The Roman Centurion's Song.......... by Rudyard Kipling

A Roman soldier who loves Britain
These gentlemen at first talked about exile, shivered and cursed the ‘beastly British climate,’ heated their houses with hot air, and longed to get home to Italy. But many stayed; their duty or their business obliged them to stay: and into them too the spirit of the dear motherland entered, and became a passion. Their children, perhaps never saw Rome; but Rome and Britain had an equal share of their love and devotion, and they, perhaps, thought something like this:—

The Roman Centurion Speaks:

Legate, I had the news last night. My cohort’s ordered home
By ship to Portus Itius and thence by road to Rome.
I’ve marched the companies aboard, the arms are stowed below:
Now let another take my sword. Command me not to go!

I’ve served in Britain forty years, from Vectis to the Wall
I have none other home than this, nor any life at all.
Last night I did not understand, but, now the hour draws near
That calls me to my native land, I feel that land is here.

Here where men say my name was made, here where my work was done,
Here where my dearest dead are laid—my wife—my wife and son;
Here where time, custom, grief and toil, age, memory, service, love,
Have rooted me in British soil. Ah, how shall I remove?

For me this land, that sea, these airs, those folk and fields suffice.
What purple Southern pomp can match our changeful Northern skies,
Black with December snows unshed or pearled with August haze,
The clanging arch of steel-grey March, or June's long-lighted days?

You’ll follow widening Rhodanus till vine and olive lean
Aslant before the sunny breeze that sweeps Nemausus clean
To Arelate’s triple gate; but let me linger on,
Here where our stiff-necked British oaks confront Euroclydon!

You’ll take the old Aurelian Road through shore-descending pines
Where, blue as any peacocks neck, the Tyrrhene Ocean shines.
You’ll go where laurel crowns are won, but will you e’er forget
The scent of hawthorn in the sun, or bracken in the wet?

Let me work here for Britain's sake—at any task you will—
A marsh to drain, a road to make or native troops to drill.
Some Western camp (I know the Pict) or granite Border keep,
Mid seas of heather derelict, where our old messmates sleep.

Legate, I come to you in tears—My cohort ordered home!
I’ve served in Britain forty years. What should I do in Rome?
Here is my heart, my soul, my mind—the only life I know.—
I cannot leave it all behind. Command me not to go!



Note from Wikisource:
This poem has several alternative titles including The Roman Occupation of Britain – A.D. 300., The Roman Centurion Speaks, The Roman Centurion, and The Centurion’s Song. A recurring topic in Kipling's writing is that of an "Imperial" who forms an attachment to a colony that equals or surpasses their affection for their homeland.

I Am Not Anti America but............. this is long but please read

I read an interesting comment in Bored Panda recently and wanted to share it because it has given me a bit of an insight, and I like stuff which helps me understand people better.
But first, a bit of background. I am from Western Australia, and although officially classified with an income on the poverty line, I live a nice peaceful life in a lovely country town. My local community is multicultural and has a small population of indigenous people who I know fairly well. Our community is happy and supportive of each other. Like many Australians, I do not relate to big city or foreign issues and am often gobsmacked by the dogmatic, nasty, loudmouthed vitriol spouted by aggressive, opinionated people - just the type who love to roam Wire.
Although I am not very knowledgeable about all things to do with the USA, I have respected many things about that nation's history and its achievements. As someone who is NOT a vicious left winger, I do not enjoy general hate rants against the USA. But I have to say that many of the Americans I encounter in Wire seem to typify the worst of the cliches about the ugly American. No doubt that is more indicative of Wire and the people who frequent it than anything else. Non-Americans are often surprised by how polarised and political Americans are. They seem to have a loud opinion on everything. At the same time, they seem to be rather ill-informed about issues outside of their region. I thought it was just me thinking these things........... then I saw an article in Bored Panda about Americans living abroad - and what THEY noticed as different from their home culture. WOW. Here is the link if you want to see it: https://www.boredpanda.com/former-americans-explain-how-their-lives-have-changed-since-leaving-usa/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic


Comment 8 (living in Germany) is the one that opened my eyes a bit and I will post just the relevant bits here: "The biggest systemic difference I notice (8 years abroad, mostly in Germany) is that people here do not discuss: 1. The cost of studying 2. Medical expenses (at all. At all. Just imagine this.) 3. Whether or not they should see a doctor or dentist for a problem 4. The fear of losing their jobs 5. Getting a third job 6. The s**t hitting the fan on a personal economic level 7. The guilt of taking two days off work in a row to recover from illness.


