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-
the triumph of
the right to guess
the flashes of the future
for their burst of time
Their minds were set;
the facts and form were given;
degrees begot and they were let
unleashed with power
to spare, and flew,
for we were there
Your love was deep
for all our keep
and when you left, we wept-
your death killed each
of us in part-
our part of you
And now, in retrospect
your love profound, pragmatic
was loyal, sound, and true-
you pulled us through-
but love was always there for you
in deepest passion