Category: Modern Life

Looking at how we’re evolving culturally, and how humanity engages with itself, for good and for ill.

The Politics of Rage and Negativity

Carl Setzer

Here’s my Tuesday morning haiku meditation:

Politics of rage
Why are we so negative?
This land of plenty

A Meditation This Memorial Day

Carl Setzer

Please remember why

So many giving their lives

Bird song on marble

As a young man, I was quite proud of my decision to join the Navy. No plans for great and noble sacrifice. My future was what mattered; potential, possibility. There were thoughts of glory, but not of sacrifice. 

I’m sobered as I remember my youth. The naivete. The impulsiveness. The reckless spirit. The commitment to my friends. A child in so many ways, carrying amazing responsibility. I held the keys to horror. Mistakes could mean anguish and death for my friends, my crew, those I loved, and for countless innocents. 

I’ve seen the face of parents who’ve lost their children. Of wives who lost their husbands. The promise of youth shattered to pieces. That leaves a horrible swath of destruction within hearts. 

I consider all of this as I look upon this day and it’s symbolism. There’s so much we have yet to learn. 

An Early Morning Haiku

Carl Setzer

Yes, I am awake

And the birds sing with vigor

Dawn has not yet come

I’m amazed at the number of birds singing right now. Well, I think one of the loudest sounds is an insect, but I digress.  It’s quite boisterous. Oddly, as daylight comes their sounds will quiet. Perhaps just supplanted by human noise. Perhaps. 

Enjoying this quiet Saturday morning, a haiku

Carl Setzer

As I sit, awake

Enjoying this calm morning

We all needed rest

I’ve been awake for a bit, exploring Twitter, reading a bit. Now tea summons me. I must heed the call. 

A Haiku During Allergy Season 

Carl Setzer

When I said “haiku”
The response was “gesundheit”
Healthy poetry?

Anxiety and Mindless Guilt

Carl Setzer1 Comment

Our hearts torture us
Pronouncing us quite guilty
Anxiety’s cruel

May 24, 2918

Carl Setzer

​May 24, 2918

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p style=”font-family:"”>What will that day like?

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p style=”font-family:"”>Beyond my imagining

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p style=”font-family:"”>So far forward 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Where my name 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Will have faded 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Into the realm of dreams 

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p style=”font-family:"”>This notion brought about 

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p style=”font-family:"”>By my misplaced fingers 

Despair Lies 

Carl Setzer

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p style=”font-family:"”>Despair’s a liar

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p style=”font-family:"”>There’s always a way forwards 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Hints of dawn’s colors 

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p style=”font-family:"”>I know how easy it is get lost in fear, my mind racing with destructive dreams. It’s corrosive to my joy. 

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A Productive Day

Carl Setzer

A productive day 

Maintaining my focus helps 

Fewer distractions