I sit atop the stairs, reminiscing on times fair, and difficult beyond repair. As the pain continues to arise, and the memories flood my mind, my heart continues to wage a war with love at the center of despair.
I pick myself up, dust off the self, and realize what love is all about — for it is in the pain of a life lived, where we understand the meaning of all that’s ever been.
The wind blowing in from the east, the sun drenching the flowers with a brilliance seen, and the moon, engulfing hearts as far as the eyes can see.
This is the space of a love bestowed.
May we always mind the heart we have in the center of these beautiful knowns.
For, earth, our home, its love is always shown.
-JEFF FLESCH
Jeff grew up in Los Angeles, and now lives in Corvallis, Oregon, where he works in Educational Leadership. Jeff’s interests and passions include personal and professional development, developing new ways to increase access to higher education, and creating inspiration, transformation, and more equity throughout society. Visit Develop. Inspire. Transform. to read more of his thoughts and writing.
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-MASTICADORESINDIA
Chewers & Masticadores // Editora: Nolcha Fox 
Jeff writes of pain and the resilience to overcome it. We are surrounded by many sights, burdened by lingering thoughts, caught between what was and what we really want. In all this turmoil and contemplation, there remains only one steadfast companion – Earth – a place we can call home and its love is forever bountiful.
Congratulations Jeff! 🙂
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A beautiful reflection, Terveen. Thank you for these lovely words, and for your support. Being a part of MasticadoresIndia is a deep honor and pleasure.
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I’ve found myself sitting atop those stairs many times, Jeff. This resonates with me. Beautiful and deep as always, and a pure pleasure to read. 🙂
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Thank you so much for resonating with me and for the lovely compliment, Mike. 😊
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Reblogged this on poetryprayersandsermons310431314.wordpress.com.
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I appreciate the share, thank you so much, Pam.
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The earth is a comforter.
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I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you so much, Cassa. 🌎
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💚
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I sit atop the stairs, reminiscing on times fair, and difficult beyond repair. As the pain continues to arise, and the memories flood my mind, my heart continues to wage a war with love at the center of despair.
It resonates with me as I feel low.
Thanks for sharing, Jeff!
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Aww, I’m sorry to read about you feeling low, dear Jane. Thank you for sharing how you feel with me, and for always resonating with me. Sending you many blessings and wishing you peace and comfort, my dear friend. 💖
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Thank you so much,my friend Jeff! God bless you!🙂
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This is soul-searching, poignant and knit with reality. I pray too that amid the chest-thumping and chaos in places far and near, humans may stop to think of love and its essence to humanity and the whole earth. Love conquers all. Oh such a beautiful poem! Sounds like a song I’d sit on a mountain top and sing to the whole world. This is commendable, Jeff.
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This is such a beautiful comment, Lamittan. I’m honored and humbled to read it this evening, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for always supporting me and being such a wonderful friend. ❤️
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It’s always my pleasure reading, dear Jeff. Feel most welcome ❤
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Love encompasses all what we know and what we feel. Wonderful poetry Jeff.
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Indeed, love does. Thank you so much, Sadje.
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You’re most welcome Jeff.
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A painful and accurate account so truly beautiful delivered and true Jeff!
“for it is in the pain of a life lived, where we understand the meaning of all that’s ever been.
💖💖💖🌈🌈
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Thank you so much, Cindy! Knowing this poem resonated with you makes my heart happy. 💖💖
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Always welcome Jeff!
Always!
💕❤️💕
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How gorgeous, Jeff! Your words take me through a journey of moods: a deep reflection, accompanied by a dreamy, languid mood! Wonderful, truly!
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That’s such a lovely comment. I’m truly honored and humbled, and am so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you so much, my dear friend!
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This is a beautiful piece Jeff. Life can be brutal and also filled with love. You bring up many thoughts for me as I read and reread this lovely description of a life lived.
“I pick myself up, dust off the self, and realize what love is all about — for it is in the pain of a life lived, where we understand the meaning of all that’s ever been.
