Life lessons – Thundercloud Repairian

I have just finished reading Dr Thomas Sowell’s seminal work, “Intellectuals and Society,” in which the author posits a central thesis that challenges the undue influence of contemporary intellectuals on public discourse and policy. Sowell’s critique rests on several key premises:

1. Epistemological Hubris: Intellectuals, particularly those subscribing to specific ideological frameworks, often exhibit an inflated confidence in their knowledge and proposed solutions to societal problems. This overreliance on centralized planning and state intervention, Sowell argues, can have detrimental unforeseen consequences.

2. Empirical Neglect: He emphasizes the importance of grounding intellectual pursuits in robust empirical evidence and historical context. Criticisms are levied against intellectuals for selective data analysis, neglecting opposing viewpoints, and dismissing inconvenient realities that contradict their preferred narratives.

3. Idealistic Abstractions: The book contends that intellectuals are often drawn to utopian visions of social justice without adequately considering the complexities of real-world implementation and potentially negative downstream effects. Sowell champions a more pragmatic approach focused on achievable improvements informed by evidence and existing institutional frameworks.

4. Collectivist Biases: He criticizes the tendency of intellectuals to prioritize collective identities (race, class, gender) over individual agency, often attributing individual struggles solely to pre-existing systemic factors. Sowell advocates for a greater emphasis on personal responsibility and initiative as crucial factors in individual advancement.

While acknowledging the valuable role intellectuals can play in contributing insights and stimulating debate, Sowell ultimately calls for a more measured and evidence-based approach to intellectual discourse and policymaking. His core thesis prioritizes individual agency and pragmatic solutions over grand ideologies and simplistic diagnoses of societal issues.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that “Intellectuals and Society” has generated both praise and criticism. While some celebrate its critique of intellectual arrogance and its focus on historical context and individual agency, others have challenged its broad generalizations about intellectuals, its selective use of evidence, and its perceived ideological bias.

In order to wrap my head around the ides presented, I have written the following parable about an owl who gets rid of all the tree leaves so that the forest floor can receive an equal amount of sunlight.

The Parable of the Owl who thought he knew better.

Or (The double edged sword of intellectual arrogance)

In emerald halls where sunlight dared not tread,

where ancient oaks held secrets whispering low,

Hootah the Owl, with wisdom’s crown upon his head,

Preached of shadows where the forest should not grow.

His feathered form, a tapestry of speckled night,

His voice, a siren’s song in boughs of aged might,

He spoke of trees that hoarded golden rays,

And creatures veiled in gloom, denied their rightful days.

The forest stirred, a ripple of discontent,

From timid mouse to stoic, lumbering ox,

Hootah’s words, a firebrand heaven-sent,

Ignited dreams of light beyond the locks.

He promised justice etched in sunlit lines,

A grand utopia where shadows dared not creep,

With shears of justice and with boughs entwined,

He vowed to banish gloom from slumber’s deepest sleep.

The rabbits danced, their fur ablaze with hope,

The squirrels clambered, eager to enforce the decree,

But Sowell the Ox, wise with seasons’ patient scope,

Felt doubt’s first tremor touch his ancient knee.

He’d seen the scars of grand designs laid bare,

The unintended thorn that grew with borrowed light,

The parched earth gasping ‘neath a denuded lair,

Where once the shade had held the sun at bay just right.

But Hootah’s fervor drowned the whispering fear,

His pronouncements rang like gongs upon the breeze,

And doubt was swept away, a tear uncried, unnear,

As branches were chopped, a sacrifice to sunlit ease.

And for a time, the forest shimmered bright,

The undergrowth, a canvas newly spun,

But soon the cracks of error came to light,

As withered branches mocked the rising sun.

The parched earth cracked, a thirsty song,

The rabbits searched for solace in the dust,

The squirrels clung to limbs, skeletal shadows long,

Their dreams of plenty transformed to disgust.

