"Streaming Socrates"
Performed by Jeremy Lee Cook @
"BURNIN' DOWN THE BARNES"
May 14, 2017
at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Eugene, Oregon
Streaming Socrates
Under a railroad bridge by the river,
Austin, Shanz, and others gather
at a weekly meeting spot
and here stands Shanz feeling
his groove...being found and lost
at the same time, sun and moon
letting words fly
Shanz
Thing is...there's no form to hold onto
not a body, not a stick,
disintegration, change give way to
new possibilities growing this
novel appetite...free to create,
and if this freedom is stifled
i or someone or both
is suppressing my wild...
undeniable mix of things.
Thing is...when you buy into the mix
you end up with nothing
nothing distinctive
unless I become the mix
that wills distinction to the fore
unless I become the particle wave that says
there is more, or less
knocking on my open door
in fact take the door off the hinges
what should i store
in the mind of my heart
that can be stolen be a thief
I am going to focus on that, in that, of that
which allows me be....
new
I'm going to unwrap this gift of creation...
try to keep it open.
Why should I be confused or tired
when here is something to fight for
i want to fight without causing insult
to persevere without injury
Yet if I'm concerned with consistency of newness
if you are concerned with integrity,
if we are feeling spontaneous freedom,
then I think we understand what we're doing
without having to be too worried
about hurting someone's feelings.
and...
if I'm not holding onto to things
solid things or yesterday
then I'm here with you...and that feels good.
This newness feels a big little yes.
That's why I'm going to take off my clothes...
and
jump in the river.
(Laughter)
Austin
Oh man.
Shania
Are you serious?
Shanz says, while taking off his shirt....
Shanz
Today is never gonna be like this ever again. I'm jumping in. And staying in.
Austin
We'll be your river.
Shanz
Oh you're the river?
Austin
We are the current of the times.
Shanya
Current particles of the times waving in all directions.
Shanz
Well no sense in jumping in a cold river if I got a warm river flowing all round me.
Shanz sits down, and Austin and others puts their arms around him as Shayna takes the stand upon the river rocks.
Shayna
If we are the river
which clearly seems to feel true
one part of water is not more important than another
proof....of timeless truth
Just cause I can focus on something
doesn't make what I'm not focused on less important
so question is...
why am I not focused on all of it?
Just as trees aren't any less important
than, perhaps, the unformed sky
celebrities, people of import
are not saying no to the attention, while
On the opposite end of the spectrum
we also have people of insecurity...
feelings of worthlessness
which is also found amidst celebrities
Yet the focus here is
an ever-present wholeness
ready to take over my life
because I will it into consciousness
Since when did will power become a sin?
Does not every mystic will themselves into that mystical position
by being open and keen to this wholeness that is.
Making a choice, being a voice
feeling the defining changes of individuality
in my mobility of how this experience
is going to be
by divine freedom of choice, I may choose...to escape.
surrender my keen awareness to entertainment
or to someone's or some parties leadership.
surrender my critical thinking to the temporary bliss
and or horror of escapism?
Life is too hard, too much pressure in my head.
too much intrigue...stuck in thought loops
damns that need to be opened again and again
until again decides never again to close
yet if I don't know how to break the dams...
I'll break myself, dull myself,
or surrender to some sort of...sand...castle
until I realize the only thing I can surrender to,
escape to, or go home to...is my heart.
But first I have to free my mind.
So...jumping in the river is a really good start...
Do it
says Zendee
Shayna starts taking off her sweater in a provocative way.
Oh really?
says Shayna
Austin opens his arms and says, 'the river calls'
Shayna dances like a river towards Austin...as Zendee stands up to talk.
Zendee
Staying in a place that's warm, comfortable, sure...
knowing cause I know it feels welcoming
no constriction in my mind, no hurt
no sudden pangs in my body
then I know the feeling is welcome
knowing and feeling collide into being,
it seems, all the time, into a sum
that is true, a knowing that feels true
and so...must be true.
Right?
