The key

Arched windows offer keyhole views at the Paris Mosque. In both the Bible and the Koran, a keyhole recalls the tradition of locked and hinged manuscripts in securing, protecting and holding the "key" to the Word of God. Photo by Jordana Shalhoub.

For the Writers Island prompt, "The Key:"

Recently I read a rather naive blog piece in which the writer said she didn't want to know about or deal with the world's troubles; she just wanted to remain at home in her "safe haven." But there are no safe havens anymore, anywhere in this vast global village we call home. We are all connected; everything that happens, ultimately affects us all. Each day when I read or hear one bit of bad news after another, I am more and more convinced that the positive changes necessary must begin with us.

Along those lines, here's my 15-minute poem linked to "The key:"

The key to change
isn't politicians
or empty promises
made by those who claim to care,
but pursue their own interests
at our expense.

It's the monks in Burma,
who march in silent protest.
It's the writers and photographers and artists
who cast light in the shadows
and hold up the truth for all to see
and act.

It's those who have been oblivious
in their comfort zones of relative safety,
who suddenly wake up
and realise what's happening
and think, "Wait, this affects me
and my children and their children!"

Our planet is slowly eroding,
buffeted by nature's fury and manmade woes.
causing cities to flounder and ice floes to melt.
Poisoned by pollution and deprivations of war,
impoverished families struggle to survive, while
too many refugees trade one disaster zone for another.

We are all in this together.
The key to change, my friend
is you and I.
If not us, then who?

Comments

[Alex]

Ah. I agree, Tara. And yet I can relate with the naive writer who wants the world's troubles to go away so that he or she can gather the rosebuds...If only...would be nice...maybe some day...

[Giggles]

Tara profound and powerful poem, which should be plastered everywhere for the masses to read! You my dear Tara DO make a difference. It's naive to think we don't all have something to share...even a small difference can be made by one person! Matty Stepanek made huge strides and he was a just a child, with a disability none the less! Wonderful post!

Hugs Sherrie

[holli]

Ugh - there is something going on at Flickr right now.. pictures of children are being stolen and used in horrible ways. People have got to start standing up and doing something about all the injustice in this world. I am flat-out tired of apathy. I'm ready to start slapping people. The burden cannot rest on a few.

Thank you for this post. I'm only sorry more people won't read it... and even fewer will act on it in real life.

[Clare]

Bravo!! You are so right about our all being connected and that each of us has to wake up and make a difference!! Yes!!!!!!
:)

[robyn pope]

Wonderful poem and the thought behind it is even better, thank you. I have been working non stop this week and it was nice to read this. :)

[Robin]

A strong message, but a very true one. It brings to mind a Jewish saying "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?". Turning the key in the lock and opening the door has to feel better than banging your head into the closed door over and over and over again.

[Tammy]

I could not have said it better.

[Melanie-bd]

I love the picture.... Your words speak of the truth. Words so often on my mind. This is the only EARTH we have and we (FAT GREEDY AMERICANS AMONG OTHERS))have done more then it's share of damage. We have a man in charge that has lost his grasp of reality. Each and ever day the Death count ever turns. Yet still we think not of the innocent victims( I include our wonderful troops) as mass slaughter and starvation goes on.
You may chose to not post this but I was so moved by your striking poem that I had to speak. Yea for you!...and, may God help us all.....

love-bd

[tinker]

Well and truly said, Tara. Your writing shines with such passion and conviction. Thank you for the reminder, dear friend. xoxo

[Jeanne]

Tara your words are truly amazing!
Blessings!

[Caty]

You are so right Tara! I think as well that we are responsible for others. What happens everywhere is our concern.

Thank you again Tara! Gracias!

[Fenny]

So true ... change has got to come from me and you ... especially when we have the luxuriety of a "safe" haven ... and one person can make a difference ... we see that happen around us all the time ... nice piece and photograph

[Baby Milo]

Wow... stunning picture. I love the colors.

[Kerstin]

Tara, I feel a little taken aback by your choice of words "a rather naive blog piece" because isn't that exactly where the key to change starts: less judgment and more empathy? I haven't read the post you are referring to, but why is this person naive for wanting to stay safe? Today's assault of 24/7 news, most of which is horrible and distressing, can easily overwhelm anyone. Isn't the key to change here to understand that there are many people like this person, and how can we reach them, rather than judge them? I find judgment and empathy to be the most difficult challenges, on any level. I am struggling with this right now in my personal life, where I have an opportunity to change my attitude and thus affect another person's quality of life. I hold the key to this change and I know it would be the right thing to do. So why am I fighting it so much? I know I have to try harder because you are right: positive change starts with us.

Tara responds,
Kerstin, I wasn't being judgmental, I was stating a fact. It is naive to think one can stay at home and be safe without accepting any responsibility for himself or herself and for one's children's place in the world. After all, who makes it possible for people to live like this, at home in a secure environment? Who is making sacrifices for that person to live a "safe" life? It's law enforcement and government services paid for with our tax dollars. We all have a responsibility to care for ourselves and others, not expect someone else to do everything for us.