Then Sowell, voice a rumble from the ground,

Spoke truths etched deep in roots and ancient bark,

“Hootah’s grand design, with fetters tightly bound,

Can only steal the dance of darkness and the dark

Of nature’s own design, where sun and shade conspire

To weave a tapestry where life, in balance, thrives,

No single thread, however bathed in fire,

Can mend the broken loom where every creature strives.”

His words, a balm on fevered forest dreams,

Awoke the doubt that Hootah’s vision hid,

Squirrels’ lost their grip and rabbits’ angry screams,

A barrage of questions, unanswered by the whizz-kid

Hootah, perched upon his throne of withered pride,

Saw shadows creeping back to claim their due,

His grand design, by nature’s hand defied,

His promises dissolved like morning dew.

And so the forest healed, with lessons learned at last,

That harmony, not schemes, will guide the light,

That Sowell’s wisdom, whispered on the blast,

Is nature’s truest song, sung clear and bold and bright.

This tale, a whispered echo in the leaves,

A song of shadows woven with the sun,

Reminds that grand designs, like fallen sheaves,

May wither in the soil where balance has begun.

Can you help the Australian Poetry Film Contest?

Oz on Screen: A Poetry Film Feast in Guyra

Calling all poets and film fanatics! Get ready for the 2024 Australian Poetry Film Festival, a November bash celebrating words on screen in Aussie style. Imagine outback landscapes in motion, love poems whispered by waves, and bush ballads brought to life with modern magic.

This Guyra event welcomes everyone – young, old, poets, filmmakers, all! We especially love fresh takes on our rich bush poetry tradition. Think vibrant images, powerful verses, and stories that crackle with Aussie spirit.

Plus, the festival joins forces with “Poets on the Mountain,” so expect workshops, panels, and screenings under starry skies. It’s a creative melting pot where you’ll meet passionate folks and see the future of storytelling unfold.

But to make this poetry party pop, we need your help! We’re crowdfunding to boost prize money for Best Australian Poetry Film, Best Bush Poetry Film, and even Best Student Poetry Film. Every bit fuels filmmakers’ dreams and lets them share their visions with the world.

So, whether you write rhymes, love movies, or just adore Aussie tales, join us! Submit your film, donate to the cause, or simply come to Guyra in November and witness the magic. Let’s bring poetry to life, one frame, one verse, one epic story at a time!

For film submissions and crowdfunding details, visit:

animals, change, Life lessons

Yes-men, groupthink and lemmings

October 8, 2023 James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

Critical thinking, questioning and robust debate are an essential element of innovation, positive change and progress in a society. Being immune to the unfounded opinions of others is essential to engaging in positive social change as opposed to “lemmings” who blindly follow their leaders into oblivion as all the “great” empires have done from Rome to the current collapse we are witnessing with the current collapse and disintegration of the US financial/military/industrial/oligarchic plutocracy. However this phenomenon not just confined to the US and all bureaucratic institutions from government to business, from political factions to the multiple tribal groupings of humanity.

The phenomenon of “yes-men” and “groupthink” even happens amongst so called alternative and progressive “tribal” groups to result in the “self censoring” as discussed below. However lets begin with a fable:

Oh, the yes-men donkeys, they slaved all day,

Pulling carts and wagons, in the farmer’s way.

The farmer was stern, and he loved his stick,

He used it to beat them, when they weren’t quick.

But one day, a new donkey came along,

He was bright, cheerful and sang a new song.

He said, “Dear donkeys, there’s a better way,

To work hard and fast, all through the day.”

“Instead of the stick, let’s use a carrot,

A reward for hard work, it’s a better start.”

The other donkeys just laughed and jeered,

“We don’t need carrots, that stick isn’t feared.”

They were so caught up in their groupthink,

They couldn’t see the carrot, nor even wink.

The new donkey was sad, but didn’t give up,

He knew that someday, they’d fill his cup.

