Steve Haarman

 
My heart aches. 
It is not a new phenomena. 
Over the years many incidents have happened
which have affected me in the same way. 
I know that I am not alone. 
Many good people suffer from all kinds of
significant events that have upset
the normal course of their lives. 
 
Bad people, too, have feelings and
somehow events occurred which caused
them to react in ways that are punishable. 
Certain events leave scars lasting a lifetime.
 
Now we are in a crisis. 
It is a totally new situation. 
We are powerless in our efforts to control. 
We listen to experts, to the media,
to the deniers, to those who find fault and
we listen to our leaders: 
Mayors, Governors, and the President.
 
Much is being done and as time passes,
hope is revealed.  This is us and
we are the ones being affected and
there is discourse which is formal and orderly,
presenting much information and updates.
 
Speakers present their thoughts in a rational way. 
The evidence from which they gather facts changes and
their thoughts leave us uneasy and as things
stay about the same we become weary. 
We second guess. 
 
The leaders are not always right and
we must resolve condition with solutions
coming from a balance of emotion and critical thinking. 
The heart and mind must be on the same page.
We will be challenged for an indefinite period.
 
We are not the only ones suffering and
this fact is what causes my heart to ache. 
We are full of “it’s about me” and fail to
consider our duty to serve others, who are helpless,
in finding solutions to their problems
which are very serious.
 
Across the world there are droughts, tsunamis,
flooding, infestation of locusts, lack of
potable water and food, absence of housing,
poor or no sanitation, a need for hospitals,
misery caused by dictators, genocide,
starvation, uncontrolled fires, persecution,
hurricanes and disease. 
 
We do not hear extended news about
these conditions from the media. 
 
Many help by volunteering their services and
by contributions to pay for what is needed. 
 
There are those who stand by and do nothing
even though they have the capability of doing great deeds. 
It causes me to wonder if they are playing god. 
 
We are praying more and will no doubt survive our crisis,
but should not feel at ease until the pitiful conditions
remaining in the world are put to rest. 
 
Our crisis may be a wake-up call. 
We must return to love, honor and respect. 
 
We have the capability and if we add desire,
and the grace of God, will get the job done. 
 
Then the aches known so well by too many people
will go away and be replaced with joy.
 
Stanski
March 27, 2020 ^
 
 

 
You look at the bloke; seems alright
A little loud; quite sure of himself
There in the waiting room
Has everything under control

Quit smoking; lost weight; loves chocolate with his beer
Doesn’t think it will cause him any problems
He has had bypass surgery; saved by the bell
Lives on disability income
 
You wonder if that is as attractive to him as
The packaging on all the candy, beer and cigarettes
Why can’t good judgment be presented in an attractive way?
Wouldn’t that cause it to be irresistible?

Work is hard, man, and it takes time
It’s not cool; it doesn’t look good
 
We decorate habit and vice
Idealism does not come packaged
Never has and never will

We’ll see it though, now and then
It has substance and stands on its own
It has the merit which is priceless
 
How easy to choose the downhill road
It looks better; it’s easier
Consequence isn’t that important
Especially when someone else is paying
 
Bloviating has its place
It’s not pretty but has appeal
Let’s not wrap it though
And that’s a wrap
 
Stanski
March 26, 2020 ^
 
 

My flamingos are steady
Still anchored in snow
Then see the earth close by
And are full of hope
A new day is coming
They will be free to roam

However they are loyal
Will remain in place
Waiting on me to act
What could I possibly do?
They are who they are
I am not to interfere

They have a mission
It is to remain dependable
And not look for greener pastures
They are humble in their own way
Lessons could be learned
Just by observing them

There may be a day
When they will be moved
There are many locations
I may choose to elevate them
Place them high in the dunes
Make them visible to more

Show off their peacefulness
Teach us while being tacit
Phenomenal truth from the silent ones
Are we not foolish people?
Always looking for the flamboyant
The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

The established rather than the unknown
When right in front of us in plain sight
Is the answer to all of our questions
We are fervent people and seek peace
Joy is within us if we quietly look
There is no band; no parade

The music of nature and
The movement of creatures
Is all that we need
Looking at life like this allows us
To answer our own questions
The flamingos nod their heads in agreement
 
Stanski
March 26, 2020 ^

 
It is so sad to read about all the negativity
that exists in regard to our President. 
People place themselves above him
in determining, in their opinion,
what we as a country should do 
They are disrespectful in a blatant way,
openly declaring their animosity 
The thing is that he is in charge and
trying to do everything possible to keep us safe 
He has a penchant for optimism and
tries to stay positive and hopeful 
 
Many are hoping, in an open way, that he fails 
It is sad to see in this country where after the fact
objectivity is allowed and encouraged 
After contemplation and review much of what
the President says or has said is found to be true
while the main stream media, which has been
ninety percent negative toward him, is proven wrong 
Hollywood in all their glory, mocks and threatens our leader 
What have any of them done to improve our condition?
 
The beauty of what could be if we all came together
will never be seen when lies are accepted as truth and
accomplishments are regarded as myths even by
those who have benefited from the improvements 
History tells us that there has always been controversy and
most can understand, but when we are in
the midst of a dramatic crisis
it would be nice to set politics aside and put all of our energy into
the solving of this unique problem 
 
It would be nice to see people turning to
their creator in prayer for help and solutions 
We are being tested and will be judged on our response
 
Stanski
March 25, 2020 ^

 
Sometime I like to sit down and write not knowing
what about, but know that something significant will
come into my being that I can jot down and then extrapolate
coming up with a unique concept that all of us can
grab a hold of and make something of it 
It is not an easy task, but because of what I am,
a human-angel, I know it is important to think positively and
produce a challenge that takes more than a quick yes or no
to succeed and present it to those who hold an interest. 
 
