Finding Middle Ground ...

11/2/2021

Hello blog friends!

It's #Tanka Tuesday and since it is the first Tuesday of the month, author Colleen Chesebro invites us to choose our own syllabic form.

In the United States, we approach an election. This means politics is in full swing. Many of us (and that includes me) avoid the news and strive for peace of mind. My dual tanka is about that struggle. Somehow we need to find middle ground -- if we are to survive and thrive.

Blessings to all! 💗

38 Comments

Harmony Kent link

11/2/2021 08:36:55

‘Shoulder out tomorrows.’ Love that line. Beautiful poem, Gwen, and a much needed sentiment. Hugs 💕🙂

Gwen Plano

11/2/2021 09:41:01

Thank you, dear Harmony. I walked this morning as the sun rose. Too many miss that extraordinary event, focused as they are on politics. 💗

Colleen link

11/2/2021 09:33:11

We had such a hard time living in Arizona, Gwen. It seems like all we ever heard was politics! There is so much more in this life to experience and talk about. For American's sake, I hope people put a stop to the culture wars. Bravo on a lovely poem. <3

Gwen Plano

11/2/2021 09:42:34

Thank you, Colleen. Anymore, I say listen and say little. I'd rather be with my roses. 💗

D.L. Finn

11/2/2021 14:24:21

This poem echoes my feelings, Gwen. Even when we went out on Halloween the local Haunted House was political. Like you, I can't listen to the news anymore, it's too stressful and not bringing us together to find solutions. but, I'm still hoping for that bridge. I'll be the first one there in the middle waiting. xo

Gwen Plano

11/2/2021 14:57:04

I'm with you, Denise, always ready to offer a hand. 💗

john howell link

11/2/2021 14:42:34

I didn't get an e-mail on this today. I'm glad I saw a tweet by Denise. I love the sentiment. I do have to hope the fine folks in Virginia elect the republican governor. Oops that's politics. Great poem, Gwen

Gwen Plano

11/2/2021 14:58:37

Fingers crossed, John. I feel the same. In terms of a notice, I posted immediately, so maybe you'll get a notice tomorrow?? I truly don't understand how it all works. 💗

John howell link

11/3/2021 06:08:40

Sure enough. The notice came in at 2:00 AM. Glad to see the results in Virginia. This stumble bumble administration needs to have a wake up call and this might be it.

Diana Peach link

11/2/2021 16:28:23

A beautiful poem and wish for our divided country, Gwen. All we have to do is chose.

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 04:55:27

Thank you, Diana. You're so right and it's my hope. 💗

Joan Hall link

11/2/2021 19:07:24

A beautiful poem, Gwen. It breaks my heart to see how divided our country has become. If everyone would heed the words of this poem, the country (and world) would be a much better place.

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 04:59:27

I'm with you, Joan. It's heartbreaking to watch, to experience. Thank you for sharing. 💗

Priscilla Bettis link

11/3/2021 04:26:16

God and love are so much bigger than politics, but our country seems to have forgotten that.

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 05:07:19

So true, Priscilla. Living in the country offers some respite from the noise, but no matter where we live, the brokenness follows. 💗

Jill Weatherholt link

11/7/2021 04:14:18

Exactly, Priscilla!

Elizabeth Gauffreau link

11/3/2021 04:59:55

Your tanka expresses what I've been feeling perfectly. The grandstanding and self-aggrandizement in the political arena are just awful, and I can't stand to watch the news. At the same time, I feel that I would be an irresponsible citizen if I didn't keep myself informed.

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 06:26:06

I'm sooo with you, Liz. I basically read headlines online to get the gist. Thank you for sharing. 😊

CS Boyack

11/3/2021 05:23:16

Timely thoughts. This divisiveness needs to end in America,

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 06:30:36

Thank you, Craig. It's pretty overwhelming, isn't it? We sooo need peace. 🙂

Staci Troilo link

11/3/2021 05:41:52

"Hoping for a miracle." I think we've all been doing that more and more. Maybe this will be the beginning of one.

Lovely poem, Gwen. Really captured the sentiment beautifully.

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 06:33:14

Thank you so much, Staci. We need that miracle. Maybe our collective plea will mend the divide. 💗

Jan Sikes

11/3/2021 09:15:04

Well said, Gwen. Hoping for a miracle is right! Our entire world needs a big one! Such a powerful and beautiful Tanka!

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 16:52:45

Thank you, Jan. I'm focused on miracles these days... 💗

Pat Garcia link

11/3/2021 09:33:17

hi,
This touches me deeply because there are times when I have to find middle ground and make the decision to stand on it if I want peace of mind.
We have forgotten the true essence of love all over the world. Your last two lines say it all: Only hearts can mend broken dreams and only love can mend broken hearts. Will we ever learn that? I don't know but I hope so.
Very well written. These are word for the heart.
I salute you my friend.
Shalom aleichem

Gwen Plano

11/3/2021 16:54:44

Thank you, dear Pat. You've warmed my heart and my soul.
Shalom, my friend.
💗

Sandra Cox link

11/3/2021 17:37:58

Well said, Gwen.

Gwen Plano

11/5/2021 07:47:43

Thank you, Sandra. 😊

Kathleen Pooler link

11/3/2021 18:18:46

Gwen, you have hit at the heart of our current political experience I have been struggling with finding a balance between staying updated and maintaining peace of mind. Your poem is beautiful.

Gwen Plano

11/5/2021 07:49:13

Thank you so much, Kathy. Balance is so hard these days, but if I can just get outside and walk, nature calms my soul. 💗

Selma link

11/3/2021 20:11:16

Lovely poem/plea. We ought to make this an anthem, really. Disunited we WILL fall. Thanks for sharing.

Gwen Plano

11/5/2021 07:50:37

Thank you, Selma. I hope everyone can risk stepping nearer to the important middle ground. 💗

Roberta Eaton Cheadle

11/5/2021 05:05:15

A most beautiful poem, Gwen. Have a lovely Friday.

Gwen Plano

11/5/2021 07:51:11

Thank you so much, Robbie. I hope you have a lovely day as well. 😊

Karen Ingalls

11/5/2021 06:28:41

Beautifully written, Gwen. "Only love mends broken hearts"...how true.

Gwen Plano

11/5/2021 07:51:49

Thank you, dear Karen. 💗

Jill Weatherholt link

11/7/2021 04:13:16

This is so beautiful, Gwen. I feel the same. The politicians seem to have forgotten the people who put them into office. They've also lost all moral values (if they had any) along with love for our country...it's so sad. These days, I find myself emotionally and physically drained by it all. You have my vote for President!! Thank you for sharing your kind heart. xo

Elizabeth link

11/8/2021 17:15:55

The division started long ago, as your map shows, it's not easy to bring people together. Beautiful poem!

Finding Middle Ground ...

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