Essays, Art and Plays by Dan

I. I Believe in the Journey
I walk the winding road with open eyes and a curious heart.
Every wrinkle is a map. Every scar, a footnote.
The trail is not always smooth—but I do not seek ease. I seek meaning.
Even the rocky paths teach rhythm—if you learn to listen.

II. I Believe in Listening
I listen for the music in conversation,
for the silence between the lines,
for the stories tucked inside strangers.
I believe that listening—deep, true listening
allows others to be seen.

III. I Believe in Language
Language connects us. Language divides us.
Still, I choose to craft it carefully—like a potter working clay.
Words are tools for mending, for mirroring, for mapping meaning.
Whether in poetry or policy, I wield language as a bridge.

IV. I Believe in Play
There’s joy in foolishness. Wisdom in whimsy.
Now I play the blues on a corner,
my harmonica telling truths I’m too shy to say aloud.
Laughter is a sacred sound, and I bow to its medicine.

V. I Believe in Sharing What I’ve Learned
I carry stories gathered from far-off places and quiet moments.
From villages and boardrooms, border crossings and hospital beds.
These stories are not mine alone. They are meant to be given back.
I write not to impress, but to express. To leave light for others on the trail.

VI. I Believe Age Is a Beginning, Not a Boundary
I am not done—not by a long shot.
There are still essays to write,
still people to meet,
still mornings to greet with coffee, music, and wonder.
I refuse to retire from growth and laughter

VII. I Believe in Peace—Personal and Global
I have worked in the realm of diplomacy and water,
where conflict flows like rivers and hope pools in small, brave places.
I believe peace begins with how we speak to ourselves
and how we treat those we don’t yet understand.

VIII. I Believe in Legacy Without Ego
My legacy is not a monument.
It is a well-tended path others can walk—
lined with harmonica tunes, honest words,
and a few good jokes about BenGay.

IX. I Believe in Kindness as a Daily Practice
It’s not grand. It’s not loud.
It’s the handwritten note, the listening ear, the humble thank you.
Kindness is not weakness. It’s courage in disguise.

X. I Believe in Becoming
I am not who I was. I am not yet who I’ll be.
And that is the great, gentle miracle of being alive.
Each morning, I rise not to prove—but to participate.
To live, to learn – with full presence, and a harmonica in my pocket.