The Desert Fathers
As far from men, as near
to God, as they could achieve, living
where the desert met the mountains;
their sustenance
beyond our supermart imaginings,
alone or with a few devoted
kindred spirits, they lived a life
of hard work, ascesis, prayer –
with all the urban wit of the best
gentlemen’s clubs, all the perception
of consultant psychiatrists:
observing in themselves in solitude
all the ills of man, before, then, since:
‘We have rejected the light burden
of condemning ourselves, and
we have chosen the heavy burden
of justifying ourselves, and condemning others…’
touché, Abba John!
They, a little lower than the angels,
between the desert and the mountains,
between the hard place and the rock,
between human tragedy and
the divine comedy;
on their face,
above rough cloth, rough hands,
humility; bright eyes; compassion’s smile.
poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Beast of Burden
I'll never be your beast of burden
My back is broad but it's a hurting
All I want is for you to make love to me
I'll never be your beast of burden
I've walked for miles my feet are hurting
All I want is for you to make love to me
Am I hard enough
Am I rough enough
Am I rich enough
I'm not too blind to see
I'll never be your beast of burden
So let's go home and draw the curtains
Music on the radio
Come on baby make sweet love to me
Am I hard enough
Am I rough enough
Am I rich enough
I'm not too blind to see
Oh little sister
Pretty
song performed by by Rolling Stones from Some Girls
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Like A Tattoo
He told me sweet lies of sweet loves
Heavy with the burden of the truth
And he spoke of his dreams
Broken by the burden
Broken by the burden of his youth
Fourteen years he said
I couldn't look into the sun
She saw him laying at the end of my gun
Hungry for life
And thirsty for the distant river
I remember his hands
And the way the mountains looked
The light shot diamonds from his eyes
Hungry for life
And thirsty for the distant river
Like the scar of age
Written all over my face
The war is still raging inside of me
I still feel the chill
As I reveal my shame to you
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
song performed by by Sade
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Hard Living Without You
Nothing to say no place to hide
I can't find a good reason even to lie
All of our dreams are gone
I may not be right but I'm surely not wrong
And it's gonna be hard
So very, very hard living without you
Well don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Nowhere to go no place to run
We started out just having fun
Well, I never cared too much
Not til the going got so very rough
And it's gonna be hard
So very, very hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
Solo
Hard living without you
Well, don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Baby don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
(Repeat)
song performed by by Zebra
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Hard Livin' Without You
Nothing to say no place to hide
I can't find a good reason even to lie
All of our dreams are gone
I may not be right but I'm surely not wrong
And it's gonna be hard
So very, very hard living without you
Well don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Nowhere to go, no place to run
We started out just having fun
Well, I never cared too much
Not till the going got so very rough
And it's gonna be hard
So very, very hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Well, don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Baby don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Well, don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Baby don't you know that it's
Hard living without you
Don't you know that it's
song performed by by Zebra
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My Husband
My Husband is like warm weathered wood
A twisted cedar on the desert floor,
touching the oppressive sands of times.
Never growing towards the sun.
He showed me where a mountain lion stood
on a sandy San Rafael river shore.
Native spirits played along the willows as they whipped like chimes.
His rusty roan horse carries his gun.
My Husband smells like old leather gloves.
Holding me like the reins of his bridle we follow the trail.
Old trails to roofless cabins, long time forgotten.
He's sings a love song with out any tune and a smile.
Some old western ballad, lyrics of lost love.
He builds me a fence with rough pine rails.
Planting red roses, curtains of cotton.
His rough hands in mine we have shared life's trials.
My Husband is like a cool desert night.
A burning star falling from the West.
Caressing the ledges and narrow canyons red.
Casualty from another time and place.
Nocturnal world sprinkled with Heavens light.
Wrap your arms around me while I rest
Till the fire of the night is dead.
And the Desert moth has gone without a trace.
poem by Joni Moosman
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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It's destiny and nothing else
Last time I saw you
When you were in your spirits
Condemning each and everyone
For being pessimistic to the life
Your face was brightening with the light of success
I remember you said that
You were a self-made man
And that you don't believe in fate
Now what has happened to you?
You look so sad for you are no longer
A successful man
The brightness of your face is vanished
An ever-remaining gloom has overtaken it
Now you blame your fate for your ruin
Is it not a right time for you
To realize the dominance of fate in your life?
