Have you listened, have you learned, will you watch, will you wait, until it is too late?
As in many diaries here, the reasons are clear, but the response is sometimes quite dear.
For they are about Hope
I have spent my time here, never knowing quite clear,
that my purpose was quite dear.
Until today, and then in a solemn moment, it became vividly clear.
Standing by the edge of the water, a breeze swept across, and through my soul,
that left me completely whole.
A revelation of sorts,
with which I could not retort.
For You Know Me Well.
(More after the fold)
Many times in my life, the path that I follow has led me to many places, some good, and some bad. It is this path that led me here, to listen, to think, to learn, to speak.
This morning in the fog, as I stood on the edge of the water, looking past where the light penetrates, into the abyss. Then it came, a breathe of life, reflections, and understanding that I was told of many years ago, but have never known what the meaning was, until this day.
I was wondering about an old friend that stood on similar waters contemplating his life, his existence, and the worth of it all. He chose not to continue, and a great loss it was. He was a kind, understanding, and unselfishly giving person, and for that he gave it all. In his hurt, his confusion, and remorse, he left this life because of others, not himself.
I realized this day, that I was with him, for I had been, for many years, even upon that fateful day. But in his time of mind, it was naught, for sorrow was all that was wrought.
I am so grateful for all the writings, emotions, dreams, and spirit, this place has sown, and has been privileged to watch them grow. I have seen the meek lash out, the strong cry, the angry provide solstice for those in need, and the absence of the adulteress of greed. For this community has provided a place for seeds to grow. From this experience, now I know, truly how people do grow.
I will always be with you, from the essence of your soul, when those who seek you to console.
From: “Southern Sunday”, “The Two Wolves Within”, “I Am the Wind”, and the comments made truly from the spirit within.
These are not my thoughts and spirits, for they truly are yours, and yours alone.
My path now takes me to another place, another journey, for this one has left footprints that will be remembered, by myself for always, and the ones who have listened well, from all the members diaries, and the memories that dwell.
I have been asked for a picture, one that captures my likeness, and my soul. My answer has been, “but you have seen me, many times, and you know me well.”
I am the gleam in an innocent young child’s eyes. The twinkle of a lover’s gleam, and the spark of your dreams. The smile of an elder’s eye, when the youth respects their sires. I am the light, which changes the shadows, and the one in the campfire embers that glows, when the warmth becomes the soul. I am the spirit that lifts you from the abyss, standing on the edge of the water.
I now know who I am, I Am Hope
For You Know Me Well
In Each of You I Dwell
My path takes me away from here, and the swamp, (as I have so jokingly referred to it, which actually is not a swamp, but a lush haven in the woods, and from where all nature flows) and alas, away from the wonderful people here.
I will be in touch, sometimes through another here, but your spirit will always be dear.
Remember, the one I came to know on this day is not me alone, it is all of us, for we are all as one.
Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all the same)
Wado my Friends, Aho
May peace be with you and yours always
Ronald White Wolf
WOW! Fantastic writing, as always, iPig. Wherever your path leads you, I hope you know how much inspiration has been drawn from your words. In spanish, the word for Hope is Esperanza, may you be filled with it always.
Paz y Esperanza
Manee, you and the souls of this place have been the only Esperanza that is needed for life.
It is not me, but it is the we that have made our Esperanza fruitful, from this garden we call home ; )
Till we meet again, my friend.
Wado Man Eegee
No
No
No
Infidel, please, no. We need your voice, your spirit, your lifeforce, your wisdom here. I am being selfish, I know.
I understand if this is a path you must take, but I will mourn until we cross paths again. Please continue to visit and share your voice with us. We are all one, and are all stronger together, no matter what path we take. But you will be missed dearly.
I can say no more.
Namaste, my friend.
Namaste spidey, you as well will be missed, but as I gather more life, it will be passed along here.
I will try to stop by when I can, that’s my promise.
Our paths will cross again.
peace be with you and yours always
Dear Ipig, your words bring inspiration to us all, your path of wind and hope is my path as well and good to see we are on the same journey, paths will differ, journey is the same.
Yes we are ‘all as one here’ and everywhere, we are all human beings.
