tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7767437083193776642024-02-19T13:07:10.995+04:00RamblingsSusiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-30399270553081945822021-11-22T06:16:00.004+04:002021-11-22T06:18:33.453+04:00Independence 78<p> Charbel, pick up your rosary and pray.</p><p>For we have nought to celebrate today</p><p>As prices soar but wages stay the same</p><p>And those in charge still play their dirty game</p><p><br /></p><p>We turn to you to intercede for us. </p><p>We have been let down by the frequent fuss</p><p>And hope that man on earth will make a change.</p><p>But now our country seems a place so strange </p><p><br /></p><p>Fires of faith seem dimmed with weariness</p><p>And worry- there is little happiness.</p><p>The bird from its ashes ceases to soar</p><p>Rising inflation makes Lebanon sore.</p><p><br /></p><p>Charbel, pick up your rosary and pray.</p><p>For Lebanon we pray with you today.</p><p>That faith and hope and will shall never die</p><p>And all believe the phoenix still will fly.</p>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-19701011092512404352020-11-22T08:00:00.003+04:002020-11-22T08:00:59.581+04:00On the Occasion of the Seventy-Seventh Independence Day...<p> </p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another
year, another lie,</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
phoenix has still yet to fly, </span></span>
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The people
starve and babies die,</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our
leaders look down from on high. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">77 times
and yet,</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our
freedom seems so hard to get. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We fight
and shout and cry and fret,</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But please
be strong and don't forget, </span></span>
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That once
upon a time we sailed</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And braved
the winds we always hailed</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
conquered lands and never paled</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do we
accept that we have failed?</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The cedar
flies high overhead,</span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We know
the phoenix is not dead...</span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.17in; margin-right: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnXmxnWHEpm5I-M1COI1paUaW3Sg5smeOROcOY6_Z4o72UsvRMD4tRp_SCGf10YhgEQZm-NYuPWJJLOHxERBKeKKxqDsOg1oGBhar0FIZDdyVgyOY5LzQbSMrOXaXisQwgDNZEg3ayks/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="350" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnXmxnWHEpm5I-M1COI1paUaW3Sg5smeOROcOY6_Z4o72UsvRMD4tRp_SCGf10YhgEQZm-NYuPWJJLOHxERBKeKKxqDsOg1oGBhar0FIZDdyVgyOY5LzQbSMrOXaXisQwgDNZEg3ayks/w400-h307/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span><p></p>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-4683111690620746692020-08-07T14:03:00.002+04:002020-08-07T14:03:54.165+04:00Revival of the Phoenix<p></p> According to Wordsworth, " <span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feeling..." and who am I to argue with experience?</span><p></p><p></p><div style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4pt;">
<p class="MsoTitle"><span style="mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">Revival of the Phoenix
</span></h2>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span>Beirut! And this time who’s to blame?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The answer is always the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">It’s somebody, somewhere somehow,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Enemy lurking here and now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">But truly no one really knows<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Or that’s just how the story goes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The innocent scream out in pain,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">But their cries no compassion gain,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">From criminals just casting dice,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jaws set tight, eyes colder than ice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Starving families huddle in homes,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />Or what is left of family homes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">The vivid scenes before
them scream... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">The cries and
sirens are no dream<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in the dark and deafened night, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">They look back on the day in fright,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The ugly blast that just took place,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And all around it left a trace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Some smoke a fire then a blast,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">A mushroom cloud and then so fast <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Destruction! Panic! Confusion!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Conclusion! Of course intrusion!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">In every home for miles around, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The blast and debris outward bound, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And inward struck without a sound,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Muted by screams of victims found. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Shattered glass and tangled masses,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The grim reaper through them passes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Takes his lot from the carnage got,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Chuckling, as this is not the lot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in the streets the people scream, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And live a nightmare of a dream,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And people fly out of abodes,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And cars are driven off the roads. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beirut is now one big bloodbath...