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Poetry For NowA FRESH LOOKI picked up my journals of 2017 and 2020 and I found some poems that really resonate with me today. Just a brief explanation I have been following a path of yoga called Siddha Yoga with our teacher Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, for many years. And on January 1st each year she gives us a message, "A SWEET SURPRISE", something to think about for the year and that is how this episode will begin.The poems of 2020 reflect a fresh view of the world that was sparked by the New Year's message. 2017 was clearly a more challenging time, similar to 2025.
2025-10-1411 minPoetry For NowEPIC ICELANDIn August 2025 my wife, daughter & Son-in-law drove and lived in an RV as we travelled around iceland for 10 days - now hear what we experienced! You can SEE some of what we saw on my website, and more completely in my book available as a pdf or printed athttps://www.blurb.com/b/12547137-iceland-travelling-the-ring-roadSupport the show
2025-09-2409 minPoetry For NowThe Japanese ExperienceThese poems give a small flavor of our 3 week journey through Japan, which followed my walk on the Kumano Kodo. In my photo book, Exploring Japan, the themes are Transportation, Food, Gardens, Shrines and Temples and unique cultural experiences like Sumo wrestling, Taiko drumming, a zen monk, making Mochi and Mulberry paper. These poems, some in the form of WAKAs, follow these themes.Support the show
2025-08-2811 minPoetry For NowPILGRIM'S JOURNEY ON THE KUMANO KODOAfter 26 hours of travel and a nights rest my pilgrimage begins.The Kumano Kodō is made up of multiple pilgrimage routes, and my first day is at the end of the Kiiji route, then I continue and in six days complete the Nakahechi route. Most of these poems start in the Japanese form of Waka or Tanka.With a loose 5 line structure of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables . The music you hear is a duet of Japanese instruments, the Koto harp and the shakuhachi fluteSupport the show
2025-08-0213 minPoetry For NowFROM FLORIDA TO JAPANAs I am about to leave to walk in Japan on the Kumano Kodo, I will leave Florida and the US and enter a different time zone in many ways. This will be a pilgrimage into another culture, into walking time when everything slows down and awareness of the moment takes hold. Meanwhile on my training walks I find refreshing moments. The final poems are from my book Step by Step about my Camino walk in 2016.Support the show
2025-05-1206 minPoetry For NowCHERRY BLOSSOMSThe last week in March in Washington DC, the cherry blossoms performed their annual wake up call, to remind us that nature is beautiful and apolitical. The Smithsonian museums gave us artists sharing their views of their worlds through their creativity - opening our minds, eyes and hearts to new ideas and ways to see and feel the world. The Smithsonian Zoo welcomed visitors to enjoy its animals and especially the happy Giant Pandas. These poems reflect my experience during those few days in DC. Support the show
2025-04-1609 minPoetry For NowOPTIMISMThere is a Taoist parable of a farmer and his lost horse. It seems that a series of “misfortunes” occur, and each time his neighbors say isn’t that terrible . His response is “Maybe” or “It’s too soon to say”.Since October last year, when my wife had a bad accident in London, and then with the result of the presidential elections and the first month of this presidency - I have had a hard time writing good poetry and putting together this podcast. However I have been saying to myself “be optimistic” “Its too soon to say”. “Be grateful for...
