Category Archives: Friends

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Acuity: My first feature film

ACUITY MOVIE POSTER

Greetings all and happy weekend!

As some of you may know, I’ve dabbled in the film industry under the stage name “Michael Mercy.” A few years ago I wrote, directed and co-starred in an inspirational film called “Acuity,” a term you may have seen pop up in some of my writings.

After many requests from viewers of my online movie discussion show, Armchair Directors, I’ve decided to break it out of the vault, dust if off, and put it up on our Youtube channel for all the world to see.

Many of the themes of my writings are present in the film, so I think readers here will enjoy it. Themes of courage, gratitude, living in the moment and not allowing others to influence our emotions.

Thanks for watching, enjoy the show and by all means share the link with your friends and family if you feel the message will have meaning for them as well.

You can watch Acuity online here.

Notice the little things,
Miro (Michael Mercy)

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Just Imagine

Imagine what life would be like if you never felt embarrassment. Imagine if you followed your heart and your conscience for every decision, both big and small, without the fear of what effect it would have on the way other people view you? Imagine doing something and instead of apologizing or trying to explain yourself when you get a peculiar look, simply placing your hands on your hips and saying, “You missed it.”

Imagine not caring what people who miss so much because of selfishness, fear and lack of empathy think, and imagine having the courage, grace and emotional control to confront all those who try to squash others under their thumb for standing apart and following their heart. Imagine telling them, “I see what you’re doing, and it’s an act of cowardice, selfishness, small-mindedness, comfort and lack of understanding,” without having it devolve into a heated argument because you truly don’t care what they think. And imagine if you could see the irony of how such words strongly affect them because they care too much?

Just imagine. :)

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Strangers

strangers-are-just-friends-i-havent-met-yet

Strangers

I’ve recently made an attempt
To befriend random folks
A smile, a wave, a “Hello” and
Some chat-chat tried to coax

My findings were quite disappointing
Most were much too guarded
They were too busy and my efforts
Were quickly discarded

Many looks of suspicion
And much fear did I sense
My friendly and warm smile was
Met with a look quite tense

Very few humans are open
To meeting new people
Whether it’s the street, bus stop
Or under a church steeple

Why is everyone afraid
And always thinks the worst?
Why must people be hounded
Begged, pestered and coerced?

To be honest it makes me sad
To think about how shy
Defensive, cautious and averse
So many are to “Hi”

To put it into perspective
I wrote a poem filled
With inspiration and kind words
To help someone’s strength build

I tried to give this note away
But everyone responded:
“No thanks” as they hurried off
Each one of them absconded

I stood there staring at the note
And chuckled to myself
All their preconceived notions
To protect their own health

All their worry and caution
Had denied them a chance
To have their spirit boosted and
Their attitude enchanced

Because they thought I wanted something
Or was selling God
They thought to be that friendly and
Selfless was much too odd

I crumpled up the note and threw it
Right into the trash
I guess the only paper people
Take is cold, hard cash

Thank God for the internet
Where people stop and read
Where preconceived notions do not
Obstruct every good deed

                            ~Miro

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Love Is…

tiger

Love Is…

Love is second nature
Love Is reflex, love’s innate
No struggle or effort needed
To care for your mate

Love obliterates ego
To point where there’s no “I”
Love for someone else bids that
Selfish ego goodbye

Love is instinct, built within
Our blood and DNA
Love does not need to “cool down”
True love has no delay

We see it in our animals
In how they care for young
Inherent duty to protect
The small lives which have sprung

We see it in the packs that travel
Together in wild
Loyalty for each other
Even the beasts reviled

But true love is so rare among
The human race it seems
A concept that only exists
Within most people’s dreams

Because the human mind is shackled
With such selfishness
Fear of hurt, embarrassment
Of having to confess

Their true love for another
Worry seeps in and corrupts
Choking the life out of love
As the ego erupts

Love is never angry and
Love is never hostile
‘Cause love is made of empathy
And ‘cause love walks a mile

In the loved one’s shoes and love
Lets go of own opinion
Love is not a slave to fear
And is not ego’s minion

Love is brave and bold and love
Makes no apologies
Love envigors, love strengthens
Love heals, love tames, love frees

From “me,” from “I,” from “myself” and
It opens selfish eyes
To smallness of the ego while
It makes the spirit rise

                                       ~Miro

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“I Give Up On You”

Another cold, harsh truth that many won’t be able to accept because they’ve been taught to “never give up on the people they love.” The truth is some of those people are parasites completely controlled by ego and will only sap your strength, not be helped by it..

