all images © richard pilnick
all poems © eric standop
love is to give
love is to give,
not to get,
patience and understanding.
life is all joy,
life is all service.
sharing and caring.
serve and recognise,
that service is joy.
noble and gallant.
share and recognise,
that giving is joy.
love is to give,
not to receive.
sad eyes
with sad eyes a philanthropist looks back through his present life.
breathing deeply with strong lungs, enduring the misery and poverty of life surrounding him.
consoling words of wisdom and sympathy bestowed on those around him, however, the spoken word was never his specialty.
a man of action, systematically processing problems.
a wish for security his driving force.
all this, combined with the deep understanding of others, clouded, bit by bit, his feelings poisoned his mind and made his heart heavy.
it all started to ail.
is there then, no justice in this world?
with doubt in his mind he asks himself,
was my application free of charge?
pigtails
to hold the breath,
till it’s more than one can take.
to close the eyes,
and dream that one’s awake.
to fight so hard,
on an endless lonely road.
to live a rotten promise,
already murdered by the system.
barely a woman,
still wearing hair in pigtails.
a human in chains,
but a third eye to see.
vision needs self-love
joy without regret,
shines on my caring heart in concealment,
the touch of pain in once darker hours,
gone but memories remain.
restless eyes get tired,
a place of effort or even tears?
responsibility needs no vision,
only energy to give and share,
until it fades away,
a vision needs responsibility,
for yourself,
to gain strength for the long path to travel.
tied around my soul
tied around my soul,
are chains of duty and sorrow,
stealing my joy of life.
no time for restlessness,
i’m burning inside,
do i deserve to suffer?
a question remains unanswered,
salt sprinkled in the wound,
of a youth that ages fast.
send a meaningful reply,
help untie my soul,
freeing me from ageing.
i can't move forward,
when i’m constantly held back,
by the shackles of my present & past.
leaving me torn,
break these chains of obligation,
before I’m broken myself.
reliability & leadership
fighting spirit, he has always shown,
to lead, one must first face hardship,
too oneself and to others.
many storms weathered,
loved ones always protected.
creative power, he always has to prove.
to lead, one must provide security and order.
thus, always reliable.
to triumph in the face of adversity,
one must endure and persevere.
whatever it is, things are brought to a close.
voyager of the soul
in certain moments,
deep in stillness,
you may hear it,
a faint melody,
a call of destiny,
the sore tunes,
softly drifting into your mind,
reaching out to your heart,
remaining in the back room,
left open in your soul.
to be on a voyage,
when the path is wild,
but ocean calm,
and no wind to sail,
to a destination within.
voyager, keep sailing,
to seek and find,
what’s already deep inside,
hidden in plain sight,
the purpose of your life.
strength of Character
load on battered shoulders,
not too weak to bear,
the weight was never known,
until freedoms were visible.
it takes personal strength to leave,
with head held high,
but strength of character to remain,
with head held with pride.
not requesting a lighter burden,
but insisting on broader shoulders,
to continue the path,
the journey deep within.
remaining in the moment,
keeps the heart strong,
safe in the knowledge,
one is where one belongs…
hidden heart on a journey
life is a journey, freedom the cherished element.
routines limiting,
variety the answer.
deep inside is the desire to help.
immense, often overpowering,
an affliction on an aching back.
how can someone be there for others,
without actually being there?
brooding, logical thinking.
nothing tangible gained.
a path in a life that offers retreats.
heart and soul want to see daylight,
vulnerability is the price.
the most difficult journey has already begun,
the 18 inches from head to heart.
the puppeteer
always in the shadows,
quiet, calm and invisible,
forever watching and listening,
looking at people.
wherever he is , aware,
noticing the little details,
the sound, the smell,
how humans move, how individuals talk.
living in two worlds,
one as a participant,
one behind the scene,
it’s his way.
in his cave, he’s on his own,
though the stage is never far,
is observing a passive act?
not if strings are around the fingers.
Feed my soul
In motion,
Calm, kind and intelligent,
Blessed with the best organisational skills,
Learning through experience is progress.
In battle,
The world is a highly competitive place,
Only the quick and clever survive,
Scattering the energies.
In search,
Can't find a place in a real environment,
liable to hide in the best version,
of his ideal universe.
In love,
with travelling, finding new things,
stimulating the mind in a meaningful manner,
places which can feed the soul.
Enlightenment,
When visionary ability,
meets the Fighting spirit,
Thoughts become progressive.
Enthusiasm,
When creativity is released,
An independent spirit is unleashed,
Feelings become deep and meaningful.
Don't be afraid to let go…
Need for variety
Restless, powerful, practical – the dynamic personality,
Fast in thinking,
With great organisational skills.
Generous, sensitive, secretive – the multifaceted individual,
Appears innocent and kind,
While hiding the true purpose underneath a social mask.
