Teaching...

Teaching is like gardening; you plant the seed of knowledge, weed out insecurity, self doubt and fear and you proudly watch education grow.

Insight

So let me see if I’ve got this straight,

On this special day and date,

Seems seventy-one years ago,

We stood together to let the world know,

That we were one in thought and soul

And wanted to rule our country as a whole.

We kindly asked the French to leave,

And stood up for what we did believe.

We worshipped the mountains, the water, the mud,

And for Lebanon only would we spill our blood.

But somewhere in time we got all mixed up,

And somehow we managed on hatred to sup.

We each found a leader who promised us light,

And caught up in blindness we started to fight.

And spilled blood of thousands to honour a god,

Who laughed and got richer as we filled the sod.

Our country is dying and we know all too well,

That the country we so love has become a darn hell.

Each day brings surprises and unwelcomed guests,

And we struggle to get through and overcome tests

Of patience, allegiance and persistence too.

We all dream of leaving and most of us do,

But living abroad makes us all the more sad,

As we find we can live with those we thought mad,

For following a leader who’s not friends with ours.

It turns out surprisingly we have the same scars,

Ambitions and dreams for this country we love

And worship only second to our God up above.

So let’s get to the bottom of this nonsense all,

United we stand, but divided we’ll fall...

There still is some hope if we just cast aside,

The folly and hatred behind which we hide.

And stand all together and say in one voice,

This is our dear country and this is our choice:

To live life together and each other respect,

And hatred and blindness to truly reject.

Our strength lies in being unique and distinct,

And love for our country will keep us well linked.

Once again we will all be united in soul,

And set the example for the world as a whole.

S. Dina

21/11/14

To Nayla

It’s four weeks since you left us all alone,

In shock and pain and with no words to speak,

And so devoid of feeling turned to stone,

To feel again and cry ourselves so weak.

You left us without giving us a sign,

That you would no longer be here for good,

That never more your smile on us would shine

And brighten up our lives the way you would.

It’s four weeks now, but still we feel the pain,

We cry and smile and speak your name with love,

And try to find a reason but in vain,

Yet know you watch down o’er us from above.

For angels walked among us and they got

Only the sweetest person for their lot.

Too Soon

Nayla, why?
When you didn't call today I laughed and thought how I would tease you for forgetting my birthday. Well I am certainly not laughing now. I know that you have been called away to a better place, but until we meet again, I am really going to miss you. I keep wondering who will say the rosary with me, who is going to have that cold glass of beer with me and eat green almonds. I will remember you every time I say the rosary and every time I have a cold beer, and I will miss you more.
I tried to pray for you, but I think it is you who has to pray for me and all the people you have left behind. Your stay on earth was timed and you left on the Feast of the Ascension. I can only imagine how many saints will be waiting to receive you as you leave the ranks of mortals and step into a realm of everlasting life.
Until we meet again my dear friend, rest in peace and remember us fondly.
Nayyoulti I will miss you...