By Philip Suzara

Pondering… as I sit here at the edge of my mythical life pond.

One can see many things happening at the edge of life’s pond, as in any pond. Decisions are made there, life changing decisions, defining moments… to get in the pond, or not. The pond is encircled by its edges in different forms and kind: straight, jagged, rough, rocks, pebbles, sand, soil, or mud. Very much like people. No matter the differences we have, we all belong there… around the life pond, inside, outside, at the edge, but there.

Has it ever happened to you where you come to head in making a point or discussing some important matter with somebody who turns out to be an obstinate and stubborn person?
No amount of explanation or good arguments will seem sufficient to move that person from a particular position that he/she has taken. It will seem as though you were either talking to a wall, to a deaf person, an imbecile, somebody who was not paying attention, or just somebody who refuses to listen and see your point.
The assumption here is that you very well know what you are talking about, well versed in approaches to a discussion, as well as charming your way into one. But, no matter how and where you take it, you don’t seem to make any dent at all with the other person. There would even be insecurity setting in as you’d feel inadequate in your ability to bring your point across that particular person, or to anyone for that matter!

I am actually talking about our last ditch effort of convincing many other voters to go beyond self and make the right choice, for the country, for our children’s future, for our future. It will be a matter of a few days till we go to the polls and chart our future.

There are still many who will vote because they were attracted with the promise of money, not of programs for governance; there were none presented – just some mumbo-jumbo gibberish of a motherhood statement of unity. No further participation in any presidential debate – the analogy is that of a job applicant who refuses to be interviewed despite his questionable resume’. Some survey platforms show him in the lead. Some “churches and religious leaders” have even endorsed him – HOW? WHY? Seriously? WTF!
I simply cannot seem to wrap my head around it. I seriously doubt if there was any matching done by those endorsers of their candidate; how he has lived his life then and how he comports himself now. Just compare it to what doctrines they teach their followers and the values they embrace. This election exercise has unravelled some truths and has shown us about realities certain individuals and institutions peddle.

Still we try, we must continue with our efforts to reach out to the others who might be longing to be touched by the message we bring – each and every vote will ultimately affect our lives.

There is one song that I am reminded of, it was written by Randy Mcneill and sung by Marilyn McCoo of the Fifth Dimension in 1972. I love this song as it brings me so many memories. Also, it is a sad commentary on how people get swept off their feet, swayed, deceived, and entangled in utilitarian relationships that eventually conclude in a sad refrain.

If I Could Reach You

“Oh no don’t go
It’s hours ’til dawn
And there’s no one who’d rather be with you
I know you know other girls like me
I let you take my love knowing you don’t love me
But if I could reach you some way
If I knew the magic it would take
To love you good enough on the outside
And make you feel it on the inside
Maybe I could make you stay
If I could reach you
The dark is getting light and you’re dressed to go
And never said a word about tomorrow
But if I could reach you some way
If I knew the magic it would take
To love you good enough on the outside
And make you feel it on the inside
Maybe I could make you stay
See you next time
I’ll see you next time”

It will be with bated breath that we look forward to unleashing our power when we leave our marks at the polling centers.
We need a sharper sword to slay the dragons; we need a louder voice to be heard…

We will roar and WE WILL WIN!

Pondering, as I sit here at the edge of life’s pond.

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Philip Suzara
Creature of God. Child of the Universe. Global Citizen. Lover of Life. Freedom Fighter. Agent of Change. Lone Wolf. Occasional Consultant for Strategic Communications.