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I Give Up On You

Countless readers have told me that my writing has said
Exactly in poetic form what they thought in their head
Concepts that they couldn’t find the right words to describe
And my poem took those thoughts and did properly transcribe

So here’s another rhyming song for something that is tough
Words for how you can tell someone that enough’s enough
When someone’s failed you many times and will so many more
It’s hard to not definitively want to close that door

We want to hope, we want to pray, that they will figure out
That what they’re doing’s selfish and they’ll take the proper route
We want to believe they will come around and open eyes
To cease with all their hating, accusations or their lies

There comes a time when intuition speaks to us quite clear
It tells us that it’s pointless now and that the end is near
And yet there’s messages from past which conflict and say “Wait!”
“You can’t abandon them, there’s hope that they’ll get their life straight!”

Confusion comes because to quit seems such a simple thing
But no, my brothers and sisters, it’s harder than to cling
To give up on someone who we gave so much love and hope
Is an extremely difficult climb up a lofty slope

It takes your effort, concentration, adamance, resolve
To make a friendship that you cared so much for just dissolve
It takes a constant reminder to self that it is right
That those who care just for themselves must be gone from our sight

And it’s important to remember that we’re not God
We cannot perform miracles on people who are flawed
We do our best and let it go and leave the rest to fate
We must release ourselves from that unreasonable weight

For it is truly without reason why we still stand by
People who destroy themselves and make their loved ones cry
There’s no reason in standing by someone who doesn’t care
You’re not a slave, you’re not a captive in their tragic lair

So stand up, speak up and say it, say “I give up on you”
I did my best, I’m satisfied that I cannot get through
I’m not a God or wizard and can only do so much
And so I now release you from my hopeful, caring clutch

It’s over, I give up because you’re just a parasite
Sucking life from anyone who casts their graceful light
It’s time you tried to shine yourself, and so I bid good day
I give up on you is all that I have left to say”

Sometimes it’s these cutting words, not words soft and so sweet
That rattle cages and force selfish ego’s quick retreat
A Warrior does not encourage, pander or condone
Ingratitude or thoughtlessness and makes their feelings known

                                                            ~Miro

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The Bashful Blushing Blonde’s Blinding Box of Brilliance

“I am convinced all of humanity is born with more gifts than we know.  Most are born geniuses and just get de-geniused rapidly.” ~Buckminster Fuller

brilliance

The Bashful Blushing Blonde’s Blinding Box of Brilliance

There once was a Blonde who begat
A box that most couldn’t stare at
For you see it was filled
With much brilliance that spilled
Out its confines and made many scat

For the brilliance within made them feel
As if their boring world was less real
And so most ran away
Although some chose to stay
And with snide remarks tried to conceal

They poked fun and all rolled their eyes
And besmirched the brilliance with their lies
They all tried to tarnish
It’s bright, brilliant varnish
With mocking they claimed was so wise

The Blonde blushed as she looked inside
And wondered if what she had eyed
Was not really as fair
As she’d first been aware
And thought it best to close it and hide

But through the crowd came someone new
Who called out, “Whatever you do
Don’t you dare put away
That box ‘cause what they say
Is just cowardly speak and not true!”

The crowd stepped aside as he waded
Through cynics, naysayers and jaded
And then someone noted
This Stranger was coated
By same light as box they degraded

So the crowd turned all of their attention
To him and gave same apprehension
But unlike silent box
This Stranger loudly talks
And proceeded to dauntlessly mention

How blind all of them had behaved
How pathetic, selfish and depraved
It had been to see joy
And just try to destroy
The passion of someone who had braved

To open the box and look in
While the cowards stood by with a grin
And had poked fun and made
The Blonde’s complexion shade
Into bashful, embarrassed red skin

The Stranger grabbed the box’s top
And tore it clean off with a pop
The brilliance spilled out
And the snide crowd did pout
But the Stranger swore it wouldn’t stop

He turned to the Blonde and he said:
“Never let their despair spread
Never allow
A snide comment to bow
Or to lower or curtail your head”

He threw the box top into crowd
It disappeared into the shroud
And he wandered back through
Into those who were blue
While the Blonde stood with her head not bowed

As the blinding brilliance poured outward
Some of the crowd still murmured
“Tough luck!” the Blonde said
While holding high her head
“There’s no closing this box, I’m a nerd!