Just cause it feels true now, doesn't mean it's going to...feel true now
says Shayna
Until becoming lost is being found.
says Austin
Zendee continues...
Particle wave, constant change,
this way going all ways
this way...particularly relevant to you
though you may not consciously know
of my relevance as truth
because of some slight prejudice, though
subconsciously the wave knows
what the dying particle may not yet...fully comprehend
and I know this wave is true
by this feeling going through
the mentality of dividends
by willing to know...more
to study, share, listen, and...
I even gave up marijuana.
Changes!
says Austin
Travesty!
says Shanz
Zendee continues...
It served its purpose for now
and clarity is how
I can say religion, by and large, is a scam
unless i take it in my own hands
and through discrimination and determination
discover the sand...castle
that floats amidst the waves
i cannot live in the past
if i am going to feel free to say
now is where church plays
by warm effervescent intangible form
speaking between us
thankful yes for the...particle waves
of teachings that have come
and the knowing as sure as this feeling knows
that knowing cannot be contained in words
held in a book, put in a safe, to be fetched by a crook
because the birds by the brook
poop turds on the books
as they float by to say hello and goodbye at the same time
Religious chains of thought, indoctrinated in the bussom of my hard drive
need be played with until the key of newness programs a line
that curves through all doctrines
and circles into presence of mind
that explodes into quiet song
singing i and you, we belong
to this awareness that is aware of being aware
to create a new awareness if awareness dares
not to build the same house or play same song
not just regurgitating....what I've learned
...so we come full circle in a little different way
and say with an ever increasing conviction
this newness is here to stay
and go at the same time.
Here here
says Austin
i mean, here there
everywhere, same time divine
says Shanz
Here of there...or there in here
Zendee continues
either way i am not taking my clothes off
Oh look
says Keen
As Keen stands to talk, she points to a white crane with black tipped wings soaring silent just above the river surface
Keen
I want to feel like I'm flying; not so much like the crane
or the birds who never get stuck in words
I want to feel free inside, free to listen and free to speak
free to engage, free to cure
whatever ails me....are we not always free
no matter what others might say or do?
this ever present gift of who I am
free will truth or dare
to feel clear about my freedom
distinctly warm and confident
and yet I must admit
I don't always feel warm and confident
Sometimes I feel a little lost and I don't always no why?
Yet I always know, as sure as I've a head to toe, I know how how to return home
to the middle....In the quiet of the sunrise
in the quiet of any time really
i can return...home again
if I feel like I've gone outside...no matter where I am
I can come back in
because i've done this again and again
i have confidence about my ability to do this
and I know here is wisdom in my home
that I still don't know
iI still don't know because in my home is a treasure
and in my treasure is heaven without walls
and in my heaven is where I'd like to grow
as deep and wide and tall as possible
Get to know this influential revealing mystery
lost and found in a knowing that does not go away
consistently enriched by my treasure chest
abiding in the constant waves of change
by this consistent freedom to choose home...
with a key of keenness on the subtleties...
these finicky whispering subtleties...
With you as my witness I call upon
my treasure to remain in the playground
of discovery
If I love you I will not be a stranger to myself
because of you, my husband, every person i meet
i am here...i am myself
so I must take care of what I know is true. Do we not have the power of the almighty, the mighty of all the mighty...the seemingly endless vitality of awareness and focus of openness to call upon the treasure in our midst and ask for the confidence to remain home to tend the hearth and warm this space of sharing that will reveal, feel and see that which is new. And thus is...new. Just as I believe I am going to take a step and so take a step proving my intention to fruition, making what is visible become visible...so to if I ask by the treasure in my midst to stay home, and show me the wisdom I need to know so that I can love you...then so it is.
Austin
If we have the freedom to ask then why don't we ask?
Shanya
Whatever we ask in love will be given in love.