One day, the farmer decided for the best,

To try the new donkey theory, put it to the test.

So put him in a field with a carrot, no stick,

Watched that donkey working quite very quick.

The new donkey worked hard for the carrot,

And munched away, like a hungry parrot.

The farmer was amazed, he’d never seen,

A donkey working this hard, it seemed like a dream.

The farmer decided to try out the carrot,

With the other donkeys and put it on a hook.

But the other donkeys still preferred the whip stick,

Caught up in their groupthink and mentally sick.

The farmer was disappointed, but he learned a lot,

He learned about groupthink’s mindset rot.

Leading yes-men donkeys to make bad decisions,

Missing opportunities for change with absolute precision.

It’s important to be open to new donkey’s ideas,

Stand up, challenge the status quo, without fears.

And the best way to get people to work hard,

Is to reward them, not punish them right from the start.

Yes-men are people who are known for always agreeing with the people in power, even when they have their own doubts or concerns. Yes-men are often seen as being sycophants or flatterers, and they can be very dangerous, especially when they are in positions of power themselves.

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a group of people makes bad decisions because they are all trying to conform to the group’s consensus. Groupthink can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Illusion of invulnerability: The group believes that it is infallible and that its decisions are always correct.
Collective effort to suppress dissent: The group exerts pressure on its members to agree with the consensus, even if they have different opinions.
Self-censorship: Group members are afraid to express their dissenting views because they fear being ostracised or punished by the group.

Yes-men can play a major role in groupthink. Because they are always agreeing with the people in power, they can create an environment where dissenting views are silenced and bad decisions are made.

Here are some examples of how yes-men and groupthink can lead to bad decision making:

A corporate board of directors may make a bad decision about a merger or acquisition because the CEO has surrounded himself with yes-men who are afraid to challenge his ideas.
A government administration may make a bad decision about going to war because the president has surrounded himself with advisors who are afraid to tell him that he is wrong.
A sports team may make a bad decision about a trade or draft pick because the general manager has surrounded himself with scouts and coaches who are afraid to tell him that he is making a mistake.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of yes-men and groupthink. If you are in a situation where you feel pressured to conform to the group’s consensus, it is important to speak up and express your own opinion, even if it is different from the majority opinion.

Here are some tips for avoiding groupthink:

Encourage dissenting opinions.
Be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Take time to reflect on decisions before making them.
Avoid making decisions under pressure.
Seek input from outside the group.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your group makes better decisions.

Lemmings leap and play their part

A runny fart is called a shart

The narrative is the dominant paradigm

Questioning the narrative is not a crime

Critical thinking and research

Makes a lot of peoples brains hurt

as it’s simple not to think for oneself

Lemmings following lemmings isn’t great for lemmings health

The narrator is hidden behind a mask of deception

Misinformation censorship and misdirection

It’s easy floating along in a dream

Takes effort to swim and row upstream

Questioning the narrative and asking “what if”

this river is a waterfall going off a cliff

The Cretin Notelligence Agency taken to task

Own all the media puppets in a mask

Saying, “jump off a cliff and you will fly

if you wave your arms about you won’t die”

Jump off the cliff and I’ll give you a dime

Is the narrative of the dominant paradigm

health, Life lessons, poetry, politics, Uncategorized

Body Positivity and Objectification Isn’t All Bad

February 10, 2023 James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

When I looked in the mirror last year I didn’t like what I had become…..weak and overweight. This was not like how I want to see myself and it’s also not how I want other people to see me, As a father of sons and also a public figure it’s important to present an image of health and wellness as I have always been one to lead by example and not one to tell other people how to live their lives. I also have a father who has been a very good role model of what can happen when unhealthy dietary habits catch up on you as he had part of his bowel removed when I was young due to diverticulitis. So in my teenage years I adopted healthy eating such as fruit for breakfast and avoiding high energy, nutrient deficient processed food. One of my majors was environmental pollution and health so I have always tended to eat healthily and avoid chemical pollutants.