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />Caught in an insane aftermath<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">With people missing, dead, unknown,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And families searching for their own<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in the streets the bodies lie, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And orphans scream and parents cry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Headless corpses scattered around...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Tattered bodies are also found. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hospitals shattered by the blast, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Caring for hundreds arriving fast.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Crying for help and supplies too,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Counting on help from me and you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Bodies in streets and rundown morgues,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Waiting still as the world records <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Such madness! Quite avoidable!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">But not in hands so incapable...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dear Lord! When will this nightmare
end?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And leaders to their people bend, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">To love and serve as posts decree,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">That Lebanon once more strong be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And Beirut reigns as she should reign,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And once again her crown regain,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Receiving guests from all around,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Her hospitality renowned. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And people live in dignity,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Working in their capacity,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">On land, in offices, at sea <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Happy in Lebanon to be... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Change is necessary for growth! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">A clearing of the undergrowth <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Of ages stifling the change, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And limiting one’s able range.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">An umbilical cord to cut...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">An inherited door to shut... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Clutter that needs be cleared away,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">To plan the course of a new day <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Posts are gained not inherited. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Understand you are entrusted<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">With our futures, our livelihoods <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our families, our earthly goods...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">I choose you not for who you are,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">But for what you’ll do, just how far<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">You’ll go to make a difference, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And provide our deliverance<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Is this a dream? I sure hope not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">An ambition so dearly sought<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">A life worth living to die for:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our human rights and nothing more...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in the streets the people cry, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hungry unemployed they ask why...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">But their cries no compassion gain,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">From thieves unhurt, not feeling pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beirut! And this time who’s to blame?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who cast your carcass on the flame?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who cares? It’s time to spread your wings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And rise from the ashes of such things<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">As slavery to archaic thoughts <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And clinging to outdated “ought”s <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s name and shame, not play
the game<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">We know already who’s to blame <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">It’s time for we have had enough<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Of thieves, corruption and such stuff<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The innocent scream out in pain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">But their cries no compassion gain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">From criminals just casting dice<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jaws set tight, eyes colder than ice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Corruption, selfishness and greed, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Have formed the politician’s creed,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Promises too soon forgotten<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">After people’s votes are gotten <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in the streets the families cry <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Bodies are carried shoulder high<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The dead are buried, put to rest<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And now we face the final test.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beirut! And this time who’s to blame?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Your carcass swallowed by the flame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The choice is ours, the choice is yours,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The phoenix from the ashes soars<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The choice is ours the choice is yours<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Are we to just forget our sores?