Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Revolution Of The Minds




Polite conversation,
over dainty teacups,
dancing around the issues of our time.
They talk about hair,
and wrinkle cream,
reality shows and the weather.
They have no interest
in hungry babies,
nets for malaria,
or crimes against humanity.
I don't want to dance this dance,
do I make you uncomfortable ?
do I challenge you today ?
I won't apologize,
I won't refrain,
I won't hold back.
We are all connected,
we must face the music.
We must grasp the challenges
of the world outside ourselves.


 Meet me at the Pub, where we share our thoughts and our hearts.http://dversepoets.com/
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94 comments:

  1. Pat HattOctober 18, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Great scene you set and then tear it all apart, yeah I wouldn't want to drink from dainty teacups and talk about reality shows either, scary.

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  2. DaydreamertooOctober 18, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    So easy to shrink away rather than face the world which (these days) seems so much crueler now in so many various ways.
    A lovely, emotional read.
    My blog is fixed now, so hopefully you won't have anymore problems with it. :)

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  3. Maude LynnOctober 18, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    This is wonderful. And, so true.

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  4. Brian MillerOctober 18, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    i feel you on this...its easier to skirt the issues and make polite conversation but what is the point? when there is so much we can do...

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  5. ClaudiaOctober 18, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    yes - there's a world outside ourselves - and we tend to forget..think it really needs a revolution of the mind..

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  6. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    so many heart issues

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  7. PatriciaOctober 18, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Oh, I am very familiar with this scene and you paint it well. I call her the Queen of Denial... and that ain't no river in Egypt. ;)

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  8. BeachannyOctober 18, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Right on! I'm thinking about this too. This is not a civilization crumbling IT'S THE ENTIRE PLANET. Who decided we could live without the rain forests and the oceans? The planet may not need us but we need it! Well said.

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  9. ScarletOctober 18, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I understand this very well.. it makes people uncomfortable really.

    And thank you for your kind words about my parents. I really appreciate it.

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  10. UnknownOctober 18, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Totally here with you on this, great job at illustrating the downfall throughout the piece.I don't want to dance this dance,
    do I make you uncomfortable ?
    do I challenge you today ? these questions and the way you answered them made the read for me. Great job, thanks

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  11. Suzy QOctober 18, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    I like to feel uncomfortable:) These issues should be talked about.
    I love the confrontation of the questions you pose here.
    A really fantastic poem.

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  12. Adura OjoOctober 18, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Indeed we must grasp the challenges of life outside ourselves. The problem seems to one of apathy. 'Seems it is so easy these days to feel apathy and not empathy. Wonder what that says about the world we live in. Lovely poem...says a lot.

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  13. Dulçe ♥October 18, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Yes, madam, we are really good at escaping from reality... a way to survive? I don't know.

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  14. libithinaOctober 18, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    so true Ayala ~ idle chatter without effect ~
    your blog always makes me smile tho :)
    cause I adore your golden labrador
    had one myself for fifteen years ~
    I adored her ~
    much love Lib

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  15. LouiseOctober 18, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    I hear you...so frustrating when people don't want to listen or take responsibility. I think we're getting to a point in our history where we'll have to soon...and we need to make people uncomfortable to see it. Very well written ..

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  16. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Lovely dose of truth for us all - another nice work, Ayala!

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  17. UnknownOctober 18, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Yes, we must stop getting so distracted that we ignore the suffering. It's pieces like this that will help us not forget. Thank you for writing it, Ayala :)

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  18. TinoOctober 18, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    I dont want to dance this dance either and that one sentance sums it all up so very very well.

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  19. CloudiaOctober 18, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    people cope in different ways. . .



    good piece!



    Aloha from Waikiki;

    Comfort Spiral



    > < } } ( ° >

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  20. Laurie KolpOctober 18, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I really enyed this one!

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  21. AdrienneOctober 18, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    yes. one person at a time, one act of kindness at a time, one act of service at a time. it'll add up, if we're just aware and active. love this.

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  22. colleenOctober 18, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Thanks for the reminder.

    The tea parties I go to aren't like the first you described, but not like the second either. We mostly talk about poetry and the inner life, sometimes politics. And then there is Alice.

    I like the juxtaposition you created.

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  23. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    we all dance this dance of life together...wonderfully written my friend

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  24. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Bless you for reminding us and for keeping the ball aloft. We need to care more about what really matters...each other and this planet we borrowed. Our stewardship is wanting. Thank you!

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  25. SheilaOctober 18, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    I know women like this - they kind of get on my nerves.

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  26. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Absolutely right. Great contrasts here.

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  27. kamanaOctober 19, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    oh i am not one for polite conversation. i have often been accused of being too blunt!

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  28. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Thank you, Pat. :)

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  29. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Thank you, Bren. I tried to leave a comment and again it would not let me. :( You are right so many people turn away because it's easier for them...go figure.

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  30. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Thank you, MZ.

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  31. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Brian, you are right, what is the point? if we can't face reality.....

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  32. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Claudia, it starts with awareness. Lori and I were saying that on blog action day...awareness. :)

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  33. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Yes, Wolfsrosebud.

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  34. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Ha ha, Patricia. :) well said. :)

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  35. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Thank you, Gay...many important issues.

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  36. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Heaven...it does make them uncomfortable.
    I wish your parents well.

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  37. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Thank you, Fred. I appreciate it.

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  38. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Thank you, Suzy....some are not moved because it's not happening in their backyard....

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  39. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Adura, very true!

