revealed?

As we continue to wonder, we know in our hearts;These are questions better left unanswered.

12/21/96

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METAMORPHOSISToiling tirelessly, the tiny caterpillar

Works and eats its way towards its unknown destiny.Each time it grows, it sheds its shell

And leaves behind its Past Lives.

Driven by God's Plan, it pauses & slumbersWhile miracles work their magic;On its unresisting spirit.

At last emerging transformed;Ready to take flight & soar on the celestial winds

The butterfly lives out its brief,But glorious cycle radiating beautyTo all of God's creatures.

10/12/96

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SPINNINGWhen the Earth seems to be spinningSo fast that we want to get off.We should recall that our Home PlanetRotates effortlessly in the vastness of Heaven;Ever pointed towards the North Star.

While we mortals, on the other hand,Try to spin faster & faster to keep up;Until we inevitably lose control.

Like a top which moves predictablyWhile it is spinning at high speed,But wobbles out of controlEach time it slows down

Rather, we should take our lessonsFrom the elegant gyroscope;

Recognizing that it is not how fast we spin which counts;What matters most is what we are anchored to:What we are pointed towards;

And what we are centered on.

by David LincolnJuly 1998

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1/15/97 CAROUSELThe music plays and the movement begins.Slowly we begin to rise; looking down on the rest

As we whirl faster & fasterThe outside world begins to blur.

All we can see is the ring;Poised just beyond our reach.

Inevitably, we begin to descend.It is with sadness that we surrender;

Until we accept that everyoneHas his ups & down on the merry-go-round

So we can chooseTo just sit back and enjoy the ride

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SPIRIT

The Spirit creates the Universe and explodes as Matter.

The Spirit breathes life into Matter and gives birth to Body.

The Spirit awakens the Body and becomes known as Mind.

The Spirit witnesses the Mind and remembers its Soul.

The Spirit transcends the Soul and manifests as the Unity of All!

6/7/97

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MEANS TO AN ENDDoes the end ever justify the means;

Or is this merely an excuse for barbarity?Can we let one man drown, so that a dozen might live?

If life is an illusion created by the Spirit;Do we allow our Souls to take a step back;In order for our Bodies to take a step forward?

Or do we have it all backwards?Is it not the means we employWhich makes the end worthwhile?

Is it not better that 13 should perish,Affirming compassion & essential goodness;Rather than 12 should live on confirming inhumanity?

And what if everyone should survive?By trading places? By denying the facts?

Through faith or miraculous intervention?

Does this not proclaim to allThat the Universe is indeed a friendly place;

And we are all in it together?

1/20/97

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SOARINGWe glide to Earth on a wing and a prayer!

Like children, we struggle against the forces of NatureTo take our first independent steps.

Slowly, we learn our painful lessons;And when we are readyTo soar into the clouds again;We surrender to the sky!

2/15/97

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CIVILIZATION VS. CULTURECivilization constructs walls to scale;Culture removes barriers and scales new heights.

Civilizations clash in violent confrontation;Cultures merge in peaceful harmony.

Civilization focuses on an efficient means of death;Culture explores the profound meaning of Life.

Civilization thrives on war;Cultures blossom during peace.

Civilization is built on increasingly complex technology;Culture is rooted in simple philosophy.

Civilization pretends to provide security for Body & Mind;Culture truly nurtures Heart & Soul

Civilizations build & destroy out of fear;

Cultures create & preserve out of love.

The tragedy is that we haveLearned to advance Civilization without cultural constraints;But we have yet to learn how to evolve CultureWithout the constraints of Civilization.

Only when we recognize the valueOf the Culture that we've lost;Can we begin to appreciate the immense priceThat we have paid for Civilization.

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OUR GUIDESEach of Us is chosen by our guides; We do not choose them.They choose when to speak; We choose when to listen.

Why do they pick one mortal over another?Perhaps , because at our best we remind them of themselves?

More likely, it is that at our worst;We remind them of who they once were.

12/15/96

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THE TREESThe Souls in the trees

Surrender their matchless energy;To the warm flames;

And man's ancestors unknowingly progress.

Tree spirits buried for countless eonsSince the dinosaurs roamed the Earth,Feel naked & exposed.

Their shiny, black skins glowing red in the burning embers;Render up Nature's storehouse of energy;Still mankind blindly progresses

The Leaf Nymphs soak up energy from the sun;And radiate power through all colors of the rainbow

An enlightened Man strolling quietly though the forest,Receives inspiration and thanks the trees for their sacrifices.

12/5/96

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A CANDLESomewhere in the dark a candle flickers.

When joined by hundreds of other flickering candles;They burn brighter and hotter still.

Like a star twinkling among the heavens,It is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the rest;

But when it burns true to the Core,With Honor, Courage and Commitment

The candle shines like a bright blue torchWhich is unmistakably brilliant!

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MIND OF GODWhen we listen in silence and find truth;

We hear the voice of God!

When we embrace the natural world and find beauty;We touch the hand of God!

But when we love, Ah when we love;We gain a glimpse of the Mind of God!

11/28/96

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MOMFrom the womb to the world and back again; there's Mom.

