People Over Politics, World Over Wealth!

Joy ~ Philip Brent Harris

~~~~~

Tears are my greatest teachers, especially those I never wept.
Those I cried on the inside; they were hidden all but unknown.
My pain lived there, and my shattered heart littered the floor.
Not one ever noticed them, yet I walked on shards, feet sliced,
my spirit shredded and I my needs stitched, patched together.
How did I discover kintsukuroi long before I heard the word?
I confess I did not and could not have done it by myself alone.
Love I felt I’d not find and did not deserve rescued my being.

First, like a badly set bone, I had to be broken again, emptied
of all of my labels and shoulds and aughts: my men don’t cry.
Though never said, I comprehended it, less at home than out.
My father competed fiercely against all his sons, every time.
And for a while that stunted me, saw me locked into toxicity.
Sensitive, I buried my feelings deep inside, yet felt each one,
Absorbed each slight and tease and fed my insecurity, anger.
Anger, in the good old US of A, is the emotion men may feel.

I survived my youth because I’m smart, learning a discipline
from my father’s competition, I didn’t understand until later.
And, although this proved ultimately helpful, it harmed me,
stunted me emotionally; that is not confined to me, but men.
The love of a wonderful, beautiful woman helped me to grow.
Helped me to grow up, open up; I learned to honestly express
my feelings, to cry and to laugh, empathize, care for people.
No more level path, the roller coaster of my life’s a wild ride.

~~~~~

Peace is Purpose, Nonviolence is Strength,
Diversity is Unity, Empathy is Empowerment 

Unite the World!

~~~~~

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