Instead, people discuss: 1. Politics and economics, on a high, evidence-based, internationally-minded level. Of course, people bitch about how dumb their local representatives are and whatever stupid thing someone said at a press conference, but there is so much more content-based discussion over a historical perspective. 2. Family and friends 3. Hobbies and travel 4. Books 5. You get the idea. Of course there are exceptions, but generally the basic well-being of the people in Germany is so secure that there is much more breathing room for average people to engage in completely different discussions. In the beginning it was frustrating. I often thought that everyone here was whining about pointless first-world problems, but now I see that it is a massive luxury. As a result, I would argue that the national discourse is healthier and more relevant. Germany has its issues, but it still feels utopian to me."


Not getting into a discussion about whether Germany is a good place or not, but I was fascinated that this American highlighted such important differences - and to me it kind of explains some of the interactions I have seen with Americans.
Especially this person's point about "Politics and economics, on a high, evidence-based, internationally-minded level. "

Evidence-based!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a concept!

Having said all that, I have also read about how many Americans are legitimately angry about issues in their country and often speak aggressively from frustration. I do sympathise but I would hope that everyone can understand that NOT all chatters are from the same country and just because they do not spout the same ideology as you, does not mean they are against you. They may be coming from a community with a very different set of issues.

For my Christian Friends - any thoughts?

I always thought as God’s people, the Jews were pretty well in touch with God’s truth.

But from what I have read, the Jews did not have any concept of inherited original sin as something humans are born with. They believed sin entered the world through Adam and humans as mortal beings were at risk of being tempted by sin. But they did not see this as an inherently sinful nature. They believed sins committed could then be atoned for by whatever penalty/sacrifice was stipulated. So it is not surprising that most of them could not understand why Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary.
Furthermore, apparently the Jews never saw Satan as evil. They viewed him as a servant of God whose task is to test believers – as happened with Job.

Then in the New Testament, we are suddenly presented with the doctrine of original sin and the concept of Satan as the personification of evil and as the enemy of God and believers.

As a Christian, I subscribe to these beliefs, but I am curious as to the jump from the Jewish beliefs to the NT ideas. The OT gives no preparation for the NT ideas. Did the Jews have it wrong the whole time? Was the truth not revealed until Jesus came? If so, it seems unfair that the Jews did not know these things.

Life Is A Tightrope

As much as I like the song....life is NOT a highway - it is a tightrope act. Maybe for a while when we are young, we can ignore detours, obstacles, rest stops, blow outs and that odd rattling noise under the hood. Some strange humans (the obscenely wealthy, celebrities, powerful rulers or lunatics) seem to glide through life without bothering about those things but then we discover that they are actually not living a fully human life. And they often damage those around them

For the rest of us, real life can seem like a treadmill of mundane obligations. Growing up to become a responsible member of the community, building towards employment, economic independence and possibly raising a family - all while yet nourishing our inner selves requires a difficult balancing act. In the past (even just a hundred years ago) roles and expectations were fairly clear for most people in the first world - also pretty limiting. Over the course of human history, the main thing on people's minds has been feeding their families and keeping a roof over their heads

Until recently, personal fulfilment was not even a concept except for the very upper classes. Nowadays we are constantly fed with information about what may or may not be good for our bodies, minds, hearts, souls, for our families, partners, children, our communities, our nations, our interest groups and our planet. We are urged to centre ourselves, find peace, live in the moment, be present, put ourselves first and find balance. There is a lot more to be said about information overload and expectations, but most of us realise that telling people they are unhappy and they need 'x' to be happier is brilliant marketing.

