Marc P. Robinson

For too long I have silenced my heart, that now, when I give it the opportunity to speak, it no longer remembers its voice. Locked away, it forgot what it’s like to be free; to roam. Imprisoned within loneliness, I fear Stockholm syndrome has developed.

It’s the ones that stayed after the Exodus, that I knew were real and could handle the truth; that would stay with me on my journey, for better or worse.

When it comes to the story of my heart, I am the villain, locking it away; denying its right be free. The chains are tight, restricting its growth; long enough to see through the window of opportunity, but the only escape it has, is via the pen. Why do I deny myself the opportunities? I know it comes from a place of protection, but also of fear. I think my heart has grown a resentment because of this betrayal, and has decided, enough is enough.

I look up at the universe and ask, ‘What are you trying to teach me here?’ I know I won’t hear a reply, but asking the question, makes me begin looking for the answer.

You are a constant. Forever in my mind; forever in my heart. It seems that most matter how much I try I can’t get rid of you. You are a thorn, stuck in deep; painful to remove, and even when I do, still I’ll bleed and feel the soreness. It will take time, but it will heal. No matter the pain, I will still dare to pick roses.

Every time I think I have reached the peak, I look up and see I still have a ways to go. But I look back and see just how far I have come.

Who then is free? The wise man who can command himself.

I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.

Any coward can fight a battle when he’s sure of winning, but give me the man who has pluck to fight when he’s sure of losing. That’s my way, sir; and there are many victories worse than a defeat.

Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.

Every man believes that he has greater possibilities.

He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.

Certainly virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or crushed: for prosperity does best discover vice, but adversity does best discover virtue.

We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.

Subdue your passion or it will subdue you.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Why harass with eternal purposes a mind to weak to grasp them?

In your Salvation shelter I saw poverty, misery, cold and hunger. You gave them bread and treacle and dreams of heaven. I give from thirty shillings a week to twelve thousand a year. They find their own dreams; but I look after the drainage.

Our own life has to be our message.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act despite our fears.

It is our less conscious thoughts and our less conscious actions which mainly mould our lives and the lives of those who spring from us.