INTRODUCTION
World history, both, scripted, and through oral tradition, tells us that the human species', sometimes divinely inspired, and yet all too often, self centered path to higher consciousness has never been an easy, simple, linear, or smooth one. In this short collection of verses, I have attempted to illustrate my awareness of that path. I have entitled this collection: Sun and Earth – Crystal Sky. "As a dreamer and a spiritual adventurer", I am stating that: "The lyrical poem is my primary format. Lyrics are the seeds of song. Lyrical poetry is an effective literary genre."
A crystal is variously described as: clear, brilliant, transparent, three dimensional, and harmonious. Crystals contain a potentially infinite number of unique facets. In like manner, the following body of lyrical poetry incorporates many facets of life and consciousness, very much like a literary crystal.
I authored these verses during a span of many years, during which, I have consistently disciplined myself to remain faithful to a vision. The vision to which I refer is that of the undeniable interconnectedness of sentient beings. This includes Planet Earth's plant and animal kingdoms, and, as well, Earth's atmospheric and water systems. My twenty first century world vision, like that of so many others', considers plants, animals, fresh water, non-toxic fertile soil, and clean air to be sentient beings that are biologically connected. Today, unlike in past centuries, organic compounds, i.e. life forms, are known to be interconnected on the most basic of levels through Planet Earth’s fertile, non-toxic soil (where it still can be found), clean atmospheric gases, clean fresh water, good seed (genetically engineered, or not), and sunlight. It is intriguing to me that the title Sun and Earth Crystal Sky reflects the mystery of this planet’s atmosphere and specific solar orbit that produces the beautiful blue crystal sky by day and the diamond-studded dome on a starry night. Interconnectedness pervades the experience of sentient life, illuminating the things that move most human beings, globally. The global human experience to which I refer touches upon freedom, love, humor, hope, despair, war, cosmic creation, and, of course, the political ideologies of hate and oppression.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Graduating from Brown, class of 1972, with a bachelor’s degree in Early American Literature and Creative Writing, I first pursued the writing of lyrical poetry in 1970, during my sophomore year. This book contains pieces that were written in several locations within the USA. Each piece is annotated with a quote by a cherished author, poet, songwriter, humanitarian, political dissident, and the like, taken from the public domain. The annotations set the mood for the lyrical proposition in each piece. Each piece is also annotated by the year, locale, and the age I was when the initial draft was written.
I have explored many paths in life. As a young man I spent several years working as a caregiver of medically challenged youngsters and as a caregiver to terminally ill patients and stroke victims. I am a zealous advocate of rescuing dogs from kill-shelters, and from abusive owners.
DEDICATION
Dedicated to Mom,
Eileen F. McCrystal
1920 -1984