I’m a geek! I have passion! I’m weird!
And your attitude’s no longer feared!
I won’t feel ashamed
My passion won’t be tamed
For the things that are loved and revered!”

And low and behold, some then saw
The true brilliance within which made jaw
Fall down to the floor
And then they loudly swore
To no longer tease, joke and guffaw

So if you have a box which you hide
Perhaps someday a Stranger will ride
Into your town and tear
The lid clean off and dare
You to not let its contents subside

But sometimes that Stranger won’t come
So it’s up to you to take your thumb
And your fingers and rip
The lid clean off and whip
That lid into the darkest, dank slum

And stare at the passion which blinds
So many aloof, fearful minds
Take the steps to confirm
That you’ll no longer squirm
‘Cause that lidless box always reminds

                                        ~Miro

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I Disagree

“I disagree.” If you say nothing else, at least say that…

disagree

I Disagree

I had the chance to overhear
A couple chaps who sat
Down around where I set up
To write and heard them chat

About the latest shooting and
Solutions to avoid
Future tragedies but the
Discussion was devoid

Of something that I’ve noticed:
That whenever someone shoots
A building full of people that
Everyone runs and scoots

The shooter always gives up or
They commit suicide
You hardly ever hear of victims
Who charge and collide

You hardly ever hear of victims
Rising to revolt
When gunfire sprays the reaction
Is shock, fear and to bolt

I wondered what would happen if
A psycho opened fire
Upon a crowd and there within
The confusion and mire

There stood a Warrior who charged
Or maybe two or three
Who rather than saving themselves
Embraced adversity

Who tackled the assailant down
And tore them limb from limb
Who’d trained to deal with focus and
Control when times are grim

Perhaps a former soldier or
An officer of law
Similar to air marshals
Who have been trained to draw

Their weapon or to jump forward
When many would jump back
Who do not run from danger but
Attack, attack, attack

The discussion got sidetracked as
Most debates often do
An ego was presented with
A bit too much to chew

Words got misinterpreted
And point misunderstood
To further try to clarify
I knew would do no good

And so the most important thing
To be made loud and clear
While one of them was getting a
Bit touchy and severe

Was that I disagreed and so
I said it with a smile
“I disagree with you” I said
And I was not hostile

But my expression and my tone
Were ignored like my thoughts
He took it as an insult which
Seemed to tie him in knots

He looked offended, angry and
He looked very confused
“I disagree with you” I did
Repeat ‘cause I refused

I saw him as a man who always
Felt the need to “win”
And here, now, bitter stalemate which
Caused him so much chagrin

I showed that I no longer cared
To argue and debate
But wouldn’t concede anything
Which made his joy deflate

Be weary of people like this
Whose joy hinges on “beating”
Other people’s opinions
Their joy lies in competing

So even if you have nothing
To say, just disagree
Say the words and let them know
“That doesn’t work for me”

Don’t defend your reasons why
And don’t you dare explain
To enter into pointless banter
Only serves to drain

Instead, pay close attention to
Reaction that you get
Study facial expressions
You see a hint of fret?

Is that a person who takes it
Too personal when they
Aren’t able to get the crowd
To acknowledge their way?

Do they get into a huff? Do
They look so stunned, aghast?
When someone disagrees do they
Seem as if they’re harassed?

If they give off these warning signs
Then you should see them clear
It is someone who uses mouth
But doesn’t use an ear

“I disagree” and let it go
And soon you will feel grace
A look of peacefulness should shortly
Wash over your face

And do not be surprised if others
Fail to recognize
It’s one of many things that is
Concealed from ego’s eyes

But hold fast and repeat your words
“I disagree” and see
Who can leave it at that and
Who feels the need to flee

Because they get a boo-boo face
Whenever they can’t win
While there upon your own face is
A calm and peaceful grin

                                  ~Miro

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random acts of kindness, silliness, and heroism

Reblogged from sheri writes:

We are drawn to conflict, we're led to fear it and some of us even anticipate it. It's hard to resist when media, newspapers, television, etc, all so blatantly publish the latest news of strife, murder and war with little else to restore a diminishing faith in the good of people.