Out of all of this the one thing I find I am relating more to as I age, is the concept of balance - and not because I have a problem with falling over.
I was raised to be a perfectionist and with very high expectations for morality and achievement. My human frailties meant I often failed. This, paired with inherited clinical anxiety and depression led me into a cycle of pushing myself too hard and then beating myself up badly when I failed. My acute conscience pricked at every slight error I made and my overly sensitive emotions joined up with my anxiety to wrack me with physical pain caused by self loathing.

A string of other events, a major illness and some long term emotional abuse all combined to bring me to death's door with embolisms in my lung - not once, but three times. Each embolism was preceded by a major domestic upset (not physical) with my then husband. Doctors could find no cause for the embolisms except extreme stress. The third time this happened a doctor begged me to leave my abusive marriage and get help. I did.

Then my autistic daughter fell desperately ill and I had to nurse her for 3 years. During all of this I developed fibromyalgia which really took me to the edge with exhaustion and pain.

I realised my whole life had been out of balance.

In the last year my daughter has improved greatly and my own health has too. I have faith in God and believe I have to give Him credit there.

I am in a much better place now and able to think about how I really want my life to be. I want balance.

I like having high standards but I must be realistic about what I can achieve. I want to have exciting goals, but forgive myself when I make mistakes. I want to recognise that I am doing my best and focus on what IS achieved, and learn from what is not. I want to practice gratitude for what we DO have, while working to better our situation realistically. I want to hear other people and respect what they say, but not take on pressure or negativity from them. I want to experience genuine emotion but not permit depression to drag me down. I will accept my health issues but still look for ways around them. I will not dwell on my issues, but I will be open about them if I think it is helpful for someone else to hear them. I like being giving and empathic but will be careful to not get used up any more. I am a responsible person but am learning to forgive myself when I get things wrong.

And I could go on and on about the ways I am trying to draw new boundaries in my life so that I can still do my best and be kind, but not be destroyed by unrealistic expectations and the ignorance of others.

It is not easy. Harsh, thoughtless criticism from others can still bring quick tears. Cruel comments still cut. My first reaction is to look inside and ask if the person is correct to attack me. Have I done wrong? Do I need to fix something? But now I know that so often it is the person themselves who has the problem. If I really have done wrong I apologise and learn from it.

Otherwise I am still trying to let go of other people's hate. Work in progress.

What balance do we need to see around us?

Responsibility but also playfulness? Firmness but also kindness? Time for work and time for the soul? Indoor time but also time in nature? Humility as well as confidence? Humour with respect? Material security but also tranquility?

Into The Light

Once, he held me as the hills hold the mist, and when he left
I ceased to exist.
The stormy winds of shock scattered me
to nothingness.

The lie I had believed, taken into my heart, adored, and valued above all others
was finally exposed and I fell into an abyss.
Disbelief, horror, pain like nothing I had ever known…….


Time passed and some understanding and forgiveness came to me.
But could I trust again?

Step by step, moment by moment……. in faith and hope
I leave behind the filthy rags of my murky past,
stained with loss and betrayal.

I will not think or speak of past wrongs much.
I am moving forward into the light.
On this new day I open my eyes and my heart to fresh beauty -
to joyous things which build me up.

Do you notice how my eyes wander to the golden sunlight on the hills?
Do you see how I smile at leaves glittering in the breeze?
I hold your gaze to see if you understand……. I take your hand
and show you the places I go to for peace and healing.

A majestic view over green hills or sparkling sun on trickling water
are treasure to me.
I want to share them with you.

Wake Me In the Morning

Defeated, defeated… let me lay down
In the dry earth which drank my tears.
My body is frail and my mind so very tired.
I cannot even lift my head
To see if any light of hope
Yet gleams through this final night.

I fought so hard and so long
For myself and all I loved.
I sought allies to guide and aid me
Yet somehow I am here alone.
Facing the end in silence,
Like a cold mist about me.

Many promised to accompany me
And cheered along the way.
But they fell, one by one
Some fled in mortal fear.
I curse them not, for now I know
The quest was always doomed.