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  40. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    I don't know, Dulce.

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  41. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Thank you, Lib. I always smile when I am told that Daisy brings joy to many that come here. Labs are just so loving. Sorry about yours, I know how hard that is. Hugs.

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  42. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Thank you, Louise. I think that these issues need to be discussed no matter how uncomfortable people get.

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  43. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Thank you, Chris. So excited about your book. :)

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  44. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Thank you, Lori. It's what we talked about the other day...it starts with awareness.

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  45. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    Thank you, Tino.

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  46. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Cloudia...true and I am not judging anyone...only pointing out important issues that are happening in this day and age...which should not be ! :)

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  47. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Thank you, Laurie. :)

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  48. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Thank you, Adrienne. One act..one day..one world.

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  49. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Thank you, Colleen.
    I am a frustrated that in 2011 we have children dying of starvation and crimes against humanity and......so much more!

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  50. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    Thank you, David. I am glad you enjoyed it.

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  51. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    Thank you, 1emeraldcity.

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  52. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Sheila...smiles to you!

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  53. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Thank you, Karin.

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  54. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Good for you, Kamana. :) That's great you should always speak your mind.

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  55. hedgewitchOctober 19, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Amen, ayala. Life isn't lived in teacups.

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  56. Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being RudriOctober 19, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    This is brilliant. I wonder how people can just focus on the superficial and not worry about the rest of the world.

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  57. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    I hear you on FM - good for you, we need to understand this and be reminded of it every day, every day!

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  58. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    True, Joy...true.

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  59. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Thank you, Rudri. I wonder too.....

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  60. ayalaOctober 19, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Yes, Anna. It's about awareness ....and caring about the world beyond our backyard.

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  61. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Very motivational. There is a world that needs our attention so much more than our television sets (mine is rarely on so if anyone wanted to talk reality tv with me, it would be a short conversation)

    Beth

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  62. mrs mediocrityOctober 19, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    this is so often my problem in social situations... especially when it turns to celebrities. we need more people who think like you.

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  63. joannaOctober 19, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Smash the teacups! Thanks for this great message. :)

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  64. Maxwell Mead Williams Robinson BarryOctober 20, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    powerful message sent here.
    love your thoughtfulness on issues.

    cool piece.

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  65. kelvin s.m.October 20, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    ..'we are all connected'.. that line rings a command and many shapes of comprehension... i feel you most inspired in writing this piece my friend.. an undeniable simplicity and power... been out this late and busy hunting for a job and submitting resumes... hopefully, i get calls soon.

    Brightest blessings!(:

    ~Kelvin

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  66. Luke PraterOctober 20, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    strong message

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  67. AnonymousOctober 20, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Good for you! "I don't want to dance this dance..." either.

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  68. Ed PilollaOctober 20, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    what a powerful piece. i like it so much. you speak for me and many, many others.

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  69. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Beth...there is a world out there that needs help....

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  70. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Thank you, Mrs. Mediocrity.

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  71. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Smash the illusion,Joanna.

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  72. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Thank you, Morning. I appreciate it.

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  73. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Kelvin,
    Thank you. I wish you well and I wish you good luck with the job. :)

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  74. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Thank you, Luke :)

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  75. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Thanks, Victoria :)

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  76. ayalaOctober 20, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Thank you, Ed. I hope all is well.

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  77. GlynnOctober 21, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    Those teacups - we drink our tea and murmur our words politely, ignoring or unaware of the reality around us. Good poem, Ayala.

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  78. BelindaOctober 21, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    Have you ever heard Eve Ensler speak? The message you have here is one of the running themes of her talks. We need to be done with the facade and appearances if we are going to elevate the state of humanity.

    Great post, Ayala. I bet you and I could have some really good conversations in person.

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  79. ayalaOctober 21, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Thank you, Glynn. I think it's time to open our eyes....

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  80. ayalaOctober 21, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Belinda,
    I have never heard Eve Ensler speak. I have read about her after you mentioned her to me a long time ago. I would love to see her in person one day. I would love to have conversations with you some day in person. You are one of those people that are an inspiration to others.

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  81. CMOctober 21, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    I agree. More needs to be done...but how? I think we try to do what we can, like writing a poem like this to make others aware.

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  82. BaishaliOctober 21, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    so very true ... a powerful message ...

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  83. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    The picture you've painted for me with your exquisite words is so very poignant and powerful. Thank you.

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  84. ayalaOctober 22, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    CM, it starts with awareness ...and steps toward change.

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  85. ayalaOctober 22, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Thank you, Baishali.

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  86. ayalaOctober 22, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Thank you, Denise. I appreciate it.

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  87. KBOctober 22, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    A wonderful write.

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  88. ayalaOctober 23, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Thank you, KB. :)

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  89. LaurenOctober 24, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    You don't make me uncomfortable at all. I want to grasp other's challenges. Can we also talk about reality TV?

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  90. LeslieOctober 25, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    We can escape reality in a number of ways... and miss the hurting people right under our noses.

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  91. ayalaOctober 25, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Good for you, Lauren. So important to grasp other's challenges. Reality television was just a way for me to express my frustration...... :)

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  92. ayalaOctober 25, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Leslie, the need is greater and greater.....

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  93. Ed PilollaOctober 30, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    just can't tell you how much i like this. there's nothing as important as action, and that's why so few act, in one way or another. thank you.

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  94. ayalaOctober 30, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Thank you, Ed. It takes passion and a dream...then action.

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