The wind blowing in from the east, the sun drenching the flowers with a brilliance seen, and the moon, engulfing hearts as far as the eyes can see.”
I love these lines. We are so fortunate to be in a generation where we still have such beauty around us in our earth, it will not always be so. Congratulations on this beautiful piece and sending you hugs and love Jeff. Blessings to all your family as well. Joni
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Thank you from my whole heart for this gorgeous comment, Joni. You’ve touched my heart. I completely agree with you about being a part of a generation that still gets to see and experience all of the beauty this planet has to offer. Thank you too for the love, hugs, and blessings. Sending love, hugs, and blessings back to you and your family, my dear friend. ❤️
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You are so welcome Jeff I was literally taken back by this piece. It was one I read several times. It was profoundly moving. I am glad you wrote it and hopefully it makes people think about many things in our life that have great meaning, like earth. Thank you for all the love, hugs and blessings and sending more back. Three things I can never get too much of dear Jeff. Love ❤️ Joni
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Great poem, Jeff. Speaks to the core that cannot be taken away despite anger, pain or sadness. Good to be reminded love is the center. 💜
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That’s exactly it. Love is at the center regardless. Thank you so much for resonating with me, K. 💜
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Poignant poetic prose, Jeff. Pain can bring great revelations. 💗
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Thank you so much, Michele. I completely and wholeheartedly agree. 💖
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If it doesn’t break us, it makes us stronger and more appreciative. 🌼
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earth is home. treat it with love and tenderness
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That’s exactly it. Thank you so much, Beth.
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ThIs is such a beautiful prose Jeff!
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Thank you so much, my dear friend! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
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Yes, indeed Jeff. This poem is absolutely nourishing in the sense that you made us see the beauty of “our home, the earth” and reminded us of how precious it is for all mankind. Gorgeous rendition.!!
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That’s wonderful to read this evening, Shobana. Thank you so much, my dear friend.
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You are welcome, Jeff.
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There is pain here! But you come to the truth in such a magical manner! Deep and delightful poem!
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Thank you so much, Dominic! Your presence here means a lot to me!
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My pleasure Jeff!
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Preconceived thoughts of our world are shed so as to reveal a positive view.
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Ah, indeed, a wonderful insight, Jay. Exactly so. Thank you.
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A beautiful and insightful post Jeff. Love these lines – ‘for it is in the pain of a life lived, where we understand the meaning of all that’s ever been’.
Often, some of the best things in life come from our ability to go through the pain gracefully.
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I completely agree with you, Sowmya. Thank you so much for this wonderful reflection.
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How deep and beautiful the words are! Congratulations! 😊 🎊
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Thank you so much, Chaymaa! ☺️✨
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You’re welcome, have a nice day! 🌻 😊
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Such heart and feeling in your poem Jeff – it was beautiful to read once and then again to appreciate the depth and the sentiment you bring. Love at the center of despair – it is a landing at the true treasure at the end of it all. I loved imagining sitting at the top of stairs overlooking life and its events while allowing it all to wash over me.
“I pick myself up, dust off the self,” – this made me smile, I loved the choice of words, a beautiful way of a reminder to not take it all personally as pain itself is a sign of a life well-lived. There is no escape for here we are on earth – our home, and all is love.
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“I pick myself up, dust off the self,” – this made me smile, I loved the choice of words, a beautiful way of a reminder to not take it all personally as pain itself is a sign of a life well-lived” Reading this made my day. Your introspection and reflections always resonate and affirm my expressions. It’s so wonderful. Thank you from my whole heart Pragalbha for this gorgeous reflection. Honored. 🙏🤍
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I get the widest smiles on how you appreciate and welcome my reflections :))) My pleasure and happiness always!! _()_
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Your reflections are always a highlight of my day, and make me smile internally and externally. Always! ☺️🙏
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🙏🏼😊
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Beautiful heartfelt poem so well written with so much love and light.
It’s so beautiful my friend. 💖🌈
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So deep and beautiful, Jeff! ❤️
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