So let me rest forever now.
Begone these pestering thoughts
Of unexplored potential
And Heavenly intervention.
I surrender - I can do no more.
Wake me in the morn.

I Need The Light

Pull me from the fear of night
Out of darkness into light

No more looking back
Down that murky, tear-stained track

Help me see what I am worth
Let the spark in me give birth

To potential deep inside
No more in shadows will I hide

See me striding into hope
Climbing up this golden slope

And however long the journey be
I am now happy and …free.

Interesting Points From Wire Rules

Things that will get a member banned:
Misrepresenting gender, age or trying to impersonate someone else

Arguments, fighting, trolling, etc.
Being rude to other members will not be tolerated

Prejudice
Racism, prejudice, sexism, or homophobia will not be tolerated

Images
All images must be family-friendly. Swimwear is fine, underwear and nudity are not. If the picture suggests you are naked, you should not upload it either.

Adult, sexual and crude content (or images)
Announcements of sexual or crude nature will not be tolerated

Profanity
Excessive profanity, obscenity or vulgar language will not be tolerated

Contact information
For your own protection, we don't allow the posting of private contact information

Multiple account abuse
Do not create multiple accounts as this may result in the automatic deletion of all of your accounts. Do not have two accounts in a room at the same time.

TIPS FOR MANAGING A PG ROOM

A good PG chat room provides a friendly, decent and respectful place where people feel welcome to chat in public or PM.
Keeping a room as pleasant as possible for the majority of chatters takes a little bit of thought but is easy if the owner and all hosts are clear on the room’s goals and guidelines. Rooms fail for a number of reasons and sometimes it is simply bad luck. But two common reasons for failure are:
• the room fails to enforce Wire rules (and then chatters complain about indecency in the room), and is eventually deleted by Wire admin,
• room hosts are inconsistent in how they apply the rules, booting people they don’t like, favouring friends, or some hosts are lenient and others are tough, etc and chatters complain about unfairness and leave.

Consistency in adhering to Wire rules will alleviate this.

About the Wire rules………….
Wire consists of two kinds of chat rooms: Wire created rooms, which are strictly bound by Wire rules, and then what they call ‘User Generated’ or ‘Owner Created’ Rooms.
How much Wire rules apply to owner rooms is a murky area which I have received mixed advice on from Wire admin. The two most common answers are “Owners can do as they please in their own rooms” and "Wire rules apply to ALL rooms". We have all seen rooms deleted because they breached those rules. The safest bet is for room owners to make the Wire rules their governing rules, and then have their own guidelines under them as long as they don’t conflict. The room owner needs to make sure they have a team of hosts they trust to follow the rules and guidelines, and should only need to check in occasionally. The owner needs to make sure hosts are updated on any rule changes or issues that need to be dealt with. The best way for that is to copy a message to all hosts on any issue, rather than rely on catching them in the room. In return, the hosts owe the owner their loyalty. We must remember that the owner has to deal with complaints from peeved chatters and also queries by Wire admin. The owner needs to know hosts are doing the right thing in their room.

After the WIRE RULES and ensuring CONSISTENCY, the next priority is to PROTECT the room. That is, help make it more popular and protect it from anything which may damage its success. There will be sabotage attempts from competitors and random trouble makers.

So here are my tips on those 3 areas, based on my past experience in Wire as a host in a few rooms, including some of the most popular owner rooms (which really showed me what a mess inconsistency and disregard for the rules causes).

