Differences Among Us

Once together, now apart,
Ripped away from the heart.
Only because of their color,
That separates them from the other.
Alone before, without friends,
Waiting until the world ends.
But together they are strong,
And no longer do any wrong.
For when they all act as one,
Something wonderful has begun.
A unknown feeling is now made,
That will never, ever, ever fade.

The Relationship Between Love and Forgiveness

If you go to my essay blog, http://karensessays.blogspot.com you can read my Great Expectations essay about the relationship between love and forgiveness.

An Ode to My Oboe

Squeaking, squawking like a bird,
Not caring if it is heard.
This instrument takes a risk,
The conductor goes, "tisk, tisk"
When the rest are done with the show,
The oboe doesn't seem to know.
It keeps all the notes flying,
Someone thinks a duck is dying.
And finally they think it's done,
But tomorrow still brings more fun.

The Truth Behind Pip's Expectations

While living with Joe and Mrs. Joe, Pip was nothing more than a country boy – life was right down to the bare necessities. As he became more and more acquainted with Miss Havisham, his expectations changed; he no longer was satisfied with the simple things in life – everything became too common for him. This alteration mirrors exactly what happened in Wang Lung’s life from the novel, The Good Earth; they both change into a completely different person. “As I had grown accustomed to my expectations, I had insensibly begun to notice their effect upon myself and those around me. Their influence on my own character I disguised from my recognition as much as possible, but I knew very well that it was not all good.” (pg. 273) There are many different types of love throughout the world – some good and some bad – all of them make a difference in our lifestyles.
In this quote, Pip realizes that he has changed his greatest expectation in life to something that was completely and utterly against his personal morals. Before, he believed in keeping his promises; now he turns his back and doesn’t even acknowledge them. He used to love and stand by his family, but he doesn’t even keep them in his mind or prayers anymore. Money never had any importance to Pip before the change; now his salary is all he ever thinks or cares about. With this change he has become conceited, only caring about himself. Pip now understands that he needs to get his expectations in order, putting family before fame. Life is full of accommodations and new expectations; one must refrain from letting them change their life into something they previously despised.