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The envy of the East and West,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beirut you have been put to test,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And battled wars and earthquakes too, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And now you face distress anew.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The ashes from your carcass lie<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Still smouldering under God’s blue sky<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The question is: will you just die?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And cry and moan and whine and sigh?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Or will you from those ashes rise?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Taking Enemy by surprise?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And with those mighty wings exact<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Justice for all in word and act<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beirut! And this time who’s to blame?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who cast your carcass on the flame?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who cares? It’s time to spread your wings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And rise from the ashes of such things<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your majesty once more revealed <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">To strive to seek and not to yield<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-----------------------</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in the streets the people pray <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">That they might all recall this day<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">The day the Phoenix chose to fight <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;">And finally end the endless night...<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnurx62xehLeGA1NESsyrwp47cZbHyPS_0JtJU-P9vKwtQ3Qjm7udIUaHqib-WAP8KbqVG56h7v_vIZfpUe4G3mSXTvMAB4Y3840RHyNl99KwvqljW02e_U2EfKK6KmRxOhCJFWe10X7Y/s1785/photostudio_1596793679138.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1785" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnurx62xehLeGA1NESsyrwp47cZbHyPS_0JtJU-P9vKwtQ3Qjm7udIUaHqib-WAP8KbqVG56h7v_vIZfpUe4G3mSXTvMAB4Y3840RHyNl99KwvqljW02e_U2EfKK6KmRxOhCJFWe10X7Y/w194-h320/photostudio_1596793679138.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><p></p>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-66174796001097853652020-07-19T08:49:00.000+04:002020-07-19T08:52:42.582+04:00St Charbel in the Sky<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">St Charbel, look down on us
from above <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">And intercede on our behalf
with love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">For your Lebanon has great
need for you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">Plunged in darkness scared,
impoverished and blue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">Have mercy on the land you
loved and worked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">The vines dry up, the lands
and wealths usurped <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">The people cry, the beasts
look down in scorn <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">And children from their
families are torn <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">The Lebanese both near and
far do pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">In pain and tears that they
will see the day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">Their holy land is free of
all that’s bad <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">And love and happiness erase
the sad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">We always pray that we might
live to see <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">True leaders meet and guide and
all agree <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">To place the people first
and not their pride <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">So people can reclaim rights
once denied<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">St Charbel, look down on us
from above <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">And intercede on our behalf
with love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">That men and women might not
flee this land<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">But rather families united
stand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">And all may live their lives
with dignity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">And live as one in all affinity
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">We ask all this from one we
know so true<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">For your Lebanon has great
need for you <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><b> SD 19/7/2020</b></i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImNwq770DQz0zg2vel-tvCfwWb1qcJcri5msM7z4ZAMeRf18Zyb0st5bKyJ6MBhYeM-71J9zIGHNAk0pkMgRIHCgmrK__hsFYLugErlqBGt1Q5yldHLtjcGWbM9iYUwQqcYKyXXKulHA/s1600/Charbel_In_the+_sky.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="554" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImNwq770DQz0zg2vel-tvCfwWb1qcJcri5msM7z4ZAMeRf18Zyb0st5bKyJ6MBhYeM-71J9zIGHNAk0pkMgRIHCgmrK__hsFYLugErlqBGt1Q5yldHLtjcGWbM9iYUwQqcYKyXXKulHA/s320/Charbel_In_the+_sky.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span>
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<br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-8062161880721194882018-08-18T13:28:00.002+04:002020-09-09T09:26:22.474+04:00To My Nephew on His Wedding Day<br />
Today's the day!<br />
Dear nephew. What can I say? I am so pleased that you have found the woman of your dreams and thrilled that I approve 😉<br />
But seriously. You are mature enough to make the vow to love , cherish and adore till death do you part. Now you need to be strong enough, and adult enough to keep it. The road to happiness is never smooth all the time. It is a two way street with lots of stops and starts and ups and downs. It is paved with moments of anguish, temptations, fatigue and sometimes disagreement. The secret is to find the golden mean and keep it. The secret is not to let people interfere especially in your personal lives; Believe me people will try! Happiness is being content with your choices and moving on with your lives, not as two individuals, but rather as a synergy of two beings whose very souls have become one. It is the strength to smile because you know that the difficult moments will pass as lessons to a life of successful love till death do you part.<br />