Even though we know you everywhere, we would still like to see an earth plane reality picture of you, if in fact you are of the earth plane reality.
Mitakuye Oyasin
May peace be with you and yours always as well!
Assuming the risk of being redundant and repetitive, I am inserting my favorite poem I have written here, cause it just seems to fit the sentiment of this diary and the comments.
Ah special person you, for only you can paint a peaceful hue.
Blue is soothing, and consoling, and from only a soul that is tried and true, could come the Village Blue
You have a pedasteled place, amongst the hearts and souls of this special place.
Peace is yours, for your heart is true.
I’d like to post something equally thoughtful and eloquent ipig, but since my mind is blank to eloquent words today let me just more childishly say…fucken awesome writing dude and I am most awesomely sad to read this.
You need not to concern, for your insight is always something from which we can learn.
I have always treasured your thoughts, and safely away, I have them locked.
Your heart is pure inspiration, thank you so much, from one who is greatful.
Peace will always be your guide.
Damn, must you make me cry! Awesome. Grateful for your inspiration. Nothing can top this one…..as a vet, how well I know the feeling.
For that’s what your are. From a place long ago, and a far.
This to you I will always pledge my care, “Welcome Home” for this only we can share.
Your words have been the soothing tones, sung by the angelic choir, for so many attending deaths final hour.
You will never completely know, the soulstice you brought to the soldiers soul, who left, and was not whole.
For with them, a peice of your soul, you share.
Known, by the ones who were there.
Bless you, and light that you shone,
Welcome Home
peace be with you and yours
Let it be known, Dear Friend, I never say “goodbye” always “see ya soon”. That is how I have to let it be. Reach out to touch me when you can. I, as you surely must know, will always be there for and with you. May your journey be good and may you always stay strong for that journey. “PEACE AND LOVE”…….till we meet again at the water front of life………someday…………
This makes me feel sad and happy at the same time. We won’t cling. Clinging brings suffering. Peace and love to you in your inner and outer journeys,which are always the same journey. I think your talent. . .or at least the one I know. . .is that you take joy along with you wherever you go and then you can give it away generously. Happy joy-spreading, dear Ipig.
You are correct, it is that exactly. A time for joy, and not for sadness.
From these lessons we have learned, joy is what we have earned ; )
Spead the word far and wide, from us, evil can not hide.
WE ARE THE WIND ; )
All the best to you my dear, beautiful friend – I’ll be missing you every day.
Would you have ever thought it true?
A wonderland, from me to you.
Empathy, passion, and the hope to make it come true.
For without the belief from people such as me and you.
It could never come true ; )
I’ll be missing you….
peace dear friend, always
I write these words with much sadness in my heart. I shall miss you my friend and brother. I have enjoyed your perspectives and wisdom and wish you calm waters and fair winds in your journeys.
I will keep you in my heart and thoughts.
Be well…keep in touch…later…
Peace Bro
You know, the music that comes from the soul, the heart of what we love. Our life, our love, our country.
No sadness bro, only rejoicing, for I will be around always, in the sound of the horn, of the stings, and of the soul.
I’ll be listening to your nights on the radio, I have them marked, and will tune in, with a song in my heart, and joy in my soul.
Peace bro, we will meet again.
IP, I’m going to miss you…stay in touch…and a song for you…
When you can’t find the light,
That got you through the cloudy days,
When the stars ain’t shinin’ bright,
You feel like you’ve lost you’re way,
When those candle lights of home,
Burn so very far away,
Well you got to let your soul shine,
Just like my daddy used to say.
Let your soul shine,
It’s better than sunshine,
It’s better than moonshine,
Damn sure better than rain.
Hey now people don’t mind,
We all get this way sometime,
Got to let your soul shine, shine till the break of day.
-ABB
One of my alltime favorite songs, thank you so much, and your words are music from the soul, just as the song, your soul does shine, so brightly ; )
It will light the path on which I walk, for there is nothing truer than “Soul Shine”
peace friend
I have an angry wolf inside that would like a word with you Ipig – OUTSIDE… NOW!!
Of course I’m just kidding. But as far as I’m concerned, the place won’t be the same without you. I’m sad for me, but wish you all the best! When I feel the hope here – I’ll think of you.