We quabble over global warming, politics, human (and animal) rights, and insodoing draw lines between us that divide, promote judgement and discrimination.

Read more… 262 more words

Warriors among us...caught on camera!
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Halfway

halfway

Halfway

Friends / acquaintances, sometimes
The line can become blurred
A friend is someone who does not
Travel only a third

Or no distance at all, a friend
Will meet you halfway there
A friend can bare half of the load
Because a friend does care

Acquaintances can not be bothered
So we’re forced to carry
Because they may be too busy
Lazy or just too wary

They might not want to trust again
So it’s left up to us
To make all calls, to send e-mails
To choose when we discuss

To plan, to set, to make sure that
All events are arranged
And if we only do our half
Then they become estranged

It’s why I am grateful to the
Handful of friends I know
Who see the two miles between us
And one mile they will go

They meet me in the middle and
It speaks about our bond
The willingness to not just take
But give, help, and respond

It urges me to ask more of
My would-be friends that I
Naively just accept as brother
Sister and ally

It urges me to shed the light
Of truth on “friends” who never
Give a thought, an effort, energy
Strain to endeavor

These aren’t “friends,” they’re just people
With whom we pass the time
Associates who aren’t involved
With our life’s constant climb

We can’t draw on them for our strength
Support, passion or grace
They’re not there right beside us as we
Battle, strive and chase

I’ve started asking more from others
Not full, simply half
I’ve made an effort to not go
Whole way on their behalf

And it has been enlightening
To learn just who can’t travel
Just as far as I’m willing
On the very same gravel

It has been hard to let them go
But for the few that do
Meet me in the middle, my
Respect now does accrue

And though it may scare you to ask
I urge you to request
Don’t do all the work yourself
Sometimes you have to test

Sometimes you have to see if they
Get the concept of “fair”
Of “balance,” “symmetry” and see
If distance they will share

Worry not for those who won’t
Budge when you’ve walked a mile
You did your part while they did not
Wave goodbye with a smile

And focus all your energy
On gratitude for those
Who meet you in the middle and
Watch how that friendship grows

                                      ~Miro

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Dark and Quiet

Dark & Quiet

This message is more specific
Than most that I do write
It’s directed at people who
Wage a similar fight

It’s for those who are dealing with
A chronic kind of pain
Physical in body or
Emotional in brain

I’ve managed to reintegrate
Myself in the workforce
After years of having my
Ailments take me off course

I was not able to pick up
Exactly where I’d left
Some factors had to be tweaked and
Conditions made bereft

When one is constantly in pain
Your senses grow intense
Making things a bit darker
Serves as a good defense

The normal lighting tubes above
Which most will pay no mind
Over prolonged hours cause
Fatigue is what I find

And so I’ve made an effort to
Keep man-made light around
Dimmer than normal in order
To feel much less wound

Darkened lenses on my glasses
Also help to serve
To block excessive lighting in
Which plucks the painful nerve

Yes, some will look at you strange
Or say, “You think you’re cool?”
But to me, he who worries of
Such things is the real fool

The other factor that has helped
Is to keep the noise low
I’ve made an effort to stay clear
Of those who do bellow

And speak more loudly than is needed
All that extra noise
Over time will only serve
To erode all your poise

The truth is that most people talk
Far more than is required
And I have learned that excess only
Leads to getting tired

I choose my actions carefully
And made what I have last
And that applies to talking when
I’m contacted or asked

It isn’t necessary to
Just yammer on all day
And being one who has learned this
I like to stay away

From those who have no concept of
“Enough” because they just
Serve to be another pain
That is upon me thrust

Dark and quiet’s how I work
And where my peace does thrive
Dark and quiet’s how this broken
Vessel does survive

You cannot stop your body from
Breaking down, but you can
Change your outside factors and
Devise a fitting plan

To work around what holds you back
But you must have the guts
To make accommodations even
If they’ll think you’re nuts

                                    ~Miro