God bless you both. ❤Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-63478161951900683932015-12-31T23:29:00.001+04:002016-11-21T21:51:19.213+04:00Why do we get caught up in things we don't want to do?<br />
This is something I ask myself every time. Here I am caught up in noise. I can't stand noise at the best of times. I hate myself for being such an idiot and ending up here. The noise is overpowering and the sight of the dirty old men is sickening.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-79960923280566965992014-12-05T18:18:00.001+04:002014-12-05T18:18:47.915+04:00Teaching...<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Teaching is like gardening; you plant the seed of knowledge, weed out insecurity, self doubt and fear and you proudly watch education grow.</span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-74362012246063081062014-11-21T15:22:00.002+04:002014-11-21T15:22:51.180+04:00Insight<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let me see if I’ve got this straight,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this special day and date,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seems seventy-one years ago,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stood together to let the world know,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That we were one in thought and soul</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And wanted to rule our country as a whole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We kindly asked the French to leave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And stood up for what we did believe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We worshipped the mountains, the water, the mud,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for Lebanon only would we spill our blood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But somewhere in time we got all mixed up,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And somehow we managed on hatred to sup.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We each found a leader who promised us light,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And caught up in blindness we started to fight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And spilled blood of thousands to honour a god,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who laughed and got richer as we filled the sod.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our country is dying and we know all too well,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That the country we so love has become a darn hell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each day brings surprises and unwelcomed guests,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we struggle to get through and overcome tests</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of patience, allegiance and persistence too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all dream of leaving and most of us do,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But living abroad makes us all the more sad,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we find we can live with those we thought mad,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For following a leader who’s not friends with ours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It turns out surprisingly we have the same scars,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ambitions and dreams for this country we love</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And worship only second to our God up above. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let’s get to the bottom of this nonsense all,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
United we stand, but divided we’ll fall...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There still is some hope if we just cast aside,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The folly and hatred behind which we hide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And stand all together and say in one voice,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is our dear country and this is our choice:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To live life together and each other respect,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And hatred and blindness to truly reject.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our strength lies in being unique and distinct,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And love for our country will keep us well linked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again we will all be united in soul, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And set the example for the world as a whole. </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
S. Dina </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
21/11/14</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-72401864796955971292014-06-26T09:24:00.003+04:002014-06-26T13:25:52.482+04:00To Nayla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
It’s
four weeks since you left us all alone,</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
In shock
and pain and with no words to speak,</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
And
so devoid of feeling turned to stone,</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
To feel
again and cry ourselves so weak.</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
You
left us without giving us a sign,</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
That
you would no longer be here for good,</div>
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That
never more your smile on us would shine </div>
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And
brighten up our lives the way you would.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
It’s
four weeks now, but still we feel the pain,</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
We cry
and smile and speak your name with love,</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
And
try to find a reason but in vain, </div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
Yet
know you watch down o’er us from above.</div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
For