2025-03-1213 minPoetry For NowFORGOTTEN TEXASIn March 2024 I travelled to New Braunfels, Texas and spent days playing tennis and a night in Gruene Hall. A friendly bar and music venue. As usual with my camera in hand, I found people willing and open to share themselves. I discovered stories in my photos (please look at my website) and my musings in an old note book and realized there was poetry hidden in there!Support the show
2024-09-2507 minPoetry For NowMy Dolomites AdventureAfter 3 days in Venice I take a bus up into the Dolomite Mountains to my starting point, Cortina. 6 days walking from town to town, across the most unusual and dramatic landscapes shaped both by glacial erosion and volcanic activity. As you listen to these poems enjoy my photos at thewalkingpoet.net My bucket list is shrinking and As one adventure ends, the next one is about to begin!Support the show
2024-09-0414 minPoetry For NowSACRED SPACEAT THE END OF 2023 we spent 2 months in India and some of these poems reflect my experience in the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Ganeshpuri where we participated in a retreat called Pilgrimage to the Heart and then stayed and offered service. Sacred space seems to exist in "powerful" physical locations, in reality we each carry own Sacred Space in our Hearts.The Nobel Laureate poet Joseph Brodsky said :Humanity should always be in touch with the Gods,Poetry carries their messages,A poem encases humanity.Support the show
2024-05-1009 minPoetry For NowSEDONA’S RED ROCKS - WARS & MOREAs I waited for inspiration the world changed - the war between Israel & Hamas - the power battle between extremes in the GOP - The performance we attended of “Considering Matthew Shepard”, a poignant and brilliant reminder of the co-existence of hate and love. You will hear how I have been effected by these, as I realize that poetry has a valuable role in this world.These poems also reflect my search for an experience of the famed "Vortexes of Sedona".Support the show
2023-11-0108 minPoetry For NowRAFTING DOWN THE COLORADO RIVER - PART 2This episode continues my photographic trip down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon. These poems describe the "total experience" of life on the river; ending with our last supper!Support the show
2023-10-0109 minPoetry For NowRAFTING DOWN THE COLORADO RIVER Part 1 Season 3 Episode 13 Colorado river poemsfor 7 nights & 8 days in the heat of Late August & early September 2023 I went rafting down the Colorado River through the rapids of the Grand Canyon, taking a landscape photo workshop with 8 students and 2 teachers. Every evening I read my daily poem to the group - here they are! Notes: The 2 rafts were named "Raven" and "Red Wall". A Sarong is a long length of colorful cloth you can wrap around you. A "Groover" is a portable toilet critical to keeping the river clean.Support the show
2023-09-2309 minPoetry For NowPOEMS & PATTERNSThese poems are from my first photography & poetry book published on Blurb.com in 2011. They are a reflection of my concern about the environment (before Al Gore's Book "The Inconvenient Truth"). They follow the 5 Elements of Earth, Water, Air, Wood, & Fire.Support the show
2023-09-1410 minPoetry For NowAUGUST MUSINGSWe are lucky to live with a nature preserve on our doorstep, and the Naples Botanical Garden a bike ride away. We also had a family week in the Outer Banks. All these places inspired these poems. I was also motivated by a Masterclass given by Amanda Gorman.Support the show
2023-08-2609 minPoetry For NowOUR ASIAN JOURNEY Part 2In Part 1 you heard about Thailand and Laos. Part 2 is highlights of our experiences in Cambodia and Vietnam - of course all in "verse"! Living in London, England, I was unaware of the reality of the Vietnam war or later the Khmer Rouge - this trip revealed the true horror that these countries went through; and yet they have successfully moved on.Support the show
2023-07-1208 minPoetry For NowOUR ASIAN JOURNEY - Part 1In April and May we traveled in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam. 3 1/2 weeks is really just enough time to get a taste for the major cities, countryside and cultures. So rather than get into the detailed day to day activities I hope to communicate to you the experiences that touched us most. This episode is about Thailand and Laos.Support the show
2023-07-1108 minPoetry For NowA WANDERING WEEK IN FLORIDA #2During the second half of my State Parks trip I walked on long trails, kayaked and swam in refreshing natural springs, and learned about Florida’s enormous underground rivers and springs that feed into its aquifer systems. I hope my words paint pictures of the places, and you can find photos on my website thewalkingpoet.netSupport the show
2023-06-2610 minPoetry For NowA WANDERING WEEK IN FLORIDA #1If one focuses on Florida’s landscapes, birds and wildlife, ignoring peoples’ politics and outlooks, it has much to offer the walking poet. In less than a week walking and kayaking, exploring in 9 state parks and conservation areas, searching for Manatees and birds, I felt refreshed - green therapy.In this episode join me in these state parks: Myakka River and Forest , Hillsborough River, and Colt Creek.Support the show
2023-04-2409 minPoetry For NowANNIVERSARIESWe just passed the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This made me think about anniversaries and gratitude and the good, the bad, the power of celebrations and memories.Anniversaries are a date, from which we can create, memories good or bad, thoughts joyful or sad.Support the show
2023-03-0608 minPoetry For NowWELCOME 2023!Happy New Year - A new year brings new opportunities. A resolution I have made is that each day I will write at least one poem and take and select at least one new photograph. I am also going to experiment with different poetic forms, such as GROOKS, invented by the Danish Scientist Piet Hein, and Haiku and Lunes! And I will get inspired by other poets, like Bernadette Mayer - an innovative poet from Brooklyn - who always surprises.My poems in this episode are about: New Year's Day; Simplicity: Everlasting Razor Blades: Books: Opportunities: and Going...