When you were successful, it was your luck
Now when you are reduced to a poor wretch
It's your luck either
Destiny has its own style of working
She blesses someone without any hardship
And for someone it's too hard.
poem by Mohammad Akmal Nazir
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.
quote by John Newton
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Argus
Yesterday we lost our lives, tomorrow we were born
Fortune smiled upon us, sacrifice the Argus
All that he might help us see
Magna eyes the track for miles, looking for disease
Puzzled by the mountains - tricked by the sea
and the Argus is practiced compassion
with an eye on you, as one is on me
will the god eye grant his forgiveness
and allow he that's lived, a reason to see
Counting days and building walls, bells ring so's to warn
All the signs that guide us, chosen by the Argus
Tell me has chosen you
Led by form we'll shed our soul
Trusting like a child
See the dark face that saved us
Drink from his empty eyes
and the Argus is practiced compassion
with an eye on you, as one is on me
will the god eye grant his forgiveness
letting droplets of light erupt from the sea...
Lying in beds of garlic and orchids, he closes an eye, which closes another
and in sleep he dreams, of watching and looking and feather clouds dancing
He curls up his lid and sleeps...
Swirling with visions on man's confusion
All of the work, done just to appease him
The Argus he cries, though love has it's place in the sun
It's only man's fear that carries him on...
song performed by by Ween
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Then There Are The Mountains
On a mountain's peak is there peace?
Mountains that overlook the quiet prairie.
Mountains that borders life in rural counties.
Mountains chiseled by years of wind and rain.
Mountain winds creep keeping all secrets.
Mountains a kin to the lower hills of death.
Mountains at the height of glamour baked in sunshine.
Mountains that reach for more majestic planes.
Mountains giving to the ridges, valleys and cliffs.
Mountains in spring the fulfillment of adventure and dream.
Mountains which can shelter one from storm.
Mountains an enduring symbol in poetry.
Mountains which inhabit the calls of the wild.
Mountains of spectacle, below the bending roads between.
Mountains embracing, magnifying the sounds of river.
Mountains the stellar monuments of time.
poem by William Blackman
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Too Lazy To Work Hollow Accusation Angers
an incredibly poignant poem
written with touch of insight mastered
be cries hopelessness diseased
where in this desolation desert
inhumanity indifferent souls parched
is compassion for broken hearted
where is Jesus cries lady who split her nail?
my Porsche has a scratch cries wronged husband?
tragedy internet down cries gamester addicted?
Jesus walks weeps with third world
poets parents poverty in famine desert
as they carry their children dying?
because compassion a few coins
milk honey surplus nations civilized
to starvation desert never donated?
wells were never deep pity drilled
to provide supply living life waters
to grow crops provide daily bread?
stench poverty is rotting flesh gags
stripped bare rib cages litter ground
hopelessness bile bites in air hangs
nameless neglected die in indicted millions
too lazy to work hollow accusation angers God
blood innocence screams justice in desert sand
but blood race religion country culture is not
to your liking you do not know their names
their suffering not real flickers across tv news
bored with tragedy pictures turn off news
change channels laugh with comedy latest
until recession strikes rebukes hard hearts
blessings safe secure employment houses
flash shiny new cars now from you stripped
count blessing you watch not children dying
Inspired by the poem ‘Safe And Sound’ by Eric Cockrell.
poem by Terence George Craddock
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Hard Eyes
hard eyes stare into the night...
hard eyes with calloused gentle hands.
hard eyes that have listened and seen.
hard eyes that have touched.
hard eyes that have fought
battles that couldnt be won...
hard eyes that have shared
the suffering of others....
hard eyes that have known beauty and loss...
hard eyes that make choices that are not easy.
hard eyes that have been betrayed,
hard eyes that have loved...
hard eyes that cross the threshold...
hard eyes of the sword and cross.
hard eyes that look into the soul,
and sometimes even smile.
poem by Eric Cockrell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Buddha's Last Prayer
may every breath i breathe,
help relieve the suffering
of the many...
may every step i take,
be on the path of truth.
may my eyes see myself
in all living beings,
may my heart do the work
that compassion demands.
may i feel every tear,
every hurt, every need.
may i touch with sacred hands.
may my body be a bridge,
and my spirit healing ointment.
may my words fall like rain
on the desert of need.
may i give without hesitation,
and without expectation.
may i grasp the hand that needs help,
and let go of all else.
may my life be both prayer,
and the much needed answer.
may my identity be both lost
and found in all living beings!
poem by Eric Cockrell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Unsung Hero
I thought for a moment that he never felt the PAINS,
When he beared the burden of our guilts and STAINS.