angels walked among us and they got </div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Only the sweetest person for their lot.</span></div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-66615795228033403572014-05-30T07:41:00.004+04:002014-05-30T07:41:49.388+04:00Too Soon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Nayla, why?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">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 remem</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">ber you every time I say the rosary and every time I have a cold beer, and I will miss you more.<br />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.<br />Until we meet again my dear friend, rest in peace and remember us fondly.<br />Nayyoulti I will miss you...</span><br />
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</div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-81717798687914930872013-01-01T12:34:00.005+04:002013-01-01T12:34:43.841+04:00Happy New Year... or is it?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At the start of every new year I am sure we cannot but pause and wonder what all the fuss is about. We stay up till midnight, send the most elaborate wishes to friends, family, acquaintances, and colleagues and make all these New Year resolutions. Waste of time? I don't think so.<br />
Beginnings are always full of hope and man cannot live without Hope. With all the fears and madness surrounding us in the world today, we seriously need to strive to make the world a better place and so we need Hope to goad us on. We need Hope to reassure us that whatever happens, there will always be people who care; whatever happens, there will always be a good Samaritan willing to go that extra bit to hold his hand out and make our world a better place. We need Hope to tell us that there is still a chance for change and that change is necessary for growth, and that growth is inevitable with the ticking of each second and the passing of each year. We need Hope to tell us that it is quite alright to make mistakes and learn from them. We need Hope for so many reasons we cannot register with our mind only know with our soul that despite the hatred, fear, confusion and destruction pulling us back into an abyss of darkness, we can still see the light and that is enough to make us believe again and to move on.<br />
So have a Happy New Year and let us look back at the darkness of our mistakes, our wrong turns, our fears and our confusions and learn from them to use them as footholds as we are driven by Hope to make the world a better place.<br />
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Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-50592099396068590002012-07-05T05:32:00.002+04:002012-07-05T05:32:43.683+04:00Am in holiday mode...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I still have six days left...<br />
This year has really trailed on and on...<br />
Last night it suddenly dawned upon me that I had no more school work to do this year! Yes! I could now begin doing my own stuff like surfing for fun, preparing for my next job or just watching television. Somehow, the luxury of all that makes me feel guilty as I am still going to school or meetings or doing training.<br />
Well I guess my guilty conscience will have to wait. I am looking forward to a weekend of freedom from school and school work. Time to get ready for the summer :)</div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-10682743380415308412012-07-04T10:36:00.003+04:002012-07-04T10:36:49.675+04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Be not the first to try the new...<br />
I am finding this out the hard way. It is so difficult when nobody can give you the steps to take when you are the first. How difficult can it be? Lesson to self: start with the end in mind so you don't confuse others. Clear objectives, outcomes and steps to take.<br />
At the end of the day, when the endeavour is over, I will probably look back and laugh, but today I don't feel like laughing...</div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-27664132967006015782012-04-13T12:58:00.000+04:002012-04-13T12:59:25.565+04:00Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Although change is necessary for growth, no change comes without certain apprehension. And, although we are supposed to grow with this change, we take the first step with the awe of a child.<br />
I was chatting with a friend who has decided it is time to make a change in her life. She has been saying this for some time now, but it would seem she is adamant about it. Good for her. She is wasting her real potential as a professional and a person. But I could see the apprehension in her face and feel the awe in her voice. It was interesting to see that I was not the only person to approach change in this way.<br />
But why do we really need change?<br />
Is it because we are really seeking some sort of perfection or perfect state we cannot find in our current situation? </div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-75752111991270410092009-12-14T19:49:00.001+04:002009-12-14T19:52:07.843+04:00Destiny'It is a big word "destiny". I am not sure I understand my destiny ... or at least am not sure if this is called destiny.'<br /><br />'If you consider that everything happens for a reason, then there is a reaction to every action you take. Running away is the action and where you are now is your reaction and there is a reason for both the reaction and the action. Destiny is but a coming together of actions reactions and reasons.'Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-48045083181164563432009-11-15T21:37:00.000+04:002009-11-15T21:38:43.821+04:00I'm backI can't believe it's been that long since I posted on this blog. Hopefully I'll be back with more to share and tell.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-28462622723112202772009-05-14T16:47:00.000+04:002009-05-14T16:48:05.393+04:00Life goes on...Forgetfulness is a gift<br />The power to lift<br />The pain from your soul.<br />For pain is inevitable<br />Seemingly unforgettable<br />But just for a while.<br />But then life goes on<br />And with the pain gone<br />It is a joy to remember...<br /><br /> (13/5/09)Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-64186922533560586272009-03-22T09:20:00.000+04:002009-03-22T09:23:25.323+04:00One Plus OneOne plus one is two-<br />Boy do I love you.<br />One plus two is three-<br />I know you love me.<br />Two plus two is four-<br />Every day I love you more!<br />But I can't think of another sum,<br />To show you're great, Dear Mum...<br /><br />(Written in 1995 for a pre-school Mothers' Day show)Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-48742896072354886822009-03-15T21:20:00.000+04:002009-03-15T21:42:41.854+04:00Shall I Blog or Shall I Not?To blog or not to blog, that is the question…<br />Whether tis nobler by my own to suffer<br />The silence and the turmoil of my world,<br />Or to fling my words amongst a sea of others’<br />And by engaging theirs forget my silence. To refrain<br />No more and in a blog to end all silence,<br />And a thousand other silences<br />That privacy is heir to. Tis a consummation<br />Devoutly to be abhorred by others.