2023-01-1910 minPoetry For NowGOODBYE 2022!Goodbye 202210 years ago Queen Elizabeth 2nd named 2012 Annus Horriblus - well in some ways that could be said of 2022 with a war and a continuing pandemic….However the 8th day of Chanukah and Christmas Day 2022 met in a blaze of light. And almost real Winter finally hit Naples Florida after 8 years of living here. Both good reasons to feel gratitude and have a laugh. And we can start fresh in 2023!Support the show
2023-01-0109 minPoetry For NowGREECE TO IRELANDThese poems reflect some of my experiences as we moved on from Greece to Ireland.One of the many conversations we had in Ireland, on the streets of Dingle, was with Arthur Broomfield, the poet, and I start with a poem inspired by his book Ireland Calling. It imagines a childhood in the Greek Islands and then in Ireland. The delightful music was recorded in pubs and on the streets as we travelled around Ireland.Support the show
2022-11-3009 minPoetry For NowA GREEK ODYSSEY My grandmother was born when travel was by horse and carriage and lived to experience jet planes. I never ceased to be amazed by the easeful transformation of time and space experienced through air plane travel. This podcast shares our experiences of this in Greece in August 2022The Odyssey Starts --We wake up in another world Island Memories -Brilliant bleach-white boxy housesMagnificence and Myths - Democracy .. Medicine ..The Hippocratic Oath ..Asklepios .. Hygeia and Panacea ....Support the show
2022-11-1809 minPoetry For NowAFTER THE HURRICANEWe have been traveling in Europe for 6 weeks, arriving back in the US September 28th just as Hurricane Ian hit our home town of Naples. Finally finding a way back 4 days after it hit we gratefully found our home and community which is 4 miles from the beaches, unharmed, unlike much of Naples. This episode focuses on Hurricane Ian's impact in Naples, nature's resilience and my other "hurricane experiences".Support the show
2022-10-1207 minPoetry For NowEVOLUTIONLiving in South West Fl these last 7 years have given a me new perspective of nature and its wonders. These reflect some of these experiences.Support the show
2022-08-2807 minPoetry For NowLIVING OUR CHOICESThese poems came as I reflected on the choices I make every day: How I spend my time, what I read and listen to, and consequently what I think about.A theme is that it is easy to get caught in a virtual world of electrons - but Nature is all around us offering beauty and joy.Support the show
2022-08-1906 minPoetry For NowWALLSRelationships only truly succeed when we breakthrough the barriers, the walls that divide and separate us. Some of these poems are inspired by Robert Frost's line "Who doesn't love a wall!". Two poems are inspired by those first unique experiences we have in our lives, particularly as a parent.Support the show
2022-07-2108 minPoetry For NowJUNE MUSINGSJune is going by so fast. We spent 2 weeks away from home as wars, school shootings and inflation flashed across the media. Thankfully being in Nature always refreshes me and gives one hope.The poems are about my experiences in Florida & Shenandoah National Park... and a couple of almost private family jokes!Support the show
2022-06-2807 minPoetry For NowA LONG TIME AGOAs a younger adventurous traveller I had many experiences and lessons to learn. These poems reflect some of those, and they are not at all in chronological order.The summer of 72, part 1 takes place in Colombia Before you know takes place in NepalGreece: takes place on the Pelopennese PeninsularSupport the show
2022-05-2309 minPoetry For NowEARTH DAY IS EVERY DAYTaking care of the earth and nature comes naturally once you take a walk slowly, appreciating the plants, animals, insects and birds around you. We are lucky to have a small nature preserve on our doorstep. You will also hear Kassandra' s gong concert where she plays using the Fibonacci pattern.Support the show
2022-05-1311 minPoetry For NowNATIONAL POETRY MONTHThis episode has 3 poems:"National Poetry Month" is a humorous poem about poetry book titles."Go to the Page with a Heart as open as the Heart of God" takes this title from a line in a book by Elizabeth Stroud."Journals" is about what goes into our journals and where they all go!Support the show
2022-04-0609 minPoetry For NowCALL FOR JOYWhile our human family suffers in many places around the globe, from Covid and war, Ukraine is staring us in the face. In our safe and peaceful lives here in the US we must do our best to do whatever we can to reduce pain and bring back joy soon. We cannot let despair win.The poems include: The sun will shine! Neighborhood Gong Concert. The Joy of Bread."In conclusion" has suggestions for how you too can help the refugees.Support the show
2022-03-2411 minPoetry For NowMAKE PEACE NOT WAREvery day since Russia invaded Ukraine I have written something that’s help me process this awful situation; a reality that the world is facing today. As I listened to this steel band I felt that steel can create music & pleasure or destruction and pain. It is our choice.The poems came day by day, starting on Saturday (February 26, 2022). The courage of the Ukrainian people is celebrated and supported.Support the show