This year, 2023, I have leveled up my health and fitness training because I didn’t like the look of my reflection nor the numbers on the scales. So I restarted swimming 2 or 3 times per week, I am lifting in the gym 3 or 4 times a week as well as my daily breathing, meditation and yoga routine. I have also begun eating less bread and high glycemic index foods. The results are showing and although I’v only lost about 4 kilograms, most of the fat has been converted to muscle so I am visibly slimmer and stronger.

Why am I telling you this? The Guyra Ag Show is coming up and there are prize categories for Guyra Show Girl and Guyra Show Guy, I said half joking (because in all humility, I think I’d have a good chance at winning) that I could go in it to a friend. She was horrified and ranted about how the Australian of the year got her award for the work she’s done about “stopping the objectification of people. ” She was so insenced by the “Guyra Show Guy” competition that she said she was going to write to the “Guyra Show Society” She’s wrong, the Australian of the year is documentary director Taryn Brumfitt who leads the Body Image Movement, an Adelaide-based organisation that teaches people to look after, love and appreciate their bodies. It is a body positivity movement that Taryn Brumfitt leads.

This lead me to doing my own research on the objectification of people and looking at both sides of the argument. I will begin by arguing why the objectification of people can be harmful and then I explore arguments why is is OK for a man to objectify himself and then how self objectification by women is sexually empowering.

Why objectification of some people is harmful.

The objectification of individuals, regardless of gender, is a harmful practice that reduces a person to nothing more than a physical object for others to admire or desire. However, the objectification of men and women is different in both its form and consequences.

The objectification of women has been a widespread issue for centuries and is still prevalent in today’s society. Women are often objectified through the media, advertisements, and other forms of popular culture, where they are shown as passive objects for the male gaze. This type of objectification often sexualizes women’s bodies and reduces them to nothing more than objects for sexual pleasure. The consequences of this type of objectification can be damaging to a woman’s self-esteem, self-worth, and can lead to a negative body image.

On the other hand, the objectification of men is a more recent phenomenon that has been brought to light in recent times. Unlike the objectification of women, which often sexualizes their bodies, the objectification of men tends to focus on their physical strength and athleticism. This can be seen in advertisements and media that depict men as strong and muscular, promoting a particular type of masculinity. While this type of objectification may seem less harmful, it can still have negative consequences. For example, it can contribute to the pressure on men to conform to a particular body type, leading to anxiety and body shaming.

Furthermore, while both men and women are objectified, the consequences of this objectification are not equal. The objectification of women is often tied to sexism, misogyny, and the patriarchal system, which is why it can lead to gender-based violence and discrimination. On the other hand, the objectification of men is tied to toxic masculinity and the pressure to conform to traditional masculine gender roles, which can lead to harmful behaviours such as aggression and the suppression of emotions.

In conclusion, the objectification of men and women is different in both its form and consequences. While both are harmful, the objectification of women is can be tied to sexism and misogyny, while the objectification of men can be tied to toxic masculinity. It is important to acknowledge these differences and some people think it is important to work towards ending the objectification of all individuals, regardless of gender. This could be achieved through the promotion of body positivity, challenging harmful societal norms and expectations, and educating people about the harmful consequences of objectification.

How self objectification by men promotes body positivity.

The objectification of individuals, whether it is someone else objectifying them or themselves, is often seen as a negative and harmful practice. However, there is a growing argument that self-objectification can be a positive and empowering experience for some individuals, including men. In this essay, I will argue that it is okay for a man to objectify himself and explain why.

Self-objectification is a process in which an individual evaluates themselves based on their physical appearance and sexual desirability. For men, this can involve striving for a particular body type or physical appearance that they believe will make them more attractive to others. While this may seem like a negative practice, some argue that it can be a form of self-expression and a way for men to assert their individuality and control over their bodies.