<br />To blog, perchance to speak the truth; ay there’s the rub,<br />For in our blog what truth may come,<br />When we have laid our breasts bear in our words<br />and caused some woe, and then be loathed by othersSusiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-23037915932078303792009-02-13T20:24:00.000+04:002009-02-13T20:26:14.288+04:00Time OutCome, let us go you and I<br />And take a break from reality<br />To save our sanity.<br />Let us fly like a bird<br />Not saying a word<br />To the world.<br />We’ll go unnoticed<br />And live for a while<br />On only a smile.<br />Soon to return<br />To a world still the same<br />Mad and insane.<br />Reality at its finest...Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-11252377121821658132009-01-16T01:16:00.000+04:002009-01-16T01:24:00.908+04:00Me TimeI think the airport is one of those crowded places where you can be completely alone. It is amazing that with so many people you can always get the chance to hear yourself think. I am sitting here with my glass of wine, typing away, oblivious to the world. Perhaps it is the anxiety before the trip that makes people too preoccupied with their own thoughts to be concerned about the person next to them. Suits me well. I am off to a wonderful vacation and I am quite enjoying the quiet of my own thoughts.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-15466297596263771212009-01-08T17:09:00.000+04:002009-01-08T17:20:39.092+04:00The Little Boy and the Rain<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IcNgIlURFi-4IRQO35gLxqe3rGem3OQdA-u0OQxw9gX6w-qXMayvpHBQSs71_qHD-3DGUo0wbhvEq1ZCxAlF8EEQ_YXgyWhgfzP9u4-Hsda0FgC_GF2u_5IH91I20P6oCUK7kpO9cpE/s1600-h/clouds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288910554410432066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IcNgIlURFi-4IRQO35gLxqe3rGem3OQdA-u0OQxw9gX6w-qXMayvpHBQSs71_qHD-3DGUo0wbhvEq1ZCxAlF8EEQ_YXgyWhgfzP9u4-Hsda0FgC_GF2u_5IH91I20P6oCUK7kpO9cpE/s200/clouds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>A little boy once asked the rain<br />To go and come another day!<br />For he was bored and wanted to play,<br />But he couldn’t go out in the rain.<br /><br />The rain smiled down at the little child,<br />And gave him an answer ever so mild.<br />She said, ‘Without this rain my little Dear, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkpnDtiZAhsk1pp5UN_P_sgVjy4LEcs3-JqXc21g40DqzlaOrE96YVn-MkbebJtfbB57o6drWXZq_q2Ydqgrj_7yK0h2qP1nuag82tuEZkdki8svFesz4CulSQM8opEhJagj2A0BuMRo/s1600-h/tree116small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288911047341961730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkpnDtiZAhsk1pp5UN_P_sgVjy4LEcs3-JqXc21g40DqzlaOrE96YVn-MkbebJtfbB57o6drWXZq_q2Ydqgrj_7yK0h2qP1nuag82tuEZkdki8svFesz4CulSQM8opEhJagj2A0BuMRo/s200/tree116small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />People would fill with sudden fear.<br />Without my rain the trees would die,<br />For who would water them way up high?<br /><br />Without my water the seas would dry up,<br />And the roses the lily the buttercup.<br />Without my showers, there’d be no flowers,<br />No lakes, no streams, no birds and no bees.<br />No life and no ships without the seas,<br />No food to eat and nothing to drink,<br />A horrible picture- don’t you think?’<br /><br />The child he thought of the rain’s reply,<br />And understood the reason why,<br />The flowers bloomed, and birds sang out loud, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUXP05V8jTEvWqOYQvIrHDEc8dSikkLmWnxdPQ0rnt4Eu2phq2xvWtAALanJ0aaMAfhff0cpI-eL0Rj78vD7U32d0E66GI-1H6om8V4EbRUAWWhy12MaL-ggh-vYpciG55Iy6fe7kKqo/s1600-h/Sailing_Boat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288911520444740178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 109px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUXP05V8jTEvWqOYQvIrHDEc8dSikkLmWnxdPQ0rnt4Eu2phq2xvWtAALanJ0aaMAfhff0cpI-eL0Rj78vD7U32d0E66GI-1H6om8V4EbRUAWWhy12MaL-ggh-vYpciG55Iy6fe7kKqo/s200/Sailing_Boat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And trees grew mighty tall and proud.<br />Why there was a lot to drink and eat<br />And grass grew green about his feet<br /><br />He smiled and said, ‘Rain don’t go away!<br />For I can play another day.’<br /><br /><em>(written on the first rainy afternoon of fall ’96)</em></div></div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-34627598418895430022009-01-07T17:08:00.000+04:002009-01-08T12:43:26.586+04:00Come forth into the Light of ThingsThe romantics had it right.<br />I tell myself this after a particularly frustrating day. Live like a noble savage far from the maddening crowd and let nature be your teacher. Transcend the disappointing ridicule and annoying irritation of the so called social order and communicate your thoughts to nature who welcomes ideas with a pleasant charm and inspires you and makes you see good in all God’s creatures and creations.<br />On a bad they I am absolutely confident that when the Good Lord banned man from paradise and cursed him to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow and told woman she would suffer childbirth, it seems He also bestowed upon them a secret embedded curse. This clandestine curse decrees that man should be gregarious in nature. It never ceases to amaze me how frustrating people can be and yet we yearn for company and an entourage of people. This is my only explanation for society. It is to punish us and help us remember and yearn for the good old days in heaven. Were I referring to an earlier period, I would say that being gregarious is our tragic flaw.<br />But now, let us get back to our topic: what is a bad day, you might ask? A headfirst encounter with arrogant stupidity is a major recipe for a bad day. Now you might ask what I mean by arrogant stupidity and how that might differ from headstrong stupidity and professional stupidity and simple stupidity. It is after many years of reflection, during those many hours in the arms of nature, that I have reached my satisfactory definitions.<br />Let me start at the beginning.<br />Simple stupidity is a natural and acceptable behaviour be it due to a lack of intelligence, or a sudden unusual reaction at a given time. If a person is innately born with a low IQ, then he cannot be blamed but rather his behaviour is supported and accepted by others because he can’t do anything about it. Also, when a person does something foolish during a brief absence of thought, it is simple stupidity and the intelligent and normal person can laugh at this stupidity if he hasn’t caused himself any major bodily or psychological injury.