2022-03-0708 minPoetry For NowDOORS, WINDOWS & HAIRCUTSGOING WITH THE FLOW- Billy Collins, the great American Poet, suggested pick a starting subject and just keep writing, allowing it to surprise you - and keep at it until it ends. What is poetry? Good question! These poems led me to old memories and some new endings. The last poem was sparked by Mark Doly’s poem - this is your home now.Support the show
2022-02-1511 minPoetry For NowBE PREPAREDHearing that my friend Curtis passed away in his sleep shocked Kassandra & I. We have know him for about 30 years. He did not died from Covid. Curtis was a little younger than us and this makes me aware of our own mortality. Most of these poems came from reflecting on this very recent experience.Support the show
2022-02-0811 minPoetry For NowLOOKING FORWARD TO 2022Happy New Year 2022. As I contemplated ideas to start this year with a fresh uncluttered perspective, I recalled the life changing experience of my walking the Camino de Santiago, so I looked through my books and found a couple of poems I wrote that capture the opportunity this New Year offers. I also received a photo from an old friend of the new snowfall around his home in Maine, which led to the final poem. The gonging you will hear is a recording of a weekly gong concert my wife Kassandra is now playing for neighbors from our...
2022-01-1911 minPoetry For NowA JOURNEY'S ENDSeason 2 Episode 15 - A JOURNEY’S ENDLife has many journeys. This is a short episode to complete our 2021 European trip which ended in Holland. (please see photos on the website)Over 50 years ago I was in Amsterdam.Have I changed more than the city?Now more multicultural than ever.More extraordinary museums celebrating its artists.More culinary delights and friendly people.Sounds you hear: rain, working windmill, the bells of ZuiderkerkSupport the show
2022-01-1608 minPoetry For NowTHE TIME TRAPTrapped in the sequencing of time, poetry for now becomes poetry for when? I wait, sinking in the quicksand, of poetic inspiration about the Danube trip and our daughter’s wedding. The truth is poetic inspiration and words happen in a moment - which is “Poetry for Now”. So I am going back in time to recreate the moments through my journals and photographs, reliving the scenes and times. These poems capture a few special and poignant experiences rather than being a travelogue of our 3 weeks through Europe.Support the show
2021-12-1311 minPoetry For NowCOMPLETING THE TOUR DE MONT BLANCIn this episode you will hear poems about the completion of the Tour de Mont Blanc, which is about 120 miles long and as you might have guessed from episode 12 the vertical ups and downs make this route seem a lot longer. One of the beauties of this walk is the opportunity to go through 3 different countries and experience the different cuisines and languages.Support the show
2021-11-0211 minPoetry For NowBACK HOME AGAINAfter 6 weeks traveling in Europe I have thousands of images to process and select, from my hike around Mont Blanc, my daughters wedding in Germany, and our river cruise down the Danube.I start the TMB Hike and this episode in Les Hoches, France and will continue in episode 13 in Italy and Switzerland.Writing poetry requires uses a different part of the brain from the visual processing of the images. So expect poetry relating to this trip to appear over the coming weeks. Thanks for your patience, waiting for this podcast!Support the show
2021-10-1409 minPoetry For NowCOLORADO FINALEIt is over 2 months since Kassandra and returned from Colorado, and only 1 week since we returned from Europe. This podcast completes our National Park odyssey. I am left feeling I want more time in South Eastern Colorado, so we will return to explore more. Please visit my website to see images that complement these poems. (www.thewalkingpoet.net)Support the show
2021-10-1209 minPoetry For NowCOLORADO JOURNEYThis 3rd episode of our National Park trip continues in Cortez, near Mesa Verde, and we travel to Montrose and the Black Canyon of Gunnison. Next stop, after a surprising drive, is Crested Butte. In Winter a ski resort, in summer a mountain biker’s paradise. Please go to thewalkingpoet.net and the Season 2 webpage to see photos.Support the show
2021-08-2409 minPoetry For NowARCHES AND CANYONSThis is the second podcast following our trip through national parks and local hikes. In this episode we are in Utah, where we stayed 5 days in Moab, exploring the area before moving on to Mesa Verde.Support the show
2021-08-1810 minPoetry For NowSILENCEIt's been about a month of silence from me. During that time Kassandra and I have traveled to six national parks and I completed a landscape photography course in the Badlands of South Dakota. Now I am preparing for a walk around Mont blanc. At the same time I have been editing thousands of photographs taken during our trip. Strangely I find it difficult to be creative visually and with words at the same time, so here goes - here come the words.This episode starts in South Dakota and Wyoming, and takes us across the Rockies...