At a first glance, shy and solitary,
Impressing through charisma and charm,
Then a fighting spirit, supported by an iron will.
Curious, intuitive, clever - astute observations,
When you see – why should you listen?
Difficult to take into account the advice of others.
Ambitious, innovative, influential - A character on life's stage,
Changing the action of the drama just by presence,
Entertaining others with your wit.
With creative ideas,
Life has a lot in store for you,
Though bored so easily.
When there is need for variety,
It's transformation you're looking for,
Closing circles a task.
Your lesson of life,
To leave the past behind,
Learn to give up in order to get.
Magic of the heart
A Sophisticated thinker,
Rational and skilled.
A Compassionate soul,
Open to give a helping hand.
Full of life,
Motivate with attitude.
A keen eye for the beauty,
Innocence the source.
Attention to details,
But not too oneself.
Accompanied by laughter & sadness,
Wealth is an inner feeling.
When you're sensitive,
There's magic in your heart.
Guiding light
When life gets hard,
No need to be scared,
Let me guide you.
The youthful quality,
A driving force,
Courageously weathers the storm.
Ambitious and persistent,
Assertive and pragmatic,
A leader at the core.
Witty and clever,
Eager to learn,
Adapting to new situation.
Individuality is my belief,
Problem solving my performance,
A rebel at the heart.
The extroverted inward
To master the body
A way to shape emotions
To control the movements
A way to channel feelings
Self-awareness is of need
To be aware of anyone
Navigated by the heart
To Cultivate the inner grace
A self-critic by nature
Comments of the mind
Challenging experiences
Teachers of the soul
A ray of light
Shines on the innermost
When outside's form
Gives grace and harmony
Insisting on freedom
The unique path to peace
Flood light to every corner
It's stillness of the mind
Trailblazer
Blaze the trail
The inner restlessness
Where will it lead to?
Blaze the trail Pathfinder
The Adventurous Spirit
Always ready for experiences
Blaze the trail Initiator
The Giving Personality
Always wants to inspire others
Blaze the trail Pioneer
The Individual Viewpoint
Always enjoying new projects
Variety can hide authenticity
Reflection is a strict teacher
Simplicity his greatest lesson
On slow feet
Feelings can’t be hidden
The trailblazer to unlock hearts
The High Court
I'm not judging
I'm pointing out the truth
My motivation is fair and just
The capability of piercing insight
It's clarity I offer
thoughtful, responsible, stable
I'm not resting
I'm on an endless journey
Having a plan of action
Stimulating my sense of structure
It's to give shape and definition
analytical, friendly, imaginative
I'm not giving up
I'm overcoming challenges
Success after early setbacks
Learn not be reactive nor secretive
It's a triumph over obstacles
leading, sensitive, diplomatic
I'm testing myself
I'm guiding you
The objective evaluation
The good old common sense
The sudden flashes of inspiration
Intuitive, honourable, loyal
I'm learning from relationships
I'm growing with my defeats
Time filled with love
Fulfilment to be found here
My Essential Judgement
heart thinks · mind feels · body speaks
nothing more is possible
if it is only possible
what the head explores
will reach the body
what the head explores
will never soften the heart
observe infinitely
think deeply
analyse sharply
perform clearly
sensitivity for others
few words about the i
patient, the warm heart
peaceful, the cool mind
everything is possible
when it seems impossible
Language of Love
It's the mouth
housing the master of language
it's the heart
where the inner voice speaks
When intuition and mind are synchronised
You learn to listen before you speak
When strong convictions push forward
You learn to stand before you walk
A good debater to clarify thoughts
An excellent counsellor to inspire advice
A convincing teacher to strengthen moves
The constant demand for challenges in life
It's a language of craft
To do the profession down to the last detail
The act of self-discipline
When the idealist meets perfectionism
It's the lips
reflecting the powerful need for love
It's the soul
where the playful romantic says
Forever young at heart I remain
truth is god
It's honesty I adore
It's clarity I prefer
Enlightenment I strive for
The great actor
Love is communication
Words so highly valued
The fearless warrior
Let action speak for me
Obstacles are invitations
The critical thinker
Remain objective
With good reasoning power
The intuitive idealist
Need for creative expression
Desire to establish true identity
The private person
With discipline and self-control
In solitude earning self-respect
Truth leads to freedom
Freedom gives authority
Truth is god
Love, the path to be taken
I'm not looking for the limelight
I follow my path
With clear goals in mind
With firm will in my backpack
It's love that moves me
Are you looking for the way?
Then join me for a while
When you open up,
Our paths will cross
The good heart is a force
Lively and inspiring
The clear eye is a compass
Focused and far-sighted
Every challenge is for growth
Determination needs intuition
To soften the character
Let me take you by the hand
I guide with love and responsibility