For example, some men may objectify themselves in order to feel more confident and assertive. By focusing on their physical appearance and striving to achieve a particular body type, they may feel a sense of pride and empowerment. This can lead to improved self-esteem and a more positive body image, which can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

Moreover, self-objectification can be a way for men to express their sexuality and explore their sexual desires. By focusing on their physical appearance and sexual desirability, they may feel more comfortable and confident in their sexual identity and expression. This can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable sexual life, which is an important aspect of overall well-being.

It is also important to note that self-objectification is a personal choice and individual experience. While it may not be right for everyone, it is important to respect an individual’s right to choose how they want to present themselves and express their sexuality. The pressure to conform to traditional masculine gender roles can be harmful and restrictive, and self-objectification can provide a space for men to reject these norms and assert their individuality.

In conclusion, while the objectification of individuals is often seen as a negative and harmful practice, it is okay for a man to objectify himself. This can be a form of self-expression, a way to assert individuality and control over their bodies, and a way to explore their sexuality. As long as it is a personal choice and not used to harm others, self-objectification can be a positive and empowering experience for some men.

Can Self Objectification by Women be Sexual Empowerment?

The objectification of individuals, particularly women, has long been seen as a negative and harmful practice. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards a more accepting and even celebratory view of women who objectify themselves. This essay will explore why it is becoming more acceptable for a woman to objectify herself.

One reason is the rise of the body positivity movement, which encourages individuals to love and embrace their bodies, regardless of shape or size. This movement has challenged traditional beauty standards and encouraged people to see their bodies as something to be celebrated rather than criticised. This has created a more accepting and inclusive environment for women who choose to objectify themselves, whether it is through posting sexy selfies or showing off their bodies in tight-fitting clothing

Another reason is the increasing visibility and representation of women in popular culture, who objectify themselves. From music videos to reality TV shows, women are increasingly presenting themselves in sexually suggestive and provocative ways. This has led to a normalisation of women objectifying themselves, and a greater acceptance of this type of self-expression.

Furthermore, the rise of social media has allowed for women to have greater control over their self-presentation and objectification. Through platforms such as Instagram, women can curate and control their online image, and choose to present themselves in a sexually suggestive or objectifying way if they so choose. This has given women greater agency over their self-expression and has made it more acceptable for them to objectify themselves.

It is also important to note that self-objectification can be a form of empowerment and self-expression for some women. By choosing to present themselves in a sexualised or objectifying way, they are asserting their individuality and control over their bodies. This can lead to a greater sense of confidence and body positivity, which can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

In conclusion, it is becoming more acceptable for a woman to objectify herself due to the rise of the body positivity movement, the increasing representation and visibility of women who objectify themselves in popular culture, and the greater control and agency provided by social media. While self-objectification may not be right for everyone, it is important to respect a woman’s right to choose how she wants to present herself and express her sexuality.

Poetry: When Body Positivity Meets Gaslighting.

When body positivity meet gaslighting. (Satire) While researching for the above article I came across some phrases used to promote body positivity and also some phrases used to “body shame” and thought what would happen if you combined the body positivity phrases with the body shaming phrases. This is meant purely as satire.

“You are beautiful just the way you are but you’re too skinny/fat”

“Your body is amazing and you need to lose weight”

“Although you’re not toned enough you are worthy of love and respect, regardless of your size or shape.”

“Your body is a temple with love handles and cellulite treat it with care and respect.”

“You are more than your appearance and your flabby arms and legs.”

“Your body is strong and capable even with a muffin top.”

“Embrace your unique features, imperfections and thick waist, they make you who you are.”

“Focus on what your body can do, not your small breasts, big butt and double chin..”

“Health and happiness are more important than any physical characteristic like your ugly face”

“Your body is a work of art with a big belly, created perfectly for you.”

“Be kind to yourself and your body, it’s the only two you have. “

“Your body and thunder thighs are a reflection of the amazing person you are.”

