What Color Do We Wear?

A question from my shopping companion seemed harmless enough—“should I wear red or blue?”

My response exposed the actual subject of my deliberations—

They say that the postmodern-prestigious honors are on the rise and illusory politics are popular this season

Along with an alarming array of stars, stripes and amber waves many are showing the un-detached alliance to overly produced pseudo-historical fads and fat-cat corporate ideals. 

While the search for the perfect accessory has others shredding notions of loyalty, kindness, and acceptance into a fanatical liberal fringe which is being cut by those who claim status as arbiters of tradition

The oft preached moral obligation to prefer the needs of the poor, was summarily scratched from the line—I believe it clashed with the new hues of Boehner-bigblue and Newt-greengrich

Similarly in a foreign sweatshop the practice of speaking truth to power was dropped instead of hemlines when an awkward assistant mistook for free-trade for fair-trade

A spokesperson for the industry offered deep apologies and said “The translation into American was no doubt the cause; however, with these issues there are diverse viewpoints.” 

By the way those vague notions of diversity and equality are now resting on bargain racks in a tacky thrift store basement—surely they’ll be vintage classics in another few decades

Our dalliance with progressive movements and level playing fields once ushered in on red carpets to great fanfare, was unceremoniously escorted from the prominent runways—seems her Sheen, has been Trumped

Regrettably, the “baggers” abound transfixed in neo-Schlafly, very straight, jackets –or more commonly slinging an unartful Dobson around the head and shoulders to avoid the nasty friction of confronting authoritative sounding lies with simple, quiet and irrefutable facts.

So this year I believe it would be best to just go nude.

Can you Feel the Opportunity?

To loosely quote Eminem- there comes a time in every life when you have the opportunity of an opportunity.  At that moment what will you choose-- seize it or pass it on?  

A key factor in this answer is to recognize opportunity.  Like "they" say, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.  What about when it is not, when is that?  To "see" opportunity is when I have the most freedom-- it is when I have the most choice.  So what do I look for?  I believe I must look for the awful AND the wonderful presented.  Opening my heart gives me the clarity to "see" and then to choose.  Many opportunities are first felt, and then the other senses become aware.  I am going with the feeling of the moment, to see the opportunity, and make my choice.  

Often people talk about feelings as if even acknowledging them is less than human, base or even degrading.  No one wants to cry in the open, and arguing and shouting is strictly kept for behind closed doors.  I believe great inspiration is born in the deep gut-wrenching sobs of loss.  There is a beautiful passion stoking the fire of a serious shouting match.  Can it be taken too far-- of course.  That discussion is for another time.  Right now I'm suggesting open up.  Open to the chance that your greatness-- my greatness is at the core of this awfulness scattered and strewn in my way.  Weep openly at the sorrow and grief of loss-- shout and shake fists at the wanton and indiscriminate destruction.  Twirl and laugh in the blazing noonday sun.  Shriek and dance unsheltered in the torrential downpour. Above or below all, feel the opportunity in the moment-- then choose.