Ode to love- Running with the baton
We are all one in God's eyes, just different shades of color.
Martie graciously gave me the running with the baton, and i'm honored to receive it.
Her topic was love and the different feelings/emotions connected with our ability to love. As she noted, we love our soulmates, our children and parents, but we are capable of loving outside our immediate family. For instance, we love our pets and animals. I have an array of birds that come to my feeder daily. I also have a squirrel and bunny and i love them all.
I also have friends ( Many outside the U.S. ) whom i love dearly. I might add that i love our Hubville community of writers and poets. With that declared, allow me to introduce a man who is a Poet Bard, Manatita44, born in Grenada, West Indies.
He honed his skills initially by reading the works of the great english writers and poets while sitting beneath lamp posts in the early hours of the morning dawn in the Caribbean sunshine.
He travelled to London, U.K. in nineteen seventy three and began meditation under the guidance of Sir Chinmoy. In nineteen eighty two he began to put shape to his work, first in poetry, then writing.
He is a published author. His poetry reflects his deep spirituality centered on the deepest values and meanings by which people live. It envisions an inner path enabling one to discover the essence of his/her being.
I have grown to admire his teaching in poetic form. Hopefully, as readers of this ode, you will visit Manatita44 and be inspired to share love toward all people.
We are all one in God's eyes, just different shades of color.
Quote: When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.
Maya Angelou
A child born without love starts out incomplete
Often the child seeks touch and recognition
From strangers on the street
Children scattered worldwide, carelessly tossed aside
Begging for food
Watching their world collide
Children must have and deserve protection, keeping them out of harm's way
So let's dig deep
Loving and giving to our own and to those that's been cast away.
- Love: Running With The Baton
Eight love indicators, categorized by the ancient Greeks, give us an idea where we stand in the realm of love
- Love: Project Good Words Musical Challenge
"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love." — Maya Angelou Through my life, music has made me feel a sense of love. What songs make you fall in love with love?
Comments
Lovely, Ruby! Love has many forms...it is a kind of shape-shifting force with almost everything that lives and feeds the soul. How lucky we are to know and to share this wonderful energy that is the miracle of humanity.
Thank you for reintroducing us to Manatita. I have read and left comments with a couple of his poems. I like his style very much. It teaches yet inspires with stunning imagery and metaphor.
"We Are The World" is the perfect video.
Voted up and shared. Hugs, dear friend. :-)
Love this Ruby! Love is one of those things we can't touch or see but its the most powerful thing in the universe. its amazing. Thanks for the introduction to Manatita, I will go and check out his amazing hubs, thanks ruby, nell
Hi Ruby, I have read some of Manatita's poems and they have touched my heart. Thanks for featuring him in our run with the love baton. I bet he will love to run this awesome race with us. I believe my hub Love: Running With The Baton explains the origin of this run. Thanks for adding the link.
Voted up, inspiring and oozing with love....
The video "We are the World" was very stimulating Ruby. I love the way that you said, "We are all one in God's eyes". It is so true. The poem about the children is full of meaning and we must all help them when we can.
I rated this up+++, it was uplifting and I shared it and pinned it.
Kevin
Ruby, you passed the baton to the perfect poet. Well done.
Dear Ruby,
You are one of the most loving women I know. This topic flowed effortlessly for you, as you write freely from your heart.
I will look forward to checking out Manatita's poetry. Listening to this perfect selection from MJ now...
Voted UP & UABI. Love, Maria
Hello Ruby. You find grace and loving care in all you do. You recommendation is so full of care and your friends know how well you care for the birds and small animals that arrive at your door. It is a treat to read this hub.
Ruby, your poem is beautiful and sad at the same time. Children should never be cast aside, but sadly, too many of them are.
Thank you for introducing us to Manatita. I'll check him out.
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Hello Genna. Thank you for your kindness toward my work. I've seen your comments on Manatita's poetry. When i was writing this i knew that i was supposed to pass the baton to someone who would run with it lovenly and you are that person. I know your contribution will be wonderful..Hugs my dear friend.
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Hello Nell. So glad you are going to check Manatita's poetry, i promise you will not be disappointed. I agree, love is powerful and it could heal our world. Thank you so much...Hugs....
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Hi Martie. I added your link and Mar's musical challenge since part of the challenge was passing the baton. Happy you approve. Thank you so much for giving me the oppurunity to introduce Manatita and your comment makes me happy. Hugs my friend...
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Hello Kevin. I love that video too. Happy you enjoyed my poem. If every person would give one dollar to feed the poor, it would be eliminated. Thank you for sharing...
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Hello Bill. I agree with your comment. Thank's so much for your support and encouragement through your hubs....
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Hello Mar. Thank you for your kindness but i'm human, i have my day's just like everyone else. Children suffering and being hungry always makes me angry. I love that song too and i miss Michael. I hope you noticed that i linked your ' Love: project good words musical challenge? I know you will be inspired by Manatita's poetry. Love and hugs galore my friend...