Of course it would be lovely to keep the bad news at bay and stay in an always-pleasant environment. But that's the stuff of fairy tales, not real life. As citizens and particularly as parents, we face responsibilities, decisions and choices every single day that require being aware and informed of what's going on in the world - not hiding under the covers and hoping it will all go away. I think most parents want to have a say in the world in which their children are growing up; most parents also want their children to ultimately be able to make informed choices and be aware of their own responsibilities. John Donne was right when he said "no man is an island..."

[Kimberley]

The picture is gorgeous and your words right on target. There is so much suffering. But your poem is not depressing to me, but hopeful. We hold all the potential for change, and there are so many of us acting on that potential. I have been trying to work up a post about a powerful experience I had regarding something along these lines - hopefully I will find my magic glasses so I can see that muse you assured me was hovering near by!

[Pauline]

How very true and how aptly put. If not us, then who, for 'we' are 'they'...

[Gillian @ Indigo Blue]

Tara, I have been guilty of living obliviously within my comfort zone...until two nights ago I stomped out of the house in a snit, got into the van and started to drive.
I drove for about 20 miles...it was night.
As I was driving I realized that I had nowhere to go.
My home was 20 miles back the other way.
This led me to think, about how small and petty my problem was. Because I was faced with the reality for a nanosecond that millions face each day...those who are refugees live this way every second of their lives. Nowhere to go.
I felt stupid. I turned the van around and went home. Giving thanks that I had a roof, a fridge, and warm clothing. Then I started thinking about what I should do to help...
xo
Blue
(The key is within me. You are right. Jordana's photo is fantastic, she has an eye for art, like her mother!)

[keith hillman]

That made me stop and think! A very pessimistic view but one which needs to recognised and acknowledged. Your reference to the monks of Burma is specially fitting at this moment.

May I say how much I have enjoyed wandering through your site

[Colette]

Yes, we are the key. But since time immemorial, humans have been trying to conquer each other, obliterating everything in their way. Today, it's not as bad, but still happening. That's why we have to keep repeating it: WE are the key. WE are the world.

[Nina]

Love the photo and love the poem. I agree, we are in this together and those who think certain problems (and responsibilities) are not theirs have yet to wake up to the reality. The world as such belongs to all of us. In malay, we have a saying "if you pinch the left thigh, the right thigh should also feel the pain". 'Should' is the operative word. unfortunately it is not so in practice...

Thanks for sharing such beautiful thought (and view).
Love.

[leonie (chocolate covered musings)]

if not us, then who indeed.

[odessa]

wow, very nicely said. reminds me of these lines from john donne:
"and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
i especially LOVE the stanza about the monks in Burma, the writers, artists, etc. So true.

[marja]

Excellent poem. Yes we all have to stand together. Thanks and thanks you for visiting me I feel honoured. I added your blog because it is so beautiful and interesting and Paris happens to be my favourite city.

[desert rat]

Couldn't agree more.
And I love your eye for photography. Every time I come here, I feel like I've taken a short, sweet trip across the ocean to another land. Beautiful images, thoughtful words - always well worth the visit.

[lissa]

Very profound thoughts. Sure got me thinking.

[Steve]

Little Miss, I stand and applaud!

[Leslie M]

So well said and right on.

[marita]

beautiful picture tara! takes me back once upon a time...
wise words spoken.
responsability starts within yourself. respect, tolerance and the colorful images of the world is a painting that not everybody is able to express and share. how sad that not everybody is gifted with this talent...

[Tumblewords]

You truly have a gift for political statement. Always show such strength and intelligence as well as a path. Nice. And the photo is beautiful. When I think how many buildings such as this have been destroyed through war and other stupidities...

[Mary T.]

What affects me, affects the world. . .and vice versa.

[Alex]

You always have a gentle captivating way of sending a powerful message!

[Michelle]

Amen!

[This Girl Remembers]

What a lovely call to action! Can we make this required reading for - well, everyone? :)

[Jo]

WOO HOO! So well said!!!!

[Brian]

I agree Tara and I think there are more and more people who are trying to reach out. The key is ourselves.

[Lea]

Yes, we are each a key, and we know how to open to the treasures of our heart and soul, bringing our gifts to the world. Here's to people everywhere finding that they are the key! Beautiful!

[JanePoe (aka Deborah)]

A wonderful response to anyone who is feeling apathetic or disempowered. Great poem, Tara & I love Jordana's photo. xx, JP/deb

[Janet]

Your words are so true. Sadly too often people feel as that blogger who wants to bury her head in the sand. We are, each one of us, the key to whether this earth survives or dies. I love the way you express yourself.

[gautami tripathy]

Key for change is very important. You alwaysmake such strng statements. Your posts are ever so had hitting and very thoughtful. I am so glad to read your posts.

[rochambeau]

Yes we are all in this together. Each of us is connected to one another. Just like all the parts of a body make up a whole.

You have a gift for expressing your feelings Tara. We don't all have this gift. I admire you for your values, and talent to state your opinions in concise ways. It's as if you are able to state what I feel, where it is difficult for me to articulate myself. We need your voice. I'm sure you know Bill Moyers? He is my hero for the same reasons I have stated about you above.

[Becca]

"We are the world," and its fate lies in our hands. Your poem carries a strong message. Well said!