Keen
Yes. Yes. If we ask with trepidation then trepidation is given. In the midst of my treasure is the freedom to choose,
and freedom is not of judgement. Freedom is creativity of what we and I will to create. So yes I should create love...that which helps me stay in the security of my holy home. Yet love is quite opaque, just as freedom is opaque. So if I do that which does not threaten your freedom then I am loving you. Yet if I show you how to stay home, if I am able to show you in a way that is clear as crystal waters...then I speak of wisdom, a stream of wisdom being shared. It feels good, it feels true, so I know this to be true...and so I choose to stay home with you and discover the rich wisdom of my inheritance...and in a sense you are it, so...thank you guys.
Austin
Come here.
Shanya
You are so beautiful.
Keen
Thank you guys. Beyond words, really.
Austin
We can become birds together.
Lindsay
Singing a new language in a dream of the ancients.
Zendee
Fly into the storm and come out as dragons.
As Keen is embraced in a group hug Lindsay and Wild the dog take the speaking position. Wild is barking for attention.
Shanya
Well alright then.
Zendee
Wild here.
Wild sits next to Lindsay as she speaks.
Lindsay
If a bear approached with selfish intent I believe Wild here would not be afraid, and would not hesitate to protect us. There would be no question about what she should do. No matter how big or determined the bear is, I believe wilds only focus would be to get the bear to leave. Should we not also have such unwavering resolve, without question. Which brings to question, where does such resolve come from. Me thinks that if we were not here for Wild to protect, if she were alone, then perhaps she would move away and avoid confrontation. If that be true then love, dignity, focus, and bravery and all qualities of virtue arise through the kinship of others. Alone one can do nothing. If a bear came and Wild stood here ground then, would not Wild be standing up for what God is? Or what our purpose here is? Though Wild speaks no words found in the dictionary or ponders the meaning of religion or life and death, Wild, an angel disguised in fur, knows and does what I hope I would do if any of us were threatened by a predator of any kind. More often than not we are not besieged by such gross threats. Yet just as the tiniest crack in a vase will empty all the water by morning, a subtle threat threat is a threat to be reckoned with. Though no visible bear is seen, I have fears, phobias, worries that arise in my perception. Worried about talking with you all, worried about money, afraid of saying the wrong thing....none of which Wild here is bothered with. Wild who does not complain, does not argue, and seemingly ever willing to be a companion. Even coming close with a nussel or a lick, sensing I am perturbed by something. Should I not put fear and worry behind me a be resolved to be all that being an individual can be. Do I need to rely on Mary, Jesus, Krishna, or Kahli to know that you are why I am here? Wild proves the answer to my questions every day. Yet what if the after life? Perhaps the question of questions, the great oceanic unknown. The subconscious sea of possibility that is like to be conscious of...the after life. Thought of the after life seems to suddenly...make this life less meaningful? Why. Why should after life not make this more meaningful, more...more focused, more open. Let's do a test. Let's just stop for a moment 5 seconds. (Count to give) Okay you are still here, and I am still here, which proves we are here after being here. Yet put after before now are put before after now when being here seems to be the only proof of being here, after being here. And if I cannot be here without you then clearly here is something more than my body, call it love, the subtlety of light, subconscious, or the being lost and found at the same time...or the Wild decision to say no, I will not allow confusion, fear and pain to transpire here. I believe, with my whole heart and mind, in the continuum of this shared experience without selfish appetites. I am becoming more and more convinced that all that is asked of me is to do what I am doing now, and then do that which alleviates suffering. Wild is not lazy, and neither should we be. We should be ready to fight for the after life here and now...together there is nothing we cannot do.
Above the bridge roars a train as Lindsay is embraced by the others. A crane soars over the water, and then up over the passing train. We can see the long train is coming from seemingly no end unto the horizon, and yet the train appears to be coming from the end of a rainbow, one of the rainbows in full arc over the land. There is a second rainbow too, though not seen as clearly to the naked eye.
And on the train is a sentence, a word on every compartment forming...keep your attention here, everywhere...until here sees perfectly clear.
Reflected in a little pool
Keen focus
right here
everywhere
Flower
Rain drop meeting still water
If my intuition tells me right, I cannot find peace unless my focus is on peace.
