Two Odes to Joy

Ode to Joy by Jeanne

Today was the most unexpected delight.
Almost a miracle, in fact.
Impossibly perfect weather
Spurred a spontaneous drive.

My hot Ruby red Miata, top down
Both of us screaming "freedom!!"
Her engine purring perfectly,
My purple cowboy hat on tight,
Ipod blasting classical opera.
Both of us jacked up on sunshine and
Basking in the warmth on our skins.

No resistance...
No timelines...
No expectations...

Wind in my hair
Sudden flashback of my 16th summer
That elusive sense of immortality!
A glimpse of simple joy and peace
That people spend their lives and
Fortunes chasing.

Why so elusive?

Spontaneity focuses one keenly on
Living in the present.
Accepting the reality of now,
This very precious moment,
And the choice
To be there or not.

Today was a quiet celebration.
I was there.
I stepped over the rut
Of grasping and clinging
Or pushing things away --
Wishing "past" difficulties --
And fearing the future --
Or re-playing the past.

My habits were not quick enough!
Euphoria tricked the ego
And I escaped!
Then luxuriated all day
In perfect little moments,
Savoring each -- slowly
Like melting dark chocolates
One by one under my tongue.

A heavenly connection to acceptance
With how things are right here and now....
Is happiness.
Is possible.
Is woven together with grace and beauty

And found in simple truths
Taught in every country and culture
By humble enlightened messengers.

I know them.
Do you?
Why isn't the world listening?



These are the words to Ode To Joy
as sung by Opera Babes
They made me cry with joy today.

All believing, all embracing
Earth below and sky above.
There will never be a power
Greater than united love.

O light of hope enduring
Ever in our hearts reside.
Now, the time to stand together.
No man may alone abide.

All as one in every nation
By our bearing will be bound.
Peace, the true and humble treasure
Through compassion will be found.

O light of clearest vision
No illusion shall divide.
Now, the time to stand together.
No man may alone abide.

Side by side though oceans part us
One by one its understood
Day by day the dawn is breaking
On the bond of brotherhood.

O light of pure intention
All dissension cast aside
Now, the time to stand together
No man need alone abide.