You can't imagine what he went THROUGH,
for him to wipe away all of our sins THROUGH.
You can't imagine the whole of the SHAME,
when he left all his fortunes and FAME.
His head was punctured by THORNS,
and his body was tortured untill his cloth was TORN.
They put the nail throught his hands and FEET,
even as his imaculate and pure heart BEAT.
He cried out all of tears from his EYES,
untill his eyes were as dry as ICE.
They piassed his palm to the STAKE,
For all of human SAKE.
He didn't have to do it, but he did it ANYWAY,
for us to change from our evil WAYS.
He really love us so much that he took our PLACE,
In sacrificing himself for the whole of human RACE.
He died for our sins as if he's the ONE,
in expense of our freedom cos he WON.
He was humilated in front of MANY,
And as dejected by MANY.
They gave him the heavy cross to CARRY,
with so much hatred and MOCKERY.
He was whipped and scourged so HARD,
that his screems can be heard from 10 YARDS.
The stood there at calvary and watch him DIE,
After all the false accusations and LIES.
Even when he screemed ' IT IS FINISHED',
The whole world knew that ' IT WAS FINISHED '.
His blood paid that great price for our SINS,
For us to be free from our guilt and SINS.
He died bearing the burden of our INIQUITY,
for the betterment of the world and all HUMANITY.
It wasn't easy for him to do IT,
But at d end, it was worth IT.
poem by Stanley Oguh
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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John Madden 2000 Theme
(ludacris)
Maaaaaaaaan, get out my way and watch out as I come through
Bustin in your line, crackin helmets in two
I bring the pain, so whatcha gone do?
Stand there and just get shook out your shoes
So clean out your locker, Im out to getcha
Cuz I just popped ya, you cant take the pressure
You might as well quit, cuz you just cant last
Madden two thou put your face in the grass
And your spine in the dirt, so put on a skirt
If you step on the field and dont wanna get hurt
Just bruised and beaten, all black and blue
And its been like that since madden 92
(ludacris)
You better come harder than hard, rougher than rough
Put up your guard, get ready to crush
Its thangs on this field that you just cant change
E.a. sports, its in the game, whatcha want?
(the rock in the palm of my hands!!!)
Whatcha got? (I got john madden!!!!)
Whatcha want?
(the rock in the palm of my hands!!!)
Whatcha got? (I got john madden!!!!)
Whatcha want?
(the rock in the palm of my hands!!!)
Whatcha got? (I got john madden!!!!)
Whatcha want?
(the rock in the palm of my hands!!!)
Whatcha got? (I got john madden!!!!)
Feel the power
song performed by by Ludacris
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Lean On Me
Heavy burden on your shoulder
Lean on me
Heavy burden on your shoulder
Lean on me
Heavy burden on your shoulder
Everyday just a little bit harder
Heavy burden on your shoulder
Lean on me
Down and out without hope
Lean on me
Down and out without hope
Lean on me
Down and out without hope
Im right here, Ill help you cope
Down and out without hope
Lean on me
Grab a rope and pull me in
But lean on me
Everyday, youll have a friend
But lean on me
Grab a rope, pull me in
Everyday youll have a friend
Grab a rope
In the world, ? ?
And if youre looking for a rainy day friend
Well grab a rope, pull me in
Lean on me
Heavy burden cloudy skies
Lean on me
Ill be the ? ? of weeping eyes
But lean on me
If you always feels like rain
All youve got in life is pain
Heavy burden, go away
Oh... , goodbye
Heavy burden, on you shoulder
Lean on me
song performed by by Housemartins
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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River In Time
Now fly with the wind
The spirits running free
The mountains have turned to dust
And the desert is a ragging sea
Im a prisoner no more
If I just believe my eyes
(its hard to believe it)
(youve just got to believe it)
Now Ive opened this door
And my future waits inside
(I know its hard to believe)
Looking at eternity
Love is a river in time
Now and forever
A bridge between lifetimes
Here there are no good-byes
And your dreams never die
Love is a river in time
A million years from now
Will war be obsolete?
Will man live on the moon?
Will flowers smell as sweet?