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Hello Mike. I'm thrilled that it was a treat to read this piece. Thank you so much. I wish you could see a pigeon who sits on my back patio, it's been there all summer in a nest, the baby is gone but it stays. I washed the window just below him/she this morning and he cocked his head to one side when i was talking to him. What a hoot. I love it. Thank's my friend...
Always.... no matter what subject your hubs are about you give it a narrative drive with consistent roots.. love it voted awesome my friend :)
A very powerful message in the Heal the World Video. I saw it twice today, as someone else used it as well.
Giving: Such a blessed quality. Human nature cannot grow and does not grow without soulful or selfless service.
You've mentioned me lovingly in your Hub and I am truly humbled and touched. Yes. Let us all be spiritual athletes, running with the baton of Love, its flame burning brightly in our hearts, bringing solace to all His children, and especially those in greater need.
Mostly I identify with Love, that sweet feeling in your heart, that deep thrill where goodness abides in abundance, sharing its secret in the ether, and in the hearts of man.
A great effort with some ideas taken from my Profile, I believe (smile)
The Spirit here in your Hub, in your great colleagues, are excellent and my pranams and gratitude to you all.
I have noted the 'plug' my Sweet. (smile) Please take a humble and soulful bow from me. Lots of Hugs.
My salutations to all the Hubbers who have contributed here. Om Namo Shivaya. (I pay homage to your Higher Self)
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Hello Shauna. Thank you for gracing my page. I feel the same about the poem. I'm glad you're checking out Manatita44 poetry. It is spiritually uplifting, yet mystical and brings the universe into being. Happy you enjoyed....
Ruby, these are lovely sentiments and a beautiful introduction to another person who'll share in the abundant love of the writers here. Your poem is deep and soulful, a reminder that we are our brother's keeper. Thanks for being such a dear, sweet, wonderful person.
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Hello Frank. Thank you for voting this awesome. I appreciate your support and kind remarks....Cheers....
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Da man showed up for the party! Manatita44. So glad you approve . I couldn't think of anyone more deserving to run the baton of love. Your poetry is packed full of love and kindness toward others. I must admit, i used some of your bio. to introduce you. smile..Thank you for sharing your poetry. I hope you will write about meditation, it is a subject i am interested in. Hugs to you my friend...
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Hello Peg. Our community is growing stronger each day because of writers and poets who love to share, you included. Thank you so much. I am humbled at your comment, i, in no way care more than you or anyone, we all hurt when love is not given, esp. to a child. .Hugs my friend...
Ruby, this is beautiful and deeply felt. I love the Maya Angelou's quote and Manatita44 is a well deserved torch bearer with a beautiful poetic soul. Keep spreading the love. :)
Thanks Ruby: I started here on Hub pages by writing prose. Here are two links for what you are asking for: https://caloriebee.com/workout-routines/Practising...
Hi Ruby,
Oh, Love is divine! Your poem is heartrending. When it comes to children, my heart is overwhelmed with love, and I can't stand the thought of them being unloved and neglected.
I love Manatita's poetry as it is always about exquisite love. So, he truly knows love and loves to spread it around to all. What a blessing!
You have beautifully taken the baton of LOVE and shared. I pray it spreads around this whole world.
Voted up ++++ and away
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Hello Jo. I'm so gald you approve. Thank you for a deeply felt and beautiful comment. Cheers my friend.
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Hello Manatita. Thank's for coming back. I will check both links out. Thank you again..
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Hello Faith. Love is truly the answer to all our problems, worldwide. The lack of causes suffering in untold numbers. The poor and children are caught in the middle of wars and greed. I love to spread love and i know you do too, so hopefully this running of the love baton will catch on and fill our community and beyond with heartfelt love and humanity. Thank you so much. Blessings to you...
Oh my goodness...I just read your comment. I will do my best, Ruby, and only hope that I don't disappoint anyone. Hugs, dear friend. And thank you. :-)
Beautifully written and such great thoughts.
"Life is the flower of which love is the honey." Victor Hugo Or, as Jackie Gleason's writers had him say over and over: "How sweet it is!"
A profiling worth it. A wonderful way to pass the baton--so when is the baton gonna reach me? :)
Well done!
Ruby, dear heart! Your hub is wonderful and I so share in your admiration and love for our Manatita. He is a great poet and writer, but most of all, a humble loving spirit whose presence graces his path among us. I hope many more of our friends and colleagues discover his HP pages.
I've come here and to the others Genna mentioned on her hub about running with the baton, because I just had to retrace the origins of this lovely effort. I left a lengthy message there explaining my current condition which has limited and still limits my ability to participate. While I'm writing now, though, I wanted to touch the bases.
Much love to you, dear Ruby!
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Hello Genna. You didn't disappoint, your contribution was beautiful as i knew it would be. Thank you for joining and sharing the love we all feel here in Hubville...Hugs...
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Hello DDE. It is always a pleasure to see you on my hubs. Your comments are given freely and with love. Thank you for being a friend..
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Hello Perspycacious. Your comment made me smile. " How sweet it is. " Thank you so much....
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Hello Thandi.
Hopefully your time to run with the baton will be
Because your love shines from across the sea
Your poerty is told with flair and devotion
And your heart is open, you stir the heart's emotion.