LMAO…thanks for the invite ; ) Your place or mine?
I will miss you as well, and I will stop by to check on ya, just to make sure your still in the mood….for fight’n….LOL
peace, unless we’re a fight’n…(only jok’n)
LMAO…thanks for the invite ; ) Your place or mine?
I will miss you as well, and I will stop by to check on ya, just to make sure your still in the mood….for fight’n….LOL
peace, unless we’re a fight’n…(only jok’n)
This one’s for you.
Above the mountains the geese
turn into the light again
Painting their black silhouettes on an open sky.
Sometimes everything has to be
inscribed across the heavens
So you can find the one line
already written inside you.
Sometimes it takes a great sky
To find that first bright and indescribable
wedge of freedom in your own heart.
Sometimes, with the bones of the black sticks
left when the fire has gone out,
Someone has written something new
in the ashes of your life.
You are not leaving
You are arriving.
David Whyte
Absolutely wonderful, and spot on. Many thanks, and memories, for I have always respected your insight, and spirit that shines from within.
We will meet again, this you can be sure.
peace
“Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.” [Ancient Indian Proverb]
My great-great-grandchildren will meet yours when the earth is returned to the People, the Human Beings.
rba, I have long admired your opinions, and soul, and with your comment, you have truly shown, the Spirit of Light that within you dwells.
Wado my Friend,
till we meet again
My entire being screams out “NOOOOOOOOO! DON’T GO!!!!!!!!!”
it should be screams of joy, for I am going to where I should be, on the streets, the meeting places, and I have done what I was meant to here.
No matter what if any changes, ideas, or whatever I was able to accomplish here, it is time.
I will see you again, when I have more to offer.
peace be with you always
Woderful, iPig.
Hope your path provides opportunity to visit us often, rather than rarely.
God tur! (safe and good journey)
I will be here when I can, and as often, and many thanks for your contribution, for it is greatly respected by me.
It has been an honor to have participated with people such as yourself.
Peace, and respect
pax vobiscum
Many thanks brother, yours is the calming voice that always stills the rough waters.
You have always brought light, into the dark.
Peace brother….until next time
The humidor will be kept well-stocked for that next time.
Will wipe away the tears of truth that are streaming down my cheeks. . .
It is such a great honor to know you and share in your energy and the beauty that is your heart and soul.
You leave a great gaping space here. . .please return when you can to fill it.
Tears also are for the joy you will bring to those who will be blessed with your presence. What a gift you are, and Yes, We Know You Well
Blessed and wonderful journey my brother. You carry a piece of my heart with you wherever you may travel.
That which is Divine within me, recognizes and is honored by that which is Divine within you ~ Namaste`
Ah Shirl, you are the diamond that I will wear proudly, and let the light that shines from it, light the way, on this path.
That light is from the soul, and not a truer light is known.
peace friend…..many thanks dear lady
ipig:
may the path you tread be wide
the stones few
I have no words, but you know me well
fare well
be well
hope over fear
always
am yours,
cat
Keep up your wonderful work you have been pursuing. Many thanks for the time you gave to those who came for Cindy.
I know I will see you along that path, and our paths will cross again.
Yours is one of the purest gifts, because it is of yourself.
peace….always
Well then….ahem, I have a lump in my throat.
I am not one with a great talent for words full of wisdom. All I can say to you is that you were one of the biggest reasons I decided to make this place my home. I have carried your words of wisdom with me on many days outside in the real world. You remind me of my wife’s Grandfather, a man very dear to my heart who is above all, a southern gentleman, and that you surely are.
In the words of one of history’s great characters, the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz:
Now I know I have a heart, because it’s breaking.
May the sun always shine on you Sir,
Peace
Super, thanks go to you sir, for the jouney you made to support our beliefs, and souls.
I am humbled by your kind words, and to be compared to a fine gentleman.
Till we meet again, friend.
peace
Wonderful World
I see trees of green…….. red roses too
I see ’em bloom….. for me and for you
And I think to myself…. what a wonderful world.
I see skies of blue….. clouds of white
Bright blessed days….dark sacred nights
And I think to myself …..what a wonderful world.
