https://credoespoir.wordpress.com

LINDA IMBLER'S INSPIRATIONS

Poet Linda Imbler relates the inspirations for her three new poems published in Credo Espoir.

Pure Altruism

“A once lonely old man told me

his old discontent and ruin

had been displaced by something more grand

once he discovered selflessness and benevolence, 

along with true concern for well-being of others.”

This poem expresses the idea that what we send out into the ether comes back to us.  People call this many things: karma (through many religions: Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, etc,) or cause and effect ( Isaac Newton’s third law of motion. This law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction)  Some just know this as the result of consequences ( that good actions will inevitably have good consequences.)  But, there is a greater good at work, either through religion, science, or simple common sense.  The certainty that doing something for its own sake, without recognition, is a powerful thing, not only for the recipient, but also for the doer. 

I make it a habit of paying the person at the tollbooth additional money when I travel, so that the cost of the travel of the person behind me is lessened.  I have never met anyone in a car following mine, not do I wish for any grand thanks.  I suspect many might pay it forward, but even if they don’t (and I have no idea)  I truly believe I had brightened someone else’s day in some small way.  That is all the thanks I need.  I also make it a habit of saying a small prayer for any persons and family of that person riding in an ambulance, or for firefighters on their way to a fire. Just really small things that I believe will make a difference to someone.

Upon, Above, Among, Under

“Within the woods,

from tall ancients to thin babes,

listen to the soft whisper of leaves trembling on the wind,

or the crunchy fallen ones.”

This is partly a poem about ecology and how we should protect the four elements in our environment with respectful eyes, as well as actions.  It’s also a poem about recognizing where we stand in relation to the cosmos.  It reminds us about heeding our senses and recognizing the beauty of the world within nature.  And, it is a poem about acknowledging that our time here is short and we should make the most of it, and enjoy the bounty of beauty we have been gifted with.  No cautionary tales here. Just a listing of ways in which I have viewed the world and  examples of what is available to others should they choose to examine that which we have received through grace.

When Truth Makes Us Smile

“Let’s help the sun rise,

bringing all honor to shine on the world,”

Words of hope, words of common experience when we fall I love, words of friendship.  Knowing that what we see, hear, touch, and feel inside can be real.  Truth really does make us smile.  When we find truth, we know that our hearts and minds are home and we can take our shoes off, put our feet up on the ottoman, and experience the comfort of contentment.  We no longer quiver with fear or anxiety.  Our lips, almost without knowing it will happen, spread across our face in that friendliest of expressions.  That warm fuzzy feeling in the stomach is not a myth.  Plus, the truth is simple to remember, so it’s easier on the head!

---

Linda Imbler’s poetry collections include five published paperbacks: “Big Questions, Little Sleep,” “Lost and Found,”  “Red Is The Sunrise,” “Bus Lights, Travel Sights,”  and the Second Edition of “Big Questions, Little Sleep.”  Soma Publishing has published her three e-book collections, “The Sea’s Secret Song,”  “Pairings,”which is a a hybrid of short fiction and poetry, and “That Fifth Element.” She is a Pushcart and Best of the Net nominee.  Examples of Linda’s poetry and a listing of publications can be found at lindaspoetryblog.blogspot.com.  In addition to writing, she helps her husband, a Luthier, build acoustic guitars. Linda Imbler believes that poetry has the potential to add to the beauty of the world. We must be strong and fearless in showing humility and kindness.  One thing many fear a lot, but shouldn’t, is being kind and having it seen as a sign of weakness.  It is quite the opposite.