2021-08-1309 minPoetry For NowART - INSIDE & OUTThese poems came out of a few days in DC the nations capital finding the RENWICK Gallery of Folk Art inspiring and discovering the outside artwork and murals on the Metropolitan bike trail and buildings around Washington DC and also experiencing the National Zoo. The last poem was written in 2011 about WARLI art created in India. You will see the connection!Support the show
2021-07-0910 minPoetry For NowSEASONS CHANGEI am sitting here in a wild Florida summer monsoon storm: rain, thunder and lightning. You will probably hear the sounds of the storm and this is a perfect backdrop for the idea that nothing physical is permanent and that everything - almost everything - is changing every moment.You will hear poems about how technology, time and nature change AND we can create our own unique future.Support the show
2021-06-2209 minPoetry For NowTEA TIME AND ERNESTIn this episode you will hear about Ernest Hemingway, Tea and the wonderful, positive impact the pandemic shutdowns have had on the natural world. My hope is that we can continue to protect and support the natural world intentionally, instead of simply as a side effect.Support the show
2021-06-0811 minPoetry For NowINSIDE OUTSIDEIts May 16, 2021 International Day of Light and International Day of living together in Peace. Yet we are now witnessing a horrible conflict in the Middle East.Many years ago Swami Muktananda gave a talk: Life is a play of Sunlight and Shadow.You cannot avoid seeing both, but you can choose how to experience them. I personally have negative and positive feelings that I may choose to express, and invite you through this poetry to enter the door and join me on this journey, as we remember our humanity, our true nature, our spiritual Self, and...
2021-05-1909 minPoetry For NowRING IN RESILIENCEMay 2021 - for over a year we have been living cautiously waiting for this pandemic to go away. We have been resilient and flexible. We must keep resilient, and we can keep learning about resilience from many unexpected sources, such as:Toothpaste and sunscreen.Tricolor HeronsMagnoliasSwampsScam callers!! Support the show
2021-05-0509 minPoetry For NowBIRDS, BOOKS & BUYINGCovid is still with us, so simple delights of being in nature and reading a good book are pleasant rewards and a good use of the extra time we have saved by buying over the internet instead of “shopping around”. This episode tells stories in short poems about birds, books & buying in this new reality. The final poem honors EARTH day and our place and role as human beings on this special Planet Earth.Support the show
2021-04-2209 minPoetry For NowSPRINGTIMEIt has been one year since we started this podcast, so now it seems the right time to restart with Season 2 Episode 1. Springtime - Just as we have hopes of emerging from the worst of the Covid pandemic, we have emerged from one era of political leadership in the US, into a new world of leadership focused on recovery and regeneration, rebuilding and rebalancing. This time can become our golden hour, and 2021 our golden year.Poems in this episode are: Passover & Easter (Again). One year of TransformationThe Golden HourMoving forwardSupport the show
2021-04-0908 minPoetry For NowSEESAWDo you remember when as a child you played on a seesaw, shooting up high and coming down with a thump absorbing the shock with your bent legs. It is Spring 2021 and these poems reflect my personal and our communal seesawing experience of the last few months.The poems are about: the Covid Tipping Point; Our most powerful fears; Aging: Zooming; Ups & Downs of life; Not quite saying goodbye!Support the show
2021-03-3108 minPoetry For NowWAKING UPIn the last year over half 1 million Americans have died from Covid This is more than American service people died in all the wars since 1900. We can celebrate the power of science, but we have nothing to celebrate regarding the power of humanity to protect our fellow human beings, our precious earth and it's biodiversity.LET’S WAKE UP to this Global reality and take action!This episode features Kassandra's gongs & Martin's poetry and Haikus.To see some of Martin's B&W photos taken from 1968 through 1984 go to www.thewalkingpoet.netSup...