The colors of a rainbow…..so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces…..of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands…..sayin’.. how do you do
They’re really sayin’……I love you.
I hear babies cry…… I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more…..than I’ll never know
And I think to myself …..what a wonderful world
The colors of a rainbow…..so pretty ..in the sky
Are there on the faces…..of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands…..sayin’.. how do you do
They’re really sayin’…(I ….love….you)
I hear babies cry…… I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more……than I’ll never know
And I think to myself …..what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself …….what a wonderful world.
Louis Armstrong
__________________
Thank you for making this a much more wonderful world, Infidel. (Now excuse me while I go find a tissue)
Love ya, dude. . .
with many blessings.
You make the world a little more wonderful with your words.
Aaaahhh, what else to say, but listen to the words of the great Sachimo,
they truly are the music of the soul…
many thanks my friends..
peace
InfidelPig, today I wouldn’t be able to put words to my feelings on reading this even if I wasn’t holding a big well of tears in the back of my throat/eyes/brain. I will miss you. We will miss you. Thank you for everything. Fare thee well til we meet again. Love.
yes Lil, we will meet again I’m sure, for the true of heart will never part, as their good stays behind like footprints on the path of life.
peace be with you always
I am sad and happy at the same time. You have inspired so much in me….your words are bonds that reach out to us….and wings to set us free. I do hope that sometimes you pass word back to us – or drop by with a hello.
Go in peace wherever you go my friend.
A blessing for you as you go
May air and fire and earth and water watch over you from their combined reaches.
May creatures of the earth be your companions
May the stars and moon light your way at night
May the sun shine brightly on your path by day
Above all may the God and Goddess bless your path and journey with health and happiness.
Blessed be
Bless you Sally, for all the moments you have shared with us here, and the light you bring to this dark time.
peace
I will have to think about this one for awhile…….
No shit :o) I’m still thinking about it and I expect I will be for a long while.
You write beautifully, infidelpig. But I am hearing more than good-by. I am hearing the end of a life – your friend’s, at least, and I hope that is all. I hope I am not hearing you making a similar good-by. I cannot say that I know you well, for that would be a lie, however I can say with truth that I would miss you, and your words, ideas, emotions, spirit.
I do not want you, or anyone else here, to take their own life, so I hope that is not what you are saying. Those are harsh words, after so many have responded to you with poetry and grace. But I am a person who carries the burden of listening in a different way: pragmatic, clinical, and now worried.
Please do not leave us.
I too read that possibility in i-pig’s words, and I hope that what he is saying is only metaphorical.
Be reassured, Infidel is taking a new job in a new location and will be in unsettled circumstances for awhile, which may not allow for him to easily connect to the internet.
I really shouldn’t speak for him, and I am sure when he has a moment he will tell you himself. But he is entering a new phase in his life, and so he leaves the old behind and steps into a new beginning.
I know he will appreciate your concerns. Be at peace. He is well.
Many thanks, Shirlstars. I can rest easier now, and wish him well in this new part of his life.
Whoooaaaaa, this is a time of rejoicing, a time of a new journey, and not the end of anything.
I enjoy life way too much for anything to end it. Believe me in this, for many times my life has been tried, and every time I snapped back to the amazement of all there.
This is a new beginning, not an end to anything other my time here. I will return only once in a while. I will be out of contact for a while, and I feel I need to do other things to promote the progressive message, in person, and not online so much.
I feel my time here was for a purpose, and that has been acheived for the most part. It’s time for me to go where I am needed the most, and that is amongst the people on the street.
No, none, nada, zippo, zilch, inclination of ending anything to do with life with this fat ol’ man…uh-huh….
steady as she goes boys, and girls, I’ll be piss’n in a lot of your track’s when your gone ; )
always have, and always will….
thanks greatly for the concern, but never fear, this fat ol’ man is gonna be here….somewhere on this great big ol’ planet ; )
Good. I am extremely pleased, my deep apologies.
None needed friend, thanks for your concern, it shows your passion for fellow man.
I will be around, from time to time, and when I have something to share that is needed here.
till next time……peace
That is what had me scared, too. I read something TOTALLY different than I guess others did.