1. WIRE RULES
All hosts must read and understand the Wire Rules as set out in the following link: https://www.wireclub.com/about/rules
Keep the link somewhere (favourite?) as you will need to refer to it and maybe show argumentative chatters the rules sometimes. Despite what some silly chatters say about freedom of speech and “this is a free country” etc, Wire is a privately owned Canadian site and they are entitled to set rules as they please. Rebels and anarchists can go elsewhere. They only ruin chat for others. Wire battles some bad press online (probably from competitors) but they DO state that their aim is for a ‘family friendly’ site, where risqué or offensive text is kept to rooms clearly labelled for adults. We may roll our eyes at that, but it is why their rules are strict about what is ok in a chat room, and that is a bonus for us. Most chatters have no idea that they ‘agreed’ to those rules when they joined and then some of them whine about being controlled and monitored. The truth is there is not actually free speech in Wire. People can like it or leave. Wire is like a private home with rules of conduct. Unruly guests will be asked to behave or leave. Most guests are happy to behave once they know the rules. Remember, in most cases booting should be a last resort after a warning has failed. Also Wire admin wants to know about serious offenders (as per the Wire Rules) so remember to ‘report’ those ones before you boot them. Click on the report button, then remove from room. Room owners can ban indiviudals from the their room by blocking. Wire will investigate reported individuals and ban people from the site as required.

2. CONSISTENCY
• Communication is the key to consistency. The owner needs to keep hosts informed about any changes or issues, and hosts need to report things they cannot deal with, or any questions they have to the owner.
• Hosts should also share any relevant information with each other, especially any problem in the room which needs monitoring. Hosts need to be able to PM and message each other so it helps if they add each other as friends.
• Use PM for communicating any sensitive matters. Some chatters will screen shot things said in the room and make trouble later – especially if we are discussing another chatter.
• BE PROFESSIONAL. If a host cannot be professional and impartial they should not take the job. Be prepared to warn and /or boot even someone you like if they misbehave. The rules apply to all and we must be impartial. Try to ignore petty baiting or insults and rise above annoying behaviour. Often the chat can be redirected and a pesky chatter will get bored and leave. If you act professionally the other people in the room will support you.
• Usually people should be given a warning and a chance to behave before being booted. Most reasonable folks will tow the line once things are explained to them. Unreasonable people (eg. ones who enter the room being offensive) should just be booted if you think a warning would be wasted on them. We may agree that some offences or problem chatters go on an ‘auto boot’ list where no warning is needed. The owner should approve such decisions. For serious repeat offenders, the owner may permanently ban them from the room.
• Warnings need to be clear. Simply saying you don’t like something is not enough. You need to name the offending chatter and specify the thing that is breaking a rule or spoiling the general chat. You need to clearly state something like “ (chatter’s name) – the word (write it) is offensive to people here – please do not type it in the room again or you will be removed.” Or tell them the thing they are doing which is against Wire Rules, and tell them they will be removed if they continue. Remember to take a screen shot of this part of the chat to keep in case they report you for unfairness.
• Hosts should not boot for purely personal reasons. Hosts have the same rights as other chatters and anyone breaking the rules should be dealt with whether their target is a host or not. However, hosts are under scrutiny and can easily be complained about so it is best if hosts can defuse situations involving them personally. Try to rise above any personal attacks which are not grossly against the rules. Try to ignore subtle insults and redirect the chat. Often pests will lose interest. If they continue and ignore a clear warning then proceed to remove them.
• Grey areas. People are entitled to be treated fairly and injustice will really upset them. For chat that clearly breaks the Wire rules or our own room rules, we know to boot the chatter if they will not listen to a warning. But the owner and the hosts need to agree on how tolerant to be with things that we aren’t sure whether or not break the rules. Suggestion:
➢ Assume innocent until proven guilty.
➢ Try to ask the chatter what they meant.
➢ How is their behaviour affecting the room?
➢ Politely ask them to change their language or topic.
➢ If the behaviour is merely annoying, remind the room they can ignore or block the pest.
➢ Boot them if you think it is damaging the chat or getting to be a problem.