2021-03-1710 minPoetry For NowREVEALING A TRUTHThis episode started being about finding the truth, the reason for being in this human body, but as life evolved and our water heater leaked, a new story sprang up - so this episode recognizes that physical bodies and the things we collect will all be unimportant in the end.You will also find out a little about "stamp collecting" and more!Support the show
2021-03-0809 minPoetry For NowLET IT BE!Episode 33 - LET IT BEIn the last 11 days we have celebrated Valentines day and "NEW Presidents Day" and completed the second impeachment trial of the 45th President and in February 1964 the Beatles first landed in America!In this episode we experience nature's beauty, we celebrate the country moving forward in new directions, and ponder how we can understand each other better and move on without hanging on to negativity while still learning and not being dragged behind a "farting camel" - as in Hafiz's poem - Cast all your votes for dancing. . Happy Val...
2021-02-1910 minPoetry For NowTRAVELING MEMORIESInspired by the poet Billy Collins, Martin's poems share experiences from walking in Iceland, exploring exciting European Cities, Bhutan and Nepal in 1978, when it was relatively free of tourism.Support the show
2021-02-0710 minPoetry For NowCLEANING UPThese poems are about cleaning up our lives, our email, our "ToDo" lists and perhaps even National Politics.President Biden has been in the White House 7 days and he is cleaning up. Let's take it one small step at a time!Support the show
2021-01-2908 minPoetry For NowOnce Upon A TimeThis podcast has become a journal of a tumultuous time in human history. So I choose my words very carefully to reflect my reality, my vision and my hopes in ways that uplift and enlighten. The poems here tell stories and I request that you start to create your own story for 2021.I also discovered a way to invite you into different views of the world and places I treasure in the poem: THE INVITATION. Also I am reminded of the power of Ichigo Ichie, from an earlier episode. And finally I realize that we live...
2021-01-1810 minPoetry For NowHello 2021Welcome to belated episode 29. Since Christmas 2020 I have felt in a negative creative hole, a black hole, as if in the calm before an unknown storm - now I know why. 2021 is a turning point in many ways. This episode takes us from 2020 through the events of January 6th, 2021 to an optimistic view of 2021. Expect more episodes soon!Support the show
2021-01-1107 minPoetry For NowCELEBRATION OF LIGHTOn December the 21st, the winter solstice arrives here in the Northern Hemisphere, lengthening days and shortening nights. In December Hanukkah and Christmas are religious celebrations full of light. Then we can get ready to celebrate the coming of 2021, a new year. Let’s consider every hour and every day a celebration too. The music in this episode was recorded informally in May 2019 in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy. The final music celebrates Hanukkah.Support the show
2020-12-0809 minPoetry For NowCOURAGECourage has been on my mind as during the last week or so, this country has seen integrity and moral courage on the part of those state officials responsible for certifying the election results, under political pressure; and with the surging wave of Covid infections across much of the country, health professionals have served selflessly and with courage. Over 20,000 have died from Covid, worldwide.COURAGE is derived from the french "coeur" or heart. These poems look at overcoming fear, where fear comes from; Moments of personal courage, decisions that each of us might make; following our heart.Also...
2020-11-2810 minPoetry For NowGRATITUDEWe seem to be living in a world of politically driven illusions. A democratically defeated president and his devoted followers continue the hypocritical illusion that he really won, because this time the election was crooked, (of course, it was not so in 2016). Also one quarter of a million deaths by Covid -19 seem to be ignored, or even denied by many.I am grateful for the reality and beauty of our natural world where I can have a respite, feeling content and peaceful, and away from the “meshugaas”or craziness of this situation. I have to speak m...