© Jeremy Lee Cook 2017
Under a railroad bridge by the river,
Austin, Shanz, and others gather
at a weekly meeting spot
and here stands Shanz feeling
his groove...being found and lost
at the same time, sun and moon
letting words fly
Shanz
Thing is...there's no form to hold onto
not a body, not a stick,
disintegration, change give way to
new possibilities growing this
novel appetite...free to create,
and if this freedom is stifled
i or someone or both
is suppressing my wild...
undeniable mix of things.
Thing is...when you buy into the mix
you end up with nothing
nothing distinctive
unless I become the mix
that wills distinction to the fore
unless I become the particle wave that says
there is more, or less
knocking on my open door
in fact take the door off the hinges
what should i store
in the mind of my heart
that can be stolen be a thief
I am going to focus on that, in that, of that
which allows me be....
new
I'm going to unwrap this gift of creation...
try to keep it open.
Why should I be confused or tired
when here is something to fight for
i want to fight without causing insult
to persevere without injury
Yet if I'm concerned with consistency of newness
if you are concerned with integrity,
if we are feeling spontaneous freedom,
then I think we understand what we're doing
without having to be too worried
about hurting someone's feelings.
and...
if I'm not holding onto to things
solid things or yesterday
then I'm here with you...and that feels good.
This newness feels a big little yes.
That's why I'm going to take off my clothes...
and
jump in the river.
(Laughter)
Austin
Oh man.
Shania
Are you serious?
Shanz says, while taking off his shirt....
Shanz
Today is never gonna be like this ever again. I'm jumping in. And staying in.
Austin
We'll be your river.
Shanz
Oh you're the river?
Austin
We are the current of the times.
Shanya
Current particles of the times waving in all directions.
Shanz
Well no sense in jumping in a cold river if I got a warm river flowing all round me.
Shanz sits down, and Austin and others puts their arms around him as Shayna takes the stand upon the river rocks.
Shayna
If we are the river
which clearly seems to feel true
one part of water is not more important than another
proof....of timeless truth
Just cause I can focus on something
doesn't make what I'm not focused on less important
so question is...
why am I not focused on all of it?
Just as trees aren't any less important
than, perhaps, the unformed sky
celebrities, people of import
are not saying no to the attention, while
On the opposite end of the spectrum
we also have people of insecurity...
feelings of worthlessness
which is also found amidst celebrities
Yet the focus here is
an ever-present wholeness
ready to take over my life
because I will it into consciousness
Since when did will power become a sin?
Does not every mystic will themselves into that mystical position
by being open and keen to this wholeness that is.
Making a choice, being a voice
feeling the defining changes of individuality
in my mobility of how this experience
is going to be
by divine freedom of choice, I may choose...to escape.
surrender my keen awareness to entertainment
or to someone's or some parties leadership.
surrender my critical thinking to the temporary bliss
and or horror of escapism?
Life is too hard, too much pressure in my head.
too much intrigue...stuck in thought loops
damns that need to be opened again and again
until again decides never again to close
yet if I don't know how to break the dams...
I'll break myself, dull myself,
or surrender to some sort of...sand...castle
until I realize the only thing I can surrender to,
escape to, or go home to...is my heart.
But first I have to free my mind.
So...jumping in the river is a really good start...
Do it
says Zendee
Shayna starts taking off her sweater in a provocative way.
Oh really?
says Shayna
Austin opens his arms and says, 'the river calls'
Shayna dances like a river towards Austin...as Zendee stands up to talk.
Zendee
Staying in a place that's warm, comfortable, sure...
knowing cause I know it feels welcoming
no constriction in my mind, no hurt
no sudden pangs in my body
then I know the feeling is welcome
knowing and feeling collide into being,
it seems, all the time, into a sum
that is true, a knowing that feels true
and so...must be true.
Right?
Just cause it feels true now, doesn't mean it's going to...feel true now
says Shayna
Until becoming lost is being found.
says Austin
Zendee continues...