Take this magic carpet ride
Going to the promise land
(I know its hard to believe it)
(youve just got to believe it)
We shall need the human touch
Every woman, child and man
(everybody believe it)
(reach across and take my hand)
Love is a river in time
(love is a river in time)
Now and forever
A bridge between lifetimes
Here there is no future no past
Love is all we have
Love is a river in time
A river in time
song performed by by Rick Springfield
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Close Enough
I may not be a pillar in my town
Or have the kind of job, you think that I should
I know you see me out runnin around with a couple of people
You think are no good
Ive tried to clean it up a couple of times, but im a
Backslidin fool when it comes to walkin that line
Its ok. you think, youre better than me
Yeah, thats all right, girl, thats all right
Chorus:
cause im close enough for rock and roll
Close enough for rock and roll
Close enough for rock and roll
Im close enough for a little rock and roll
Yeah, its true, I dont plan my time
When youre looking for me, I m hard to find
I know, you dont wanna run around with me
With my socks fallin down, girl, im just poor company
Ive seen your face, and its a one-eyed jack
We like to talk about this or that
None of these things really interest me
Hey, thats all right, girl, thats all right
Chorus:
cause im close enough for rock and roll
Close enough for rock and roll
Close enough for rock and roll
Im close enough for a little rock and roll
I know you think im a rough cut, baby
I aint as rough cut as I am the blood on your hands
Gonna love that blood right off your hands
Chorus:
Yeah, thats all right, girl, thats all right
Close enough for rock and roll
Close enough for rock and roll
Close enough for rock and roll
Im close enough for a little rock and roll
song performed by by John Mellencamp
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Is Thy Cruse of Comfort Wasting?
Is thy cruse of comfort wasting?
Rise, and with thy brother share.
And through all the years of famine
On its bounty ye shall fare.
Love divine will fill thy storehouse,
Or thy handful still renew;
Scanty fare for one will often
Make a royal feast for two.
For the heart grows rich in giving;
All its wealth is living grain;
Seeds, which mildew in the garner,
Scattered, fill with gold the plain.
Is thy burden hard and heavy,
Do thy steps drag wearily?
Help to bear thy brother’s burden;
God will bear both it and thee.
Numb and weary on the mountains,
Wouldst thou sleep amidst the snow?
Chafe the frozen form beside thee,
And together both shall grow.
Art thou stricken in life’s battle?
Many wounded round thee moan;
Lavish on their wounds thy balsams
And that balm shall heal thine own.
Is the heart a well left empty?
None but God its void can fill;
Nothing but a ceaseless fountain
Can its ceaseless longings still.
Is the heart a living power?
Self entwined, its strength sinks low;
It can only live in loving,
And by serving love will grow.
poem by Elizabeth Rundle Charles from The Three Wakings and Other Poems (1859)
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Boys From Diamond City
Echoes of a million years, lie twisted in my face
In a world without no name, and a stranger human race
In the distance how it shines, sparkles in the light
Like a flower pulls you in, you lose your mind.
And it really doesnt matter if the sky should fall
Your living under ground, theres no sky at all
Nothing much changes
Were the boys of the diamond city
Were tough like diamond
Were the boys of the diamond city
So rough, like diamonds
I remember nightmare days, like packs of dogs wed roam
Through the broken city streets, through the broken citys bone
Its so hard to stand your ground, its so hard to stay alive
cos when you fight for what you keep, you know you fight for your life
And it really doesnt matter if the sky should fall
Your living under ground, theres no sky at all
Nothing much changes
Were the boys of the diamond city
Were tough like diamond
Were the boys of the diamond city
So rough, like diamonds
I remember a time
A giant skyline
And a blue, blue sky
Its almost dreamlike
Were the boys of the diamond city
Were the boys of the diamond city
Were tough like diamond
Were the boys of the diamond city
So rough, like diamonds
song performed by by Asia
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Starting All Over Again
Starting all over again is gonna be rough, so rough
But were gonna make it
Starting all over as friends is gonna be rough, on us
But we gotta face it
We lost what we had
Thats why it hurt so bad
It set us back a thousand years
Were gonna make it up
Though its gonna be rough
To erase all the hurt and tears
Starting all over again is gonna be hard
But I pray that the love will help us make it
Starting all over again is gonna be slow
But we both know that we can make it
We gotta take life as it comes
And never worry about whos right or wrong
Its an uphill climb
To the finish line
Were gonna try to make it
One more time
Starting all over again is gonna be rough, so rough
But were gonna make it
Starting all over as friends is gonna be tough, on us
But we gotta face it
Starting all over again is gonna be hard
But I pray that the love will help us make it
Starting all over again is gonna be slow
We both know that were gonna make it
song performed by by Hall & Oates
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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