Why I believe

I don't believe because it is easy. My religion calls itself foolish.
I don't believe because I think I am special. My religion is open to all.
I don't believe because I feel it makes me better. My religion centres around my sin.

I believe, because I think that it is true.

So, why then, do I believe with my heart, as well as my brain?
Because, out of all possible truths, this one is so glorious.
Out of all the world that might have been,
Out of all the things that might have been true,
The world I find myself in is one where my creator loves me.
It is one where I can be forgiven.
It is one of caring.
It is a world of joy.

This is why I believe.

When do you stand?

When, my friend, do you take your stand?
When do you rise to make your voice heard?

Maybe you stand as the last of the crowd.
You rise when all around you have taken their feet.
You wait until you feel you are allowed.
You take no risk, so you will never feel defeat.

Maybe you stand to push the movement.
You are the toppling point to the majority.
Your choice is not easy, but made with intent.
You shall always stand with history.

Do you stand when the ideas are full formed?
You see the movement, and see where it will head.
You take the risk, but the fire is warmed.
You shall stoke it higher instead.

Do you stand near the start, to form a voice.
To cement ideas, make the movement go.
You do not play with minds or toys.
You honestly believe in this thing you know.

Are you the first. The first to stand up tall.
Are you the reason we all stand now?
Did you take the mocking? Survive it all?
You who stood, take a bow.

All are needed. This time, the crowd has won the day.
So, my friend. When will you stand next time?

Snowman

Yo. I made a snow man.
He was a cool, not take any of your stuff man.
Kinda chilly, not one to rise to anger or danger.
He'd give an icy smile to any passerby and stranger.

Had a bit of a pot belly, but that wasn't his issue.
He couldn't take the heat - would always need a tissue.
He didn't own 24 carrot gold, but nose where riches lie.
My snow man has his home, the place he will die.

No point in moving, though grass is greener.
Put on a smile - no point in acting meaner,
He would melt your heart if you gave him time
My snow man committed no coldhearted crime.

He's on his way out, so keep him in your thoughts.
Goodbye snow man, your time was short.

Take a second. And take notice.

On this day, take a second, and take notice. Because often, we don't.
We don't notice how much people cheer for us.

I know you wont recall how proud your parents were when you said your first word.
Or how the same parents doted after you when you took your first steps.
I guarantee they doted. Because you were small, and they were big steps. Ones worth noting.
They've been cheering you on all your life. And they aren't the only ones.

At one point, you made your first friend who wasn't part of your family.
In this big wide world, you found someone who enjoyed spending time with you, who didn't have to spend time with you.
They stayed, because they enjoyed talking to you and doing things with you.
They were to be the first of many.

Throughout your life, teachers have silently cheered you as you put your heart into something.
Maybe a librarian saw you take out a book they also enjoyed, and you warmed them inside.
You helped someone who had fallen off their bike, and a passerby resolved to be you if they saw it happen again.
Throughout your life, some good deeds you have done, have likely inspired others.

And sometimes, it isn't even that quiet!
If we get picked for sports teams or pass interviews, it is because someone looked at us and thought "Yes! This person has the talents I am looking for".
No one enters into a relationship without admiring that person in some way.
If you are in a relationship, you are likely the world to that person.

We forget when people tell us "Well done" - they have recognised the work you have done.
We ignore when people say "You made me smile" - this is a smile the world would otherwise not get to see, if not for you.
We pass over those who tell us that they are inspired by us.
So take this knowledge, and do not forget it. This knowledge of all you have done well and all those people who stand behind you, cheering you on. Take this knowledge, and fight the next battle.

People are cheering for you.
On this day, take a second. And notice.

The song is beautiful

The song is beautiful.
But it ends, as all songs must.

And there isn't a dry eye in the house.
Men who built up walls have had them shattered.
Children who do not know loss now know they lack, something.
The entire front row are standing, sending a ripple through the crowd.
There is cheering. Yelling. There is celebration of what has happened.
Tinged with the demand, the raw urge to hear more.

In the midst of the crowd, a young woman sits.
She did not stir. She did not applaud. She was certain this would work.
The musician was the best around, after all.

After the show, the musician is mobbed.
They plead patience. And take time. Every fan has their ten seconds.
And every ear that heard is a fan. So this takes a while.
Exhaustion sets in. The entourage is big, but not unkind.
There for the musician's protection, they try to guide away by the shoulder.
Their efforts are fruitless. The musician has seen their target.

"You. Young woman. I have something for you.".
The crowd gasps. And parts.

She stands alone. Just as she was before.
The only one unmoved.

"You came seeking emotion. You came hoping I would provide.
Alas, this musician can only do so much.
Let me just say this.

Keep searching.
You will find your song.
It will not be the same as anyone else's, and you may have to play it yourself.
But it exists. Or, at least, it will someday.
If you keep looking."

The musician turned, and so did the woman.
The fans went after the musician, fawning and asking for guidance of their own.
He had already given them all he could.

The woman?
She knew the song was beautiful.
But that it had ended.
All she had to do, was find the next one.