Flashbacks From a Roller Coaster Ride. Austen Barnes

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      INTRODUCTION

      Flashbacks from a Roller Coaster Ride is a collection of momentary images embracing a wide range of events and impressions. While some describe personal feelings, others dig deeper into potential impact of events on our destinies. These are not intended to press any particular viewpoint or opinion, and in fact some of the perspectives are almost exactly opposed. This is because we tend to see things differently as our times change and the things around us change, too. Also, what we may believe to be an attractive and acceptable viewpoint or mores at one time may be out of favor or even detrimental at another, or even concurrently in a different culture. And the end results can be beneficial or disastrous in ways we never imagined. Our reality is constantly changing and often we ourselves are unaware of the ramifications arising from our perceived righteous motivations, missions, or viewpoints.

      However, as we explore more of the truly delicate nature and reality of our universe, we begin to realize that all is magnificently interconnected, yet nobody has the inside track on knowledge, truth, or superior philosophy.

      To even imagine the human mind can understand existence and thereby express certainties about anything is the height of arrogance. This is borne out by the writer’s experiences; the finest minds I have been privileged to know have nearly all at one time or another been proven terribly wrong, and have learned accordingly. This leads to the stimulating idea that if we try to conjecture possibilities from all perspectives, the odds of getting it right are increased. This is part of the spirit of this collection. We live in a universe governed by uncertainties and numerous cross connections. This extends all the way from the diversities of quantum physics to the influence of mind over the immune system, to changing events by power of applied thought, or if you prefer, power of prayer.

      It can be argued human development has encountered two major built-in impediments. One is that we tend to attribute superhuman capability to mere mortals which lack it, particularly in high leadership roles and policy decision making, all subject to human foibles, and somehow we expect them to provide deliverance. In fact, the absence or suppression of questioning or perceiving multiple viewpoints has historically spelt disaster.

      The other hurdle is in over reliance on short term pragmatic solutions at every level of endeavor, spawning long term problems. These recurring failures are reflected in some of the poems. We must keep an open mind about all, but we must also try to play by the rules as we learn them, aware that even then we can never be certain that we know them.

      The only certainty is that we are here, and privileged to observe all we are allowed to see, from as many angles as possible. One interpretation will prove to be the most apt, but all must be appreciated in order to eventually converge on truth. It does not really matter whether some of us choose to call ultimate truth God or not; it does not change the result. Our biggest danger is in believing we know what is best without going through the discipline of studying and respecting all known options.

      Thank you, dear reader, for enjoying Flashbacks, and Godspeed helping mold our future!

      Austen Barnes 2019

      THE WARM, WISTFUL, AND THE COOL

      HALO

      The lamp

      lights dimly on

      the cobblestones

      at the end of the street,

      halo'd by the yellow aura

      of English fog.

      As I wait, late,

      for the empty tramcar

      footsteps reverberate -

      impatient, feminine, firm, but -

      the high heels

      ring unsteadily on the curved stones

      as the pale glow of her light raincoat

      shows her form -

      in highlights and shadows,

      and her soft features

      are visible for but an instant

      as she hurries, preoccupied,

      through the damp chill.

      And the street reverts

      to silence as her footsteps fade

      and the fog swirls behind her

      around the lonely street lamp

      glowing misty bright,

      speckling murky stars

      on the wet cobblestones.

      And I ponder who she might be,

      and what is she like,

      but I hope whoever she is

      she is nice to know

      as she walks her straight walk

      and leaves her wake in the fog

      as it closes, curling its yellow halo

      around the lamp at the end of the street

      and I wonder, wistfully

      if she will catch my late tramcar

      at the next stop

       LOVE

      I loved you much

      and you loved me

      and we together

      built the bridges

      for the children

      to the stars

      It took its toll-

      the endless toil

      the hours beyond

      our time were spent

      to bend their sights

      to better goals

      No limits set-

      our planet yet

      begins its trip

      along its destined track

      of fire to glory

      and extinction

      For minds beget

      the brief success-

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