Hugs my friend.
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Hello Nellieanna. I haven't read your comment about your condition. I hope and pray you will recover and do what you do best, write beautiful poetry. I agree that Manatita is a gifted poet. I was happy to feature him on my running with the baton.
Much love to you dear Nellieanna...
Hi Ruby and Nellieanna,
I dropped Ruby a line so please rest your hands, dear woman. And Nellieanna, if you see this before Genna's love hub...she wrote you a response you should check out, along with mine!
Love you both, Maria
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Hello Mar. I read Nellieanna's comment on Genna's page. I had carpal tunnel surgery about eight years ago, both hands. It was painless and the recovery time was short. It completely eliminated the pain. It is something to consider. Thank's for the email and thank's for coming back, you are a dear....
Before surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome try a regular B-Complex from your local health store or pharmacy. You may get the relief you are looking for without the surgery.
Ruby, thanks for sharing your experience with the CTS surgery and it's encouraging to learn that it cured it and it didn't return after 8 years. So if it comes to that, I'd chose to have it done. But if less drastic means can alleviate it, I feel I need to exhaust these other methods first. So far, I'm getting some pretty significant relief with what I'm doing.
I've heard varying experiences from people who've had the surgery, some admitting that their CTS came back anyway. I'd guess that may have to do with returning to the life-style that brought it on in the first place. So, while I'm a bit of a do-it-myselfer, I'm not hard-headed and I don't just love pain! Hugs.
Thank you, Perspycacious. Actually I'm taking a combination of B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12) which had been recommended by a doctor when I had a problem with numb-to-painful feet awhile back. I asked the doctor the other day if he thought they would help my CTS and he said no. But I see no harm in taking them anyway, especially since I have them on hand. I also have some B-Complex vitamins on hand. I've recently read Vitamin C suggested; again, no harm in taking some and I have some of it on hand. I tend to avoid the supplemental vitamins and prefer getting my regular requirements from healthy food, in which I'm a strong believer and practicioner. And I like to avoid going under the knife whenever possible. I enjoy quite good health for being 82+ and aiming for 100+. For that to happen, I need all the support I can get and/ or give myself! haha. I also recommend good health practices to everyone.
I do appreciate your suggestion. It supports what I think. :-)
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Hello Perspycacious. Thank's for coming back to relay a message. If a B- complex works, i say, " Go with it. " The less invasive the better. I was in so much pain i was ready for some relief. I wore the wrist splints for some time which really limited my activity too much. Thank's..
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Nellieanna, i understand your reason for not having surgery if you are getting relief from something else. Anytime invasive surgery is done there is a chance of infection, etc. I was still working as a nurse and could barely do my charting. I have always taken vitamins and i believe in them, but like you, a healthy diet is most important. Here's wishing you a long and pain free life and many more beautiful poems..Hugs..
Thank you, dear Ruby. When this CTS struck it was with such vehemence and pain, I was nearly ready to go for amputation to relieve it, especially the excruciating night wake-ups with it, when I had no choice but to get up and try to soothe it, even if it was after only an hour or so sleep. But as I learned some methods, it became a bit more tolerable and seems to be headed in a positive direction. I'm already feeling some relief from the braces, which I just got. The lighter one for daytime helps, and leaves the fingers free. Will try out the heavier one for night use tonight.
I'm looking forward to a long and healthy life and no doubt, many more poems and other writings! Thank you!
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Hello Nellieanna. Sorry i'm late responding. I am glad to know you are getting some relief from the braces. I wore them too and they did help. I agree, the night pain was so much worse. I am looking forward to many more poems and writings from you. Take care and know that you are special in this place we call Hubville...Thank you..
Love is being spread throughout HP! Love that! Ruby, you passed this to a wonderful poet and a wonderful person!
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Thank you so much Audrey. I agree. Genna is special and her's was beautiful. Maybe our spreading of love will catch on all over the world. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Cheers my friend...
I really enjoyed the music. Thank you for the uplifting thoughts on love.
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Hello Paradise7. Nice to see you. Happy you enjoyed the video, one of my all time favorites. Thank you so much...
Such a beautiful and touching poem! It breaks my heart to know that there are children in the world that don't know love. I pray in Jesus' name the Lord will rescue them and protect them. I pray the Lord will reveal Himself to all the children everywhere, saving them, guarding their little hearts, minds and bodies. And I pray that we, as children of the Lord, can come together in the Spirit, and share the love with others that the Lord graciously blesses us with.
I look forward to reading more. God bless you.
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Hello mothersofnations. I am really pleased that you are reading so many of my hubs. Thank you. That is what this running with the baton is all about, spreading love throughout Hubville.
God bless you...
Some beautiful words here. Plenty for us to consider. You've certainly hit the button with the children who are lost because they don't experience love. They need all the help and compassion they can get, from everyone.
Lovely poem.
Ann
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Hello Ann. I think I wrote this after some children were killed in a terrorist attack in Asia, then reading about the parents using them as shields. Children are so precious. Your comment is heartfelt. Thank you..
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