...This powerful poem reminds me that we can and we must at times say no to the choices of others. We are divine, as is everyone, and when others make poor choices that effect many lives, we must stand our ground without judgement.
Yes, it is difficult to recognize the divinity in even the most despicable human beings but this does not mean that all divine power is just, as it is presented to us. The issue is power and, often, it is staged for our reactions taking on the most obvious forms of predation. It is not about who wins but how it comes about that such plundering of human goodness exists. We are animals - we are leonine. There will always be blood and drama with humans. It is not about judging the human need to be predatory but how this nature is cultivated and nurtured in civilizations. It is a miracle in that we still have choices about it, given our penchant for killing each other and defiling our home. We still have the opportunity to decide if we stand our ground and not dim ourselves to accommodate fear, hatred and injustice. These times are especially demanding in this way as many people have come to recognize that they need to do SOMETHING to acknowledge the sense of threat to the freedoms and liberties for themselves, their loved ones and those in persecuted countries. But what? Decency is on the line and it does require a choice between where each individual stands regarding right and wrong.
Hafiz laments that we have supplanted what is natural and sacred in our lives. We have all made poor choices and we have defiled kindness. He offers a contemplation in stating:
...For I
Have found the power
To say "no" to any actions
That might harm myself
Or another.
Video: I was invited recently to see a film, "One Life", about a man who was motivated to help rescue Czech children after he saw what he deemed to be a threatening and inhumane situation for them. Because I am curious about how people come to the decisions that they do, I looked deeper into this man, Nicholas Winton. Not surprisingly the Hollywood film about his life was a wee bit deceptive about his personality. As the movie industry is wont to do, it gilded the lily to appeal to an audience. The irony is that Winton did the exact same thing! He used the media to solicit interest in people to foster these children (a necessary step to saving them) by playing on emotions in the UK! A Mother's Day sale on children!?!
Winton was a stock broker. He knew paperwork and looking at laws, trends and established protocols better than many. I think what is the most intriguing part of this story rests on HOW Nicholas Winton used what he knew to navigate those children out of that dangerous situation. He used what he knew about people, their impulses and their interests. He knew what the authorities would, more than likely, turn a blind eye towards and what would be absolutely necessary. He was not moved emotionally (though, this was a factor, initially) but he made history and saved lives by knowing and owning where the rubber met the road. Nicholas Winton was living his life as his authentic self.
They say he was a humble man - an ordinary man - who did great things and I think it is worth understanding that his greatness was using what he knew and the lesson here is realizing that we ALL know something that can be applied to healing what is in need in our communities and our world. That is the real story here and in regarding his modesty, I think Nicholas Winton knew that he was just being himself.
The original post in this series of poems by Hafiz (including an addendum regarding the authenticity of these poems) can be found here. Also, my thoughts on this series a year into these poems, HERE.
The Gift: Poems by Hafiz and translated by Daniel Ladinsky can be purchased here.
My book can be purchased HERE. E-book HERE. The Season Two blogcasts with audio excerpts from my book begin HERE: in Behind The Lines. This reading of the book excerpts in a mixed media format is Season Two of this blog. These recorded excerpts are outside the chronological order in which the book was written. Podcasts with audio only beginning with episode 22 can be found HERE.