Sum-Sum-Summertime

Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror. Time to jump into another eventful “100 Days of Summer” and keep breathers to a minimum until Labor Day in September. An Oldies song by The Jamies playing on the radio triggers a trip down my high school era memory lanes…shut the books…no more geography, history and geometry…head for the beach and hills…take a trip…find romance…change my ways…live for thrills…it’s sum-sum-summertime. Find your Fountain of Youth!

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Sum-Sum-Summertime

(Flower garden at Pittsboro Market)

Spirituality Renewed

Just now my eyes catch first inch of sunlight

While whispers of wind fetch bird concertos

And urge my heart to spiritual flight,

Compelled by age-old songs of winged maestros.

Each throb of heart buoys hope…yet it laments,

As my essence looks high and low for change,

How spiritual stagnation prevents

A meaningful life, both beautiful and strange.

I pause briefly in humble wonderment,

Grant spiritual pilgrimage full rein,

Enjoy tell tale sighs of astonishment

When even subtle change makes anguish wane.

Give nod, bird cries, to change by dint of covenant;

Let feathered song turn loose a life more resonant.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Life, Both Beautiful And Strange

(Jordan Lake, North Carolina at Ebenezer Church Point)

Humanness In Decline

Widespread apathy grips unanchored hearts,

Spirituality grows dim on the whole,

Humanity loiters in fits and starts

And lets machines fall heir to our shared soul.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Regardless of whether artificial intelligence (AI) breakthroughs turn out to be a sinister or benevolent force in our lives, machines will soon be in the driver’s seat lest we insist that humanness not falter in our interactions with each other and machines.

Reflections On Humanness

(Metal sculpture by unknown artist in Mary Holmes Park, Pittsboro NC)