3. PROTECTING THE ROOM
• Keep room problems in-house between the owner and hosts. Try not to say negative things about Wire, other rooms, the room owner, your fellow hosts or any chatters in ‘public’.
• Take issues to the owner or another host for a second opinion.
• Make the room as pleasant as possible for chatters by being welcoming and friendly and looking after any problems.
• Remember people new to Wire may need help with rules or tips and appreciate our assistance. It is a good idea to save on your computer useful links such as the Wire Rules and the emoti list (Topic: Wireclub Help so you can provide them to chatters when needed.
• Be on guard against those who spoil the chat or may give the room a bad name. Sometimes a trouble maker does not actually break any rules, but simply makes the room unpleasant for others. This includes ‘trolls’ who love to bait people and stir up arguments. Trolls can be aggressive and very obvious which helps in deciding to remove them. The trickier trolls are subtle and manage to cause trouble without obviously breaking any rules. If they are spoiling the chat or upsetting people we need to warn and remove them. If you think they are going to be an ongoing problem, ask the owner to ban them. Hosts may be wise to screen shot the chat and keep a copy in case their decision to boot is challenged later. Troublesome people love to complain.
• Remember that a lot of chatters become nervous when they see someone else removed. They may have witnessed unfair hosts in other rooms and wonder if they will be the next victim. It can kill the chat for a while. Explaining why someone was removed or reassuring the room can help.
• Watch out for fakes. This is a tricky area as lots of people use a profile picture that is not them. Obviously we have no problem with a picture of a flower or a sunset. There are fakes we will never spot because they keep quiet. We can only deal with the ones we notice. Even if someone uses a photo of a person who is NOT them, it isn’t a problem if is obviously not them or if they do not SAY it is them. Hosts must use their discretion here about whether the person is trying to deceive or scam people. Hosts should at least learn to reverse search images in Google (look it up or Blue can show you how). If an image search shows that an image occurs many times online it is likely the image is from very popular sites (eg. porn). Sometimes Google can tell you where the image is from. People claiming to be the person in an image which is clearly stolen should be immediately reported. Some images return only a couple of ‘hits’ and may actually be from the person’s Facebook or Twitter accounts etc, so may not be stolen. Use your judgement and remember - innocent until proven suspicious.
• Unwanted PMs. Some people will complain about receiving offensive or unwanted PMs. Often this is simply an attention seeking tactic. It may help to advise such people that they can set their privacy options to restrict PMs. That is under SETTINGS – PRIVACY OPTIONS – WHO CAN PRIVATE CHAT WITH YOU.
• When you have time, try to look down the list of chatters in the room (right hand side) and check for any obscene or suspicious photos.
• Types of problem chatters to just be aware of:
➢ ‘Smurfs’ – named that because they have the default blue and white picture. Some new members have simply not loaded a picture before they wanted to start chatting, or are not tech savvy and don’t know how to load a picture. People are naturally wary of smurfs because so many scammers and trolls use the default pic. Try suggesting to smurfs that they may get more chat if they load a picture. Doesn’t have to be of themselves – a stock scenic photo from online is fine.
➢ Stunningly attractive profile pics on brand new accounts – you can check how old it is by looking at their profile. If an image seems too good to be true………… it is likely a fake/catfish. Check it out. Catfish typically have new accounts because they were previously discovered and removed. They will appear to be young and very sexy and likely not talk in the room or only say hi.
➢ Someone who has the exact manner and chat style of a person you just removed. If you are SURE they are the same, it is likely a duplicate account and they should be reported and removed.
➢ Trolls and people with personality problems who have a chip on their shoulders about ‘authority’ and who challenge or attack the hosts. Try the tactful approach first but if they continue remove them.

Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold, 1851

The sea is calm tonight.
The tide is full, the moon lies fair
Upon the straits; on the French coast the light
Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,
Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
Come to the window, sweet is the night-air!
Only, from the long line of spray
Where the sea meets the moon-blanched land,
Listen! you hear the grating roar
Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,
At their return, up the high strand,
Begin, and cease, and then again begin,
With tremulous cadence slow, and bring
The eternal note of sadness in.

Sophocles long ago
Heard it on the Ægean, and it brought
Into his mind the turbid ebb and flow
Of human misery; we
Find also in the sound a thought,
Hearing it by this distant northern sea.

The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth’s shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.
But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,
Retreating, to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.

Ah, love, let us be true
To one another! for the world, which seems
To lie before us like a land of dreams,
So various, so beautiful, so new,
Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light,
Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain;
And we are here as on a darkling plain
Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,
Where ignorant armies clash by night.