"Happiness is sharing a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry with a shade tree. He doesn't eat much and doesn't read much, but listens well and is a most gracious host."

If the weather was kinder and parks abound in my city, I shall be doing just that, indulging in nature's silence.

Thank you for the compliment. I believe you are a poetry-lover too. Only those who seek truths, freedom, beauty and love can truly appreciate the wonders of ordinary language raised to the nth power. Such appreciation, if absent, is a tragedy in life.

Well, thank you for receiving the entry with such a big heart. In the past, revealing weakness would be an extremely embarrassing punishment to my pride. Part of this process of "breaking free from the chains of the past" is to cremate all that was undesirable and inimical--and face myself with honesty in its rawest form. I have come to realize how liberating it can be, though initially approached with trepidation and tentativeness, like how children acquaint guests at their homes. In lieu of excuses, I would rather admit my imperfections and failures; while the latter gives a platform for growing, the former serves only to impede progress. I have come this far and glad to say, my skin is showing encouraging improvements. I pray this next round of water fast will help do the trick for my life.

I am not willing to miss on any more of my life. Like poetry, such appreciation, if absent, is a tragedy. Thank you Leslie.