"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh and the greatness that does not bow before children." ~Khalil Gibran
This evening, I drove to Sandy Point State Park to enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore and tree-lined paths. Occupied with my own thoughts, it didn't occur to me until I arrived at the park gate that it is Saturday, August 2nd, which is prime time for people to flock to the beach for fun and relaxation. The excessive heat and humidity of late have subsided for now, and the sweetness of summer invites us to come and bask in her sunshine and grace.
As I stepped out of my car, music filled the air, mingling with voices speaking languages unknown to me. One of the most remarkable aspects of living in Maryland is its rich representation of diverse cultures from around the world. In a moment of mindful reflection, I slowly walked along the rocky pebble path towards the restrooms feeling grateful to be here. Upon entering the crowded space with damp, sandy floors, I now heard global accents blending the familiarity of English with warmth and care. Women voiced their concerns for the safety of their children, as young boys waited patiently by the doorways for their mothers and sisters to emerge from the changing rooms.
With freshly washed hands and a soft smile, I re-entered the lively park, ready to make my way to the sandy shore and Blue Crab trail. Families strolled alongside me on the dirt path, their young children in wet swimwear and happy dogs on leashes, including one young gray pup with blue eyes—possibly a Weimaraner—carried lovingly in someone's arms. As I surveyed the bay waters, I remembered a sign at the park entrance warning swimmers to be cautious of jellyfish, and thankfully, there was no sign of their stinging presence.
From the photographs I took this evening, you cannot smell the savory aroma of grilled chicken permeating the air, nor can you see the cheerful faces of the people I greeted along the way or hear the laughter of children playing on the beach. You won't see the aged hands holding those of their grandchildren, nor will you hear the music or feel the vibrant energy of life that filled me to the brim while walking in this familiar place, typically accompanied by the sounds of seagulls and waves lapping at the shore.
All of this reminded me of a Native American proverb:
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
by Khalil Gibran
Lebanese Poet (1883-1931)
her bosom said, Speak to us of Children.
And he said;
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of
Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet
they belong not to you.
your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of
tomorrow, which you cannot visit,
not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but
seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries
with yesterday.
children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the
path of the infinite, and He bends
you with His might that His arrows
may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that
flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.
This poem is in the public domain.
An audio reading of Children presented by RedFrost Motivation -
Children, Khalil Gibran (Powerful Life Poetry)
Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~Jen
Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.