2020-11-1907 minPoetry For NowSTORMS PASS!It’s been a stormy period this week for the USA, in different ways. Let’s all be grateful that this contentious time will soon be completely gone, and we can move forward together in harmony. in this episode we explore the stormy parallels between nature and politics.The time has arrived ....for listening and healing....now we act as oneRed wine uncorked....counting votes almost complete....raise glasses together.Support the show
2020-11-1109 minPoetry For NowBLUE MOONEspecially in these uncertain times we can stay present, keep seeing the perfection and uniqueness of each moment and experience; and use our minds to remind us of good times, and to take us to places where we experience tranquility and clear our minds again. Baba Muktananda, a renowned yoga master, said:”Your mind can be your worst enemy or your best friend.” Poems in this episode are inspired by our recent trip to New Zealand's Sub-Antartic Islands, Florida's South West Shore and Grand Cypress Park, and the Blue Moon in October 2020.Support the show
2020-11-0209 minPoetry For NowHAPPY TRAVELSHuman consciousness is amazing we can choose to be in the past, the present or the future with our memory, our breath, our will and our imagination. Now in this turbulent time of politics and pandemics, explore how we can Beam ourselves to places of peace and delight, discovery our own Holy places. Please travel with me to some I have found in my travels around our world.Support the show
2020-10-2209 minPoetry For NowTHE FABRICThe Arhuaco people of northern Colombia gave Tenzin Priyadashi, the author of Running Toward Mystery, the gift of strands of agave fiber woven together into a bracelet. This represents the web that we are all part of, with mother earth and each other. The poems explore :Each action, each word has an impact somewhere in this fabric. We cannot wait for Elections to be done, Covid contained and we once again weave a fabric of respect, protection and caring. Lift your spirits like an eagle soaring with the wind, high above the turbulence....
2020-10-1210 minPoetry For NowFORGIVENESSWhen poetry speaks to me it reveals and uncovers the truth. So I have to honestly write poetry from my heart as well as my mind and reveal what is my truth. Politics and democracy in America are going through a tough time. I want goodness, unity, compassion and morality to win - however for our own peace of mind we can get ready to FORGIVE and get ready to move forward into the future no matter what happens in this cosmic game. Support the show
2020-10-0410 minPoetry For NowFOCUS ON GOODNESS It’s been over 6 months since the Pandemic has been acknowledged, and for many people life has become increasingly difficult. Where you focus your mind creates emotions. Emotions move you to action. now is a good time to refocus, clarify your purpose, use all your talents and find more joy. We hope this podcast helps you move along this path. 2 of the GOOD people featured in a poem are RBG and Mr. Rogers. Poems are: KARMA YOGA, GOODNESS & GOOD PEOPLE, TURTLE MOVING SERVICE!Support the show
2020-09-2408 minPoetry For NowTHE EPICWhat Epic story describes our current situation: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, the Mahabharata?After about 6 months of the Pandemic, It is 16th of September, and it’s been an epic 2 weeks of pandemonium in politics, Covid, wild fires and hurricanes that have distracted me from creating uplifting and slightly humorous poetry. With some help from inspiring thinkers and doers I hope my turnaround has come.Support the show
2020-09-1707 minPoetry For NowFOOD!This is a light hearted look about baking, shopping, sharing food with neighbors, my grandmother's breakfast and addressing food insecurity during this Pandemic period.Support the show
2020-09-0207 min
Poetry For NowNOW WHAT?The Pandemic continues, Political conventions play out virtually. We get the travel ITCH.So what can we do NOW? Exploring Calusa Indian Mounds, and connecting with our animal neighbors are ways we have found to have safe fun! Still remember to help support people having a hard time making ends meet.Our new art work is from the talented artist AdamBatliner.comSupport the show
2020-08-2107 minPoetry For NowCELEBRATIONEven though here in America the Covid Pandemic is not slowing down, we cannot sit here and mope. We need to get on with life in the best and safest ways possible, showing respect for ourselves and our communities. So here are some ideas to find ways to celebrate whatever we can!Support the show
2020-08-1208 minPoetry For NowLIVING ON PURPOSE (Fixed!)This episode was inspired by the life and death of Congressman John Lewis, and starts to explore on how we too can make our lives more purposeful. There will be more on this topic! After receiving feedback from listeners and friends, you will find two changes from previous podcasts: shorter and easier to digest, and more silence.Support the show
2020-08-0508 minPoetry For NowHERE AND THEREAt this time, July 2020, traveling out of state is not a great idea - and not even possible to some places in the world. This episode is about: Ichigo Ichie, the art of making the most of every moment by experiencing that each moment is unique, and never repeatable; AND using our minds to remember great travel experiences. The newly written poems are: THIS MORNING; RAINY POND WALK; SUNRISES; TRAVEL; SNOOZE OR SCHMOOZE!Have fun and look for photos on thewalkingpoet.net Support the show
2020-07-3011 minPoetry For NowOpen Your EyesArt, poetry included, has played a role in social and political awareness and change. This episode includes poems related to the Pandemic: Loneliness, Silence and awareness, Reflecting on what people are going through and how the world community is in this together, the power of "wishes". Also there is RAP song inspired by Hamilton, and a short poem inspired by Rumi; and of course gongs and bells composed and played by Kassandra.Support the show
2020-07-2210 minPoetry For NowCONNECTIONWe are connected to everything in many ways and we don't always recognize that experience at the time. These poems explore our relationship with the moon, animals, people, our Self and events. At another, deeper, level we have control over how we experience and how we see the world when we connect to our spiritual, inner Self. At the same time we have little control over what the universe has in store for us! 2 poems on these topics are: SURE AS I AM & SET BACKS. Kassandra plays an ancient five beat rhythm on her gongs, towards the end of this pod...
