Rhyme Time
An idea came to me, it fully rings true
A thoughtful, hopeful and compassionate view
This idea is based on a core ideal
Which says the Natural is all that is real
The Universe, so natural and grand
Needs no holy king to lend it a hand
Awe of nature, of which we are a part
Centers this view and sets it apart
From traditions that put nature below
“Supers” with whims that we just cannot know
So many myths that we have been told
Can we break free of this tiresome hold?
The key point is that there is nothing to fear
No imagined sin from which to stay clear
No heavenly museum where souls are curated
These ancient ideas are so very outdated
No meddling games, no rule-busting plays
Just the Universe, amazing in all of its ways.
My outlook wasn’t always this way
Raised in a faith devoted we’d pray
Catholic schools throughout, and altar boy too
I was set on this path before I had even a clue
Guilt and sin burdened this pup
Later, I admitted this didn’t hold up.
Faith-based beliefs keep people apart
No reconciliation, no place to start
Talking through what makes the most sense
How to discuss without causing offense
Though much of my faith warmly comforted me
The gaps added up. It just could not be.
The faith of my youth became such a bust
I sought to assemble beliefs I could trust
Not just thinking, but searching your heart
Makes this okay and gets you to start
It’s not about breaking; it’s about building anew
The trick is to own what really matters to you.
Ditching the super that discounts what is real
Is a hard first move, a big part of the deal
The next is as big, but feels so much lighter
It liberates and connects and makes everything brighter
This step is to see that the Universe is two
The infinite spread and the being called you.
The grass, a squirrel, the sky and a bug
A flame, a stone, a scream and a hug
The full expanse of all that’s around
Closely connected, which is so profound
I am the Universe, and I am me
With this dual way of seeing, I set myself free.
As the Universe, the Eternal I share
While my finite self must pay its full fare
This dual-type view connects me to all
There’s no Other on this orbiting ball
Connected, and one, with all that may be
Sets an inherent value that applies even to me.
Owning that the self is part of a whole
Is just step one of this beautiful stroll
How should we live? What morals will guide?
It’s no way to live to let everything slide
There must be a foundation on which to build
A code for living that is ethically filled.
If not heaven to seek or fear of hell to drive
To what direction or goal will I strive?
No church doors to enter that shut out the rest
No bible-based religion, are they really so blest?
Can I build a code that aligns with my view?
That brings about good and feels honest and true.
My Life Ethic idea is the primary goal
It admirably fills this morality hole
To live in such a way that if everyone did
The world would be better, not nearly so mid
Our choices should be those that, if chosen by all
Would make the Universe better, that is the call.
The Life Ethic idea points out the way
But what’s the next step to put it in play?
I thought of my family, my teachers and friends
Examples so rich, love that transcends
Their influence, so warm, led me to derive
Six principles for living to help humanity thrive.
Truth, Compassion and Awareness for three
Plus, Generosity, Positivity and Vitality
You can sort the six any way that you choose
There is no firm order, nothing to lose
Living mindfully of these is the way
To build the Life Ethic into each day.
I’ve laid out the keys to a new way to be
Naturally focused and simple to see
Humans so far have little to show
Faiths fighting faiths, meanness and woe
Could we do better? I think we must.
Perhaps this new view is one we can trust.
I don’t mean to say I have this all nailed
Though I try my best, too often I’ve failed
All we can do is the best that we can
At least this philosophy gives me a plan
It’s simple, clear, and strives to be fair
Natural Wonders is my story; it is out there to share.