Particle wave, constant change,
this way going all ways
this way...particularly relevant to you
though you may not consciously know
of my relevance as truth
because of some slight prejudice, though
subconsciously the wave knows
what the dying particle may not yet...fully comprehend
and I know this wave is true
by this feeling going through
the mentality of dividends
by willing to know...more
to study, share, listen, and...
I even gave up marijuana.
Changes!
says Austin
Travesty!
says Shanz
Zendee continues...
It served its purpose for now
and clarity is how
I can say religion, by and large, is a scam
unless i take it in my own hands
and through discrimination and determination
discover the sand...castle
that floats amidst the waves
i cannot live in the past
if i am going to feel free to say
now is where church plays
by warm effervescent intangible form
speaking between us
thankful yes for the...particle waves
of teachings that have come
and the knowing as sure as this feeling knows
that knowing cannot be contained in words
held in a book, put in a safe, to be fetched by a crook
because the birds by the brook
poop turds on the books
as they float by to say hello and goodbye at the same time
Religious chains of thought, indoctrinated in the bussom of my hard drive
need be played with until the key of newness programs a line
that curves through all doctrines
and circles into presence of mind
that explodes into quiet song
singing i and you, we belong
to this awareness that is aware of being aware
to create a new awareness if awareness dares
not to build the same house or play same song
not just regurgitating....what I've learned
...so we come full circle in a little different way
and say with an ever increasing conviction
this newness is here to stay
and go at the same time.
Here here
says Austin
i mean, here there
everywhere, same time divine
says Shanz
Here of there...or there in here
Zendee continues
either way i am not taking my clothes off
Oh look
says Keen
As Keen stands to talk, she points to a white crane with black tipped wings soaring silent just above the river surface
Keen
I want to feel like I'm flying; not so much like the crane
or the birds who never get stuck in words
I want to feel free inside, free to listen and free to speak
free to engage, free to cure
whatever ails me....are we not always free
no matter what others might say or do?
this ever present gift of who I am
free will truth or dare
to feel clear about my freedom
distinctly warm and confident
and yet I must admit
I don't always feel warm and confident
Sometimes I feel a little lost and I don't always no why?
Yet I always know, as sure as I've a head to toe, I know how how to return home
to the middle....In the quiet of the sunrise
in the quiet of any time really
i can return...home again
if I feel like I've gone outside...no matter where I am
I can come back in
because i've done this again and again
i have confidence about my ability to do this
and I know here is wisdom in my home
that I still don't know
iI still don't know because in my home is a treasure
and in my treasure is heaven without walls
and in my heaven is where I'd like to grow
as deep and wide and tall as possible
Get to know this influential revealing mystery
lost and found in a knowing that does not go away
consistently enriched by my treasure chest
abiding in the constant waves of change
by this consistent freedom to choose home...
with a key of keenness on the subtleties...
these finicky whispering subtleties...
With you as my witness I call upon
my treasure to remain in the playground
of discovery
If I love you I will not be a stranger to myself
because of you, my husband, every person i meet
i am here...i am myself
so I must take care of what I know is true. Do we not have the power of the almighty, the mighty of all the mighty...the seemingly endless vitality of awareness and focus of openness to call upon the treasure in our midst and ask for the confidence to remain home to tend the hearth and warm this space of sharing that will reveal, feel and see that which is new. And thus is...new. Just as I believe I am going to take a step and so take a step proving my intention to fruition, making what is visible become visible...so to if I ask by the treasure in my midst to stay home, and show me the wisdom I need to know so that I can love you...then so it is.
Austin
If we have the freedom to ask then why don't we ask?
Shanya
Whatever we ask in love will be given in love.
