In the Garden: Inspirational Poems for Imperfect Times

By Adrian R. Johnson

Life is imperfect. At best, we work hard in life to accomplish things in order to eviscerate these imperfections. But if we are not careful to discover who and whose we are, we will continue in this vicious cycle of accomplishing things instead of relationships. In The Garden is an expressive array of poetry which seeks to inspire people during imperfect times. The exclusivity of this poetry stresses tangible shifting from natural paradigms to natural phenomena. It also draws distinction between paradigms and phenomena in the spiritual realm as well as the natural realm. This is done with the hope of bringing realization to the fact that life (In The Garden) is, and has always been, about relationships among people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453535172

Book preview

Author’s Prelude

Natural Paradigm—Natural Phenomenon

Life’s circumstances occur in the natural realm. Just think of our existence; we are a part of nature. Childbirth is a natural occurrence. To grow is a natural part of life and is in the natural progression of things. Likewise is the premise of increasing in knowledge. So to enhance the sustainability of our creation (through knowledge, education, the institution of new ideas/practices, etc.) is, in itself, a natural phenomenon of sorts.

A paradigm is, in its simplest term, a model or pattern. To ascribe to a natural paradigm is, in its simplest context, to live. As such, a natural paradigm is a pattern of living in the natural. It is more than just merely existing.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, Copyright 2006 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, Massachusetts, a phenomenon is an outward sign of the working of a law of nature. It is also termed as an extraordinary person or thing.1

As a natural consequence to the progression of life, there are occurrences to these progressions. These are called natural phenomena. They come in many forms, some of which are weather patterns such as earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. No matter what form they take on, they don’t just exist; they’re extraordinary in nature.

Don’t you want to live in an extraordinary way? As human beings it is counterintuitive to our nature to merely exist. We live to do more than just survive. That is why we work, acquire things, assimilate, associate, and sometimes procreate. Even after all of that, our survival instincts carry us over the edge, (over the edge representing an extension of life). In order for one to extend himself or herself would mean that a shift would need to take place. To shift from a naturally paradigmatic lifestyle to a naturally phenomenal lifestyle would be to shift from a pattern-type lifestyle to one that is extraordinary, or so unusual as to be remarkable.

I believe that the poems contained in this section show a paradigmatic type of existence, but also can guide you toward a naturally phenomenal state of living. Enjoy your transition as you seek out the finer things in life.—A.R. Johnson

60 Seconds of Fame

Lace up your shoes, it’s time to move

Mission has just begun, need to get into the groove

There’s no time to be on cruise control

Got money to make, you have to stop, drop and roll

What’s your hurry, where is the fire at?

Recalculate your decision; this is not an act

Turbulence propels in preparation for the game

Rally-up, it’s time to get hot; these are your 60 seconds of fame

Mount up fellas we have to make a call

With everything on the line, you’ve got to have the ball

Think quick, change your mind

You are about to take a fall

To be on top you have to count the cost

But if you are looking for fame, you’re already at a loss

It’s not about your position; rather, it’s about your name

So plan out your life, not just 60 seconds of fame

Written by:

A.R. Johnson

A Husband’s Letter

To His