2020-07-1111 minPoetry For NowUNITYThis episode focuses on Unity as the way to keep moving forward together to recover and heal the racism and racial injustice addressed in the last 3 episodes, and focused on how we as a country and as individuals, can stop and repair racial injustice and racism. Support the show
2020-07-0110 minPoetry For NowNow is the Time: The Turning PointAmerica is recognizing and starting to address the pain and consequences of systemic racism. This podcast includes a look at the past, through stories, and the future and how each of us can make this a positive TURNING POINT. Please do not sit back, do your part now!Support the show
2020-06-2513 minPoetry For NowNow Is The Time to ChangeThrough poetry, this episode starts to answer the questions of how do we change systemic racism, how do we change the culture and how do we ourselves change? Because for real, lasting change we have to change. There is no middle ground between Racist and Anti-racist - you are one or the other! As a white jew born in England, I recognize I cannot imagine or feel what it is like to be born in a black skin in the South. What is suggested is that we can change by imbibing and implementing specific virtues and...
2020-06-1611 minPoetry For NowNow Is The TimeThis is a response to George Floyds murder and systemic racism. It includes a powerful story of Mohamed Ali's experience 60 years ago in Kentucky and a metaphorical poem: Pilgrims on the Path. It ends with a call to action!Support the show
2020-06-0806 minPoetry For NowJoyWe all have a simple decision on what to focus our minds on. This episode explores what can happen when we choose to focus on JOY! You will also hear CRYSTAL BOWLS, another type of gong, played by Kassandra. ENJOY! You will hear a limerick, Haikus and other poetic forms.Support the show
2020-05-3007 minPoetry For NowThe Journey ContinuesIn this episode we explore the inner and outer journeys that we, as human beings, are on. Poems include: The Journey of Life; Adventure; Safari Journey; Ode to the Peat Bogs; The Mangrove Tunnel. Also Kassandra plays her gongs. Preparing and creating these podcasts has been a great opportunity for reflection as we all live in this new reality. Stay safe.Support the show
2020-05-2009 minPoetry For NowLonging for Gonging!Martin introduces Kassandra with a poem, and she then talks about her 5 types of gongs and plays them. The resonating sound of the gongs played together is a relaxing meditation experience, best listened to through good headsets, sitting or lying down.Support the show
2020-05-1510 minPoetry For NowThe JourneyNewly written poems about the different behaviors forced on us to slowdown the spread of the Corona Virus and that has started us on a journey that, despite the pain and suffering, is revealing benefits for people and the environment. And, as usual, there is a lighter side and humor is always helpful. The route this journey will take is up to us. Also includes poems written during Martin's walking journey on the Camino de Santiago. At the end of this episode there is an invitation to hear a special message on how we can support those in need at...
2020-05-0911 min
Poetry For NowBe In NatureBeing completely present and open to nature's sounds and sights, gives us a sense of freedom. This can release our minds from any negativity and open our hearts to experience greater peace and inner strength. You will hear poetry, sounds of nature and Kassandra playing her gongs.Support the show
2020-04-2911 minPoetry For NowWelcome and IntroductionMartin Strasmore, the host and writer offers a brief bio and reads poems. The poems in this episode are: Be Your Very Best, TP, Daily Dose, and Does One Ever Know Why? Kassandra Strasmore plays the gong. These poems are inspired by this extraordinary time we find ourselves in, the opportunity to step out of the daily deluge of news and opinion and a humorous look at one of the strangest fears and behaviors we see. “Does One Ever Know Why?” was written during Martin's 500 mile walk across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.
2020-04-2310 min
Poetry For NowTimePhilosophical, practical and delightful poems about TIME. The poems in this episode are: Sheltering In Place, When will It End?, When The Time Comes. and "Walking Time" written about Martin's 200 mile walk on the Coast to Coast path across Northern England.Support the show
2020-04-2210 min