Lasting Impression

We can shape this world, we can make an impact.. it only takes one. So what are you doing to help make it a better place?

Lasting Impression

By Lalli

 

 

 I see the world as clay

With imperfections in need of attention

As a work of art, yet to be molded waiting to take shape

 

I see my hands as a vessel

My mind sketches a rough draft that was inspired by my heart

My mouth is like a tool chest

With words and inflexions not limited to structure 

With stories and metaphors

With truth and fiction

I see a way to leave an impression

Not like the footprint in the sand, but like a meteor crater stamps the earth

 

I have a vision that will change people’s lives like a child impacts a mother’s life at birth

 

It can be measured by the smallest of scales

It can be counted as a single number

It begins at a molecular level

Yet the difficulty to start its perpetual motion

Is harder than lassoing moon

Or else it would have happened by now and I don’t think I’d be standing here talking to you

 

You see, there are thousands of issues we are aware of, yet none of us do anything about

They unanimously register as thought but few of us speak out

 It’s blocked and suppressed

Nobody cares it doesn’t affect them and their lack of action speaks for itself

 

We can’t wait for one person to change the world, what a foolish expectation

We must change it ourselves… one person at a time… one seed in a line

So I extend my hand to plant that seed

To nourish roots from the poetry flowing through my veins

This is why I write about issues of domestic, sexual and child abuse

I put a spotlight view on drugs and their affects

Parents and neglect

Ego and Self-Respect

I’m a part of the balance

A neighbor in your community

I’m the stranger you’ve yet to meet

The friend you never knew you had

Because it only takes one voice

One passion and one heart to create a positive existence in another’s life

 

It’s the power of one

That one can influence a hundred

That hundred can spread amongst thousands…

The domino effect of selflessness can infect a negative mind

It can cure the excuses used for our lack of trying

So step outside your zone of comfort

Unite a community with random acts of kindness

Tell a stranger to smile, or smile at a stranger

This is the beginning of addressing the problems we see

By reaching out to those in need instead of turning our back

On what we think doesn’t affect us

But indirectly it actually does

 

This shaping of the clay must start with you

We need to teach it to our youth

Because starting with a solid foundation

Is much easier than having to break the ideals of an old building down

Since removing a mental cloth of blindness is harder to do

Than training the mind’s eye from the moment it came into life

Sharpening its sensitivity to see light

To be light

As our actions generate bright energy

We… we as a community

Can mold our world into the finest work of art ever created

So that God can look at us

Like a proud father to accomplished son

And say, “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come,

Now go and change the world”

 

 

 

Copyright © Jason Lalli 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

I wrote this to perform while speaking to a couple classes at a local high school here. It has turned into one of the most loved poems I have written. It is my heart to yours..

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Lalli,

You mentioned in an e-mail to me that I would see that you've grown. You are so right, my friend. I can see the old, caring Lalli in the piece. That hasn't changed, but the level of the art of writing has soared. This is a wonderful, uplifting piece. It is crystalized and concentrated inspiration. Kundos and much applause. This was certainly a most enjoyable read. I am not surprised that this has become a favorite. Not surprised at all!

I look forward to more reads such as this.

My very best regards,

Rick