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The Invitation

7/18/2021

13 Comments

 
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Hello dear readers. Earlier this summer, I read a book that continues to haunt me: The Choice, Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger. A survivor of Auschwitz, she offers an account of misery most of us will never experience or fully comprehend. I read slowly, stopping many times just to breathe. Over and over, I struggled with one question -- how can people be so cruel? 

When I walked this evening, I thought of Dr. Eger's book, and then stopped by the community flag and took this photo. For some, it's a divisive sign, but for me it is a reminder of our hard earned freedoms - to worship as we please, to choose our leadership, to disagree civilly, to earn a just wage, to live peacefully, and so much more.  

Dr. Eger wrote, "We're born to love; we learn to hate. It's up to us what we reach for." With her 5-STAR book in mind, I wrote a short tanka poem. I call it The Invitation. I hope you like it. 

Have a wonderful week! 

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13 Comments
Priscilla Bettis link
7/19/2021 04:39:08

Your photo made me smile. Great poem.

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Gwen M Plano
7/19/2021 08:26:23

Thank you, Priscilla. Your comment made me smile. 😊

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Pete Springer link
7/19/2021 07:13:51

Well said, Gwen! I love those words by Dr. Eger, and I've had similar thoughts over the years. Children are born to love. I've seen it in their actions toward one another when they're little in their beautiful innocence. They don't see color, they just want to be friends. It isn't until they get older that these differences are hammered into their psyches by different "role models." So tragic!

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Gwen M Plano
7/19/2021 08:31:19

Thank you, Pete. You are so right about children. They have a lot to teach us - if only we'd listen and watch. What a difference it could make in our lives. 😊

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Mae Clair link
7/19/2021 07:21:30

What a beautiful tanka, Gwen, with a strong message. I also love the photo, and Dr. Eger's quote is something we should all take to heart. Thank you for the wonderful share.

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Gwen M Plano
7/19/2021 08:32:49

Thank you so much, Mae. Sometimes the extremes, like that in Dr. Eger's book, help us see the miracles waiting to be embraced. 💗

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Jan Sikes
7/19/2021 08:33:41

A beautiful photo, Gwen. I don't see our flag as divisive, but as a symbol for all that America once stood for and can again. Your tanka is moving and powerful! Thank you for sharing!

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Gwen M Plano
7/19/2021 11:02:14

Thank you so much, Jan. Your hopes are mine as well. 💗

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John howell link
7/19/2021 13:36:24

A beautiful poem, Gwen. I would hope that anyone who sees our flag as divisive is not living in our country. If they are living here I hope they intend on leaving. Gorgeous photo.

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Gwen M Plano
7/19/2021 13:43:42

Thank you so much, John. I share your thoughts. We've much to be grateful for. 😊

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Joan Hall link
7/20/2021 04:30:04

It saddens me to know some think our flag is divisive. I'm like Jan, it's stood for freedom, what our country once was, and can be again.

Lovely poem.

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Gwen M Plano
7/20/2021 07:10:39

Thank you so much, Joan. Much appreciated. 😊

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Marcia Meara link
8/1/2021 09:54:01

💗💖💗💖💗
Beautifully said, Gwen. 🤗

Reply



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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


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