Keen
Yes. Yes. If we ask with trepidation then trepidation is given. In the midst of my treasure is the freedom to choose,
and freedom is not of judgement. Freedom is creativity of what we and I will to create. So yes I should create love...that which helps me stay in the security of my holy home. Yet love is quite opaque, just as freedom is opaque. So if I do that which does not threaten your freedom then I am loving you. Yet if I show you how to stay home, if I am able to show you in a way that is clear as crystal waters...then I speak of wisdom, a stream of wisdom being shared. It feels good, it feels true, so I know this to be true...and so I choose to stay home with you and discover the rich wisdom of my inheritance...and in a sense you are it, so...thank you guys.
Austin
Come here.
Shanya
You are so beautiful.
Keen
Thank you guys. Beyond words, really.
Austin
We can become birds together.
Lindsay
Singing a new language in a dream of the ancients.
Zendee
Fly into the storm and come out as dragons.
As Keen is embraced in a group hug Lindsay and Wild the dog take the speaking position. Wild is barking for attention.
Shanya
Well alright then.
Zendee
Wild here.
Wild sits next to Lindsay as she speaks.
Lindsay
If a bear approached with selfish intent I believe Wild here would not be afraid, and would not hesitate to protect us. There would be no question about what she should do. No matter how big or determined the bear is, I believe wilds only focus would be to get the bear to leave. Should we not also have such unwavering resolve, without question. Which brings to question, where does such resolve come from. Me thinks that if we were not here for Wild to protect, if she were alone, then perhaps she would move away and avoid confrontation. If that be true then love, dignity, focus, and bravery and all qualities of virtue arise through the kinship of others. Alone one can do nothing. If a bear came and Wild stood here ground then, would not Wild be standing up for what God is? Or what our purpose here is? Though Wild speaks no words found in the dictionary or ponders the meaning of religion or life and death, Wild, an angel disguised in fur, knows and does what I hope I would do if any of us were threatened by a predator of any kind. More often than not we are not besieged by such gross threats. Yet just as the tiniest crack in a vase will empty all the water by morning, a subtle threat threat is a threat to be reckoned with. Though no visible bear is seen, I have fears, phobias, worries that arise in my perception. Worried about talking with you all, worried about money, afraid of saying the wrong thing....none of which Wild here is bothered with. Wild who does not complain, does not argue, and seemingly ever willing to be a companion. Even coming close with a nussel or a lick, sensing I am perturbed by something. Should I not put fear and worry behind me a be resolved to be all that being an individual can be. Do I need to rely on Mary, Jesus, Krishna, or Kahli to know that you are why I am here? Wild proves the answer to my questions every day. Yet what if the after life? Perhaps the question of questions, the great oceanic unknown. The subconscious sea of possibility that is like to be conscious of...the after life. Thought of the after life seems to suddenly...make this life less meaningful? Why. Why should after life not make this more meaningful, more...more focused, more open. Let's do a test. Let's just stop for a moment 5 seconds. (Count to give) Okay you are still here, and I am still here, which proves we are here after being here. Yet put after before now are put before after now when being here seems to be the only proof of being here, after being here. And if I cannot be here without you then clearly here is something more than my body, call it love, the subtlety of light, subconscious, or the being lost and found at the same time...or the Wild decision to say no, I will not allow confusion, fear and pain to transpire here. I believe, with my whole heart and mind, in the continuum of this shared experience without selfish appetites. I am becoming more and more convinced that all that is asked of me is to do what I am doing now, and then do that which alleviates suffering. Wild is not lazy, and neither should we be. We should be ready to fight for the after life here and now...together there is nothing we cannot do.
Above the bridge roars a train as Lindsay is embraced by the others. A crane soars over the water, and then up over the passing train. We can see the long train is coming from seemingly no end unto the horizon, and yet the train appears to be coming from the end of a rainbow, one of the rainbows in full arc over the land. There is a second rainbow too, though not seen as clearly to the naked eye.
And on the train is a sentence, a word on every compartment forming...keep your attention here, everywhere...until here sees perfectly clear.
Reflected in a little pool
Keen focus
right here
everywhere
Flower
Rain drop meeting still water
If my intuition tells me right, I cannot find peace unless my focus is on peace.
© Jeremy Lee Cook 2017