I cried off and on all afternoon.
So not good bye – GOOD LUCK! š
I have learned so much from everyone here, but you most of all.
I’ve remained silent after reading your diaries much of the time because most everyone else here is much more gifted in the use of words than I.
And now some appropriate words from an inappropriate song.
Oh, but you should speak out more, for every time you do, it’s like a bell that rings in the quiet valley.
Express yourself openly friend, for your tone will carry throughout the valley, resting upon the ears of the people, and then settles in the heart.
peace be with you….let your voice be heard, for it is from the heart, and none better can be found.
when my brain is fried with Real Life, but just wanted to wish you happy travels…and if your path leads you back this way, whether its in two months or twenty years, there’ll be a warm spot and cold adult beverage waiting for you in the Cafe.
Travel safely, friend…
I’ll keep that spot in my heart, and when travels get tiresome, and place to rest is in need, I will touch that warm spot indeed.
many thanks…..peace
Hoping that all is well with you and come back as soon as you can!
All is wonderful with me, and I will be back when I can.
Keep those paintings coming, I always enjoy fine art…and fine art comes from those that put a little of themselves on the canvas ; )
peace
.
A moment of sadness is overcome by the knowledge you will be on a path of your personal mission. More powerful and strenghtened in and by a wonderful community, spread your wings and may you share your thought and spirit with many others who have not yet been touched.
You leave here behind a fruitful garden, where seeds will grow and bear fruit continuing life’s cycle.
Spring – Summer – Autumn – Winter
An inspiration of all what life bears. Your warmth will always inspire this community, although perhaps not physically present, your words are everlasting.
vaya con dios mi amigo
Carry the torch – so much needs to be done in this beautiful, wide world.
HOPE says it all.
You leave me with the gratification our paths have crossed – plus a hardship and experience with any departure of a close relative or good friend.
▼ ▼ ▼
Oui, many thanks, and much respect from me good sir.
I will keep your words with me wherever my path leads.
We will speak again, and our paths will cross many times during our journey here on earth.
Good spirits always meet, many times….Vaya Con Dios mi Amigo
.
sir reads as brother.
Appreciate the fine moments of your precious words – these are engraved in memory and spreading!
▼ ▼ ▼
yes, it is about hope,
wado my brother, till our paths cross again.
infidel, on behalf of lurkers and semi-lurkers, such as myself, thank you.
“…I will owe to my friends this evanescent intercourse. I will receive from them not what they have but what they are. They shall give me that which properly they cannot give me, but which emanates from them. But they shall not hold me by any relations less subtle and pure. We will meet as though we met not, and part as though we parted not.” -Emerson, Friendship
be seein ya….
What a wonderful passage, and from a true soul, but don’t lurk so much, for you have much to give, and I have seen it, like a light shining from out of the dark…..Let It Shine friend….
peace
To someone I thought at first was a stalker..dewayne..to a poet, and leader of sorts, who pushed me to see ‘the money honey…
I hope it’s not your health that is causing this departure…I departed a while ago although I visit, just don’t see politics as the answer for me..I need the peace in my soul more, which you have in a round about way .. pushed me towards. Take care sweet man!
It is my health in a sense, but good health is this reason.
I’m returning to the awakening of my Native American Spirit, and to the place of an old and dear friend.
Fortune is carrying me back to whence I came, and I will be visiting his resting place, and to speak with his family again, for they say they have been waiting for me, as I for them.
He passed on to me a gift many years ago, that in foolish youthfull ignorance, I set aside. Now I know the meaning of that gift, and will pick it up, and move on as I was intended to do.
I will carry his soul with me on my path, for it has gaurded me in my ignorance, and now will guide me in his enlightenment.
We will speak of this more in time my friend, for yours is a heart that will always have a space in mine.
Wishing you all the peace and love you seek…and the time you have spent, is for the passionate one ; )
and you are really my favorite infidel. I know that I won’t miss you because you are still there but in a more active hands on form. I guess it’s a graduation. I will seek you in every eye I meet and smile I see out there on the street.
Oh Tracy, what passion you have, and a wonderful gift of expression.
keep that always at the ready, for the times coming will need that fire of yours, to kindle the embers of freedom.