Now I think of the Wuhan Virus
And all the clutter and chatter it has caused.  I see leadership and corruption 
I will have to report this ahead of schedule 
The President is leading and the Congress is playing politics as usual
proposing to spend money we do not have in areas
that have nothing to do with the crisis 
How foolish and disrespectful can these people be?
 
They are letting down the people, the President and the country 
We must collectively recover from this and it will be
more difficult when dealing with the fault finding,
corrupt, administrators of our Government 
The Wuhan will come and go but
these disgusting beings will remain in the swamp 
 
The avian flu lasted from January, 1918 through December, 1920 
Three whole years and communication was basically nil
It killed many people, but we overcame,
not without difficulty, the condition 
Our faith has to be what we rely on 
It is very potent and surpasses all of
the empty promises made by Congress
 
Many good people on the front lines are doing everything in
their power to keep the situation under control. 
They are putting themselves at risk for the greater good 
They are saints and heroes 
We learn from them what sacrifice and dedication are
We pray that the Light inspires and watches over them
I will soon present my observations and I know
The Lord on High will be disappointed
So many chances and those who should be making a difference
are still worshiping the Golden Calf and other idols
 
Stanski
March 24, 2020 ^

And then the sun shined
We were uplifted
The light of nature
Quiet but powerful
The Light of the Maker
Quiet and not always recognized
It is an insane world
We drift along for eons
Seemingly unaware
Perform by instinct or intuition
Survive as best we can
Everyone has some function
Hard to understand it all
Most abide by expectation
Some require mandated rules
Order is the normal stand
Very few have a problem
Many work to get ahead
Others just to survive
We all depend on each other
A collage of activities
Order is seldom upended
Peacefulness the way of the land
Then a crisis may hit us
Tornados, hurricanes, floods,
Pestilence, fires, and war
The norm has been upset
As has the way we react
Some get out of control
Cause more problems than they know
Others seek the Light, knowing
The quiet power of prayer
They analyze and prepare
Look to solve the problems
No one has all the answers
We do the best that we can
The desire for order is prevalent
The pathway has obstacles
Intense people forge the way
Knowing Who holds their hand
They feel ready for all encounters
Knowing that they will overcome
 
Stanski
March 24, 2020 ^

I bundled up as much as possible
The day looked inviting
The sun was out and
There was beauty to behold,
But I wasn’t going out
 
I then took off my over clothes
Decided to take a nap
Needed to reserve my strength
During this unusual crisis
Thought this was good advice
 
I went to Facebook and had to laugh
People blaming, blaming and blaming
Monday morning quarterbacking
So typical of small minded
Of those who cannot think for themselves
 
Many, many countries infected
Still it is the Presidents fault
He didn’t act fast enough in
Declaring a national emergency
Ridiculed when he did
 
It took him two whole days
And this while being impeached
No one wants this viral curse
We should be together on this
Is respect a dangerous word
 
I think of the Gambler
You have to know when to hold them
Know when to fold them
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
 
We are all going to win a few
Losing is bound to happen
Even to the righteous ones
The very best you can hope for
Is to die in your sleep
 
Stanski
March 23, 2020 ^
 
 

Sure, a little bit o’ heaven
Fell from out of the sky one day
And nestled on the ocean
In a spot so far away
And when the angels found it
Sure it looked so sweet and fair
They said “Suppose we leave it,
For it looks so peaceful there!
 
So they sprinkled it with stardust
Just to make the shamrocks grow
“Tis the only place you’ll find them
No matter where you go
Then they dotted it with silver
To make its lakes so grand
And when they had it finished,
Sure they called it   I R E L A N D!
 
A little cheer for all my Irish friends
Stanski
March 23, 2020 ^

Living in the unknown is exciting
Everyone is equal in many ways
Outcomes of efforts will vary
Just like in real life
 
This morning I look out the window
The day is bright but gray
The wind is blowing out of the southwest
Limbs are moving slowly up and down
 
I look at my trained metal birds
Their feet are anchored
They are in snow up to their ankles
And keep looking to the west
 
I look to the west and see three deer
They are grazing on new bare turf
A week ago it was covered with snow
They have pruned most of my landscape
 
I will not be swimming today
The lake looks inviting, but
I have an open sore on my foot
It happened when I tripped on a rock
 
Everyone is layering today
Undershirt, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt,
Vest, scarf and overcoat and mittens
A lot of work but the garbage has to be taken out
 
We have not turned on the television
The news is all negative
Talking heads with all the percentages
The library is closed
 
Children are helping the infirm
Take out only at the restaurants
Grocery store is crowded
People offer excuses for buying so much
 
I wonder if we will ever learn
I will report all that I know to my Superior
 
Stanski
March 23, 2020 ^
 

I am sitting on go, waiting to roll
the dice or hear the starters gun 
I’ll take off and ask questions later 
I don’t know where I’m going but
will surely get there and life will
unfold again for me
 
It will not be still life for
I need activity and much room for action 
I am not blind hearted nor am I foolish 
will not reach for a nickel in the well, but
might throw in a quarter and a dime
then roll up my sleeve and go after the forty cents 
 
I heard from a person I was interested in
developing a friendship with and the note
I received  told me I’m not supposed to love her anymore 
so much for pretending that there was something there 
 
between now and forever there is a good chance
better than a hundred and one in two hundred
that someone will come along 
 
one never knows 
on any given night anything can happen 
I am sure it will, but that’s another song 
 
In the meantime I’ll keep on being myself 
keep on writing, searching for beauty and singing 
I’ll listen for the peal of church bells,
the rumbling of trains
 
the songs of nature and look for
the deer at dawn and dusk
song birds will return
as will normalcy and all will be well again
 
Stanski
March 22, 2020 ^
 
*A tip of the hat to bryan white.