From the first heartbeat to the first heartbreak; She's there.From the first step to the first fall off the ladder; You know She's with you.From the first union to the last separation; It's always Her.From the first child to the last grandchild; It's Grandma.From the first care to the last care-package; You know you can always counton Mom.Time and distance are no barriers to a Mother's unconditional Love.

11/15/96

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SEX ISN'TSex isn't about motion; but emotion.

It isn't about practice; It's about discoveryIt's not about expelling energy; But releasing energy.It is not about positions; It's about positioning.It's not about muscles and bones: rather nerves and veins.It's not about disconnecting; But reconnecting

It's not putting square pegs into round holes;But transforming both to fit in unexpected ways.It's not about encircling; But intermingling.Not about going from point A to point B;But becoming point A and evolving to point B

It's not inserting part 24 into widget 26;It's about forging a link which has no number.It's not about being swept under by a tidal wave;But about riding the top of the wave until it breaks beneath you.It's not in the Body or in the Mind;

Yet it flows freely between the two.Sex isn't a destination; it's a journey!

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TWIN PEAKSLike babies, we suckle from the twin breasts of fear and love.One tastes sweet and fills us with the milk of human kindness;The other is bitter leaving us malnourished and wanting for more.We feel we deserve both and hungrily cling to their sources.

As we mature, we still have need of both to feel secure.But, if we are to be weaned, we must gradually let go of our hold on each;Release our fear and reject the bitter taste it leaves in our mouth;Let go of our insecure grip on love and let the goodness flow.

We must eventually recognize and acceptThat only by giving love can we hope to gain its true nourishmentWhich will sustain us through the lean period

And allow our faces to shine even in the dark.

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KNOWINGTo know fear is to love fear!

It makes our heart race and our chests pound.Its rush is fleeting and addictive.

As the adrenaline courses through our veinsIt blinds us to our potentialities.

Fear is a jealous lover.It tolerates no competition from reason.It paralyzes us with its grip and makes usThink we are afraid of dying;When, in reality, we are only afraid of living.

To know love is to be love!True love makes our hearts soar.It brings eternal peace to our soul

And opens our eyes to new possibilities.

True love is not jealous.

It welcomes with open armsAll who would wish us well.It moves us forward and makes us feel alive;Death has no hold on a loving heart.

David Lincoln5/9/98

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MAKING A FATHER'S CHOICEPlunging Cold Steel Into The Searing Heat Of The Fiery Forge;Emerging White-hot And Barely Giving Under The Constant Straining;

Conforming Ever So Slightly With The Stroking Of Vulcan's HammerMercilessly Pounding The Ingot Against The Unyielding Anvil Of Time.Flinching In Agony With Unforgiving Spikes Piercing Its Armor.

Proudly, The Young Stallion Parading Its Shining New Footwear.Strutting Around; Carelessly Grinding Its Shoes Into The Dirt.Placing Its Ponderous Weight Wholly On The Back Of Its Solid Supports.Challenging The Wind To A Race And The Earth To A Testing Of Strength.Gradually Chipping Away At His Very Foundations, Searching For Greening Pastures.

Performing Many Different Roles And Serving Many Masters.Eventually Outliving Its Usefulness And Desiring Only To Rest;Pausing And Reflecting On Weakening Knees And Sore Ankles;Remembering Fondly The Days Of Green Pasturing And Appreciating Shiny Shoes.Looking Downwards Now, Seeing Only Rusting Metal And Unfulfilling Dreams

Hearing St Peters Horn In The Distance, The Stallion Moving Towards The Calling.Descending, The Angel Saying, "You've Earned The Right Of Returning As A Master."Humbly Thanking Him, The Old Horse Graciously Declining The Offering.Preferring Instead The Option Of Coming Back As A Lowly Horseshoe.

Only A Father Ever Knowing The Joy Of Making The Stallion's Choice.

September 18, 1998

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SISTERS

What good are big sisters?

Will they change your diapersOr sing you to sleep?Will they give you nightmaresand then call you "creep"?

What's a sister worth?Is she you best friendOr your worst enemy?Do you feel she's your closest kinOr just a branch fallen from the family tree?

What good are big sisters?Sometimes they're good for nothing,But maybe she's just the thing;To get you through the tough times

And help you survive the sting.

What's a sister worth?Her value's beyond measure

As you both assume many roles;Because you know you can always count on her,

And you will forever be kindred souls.

November 13, 1998

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LOVE IS A RIVERLove is the River of Life;It draws strength from the passing storms of conflictThe stream pours forth its essence on the thirsty, turbulent SpiritsAnd distributes its rejuvenating force to the meandering soulsWhich ultimately flow into a sea of Joy

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THE HOUSE OF THE SOUL

Life and Death are merely a series a rooms where the Soul resides.

When we hesitantly ascend the stairs to Life,We struggle to become aware of our innocence.

As we mature, we see the windows of opportunity opening ahead;While the doors to our past appear to be closing behind us.

We cannot hasten this process.We can only choose to let the doors close naturally

And allow the windows to open at their own pace.Or, we can elect to slam the doors in anger

And try to force the windows open before it is time.

As we fearfully descend into death,We should know that all rooms lead to new opportunitiesWhen we enter with our eyes open

And we radiate our light from within.No one needs to be afraid in their own home.