Many thanks for your thoughts, and your time you have spent helping our people.
You are a voice that will be heard above the crowd.
You will see me, in every smiling face you see, for you are the reason for those smiles.
peace friend….until we meet again.
keep up the good fight….You Go Girl !!!!!
IP, I read your diary yesterday and was too broken up to comment until now. Your spirit, wisdom, and playful joy of life will be deeply missed while you are gone.
We all look forward to our next meeting, hopefully in happier times than those we as a nation now find ourselves in.
I don’t know what else to say, except
Blessings and Peace.
Dem, your spirit is the music from which it flows, keep up the spirit, and I’ll be back to listen from time to time my friend.
peace brother
I wish only for you the greatest gift that life has to offer, the living within one’s chosen path. You have honored me greatly with your kindness and your open soul. You have given me peace when life provided chaos and discourse, for that I will always be grateful.
I truly hope that our paths will cross in the near future and we shall know the bonds of brotherhood under the shining light of Great Spirit.
I will miss your insights and wisdom, that you offered to not only myself but many here who have grown to respect you. You have indeed enriched my life and helped my soul grow as a man and Human Being.
ghost, as I have said many times, our paths will cross, from the west unto the east, and we shall both walk the same path, for our freedom.
This will happen my brother…
Wado Ghost Dancer, till our paths cross again..
How many times your words have soothed this broken heart. I do understand though your need to do something new, something more, something meaningful. We all come to those crossroads throughout our lives. Sometimes we have been lead astray by our choices but the important thing for me is that there are no mistakes, just lessons. The sad part is when we choose to ignore the “teachers” and keep repeating those lessons….until we finally get it. I honor the light within you and all that this journey may behold for you. Peace be with you today and always. Know that you are in my heart and thoughts always for you have left a mark on each of us.
Looking forward to the time that our paths will cross again. Until then…Namiste my friend.
aloha, yours is a kindered soul, that I have seen in my life, and hold it always close, for it is as the arms of Earth Mother, cradeling, comforting, nurturing, always peaceful…..
till next time dear lady….peace
I understand
knowing the time
when things are complete
as they have been
sweet deep exchanges
reach fruition
leaving all richer
by far
Be well, brother.
Fly on.
my wings have spread and the wind is lifting, onward I will fly, always keeping a watchful eye, for my friends….
peace be with you always.
I’ve had a very rough and stressful 48 hours that I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about yet (I’m not sure it’s over) and then I get here and read this.
Wherever you go, my friend, I hope you carry us in your heart, and I hope you echo the words of Phil Ochs from the liner notes of Pleasures Of The Harbor (which I’m quoting from memory because I don’t have my copy here with me):
O I have been gone too long but I hope to be back soon.
Omir, how could I ever forget the story teller, the calming soul that is yours and yours alone.
I will miss your sunday griot, but I will keep your past stories alive and on a cd.
I will be back from time to time, but for now, I must move on.
Peace friend, till we meet again.
You will be missed, but you haven’t really gone and will be with us always… I will always smile in the serenity that you brought…
Maybe someday I can make it down your way, and you’ll throw a gator on the grill for us!
You betch-a bro…there’ll be gator, beer on ice, and a fine Ceeeee-Gar to boot….and I’m sure of some fresh seafood.
I’m going to another area along the water, so I’ll have a ready supply for you my friend.
You keep those limmericks, and those photoshop projects kick’n bro….there abso-fuck’n-lutely da best MAIN….LMAO ; )
peace bro…c’mon down anytime…
I wish you well,brother of mine, although I was hurt,in the way women are hurt, :What did I do wrong?
Every journey is a personal one, and sometimes you have to detach in order to continue.
I must admit that your original post sounded suicidal to me, and that scared me alot.
I,too, have had to leave a good place in order to grow.
I am coming very late to this thread but I have to tell you how much your presence here has meant to me.
I have let your words wash over me so many times and for that I truly thank you. These words I will keep always, from which to draw wisdom as I go through my own journey.
I am selfishly sad that you have to go, and eternally grateful for your presence here.
Peace be with you always,
Until we meet again…