A Life of One’s Own Design

self, family or greater whole

Boy struggling to find seating
among the greats, adulthood seemingly
far out of reach in its existence.
Pubescence entryway, turning a blind eye
the jackals and hounds invitation accepted
down darkened roads, indiscriminately traveling
all by his design.

Fair maiden passing by, twinkles and showers
shooting stars captivating glow
piercing rough and ready pigskin of the hound.
As a matter of fact, playing a sharpened tune
lioness straight for the jugular, resetting incisors,
keeping pulse on lover’s direction
all by her design.

Two hearts beat as one, varying sequential songs
periodic to the tables of turning
opposite ends gamut keeping Gaia turning a globe.
Seven years forward, itching, caressing change
leaping, side-step galloping poles, never glimpsing
desires fulfilling one jump then three
all by their design.

Family unit expanding, mouths to feed
not yet spoken words, but mighty presence
emitting and commanding lessons from the two.
Together into the forest, natural heart-felt
centrifugal force binding them tightly knit sweaters,
learning, growing, expanding into private communities
all by their design.

Great pause and reflection, by one then four
individually, collectively, wholly projected musical
familial re-tuned song.
Given strength innately forming
sure-footed happenstance not quite true
always present, gifted self, greater whole
it was all by great design.

~ Ani Po

When I first thought about this title, prompted by . and her 30-day Challenge, I thought about what I have contributed to life’s unfolding story. After reflecting upon and pondering as I do, a greater meaning presented.

As individuals we have goals, we meet them or throw them away. We learn and grow or aimlessly go through this life grasping for more.

Then I reflected on when I met my other half. Thinking I was whole prior to, joining hands making a greater whole with greater ambitions birthing new existence. Learning and growing, now from each other, giving and receiving, checks and balances gifting new lessons conquering individual and combining whole.

Years pass, uncertain of next chapters, two are gifted to us and lessons deepen for the unit we call family. Ebb and flow, nature’s and nurtured souls giving and receiving lessons of their own, presenting greater lessons for the whole.

I ponder again. Was this by my design? or is their a great force acting on our behalf? We could say yes or no to the questions, but with any persons, situations, there is always a greater presence if we choose to witness.

Free will? Not even going to touch on this. What I will engage is the possibility of individuals coming together as one, from I to we, forming a greater purpose for self, family, community and beyond. It is, and never was my intent to give up the self, but define it, grow it and intertwine it with something greater other than myself.

I will leave the rest up to the reader to grasp the gest behind the title.

Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and more importantly the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.

Joseph Lieungh