It’s amazing what we can learn from other people who come from other lands
If we take the time to listen…if we take the time to understand.
I had a friend…from a different country…a far off distant land
who, on the day when we were introduced…extended his two hands.
I hesitated for a moment and, sensing my apprehension
He said, “In my country we shake with both hands to show you have our full attention.
He knew we came from different lands with different traditions
different dialects
“Shaking with two hands.”he said, “is a way we show dignity and respect”.
He said, “It is how we hand each other food…
It’s the way we give each other a gift
and when someone we know is feeling down,” he smiled,
“two hands makes it easier to lift”.
And so every time I’d greet him…this man from a different land
as a show of dignity and respect…I’d extend him my two hands.
My friend got sick…and when he was dying…my friend from different land
I sat next to his bedside…and we grabbed each other’s hands.
With my two hands in his…as his life was slipping away
He said, “You see we’re not so different…with two hands is how we pray”.
When this pandemic is over…and our world once more expands….
I vow to greet everyone I meet…by extending my two hands.
There’s a little axiom called the Golden Rule
that is impressive in it’s simplicity.
A basic human principle regarding reciprocity.
It’s often taught in families
handed down from our fathers and our mothers.
Every religion in the world embraces it…in one form or another.
Perhaps at this most religious time for many…
This Hanukah,…Christmas…Yule…
It would be a good time to reach into the shadows
and bring back the Golden Rule.
A rule that teaches us a simple truth
It has but one goal…one aim…
That you should treat me with kindness and respect…
and I should treat you the same.
So when…whatever God we believe in,
thinks about us when this holiday, or any day, is done…
he or she will have a reason…
to bless us every one.
How am I
To live a meaningful life
In a world full of misery
Inhumanity and strife
To dodge all the pitfalls
That lead us all to sin
Knowing good and well
It’s a battle I’ll never win
How am I
To be able to cope
In a society full racism
And a world who’s lost hope
To be reassured of a future
Where mankind still has a place
On this planet we have treated
With devastation and disgrace
How am I
To teach my children to cope
To surpass my expectations
Is there even still hope?
Will they be left with a planet
Raped and poisoned beyond repair
A wasteland of religious hatred
Do we even really care?
How are “WE”
As a species expect to survive
If we all continue with the mind set
That only “MY” race and religion
Deserve to be alive.
Verse 1:
Though, I long for you,
I cannot be with you.
Our paths are entwined.
If they ever cross,
Know that you are my destiny.
Fate only lets us meet
One another in this world.
Chorus:
I'll be your memory.
Let it enfold you.
Let it live on.
Don't you forget about me.
'Cause it's a beautiful life
That we have got to live for.
Verse 2:
I see your smile.
I hold back the tears
FRom the day I lost you.
Memories etch at my heartstrings.
But I know that it's over for us.
Bridge:
If you can take me on,
I'll be your everything.
It's a beautiful life that we've got.
I thank God for
Sending you to me.