A SPIRIT MOVING THROUGH TIME

The answer to "who are you ?"

 

A SPIRIT MOVING THROUGH TIME

 

Don`t rush off---you are one of those spirits.

 

Everybody has been faced with that question at

some time, "who are you?"

 

Like myself, most people are tempted to answer

with what they do.   "I`m a secretary", or "I`m

a nuclear physicist", or "I`m Doctor Jones".

 

We are inclined to identify with those who are

famous, or in power.  I recall when John F. Kennedy

was President of the United States, I felt kindred

to him.  He had such great personality, it seemed

that he touched every life.

 

I recall sitting in the waiting room of a large

hospital talking to one of the most famous of

American Band Leaders.   This guy had been

married many times to movie stars and other

famous women.  He was great!

After we had talked for about an hour we felt

sort of "friendly".   He said, "John, I don`t know

what`s going to happen to me, my life is a mess."

 

A few days ago a cute lady made an appearance

on the inter net.   She is obviously well off, world

wise and locked in a box.   With the voice of a tourist

she told me about a recent trip half way around

the world.   She should have stayed home and

looked at the National Geographic---that was her

identity from the trip.  She is a person who was at

a certain place and she spoke to certain persons.

 

Don`t it just fry your eggs ?   You ask some guy

who he is and he says, "Oh, I am purchasing agent

for Diablo systems (made up name), or some such

identity.   The first thing you think, I wonder what

this guy knows, who does he know, how does he

think, where did he go to school and on and on.

In other words, once somebody tells you who he is

you then start to search your mind for his identity.

 

Websters was very little help with the word

identity.   Basically, Websters touches on Psychiatry

as a basis for identity, then wanders through various

forms of terminology, none of which bring us any

closer to truth.

 

Some time ago, having written a lengthy poem, it

was called, 'A Cowboy`s Travels in Ireland'.

See, I had to tell who I was to give people something

to tie to.  I became ,"a Cowboy".

The poem touched on my ancestors, places the Irish

would be interested in, even how I got, partially,

the way I am.

 

Some authority on writing once indicated that we

should rarely write about our selves, instead go

to and examine ideas, ideals,  perspectives, etc.

I agree with that theory to a large extent.  Why ?

Because the minute you identify yourself with a

trade, profession, or the arts, you lose all the rest

of your potential readers.

 

A few years ago when on an oral board, testing

applicants for police jobs, I asked an applicant ,

"who are you".   It was a careless question and I

suppose I expected the usual, "student", or

"biologist", whatever.   Instead of the usual answer

one applicant became very agitated, was dismissed,

but came in to my office the following day saying.

"Mr. Crowley, I think I know who I am."

 

That little incident is just mentioned for it`s humor

value and to indicate just how some people are

isolated from any knowledge of 'self'.

 

Did you ever notice ?  Somebody says ," yes I have a

Master`s degree".  The usual retort from the other is,

what is your master`s in ?  Maybe, where did you get

your master`s ?

No matter what the answer, you will be putting that

person in a box.   You will tend to think of them in

terms of the school they attended, or the discipline in

which they studied.

 

We do know that we are a moving being, we observe,

and we relate to others and their ideas.  We don`t

just move and relate in a room, while running  or

at work on plumbing.  

 

We relate to others in a continuum of time.

"When we were children we thought of children`s

things and when grown we put away the things of

childhood and took up the things of men and women".

 

We are the spirit that moves us through life.

 

Any thoughts on this?   Ever have trouble with someone

you like a lot, but you have to give up close

association with that person because they just live

in a box ?   Try to get your friends out of the box,

try to get that spirit moving out in to the world----

even checking out a tropical island.  ; -)

 

----John Crowley

 

Reviews

[Renée]

Boy I could write a book with chapters in response to your story..but I won't...I think this is my favorite writing of yours... makes me think in so many areas...
Who am I ? Aw the possibilities are endless... Great thoughts you captured and I am glad you did !

[Eagle Cruagh]

Yup ! You said it, well partly------ if you had continued, you would have made my story,
you see where we are in this life is where we find others------ you nearly told me where
you are, who you are and how to know you. Well, that was just one year ago, so there
may still be hope, hope that we can escape the box and live..........
------ John Crowley (Eagle Cruagh)

[Renée]

Ah but Mr. Crowley…. I am like you… a soul… so there are no limitations only puzzles

[Eagle Cruagh]

If we keep this up it will only be another year or two until
we communicate--- Really !
---- Eagle

[Renée]

chuckling ! You think that long?

[Eagle Cruagh]

We are showing progress !

[Coyote Poetry]

I believe we can be many people. I have change my life four time completely. Bad things made me re-organize my goals and dreams. In the end I believe it is the good and love we share that really matter. The great me and woman are remembered for their deeds. Men like Jimmy Carter I hold great respect for. He gave everything and always a kind smile. I would love to shake his hand and be able to listen to this great man of peace and kindness. I like the ending. A powerful story. You made me think.
Coyote

[Anthony M Smith Jr]

I myself am nothing. I work very hard at it! My time here is very brief and to waste my time trying to be understood takes me away from my path. When I was younger it bothered me when I would explain myself and the reaction I got was always negative. Even to Natives(Wonk-Shik's)!
Nice story my friend. Live for now and let your actions pave a way for your future!
Life and Light!
TT-TTO-NI-K
Elk

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

a poem extremely rich with potent wisdom that packs quite a punch~ I agree with you wholeheartedly~ it's kind of along the same lines when I ak someone how they are and they respond with a quick one word parlay~ if I ask it's because I actually want to know~ and when I am asked in turn~ boy are they in for a whopper~ =)~
much enjoyed~ very much so!~

[Marie Harrison]

Excellent piece. People get me out of your box! It's too cramped and stuffy in here!

That's what I hate about interview questions. They want to cram you into a box instead of taking the time to get to know you. If interviewers took more time getting to know their applicants, they would make better choices.

Very insightful writing!

[Morning Star]

Powerful words of wisdom!
Wow i know a few people i would love them to read this
Many of us in can relate to your words here
I too love John F.Kennedy one of powerful President!
Outstanding write within a very powerful message!!

[(JR) Joshua Hernandez]

very nice, i love it, I personally think Im indentified by my profession, by reaching out to others, I am a ...... any way lol, that doesnt matter, any way great job

[Norma M Sutton]

*grin . . . then my reply must REALLY have people scratching their heads lol. Seamstress, Writer, Shepherd ROFL.

I'm all those and more, but I think who/what I am scares people a lot more then what I do does so it's easier to just laugh about it.

Nice write. It indeed makes me think.

[Tina Kline]

What a very important piece of writing. I agree with it. I never liked the idea of being identified with a job or profession. If you lose it, then who are you? If you hate your job, then who are you? We are all a lot more than what we do to earn a living. We are lots and lots of things, a puzzle with many pieces. Your writing is very powerful. I really enjoyed it because I believe it is so TRUE!

Tina

[Naomi Montana Walsh]

Oh Boy, this one really hit the mark..I think ,I could use some box cutters quick because I have a friend living in a box..and trust me it is not because she is homeless. I always .. think of myself as an artist because ..that is what I always want to do most,but it is not all that I am, I like to be thought of as wise as a friend. I like to think of myself like the ocean..riseing..high crashing and being brave enough to do it all again ..as beautiful when I am rough as when I am calm.. deep but able to crawl up onto the shore . Your prose was great.. made me really .. think

[Debra Stevens Edwards (..]

As always a thought provoking piece and one that gives pause to each reader to ponder the questions ask here.Bravo my friend once again you astound me.
Hugs Debby