Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano
  • Home
  • Blog Reflections
  • REDEMPTION THRILLER
  • THE CONTRACT Series
  • My Memoir
  • Poetry
  • About

Finding Middle Ground ...

11/2/2021

38 Comments

 
Picture
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! 💗
Picture
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 💕🙂

Reply
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. 💗

Reply
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

Reply
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. 💗

Reply
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

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/2/2021 14:57:04

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

Reply
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

Reply
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. 💗

Reply
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.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/3/2021 04:55:27

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

Reply
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.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/3/2021 04:59:27

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

Reply
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.

Reply
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. 💗

Reply
Jill Weatherholt link
11/7/2021 04:14:18

Exactly, Priscilla!

Reply
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.

Reply
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. 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
11/3/2021 05:23:16

Timely thoughts. This divisiveness needs to end in America,

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/3/2021 06:30:36

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

Reply
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.

Reply
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. 💗

Reply
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!

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/3/2021 16:52:45

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

Reply
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

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/3/2021 16:54:44

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

Reply
Sandra Cox link
11/3/2021 17:37:58

Well said, Gwen.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/5/2021 07:47:43

Thank you, Sandra. 😊

Reply
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.

Reply
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. 💗

Reply
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.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/5/2021 07:50:37

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

Reply
Roberta Eaton Cheadle
11/5/2021 05:05:15

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

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/5/2021 07:51:11

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

Reply
Karen Ingalls
11/5/2021 06:28:41

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

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/5/2021 07:51:49

Thank you, dear Karen. 💗

Reply
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

Reply
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!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    For blog updates, please subscribe below. 
    * indicates required

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


Plano Enterprises, LLC
Photos used under Creative Commons from Kevin M. Gill, Joel Bedford, qthomasbower, crosescribe, Juho Holmi, diana_robinson, W Presley & B Kunce Photography......WI. USA, U.S. Geological Survey, Ian Sane, florianric, NikoMC, van Van Es, Yen Chao 趙彥, MissMessie, Yuriy Kuzin, Ben Zvan, Bichuas (E. Carton), Nina Matthews Photography, hehaden, alexdecarvalho, Tim RT, Kurdistan Photo كوردستان, Candida.Performa, peddhapati (Thanks for 1M Views!!!), Jhong Dizon | Photography, Waheed Akhtar Photography, lawmurray, USFWS Pacific, JalilArfaoui, SurFeRGiRL30, Lauren Finkel Photography, maf04, SantaRosa OLD SKOOL, Dakiny, vauvau, Zanastardust, Monica's Dad, timpeartrice, marumeganechan, Rafael Acorsi, seyed mostafa zamani, Jorge Franganillo, Irene Grassi (sun sand & sea), The National Guard, D.Fletcher, nada abdalla, Ted LaBar, alison.mckellar, Infomastern, Elvert Barnes, m01229, theglobalpanorama