The Hollands' Adventure by Sherrie Theriault

Amazon.com

Powell's Books

September 7

Genius

I am often bonded to a self which thinks I know everything and when in doubt believes I should know even if I don’t.  Freeing me of this requires the constant support of friends and neighbors’ assuring me that in a capricious world willingness is a more practical resource; it packs neatly and handles most jobs with aplomb.  Staying consistently free from the bondage of self requires truckloads of willingness and the spirit of humility and sometimes even forgiveness.  I am freer when I like myself, for the true bondage of self is the hatred of self.

Acknowledge the marks left by the street you came from

*

YES---THAT TOO

When kindness becomes weakness,

When mental agility becomes emotional instability,

It’s time to reassess everything.

I cannot leave things off my inventory

Because my Grandma, society or the preacher says

It’s a good thing to be.

Every blessing can be a curse.

All my characteristics have their dark side.

I have to list the entirety of my cargo

And keep a watchful eye.

I have to moderate my investment

In all my abilities or lose myself.

Warmth is nice but I don’t want Death Valley.

Integrity requires balance

Or depraved indifference will be the outcome.

Weak or strong, right or wrong.

It all goes on the scale.