“You need to work on your abs and acne but you are enough, just as you are.”

“Every body is a good body except that you have bad posture.”

“Your body is a source of pride and joy with a pot belly”

“You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own dry, flaky and wrinkly skin.”

“Celebrate your body for all the amazing things it allows you to do like sit and watch TV.”

“Focus on nourishing and loving your body, not changing your flat butt.”

“Your body is perfect in its own unique way with that squashed face and no teeth. “

“Remember, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes even very wide hips.”

And that is that…. Except the last thing that I wanted to say is that we are currently in the most unhealthily obese period in human history with over 50% of the entire population of the planet overweight or obese. That sure is one big opportunity for improvement. Stay well and let me know what you think in the comments.

change, Humour, Life lessons, poetry, writing

Meditation and transformational poetry

September 19, 2022 James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

There are times especially when I meditate that poetry downloads occur which present basic truths in their simplicity. In fact it seems to me that most fundamental truths are simple, such as the hermetic principle of cause and effect. Often the statements and poetry are transformational realisations that come when I am meditating on someone with “stuck” thinking patterns that are causing pain. Recently there have been a few poems which are this way so I’m just going to dump them below in no particular order for your pondering pleasure.

De-pollution “Contrails or chem-trails the humidity is high Here in the mountains as jets cross the sky

Streaky like bacon in a sky cyan and azure

Whether contrails or chem-trails, neither are pure

Condensate clouds form to droplets of rain

With la Nina this rain brings flood and pain

Thunderclouds rolling across the down under

Desert plains greened after storm thunder

Washing away garbage, change left behind

Baggage is lost for a new state of mind

Normal never was exposed by rat test

Stress brings opportunity to become your best

Mooganar Thundercloud Lightning and rain

Rainbows bring opportunity for growth again” Thundercloud quotes

Fear of fear

Is fear of avocadoes called avophobia?

Did someone locked in a closet get claustrophobia?

Androphobia is fear of men, not only Andrew. Angropbobia is fear of anger but fear of thunder and fear of lightning is astraphobia not thunderphobia or lightningphobia.

What about fear of door-knockers? Jehovahphobia?Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is obviously fear of long words. Invented by a troll.

Where’s my phone? Nomophobia. Fear of not having your phone…….. Venustraphobia is not as it seems but fear of beautiful women. While witches and witchcraft are obviously wiccaphobia.

Zuigerphobia isn’t quite so self explanatory, it kind of sucks, like fear of vacuum cleaners.

What about a fear of fear? Phobiaphobia…

Or does it cancel itself out because it is a double negative and become

Love

All

“There is no beginning because something always happened before.

There is no end because something will always happen after the end

If you close a door, you’re on one side of the door

When you walk around a corner you have gone around a bend

We can see only a fraction of the whole spectrum of light

We can only hear a fraction of the whole spectrum of sound

Without our filters it would be a bright and noisy nigh

We are connected as one with everything and all the energy around”

And now for something completely different

Life is about spirit

some won’t want to listen or hear it

but you can lift yourself up if you employ

a new attitude to life of acceptance, bliss, peace, joy

Decide get up from the lower negative emotional vibration

Release trauma from within and relax into Iration

Connect your heart and third eye to begin creation

Do everything or nothing with this information

Man, woman, other, girl or boy

POET

Poet once tried to describe the beauty of the entire Earth

Every day Poet wrote of poetry of lush green mountains filled with cotton wool Mist

Valleys filled with raging rivers and puffy clouds

Great walls and tiny fleas,

Rocks

Pebbles

Stones crystals and jewels

The flight of a raven

A murder of crows

Pyramids, Pythagoras and pixies

Brumbies and ponies running though the snow

Poet awoke each day in amazement and when Poet read their own poetry they thought of more beauty of the Earth that had not yet been written