<br />Professional stupidity is a combination of arrogant and headstrong stupidity. This performance occurs on the professional level and not on the personal or emotional levels. The victims of such stupidity are not the professionally stupid people but those colleagues within the reach of such folly, unfortunately,<br />Headstrong stupidity is behaviour which occurs when a person is so stubborn he does not consider his next move, and thus behaves foolishly. It is a blind determination to develop in one direction and have people bend to his will. It is the inability to see more than one solution to a problem because this would require an effort. This behaviour involves all within reach of the behaviour although it does take time for the fool to recognise he is a victim of his own actions.<br />Arrogant behaviour of course takes place when a person is too full of himself, or herself and believes that he or she has the right answer. This folly is a form of contempt for others. This undesirable behaviour inevitably backfires and renders the doer the target of much sarcasm and scorn. The fool and his actions also serve as a good basis for jokes. However, when combined with headstrong stupidity, the active fool is rarely the victim.<br />This said, one must remember that there is a difference between stupidity and malice and one should not take for malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. The truth be spoken, even though stupidity is the root of most of the causes of my frustration, at the end of the day I cannot but feel sorry for those people.<br />Like the romantics I discover that perfection exists only in nature. Also, to exist among the maddening crowd, according to my nature, I need to accept certain truths as inevitable. Not everybody is stupid and there are lessons to be learnt even from the stupidest of arrogant, headstrong or simple fools.<br />Ironic, isn’t it, that a bad day should be just another lesson in life.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-4837267747800432942009-01-06T22:25:00.000+04:002009-01-08T17:02:41.946+04:00In a Perfect WorldToday I went to church.<br />As I walked rapidly to prevent myself from missing too much of the service, I heard the sheikh from the neighbouring mosque summoning the faithful to prayer. I was almost immediately transported to a beautiful summer's evening in Lebanon. I had been enjoying the sunset from high up in the mountains, when suddenly to my right there came from a distance the same summons; almost immediately to my left came the tolling of bells from far off. Two different religions beckoning their followers to prayer and the sounds intermixed and blended in naturally with the gorgeous Lebanese mountainsides. This is my Lebanon, a country not torn apart by war and different creeds; rather it is a world where different religions and beliefs complement each other. I believe it is the synergy of these faiths that makes Lebanon stand out among its neighbours. But it is the abuse and misconceptions of religions that tears the world apart.<br />Tonight at dinner, the topic came up as one discussion led to another. I know I am not the only one to believe that religion, especially in Lebanon, is not a reason for dispute and disagreement. I also take my belief a step further and believe that religion does not a good or bad person make. Marthe Robin, was an illiterate village girl who was paralysed and bedridden for decades. During this time, she neither ate nor drank and she never slept. She suffered stigmata and the passion, and had a gift of seeing into the souls of the many people who visited her during her bedridden days. When asked about Ghandi, Marthe Robin said he was a saint.<br />It’s not our religion that defines us; it is our deeds that make us who and what we are. A saint is not a Christian or a Moslem or a person belonging to any other denomination. A saint is someone who lives a life of giving selflessly and unselectively. We can all live together and define our religions by being saints in our various ways. When the discussion of religion comes up at the dinner table like tonight, or over a cup of coffee, or any time two Lebanese meet, I am overjoyed to find that many people do not measure people by their beliefs but by who they are. If there are so many people that think this way, why is the world not a better place?<br />I keep thinking of that evening not so long ago and my heart yearns for that perfect moment and I dream of a world where that harmony prevails not for a moment, but forever.<br /><em></em><br /><em>‘You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,<br />I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will live as one’<br /></em>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776743708319377664.post-79620806616093125502009-01-06T12:21:00.000+04:002009-01-06T21:06:17.320+04:00Not so Skin DeepI received a beautiful email this morning; it started me thinking.<br />The email talked about how our experiences make us more beautiful on the inside. It tells of how difficult times only serve to purify and beautify our soul and how they render us more beautiful to others. Physical beauty fades; inner beauty develops.<br />The email reminded me of a remark I once made. I once remarked to a colleague that I was more popular at forty than I was at twenty-one. Indeed, I feel these days that people appreciate me for what I consider the simplest of deeds. It surprises me.<br />But then, looking back, I remember how completely taken I was by people who were living or had lived their lives to the fullest. These people attracted me in such a way their beauty was unsurpassed. I realise now that their beauty was not the skin deep beauty adored by the shallow minded, rather it was the deep splendour of a soul that had been through hard times, weathered many storms and survived the various calamities only to shine more brightly than ever. It was a soul that never ceased to grow and never tired of touching lives.<br />Perhaps, it is only after we have sampled and endured difficult times that we appreciate others and understand what they go through. We are both softened and hardened by life. We react naturally and truthfully to certain situations and that makes us the compassionate guide appreciated by those whose lives we touch<br />The thing is that the more we touch lives, the more our lives are touched and the more we experience. Strange, that by shining brightly, we recharge our souls making them even more beautiful than ever.<br />Wow! The ironies of life…Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324140747081984532noreply@blogger.com0