Waterwalls tall and narrow, wide and raging

Autum colours

Bare skeletal branches in winter

Daffodils in spring

A golden sand beach with footprints

Walking along a path with sand between the toes

The taste of rain water

When poet though of how incredible the Earth is,

Poet’s heart was so filed with love for Earth that tears of joy welled up

often

This only inspired Poet more

For many years Poet wrote

But every day there was more

Jungles with vines, jaguars, anaconda

Pandas eating bamboo

Deserts, tundra and plains

Jagged peaks, gentle rolling green hills

White, red, yellow, brown cliffs

And more

But each day Poet awoke

Began to write

With gratitude

Thankyou for this planet

With the fresh blue air

For the water and the sun

The ocean to wash my hair

The rivers forests trees

Monkey, rainbows and bumble bees

Rivers rocks, fjords and lochs

Poet traveled far and wide to see the Earth

This only inspired Port more

Poet climbed hills swam oceans, reefs and with colourful coral fish

And wrote about it all.

One day Poet awoke

Poet walked out side

Poet had no pen or paper

Walked into the green field

Lay down

Watched a butterfly emerge from a cocoon

It was large, black with shimmerimg green, blues and violet patches in its wings

Poet closed their eyes

And relaxed

The ants and crows quickly devoured

Most of the flesh

And the maggots the rest

Poet lived a very very long life

More than 900 years

But Poet’s poetry lasted

… Forever.

Progress

“If you keep doing the same thing every day, very little about you will change, There will be minimal progress, improvement or personal development without habit change.

Your life will become mediocre, with resentment, self loathing and hate, but if you set a goal with passion and take action everyone can be great” Thundercloud Quotes, 2022

Extra Comments on Progress: “If you don’t imagine a better life and change your situation, then you’ll be resentful, angry, and live life in frustration”

“Every human has potential for continuous growth and creation, if they’d believe in themselves they can create any situation”

“The words we use to describe ourselves are true from our own perspective, so we must change the things we say about ourselves if we want to be self directive.”

Life lessons, poetry, writing

Acres of Diamonds

June 20, 2022 James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

There is an African parable about a farmer who sells his farm to go searching for diamonds which he never finds meanwhile the man who bought his farm find diamonds on the very farm that the first man sold.

There's a little patch of calm in an ocean of panic
Selling off the family farm our farmer is a tragic
He going on a search for a diamond studded land
When he finds his fortune, won't his life be grand?
Searching high and low will he ever find his treasure? 
One day will he  know a life of wealth and pleasure?
Trodding up and down on the search for Easy Street
He's a desk jockey and clown, the betting house his beat
Why he sold the farm many thought he was insane
Depressed and without charm, going down the drain
Never found his fortune, he's going off his head
Life never played his tune, and he ended up dead

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thundercloud

In an Ocean of panic there's a little patch of calm
Where Farmer Obananic bears the work of his new bought farm
Working hard, tills the field and carries water from the creek
So he gets a good crop yield and just the other week
He was walking in the creek and found a shiny rock
He forgot it for a week because he stored it in his sock
But he showed it to a friend who told him what he found
The farm he bought had acres of diamonds lying round.

So the moral of the story, just stop and look around 
You may just have a priceless antique sitting on the ground
And even better you've the brains to do what's in your head
Find your little patch of calm and don't panic or be dead
You've everything you need to create a life of thrival
Or you can look externally and live life in survival
Chasing rainbow ends, find hail and slime on
Or STOP. Look around you're sitting on diamonds.

I heard this story earlier in the week and decided to rewrite it in poetry rhyming couplet form. I have been also contemplating how this story might apply to my life. What diamonds am I sitting on? Rare books? Antiques?

AhHa! My unpublished poetry? My unpublished children’s books like Happy Harry Koala? The Australian Poetry Hall of Fame? All the above and more. Yes it is true, which makes me think “I’d better create some products from my writing and art. I’m sitting on acres of diamonds”

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